Hmph

I'm struggling with members of my family and I just really and truly don't understand. My parents taught me since I was young that no matter if your blood or not.. you are family. Your friends are family.... that everyone you care about is family. My Grandfather is not my biological grandfather, but he is the only grandfather I've ever known and I couldn't imagine having a better one. Does that mean because he is not blood that I should not consider him family? Sometimes I get the feeling that some people believe and work that way. I have been teaching my boys that yes, they are step-brothers and they are not blood, but we are a family and they are brothers, full, half, step.. whatever.. we are family. Benjamin even considers his half-brother's brother as his brother!! :) I just hope that they take that part with them as they get older. I know I may not be making a lot of sense to people right now, but maybe some of you know the situation and do understand. So, I just wanted to say thanks to all those who truly have loved and cared about Benjamin, Caden, Ryan and I our whole lives whether you are a step, half, or a non-blood-related family or friend. I really truly think of all of you as family and a very close family at that....

I haven't blogged in a while and well, that's because not much has gone on and Ryan finally came home:).. It's been nice to have him home but he is again leaving to go live downtown Chicago for 3 weeks for the IMTS show down there. I will probably see him somewhere in between those 3 weeks, but maybe not?? It truly depends on how busy he is. Ryan and I are doing great and we actually purchased a Harley Davidson recently. He is learning to ride at a school this weekend. He is excited about getting his license next week and being able to ride on his own, get good at it, and then take me for a ride on it too :).... It's something we both wanted and are looking forward to using together....

Benjamin is doing great. Cade and Ben do not start school until September 2 so he is still enjoying his summer. He has been at Kids Club this summer and has made a new best friend. He has been enjoying a karate class although he says he does not want to continue it in the fall. He wants to play basketball ;) .... He will be in fourth grade!! ahhhhhhhhhhh!!! He's getting older!! He is excited because he will be in middle school in two years. I try to teach him to not want to grow up so fast... but he really wants to see what middle school is like!!

Caden is also doing really well. Caden took swimming lessons this summer and made it through Level 4!! He is a great swimmer and loves the water. Cade is going into Third Grade and has the same teacher Benjamin had the last two years.. so that is nice for me.. His teacher is also an old friend of Ryan's mom's.. so we know her pretty well. Cade said he wished he got the other teacher.. but you can't have your choice all the time!! :)

I'm doing well.. I started the regular school year on Wednesday.. I actually get to teach a classroom of 9th graders this year. This means I will actually get to teach!! :) I am excited because the kids are pretty decent and most of them enjoy school for now!! :) (They are still young).. I have been itching to get on our motorcycle which I hope to do soon, but I really want Ryan to be comfortable with it before I get on there. He is practicing though. I have been working out a lot lately and trying to keep myself in better shape. I have joined my sister's workout club online and that keeps me kicking!! :) I also am enjoying road riding on my bike. I haven't done any mountain biking since my tree incident in May. I just have not been motivated for that since then. I will still do it.. I just need to work up the nerve again......

I hope everyone else is doing well and I will try to do better about posting more often.. I have just been enjoying my summer!!