SUMMER REVIEW:

Summer was: Seeing my family - son Andy and Lyndsey and granddaughter Gwen, daughter Julie and Sean from Colorado - and my sister Julie from Seattle to help with Dad who was having issues with his assisted care facility. In the in-between time I was wonderfully involved in my H Street ministries - having all kinds of fun with kids - and sharing God's love with them. Other than that...

Oh, Gwen had her second birthday and I made her a book from kodakgallery.com which turned out really cute. I LOVE being a grandma! Gwenevere Scout is so much fun! I got to take care of her two times this summer while mom and dad were on vacation for the weekend. Come December Lyla Starr will be added to the family and Gweny will have a little sister :-)

Ron and I are incredibly fortunate to have such a wonderful daughter-in-law and son-in-law. They and their families fit so nicely and are such a great addition. I always wanted a big family. Now I have 5 kids.

My summer and my life always includes my angel daughter Kelsey. Patient, sweet, and responsive. She is woven into the rhythm of my life. Feeding, bathing, talking, praying, changing. Kelsey is my bright light. Her constant presence and patience is always a reminder of God's incredible patience with me.

Ron taught summer school for his last time this year. Summer for us is projects, eating out, visiting friends and family, and Ron has been reading LOTS of mystery novels and watching LOTS of baseball. His biggest project for the past year or so has been getting well. He keeps making progress. I help when I can, but have started getting out of the way to let him do this his own way. He has found several professionals that have been very helpful. I pray and nag once in awhile and am starting to get back the capable, energetic husband that is so much fun.

So now we are back into the new school year. Starting the school year is MUCH MORE a new year for me than January. Things really do start fresh in the fall - classes, schedules, appointments, all getting back into a routine of getting things done instead of a semi-vacation mode during the summer.

Last semester I took Spanish 1AB at Bakersfield College, and I plan to audit 1B this semester as review. I loved it and got the best grade in the class (brag, brag) but I really need the review before I go into second year. I have lots of opportunity to use my Spanish - so I am gradually building in my ability.

Think that's all for now. Just letting you know I AM still alive.