#1 Fan

Thanks to Paige (aka my #1 Fan)...for actually CALLING and telling me that you have to create an "account" and log on to leave a message on my blog. Guess it's been so long since I created it that I forgot. SO, I understand why no one has left a comment. LOL.

Paige...you get the grand prize. Thanks for being such a good friend and always encouraging me. The next prize will go to the first person who tells me they're my #2 fan. You can tell me in person, leave a message or send an email.

Art camp is filling up fast. Feel free to share the information with friends, but as you know, I usually do not advertise. I cannot wait to see how the PAINTJAM turns out.

We have VBS at our church this week. We're doing an island theme, which is fun.

J.T.'s driving (as we "speak") as part of his Driver's Ed class. He's almost finished and I must say he is driving very well.

He had a great annual check up last week at St.Jude. The doc said the X-Ray/MRI could not look better. That's always a relief and the words we're waiting to hear. J.T. has such a compassion for the kids at St.Jude. He knows how blessed we are that he did not have cancer and he is very humble about the things he goes through (not playing sports, getting IV's, MRI's etc). He never complains. And... thank you for your prayers. Not only did we get a good report, but they got the IV in on the first try. WHEW. what a relief since he promised he was "leaving?" if they didn't. LOL. We had two very nice men who have been at St.Jude for 20 something years each. I could tell they knew what they were doing.

I could go on and on about St.Jude. Many times I'm reluctant to share our story with too many people because JT didn't have cancer and when people donate...it's with the assumption that everyone there has cancer. I have to say we've never met anyone who didn't have cancer and it's a very humbling experience that I know has happened for a reason. I have to tell you about 2 really neat changes they've made in the last year. First, there is a new huge building called the Chili's Care Center. The first 2 floors are for patients. It's where they do the MRI's, etc. It's like walking in to a child's art gallery. There is patient art everywhere. AND there is a new cafe. Now, this is not like any other place I've ever seen. This is called the Kay Kafe, named after Kay Jewelers...the sponsor. You walk in and there is sushi, chinese, homemade pizza baked in a brick oven, a grill, pastry, dessert bar, BBQ, mexican and an ice cream shop. It is UNBELIEVEABLE. I assure you that every PENNY you've ever donated to St.Jude is being WELL USED. Children are so happy to be there because of the things they can do with donations. And as for the parents....it eases the shock. It's so important to see their kids happy at a time like that. They never have to pay a penny EVER. EVER. no matter what. WHAT you see on TV is true. They reimburse parents for gas, travel expenses, meals and provide lodging. There are local groups who almost daily are throwing "parties" at the Grizzly House providing supper and crafts or something. Again, I could go on and on.....but it was on my heart to thank everyone who has ever donated. I can tell you from experience that you are part of something great.

Well, as I was typing....Fan#2 called. Jennifer K. You win the prize. Don't worry...I'll do more. So now....just mention you're Fan#3.

Since about a MONTH has already gone by this summer....I decided to make Tu, and Th my "painting" days. M,W,F are my cleaning days...but on Tu,Th...I'm free to paint. ALL DAY. I LOVE the summer.

Gotta go pick up JT from Drivers Ed. Watch out for him on the roads!! Actually....watch out for Kirk. He's always in a hurry to get to Alayna's LOL.

Create.

Suzy