School started, Midterms are in and other news from the homefront

We made it through the first midterm.  The kids are doing fantastic in school.  Most have all A's and two have a couple of B's.    They are doing awesome.  Kole is doing amazing in Cross Country.  Kole had a very minor surgery, an outpatient procedure to help make the flap smaller that is over where the gum graft was done.  So no trumpet for 6 weeks.  That's right Kole is learning to play the trumpet.

Kaci is playing basketball again this year.  She really likes the coaching staff this year.  She is busy with friends and enjoying her last year in junior high before heading to high school next year.

Kali is enjoying her senior year.  Homecoming was this past week and she has had a blast participating in all the spirit week fun.  Today I took her and Kaci into town and Kali had a Manicure and pedicure while Kaci and I had manicures while waiting for her.  Then off to get Kali's hair done.  She is so pretty and beautiful.  Kali has been accept to the college of her choice also!  We are so happy for her and proud of who she has become.

We are still fostering a senior Boston Terrier named Gabby.  She is such a sweetie.  I left her home from the parade today because she is blind and I did not want her to be scared.  Reiko and Doodlebug went with Kaci and I so we could see Kali in her last Athens Fall Festival Parade.  So many bittersweet moments this school year.

We are all doing well.  We have had a bit of a scare with my health.  I don't have all the answers yet, but I do know that I had a routine colonoscopy and they found cancer cells in a polyp.  There doesn't seem to be anymore currently, but it will not end there.  I am waiting for some results to return from some genetic testing.  It is thought that I may have Lynch Syndrome.  I am still learning about it, and other information that may help me in my future.  One thing I do know is that I need to be here for my children and their children.  so I plan on being here for a long time.

I leave you with some great pictures!

Summer is over and the school year has begun

We finished off the summer with two college visits for Kali.  Yes, she is now a Senior in High School.  The time has gone so fast!  Who knew the time from meeting Kali at 14 months to the time she started her senior year would go so fast!  We visited Missouri State University in Springfield, MO and Kansas University in Lawrence Kansas.  Both schools had a lot to offer and both were beautiful campuses.  We received word just this past week that Kali has been accepted to Missouri State University!  We are both so proud of her!  She has really blossomed and grown up.  She is now a young lady instead of a child.  When did this happen!?!?   I guess this happened over the past 17 years.  Seventeen years ago this month is when we were preparing to go and meet our wonderful Kali. 

Kaci has really blossomed over the summer.  She is now an 8th grader and will be turning 14 next month!  SAY WHAT?!?!?  Where have the last 13 years go!  Kaci accompanied Kali and I on these college visits.  She went to observe and enjoy getting away from home.  Kaci also went and spent a week in Tennessee with her Uncle Pat and Kelsie, Lorrie, Scooby and more!  She was able to see Nashville and go to the races.  She really loves the state.  Now she is thinking she might want to go to a school in Tennessee when she graduates.  Next year she will be a freshman in high school.  Amazing how fast they grow up!

Kole has grown so fast!  He is nearly as tall as Kali at 11 years old.  Kole has started running Cross Country with the Junior High team.  Kole is in the 5th grade and doing fantastic in school.  He does great at running and has put football and basketball on hold to explore some other areas.  He has decided to try band this school year and see if it is something he likes.  I thought for sure he would be allowed to play saxophone since I own one.  But no, they chose him to play Trumpet.  great.  I hope they have a loaner.  Kole also enjoys his video games and watching TV.   He likes to pick at his sisters and listen to Kaci complain at him and Kali just feeds it back to him twice as much.

Boyd has finally started working.  He is working through a temporary service at a company called Simplex.  They make electrical parts.  He has been working hard and keeping the pool clean.  He has been painting on the shed and finding all kinds of projects to work on.

Me, well, I am still working hard and keeping the family going.  I was recently diagnosed with colon cancer and I am working with the medical community to get what I need to beat it.  The prognosis is very good.  I meet with the surgeon and the oncologist this coming week.  I expect surgery will be coming very quickly.  Once surgery is over then I will have to have yet another colonoscopy.  And more following that.  Not something I ever thought would happen, but I am keeping a positive attitude and doing what I am supposed to do. 

We still have 5 dogs and two cats.  They keep me busy.  I will see if I can get some pictures put up for your viewing pleasure.

Kaci

 Kali and Kole

Me and Doodlebug

 Kole

 Boyd and Smores

 

First day of school 2013-2014