Weds., May 21, 2008, Nashville, TN, 10:32 a.m., D.S.T.~

Dear Friends~

I am sorry for not writing letters like I have done in the past; just haven't had the time (or the stamina) to do so.  Between working over 80 hours a week (on average; been pulling a lot of overtime), and taking care of my family, I just don't write letters like I used to anymore.

I hope you understand, and I hope you aren't mad at me, that you'll forgive me for not writing.

Since Ian and Isaiah, the two babies, have arrived, things have been going at a frenetic pace at best.  Babies, as you know, require a lot of attention, particularly now that they're starting to crawl.  We've had to babyproof the house, so they don't get into trouble; babies can get into trouble when you least expect it.

The (special) needs of the other kids have to be taken into consideration too: their medical appointments or supplies (or meds), school functions, their sports activities, their auditions or performances, etc., even their basic every day needs: food, clothing, shelter, love, support.  When you have as many kids as we do, we don't have much time to relax.

While we aren't adopting any more children, we are still continuing the adoption community.  I have been trying to help other families with their adoption journeys.  While it makes us sad that we aren't adding to the family any longer, it still gives me a sense of joy to see others entering the adoption world, and when a child joins a particular family, I can't tell you how much my heart sings!

I have been trying to keep my online buddies updated with what's been going on.  As usual, we've had both good times as well as the bad; however, God's brought us through each experience; He's made us stronger, better than ever, and as long as we have God in our lives, why even worry?? He's promised to take care of us, to provide, and He hasn't let us down yet!  (And He probably never will! :) )

Now we are staring at Ronee' 's audition for "America's Got Talent" in a few weeks (in Las Vegas, Nevada), Johnathon and Ronee' 's upcoming performances at the Veteran's Appreciation/Memorial Day tribute here in Nashville and at the CMA Music Festival in a few weeks, and of course, our trip to Ohio in August and the LeCajun Music Awards Festival later that same month in Louisiana; we are going to be very busy for the next several months.  Add to that the July Fourth BLAST! and the back to school sales, which won't be long after that.

If I don't write as often as I used to, now you can kind of understand the reasons why.  We have been incredibly busy, and it doesn't look like the momentum isn't going to let up anytime soon.  This is when I wish I could clone myself, so some of the burden can be taken off of me (or Bill).

Well, now you've been updated on some of the recent happeenings (and upcoming events) going on in our lives.  I do hope to hear from you whenever you can; I'll try to get back to each one of you as soon as I can.  Doesn't look like I'll be able to answer your letters as soon as I would like.  My e-mail inbox is flooded with your letters, and yet I don't have the time to answer; when I do, I'm so tired and run down it's all I can do to keep from going crazy!

Just pray for me, pray that things slow down after August; Lord knows, this tired Cajun mama is in desperate need of a break from all this mayhem!!

Take care and God bless each and every one of you!  I love you all, and I always will!

~Love, your friend, Louie May Sandusky. :)