I have no idea how it got to be August

It really doesn't seem possible, but the calendar doesn't lie.  Not a lot of real excitement around here at the moment, so I will just give a newsy family update:

Ryan and Laura are doing well. They have adjusted to having two teenagers around when Lindsay pops in for weekends and some summer break time. This may be good preparation for the arrival of Baby Boy Laurie in late September.  We are excited about this new addition and will be especially interested to see what Big Sister Maggie thinks about that.  Please keep Laura in your prayers as she weathers another hot hot Chicago summer in her third trimester. Ryan continues to enjoy his work at the law firm and appreciates having sisters around to harass and to beat at video games.
Marissa has been working at a bakery for the last couple of months. She doesn't get to bake (drat) but is learning the business aspects which may come in handy if she ever decides to open her own shop. She enjoys the work and her co-workers, and it is a good thing she is a morning person since she works the early morning markets several days a week. Marissa has also been pulling things together to start college in the fall.  She has been accepted at two good colleges in the mid west and is waiting to see how the finances come together. If she is not able to find the needing funding, she will enroll at the local CC and try to transfer next year. (Click HERE if you would like to help.)
Lindsay finished the school year strong and is looking forward to being a senior (!!) next year. She was able to make a short visit to China before starting her summer photography job. It was great to see her after seven months and catch up in person. College is big on her mind as she starts working on applications for the fall. We are also thankful to our faithful supporters who funded Lindsay's schooling for the coming year. 
Kristen had a great school year and plunged right into summer school with three online classes. These were basically "refreshers" to make sure she is ready for some serious courses in the fall.  I am so proud of how hard she has been working as she steps into "big girl" shoes in her education and also helping here at home.  She does miss having her sisters around to talk to and do things with. 
It has also been a busy and exciting time for my foster son, Luke. He finished high school in June and took the GaoKao, China's college entrance exams. Everything pretty much rides on that test, and he was thrilled to do quite well. He applied to several schools and was selected for Yan'an University. As soon as he gets registration all taken care of he plans to come for a visit before heading off to university. Please keep all the four of the younger kids in your prayers as they face various academic challenges and especially Marissa and Luke as they head off to college.