In a nutshell

It has been a bit since my last post --- for that I am sorry but time has been a treasured & limited commodity lately. The past month has been full of activity --- both good & bad.

I will start with the bad......

Uncle Art was hospitalized for just over three weeks. Which took a toll on us all. He is home now but just doesn't seem to be getting better. His movement is limited and energy level is extremely low ..... which if you know Art is just not his style! He is generally on the go from sun up till sun down. For the time he was in the hospital Lorraine & I never missed a day of seeing him. Now that he is home I have been out there just about everyday helping with his care, driving to appointments and doing what I can to help. Chad has been holding down the fort and looking after the "peas." On top of all that he has been helping out on the farm as much as time allows ..... the kids have also done there part by picking apples and raspberries.

We continue to pray for Art's health to improve and hope that time and being home will help. Hospital's just aren't his thing! ..... and who could blame him.

...... And now the good!

School started the last week in August .... yipee! Zach is in 6th grade, James 3rd, Luke 2nd, Daniel 1st, Ruby K & JohnMichael in Pre K. Yep -- all six are in school! JohnMichael goes just three days a week -- which is just fine by me. I am not ready to let go of him just yet.

Zach is in football and continues to do well. Practice keeps us busy during the week. It helps that he has study hall this year. Not so much homework!

James, Luke and Daniel continue to work hard on earning their scout badges. Saturday they went to a day camp in which they learned how to shoot both a gun and bow! They had so much fun. Chad said James was a natural at shooting. Held the gun just right -- must be all those army books he reads! They also went on a nature hike and a horse back ride.

Ruby starts dance class tomorrow and she is so excited! I can not wait to see her all dressed up! Girl scouts will start up soon for her as well and I can only imagine what fun she will have!

JohnMichael has been a big help with Art & Lorraine. He ALWAYS brings a smile to Art and can usually distract Lorraine when she needs it the most! The nurses just loved him and when they would call Art by name JohnMichael would correct them and say, "NO... it is Uncle Art NOT Art." And let us not forget the cafeteria ladies .... he was usually good for a $15 tab! School started last week for him and he just loves it! I was a bit disappointed he didn't cry when I took him the first day. I can't really say that I thought he would .... but for my sake it would have been nice!

I am still working part time and trying to keep up on my running. It has been hard with our schedule but when I do make it into the gym my effort has been there. I missed out on a run with my sister but there will be others. I just hope I can keep up with her pace!

There you have it -- In a nutshell! Life is a bit crazy for us right now but it is bound to slow down ---- right????