New Territory!

Yesterday was a big day for the Alexander family. TJ got his license! To be honest, I have mixed emotions about it. I'm excited for him and yet........one more thing for me to worry about! I know many parents have "been there, done that" and I'm sure I'll get over this initial anxiety as time goes on.

We have two really old mini-vans so he isn't too thrilled about driving too much! He spends a good tiem on Craig's List looking for the ideal "first car." He's saving for it and I'm gearing myself up for that!

Pray for TJ! You might as well pray for the people of Lancaster, Ohio that will now have another young, male driver out on the roads, too!

Father/Daughter Dessert Night!

Life has been so crazy lately that blogging has had to take the back burner! Here is a quick update on everyone:
Tom and TJ spent a week working in West Virginia as part of a mission trip. TJ worked with kids with basketball. They also did yard work and home repairs for a couple that hope to make their home acceptable to raise their grandchildren. Oh, and TJ ate a snake while he was there. I'm trying to get the video and will post it! I guess I let the boys watch too much "Mand versus Wild!"

Ty and Dane are busy with basketball and golf. The girls have had a bout of sickness this past week. Sarah had Scarlet Fever. Once she had it, I enjoyed watching the faces of people when I told them she had Scarlet Fever. We all remember how it was a death threat back in the Ingals' time! SF is strep with a full-body rash. Lily followed with a few days of unexplained high fever. TJ was all ready to go to the OSU football camp when the day before rolled his ankle. It was a heartbreaker that he couldn't go. He was hoping to make contact with some coaches with the hopes of catching their eye for potential scholarship. The good news is that it has healed enough that he can go to Penn State tomorrow for their camp.

I was excited to go to hear one of my favorite author's speak....Jane Kirkpatrick. A friend of mine made a four hour drive to hear her. We had some time alone with Jane after the presentation so that was pretty cool. We then made the four-hour drive home. I also was able to get the third book in Jane's most recent series "Change and Cherish Historical Series." Jane is a Christian author that writes historical fiction. I like her even more now that I've heard her speak! She's insightful, very smart and funny!

The big blessing for us these past few weeks is that I am working on a special project with some friends to try to get five wheelchairs (Cerebral Palsy Chairs) to China for children in a specific orphanage in Shenyang! Scripture says, "We have not because we ask not." Well, I asked and the president of a local medical supply company donated five chairs that are in great shape. I've been working on getting them to China and am finding the best way is through travelling families. We are hoping a group travelling in July can take all five OR I will be ASKING families who travel to Chine to adopt (post-Olympics) to take them along with their things. I've called this project "Wheels for Joy." The home they will go to is called, "Home of Joy." I'll write more about that another day. China is near and dear to our hearts! I can't wait to share with you more of what God is doing in this one home in Shenyang and tell you about how FAITHFUL God has been in providing through a variety of people!

Tom took the girls to the annual "Father/Daughter Dessert Night" at church last week. They had a great time! Enjoy the photo.j

Kathy

Sarah went to Children's Hospital Today

We took Sarah to Children's Hospital in Columbus for her annual heart tests/exams. The coronary artery fistula is still a minor concern. Dr. Ro was tempted to totally release her, but she felt we should come back in three years! It's wild to think that she'll be seven when we go back!

All else is moving right along in the Alexander home. We are busy getting our summer started.