Thought I would put in my 2 cents here - although not much is happening with us. We are working a lot. Dad has to interview all medicare clients by the beginning of December so he and I (setting up files and updating files plus all the other stuff I do)have been working hard - sometimes even on Saturdays and Sundays. More than half of his clients are medicare clients. We're enjoying Colton's visit and getting to know him better -- good guy (won't call him 'kid' anymore as he is old enough to vote now!). How is Christopher doing? I bet it is good to have him back home. If anyone has Christmas gift ideas let me know - I'm having a hard time coming up with some. Kid's sizes would be nice to know. We'll be going to Kelly & Greg's for Thanksgiving and then on to Robert & Rosalie's if anyone will be home that weekend. The years seem to be passing by so fast. We are enjoying a peaceful life, for the most part -- get reading in at the end of the day (a nice luxury). Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. Love, Mom

Home

Christopher is home for good now.

We Take What We Can Get

Christopher is allowed to leave the facility for a few hours and visit us on Friday.  We are currently pushing for a September 28 release date.  For some reason being released on his birthday was an idea that many involved thought would be special.  It certainly is not how I would want to remember my 16trh birthday! Not that I really remember what I was doing on my 16th birthday.

Just a little hi

Hi.  We are pretty much plugging along as usual with the exception of a last minute trip to Indianapolis.  Alex's grandpa passed away a couple weeks ago and he wanted us all to make it to the service, so we packed the van with 4 kids and took a very long road trip.  We drove for 2 days, and did stop at a hotel on the way.  Spent 4 days with his family then turned around and drove the 30 hours home, with no stopping.  The girls did amazing.  It was pretty much a perfect trip, driving and hanging in Indianapolis.  We couldn't have asked for anything better.
We all were able to go to the speedway and watch some qualifying rounds for the nationals (don't ask me what that exactly is, I just know that's what it was called). :0)  The funeral service was an open casket too, so the girls got to see a non-living body, which they all found quite interesting.  None of them freaked out, so that was nice.
Alex will be starting school in 3 weeks, which is sad, but the end result will be great.  We will be soaking up all the time that we can with him these next few weeks.
This is our current life.  Hope it is as enjoyable to you as us. :0)

Christopher Update

Nothing is for sure, but our latest update told us that he will likely be able to start having visits home starting at the beginning of September.  By the end of September he should be home 4 days per week and by the end of October he should be home for good.  We will see, but it does feel like there is light at the end of the tunnel!

Book Reccomendations

I have just finished the second of two books that I would recommend.  The first is called Life and Death in Shanghai  by Nien Cheng.  The second is called The Bridge at Andau by James A. Michener.  Both detail what life is like under communism-- very realistic accounts.  The first is longer but an "easier" read.  If anyone reads either one and wants to discuss them, I would be happy to do so.  I found them both in my local library.

Hi

Just an update from our family to yours.  We have been child swapping the last week and a half.  We took Mukiya and Kilynn to Seattle to hang with their aunt for 2 weeks while Alaysia stayed here and has spent time with us and her bio dad.  They we took Hayla last Tuesday and have had her hang with us.  It's been a nice change up, I have to say. 

We found out last week that the 5 year old son of one of our closest friends from high school, has leukemia.  So, those of you who will do so, please add them to your prayers at night.  Their names are Tracy and Landon.

A doe has been hanging out in our yard the last couple of weeks, and she has had a fawn.  It's adorable.  And we thought it was one, but Alex and Mia got a picture of 2 babies yesterday.  Curious to see how long the mama will hang out here.

Mia and Lucy are fabulous.  They light up my day.  Even when it's been a tough one, they bring me tons of joy.  Mia is turning into a little gymnast and it's lots of fun to watch.  She loves it, too.  Lucy is still her funny little self.  She surprised me the other day by identifying 7 of her numbers that I didn't know she knew.  I think she may be as smart as Mia was at her age, but Lucy doesn't want to let on too much at once.  That would just add to her funny personality. :0)

Alex is enjoying time off of school.  He is golfing and spending time with all of us, which is great.  He will be continuing school in the Fall, so he's enjoying the summer to the full extent.  I am still loving being a mom.  It's the best.  I am on 2 softball teams, which is a passion of mine.  Not like the kind of passion where I'm practicing everyday and want to be on the Olympic team...just the I love playing and having fun on a team kind of passion.

That's what we are up to.  Hope you all are fabulous.