Summer is nearing an end

Summer has always been a time for relaxing, enjoyment and growth. When the kids were small, it seemed that they would grow inches in just a few months. That isn't the case anymore, although Krista has grown since the spring. This summer, actually the whole year, has flown by. I can't seem to make it stop. Briana and Andrea are in college. Joanna is dual enrolled. So as the new school year starts, Krista is the last one left for me to teach.

Joanna still needs to get her drivers license. I do hope I survive that. And as I have seen with the others, when they get their license, they begin moving more to independence. I can't believe my Jo is already there.

That leaves me with my not so little anymore baby. We have big plans, she and I.....maybe I should rephrase that, I have big plans for her, I just hope she will follow. Shortly, she will move on to independence too

Her dad and I are changing our roles. We are becoming the support staff.

I am sad, but proud of my girls. They are moving into responsible adulthood with grace. They are facing challenges well. Most importantly, they have a heart for God. This is what I am most proud of. The choice to love God with all their heart is the one for which I am most proud.

As the nest empties, I will have to find new things to occupy my time. But until then, I think I will have my hands full with Krista.

Andrea's Graduation Video

This is the video we played at Andrea's graduation. Some of our friends have not seen it. So here it is.

Ahhh, What a Summer

I can hardly believe it is August. Well, the thermometer is making sure we are all aware that the dog days have arrived. Still, it is hard to believe how quickly this year has flown. Our summer has been very busy.

Krista spent 5 weeks working on her tennis at Flagler. Her confidence level has risen. She made friends and improved her skills. She has grown several inches. She has decided to learn how to play the guitar. Consequently, I had to learn to string a guitar. I already string tennis racquets, but I found there is a difference. We still haven't gotten the smallest string on as I broke 2 putting them on.

Joanna went to Michigan to help with an Arab festival there. It was a lot of hard work but she had an enjoyable time. She started her first college classes. This has been a little adjustment for her. Her goal is to have her AA when she graduates HS. We will see.

Andrea signed her tennis scholarship with FSCJ. Hopefully, this will be a stepping stone for her. She also received bright futures, so her college will be more than paid for.

Briana is finishing up her AA and Business degree. She has traveled to the midwest to see some of her friends from WOL Argentina. Ahead for her is looking for a college to attend next year.

Jimmy is still teaching in Spanish. He is running also, with a goal to run the Marine Corps freedom 5K while I run the Half Marathon. Running has been tough this summer with the heat.

Home improvements have been abundant this summer. Insulation and many plumbing repairs were made in attempt to lower our JEA bill. I hope to see improvements.

This summer has been a time of growth for all of us and we look forward to what the Fall will bring.