Wow! Has it really been nearly 2 years since my last post? I guess so, since it took me a good 5 minutes to even figure out how to write a new post. Things have really changed with Blogger.

Well, let me start by saying that the aunt that I last posted about  has truly been touched by the hand of God. While she still struggles with her health, due mostly to the cancer. She is doing so much better than she was two years ago. At the time of my last post, we really were preparing ourselves for "the worst" but praying for healing. God really came through for us! We praise him daily that she is still here with us and in good spirits even though she sometimes has not so good days. I think that she would say, "God is not finished with me yet". And I say, "Thank You, Lord, for once again showing me what the power of prayer can do!"

Here is a quick synopsis of the past two years to catch anyone that cares up:

Frank is still humping it (and hating it) at UPS. He is counting down the days to retirement. I am praying that the perfect job for him comes along by then. He really wants to begin his hike on the Appalachian Trail sometime after he retires. I'm not so sure about that, but I do hope he can do it. It is a very strong desire of his. He is still an assistant leader for the local Boy Scout Troop, which has been an adventure to say the least. We lost his dad this past October, suddenly. We are actually thankful for the sudden part, simply because he had a great fear of suffering a long time like Frank's mom did.

Brandon has now finished two years of High School and is about to begin his third. He finally likes going to school, but not for the classes. Mostly for the girls. He is really into girls now. (OY VAY!) He joined the wrestling team in 9th grade and I have finally gotten used to that idea! Being on the team has helped him to focus on his health. He is generally very careful about what he eats and he loves running, working out, and lifting weights. Needless to say he has lost about 20 pounds since he started High School. My chubby little boy is growing into a lean, trim, tall young man. This year, Brandon will be going to the Career Center to study Law Enforcement. I am really hoping that this will help him to decide what he wants to do after graduation. Last weekend, he (we) finished the physical part of his Eagle project. He now has to finish and turn in his paper work and then appear before the board of review for approval.

Grayson is about to begin his second year of middle school (7th grade). He constantly complains about his teachers not liking him, not having friends, etc... typical middle school stuff. However, he has been asking since the first week of summer vacation when school starts. He has always been very social, and while he complains about school, he really does like it. He began playing the trumpet in 6th grade and really enjoys it. He even played some this summer, which Brandon never ever did when he played clarinet! I am also, very proud of his grades. He has really improved academically over the past couple of years. It is amazing that a child who could barely read in 2nd grade, could get to the point that he makes As and Bs (mostly). He also excelled in the state standardized testing for 5th grade (We haven't seen results from 6th grade yet) as well as in his MAP testing for the past few years.  I am a proud proud Mama!!! He is also in Scouts and doing well, but not as dedicated to it as Brandon has always been. And that's fine with me. Enjoyment is the main thing.