Merry Christmas

Sorry it has been such a long time since my last update. I have started working again on a PRN status. I have been learning 3 different MRI units and trying to grasp all the new processes at 43, um 29. It's like that saying, "trying to teach an old dog new tricks". I am lucky, though, that Terry is the sevice engineer for all 3 units. I can come home a gripe about what I don't like and he tries to help me understand the in's and out's. We have been very busy lately with Christmas, church functions, SAT preps, college enrollments, cheerleading, etc. We had a bit of snow here this weekend and we all went sledding. We had a ball;o)

A Trip down memory lane....

I have been doing a little reminiscing lately and found these pictures the other day. Can't believe how fast kids grow! I remember like it was yesterday when the doctor placed my two boys in my arms and the day that we were given the greatest gift, the sweetest little girl in the world. Where did all the time go?

Computer Issues, school around the corner, and kids say the darndest things.....

Sorry for the delay in updating the blog. We have had server issues for quite awhile. We finally have a new server and we are back up and running smoothly. The kids are winding down from all the summer fun and activities and are gearing up for starting school soon. Can you believe we will actually have a senior in high school!? It blows my mind everytime I think about it. Zachary has already started his Gov. class at Richard Bland college. He is persuing an Advanced Diploma so most of his credits are finished already for high school. He will be able to get 3 college credits for this class. He has been up at 6am on Tues. and Thurs. to do this and he is just loving it. NOT!! Volleyball practice started over a month ago and the first game is Sept. 1st. He is still lifeguarding and playing with his band. They have worked really hard this summer at the recording studio trying to finish their first CD.

Lucas did have his follow-up appointment at MCV on 8/5 and his lung functions improved 5 points. He is now at 93% lung function and we are so thankful. Thanks for all the prayers!! He was so happy not to have to go in for a tune-up right in the middle of summer. We were able to go and visit friends from Ohio who were in VA for a fast-pitched softball tournament. Lucas is growing and is excited about being a 7th grader this year. We just went and purchased a new pair of soccer cleats because of such a big growth spurt!;o) He went from a size 12 shorts to a size 16 in about 4 months! He looks so good and healthy. His docs were so happy with his health.

Miss Olivia is the bug bite queen!! The mosquitos love her. We have had such a time this summer trying to keep bug spray on her because everytime she goes outside she comes back in with another bug bite. I keep telling her, that is the price you pay when you are sooo sweet. She says she doesn't want to be sweet anymore.;o) She is also excited about being a 2nd grader and she has been busy this summer reading chapter books for the summer reading program at school. They get a little party if they read the required books for the summer.

Last night we were all able to eat a meal around the supper table. It was wonderful to be able to do that. With Terry's schedule, Zachary's schedule and just being plain busy it has been difficult here lately to do that. We always have fun as a family just cutting up and telling about our various happenings of the day. After discussing the "zebra burgers", (pork chops, with grill lines on them) , Zachary said, "SSSHHH, listen." We all got quiet. He said, "There is someone in the basement". We all listened, didn't hear a thing. We started laughing. He kept saying, "SSSHHH, be quiet". Finally, I said," Zachary, I don't hear a thing." I got up, went down the basement stairs, let out a little fake scream, and came back up. Anyway, as we sat there still laughing and giggling, Lucas said, "Mom what would have happened if someone was down there and they shot you!!". Terry piped up and said, "well, we would get lots of insurance money. "That's Terry for you. Lucas said, "Is that the same thing as "heratance". We were all stumped. Then is dawned on me that he was referrnig to "inheritance". Too funny.

Here are a few pics of us going places doing fun things......

Having fun at Virginia Beach, visiting with the LaFave family from PA

Olivia and Julia

Visiting with the Eierman family in Sterling, VA, (Alexa, Olivia, and Carrie)

Three precious friends

Laying low and a few prayers needed.....

I think we have all been a little tired after a week in Daytona, so we have been resting this week. Before leaving for the beach, Lucas had his 3 month check up appt. at MCV. His pft's were low and they were not happy with that. So, we are now doing some antibiotics and breathing treatments/chest P.T. 3 times a day. We have another appt. in a month to recheck his pulmonary function. If he has not improved, they will put him in for a "tune-up". Lucas is so worried, so just send up some extra prayers for Lucas. In between treatments,the kids have been playing with some of their friends and Zachary has been in full band mode since returning home. They have been to Cary Town to get "professional" band pictures taken. They have also been selling band t-shirts, so our basement looks like a t-shirt factory. So, if anyone out there would like to support Zachary's band just let me know and I will gladly send you a t-shirt. (1 for $12 or 2 for $20 ;o)

Practicing "Barrel Rolls" with the big girl "Cheer Stars"

Playing at the pool with the "big" girls.....

"Another Treehouse Acquaintance" band promo pic.....

Vacation in Daytona Beach.....

We had a great time in Florida and really enjoyed seeing Terry's family again. We were able to stop over in Summerville, S.C. to visit with Brandy and Gregory. He is so cute and had a great time swimming with Lucas and Olivia at the hotel pool. Grammy took the boys to their annual Daytona race and they had a blast. Lucas is still talking about it. We had ice-cream at Cow Licks a few times and also we able to make a few sand sculptures. Here are a few pics:

Enjoying time with little Gregory......





Brandy and Gregory.........


Dad and his kids.....

Chillin' in the Florida sun.....

Zach skim boarding.......

Lucas and Livie playing frisbee......

Our family...........

Father's Day and Belated Mother's Day pics for Pa, Edie and Ga Ga...

We had all the grandkid's picture taken around the 1st of June for my dad for Father's Day. We took he and Edie out to dinner Sunday and gave him the picture. He loved it! "Z" at 17 does not particularly like his picture taken, so I took advantage of all 3 being in the same place at the same time. Luke hates his picture taken also, but Miss Priss loves it! As they have gotten older, I don't have as many pictures of the kids together. What a great bunch of kids!

More awards and THE LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!!!

LUCAS!!! We are so proud of you! He received 7 awards at his 6th grade award's ceremony. He received an award for all A's, all year in English, Science and History. He also received National Physical Fitness Award, and Art Award, An Honor Roll Award, and the one that makes me so proud is the Citizenship Award. He is such a great kid!

OLIVIA!!! We are so proud of you! At her awards ceremony today she won an award for Perfect Attendance and all A's all year. How great is that!! She was a little sad to leave today, because she loved her 1st grade teacher, Mrs. Williamson.

Here are a few pics......................................

Checking out his award.......

Good Friends.....Jacob and Lucas showing off their awards.....

Olivia receiving her all "A" Honor Roll Award

Olivia getting a hug from her 1st grade teacher..........

Good Friends Olivia and Brooke............