And they are off...

I am not sure how it happened, but summer is over and our children are all back in school! 

Saying Good-bye to Lauren at The University of Akron

Lauren is now at freshman at The University of Akron!  It seems like I was a freshman not too long ago and I am amazed at how quickly Lauren has grown up!  She hopes to double major in Social Work and Spanish while continuing to dance, perhaps with a Dance minor.

Michael, Jameson and I dropped her off less than a week ago.  We got to stay long enough to begin the unpacking process and eat lunch with her at Rob's Cafe on campus.

We are so very proud of her and can't wait to see how God leads her in the years ahead!

Justin - 11th grade

Justin is now a junior at BGHS.  He has enjoyed a few changes now that he is the oldest child in the home.  He now drives himself and Logan to school every morning, gets to park his car in "Lauren's spot" in the driveway and he has now taken over Lauren's "homework area" in the dining room!  On a "not-so-pleasant" note, he has also taken over one of Lauren's chores - cleaning the bathrooms!

He has done an amazing job so far of balancing his challenging classes, working at two jobs each week (Kroger and Nazareth Hall) and preparing for his International Talent Search in Orlando this December.

As a fundraiser for The Event, he is hosting a concert on September 17th, where he will showcase several of his own songs, as well as be joined by a New York DJ and Matthew Underwood!  We are eager to see how this "Hollywood Party" will go!

Logan - 8th grade

Logan is now an 8th grader at BGMS.  He is taking two high school level classes (Spanish and Algebra) and is trying to get used to homework again after a refreshing few months off over the summer!

Logan is planning to try out for the 8th Grade Boys' Basketball team in a couple of months.  Beyond that, he enjoys playing with his friends in the neighborhood and working on his cards tricks.

Ethan - 4th grade

Ethan is a 4th grader this year.  So far, he is likes being back in school.  Tuesdays are his favorite day, when he gets to join with nine other "gifted" 4th graders in the district for, PACE.  He loves the extra challenges the class offers!

Ethan may add to his growing theater resume this year, as he considers some of the many local options for youth and community theater performances.  He continues to enjoy keeping track of his stocks, although the fluctuating market has recently caused him some grief!

Jameson - preschool

Jameson just started at his preschool again yesterday.  He remains a "ball of energy" and is already causing his well-equipped teacher (with a Master's degree in Special Education) extra challenges!

He was very proud of himself today, though, and even happily told me, "Today I did not kick or hit Miss Jenn!"  We rejoice over days like that!

And Michael is busy with the launch of BGSU's new SEARCH Community, a themed community for the "spiritually inquisitive."  He is also diligently working on his dissertation and plans to finish and defend it after the New Year, enabling him to officially graduate in May. 

So this year, we have one in preschool, one in elementary school, one in middle school, one in high school, one in college and one finishing up his dissertation!  We presently do not have any foster placements living with us, but are open to more, so our school numbers may change throughout the year! 

Michael & Teresa (I wish I could say "2011" but this was taken when we joined staff 20 years ago!

And I am looking forward to some "me time," in the mornings, now that Jameson will be in school four mornings a week.  I hope to attend weekly meetings with our staff team, as well as have some time to read, run errands and have some adult conversation sans children!

So we are officially "off and running" and looking forward to all that the year will hold for us!