Shane's First Day at School

Loading up the van to head off to school!
Kelsey, Nicholas & Shane getting ready to go to their clasrooms

Shane telling mommy "good-bye" and getting ready to start the day with play-time!


" A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance....."Proverbs 15:13

I remember the day John Anthony got on the school bus for the first time like it was yesterday......and it was 22 years ago. He was fascinated by school buses and whenever he would see one, he would say "big big bus!!". He was excited to finally be able to ride the bus! I was almost 7 months pregnant with Jeremy at the time. As the bus pulled away with my little 5 year old, tears streamed down my face. I had all the "normal" worries that mothers have when their first child goes off to school for the first time. Now that little boy is a grown man and has his own child and will be facing the same adventure in several years.

I must confess that I don't have a clear memory of Jeremy's first day of school and I think it is because we enrolled him in K-3 when we was 3 years old and his grandmother drove him to school and I was probably at work. Both boys did fine in school. John Anthony seemed to like it a little more than Jeremy, however.

Twenty-two years after sending my first child off to school, I am now sending my 3rd child off to school. We enrolled Shane in K-4 at United Christian Academy. His first day was Monday, August 24th. Shane doesn't like school. He LOVES it. I have never seen a child more excited to be going to school than Shane. He woke up twice during the night on Sunday (he rarely ever gets up during the night). He could hardly eat his breakfast on Monday morning. Those who know Shane know that this is a RARE thing as Shane is a hearty eater. I drove them, along with Nicholas, Sharon and Kelsey, to school. Kelsey and Sharon walked Nicholas to his classroom and Abigail and I walked Shane to his. He put his book bag, lunch and snack in the appropriate places that was shown the previous week during orientation, hugged me, gave me a kiss and ran off to play. I must be getting tougher in my old age as there were no tears. Honestly, I think it was because I knew how happy he was to be there and I know that Abigail deserves some "one-on-one" time with Mommy as she has not had that since we brought her home almost 5 months ago. Abigail was disappointed that she could not stay and wanted to know where her classroom was. However, we enjoyed the day together and it was pretty quiet in my house for the first time in a long time!

After 3 days of school, Shane continues to come home excited and wakes up rearing to go to school each day. I pray his enthusiasm continues for the next 15 years! I am amazed at how well Abigail has integrated into our family. It is like she has been with us for years and not under 5 months. She and Shane fight like they have been together forever but love each other the same way also. Hugs and kisses come natural to her now and she says "I love you" first without prompting. She is a funny and smart little girl and I am so thankful that she is a part of our family. I miss Luci, John and Melissa more than even I imagined.

Visiting Luci

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding". Proverbs 3:5

It was bittersweet......even before I stepped foot on the plane that would take me to see my son for after 14 months and my granddaughter for the very first time, I was already dreading the good-bye that I knew was inevitable. Lorene and I flew to Boise on Thursday, August 20th. We both were so eager to see Luci! We arrived at the airport a few minutes earlier than scheduled and I called John Anthony as he was picking us up. While I waited for my luggage, Lorene went to the car so she got the first look at Luci. I not sure that words can adequately describe how beautiful my granddaughter is so I hope the pictures can you give you an idea. Not only is she beautiful but she is just so SWEET. She is the best baby that I have seen in a long time and I see a lot of babies! She never cried except when she was hungry. No crying during diaper changes, no crying during getting dressed, no crying during her 30 minute bath that I gave her, etc. It was almost unbelievable. She literally smiled at us and one of the attached pictures is living proof.

While I missed my family back home, I cherished every minute with John, Melissa, and Luci. We were there for 3 nights and Luci stayed with Lorene and I in our hotel room for the last two nights. Melissa and John needed some well deserved sleep and we were DELIGHTED to spend the extra time with Luci.

We had a GREAT trip. Our flight left at 6:00 a.m. on Sunday. John and Melissa drove us to the airport. Saying good-bye is never easy but it was REALLY hard this time. I will be counting down the days until John and Melissa can travel home with little Luci!

More Summer Fun and More of Luci

Luci enjoying a quiet moment with her daddy.

Little Luci with mom and dad. Is she the cutest grandbaby or what?????

Kelsey at the pool.

The two best friends enjoying pool time.

Abigail doesn't get too far in the pool but takes care of her "baby".

Shane enjoying the pool!



Little mama Abigail checking out Nicholas' boo-boo

Sharon and Abigail at the train station in WVA.

Bernard & Lorene enjoying the day in WVA!

Shane & Abigail on the "play" train.

Nicholas enjoying the train ride!

Abigail and Mandy on the train ride.

Shane loves to climb!

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth;..." Romans 1:16

Last Saturday, we drove to West Virginia to Cass Railroads and took a 40 minute train ride to Whittaker Station. The ride to WVA was beautiful with winding mountain roads and lovely mountains. We all enjoyed the train ride, especially John's parents. It was a nice day trip for all. Lorene had cataract surgery on Tuesday and is doing well. Abigail's exploratory surgery went smoothly.

It is getting hot and humid in Virginia! We have been very blessed with cooler than normal temperatures this summer so I can't complain about the 90 degree plus days we are now having.

Luci is home and doing great. We love to receive pictures of her and continue to admire her from afar! I hope to visit really soon. Shane and Abigail enjoy having a pool next door and Shane is learning to swim. I must confess that I have not been in the pool at all this year but the kids sure do enjoy it!

Abigail continues to bond with our family. She wakes up with a smile on her face more often than not. She now responds to "I love you" with a "I love you too". She offers up kisses without prompting and she genuinely seems to be a happy little girl. We are a very blessed family and I try to never forget and to thank God each and every day for His blessings.