It was a busy day as we got Ryan set up with his school and counseling schedules. He'll meet with his teacher - whom we both really liked - each Monday from 9:30-noon. He completed an on-line application for Ralph's so tomorrow I'll take him by to talk to the store manager about any possible openings for part-time work. He came up with a schedule that also included his AA meetings and work-outs so we'll tweek it as the week goes on.

Dad had his first treatment for the bladder cancer this morning and it went well - ten minutes once he got called back - so can't beat that! One down, five to go! I'm also excited that my sister has business in San Diego on 12/13 so she's going to spend the weekend before that with us. Kelleigh has her sights set on lots of shopping...and of course we have to get Aunt Crystol her raspberry creams from See's!

It's hard to believe it's been nearly a week since Ryan came home. I am constantly amazed at how much he has changed over the last five months. He is responsible, helpful, considerate, and enjoying time with his siblings. He has gone to several AA meetings, met up with his sponsor (who is a New Life graduate), met a new guy at church today, and tomorrow will begin his independent study. I pray it just keeps getting better!

This weekend the Christmas decorations got put up. The worst part is always dragging all the things out but I'm always happy when it's done and enjoy the change.

Welcome Home Ryan!

Ryan has been homesick for a while and we have been working with the program Director as well as his counselor about the best time to bring him home. His counselor went up today and, after discussing what life would be like if he returned home versus staying in the program, he chose to give home a try. We are welcoming back a very different young man than the one we took in June. We are very proud of his progress and excited to have him home! We have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.

Exciting phone call

We were excited today to get a call from Ryan's birth-great grandmother who lives in Germany. We had missed a couple of her calls and am so glad Mark was home when she called today. She is putting together a package of pictures for Ryan and told me how the other family members are doing (most of which was sad news). We are happy to be able to share pictures and make up for all the years we weren't in touch and look forward to a relationship with her.

Two weeks ago I took Ryan to get his picture taken for his junior year. He looks great and told us yesterday he is down to 225 lbs. which is amazing given he was over 260 when he got there five months ago. Picture below is he and the kids yesterday and Kelleigh with the guys' pet dog, Leah.

The kids have the week off and Kelleigh gets her cast off tomorrow - hurray! Got the last few things for Thanksgiving dinner today. Need to finish up a couple Christmas gifts since December is around the corner...yikes!