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Zach had the great opportunity to be his Uncle Josh's ring-bearer. We also had the chance to visit North Carolina, which is a beautiful place, but lots of trees unlike what we're used to...lots of open spaces. Zach did such an incredible job and looked so handsome! He's just barely nine years old, but is five feet tall. I cried when I bought him his latest dress shoes because he is in the men's sizes! R. J. was hugging me in the store - I was a mess! I'm not normally a cry-baby!

We're still waiting for summer! It's windy and chilly. I'm tired of wearing sweatshirts. On the great side, Zach is taking swim lessons, which started June 2, and he absolutely loves them. He hops in no matter how cold it is outside! Such a fish and enjoying every moment in the water. We are looking at him joining the swim team next year. He can't wait. He tries different sports, little league baseball, city league basketball, even a church league basketball program. His true favorite is swimming! The others are "alright," but he never gets enough of the swimming.
Shanna

Sometimes one wonders if the life lessons one is teaching to the child is ever being absorbed and processed. While teaching about the importance of bringing home ALL homework, whether Zach thinks of it as "serious" or not, I do have to remember a time when he was six years old. In the photograph shown with this journal entry, there was a gentleman behind R.J. and Zach at the California Angel's Baseball Game. He was quite unhappy with some plays that were happening on the field and also very vocal about his displeasure. He was very busy swearing up a storm and there didn't appear to be an end in sight any time soon. Zachary in all of his six-year-old stature turned around and calmly told the gentleman that "if you can't say anything nice, maybe you shouldn't say anything at all." Needless to say, the gentleman was speechless and proceeded to apologize to Zach for his naughty language. Thinking about this time, I can't help but think that Zach is learning through everything that we do and say. It all sets an example as to what is important and what he should and should not be doing. Maybe we are doing better than we think. What an honor to have such a great little guy in our home!
Shanna

I haven't been able to sleep. I keep feeling an urgency to get our web-sites live. I visited with my mom and asked her if she thought whether it could be something or I could just be strange. She said that she absolutely did not think that it was strange. She felt like I truly was being prompted. I have had sleepless nights since the beginning of December with the same feelings of urgency. I feel that we need to get our sites live as soon as possible...which is what I'm working on. I must say that one of the blessings I have truly enjoyed is my student teacher - Jennifer. Otherwise, I would not be able to get things done as quickly to get pictures and other documents done. This project has lovingly taken tons of time. I wouldn't trade this for anything in the world. I have such a full heart during these frequent times. I feel connected to someone that I don't even know. And yet, I know you are there, reading, maybe scared, worried about your future. I am here, offering my love and open arms to help you. We would love you to have peace of mind for your precious baby. We would love to get to know you and include you in our lives, if you'll let us.
Love, Shanna

Zach went to school this morning as he normally would, but today is a sad day there. He is in the third grade, but one of his second grade teachers passed away unexpectedly this past weekend. He said that his favorite memory of her was that she spent most recesses out with the kids jumping rope! Such a shock - Friday, she was fine and by Saturday, she was gone. She was a donor, such an unselfish lady. Several people were blessed by her passing. We just feel really sad for her family. We know they are missing her terribly.
Shanna