Welcome to our new blog! Since most of our family (well actually, all of our family and a lot of our friends live out-of-state we thought this would be a great way to share what was going on with the kids, Ted and I. We hope to keep you up-to-date with family adventures, sagas, comings and goings, and photos. I can't promise weekly updates but I promise to at least up date you all monthly.

To start I'll share what has been happening this summer...

Ted, the kids (minus Amanda), and I spent a week at Palmetto Bible Camp in June. Everyone had a great time, especially Zach since this was his first year as a camper. Then we all spent an adventurous time in Chicago, and by adventurous I mean not-planned-mishaps everyday, but in the end fun was had by all. Kevin and Tori then went to camp Barnabas (a camp for special needs children)Iin July, where Kevin spent his week as a "barnstormer" and Tori was pared with a special needs camper. I will post a copy of her article for our Church bulletin as soon as I figure out how to... They both came back blessed by their time there. During that time Zach and I had some great one-on-one time while Ted was off on another whirlwind job throughout Ohio visiting 4 of their offices. If you all are wandering what has happened to Amanda, no, we have not forgotten her. She moved out into her first apartment with 2 of her friends and is finally experiencing the "Real World". We see her about once a week when she gets a craving for a home-cooked meal, other than frozen pizza and ramen noodles. She seems to be adjusting well, but between work and her now loaded school schedule we won't see much of her.

This next week Tori (who is now in 11th grade!) and Kevin (who will begin his freshman year, I can't believe he is this old now!) will start school, which they are so "happy" about, while Zach gets to have one more week of vacation before I start homeschooling him. I know that this is the right decision for us and I am looking forward to being able to play a more important role in his education both intellectually and spiritually, but I also am nervous about my decision because it is my son's future that I am taking into my hands. I would appreciate your prayers for he and I. I have no delusions that this will be easy but I have a peace about this and know that we will do just fine, with support of family and friends and God's guidance.

I pray that eveyone is doing well and that we will be able to see everyone soon. We love you all!