The Coleman Gang

Justin's Birthday Weekend

2008-09-14T13:39:00.001-07:00

Yes, I am trying to catch up on my blog. We have been really busy trying to get Justin ready for his mission. We stay on the go so much that sometimes I forget to take time to record these wonderful moments that we have been having.

I am so grateful for the opportunity to be able to help prepare my son Justin to serve a mission. He went to the temple on Friday and I was so grateful for all of the wonderful friends and family who came to show their love and support for us. One of my friends made the comment that I had done a wonderful job raising Justin to be a fine young man. I told her that I could not have done it without the support of our wonderful church family as well. We have a great ward! I am so grateful for love and example that the members continually show to me and my family.

Ryan went on a scout campout this weekend. Although he wasn't thrilled about going, I think it turned out to be a positive experience for him. Justin and I went over to the Beaty's home and watched the Georgia/South Carolina game. Go Dawgs!! We enjoyed spending time with our wonderful friends!! Georgia prevailed and won the game....... Sorry Paul!!

Justin had the opportunity to give his farewell talk in our ward today. We were overwhelmed with so many friends and family showing up once again to support him. Justin is truly going to be a wonderful missionary. I have no doubt that he will serve his Father in Heaven faithfully! Although I will miss him dearly, I know he has been specifically called to serve in Cleveland, Ohio. I am grateful for the example that he is for me and for his little brother, Ryan. We love you Justin!

Happy 19th Birthday!!

Ryan Starts Middle School

2008-09-14T13:35:00.000-07:00

My baby started Middle School this year. It is kind of weird to think that I no longer have a child in Elementary School. The first day of school was a little different for us this year as well. For the first time in many years, I only have one child attending school. None the less Ryan was extrememly excited to be starting a new school. We went and met his teacher and it looks like it is going to be a great year! I looked at Ryan as he was eagerly getting ready to leave for his first day of school and I realized my little boy is growing up so quick. He is becoming a wonderful young man.

Have a wonderful year Ryan........ I love you!!

Summer, Heart Strings and Tears

2008-07-19T19:10:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how fast summer has gone by. It seems like the kids just got out of school and now school starts again in a couple of weeks!! It is kind of odd for me to only be registering one child in school this year. Ryan starts middle school this year and is really excited!!

Justin has been working full time this summer earning money for his mission. I think it is an adjustment for him to get used to having to get up each day and go to work. Although he doesn't have to get up any earlier than he did while he attended seminary and school each day, I think he is finding this a bit different. Plus he attend missionary prep classes and institute each week so there is not a whole lot of down time for him. (that is probably best since he leaves for his mission in less than 3 months). He wakes up each day counting down the days until he leaves. I told him it is a funny thing about perspectives. The very same event that he is looking forward to with such major excitement is the same one that is tugging tightly at my heart strings. This little boy that has now grown into a fine young man is quickly getting ready to leave home. As his Mother I continually wonder if I have done everything that I could to teach him what he needs to know. I know I am not perfect, but one thing I will never be accused of with either of my boys is not telling them how much I love them. I don't think there has ever been a day that I have not told my boys at least once how much I love them. So as I get ready to watch Justin spread his wings and fly, I put my faith in my Father in Heaven that he will continue to watch over him and keep him safe while he spends the next two years serving him with all of his heart mind and soul. Ryan and I will have some adjustments to make, but I know that we will all be blessed for Justin's willingness to serve.

No one could have ever explained to me, just how much I would love these sweet little boys of mine!!

Justin Receives His Mission Call

2008-07-05T13:57:00.000-07:00

Justin received his mission call today. He has been called to serve in the Cleveland, Ohio Misson. He reports to the MTC on Wednesday, October 8th!!

I am so proud of him and his decision to serve the Lord for two years. We had some friends and family over to join us while he opened his call. Nana, Aunt Karen, Tyler, Austin, Ryan, Rick & Carolyn Mobley, Bro and Sis Welch, Pres. Hawick, Sis Kotter, Bro and Sis Regan, Sis. Frailey, Sis. Beaty, Troy Guerrero and Matt Bestic. We also had Bishop Kotter and Bro. Loyd there via cell phone. We were grateful to be able to share this experience with some of our beloved friends and family!

Justin has put his Mission Papers In!!!

2008-06-15T15:05:00.000-07:00

Justin has finished his interviews and submited his papers to serve a full time mission with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I am so proud of him and his desire to serve. He is hoping to receive his call sometime next week. (any guesses as to where he will be called to serve??)

Ryan makes cast in NLT - Beauty and the Beast

2008-06-14T10:27:00.001-07:00

Ryan tried out and made the play Beauty and the Beast performing at the New London Theater in Snellville. Anyone who knows Ryan knows how much he loves the theater. We took a year off since our last summer production so that we could focus on school. Now he is back doing what he loves best............performing on stage!!

Break a leg Ryan!!! We love you and are so proud of you!

Mamma Mia!!!

2008-06-14T10:21:00.000-07:00

My good friend Raelle invited me to attend Mamma Mia with her at the beautiful Atlanta Fox Theater. What a great show!! The music was wonderful and the show was so entertaining. I think Raelle and I enjoyed people watching as well. Some of those old folks can really jam to ABBA!!

I enjoyed so much spending time with Raelle. She moved recently so I don't get to see her as often as I would like. However when we do get to see each other we pick right back up where we left off!! Thanks Raelle for a great night!!!

Ryan Leaves for Summer Camp

2008-06-14T10:16:00.000-07:00

This past week Ryan has been attending his first scout summer camp at Camp Rainey Mountain. This is the first time that he has been gone for 7 days without us talking each day. I have missed him so much!! He was a little apprehensive about going but I am sure that it will turn out to be a wonderful experience for him. A friend told me that I guess it was time to start cutting the apron strings............... HOLD ON! Not yet he is only 12. I still have many, many more days to hold on to this guy!!

Justin Graduation

2008-06-14T09:36:00.000-07:00

It has been awhile since I posted. With graduation and school letting out for the summer we have been quite busy. We had a lot of family in town for Justin's graduation from Brookwood High. Along with Ryan and I, my Mom, Dad, Karen, Chris, Jenny, Cole, Tyler, Austin, Granny Coleman and Aunt Marie were all in town to witness this event. Our good friend Paul and Shirley Beaty and Troy and Justin's good friends Matt and Pat were all in the stands as well that evening to support Justin. The graduation was wonderful and it was fun to watch all of the graduates. Somehow the magic beach balls showed up during the ceremony. This was funny because Justin said that as they were in line waiting for graduation to start they were all asked to dog ear their pockets to make sure that they didn't have any beach balls or anything else that might cause a distraction that evening. Although the school thought they took the necessary precautions the beach balls made an appearance anyway. As soon as the balls would appear a teacher or administrator would quickly make their way over there to confiscate the ball and then shortly there after another one would appear in another location. It was fun to watch the kids. Then when all of the balls were confiscated, the students began the wave back and forth. I know that the teachers were upset but I say let the kids have a good time this is their last hurrah!!

Congratulations Justin!!! You Did It Baby!!!

Seminary Graduation

2008-05-18T13:47:00.000-07:00

The Lilburn Stake Seminary Graduation was held last night. Justin graduated with four year credit. I am really proud of him and the example that he sets for our family. For the past year and a half his teacher has been Pres. Howick. Justin has learned so much from him and I know that he has played a big part in helping to prepare Justin for a mission.

Prom 2008

2008-05-10T20:10:00.000-07:00

Justin went to the LDS multi stake prom tonight. He went with a group of friends and I am sure that they had a blast!! Ryan and I went and took pictures of them and had a really good time. Justin has really gotten to know two of these guys really well through seminary and he was really looking forward to being with all of them tonight. His date's name is Jessica, I think they are more friends than anything but they sure do make a great couple!

2008-05-09T15:54:00.000-07:00

Look who is graduating this year!!!

Justin I am so very proud of you and the man that you have become!! You made it baby!!! I can't wait to see where your goals and dreams will take you. You have made me proud!!

(this picture was taken late one evening after he had umpired a baseball game, attended missionary prep class and finally came home hungry and ready to rest for the night. I was putting the finishing touches on the slide show for "Senior Night" and had him go upstairs and quickly put on his cap and gown for this picture. What a sport!!)

2008-05-09T15:40:00.000-07:00

My company hosted a family picnic day at Stone Mtn., this year. Some of my friends had some extra tickets left over so me and the boys invited Uncle Jeff who was in town for one last weekend before heading to Korea and Karen and the youngest boys along. We rode the train (not at all like the train we grow up riding in Stone Mtn), saw the 4-D movie in Crossroads and stayed to watch the laser show. Karen, Jeff and I were a little disappointed with how commercialized the park had become. We grew up next to this park and all have fond memories of it. Back then the biggest thing to do was to ride the train or the ferry boat. The biggest thrill was "cruising the mountain" on Sunday afternoons. I know all things must change but we miss the "old" Stone Mountain Park.

Time Alone

2008-04-19T15:34:00.000-07:00

The boys have both been really busy this weekend. Justin went to the Braves game with a bunch of friends last night and had a great time. They bought tickets at the game and wanted seats in the outfield. He says it was because you got a better view of the field and a better chance to catch a ball. However having gone to many Braves games, I think he chose that area because it's the party crowd. Either way I am really glad that he enjoyed himself and had a good time with his friends.

Ryan went camping with his scout troop. This is only his third or fourth campout and this one was going to include a 10 mile hike. I wonder how Ryan will do? I am sure that he will do great! I miss him when he is gone overnight, but I guess it is time to let this little guy start spreading his wings as well. It was kind of nice but strange to have a night at home with no kids. I am going to have to find some new hobbies it looks like. I worked on a power point slide show for our church Senior Night. I called my brothers Jeff and Chris and tried to get some help. They are much better on the computer than I am (but I am quickly learning).

The kids are growing up and I am starting to find myself with more and more time to myself. I remember so well the many times that I just wanted time alone. Now I am grasping to hold on to every little moment with these guys. Time at home with my kids seems to be quickly slipping by.

Justin and I went this morning and got him fitted for a tux for the LDS Prom next month. He is really excited about going. I guess I forgot to tell him until we passed the shop that we were actually going to a Bridal Shop to order his tux. A friend of mine's Mother owns the shop in Loganville so I wanted to go there. It was cute to see some of the young brides to be in there shopping for dresses along with the girls looking for Prom dresses. Can I really be getting that old? After we left there Justin and I grabbed Mexican. I enjoyed a chance to go to lunch with Justin. It is rare that we do anything with just the two of us and I enjoyed sitting and talking with him.

Family Night at Medieval Times

2008-04-18T20:05:00.000-07:00

Me and the boys decided that we needed a family night. My brother is one of the falconeers at Medieval Times so we thought we would catch a show. We had a blast!! Justin has been before, but this was mine and Ryan's first time. It was a lot of fun. Although the boys were not crazy about me taking tons of pictures I told them that one day they would be glad that they have these pictures to look back on.

If you have not yet had the opportunity to go to Medieval Times, I would highly suggest it!!

2008-04-11T15:02:00.000-07:00

Trip to the Georgia Aquarium

2008-04-11T14:52:00.000-07:00

The boys and I went to the Georgia Aquarium on Thursday. It was really packed with everyone there for spring break but we enjoyed our time together. Ryan was a little nervous when we went to the ocean adventures tour. He wasn't sure what he would think of the sharks, but it was fascinating to see all of the life that lies beneath the surface!!

2008-02-26T17:11:00.001-08:00

I haven't posted on this blog in FOREVER!! So many fun and exciting things are happening to our family. Ryan is in 5th grade and is so ready for school to be over. Justin is in his senior year at Brookwood High. He was just accepted to BYU-Idaho and plans to go to school after serving a two year mission with our church. It is amazing how quickly the kids grow up. One minute they are babies and next they are graduating and moving on. WOW!!!!

Our New Blog

2007-08-20T19:10:00.000-07:00

I love being able to read my friends blogs, so I decided to create one of our own. I have two wonderful sons Justin 17 and Ryan 11. They are the loves of my life. I was definitely blessed with two great kids.