Holmes Family Update

Well, it's been a while since an update of sorts. 

Most of my serious writing is done over on my other blog, learnliveloveshare . If you're interested in a blog focused more on Christian living and encouragement for women, feel free to check it out. 

Life goes on as busy and crazy as ever. The work never lets up, and the grandbabies just keep on growing and growing. 

I've chucked some random photos together. Some are taken with my phone (as it seems I don't have as much time to get out there and get serious with my good camera so much nowadays), and some are a little better quality, but you get the idea. 

Abbi and James and family have recently moved to a station about 2 and a 1/2 hours drive away, so we only see them on Sundays (insert sad face here).  So a dedicated time to take photos of the precious grandkids is well and truly in order as they're growing so quickly. 

We have a new grandbaby due in January, so we're looking forward to that. 

Sundays are very noisy and busy at our little abode now as it has become 'family get together day'. But we love getting to be with the kids and grandkids, even if it is a little squishy. 

Lauren has done well with her chemo and is due in for surgery in a couple of weeks. Please keep her and Cam in your prayers as there is a long road ahead, but we are trusting the Lord and clinging to His promises. I was able to make a very quick visit last month and Lord willing the girls will visit after her surgery. 

We are in the wet season now, so we've experienced a few thunderstorms and amazing skies. I often find myself climbing up onto the roof of our little house to take in the beautiful views. 

The weather is super hot and sticky so it's a nice relief when we get a shower of rain. Unless, of course, we have freight left out and getting wet. 

Our transport business keeps us very, very busy and Covid hasn't slowed it down, which is a blessing, but has meant that we are flat out 6 days a week. 

We recently moved out of town to where our depo is. It has been absolutely wonderful to have peace and quiet finally. (We don't count the neighbouring helicopter business and our trucks as annoying noises). We have had to downsize majorly, but I'm enjoying the minimalistic living for now. 

The church is going well with our new Pastor and his family settled in at last! The girls were very happy to be part of a first youth meeting the other night for age 13 and up (all boys except them, thankfully they're tough for the game of spoons was very exciting from what we heard). Once we get the Sunday School rooms done up, Lord willing we'll be able to start Sunday School again. 

And that, in short is about it.

So, here's some pics to go with the blurb. 

In the above photo, you'll see a photo of our girls when they were small (minus Chloe), all wearing matching dresses that I had made them. I love to see our little granddaughters wearing the same dresses that their mother wore many years before. 

 James 5:16

The effectual fervent prayer 

of a righteous man availeth much.

As many of you will already know, our eldest daughter, Lauren, was recently diagnosed with a very aggressive form of cancer. She will begin an intensive series of chemo treatments this coming Tuesday in Cairns. As daunting as this experience is, we are confident in God's goodness and in the knowledge that He is in control and has known about this since the beginning of time.

Lauren and Cam are blessed to be surrounded by a loving church family, which is a comfort to us, being so far away, knowing they have so many around them that love them and are there to step in and help when needed.

Lauren has shown great courage throughout this whole ordeal which has been a testimony to many looking on. The world doesn't understand how a situation so hopeless can be lived through with such peace.

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”
  — Isaiah 26:3

We take comfort in God's promises and in knowing that whatever happens, our Heavenly Father is in control and will continue to be with Lauren and Cam all the way through, carrying them in his encircling arms of love and walking with them each step of the way. 

“..... for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”
  — Hebrews 13:5b

We appreciate your prayers through the difficult days ahead and pray, that despite how dark and hopeless the situation may seem, God's light with shine forth and His name will be glorified. 

“But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.”
  — Job 23:10

Kakadu, NT

A few weeks back, Dave and I were able to get away 

for a couple of days and spend 2 nights in Kakadu. 

We stayed at the iconic Crocodile Hotel at Jabiru.

If you don't know about this Hotel, it was built back in the 80's

in the shape of a crocodile

 (which you can only really see from the air)

Anyway, it was a lovely couple of days away.

We were able to do a sunset cruise on the Yellow Water Cruises

which was amazing. Well worth it! 

But probably one of the biggest highlights of the trip was

sitting at the famous Cahills Crossing for hours and hours,

watching the huge saltwater crocs as they fought over fish,

crossed the flowing causeway, dodged vehicles and calmly 

floated down the river. It was epic! If you do ever go, make sure

you go at high tide, as it's got to be seen to be believed. 

At one stage we counted 40 crocodiles! (that we could see,

there was probably more under the water) 

Well, enough said. I'll let the photos speak for themselves. 

Enjoy! 

And that, my friends, is why we don't go

swimming in the Territory!

I've uploaded a short video for those interested.

Sorry for the quality, but I had to resize it so small

for the blog that it lost a lot of its quality. 

 

🎂 Maddie Turns 19 🎂

Yes, it was Maddie's 19th birthday today.

Time flies!

The only 2 girls left at home now,

and still friends :)

 

Beautiful Little Boy

Yes, Grandma went a little crazy with the camera! But we all agree that Reuben is just too cute for words! So, I'll let the photos speak for themselves. 

Also, the little granddaughters are growing into beautiful young ladies already.

Miriam is loving being second 'mummy' and watching over her little siblings. 

Precious little Alyssa is growing quickly too and it's time for me to post some more photos of her as soon as I get time to take some more! 

I just had to take some photos of the girls in the little dresses I made for their mum and Aunties many years ago. They look adorable in them!