I think I've started my last couple of blog posts saying something about how long it's been since the last time I posted, so I won't do that this time!! :) We'll just overlook that little uneccessary fact, and I'll update this blog just like I've been 'instructed' to do by a few people......so, umm, Debbie, Ralph, Brayden, Kaylee & Raeann: I'm doing this JUST for you! :)
There's so much happening these days, that we are constantly on the go. Then there's SO much I want to blog about!! I always say I'm "overstimulated," and just don't know where to start blogging! Maybe that means we are doubly blessed so I have so much I want to share with you! 
We've had a few birthdays in our house since my last post! In April, Brayden became a teenager!!! Yep....he's 13 now! Where has the time gone? Brayden makes me laugh daily....he's such a clown, but such a good kid too. He's SO much like his Daddy, it's not even funny!! He reminds me often that he 'only' has 3 more years until he drives, and 5 more years until he graduates high school. I always pretend I'm not listening or tell him to hush! I don't want to think about it! It really is crazy to think that we have a TEENAGER in the house now! I used to think that people with teenagers or kids in 'junior high' were OLD! *I'M* NOT old!!!!
Mjim has a birthday TODAY, so I can't say that for HIM, but I know that *I'M* not old!! haha! Just kidding, Mjim....you're not old either!!! You're just inching your way up that 'hill' everyone always talks about, and in a couple of years, they'll all say you're 'over the hill.' But that's okay --- I'm climbing that hill right behind ya! Wait for me at the top, okay? And then we'll pretend that our birthdays have reached a stopping point!!
Not only have the guys of the house had birthdays recently, but the baby of the house is a year older now too! She reached 'double digits' on Monday of this week. Seems like yesterday she was just born! Kaylee is another little social butterfly like her brother, and she keeps us on our toes -- she keeps us all lined out sometimes too! :) She reminds me of myself more and more each day. I'm not sure if that will be a good thing or not!! lol.
It's a busy time of the year for us. We've been going here & there with dance, ball, choir, archery and just end of school year stuff. Kaylee & I also went to Prescott recently for the state high school track meet to watch Raeann. She did a great job, and it was nice to get away for the day.
We also got to visit Penny & Caitlin for a little bit, and some other friends who we miss SO much! Here's a picture of Kaylee with Missa & Aly......
That's quite a difference from the picture of them all when we moved 6 years ago! 
We don't get down there enough to visit like we'd like to, but it was nice to see our friends for a little while since we had the chance.
Mama and Lisa & her kids came up for Mother's Day this past weekend. David and Gail had gone to Jacksonville to be with their mom's, so we missed spending the day with them, but we still had a fun Mother's Day eating lunch and visiting with my mom and sister, neice & nephews.
Everyone says it looks like I'm gonna be the smallest in the family before too long. Kaylee's inching her way up and will soon pass me!
This Sunday is "Senior Sunday," when we recognize our graduating seniors at church. If you remember my post this time last year, you'll remember that I'm a REM (real emotional mom) especially this time of year. Something about the end of the school year and graduation always gets me! We have 5 of our kids who are graduating this year.....not just any kids, mind you......but 'our kids.' These are the kids who were starting the youth group when we moved to England, so we've gotten the privilege of watching them grow over the last 6 years. They weren't all here when we moved; we've gained some along the way, but just the same it's been an awesome 6 years. Looking back at some old pictures this week, I've seen just how MUCH they've actually grown. But just seeing them grow physically is not the only changes we've seen in these kids. They've grown both inside and out, and I am so very proud of each one of them. We haven't only been around them on church days/nights or on summer trips. We've been through LIFE with some of these kids, and they are very much a part of our lives, and they very much own a piece of my heart!
They are truly a part of OUR FAMILY. Some of 'our kids' come over on Sunday and Wednesday nights...or any other night of the week for that matter. Our door is always open for them all, and I love nothing more than to have a house full here eating supper, playing games on the Wii, or just hanging out! With that being said, we are all four going to miss our seniors when they move off to college in the fall. (I'll be a REM then too!! lol)
Ashlyn, Lance, Sydney, Derek & Raeann -- we are proud of you all and love you very much. You'll never know just how much you each mean to our family. We're praying for you as you "Find Your Wings," and can't wait to see what God has in store for you. Yes, this 'other mom' of yours will "cry as you take off, but I'll cheer as you fly."
"I pray that God will fill your heart with dreams;
And that faith gives you the courage to dare to do great things.
I'm here for you whatever this life brings.
So let my love give you roots, and help you find your wings."
Mark Harris "Find Your Wings"
CONGRATULATIONS, Seniors! We are so very proud of you & we love you - I mean it!!
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