Just for Chana!

Dear Chana,

I know you miss us and that you wish you could be around us all the time, but alas it can't happen right now. I understand you having a hard time dealing with this situation. I mean who wouldn't want to be around us all the time? With our 2 wonderful "pre-teen" boys and their attitudes it's a blessing each and every day to be in their good graces!

So just a little update on life so that you can at least feel like you are here with us:

~Kourtland had his 9th bday. He and Matt went to see Rascal Flatts and had a wonderful time. Minus the heat, no seats, 2 1/2 hour wait to get out of the parking lot, having to pay $75 for a hotel last minute b/c it took so long to get out of the parking lot that it was too late to drive home.

~Kourtland got a new nephew for his bday! That's right, Matt's sister adopted a baby and he was born on Kourtland's bday! Isn't that special? Noone will ever be able to top that gift!

~We are having the boys bday party this week at the Alma water park. We've rented it out so that only our friends and family will be there to swim. It will be a blast and we are all ready to play. Wish you could be here for that for sure! We will just have to be flushed down the toilet bowl slide without you this year though.

~We tried to call you like a gazillion times on your birthday, but you didn't answer the phone! We were pretty bummed. You just miss us, but not enough I guess. So finally Joseph answered and we were able to sing to you via his phone. SPECIAL!!!!

~We cooked out on the 4th of July and it rained! It was a good time. We didn't get to see fireworks b/c of the rain.

~Kourtland has a pet turtle. He's a small guy, his name is Shelldon. (with 2 l's) He now has a tadpole too. He is patiently waiting for it to turn into a frog so he can scare Grace with it! FUN!

~Grace and I have been shopping for her wedding dress! That has been fun. Out of the stores we've been to so far NONE of them have any dresses with sleeves. Imagine that! One lady told us "that is so not in style!" I know modesty is SO OVERRATED!!! RIGHT?

~Kadence went to his first basketball camp of the summer. He attended the University of Arkansas bball camp. He had a good time. He had to do chores and help the grandparents to raise money for it. He made $160! The camp only cost $150 so he had some money to spend since we helped pay for the camp. He bought a new pair of Jordan's of course!

~Kadence was asked to attend another camp while at camp! Ooohhh,,,,ahhhh!!! He also won the Gatorade award at camp. We still aren't sure what it was for, but we think his hustle! And who cares he won an award, right?

~Kadence starts Jr. High this year, did you know that? I am such an old hag! WOW! I can't believe it. I sure miss my little baby boy!

~Matt has still NOT found a teaching job! It pretty much sucks, but we are dealing with it. Some better than others. We are just thankful he has a good job until one turns up.

~We are going on vacation in a few weeks. Still don't know where yet b/c we keep changing our minds, but it's a vacation none the less!

~I will work on getting some pictures posted soon. I've been kinda busy lately. So maybe next month! :o)

~Matt's dad starts his chemo this week so we are hoping for a smooth, quick treatment there. Please remember him in your prayers!

~Lukas is growing at an alarming rate! I don't want him to grow up. Johnathan & Grace say they are going to try again later this year so maybe it won't be so bad! I don't know what it is about that little guy, but he has me wrapped around his little fingers!

~I promise to love your kids just as much! And even more if you will move to Arkansas when you have them? Deal???? Come on, live dangerously!

Ok, I hope that is enough information to satisfy your needs for now. I now I kinda suck at blogging regulary, but I will try to get better. So there! KthanxBYE!!!!

Love,
Mandy