family update

Our busy summer is finally coming to a close.

Many of you already know that I am divorced and remarried.  My former husband remarried early this summer, and I finally understand better what he has gone through the past five and a half years.  I remarried then, and I took for granted what it was like for him to handle the changes that come along with that.  At first, it was hard for me...you all know my battle with control.  I must say that my outlook has changed dramatically in that area.  I am embracing the new family dynamic.  It's like Craig, the pastor of our church, said this weekend in his message..."If you want to find something postive, you will.  If you want to find something negative, you will."  I don't want to find anything negative, so I am just not going to look for it.  So...all that to say that we have had successes and trials in figuring out how it is all going to work.  I must give a big thanks to Steve, my former husband, and his wife, Roanne.  Without their willingness to work cooperatively to parent Cameron, Caleb, and Carleigh, we could all have a more difficult time.

I coached Carleigh's t-ball team this year.  I am so glad I tried it...it was an adventure coaching 15 5-7 year olds!  This was Carleigh's second year to play, but we're not certain she'll play again.  She likes it, but she just doesn't want to practice when it is so hot, so she is not developing her skills.  We shall see what her work ethic is like next spring!  Bella tried her hand at t-ball as well.  Now, that was a sight!  Ten 4-year-olds playing t-ball!  It was like herding cats!  My neighbor and running buddy coached the team, and was so sweet and patient with them.  Caleb and Cameron decided not to play baseball this year.  We were a bit bummed that Caleb did not want to...he is quite a talented player!  He pursued basketball instead, and surprised us with his talent there as well!  The girls and Cameron are taking the fall off sports, although both Carleigh and Bella will be in dance.  Caleb is playing flag football again...his second season.  No suprise that he was good at that, too.  Cameron plans to play basketball this winter.

School starts on the 19th, and four of the short people will be headed off to Cross Timbers.  Bella is entering pre-K, and can hardly contain her excitement!  Carleigh will be a 2nd grader, Caleb a 3rd grader, and Cameron a 5th grader!  All of them are so smart and talented, I just know it will be another successful year!

MY school begins on the 23rd, and I am nervous and excited all at the same time!  This is my last "free" semester.  By free, I mean that after this fall, I will be spending lots of time in the classroom, in clinicals, and studying.  What an adventure!  I am so blessed by the support of my husband...if it wasn't for him, I would not be nearly as successful!  Thank you, Lord!

We are rounding out our summer with TWO weddings!  My sister, Julia, is getting married on the 14th of this month.  I have yet to find a dress.  My other sisters and I are the attendants and are wearing different black dresses.  They all have theirs.  Can I do it in less than two weeks?  Sara is getting married on September 18th at the family farm in Kansas.  It's small and intimate, no attendants...so no dress to find!  ;)  BUT...I am the wedding photographer!  Should be fun!  I am so excited for them both...I can't believe that my sisters are all grown up!

Now, about that fall weather...