End of Summer Transition

Early in the summer Roger commented to me, "You know this could be the last summer that all of us are living together." I had been thinking the same thing, but afraid to say it--fear it may come true.

And yet, it feels right to see 2 thriving, struggling, screaming to be on their own, making their own decisions, happy, living for God...young adults to spend time with and working their way out of our house. And to see the last teenager I will ever raise, watching his changes, reminding the young adults that they used to be just like this, his struggles to "get his act together", organize himself, to be ready for things ahead--his junior year of high school also moving toward independence.

I would not want these children living with me forever. They need to be on their own. And yet our house does feel empty...just Rog and me and 2 dogs.

I am glad God gave us these kids to raise. It was a pleasure and an honor. Not all the time, but most of the time.

Here were some of the summer highlights...

Claire: Finished her first semester of hell week on July 2. Got a couple days of rest and then began classes and an added load, clinicals all to begin on July 6. She is still loving it, and had many stories to share. Anxious to move out, she worked out an arrangement with my brother, and moved into his house on August 1. She loves being on her own, and is in the process of setting up a cute little space for herself. I promised to keep leftovers in the freezer for her to eat, so she wouldn't have to cook.

Aaron: Secured a co-signer for a loan for school this fall. Swam at Division 1 and Regionals. Did very well at both, cut time in all but 2 events--both meets combined! His coach and HSU coach were very pleased. Worked all the time at the pool as manager. He learned a lot about managing people, how to do it and how not to do it. Valuable skills as he will be an RA at HSU this coming year. Memorable quote..."Great I get to put freshman to bed, or babysit the ones that had too much to drink!"

Andrew: Perhaps the most yelled at this summer! Constant question was, "Andrew, show me what you got done on your Eagle today." Or, "Andrew let me see your packing list and show me where you packing pile is." Poor guy, never got a break! He did finish all of the merit badges required for Eagle, so now he has a few to finish up from QSR and finish his notebook, and then we can start planning a party.

Right now: Aaron just got home from D-1 and beginning to pack to head back to Henderson. He told Roger that he has all his disks lined up for the trip, tv show disks that they watch on computer during the drive. They leave early August 14.

Andrew is on his way to Minnisota/Canada for his hicking/canoeing trip. I guessing he hasn't given us a thought. He gets back on August 12, and starts school August 14.

Claire, who knows and she likes it that way!