Life is changing. better, worse, who knows.

Todd went to see Mike (his brother) who is now on hospice. We're hoping it isn't the last time but realistically know it could be. He took Ryan and Jon with him. It was good for all of them. Especially Todd who wasn't going alone, and I just am not able to go right now.

Lane Michael and Ethan went to TN for 6 days. It was wonderful for them, they came back tan and happy. It was a great jump start to summer. They've been on the go since then! Yesterday they spent the day with my Mom down in Urbana saying final good bye's to my brother Lou and his family. They're moving to AZ and have said they're never coming back. Chances are good that's true. Looks like an end to our relationship. Although I'm not willing to say that outloud yet. My Mom would be crushed if she thought of it like that. But it's true and we all know it.

I went to Mississippi for training last week and came back so refreshed and ready to hit the ground running! I did just that and it feels SO good! The training was excellent! No one fell asleep and it was so informative and just all around good! Some trainings are better than others...this may have been our best yet (for me). I'm really wanting to concentrate on my career right now...hoping to show my office that if/when the directors position opens up I am ready and willing to take that postion. I've done a lot of growing in this position. They've seen me at my worst and now I need to show them my best. I could never fill Doug's shoes but I hope to make my own shoes to fill. I can't relate to the guys like he can but I can do the paperwork and give them my 100%. I can't see myself on any other career path and would never want to work in any other county...but I need to show Doug and Suzie that...not just tell them. So in the interest of putting my best foot forward, I'm trying to make changes. Todd isn't happy about these changes but they're what I think is best for my career. I wanted to take a week off this summer to go to Tennessee and take some time to get things done around our house...I don't know how much of that is possible. I can already see that this summer is going to fly by!

I've started eating healthier, watching portions and counting calories...I feel so much better since starting this journey and can tell a difference in how my clothes fit. I know I'll never be thin but I'd like to just feel better...and so far I do! It's easier than I thought it'd be!

A good friend called me the other day and asked that I be a reference for her and her husband in the adoption process. I was so honored to be asked and of course jumped at the chance. She's such a wonderful person and would make a great Mom! I'm so excited for her and hope she gets the family she deserves!

So much going on right now, I'm struggling to keep up but that's ok, a lot of it is good progress!