It is December 18th! I can't believe that! It has been a busy month for us! So much happening.

Things with Kimbra and the girls here are wonderful. I couldn't be enjoying it more. I think that goes for them too. She is loving her Sam's in Maplewood! I'm so glad!

Koel is doing something bad upstairs ... I really must go check it out! However, just a brief note to say ..... Yes, I'm aware it is December ....

Thanksgiving has come and gone. One word describes it ... DRAMA. 'Nough Said.

And on a very sad note .... I noticed today that all four of our frogs were deceased. Dried up. Turned Dark Green. Even Shrunk in size. Nasty. Apparently, frogs don't survive without light or water ... I'm being facetious, you must know this by now about me .... So, there they were. I was sooo sad. Kadi was mad at me. I put them on my hosta outside ... maybe they'll be good fertilizer. Sad. So very sad. I can't tell you how sad.

We are now a household of 9. Kimbra and the girls are here. We're all enjoying it. Khiana and Koelly are best friends.

Koel is sick. He threw up once a day for three days, then since has had diahrea once or twice a day for three more days. Wierd. He's just not himself. Then, this evening about 7:45 I went to look for him because he was very quiet ... he was asleep on the floor at the bottom of the stairs. Wierd. I think if he isn't improved tomorrow, we will definitely go see Dr. Finn.

Night ... I'm off to bed ... hopefully I'll be in it before 9:00!

IT is SNOWING!!! It is November 24 and it is snowing!! We don't know if we are going to leave for Webb City or not .... Kyle has to decide about the weather. The weather report I saw said it could snow off and on until Midnight. We'll see.

Karen said we could eat with them tomorrow if we end up not going.

My kids have been playing snowball fight outside! Hilarious! And they've been making a snowman .... I'll get a picture if he turns out good.

Wierd. Just wierd. Snow. I hope this is an indication of things to come!!!!

I had a fun time with Kadi today. We went to Northwest Plaza ... Bath N Body Works. We pushed Koel in the stroller. Sometimes she did, sometimes I did. We laughed a lot. She loves the escalator too! We walked around and around in BNBW trying to decide what to buy Aunt Kimbra for Christmas and what to get Keenan, Kennedy, and herself ... I told her she has to forget! We'll see ..... It was fun. She said she could forget! Chocolate shampoo & lotion! Not edible, but the scented kind! Very fun! That's what she wanted. So ... that's what she gets.

I am officially done shopping for most everything I needed to buy this year. I still have a few stocking items to purchase ... and with Oriental Trading Company's help ... I'll have that done ... ASAP ... Felicia, Lauren, Kimbra, and I will split it all up .... costing us pennies a piece for the fun little things! Most items in the O.T.C. catalog come in a dozen ... so there you go! Fabulous! Of course, being that I have the most children, it will cost me the most. That's okay. I'm excited about it! A deck of cards shaped like a snowman? Come on! Too fun!!!

I'm cooking Venison for the second time right now in my Crock Pot. It is marinating in 2 cans of Cream of Mushroom soup, A red onion sliced into rings, 1/4 cup Red Wine, and an onion soup mix. It smells good. It is supposed to be served over rice. I'll make my observation later for those of you who are dying to know about my culinary adventure! I'm hoping I can eat it. My tummy is still a bit leary of it ... the memory of the head in the garage and all. That really truly grossed me out.

Kit & Linda will be here soon. I'm excited to watch Titus and Koel play. I hope it is good. I'm nervous and excited. I want them to like each other the way Khiana and Koel like each other. They're best buds! Cousin relationships have always been special to me ... well a certain few. It's like having extra brothers and sisters. Fun stuff.

Okay ... back to the land of my family .....

Wendy caught me after worship time for the kids this morning and crossed her legs. Immediately I knew I was in for a funny story. She and I understand the crossing of the legs after having given birth all too well .....

I was right .....

Apparently Kadi caught Isaac's eye about 3 songs before the end of the worship time and blew him a sly little kiss.

Wendy, leading the kid's worship, witnessed it and had to keep her composure for three more songs!

"I was DYING ..." She said.

Oh, how I wish I would have seen it too!

Kadi and Ike ... they're destined to be.

It is bedtime ... but I had to report about the fabulously lazy day I've had. The morning was actually rather hectic ... but at 2:00 p.m. the kids and I headed across the street to Scott & Felicia's. The kids played for hours! Felicia and I watched 4 movies! Elf, A Mighty Wind, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Goonies ... actually we left before Goonies was over ... I realized it was 10:30! Oh my word! Time flew! We just sat and watched t.v. It was so relaxing! And we watched Skyler and Koel. They're hilarious! They just love each other. I HAVE to go to bed ... I'm about to fall over .... I just wanted to make note of my day! I enjoyed it.

Kadi and Koel both had to get shots today. That was really tough. Kadi and I decided we'd have Koel go first ... we thought that would be smarter to keep him from being scared. So, Koel had his turn, and it totally freaked Kadi out ... oh how she cried. I cried. We were quite a threesome. Poor nurses. Kadi received four shots. Koel had two. It was awful. Just awful.

So, we came home and made an icecream shake ... I figure she deserved it.

Awful. Just awful. I hate making decisions that I know cause my children pain ... even though I know it is for the best ... that doesn't make it any easier.

It's Kyle's Birthday. He doesn't like to make a big deal of it .... but I love birthdays ... so I'll share my excitement here. I think there is something fun about a birthday. It's YOUR day. Kyle would rather it just pass. He says he isn't a scrooge, but he's this way about most holidays. Why, I wonder? I don't get it? Why not find the fun in things? I wish he could loosen up on the scrooge thing and let himself enjoy stuff. He just doesn't/won't. Oh well ......

Thing is .... now I'm looking at the fact that if I want Christmas lights up on my house I have to do it myself. I did last year and my legs shook so much that they hurt for three days afterward. Ladders are scary. This year we don't have a ladder here at home. Ugh. So, maybe I'll just put my Christmas Tree smack in the window. I like festive! Really, what is wrong with just enjoying the fun of the season? Yes, I believe Christmas is commercialized. Yes, I realize that so many people don't really know the true meaning of Christmas. Does that mean I can't enjoy a few of the things that make my heart happy just about the whole season. I know full well what Christmas is all about! I'm not going to feel guilty. I'm even doing Christmas cards this year! I haven't done that in a while!

Time to get the kiddies ready for school ... I could spend all day blogging .... once I start writing I find that I really do have something to say!

Elf came in the mail today! I am so very excited!

Felicia and I had another great adventure this evening ... actually it wasn't great ... it was awful. Basically, we BUSTED her tire. Accident. Pure accident. She hit a concrete sewer thing beside the street ... it was right on the street and we were parking! Then she lost her keys ... we've decided maybe we shouldn't go places together!

The deer meat (venison) is most in the freezers now. It's all ready for my touch now. I've been searching out recipes. And honestly, I am getting excited about fixing it. I'm nervous. I remember eating it when I was a girl and it was NASTY! But, I've been researching how to get rid of the 'game' taste ... so we'll see.

My fingers are sore today ... I hand sewed Keenan's cub scout patches on his shirt. Am I supposed to machine sew them or hand sew them? I'm not sure. I don't know how that would work with a machine on that small sleeve.

Koel had two naps today ... he's wired. It's late. Argh. Maybe I could watch Elf. No ... I'll wait til tomorrow ... I really can't wait to watch it with Keenan! I know he'lll love it! The girls watched it tonight while I was gone. I'm kindof sad ... I really wanted to watch it with them ... but there'll be more times I know. It is destined to be a Christmas season classic!

Well ... off to bed ... atleast to try ... Koel can dance on my head and I think I could still fall asleep ... it's the idea that he might be up to no good that could keep me awake.

Kyle is in the garage right now ... with Marty and ... his deer. My kids are watching. I just can't. What is it with me and gore? What is it with me and stress? I was just at Lauren's playing Nancy Drew with her on the computer ... my face is completely pink from the 'intenseness' of a game made for 10 year old girls!!! Good grief! I just feel like someone is going to jump out at me at any moment .... like they did in one game I was playing of Nancy Drew ... bonked my right on the head they did ... now I'm shell-shocked! Knocked me clean out. Well, not me ... really ... me as Nancy. Though I don't know that I'm an effective Nancy. Lauren and I together do well ... and it's a game for 10 year olds and up!!! Lauren will probably be up pretty late trying to crack Connie's veneer! So far we broke into the teacher's lounge and visited the boiler room ... that was spooky! We almost blew up at the restaurant. That was intense. Actually we did blow up ... but we had saved the game previously ..... close call! Always save your game periodically as you're playing! I have learned that much!

Keenan and Tyler did a very funny thing today ... Kyle has some fake deer antlers ... Tyler held them up to his head and began running around ... Keenan crouched low and became the hunter ... he aimed and Kapow .... down went Tyler .... facetiously of course ... Keenan then went and stood over him with a foot on his chest ... I SO took a picture! They were laughing and laughing. Hilarious.

Right now it is WAY past bedtime ... I really much be going and get them all off to bed ... hey, maybe I can get them in bed and sneak back over to Lauren's ... now that's a thought!!!!!!

This past Saturday was Isaac Lankford's Birthday party. I did not tell my children about it before hand ... I hate for them to be disappointed if something falls through ... so when I told Kadi ...

"Kadi you need to get dressed, today is Isaac's Birthday party ..."

She said ... with much enthusiasm mind you ....

"Ikey? My Boyfriend? I'm going to hug him and kiss him ....."

Now imagine a five year old with a large smile on her face dashing to her room to make herself pretty .....

Too cute. I, of course, called Wendy immediately and we had quite a giggle.

The party was fun. They jumped on the trampoline and did whatever 5 year olds enjoy doing ... under adult supervision of course. Pizza and cake ... Mmmmm ....

The next morning in Sunday school class ... I overheard Isaac ask Kadi ... "Kadi, didn't you think my party was fun" ... to which Kadi replied "Yeah" completely nonchalantly. Could this be the same little girl. Oh, how she doth string the poor little boy along!

Outgoing (E) 68.42% Withdrawn (I) 31.58% Imaginative (N) 60.61% Realistic (S) 39.39% Emotional (F) 74.19% Intellectual (T) 25.81% Organized (J) 57.14% Improvised (P) 42.86% Your type is: ENFJ You are a Persuader, possible professions include - entertainer, recruiter, artist, newscaster, writer/journalist, recreation director, librarian, facilitator, politician, psychologist, housing director, career counselor, sales trainer, travel agent, program designer, corporate/team trainer, child welfare worker, social worker (elderly services), interpreter/translator, occupational therapist, executive

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It was raining after school ... well who am I kidding ... it rained all day. Back to the story ... I waited in the car for 3:25 to roll around. It did ... and the children came pouring out of the building. Kennedy came out fairly quickly. Then, I began my search of the crowd for Keenan's face. I found him. Boy was he smiling! As he approached me, I saw why ..... the boy had his good green pants tucked into his soccer shin-guards! Proud he was! I said "Keenan! What is that???" And oh how he laughed. He thought he was too funny! I'm becoming more and more convinced that my boy is a leader and doesn't give a flying fig what others think of him. He is an individual. Fine by me ... shin-guards and all!

I'm BACK!

Well ... time certainly does fly. It has been a crazy school year. So many funny things have passed and not been written down. I am sad about that ... but it is never too late to start again!

Today I moved the honking big desk out of Keenan's room and put it into the office. I took it apart to move it. Then gradually let it make its way down the stairs. Pretty scary. I took down my door/desk contraption. Now the closet doors are where they belong ... on the closet in here in the office. It really is quite nice now that it is all finished. I'm pooped though. I also had to clean up Keenan's room.

How does one lose a gameboy and all his games? That is the question of the last two weeks. Keenan has misplaced his gameboy and all his games. I have the case they all belong in, just not them! It really is quite perplexing. Ah well .... maybe tis a lesson in taking care of one's things.

What is it about Bologna? Sometimes I crave it, other times it nauseates me. No, I'm not pregnant ... it is just Bologna. Today I fixed it for lunch. Nasty stuff. But then tomorrow I may fix it and just love it. What is that?

Actually I've promised Kadi that we'll have PBJ. That is her favorite she says.

It's time to get the kiddies from school ... escuela.

Ta-ta for now!

Kadi is funny. Lauren is funny too. Last night to keep Kadi busy, Lauren gave her two chop-sticks and my little 'Pass the Pigs' pigs. She told her she would give her a penny for each pig she could pick up with the chopsticks using one hand. She was able to pick up two, so she got two pennies. Great! She was thrilled! So ... tonight she went over to play with Mackenzie at Charly's. She took her pennies with her. Later when Melissa brought her home, she was sad because she left her pennies there. Melissa gave her a quarter instead from her pocket. Kadi said no thank you, she wanted her pennies. Hilarious. We could not convince her a quarter is worth more. She told Melissa she still wanted her penny back. Melissa said she would look for it. Kadi said she thought the quarter was hot. Again, hilarious! Melissa just laughed. We did too ... Kyle and I.

Now the kids are in bed and Kyle is playing with his phone and I am playing on the laptop, and we're both watching the Olympics. I love it. Track and Field is intense. We just watched the USA women's relay team smoke all the other teams by two full seconds! Amazing! They looked like they were having so much fun!

So, I bought Kadi's birthday presents tonight. A Leapster and a Kindergarten game/educational cartridge that is Disney Princesses. I know she'll love it. I just realized while I was shopping that I have to get her cake made TOMORROW! Yikes. Her birthday is Saturday! I was able to shop tonight with just Kennedy. I love when I am able to have time with my kids one on one. It is very special to me and to them!

I peeked in on the girls a few minutes ago, and Kennedy is reading to Kadi. So sweet.

Keenan is doing a SpongeBob madlib. He LOVES Spongebob! My oh my.

Koelly has a fever of 101. I'm not sure why. He fell asleep first out of four tonight ... which he never does. I rocked him to sleep. Poor guy. Hopefully it will have been a small bug or fighting a cold off and tomorrow he will be fine.

Okay, I'm on to play either some spades or video poker on the computer .... G'Night.

Today is my sweet Momma's birthday. Happy Birthday Momma! I love you!

Dinner at Scott & Felicia's was so much fun last night. Felicia trying to start the gas grill was a riot in itself. There was much giggling with the two of us trying to figure it out without any male help. She was lighting papertowels and throwing them in! Nuts! It was so funny! Not a good idea, but funny!

And dinner was fabulous. We had marinated chicken, BBQ pork steaks, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, garlic bread, and salad. Yum! Then, onto the dessert that I made .... I had asked Felicia what her favorite ice cream was ... Rainbow Sherbet ... so we had a Rainbow Sherbet melted ice cream cake. It was amazingly good. I think it is my favorite so far on the melted ice cream cake front!

Kyle and Scott went to prayer meeting at Scott's church. They had a great time and I was thrilled Kyle could go. He is so excited about this relationship with Scott. We all are really. It was nice to sit around after they got back and discuss our Christian walks.

Oops ... electrician is here to bid kitchen work ... have to run!

Side note ... we've had 3 contractors come by and give the kitchen a look-see. I've received a bid from one already. I think it will be right at $5,000 for the job in the kitchen. We'll see what the others can offer. Kyle and I will be doing most of the tearout ourselves. That's cool. I can handle that and he definitely can. It is sooo exciting!

I'm bothered today. Gossip. It's a huge issue. I missed the sermon on Sunday at church, but it was on my heart regardless. We all hurt each other so much. I'll be the first to admit I gossip about my husband ... ie say things that would be hurtful to him. It is wrong, and I need to stop. It isn't a 'oh my what shall I do' issue. I just need to stop.

I had a lot of apologizing to do to Keenan and Kennedy today after school. They cried, both of them, most of the way to school today ... walking is too hard you see. A half a mile is what we walk. Each had 3 thin books and a folder in their backpacks. Well, those hurt their backs. Keenan walks with his shoulders all hunched over and drags his feet like he just .... can't .... go .... on ........... And Kennedy, she cried LOUD most of the way there this morning! By the time we were 3/4 of the way, I was about to lose my mind! I, then, started yelling ... which was wrong. But I was so upset. No excuse. I know that now. So, I sent my children into school in tears and sadness. I wouldn't walk them in. I told Kennedy that she had chosen not to obey me all the way to school. I was asking her to be quiet and realize she walks with her back pack HOME from school lots of times and is fine. And because she chose not to obey, I chose to stay outside when we got to school. That is yucky of me. I know it. I apologized. I wish they would be tougher, but maybe they're jsut not. I don't want to bully them either. It is tempting, but will that get me anywhere in helping them? No, tenderness and understanding will though. Man, parenting can be tough.

Kadi fell down this evening outside. She is all bruised up on her face ... her nose and the surrounding area are swollen and you can tell it's going to bruise pretty good. She was pulling the double stroller and got tangled up in it somehow ... pulling it, not pushing it. Boom, right in the kisser, so to speak. I feel so bad for her. She cried and cried, and bled and bled.

We also went to St. Louis Mills tonight with Lauren and the kids. We played at Nascar. Keenan shared his birthday tokens with everyone. I was very proud of him and everyone had a blast ... even Koel ... he got to ride the kiddie roller coaster ride/game thing. That was funny! AND with the tickets they all won, they all ate a bunch of candy! Woo-hoo!

Koel is hitting his terrible twos. He is really getting quite an angry little attititude when told no. He really tries to tell us off in his psuedo language of his. Sometimes it is cute, then I remind myself that it isn't. It is hard, but we're having to start really telling him no. AND getting him in trouble. That's no fun. He's just not a baby anymore.

Oh, update on Koel's list of words ... he said Cookie last night. So now we have ... Dada, Mom, Bubba, Didy (sissy), uh-oh, ball, butter, dirdy (thirsty), eat, kiss, hug, book, no, pee (please), deek (drink), .... maybe there are more ... hmmm .... nope, I'm blank right now. I know there are atleast two more. Point being, he is beginning to talk. Yeah!!! Of course, each and everyone can't be forced out ... he speaks when HE wants to. Little booger. He things he's real funny too!

Ah, bedtime ....

Okay, I'm really sitting here pining for the door bell to ring. I'm waiting for a contractor to come by and look at the kitchen and bathroom. He said he would try to get by today. PLEASE!!!! I'm waiting on another one to call me back. I hope they do soon. I think if they don't by 4:30, I'll call a different name on the list. We're so excited about the remodel! This is like a dream ... only there are limitations of budget ... but that is still okay! $5,000 is still $5000 I don't have myself to spend on it! Go St. Louis County!!! Keep up the value of my home!!!!

Kadi helped me clean the bathroom today. She was so happy to do it too. She said she just loves to help me clean. I took advantage and it is sparkling right now! I can't wait until it sparkles and LOOKS and IS new!!

Kadi is also doing very well with her lessons. I've known all along that once SHE wanted to learn, it would be no stopping her. I'm still having her do it slow, but she is smart as a tack. I just love this! Today we did letter C. She thought that it was funny that C looks the same whether it is big or little. I'm teaching her the sounds of course too. She really had fun with B yesterday. AND we are learning to draw our numbers. We did number 4 today. She does it beautifully! And she is writing letters and numbers on every piece of paper she sees! Hilarous! She'll ask me what it says and I try to sound it out! She laughs. She tried to write "Aunt Amy" today .... imimi.... I laughed when she told me what it was .... I said that was very close! But here's the funny part .... I haven't taught her what sound an M makes or an I. She is a listener. I'm very proud of her. We are also going through a little book about the Proverbs and I'm having her draw a picture about something from the Proverb. I think that is good. And when all is said and done, we're drawing our letter and number of the day on a piece of paper for Bubba, Sissy and Daddy to see when they get home! She's loving it! Yeah!!!!

Alright, I'm going to clean the basement now ..... invoices are done, lunch is done, Koel is sleeping, and Kadi is busy ..... Once she finds out I'm cleaning, I'll have a helper I'm sure!

It was also Kadi's first day of Kindergarten. We had a great time! Isn't she cute? She can write 1,2,3 and Aa and Bb. She also knows what A and B say. I'm proud of her. I knew she would fly through these first workbooks. Once she decides to do something, she does it! 

It is the first day of school ... actually it was yesterday ... but here they are on the first day READY to go! 

I'm watching the Olympics. I have been for two days. I find it completely fascinating. The swimming and gymnastics. Kennedy is really getting a kick out of watching the gymnastics.

We've decided to take gymnastics ... Keenan, Kennedy and Kadi. Monday nights. That will be great. At 6:30 will be Kadi's class ... while she is in class, I will work out and have K & K read books ... i.e. homework. Then at 7:15, K & K will have class and then Kadi and I can do stuff like play in the raquetball court. At 8:00 we'll go home .... a great evening for us all. Then there's Koel to figure out what to do with. Kyle is not reliable to be home in the evening on a regular basis ... not his fault, it's the nature of the business .... we'll say that.

I'm irritable right now. Why is it that I can get along with most everyone in my life except the one who is supposed to be the closest to me? I guess that really is normal. However, that doesn't make it better. He criticizes me constantly and then doesn't understand why I am defensive. He just asked me if I don't take constructive criticism well .... nope, from him I don't. Is that a fault? I don't know. It just hurts my heart. There are so many things that I see him do or not do, that I don't think he has a right or my respect enough to say the things he does. Wow ... I am cranky.

I just want to cry.

Koel pulled a doozy spill today. At lunch I made a pitcher of Strawberry koolaid. In the afternoon, Kennedy decided to get a drink and then left the koolaid on the table. Koel tried to drink out of it and then proceeded to spill the ENTIRE 3/4 pitcher on the table, benches and the floor. Ay-yi-yi. Of course Kyle said my reaction was too sharp, they're just kids ... this from the man who can't handle more than two of them by himself at a time. He has a short fuse at times and yet feels he can tell me how to be around the children ... ha! So, instead of having him help me clean it up, like I had asked him to, I sent him out of the room .... I would rather clean it all up by myself than have his criticism when it is NOT warranted from him.

I think I'll just go to bed without a word. Read my Bible and go to sleep.

Tomorrow is the first day of school. Kennedy is beyond excited. Keenan is going along with the flowl. Kadi is excited because we are starting Kindergarten tomorrow here at home. And no, I am not taking on too much. This is something I NEED to do for her and WANT to do with her. She finally is ready to learn and she is excited! Having me as her Sunday School teacher seems to have really bridged a gap for us. She is eager and I'm thrilled! So, tomorrow is a big day.

In the past two minutes while I've been writing, mind you it is 10:20, Kyle has asked me for two business related 'favors'. It's 10:20! Like I will remember. Ah well ......

Wow, again I am pointing out how cranky I feel. I want to scream. I want to cry. I want to go somewhere else for a while. But where. There is no where. I am here. I must learn to be content in all circumstances.

I'll remind myself of a point I made yesterday to my spouse. He says I complain and that I should plaster "Do everything without complaining" on a wall somewhere in the house. I reminded him that the verse goes on to say "and arguing". "Oh, yeah", he says. Therefore it would apply to both of us. HE is the biggest arguer. Me, not so much. Me ... my defense is a measure of complaining I guess. I'm just tired. Course, I don't eat right. I don't take care of myself very well. Maybe it is depression. Maybe it is a lack of time/schedule. But I can't be scheduled .... I have soooo many distractions .... 5 of them ... not 6 when you count the business. Kyle says I constantly make excuses. I don't. I mearly explain to him why things are the way they are. Keenan's sleeping bag was in the floor just because. I don't know why. And he didn't brush his teeth this morning because I was focused on getting them all dressed and out the door for church on time ... by myself, while HE laid in bed and then showed up late to church ... which is normal.

He says he is "event" oriented and that I am "time" oriented. He says that I'll make it on time because that is important to me, but that he'll make it to the event and that's what matters for him. I say he's wrong because he is looking more and more unreliable to people. I seriously don't think he cares and that isn't good either!

Okay, maybe I should stop.

I'm tired.

We're not fighting, just so that is clear .... I'm just airing my feelings/thoughts.

Good-night all.

Holy cow. It is August 13 and this is only my second blog. Yikes!

Last night we went to Meet Your Teacher night at school. Mrs. Cloud is nice. She is strict, but that is good. I think Keenan felt comfortable. Kaitlyn Thomas is in his class and that makes me happy. I like her soooo much! Kaitlyn just has a way, even at 8 years old, of making you feel special. She's just so sweet and helpful. She and Keenan get along really well.

Kennedy of course was thrilled to see Mrs. Resimius again! I'm sooo glad she'll have her again! It is just wonderful!

There's so much that has happened, I wish I would have written it all down this month. Ah well. Maybe later I can touch up.

Today, I GET to go get a safety inspection done on the durango and then go stand in line for to renew my plates on my durango ....with all 4 of my kids!!!!! AH -yi-yi!

Then, we are going to go up to the Valentine's and hang out for dinner. Ned and Keenan are going to spend the night ... Kadi doesn't know and I'm not telling her until it is time for her to sscream all the way home....which she will.

Up to eat breakfast right now .... so many choices await me .... what shall I have??? .....

Wow. I don't even know where to begin. Time has really flown by. We have been busy, but right now I can't tell you with what.

Keenan is now moved back upstairs. He was too afraid to sleep downstairs, so Kyle and I decided rather than all the tears and forcing him to sleep in his room, that he just wasn't ready yet and he's back in his old room. Having the office downstairs is rather nice I must admit. I have resisted putting it down here for a long time. I didn't think I'd like it ... but I do! Don't tell Kyle! Of course, this means I have a startling bright red, white, and blue office! And Keenan has a carmel colored bedroom, but I think I've made it work. I'm soooo not painting again any time soon.

Koel can say "hot" now. It's pretty funny ... with food mostly. All food is hot right now. Without burning him on purpose I'm trying to help him distinguish what really is hot and what is cold.

He also says "Star" ... it's more of a "dar". He loves to point at the glow in the dark stickers we have on various ceilings throughout the house. He squeals with glee when we turn off the lights and watch them glow! He's a hoot!

Kennedy can't wait for school to start. Monday she was extremely disappointed because it wasn't time for school yet. One more week. Their first summer vacation from public school is almost over! I can't believe it!

I'm going to homeschool Kadi through kindergarden this year. I've decided. I say this and I'm not even sure how to spell Kindergarden ... is it Kindergarten? Neither looks right to me right now. If they put her in kindergard(t)en next year and she's bored, it'll be on them. I"m going to fuss that she has been homeschooled and is ready! She really is now, so I'll do it myself. She asks all the time when she can do her lessons ... I'm so excited!

I'm going to do better at keeping up with the blog ... once school starts, I'll be more on schedule ... that will be fabulous! I love a schedule! I survive better that way.

Do you ever have one of those days where you get up and just need to be dressy?  Today I am so Donna Reed.  Skirt.  Blouse.  Nice Shoes.  Hair Fixed.  Makeup On.  Ready.  For What?  Walmart!  Excitement abounds I'm sure!  AND to go buy a trash can for the basement bathroom!

Here is an exciting newsflash from the Wilkinson Toad World.  KeeWee has come out of hiding!  We've hardly seen him since we added Uh-Oh and Sarah.   I'm thinking he was having sharing issues and figured hiding might make Uh-Oh and Sarah go away ... I don't know.  Could be.   But he is visible once again!  I'm happy ... now we don't have to look for him under all that nasty frog grass!    Yeah!

Sidenote about the world of Kyle and Dacia  ... things are better today.  We talked a long time last night after I got home from seeing Karen.  Kyle is very open to hearing what her opinions and thoughts are.  I'm very glad.  

I'm running on  a little over 5 hours of sleep today, as is Kyle.  Lord protect him as he is driving all over creation today getting supplies/materials ready for this big landscaping job!   No more accidents.  Please.  

Melissa just caught a cricket, hopped into the water with it ... presumably to drown it a bit ... and Sarah stole it from her!   Cheap.

Walmart ... here we come!

We became a family with four fire bellied toads today.   Sarah and Uh-Oh joined KeeWee and Melissa today.   Funny, but we really can tell each one apart.   I love watching these toads.  They're hilarious!  Uh-Oh climbed the entire wall of the 10 gallon tank.  It is atleast 14 inches tall!   If you can't guess ... Uh-Oh is Koel's Toad.   That's what he says most of them time.  He looks at the toads and says Uh-Oh.  So, Uh-Oh is his toad's name.   Sarah is Kadi's.  She is a booger.   I placed our little water dish in the tank beside the little pond that is in there.   I have filled it up with water twice today.  She gets in it and splashes all the water out!  Then she just sits in it dry.  I don't understand.    I'm not sure KeeWee likes having new companions.  He loved it when we added Melissa ... but today he is just hiding under the log.  He hasn't 'hugged' Melissa today.  I haven't heard him chirping either.   He did come out of hiding though to eat.  I put some large crickets in the tank and I think KeeWee got three of them.  I don't believe Uh-Oh got one at all.  Melissa and Sarah both atleast had one.

I made Kyle mad today when he came home from the cabin.  I'm not even sure how it all got so blown out of proportion.   I'm just sad.  And now he is doing what he does best ... sleeping.  He fell asleep at like 6:00 and is still sleeping.   The poor children have tried and tried to play with him and ask him questions ... argh!  I know we're just wired differently ... but really who frickin cares if you're tired.  The babies need their parents awake during day hours!  Keenan really wanted Kyle's help with a playstation game and he tried several times to ask Kyle for help.   He was so sad that Daddy wouldn't wake up for him.    I tried a couple of times too.   But I really don't like to be the one to wake up the sleeping lion.  Are all men like that?   So selfish about what they need?  It's like the kids and I aren't even a thought sometimes.   I know when I'm tired, I still have to be there for my kids until they're all asleep.  Why doesn't that apply to Kyle as well?   AND I told him when he got home that he had a couple of phone calls to make.  Two customers called today and wanted him to call them back.  TWO!   Did he do it?  Nope.   Said he would tomorrow.  Why can't he listen to me?   Why won't he listen to me?  I may not know everything about running a business but I do know that when a customer wants to hear from you, you call them ... like having their business is your priority!  It shows responsibility and care.   Argh!

I really wish Karen made house calls sometimes.  Moments like the argument/disagreement earlier I could really use coaching through!    Kyle says I'm stubborn.   I don't see myself as stubborn.  I'm simply expressing an opposing viewpoint, but it is stubborness because it doesn't jive with what he sees as truth.  Are we doomed to these disagreements?  I pray not!

It is time to sleep.  I'm gonna curl up with Koel.  I guess the 'honeymoon' of Kyle being home from Mexico is over.   A full day and evening away spent with Marty and we're back to 'normal'...Kyle on the couch and me with the baby in my room.  Ah well ...........

Sorry this is a bit of a blah blog.   But ... it is.

Okay, so I've had a rough day thus far ... it is now 1:00 p.m.

There was an error in the check book that took me three hours to fix.  Keenan acts like he's 3.  The Girls whine.   Koel broke a light bulb.  The four children trashed my livingroom/kitchen while I was working on the checkbook problem.  I totally lost my cool.  I do believe the words "Shut up" came out of my lips very loudly more than once.  I feel just horrible.  I went down to apologize to Keenan, who has been put away for what may turn out to be the rest of the day.  When I got down there to talk to him about it all ... the 3 year old-ness, he started crying again.  Sheesh.  He really can be so emotionally unstable!  It really concerns me and it frustrates me.  So, I left him down there with a mandate to clean his room or no lunch.  He told me he wasn't hungry.  I said clean it anyway.  If I end up cleaning it, I'll take it all away-even the gameboy.  More  tears.  Argh!!!!   The girls are calm now.  They've cleaned their mess and had lunch.  Koel is sleeping. I wish I was.  Kyle woke me up at 1:30 when he came to bed, not on purpose, I'm just a light sleeper.  Then Kadi woke me up at 2:30 scared.   Then Koel woke us up at 4:30 and got in bed with us ... all knees and feet.  I think it was a good 45 minutes before he calmed down.  I'm so tired.

Okay so enough complaining.   "The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth!"  Psalm 145:18.   Lord, I need your strength today.  I need your ability to forgive.  Help me not to wound the spirits of my children!  It is so easy Lord, please protect them.   Strengthen me to be the mother you desire for me to be!  Full of love, compassion and wisdom from You!

 

 

Okay, so why is it that Jenny and I seem to be the only people on my blog list that are still blogging?  I'm like addicted to knowing what is happening in your lives people!   I'm hanging here!

Kyle and I just watched Mystic River.  Man.  That movie is sad.  Not boo-hoo sad, just ouch sad.  I have a lot of questions ... well maybe more like two.  Does anyone think Sean is going to go after Jimmy?  What about Celeste?  Is she just going to go nuts?  Kyle and I were trying to figure the movie out the whole way through.   I figured about 2/3 of the way through who didn't do it ... you know who everyone thinks did it.  I knew he didn't.  The way it turned out though.  Sad.  Just sad.  And Laura Linney's character ... is she jsut whacked in that last scene with Sean Penn or what???

I have put Koel back in bed atleast 6 times now.  Argh.  That boy.

It is nice to have Kyle home....  Alas,  Keenan decided to sleep on the couch upstairs.  Apparently his room ... that he so desperately wanted ... scares him.   So, Kyle went downstairs to watch TV.  Will I see him again this evening?  That is the one million dollar question.   Keenan!   And here's another question ... do I make Keenan sleep in his room ... or is it really not that big of a deal ... and if I make it not such a big deal, maybe it won't be to him and he'll go back down in a night or two.  Hmm.....

I love our toads.  They are really soooo much fun!  KeeWee and Melissa.  I find myself watching them all the time.  There's something about it ... kindof like watching fish swim in an aquarium.  Only I have toads in our aquarium.  Yep, I bought them a larger cage.  They needed more space.  And now we have to get another one ... Kadi needs one to call her own.  I'm hoping we can pick one out that will look different from KeeWee and Melissa.  Melissa is larger and brighter than KeeWee.  Her legs are very long too.  They're easy to distinguish from one another.  Kadi wants to name hers Sarah.   Sarah the Toad.  Hmm....  Atleast it won't be Sally or BoySally.    Right Chris?

Tomorrow is Friday.  Big day for Kyle.  He's got lots to do.  Me though ... what shall we do?  I'm just not sure.  The kids are doing too many sit down things.  Today I had them do a craft ... we made paper boats.  We colored them with crayons to waterproof them, then set them adrift in the kitchen sink.  That was fun.   And the girls swam at Lauren's.   It is just soooo hot outside.  Making them go out seems mean.

Okay ... tis time for this mommy to go to bed.  I'm so sleepy.  G'night all.

 

Swimming at Jenny's was fabulous yesterday!  Keenan is getting so brave in the water.   With his life jacket on ... he went way out in the deep end.   He was so happy!   And Kennedy ... she's becoming more of a fish ... she is still fearful, but it is beginning to subside.  Kadi, the daredevil, likes to pretend that she is afraid like her sister ... but I know she isn't.  She paddles around in her ring.  Jenny and she had a little one on one lesson ... it won't take Kadi long to swim once she decides she is going to do it.   And Mr. Koel Thomas ... he had a blast in the pool.  He does not like cold water I've decided.  When his body was used to it, he had a great time!  He laughed and laughed.  His favorite thing is splashing of course.  Thank you to Jenny for having us over!!!   And mmmm ... we make good spahgetti!  Yummy!

After swimming, we came home and washed the Durango.  First we cleaned it all out.  Then, we got a bucket of soap and some rags and all got wet again!  Funny ... except somehow Kadi broke the nozzle on the hose.   I can't even ask how ... she doesn't know.   After the Durango was cleaned, the kids headed right over to Daddy's Ford F250 .... "Let's wash Daddy's truck!"   Oh Yuck thinks me ... but we did.  Keenan and Kennedy got up on top and washed, Kadi and I tackled the lower parts.  I can't say it looks good, but it looks better.  We had fun!

It was time then to get ready for my Karen appointment .. and more importantly picking Daddy up from the airport at 8:29!   We were all very excited!   {Side note:  I realized how excited I was when we were at Jenny's ... and my phone rang ... it was Kyle.  I asked him if 8:30 was right for picking him up ... He said then ... "I'm home already!"  My heart skipped a beat!   "You're what?" asks me ... then he says Just kidding.   He was still in El Paso.   Terd.  But I realized how excited I was .....}  So, we got some McDonalds and headed off for Crossroads, where Karen meets on Tuesdays now.

Our meeting was good.  Koel sat in with us the whole time.  He's so cute.  I like that she has met all of our children.   I told her we were going to pick up Kyle after talking to her.   We had a good talk.  It was nice, encouraging and informative.    I really appreciate how she can put t hings into perspective and help me to feel capable.    At 8:00, we were chatting with the kids and my phone rang ... I didn't figure it would be Kyle.    The caller I.D. said it was from Home.   "Hello?"  It was Kyle!!!!  He had gotten an earlier flight ... so we left Crossroads ASAP .... and headed home.

It was so fun to watch the kids greet their Daddy!  They were all so excited and each had 50 things to tell him.  I think his head was spinning a bit.   We had to turn around and head back to the airport, because he had caught an earlier flight, but not his baggage.   Being in the car was fun, I had him to myself up front.  We held hands much of the drive and chattered ... well I did.  He was staring at me a couple of times.  It made me feel all warm and fuzzy.  I'd get a grin from him when I turned to look at him too.  I love that!

At home again, it was the same ... children clamouring all over their father.  He had had two barrettes made in Mexico for the girls.  Each has their name on it.  Koel got a T-shirt.  Keenan got a HAMMOCK!  Their going to hang it in his room Kyle says.   And I got a bottle of pure Mexican Vanilla!  Fabulous!

Okay now ... the most fun part of this entire evening with the children and Kyle ... from the moment Koel saw his Daddy to the moment he fell asleep ... he did not stop laughing!  He laughed and laughed.  He said Da-Da repeatedly.   He clung to his Daddy and laughed and laughed.  It was awesome!   I know Kyle had all kinds of warm fuzzies from that!  Seriously, for  1 1/2 hours Koel laughed.  He was so happy to have his Da-Da!  It was truly awesome!  What a welcome home for Kyle.

AND ... I didn't have to sleep alone ... we'll just leave it at that!  (this is where a smiley face goes).

It is our last day of being without our Daddy.
 
Koel and I were just sitting here at the computer.  I told him Daddy was coming home today.  He said Da-Da ... so I thought it would be fun to open up the pictures on the computer and show him his daddy. 
 
He saw Kyle's face and said "Da-Da" and just smiled so huge.   Ahhh .... I continued to show him pictures of Kyle ... he just loved it.  He giggled and pointed at Daddy, saying "Da-Da" as I changed pictures.  Too sweet.
 
I also showed him pictures of his siblings ... when I put Keenan's face on, I said "Bubba" and Koel said "Buh-Buh".  I"m so excited!  Keenan isn't going to believe it!  He'll be soooo happy that Koel can say Bubba!
 
It has been 17 days since Kyle left.  17 days.  That's over half of a month.  We've been so busy that honestly it has passed without too much notice of his absence ... except for the last 4 days.  We've been home alone the children and I.   His presence was notably missed.  I talked to Kyle last night and he was checking into a hotel in El Paso so he could take a long swim and relax.  He's so funny.  I know he'd prefer a hot tub, but those hotels are much much more.   So anyway ... 17 days.  Long time.  So much has happened since he left.  I'm just going to show him pictures and let the kids tell him everything.   Maybe he could read the Blog too.  It's just soooo much!  We've lived a whole month it seems since he's been gone!
 
Here is something very exciting!!   My brother is taking a position at the Fellowship Bible Church in Topeka, Kansas!   I'm going to be his closest relative, besides our cousin Frank!!!  I so excited!   4 hours down highway 70 is all that will separate us!  Road trip!!!!  Amy loved it and so did David.  What most impressed me when I was talking to Mom and David both was that Amy was interviewed too.  This church understands the importance of the wife in the minister's role.   I'm soooo pleased to know that.  Too many churches don't take the wife into consideration in the interview process and problems ensue!  I have known many who have not been a part of their husband's ministry at all ... and their marriages as well as working relationships at the church, fail.  Sad.  So ... Yeah! to the Fellowship Bible Church!  I can't wait to go visit ... I n oticed on their website that they sing the same songs we do ... and with a mix of hymns!  That is thrilling too.  Trivial?  Nope.
 
I'm writing this with Koel in my lap.  Rather difficult, but possible.
 
I have to echo what Jenny said about Brandi's shower.  It was fabulous!  So much fun.  I agree that I don't think any one person was bored at all!   Good job Jennifer!   You totally made Brandi feel so special and accomplished a huge party in her honor that was excellent!  You're a great friend ... I love your relationship with Brandi!  It is so endearing.   What a blessing are life long friends!
 
Tyler came over yesterday ... he was asking me about my Bible!  And he was telling me what he had been reading in his.  He says he is reading in 2 Kings ... I said ... "Isn't the Bible bloody?  Some of those kings you couldn't make movies about!"  He grinned and said "Yeah!"   People that say the Bible is boring have never read the Kings!   I'm just so beyond happy that Scott and Tyler are learning about Christ ... more each day!  It is so beautiful.  Kyle is thrilled too!   We are continuing to pray for growth in their relationships with Jesus and our relationships with them!   And for Felicia.  She's been hurt by the 'church'.     She  was baptized when she was young, but had some hurts as a teen.   God give me wisdom and understanding in our friendship.  Scott desperately wants to share you with her!   Give him patience and wisdom as he waits for the right timing.    Thank you that Felicia had opened up to me about the past, so I could give Scott that little bit of knowledge.  He was so grateful to know it!  Bless their relationship!   You never cease to amaze me Lord!  Never!  This is all just sooooo cool!
 
It's time to start the day ....................  We have color now!!!  Yippee!!

I need a drink after all my hard work ... says Koel ... What hard work you ask? Just scroll through the next few pictures ..... 

Here Koel is watering the flower bed ... too sweet. 

Koel does a good job of watering the flower bed ... 

Here Koel is watering Keenan ..... 

Here is me trying to get away from being watered by Koel ... 

Here is Koel watering me .... 

I just love this picture of Khiana! It is so sweet! I made a 5 x 7 for Kimbra! 

Water Park in the Back Yard Fun!  

It's a Grandma sleepover! My kids were thrilled! Thank you Mom! 

Okay, so there's so much to tell ....

Saturday, July 10th ... honestly I don't even remember how the day passed, but I know it was pleasant. Mom, Kimbra and I had a really nice time chatting and just being together. Koel and Khiana are great friends and we enjoyed watching them immensely! In the evening, Mom, Kennedy, Kadi and I went to Stacey's baby shower. On the way we stopped at Target to buy some items for a game for Chrissy's shower. That was FUN! I knew she would like that! So, then to Stacey's shower ... it was nice. I didn't eat anything. I was full from ... OH THAT's what we did on Saturday ... we had lunch at Bandana's in St. Charles off of Jungerman and then we went to Walmart ... it was fun! So, at Stacey's shower I was soooo full. Bandana's was fabulous! Kimbra had never been before. She was much impressed! We all ate very well for very little. Great food. Great price. Anyhoo ... Stacey's shower. My mocha cake was a hit. I'm so glad. I made the melted ice cream cake with a devil's food cake, belgium chocolate icecream and some coffee and eggs. It was pretty much devoured. Stacey received some very nice gifts. It was nice. I wish they would name that baby Julian! Should I tell her that? It is so much nicer than Decklin and it has meaning behind it!!!! I don't understand! Ah well ... not my baby.

Sunday, July 11th ... Being in Church today was awesome. It was about trusting God. Worshipping together was a beautiful experience. We were so reminded of how our faith is to be ... pure and total. When we worry and doubt we are telling God that he can not handle our fears and problems. It is not that we are worried about a circumstance, we are worried that God can't handle it. My, that's not okay. Will led us in "Holimess" ... a different look at the song "Holiness" ... the verses we sang were all about our wants and needs ... yet with the chorus ... HOliness is what I long for .... the point was well put across. How we WAnt things. My, how I do. Yet, HOLINESS is to be what drives us. Not things. Not this world. Not our worries. Christ and His Holiness that he offers to us! That is what we are to strive for! we were all so moved by the worship that Jamie decided to forgo the sermon and we spent time in small groups sharing and praying together. It was so refreshing! I was very grateful!

After church, it was time to get Mom, Kimbra and the kids home so I could run out the door to Chris' shower. I decided to take Kennedy and Kadi with me. I'm glad I did. It was so much fun. I just enjoy so many of the people who were there! Chris, Lauren, Jenny, Laura, Brandi, Abbey, Lisa, Allison, Cindy, some of Chris' friends who I now recognize, ... it was a nice time. AND I must say Chris and Jackson did very nicely! Allison was fun. She was all in a tizzy making sure everything was okay ... so much so that she forgot to turn on the oven to cook the Spinach Artichoke dip! I giggled. What was even funnier .... when you throw a surprise party and tell the guests to arrive at 1:00 ... do you show up with the guest of honor at 1:00 also???? NO ... that was funny when at 12:55 Chrissy arrived! People were still parking all the way down the street and walking to the house! AND what makes it funnier even still is something that I won't write down because I don't know who'll read this ... but Chris, I know your secret! He,he. Kennedy played with Beverly. That was sweet to watch. She is such a beautiful baby. Kadi and Kennedy both tried to help in the gift opening ... I think they were helpful. I know they were after the party ... they helped Jenny and Cindy load all of the gifts up in Cindy's van to drive it to Chris and Eric's house! Busy little bees! I was quite pleased with them. After the shower, we walked to Chris and Eric's house and got to see Jackson's room. Too cute. Light and airy ... cheerful. Perfect. I wanted to sit and read in there ... very peaceful!

At home later, we relaxed ... well, I did ... Mom and Kimbra were already relaxing.

Monday, July 12th .... We went thrift store shopping! IT was so much fun to take my mom shopping there ... I already knew that Kimbra liked it ... but I think Mom caught the bug ... she found three pairs of pants, a shirt, a vest and a Pierre Cardin bag to carry it all home in ... ALL for $5!!!!! Fabulous! I was so proud! Kimbra loaded up too for Khiana and the baby. We had so much fun!

In the evening we took a journey. Lauren, Kelsey, Justin, Jenny, Mom, Kimbra, Khiana, Keenan, Kennedy, Kadi, Koel and I all loaded up (in two cars) and headed over to Pete's place ... her little casa. Her abode. We all oooed and ahhhed. Of course I had seen it already! It was quite pleasant. And while there, Jennifer found a book about economic levels and decided to quiz me on what level I belong on. I could survive reasonably well at poverty level. Just fine in middle class and not at all in upper class. Funny. When listening to the questions that would relate you to upper class, I found I'm really not interested at all in that kind of existence. Truly.

After oooing and ahhhing, we all loaded up ... Jami Petey too, and went off to get Snow Cones. That was a good time also. Poor Justin spilled his, but they gave him a new one. All the kids had Bubble Gum flavored snow cones.

(Kadi just came in and told me ..."Mommy, sissy broke my feelings.")

Tuesday, July 13th .... was nap day. Mom, Kimbra and I all took naps. It was also the day of 'waterpark' in the backyard for the kids. That was cute. Khiana and Koel especially had a great time! I took pictures ... I'll make sure and include one on my blog! I cooked steak for dinner and we had green beans, mashed potatoes and garlic bread also. We invited Kent over for dinner ... and I had a Karen appointment. Good day.

Wednesday, July 14th ... Woody and Rose came from Chicago to get Kimbra and Khiana. We shared some frozen pizza and a bit of playtime for Grandpa Woody and the grandkids. It was hard to say goodbye to Khiana. She is such a doll. And I must say I truly appreciated the visit with Kimbra. It was so refreshing to see her so relaxed and peaceful. .... After they left, Grandma Margie played Clue with Keenan, Kennedy and Kadi while Koel slept. Then I joined in for a game of 1313 Dead End Drive ... that game went rather slowly let me just say .... Then, when Koel woke up we went to Lauren's house so she could have a crochet lesson from Mom. I giggled a lot. She did very well though. And while we crocheted, the children swam .. all but Koel and Justin ... Koel played and Justin slept. We had McDonalds for dinner ... because ... Keenan, Kennedy, and Kadi cleaned the living room and kitchen without asking earlier in the day! So fabulous! Then, after dinner, Jenny came over and all of us loaded up in two cars again and went to Cosco out in St. Peters. It was interesting. I must say I like Sam's better. Mom says Cosco was nice because it didn't smell like tires the way Sam's does. That made me giggle. After we arrived home, Momma and I talked until midnight. I enjoyed that. I hated to go to bed, but I was soooo tired.

Thursday ... July 15th. I went to sleep before 12:15 this morning, but I was awake at 4:54 and have been up ever since. I tried to go back to sleep ... but I could not. So at 5:45 I was up and working in the office. I accomplished a couple of things this morning that needed desperately to be done, so that is good. But I so tired! Here's a kicker ... my girls were up between 6 and 6:20, both of them ... they have Mom radar I think ... if I'm awake, they are too. I made them both go back to sleep, which they did.

I think the funniest thing happened this morning ... EVER ....I will include pictures of it in a moment ... Koel got a hold of my water hose while I was talking to Scott our neighbor this morning .... he was watering our flowers! Hilarious!!!! Of course, he also tried to water Keenan and me ... he was soooo pleased with himself! I just had to get pictures! It was great!

So, here I sit ... at 9:50 a.m. Ready for a nap, but not able to take one ... just yet.
Koel is wired and causing messes ... Grandma is getting a bit flustered, so I must go and help out with my own offspring ... he,he

July the 9th....honestly, the day passed as a blur. Kimbra, the kids and I passed the day here at home.

OH, my battery died in the durango. That was the drama for that day. Donnie, one of Kyle's friends, came over and fixed it for me ... he even had a new battery of his own that he put in for me! Free! Fantastic! I over and over said Thank you!

At 8:35 P.M., the kiddies and I left to go get Grandma Margie from the airport! We were all very excited! The Southwest Terminal has been redone since I was there last. I ended up pulling down the bus only side. So, I saw Mom and didn't know what to do. I yelled out the window to her and she saw me ... so she walked to the end of the arrivals walkway and I drove down to get out of the buslane. I felt so foolish, but typical. We giggled about it quite a lot. We figured it was just the type of thing to happen to both oF US!

At home we stayed up late chatting. And my mommy slept in my room with me. It was nice. ... Except that Koel woke up at 3:20 a.m. and decided to stay awake for an hour ... ah well ....

Kennedy's birthday was July 8th ... I must begin there.

In the morning I always give my kids a special hug when I first see them. But on their birthdays they get a large hug and a birthday song! Kennedy just loves that. She smiles as wide as her face.
She and I moved promptly to the kitchen and I informed her she was going to make pancakes. Oh was she excited! I even let her measure the flour, sugar, crack the eggs, put in the baking soda and milk. She did it all! Well, I did the vegetable oil and vanilla. Anyhoo, we pulled the bench up to the stove and I did the pouring of batter into the pan and the first flip of the pancakes. She did the second flip and placed them on the plate when she was done. She said "Mommy, this is just like doing it with Papa Bev". I knew I had done it right when she said that! I'm so happy that she was so happy.
And BTW ... the pancakes were Fantabulous!!!!

(oh ... I just had an incredible moment ... I had to write this so I'll remember to write about it later ....)

After pancakes, her Grandma Rose and Grandpa Woody had to get on the road to so see our cousin Titus on his birthday too. Kennedy opened her gift from them before they left. It was "A Snoodle's Tale" ... the newest Veggie Tale. It is fantastic! I love how they get a point across for kids and Adults too. I recommend everyone watch the Snoodle's tale.

Kennedy's Daddy called. I took of picture of her happy face while she talked to him. She chattered away with Daddy for a few minutes. How nice.

We watched A Snoodle's Tale, then I let Kennedy open the rest of her gifts ... from me and my parents .... She opened Barbie land ... from Grandpa David and Grandma Margie, she received the Grandma and Grandpa Barbies. She loves them and thought it was very appropriate that they came from her own grandparents! She is so funny! Then, from me was the Noelly, My Scene, Barbie ... and some 'cafe' style living room furniture for her Barbie house. She was so happy! She, Keenan and Kadi started playing immediately.

She informed me soon thereafter that she wanted to go get her ears pierced TODAY. I tried to explain that on Saturday we were going with Chris, Abbey and Jenny, and that they would be really sad if they didn't get to go ... but she said ever so sweetly, 'but today is my birthday'. Aunt Kimbra suggested the two girls and I go and she'd keep the boys. So that is what we did.

Kennedy, Kadi and I went to the Galleria. The girls were in awe of that mall. It was fun! And fortunately where I parked ... I say fortunately .. I think God led me to my parking spot ... we parked directly in front of the entrance to the mall in the parking garage ... on the same level as where we needed to be .. I had NO idea! So, we walk in and there is "The Icing" store where she needed to get her ears pierced. We went right in. Kennedy picked the 'diamond' looking Cubic Zirconia because she said they look like my diamonds. We got the gold studs. She was very brave! She squeezed my hand pretty good and only started to tear up when she saw the second ear piercing gun coming toward her. After she breathed in and out for a minute, she was done with pain and happy. Yeah!! Kadi is not so sure now if she wants to get her ears pierced. Funny.

We stepped out into the beautiful Galleria hall again .... and there before us was Bath N Body Works. Kennedy, Kadi and I were all very excited! I've taken them there twice before at NorthWest Plaza. They know what that store is all about ... and they are all about that store! So, in we went. Kennedy picked out an anti-bacterial no water cleaning gel .. Sweet Pea fragrance. We were all pleased.

Again, we stepped out into the Galleria's beautiful self ... and there before us was a rail overlooking the floor below. And there almost directly under us was the Build A Bear workshop! That's where we needed to be next! I really was in shock that it was so close! And then I noticed that Fuzio, the restaurant, was there also in the open area below us. That's where my friend Samantha works. So ... it was time for us to go downstairs! ... down the escalator!

Now, for most folks, this is not a problem. However, for Kennedy ... it is. Last year when her Uncle Kent was in the hospital, there was an issue with Kennedy getting left on an elevator. So these things that move really cause her a problem.

I did not see any stairs. Oh my. So, it had to be the escalator. Kennedy looked down and decided she would try it. Kadi, upon that decision went ahead and hopped on it. Kennedy and I were still standing there. I took her hand and told her to step when I did. She did. And all was well. She almost enjoyed it. Kadi ... when I noticed her next had turned around to face me ... going down on an escalator mind you ... and it really gave the lady behind me a fright "She's facing the wrong way!" she said. So I corrected my unfearful child to turn around. When we arrived at the bottom ... we walked to Build a Bear. And we saw Samantha at Fuzio ... so we all softly yelled her name and we waved. That was sweet.

Build a Bear was exciting! Kennedy had a hard time deciding what animal to pick. There are so many choices, but she settled on a brown bunny. She got to pick its sound, help stuff it, give it a heart, say a pledge to love it, give it an air bath, pick out her clothes, dress her and give her a name ... Kuddles. It was a hoot! Kadi and Kennedy were both in awe of the place. The ladies in there are all so nice and helpful. When they found out it was Kennedy's birthday they stood her up on the counter and had her ring a big bell ... then the entire store sang "Happy Birthday" to her. It was sooooo cool. She was a bit embarrased, but what a memory she'll have! I took lots of pictures!

After getting Kuddles birth certificate and her 'condo' box, we headed out and decided upon Fuzio for a special lunch for us three girls. We asked to be seated in Samantha's section .... it was so much fun! Samantha was thrilled that we had come over and she gave the girls extra special service. They both had buttered noodles ... it comes with garlic bread, fresh fruit and oreo cookies! My, what a meal for these girlies! I had an italian club sandwich ... Mmmmmm ..... We chatted with Samantha quit a bit. It was after 1:30, so her lunch crowd was gone ... The fellow beside us heard that it was Kennedy's birthday and gave her $2. Now that really excited her! And instead of a special birthday dessert, Samantha gave them extra Oreo cookies! Now that caused even more excitement!

After lunch, we went walking around a bit ... the girls wanted to. We came to another escalator. Kadi really wanted to go down it to the food court on the lowest level. It looked very exciting to her. Kennedy began to get hesitant. The escalator in reality was no longer than the one we had previously gone down, but she thought it looked longer because of the floor even lower than it. It was all open air. So, again, Kadi hopped on the escalator. I didn't know what to do. Kennedy wouldn't get on. She froze. Kadi was going down, down, down. So I hopped on and coaxed Kennedy to follow me. She wouldn't. Now I was freaking out. I couldn't let Kadi get to the bottom without me, she would disappear for sure! So there I was going down and watching Kennedy getting further and further away. She was near tears. What to do. What to do. A lady at the bottom told me she'd keep an eye on Kadi while I went to get Kennedy. That didn't sit well with me. About that time, some teenage boys arrived at the top of the escalator. They quickly surmised the situation and tried to help me coax Kennedy down. She wouldn't come. They tried like I did and got on the escalator while gently tugging at her hands. Nope. Nada. So when they arrived down wit Kadi, the kind lady, and myself ... one asked me "Do you want me to go get her?" I said "Would you?" .;... thinking he would go around to the other escalator ... nope he RAN up that down escalator! Funny! Kennedy was still frozen and now crying. I yelled up at him to just pick her up. So he did and brought her down. She was shaking and I held her. I was so grateful to that boy. We said Thank you and they went off ... I'm sure feeling like they'd done their good deed for the day. We walked slowly around that level of the galleria for a bit. While doing this, we ran into Samantha ... she had gone off to get her own lunch after we had left Fuzio. So, we walked the rest of the way back to Fuzio together.

We had another obstacle here. We had to go UP the escalator to get to the level where we parked. Kennedy decided she would be brave. Kadi hopped on and then Kennedy and I stepped on together holding hands.

We conquered the Galleria and the Escalator and getting her ears pierced!
It was a really fun time for me and my girls!

At home, we passed the time waiting for six o clock to arrive. That was 'party' time. Lauren, Kelsey, Justin, and Jenny came over. We had a great time! There was frozen pizza, at Kennedy's request. There was laughter, cake and presents! Now the cake was something special. I've recently discovered a great way to make cake. The Melted Ice Cream cake. You make it with a cake mix of your choosing, 2 cups of melted ice cream of your choosing and three eggs. You can make it ANY flavor! So, Kennedy wanted a Spumoni cake. AND OH was it good!!! We served it with the rest of the Spumoni ice cream. Fabulous! Kennedy loved it and that is what was most important!

After all of the fiesta, we all decided to load up and go to Target Greatland. Funtimes. There was lots of playing that went on there. Especially with Jenny along. Jenny and the kiddies love to hide from me while we shop, so ... that's what happened. Kennedy had a wonderful time! Kimbra and I walked around sometimes with Jenny, sometimes with Lauren ... really it was who we happened to run into while we walked. It was humorous.

I know Kennedy will have fabulous memories of her 7th birthday. Thank you to everyone who helped it be such a wonderful day! Thank you Lord for the blessings of Kennedy's Birthday!

Here is the Birthday girl on the phone with her Daddy who is in Anapra Mexico. She was sooo happy to talk to him! 

Kennedy got the Grandma and Grandpa Barbies from her Grandpa David and Grandma Margie! She loves them! She thought it was perfect that they came from her grandparents! She's so funny. 

Kennedy's New Veggie Tale from Grandpa Woody and Grandma Rose. It is sooo good! 

On her birthday, Kennedy made pancakes for breakfast! They were very good! 

Here's a better one of Koel and his baboon friend. Too cute. Actually he's a Macaque. I'm not even sure how to say that. 

Koel and a baboon had a little chat. The baboon is fuzzy, but he's that black/gray mess on the right. Koel LOVED this encounter! 

See the Hippos ... we really enjoyed this part!! 

At the Zoo ... we are just starting here. All smiles and anticipation. 

We have more Home Artwork to share ... this time the artist is Koel. It is all over the bathroom door too. Tsk. Tsk. Tsk. 

Koelly just loves his big sister Kennedy. 

Here's Khiana looking at the t-Rex ... I wonder what she was thinking ....  

Kennedy and Kadi next to the T-Rex and Stegosaurus. I think this is disturbing ... kids love it though! The T-Rex moves all around and roars with the red 'blood' look on his neck and mouth. Next to him lies the Stegosaurus almost convulsing in pain. Disturbing.  

Here's Keenan and the "T-Rex Head" ... He says he can't believe it was brown ... and that it must stink. He's so funny. 

Kennedy reading the dinosaur exhibit information. The stegosaurus is dying. Isn't that nice. He's been attacked by the T-Rex ... see the next picture ...