S-U-C-C-E-S-S

I mentioned last week that Noelle was struggling a bit with her spelling words. She had written them all five times (I always make the kids do that with their spelling words - even though the teacher doesn't require it), but she didn't know what they were. When I got home, I asked her to read them to me and she couldn't on some. So I had to tell her what the word was, then ask if she knew what it meant - explain what it was, then have her say the word aloud while she practiced writing it. Then we did a spelling test for the six words of the day and if she missed any, she had to write them five more times. She was a bit discouraged at first, but quickly got into the groove. The great news is that.... she got a 105%!!!!! (She got all the bonus words right). I'm so proud of her and she is so thrilled. She had to go to each of us and show us all her paper. She works so hard to do well. What a great kid!

I'll also show a picture of Noelle and Alex. She is having a lot of fun having someone littler than her to play with and keep track of. We know that she had a special little boy in China that she bonded with, and I think she helped a lot with the younger kids in the orphanage. So Alex fits right in and she loves having him around.

Over the Labor Day weekend, I was just sick as a dog. I had some sinus issues along with stomach issues, so I was out of commission for the majority of it. Ter spent the weekend working his little heart out on coating the deck, helping the neighbors unload a truckload of red rock, and putting siding up on the north side of the house (he didn't quite get it finished - but it's getting close). I'm so grateful that God chose to send me a partner that is so handy around the house. He can do anything!

Katie has made her move to Omaha - she transferred and will be starting work tomorrow. All the kids are back in Nebraska, except Ryan.

Oh - I will be going to Cleveland in mid September. Although I have "retired" from the Eaton Diversity Council, I was asked to come again to the Diversity Conference. I guess they are having a Panel Discussion where everyone can ask questions of the winners of the 2007 awards - and I was the Chair during that time, so they asked if I could come. It's always a lot of fun, and very inspirational. I expect it will be hard for me to contain my excitement enough to NOT rejoin the council! I have so many irons in the fire right now, I think that it's best if I don't at this time. But my heart is still in it!

Blessings, all!

Lisa