Letting a child under the age of 13 get a facebook = parenting fail.

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Chris started middle school as a sixth grader yesterday.  How time flies!  Josh started second grade.

There isn't really much to update about the summer.  We just got back from PA a little over a week ago.  We spent almost the entire summer up there.  I love my mom's house not only because she is there, but because it is so quiet!  No traffic, no neighbors, it's wonderful.

While there, we drove up to the mountains to visit with Aunt Bonnie.  We had a blast hanging out with her for the day.

James is off in Richmond today signing up to get his A&P license.  It's Plan B for when he retires if Plan A doesn't work out.

I guess that's about it!   

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This is just an update to let you know there is an update coming...as soon as I get back to VA.  The kids and I are currently in PA!

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After the boys were done school, we had visitors for a week.  It was a joy to have Deb and Allen (James' sister and her husband) vacation here.  We all had a wonderful time and look forward to their next visit. 

James was on leave so we spent a week up in Pennsylvania after they left.  Chris stayed behind with my mom.  Trumpet practice: 0.

After one of my many dental appointments this summer, all but James went back up to Pennsylvania.  I decided to buy James a 5 x 10 trailer since they are cheaper up there.  What a memorable experience that turned out to be.  On the way back to my mom's after purchasing it, the plastic license plate holder broke off on 30 and went flying.  My brother and I walked up and down for quite a while looking for it.  We never found it.  It was an ordeal to get a replacement but I did get it in time to bring the trailer home with me. 

To make matters worse, the Tahoe was acting funny at 45MPH.  It would surge and the RPM needle would bounce.  A friend of my cousin said he would look at it (he's a transmission guy).  $2300 later, we have a new radiator, rebuilt transmission and a flushed motor.  I've since started calling our savings account the "Keep The Tahoe On The Road" account.  Oh, the joys of vehicle ownership!  On the plus side, we received a refund check yesterday...the Tahoe is officially paid off!

Chris turned 11 in July, Josh is 7 as of today.  They are growing up so quickly!

James' mother is finally due to return home tomorrow (the last we heard).  She has been in and out of hospitals and rehabs since last October.  I'm glad she is finally on the mend and can go home.

All in all, it's been an expensive summer for a family that takes no vacations.  On our return trip to PA, I plan on heading north to visit my aunt. 

Chris and I went to the new Goodwill in our area the other day.  I bought two film SLR camera for $35.  I have no idea if they work, I have to get the film developed from the Canon and find a battery for the Minolta.  If they do work, they will be fun to play with.

Since I have to go bake Josh's birthday cake, I'll leave you with a few pictures...








 

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Saturday the men were working so Mary and I took the kids to Wake Beach.  It's along the Rappahannock River.  We all had a great time!  Saturday was also James' birthday...my old man is 33 now!   

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I no longer will let small minded people bother me.  I have forgiven those of you that have in one way or another spread negativity and hatefulness in our lives.  I don't believe that what goes around, comes around.  I believe in forgiveness, for I will not wish ill on anyone in any way. 

How can I ask God to forgive my sins if I worry about yours?  I cannot, so no longer will you bother me in any way. 

I am at peace and happy with who I am, can you say the same?

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Not counting today, the boys are done school in nine days! 

We spent the weekend in Pennsylvania.  Mom had rode down with us the weekend before so the kids and I took her home Thursday night.  Friday was a teacher in-service day so we got to spend a long weekend up there.  There will be a lot of up and down trips this summer!

James' sister and her husband are planning to visit the last week of this month.  We are all very excited.  We all get along well so it should be a very nice week! 

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