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Hey, Mom...
I don't think i've called yet this year.  I have however talked to you daily ;).  We're only 20 days in and so much has happened already!  So much so that a part of me is glad you're where you're at because I feel it would only cause you more worry and concern and I would hate for that to happen, when in fact in the long run everything is for the best.  It's just a change.

We received good news regarding Kathryns' ultrasound on her thyroid.  No cancer!  Praise the Lord!!!!  Her thyroid is enlarged and we go monday to have it tested to see what's up with that.  Dr. said it wasn't unusual for a teenage girl to have an enlarged thyroid, so...I'm sure it'll all be ok. 

All that praying you've done over the years for Matthew and him getting along ok at school, well it all came full circle a couple of weeks ago and I withdrew him.  We're finishing up the year homeschooling and he'll return to regular school in the fall for high school.  It's been good.  We've had a lot of opportunity to talk about Life and all it can throw at you and people and just how they're different everywhere you go and how to deal with all of those things.  It's been interesting to say the least.  I sure don't remember lessons like these when I was in Jr. High.  And I certainly don't remember adults turning a blind eye.  Times they are a changing, and I'm not convinced it's all good.  Change is fine, but why abandon those practices that work just for the sake of change.?  A universal question I'm sure.

I'm doing well.  There's a great peace with in me that I can only attribute to my God and my faith.  I miss you terribly ....but you know that. Sometimes I get jealous because I feel as though you're getting a full view of our lives....the heads up if you will and the assurance in knowing!!!  all will be well.  And I don't know, but there's something comforting to me knowing you're with our God.  It's as though I've got my two biggest fans watching out for me.  win win right?

I've found it easier to rid myself of those things/people in my life that would like to bring me down.  No time for them other than the time spent praying for them.  That's all I can do.  ....needless to say, I pray a lot. ;)  Especially living where I do and my "un"willingness, if you will, to go with the flow.  I guess Fairmount produced more than one Rebel.  (lol) Only my cause is my Family. 

Mom, you have held onto a lot of stuff!  ;P   How many times did I suggest you purge!  Oh MY GOODNESS!  It's all so overwhelming.  haha.  Guessing you knew that and that's why YOU didn't ever go through it all.  If it were not so neatly stashed away I'd say you might've been able to be in an episode of Hoarders.  Neatly stashed away Hoarders.  Talk about an ordeal.  Kim has been doing an amazing job.

On the home fronts...Amboy is still for sale and getting close & closer to being completed.  God Love my husband!!  Swayzee came off the market, but is obviously still going to be sold, but we didn't want the hassle of showing it while we were living here & working on it.  Our offer has been extended on the home we want to purchase. And I would love to see Kim & Eric in your place in the next few months.  There's a water leak....so that's being tended to and they both have great ideas to make it their own.  You should be proud of yourself  for being able to hang on to the houses.  You did it!  You won! 

Keep watching over us if you will.  Especially Andy in his travels over the next two weeks.  And over Kathryn, we have labs on Monday and Matthew.  Although nothing particular for Matt anymore, other than he continue to grow, be healthy and be happy!  I really sense things are coming together for him. 

Mom, I love you.  Miss you terribly....feel free to visit any time you like. 

I'll talk to you later. 

He's baaaacccckkkkk!

Matthew that is!  What an amazing 180 has taken place in his personality.  It's the kid we all know and love!  Returned from some dark place he was forced to go.  It's so refreshing and yet sad all at the same time.  He hasn't balked at going with us to ballgames, outings, church, youth, etc...rather he's up and at it & usually one of the first ready to go!  And once we arrive where ever, it's not long before he's with his friends. 

I give praises to the Lord that my son was/is strong enough, and confident enough in himself and knows that "the Lord doesn't make junk" that he didn't resort to harming himself like so many kids who feel bullied, left out, shoved aside, overlooked do.  I am thankful that as parents Andy and I kept lines of communication open with our kids and that they felt safe enough to express their concerns and share what was happening during the course of their day, something most teens choose not to.  I am thankful to the Lord for the clarity and strength to do what I needed to do for my son, and our family.

Phone calls to parents I feel would've been futile, and frankly where do you stop.  As far as Administration goes, well....it is what it is and until the board decides on a change it will remain the same. 

I do want to correct or clear up something that I have put out there regarding the school I withdrew our son from.  There are teachers in that building who care immensely.  And they are very good teachers at that.  The quality of teachers and education is the primary reason we selected this particular school system.  It's not perfect and I am sure many other systems deal with similar problems as ours but over all I would be hard pressed to speak a negative word against MOST of the teaching staff.  (you can read about one in particular in a previous blog from 2010 I believe)

Regardless, our son is BACK and thriving!  and it's only been a week!  As he left this morning with his dad for the next couple of days he grabbed his new text books, and said he'd besure to "face time" me so that we could go over his lessons.  Wow initiative at that!  It's as though he's matured 4 years already! 

He's a great kid and such a joy.  Such a BLESSING!  Thanks to everyone for all the prayers.