Well, we made it through May......I did hibernate to some degree. Not so much staying in just staying "clear." I did a lot more texting and emailing instead of calling, I didn't even call my mother weekly like I normally do(sorry mom), all to avoid answering that question so often asked "How are you?" San Diego residents have a saying for May due to the many cloudy days they call it May Grey....Team Whitaker had a Grey May. However, I will say we did have some great events. Mitchell's birthday celebration at the OU baseball game was amazing! We had a great turnout and thanks to Power Roofing we donated close to $4200 more to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in Mitch's honor. On May 22nd Mitchell's classmates promoted on to 6th grade/Jr. High. John and I attended the special ceremony. It was bitter sweet, we have watched many of these kids....Mitch's buddies....grow up for the last 6 years so we were proud of them, but I couldn't help but try to picture Mitch up there on stage with them, wondering how tall he would be, how he would be wearing his hair, what awards he would have won etc. They did a special tribute to Mitchell, it was nice for John and I to see this. I think we feel so many times that Mitchell is forgotten, but they let us know that he is still a very big part of them as well. I am so grateful that God provided the opportunity for my kids to go to Bethany Elementary......it has been a huge blessing to our lives.

So, I will admit that I was glad to see May behind us....Welcome June and summertime!

And now Meredith, I LOVE having her home with me. She is so fun and SO funny and she is SO ready to be in the 5th grade. She has even printed off the supply list for next year already, we have already purchased her "bag" not a backpack because 5th graders do not use backpacks. It makes me sad how excited she is.....if she could snap her fingers or wiggle her nose to become 16 I really think she would. Funny story, the other day she asked me how old she had to be to start wearing make-up, I told her she could not wear it before 7th grade. She then replied "because by then I will be matured and will get my puberty?" To this I said "What do you think happens when you get your puberty?" She said "My voice will get lower." :) Yes, I know, I am planning on having "the talk" this summer, but it sure made me laugh. I was reminded in that moment, after sitting and sulking for the month of May....feeling robbed of my joy with the loss of Mitchell, that we do still have laughter and joy, that God is not finished with us yet and we will continue to look to Him to guide our steps.

Praise the Lord for new months and Praise the Lord for Meredith Grace. Remember to count your blessings! Much love, Tracy