Ryan Update

The past 18 months since Ryan came home have flown by! Probably the only disappointing thing I have discovered as a new parent, is how fast things move and how quickly they grow and change. I admit to reminding God that he just isn't giving me enough time, to which he responds with something like... "I didn't have to give you this much..." at which point I ask forgiveness, move on and relish the days I do have.

Ryan's first year in school was great and wonderful and hard and tough and difficult and packed and crazy and busy.... you get the picture! We started Ryan in 7th grade. He was at a wonderful private school where I could closely monitor him and his progress. Well, 7th was a little too easy for him, so we moved him to 8th grade at Christmas. He did really well both semesters, all A's and B's both semesters. I'll never forget his awards day at the end of the school year. I honestly didn't know if he would get a thing, but wouldn't miss it if he did. Having never gotten a school award, he didn't think too much about the day, but I was hopeful! He finished that day with 3 certificate awards, English, Bible and PE... as well as another special little trophy called the Barnabus Award. He's never had such a day and I could just cry thinking about it again.

That gave us the confidence to place him in 9th grade this fall. He will be going to school with Jon, something I really love. In fact, they have already started. He got lost his first day and will have many, many more things to learn in such a BIG school... but he can do it because he's my son and he's my hero. I was never as brave as he is!

Ryan is playing football this year... with his dad. He's been participating in practice all summer and is OH so proud of his newly formed muscles! It should be a fun fall of watching my newest football player take the field. What is it with the Vernon men and football?