Bittersweet...

August was truly a hard month for us, filled with sadness and joy and new adventures. The second week of August Craig's dad, David was in the hospital. I received a phone call from my niece, Devon asking me if it was possible to bring Fletcher to the hospital to see Papaw. 'Of course' was my answer. So Craig and I checked Fletcher out of TCC and took him to see his Papaw. David had no idea Fletcher was coming so it was a very nice surprise for him to see his only grandson. Six days later David passed away, Craig and I were so happy that we made that visit happen. It's comforting for us to know that they got to see each other one last time.

David and Fletcher...

Our sweet little church has been through a lot in the last nine months. So it was quite refreshing to have VBS for our kids. There were more volunteers than there were kids! It was great and the kids and adults had a lot of fun. Our VBS curriculum had a rain forest theme and one night we had a company bring out extreme animals for the kids to see and touch!

Maddie and a baby alligator...

Maddie holding a baby kangaroo...

The girls started school on August 19th. We started our day with a good breakfast I took Maddie to school and for the first time in ten years I didn't take Kayleigh to her first day of school! She drove herself, of course! WOW! The milestones that are happening around here are a bit overwhelming, they're good and I'm grateful for them, but they just make me shake my head in disbelief! Where has the time gone? How did it go by so quickly? It's so hard to believe I have a Kindergartner, a third grader and a JUNIOR!! They've been in school now for three full weeks and things are going well for both my girls. Kayleigh's had block scheduling since she started high school and really liked it. Well, this year they changed it to seven periods, she's not a big fan of the shorter class periods, but she's getting used to it. Maddie has really enjoyed third grade and her teacher, Ms. Tate. Also, Maddie was tested last year and has been accepted into the gifted program at her school. It's called PEAK and on Mondays she spends the entire day with her PEAK teacher, Mrs. James and the other PEAK kids learning cool stuff. Maddie now wishes everyday was Monday. It's such a blessing seeing her excited to learn!

Maddie's first day of third grade...

Kayleigh first day of her Junior year...

Maddie and Kayleigh...

Maddie out in front of her school...

Maddie and Ms. Tate...

On August 30th Fletcher started Kindergarten at Bethany Elementary! He goes to school on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for two and a half hours. Fletcher is in a 'regular' class with 'regular' kids and so far it's been a great experience. His teacher, Miss Metcalf is young, cute and fun. Fletcher has an aide, Mrs. Karlene and I'm in the classroom as well, just incase an emergency should arise. The kids in his class have been delightful and are treating Fletcher with lots of love and respect. I'll be honest, I was very hesitant about putting Fletcher in public school. I was worried about the kids being mean and about the parents being upset that there was a kid with extreme special needs in their kids class. Craig has been my rock. He's pointed only to the positive and the future for Fletcher. I never in a million years thought this could be a reality. We're doing something quasi normal...kindergarten!

waiting his turn to get on the bus to go to school...

Fletcher and Miss Metcalf...

a picture one of Fletcher's new friend, Reid drew for him...