Can tomorrow really be June 1st? It seems unreal.

Today has been crazy fun. Yesterday was too. Danielle Speck was baptized after church yesterday ... we all headed over to New Covenant church for that ... then to Lankfords for Pizza with Danielle, her choice of food. Then to Specks before the storm hit for icecream Sundaes! We all sat glued to the TV weather reports while we ate our ice cream and the children played downstairs. We were all fine, but just a few block away a what seems to have been a tornado took part of the roof off the Viacom building and a part of a roof off of an apartment building, and knocked a tree over onto a moving SUV killing the driver. I saw the Viacom building today. Wierd stuff. Debris everywhere! We've had storms like this just about every night for nearly a week. Crazy weather. But the evening for us as a church family was very fun. We enjoyed being together during the storm.

Today was Memorial Day ... I started it off right by going to the Annual Memorial Day sale at Unique Thrift Store with Wendy. We had a blast! This year we didn't get there early to stand in line ... I took my stroller in as my cart. Found Kyle some really nice shirts and jeans. It's what I went for! Yeah!

Then, it was BBQ at the Lankfords. We were there from 2 to 8:00. In the backyard. The kids jumped and jumped on the trampoline. We all played cards and ate. Kyle, Jamie L., and I taught Darla to play Spades. THAT WAS HILARIOUS! I"m so glad we weren't playing by sandbag rules! She and I would have been in SO much trouble! What fun though! Greg played for Jamie for a while. I must say I rather enjoy playing with someone who likes to go Nil as much as I do ... and likes to try to set the person going nil. That was great!!!!

We had the Crossroads Marathon of Fun this weekend ... and we're topping it off by being in ANOTHER severe weather alert. It should be over about right now. Was to be over at 9:00.

Poor Koel is tuckered out and is FILTHY ... ah ... tomorrow he can bathe ...

Goodnight to May 2004. Thanks for a great time May ... it's been real!

I think the boys are attempting to take a nap ... however ... it's not gonna work ... methinks. Aren't they funny? Keenan is laughing even now watching me type this caption! Funny. Very funny! Koel however isn't so much caring about his picture ... he's hiding in my closet! Funny. 

Scruffy Angel ... isn't she? What a mess. Kadi really likes her. 

Nika Steele ... lovely isn't she? Just perfect. 

Kyle and I had a fabulous talk yesterday evening. He stayed home to chat with me as opposed to heading out to play. He told me he wouldn't mind playing Scrabble with me ... that he didn't mind losing ... he wanted to make me happy he said. We didn't end up playing ... because we TALKED and TALKED. It was nice. I was sooo happy.

The kids had their routine sleep in the living room night too. They love to stay up late on Friday nights and either sleep in the living room or in the den. I have to say I understand the draw of it ... I remember loving to sleep in our living room growing up ... especially when there was a fire in the fire place!

We are babysitting Nika and Angel this weekend. We are very happy to have Nika here ... Angel I'm not sure of ... They're both dogs by the way. Nika is the most lovely dog. She truly is lovely. In manner and appearance. I just love her. Angel is a scruffy little mess who loves to run away. She's on her chain while Nika gets to do pretty much whatever the heck she wants! My kids have been outside playing with both dogs pretty much the whole day. Maybe a dog would be good for us .... I just don't want to clean up poop ... and it WOULD become my job! No matter what Kyle or Keenan says ... I would end up doing it. All the same ... they love the doggies ... especially Koel. He is thrilled. He follows them both around just petting and petting. Too cute.

I think my favorite country singer of all time is Reba. Hands down. 'Not to mention' she and I are from the same neck of the woods ... we've had our hair done at the same place too! "HAIR 1" in McAlester, OK ... on Carl Albert Parkway. She's just so fabulous. She sang a new song, "Somebody" I think was it's name, tonight on the CMA awards ... it was wonderful. I just love her.

AND, I have to say even before the end of American Idol tonight ... I changed my mind about who should win....I have been pulling for Diana all along, but tonight was Fantasia's. So was last night. Man. That girl can sing! I teared up watching her cry at the end. Good stuff.

Tomorrow is the Fill a Bag sale at the Thrift Store. I'm taking Lindsay McKenna with me ... I'm excited to take her shopping. I know she'll enjoy it ... I just hope Kadi can be good! I'll go into it with a positive outlook! She'll be great and she'll enjoy herself too! There's some positive thinking!

Have I mentioned that I'm slowly making the changes of rooms around here? All of my clothes are in the girl's room, and all of their clothes are in here. Most of my office books and files are already in Keenan's room. I'm so excited at the upcoming changes! Keenan is very excited to move downstairs. I know he'll be fine ... Kyle will fall asleep down there most nights too ... so Keenan won't be alone. Kyle just can't turn off that TV. Course the shows he likes are on late ... The Shield for one ... and he works so hard during the day that before the shows are over he passes out. Kindof funny. I've so learned not to take his inability to come to bed personally. Doesn't mean I don't like it though ... just means I understand him.

Speaking of Kyle ... he fell off a ladder. First it was a tree last month. Now it was a ladder. His foot and ankle are sooo bruised. You should see them. AND he's limping. He has bruises on his butt too ... not that anyone needs to really know that. He probably should see Dr. Lischwe about it all ... he has an appointment on Tuesday ... I wonder if that's too long to wait. Hmmm.....

Tonight we had a bad storm come through around 7 p.m. The tornado sirens were going off and the TV went out ... we have satellite. The sky turned green, so the kids and I headed downstairs. Marty called, and I told him our TV was out and to please call if the news said anything about a Tornado. Keenan was trying to analyze the situation. Explaining how to act in a tornado and etc ... like I don't know .... sheesh ... grew up in Tornado alley! But, he's only 8 ... doesn't know that! Here's where I'm smiling as I write this. Kennedy was a wreck. She was very scared. I did my best to calm her and tell her we were just in the basement while the storm passed. No big deal. Marty called and said on the news there were cloud rotations sighted so I should keep the kids in the basement. About then my Satellite started working again ... all was well a few minutes later ... atleast for us ... lots of storm damage all over in other places. Kyle was out driving in the weather ... silly man! I didn't try to call him ... he needed to concentrate in that weather!


Heard that song "Red Neck Woman" ... I like it ... lots.

I'm patiently waiting for Koel to fall asleep ... his playpen is now in my room ... so I'm sitting here so I can continually say "lay down". Poor guy. He looks so sad, but he's soooo tired.

Okay ... so ....next week Jenny will be home! Yippee-Ki-O!! That's how an Oklahoma girl expresses excitement! ... I guess ... I really am just making that up. Not the being excited part ... that's real!! Excited to have Joe 'home' too.

The rain....O ... The rain ... PTL we haven't been hit by the hail that Creve Couer, Ladue and Kirkwood were ... on the news it looks like it snowed! Bizarre! We've just had the rain. Blessings! One of Kyle's clients though, Anne Rothschild, wasn't so fortunate. Her yard looks like a demolition crew came through she says. Kyle just did some work there last week. Goodness ...

Okay, so Koel is now just laying still ... not asleep, but almost ....

Here is a statement that many people will not believe ....

I think I'm done with Ebay. I have a few auctions closing this week ... but really it exhausts me ...

Did I mention that when Koel is asleep ... Kadi, Lindsay and I are going to have Belgium Chocolate Ice Cream Cones !!!!! Mmmmmm .....

Keenan got his name on the board for the very first time yesterday. He couldn't really explain to us why. Oh how he cried though. My heart hurt for him. I reminded him that Tyler gets his name on the board practically everyday ... but that was no excuse for Keenan to do it more often. I said, just shake it off and do better tomorrow. It's only one time.

Kennedy is having a special lunch with the Principal today. All the kids who collected 100 Buder Bee's this year get to have a Happy Meal with Mrs. Taylor. Kennedy was soooo excited about her chicken nugget meal! Buder Bee's are what you get when you do something nice/special/good.... I think. They're a reward for behavior/achievements ... I do know that much! I'm proud of her.

I found this most interesting plant today! It is called Ornamental Pepper Explosive Ember ... In other words ... Purple Pepper Plant. Say that three times fast. Apparently it is a recent cultivar grown especially for its color ... purple and red fruit AND grown for its HOT flavor. Apparently it is part of the hispanic influence coming into our lives. Fine with me. I'm very excited about it. I bought one for me and one for Lauren. She was just as excited as I was ... it is strikingly beautiful up close. Purple-tinted leaves and purple flowers AND purple peppers that will turn red when ready ... FABULOUS! 

Okay, so it's bedtime and I'm not looking forward to putting Koel down. Last night he got out of his playpen 10 times. Each time he was swatted and put back in bed. He just kept getting out ... he is impervious to pain! That boy! SO ... Kyle and I were both tired, so we turned off all the lights, and got into bed ... here came Koel padding around the house .... he looked at us, but of course, we were "asleep". So he climbed up to the computer and banged his heart out. It was off .... fortunately. Then he wandered around the house. It was all I could do to keep from giggling. Finally I had had enough, so I moved his playpen beside my side of the bed ... from the other room ... I laid him in it ... and he went right to sleep. Kyle and I figure we're in for a while of him wanting to sleep near us. That's okay. Each child has gone through that at different times in their lives ... this is just a bit early.
It is 10:35 ... I probably should go get him and put him to bed in here. What a mess pot. A cute one though.
OH ... and today at naptime, I had to drive him around to get him to sleep. ARGH! I think tomorrow I will lay down with him. That's gotta be the way ... for now.
Good night to all ....

I"m really exhausted, but I must write about my evening. Lauren and I took Kelsey, Justin, Kennedy and Kadi to the Magic House. What fun! I had never been there. So, for a couple of hours we wandered around and played. The children were all very good. It was really a very pleasant evening ... topped off by icecream cones at McDonalds. Fabulous.
Really ... icecream cones at McDonald's are the best. They're low in fat, they taste good, and they're like $.79. You can't beat feeding 6 people for $5 on icecream! The perfect end to a perfect time.
And that drive down Lindbergh in a van with the windows all rolled down ... plus runner lights on inside the van ... good stuff. I feel very peaceful about my evening.
After we got back to my house, Lauren and the kids hung out for a bit. I've never seen Justin, Kadi and Keenan have so much fun together! They wrestled and chased. Good stuff.
AND ... Keenan and Kelsey ... now this is weird ... played gameboy together tonight. Like they totally shared! They never even get along really. AND they did a workbook page together! Bizarre ... but very acceptable! I like this getting along thing!
Kennedy passed out on the couch in the midst of all the hoop-la.
Koel passed out kisses or sugar to Kadi and Justin back and forth for a while too. That was pretty funny! He's such a doll baby.
AND ... I found out today that Keenan wrote Raina another little 'love' note about a month ago. Her mom overheard her tell someone, so she asked her about it. Raina said she had been hiding it ... she's very shy. Hilarious! Kristen said it read like a Hallmark card ... "From my heart to yours ... " and I don't remember what else... I was stuck on that first part! Keenan! Hilarious! And oh, Raina is a cutie! They just kindof smile at each other but never really talk. Too funny!
It has been one long but very fun day.
Field day was wonderful. Very well planned. I took lots of pictures for Mrs. Resimius and at 11:30 came home so Koel could nap ... so I printed the pics off and took them back up there at 3:00 ... the kids in Kennedy's class were soooo excited. What fun!
I have to say that being there at the school sometimes really affirms that I don't want to be a classroom teacher ... ever. I enjoy helping out ... but being in charge of all those kids ... nope. Nada. No way.
Tomorrow my goal is to clean clean clean this pig sty home of mine. I really need to figure out how to teach my kids to clean up after themselves. If I only lived here, this place would be CLEAN ... however, there are several other people who like to throw stuff everywhere. The prospect of tomorrow ... I'm just sleepy thinking about it!
OH ... another thing ... Koel put an entire roll of toilet paper in the toilet tonight! Kadi and Justine stood there laughing. Argh! I had to clean it out ... you can't flush that much t.p. ... and it wasn't exactly a clean bowl of water ......
AND ... when Kadi went to the potty before bed, she lifted the back off the tank of the toilet and set it back down really hard ... yep, a chunk fell off. I mean a triangular piece about 4" x 4" x 5". A chunk! Great ... now not only do I have broken appliances, I have a broken toilet tank lid. I'm becoming desperate! HELP ME!!!!!
Did I mention the good news I got from Dr. Hermann yesterday .... nope, not pregnant! But that's not the good news! .... New studies have shown that you can wear the Patch for 6 weeks in a row and skip half your periods!!!!!! Yippee!!!! I was stunned. So, we're gonna try it. I'll let ya know how it turns out ... ooo gross I know .. but hey ... good info for someone I'm sure.
I also don't even need to go in for appointments to get my Welbutrin. He'll send it home with one of my many pregnant friends who go there also. Isn't that just smashing???? It's a good thing having a good OB/GYN ... course having four babies is what will get you that status that I have with them too! He,he.
Okay, I keep thinking I'm going to quit writing ... I'm soooo tired.
So .... good night ....

Here is Keenan and Tristian ... now behind Keenan ... that's Raina ... Keenan's little crush! She's too cute and very sweet. I thought it was cute that she is standing with him. They had to be in rows of two. She stood behind Keenan! He,he. I know he was happy! 

Field Day @ Buder! Here's Kennedy all ready for the fun! 

Kennedy's Teacher Mrs. Resimius. She's a doll. We like her sooooo much!! 

I need to add a good picture of Kadi and Koel too. Of course, this was back in April, but this is a scene we have repeated one too many times with a bag of chips and Koel. I think Kadi is 'helping clean them up'. 

This is Kayla, she lives on our street. She's a sweetie. Keenan and Tristian ... they could pass for twins ... atleast for brothers! 

Here is Miss Ned at her skating party. All smiles. Can you tell she is missing two teeth on the bottom now? 

Keenan and his teacher Mrs. Burkhardt. We really like her! She so enjoys Keenan's imagination and creativity! Thank you Lord!! 

Keenan and Tristian at the Zoo today. Kyle went with Keenan's class. I think Keenan must be imitating the bear ???? 

Where to start ....

Koel got into the bathroom.
Koel got into the second drawer in the bathroom.
Koel got out the contents of the second drawer in the bathroom and spread them all over the living room floor.

Kadi says to me "Mommy, are these your bandaids?"
I said, after a pause, "Yes, they are ..."

Any guesses as to what the contents of the second drawer in the bathroom might be?

Today was skating party day ...
Kennedy's was at 10:15. That was very fun. She is quite the little skater. Her friends are fun too. Watching kindergarten and first graders falling constantly all around you was quite amusing. Kadi is doing well on skates too. She ventured onto the rink and went down the side wall. I was proud of her! Koel really grooved to the hip hop music. He was dressed appropriate too ... Big t-shirt over long shorts. Very cute. He really grooved, let me tell you. Lauren and I were in stitches. I left early from there and Lauren kept Kadi and Koel.
I high-tailed it out to St. Charles for my Karen appointment. That was stretching/yet fun ... as always. She really makes me think. Dawn was there after me so we got to chat a bit the three of us. Good times.
Then ... I stopped by Subway and got myself a turkey/bacon sub on italian three cheese & oregano bread with lettuc, onion, jalapenos, spicy mustard and mayonnaise. Mmmm... Also a couple of macadamia nut cookies .... Mmmmm ...
THEN ... I went back to the skating rink for Keenan's skate party. He's so brave! Right out in the middle the whole time! I just love my son. It was nice to see him interact with a few kids. He and Tristian though ... they are like twins. Inseperable. I just like him so much. After it was over, Keenan and I asked Mrs. Taylor the Principal if he could come home with me. She said Sure. He was soooo excited ... especially since it was only 1:50 and Kennedy was still at school! ANd I shared my Macademia nut cookies with him ... he was thrilled! He had never had one before. What fun to introduce new fabulous food to your kids!
So, we went to Lauren's and hung out for a while until Kennedy was out ... then home. Ned of course was not pleased to learn that Keenan had been out of school most of the afternoon. He and I decided before hand what face she would make when she heard that news .... she scrunches her nose when she is 'ticked' ... and SHE DID IT! Keenan and I laughed! Is that rude? Oh well ... it was funny.

This is crazy ... I'm still hang drying my laundry outside. We have the new dryer ... it's just not hooked up yet. I'm being very patient ..... maybe .... on the outside. It is 9:15 ... and I have 5 loads of laundry hung outside. I'm hoping it is all dry by like 10 ... it's gonna rain later!!!!!!

We just spent a nice evening with all of the neighbors. Karen and Marty fed us dinner .. hamburgers and hotdogs outside. Very fun. Then we sat around until dark talking with Felicia and Nicole. I'm so happy they had a chance to chat with Karen. It was fun for me. I like all my neighbors. It's fun stuff.

Kennedy fell twice this evening. The first time was one of those slow-motion bike falls ... you know where you just can't save her but you have to watch in extruciating awareness of what is happening. Awful. Yet no blood. THEN, she was walking down the sidewalk and tripped ... BLOOD!! Elbow and knee ... she survived it. I did too. Some hydrogen peroxide and neosporin work wonders. She can't bend her elbow though, she says, so she's sleeping in her clothes. Here is where I would place a smiley face.

I took Koel to Dr. Finn today about his hearing. Koel was not pleased to see Dr. Finn ... he must remember last month's shots! He, let's just say, was not a happy camper. Dr. Finn still wants him to see the ear doctor for a hearing test. Just to be cautious. I agree. Dr. Finn agreed with me too that it probably is just the being the youngest of 4 ... he doesn't need or want to talk ... but to err on the side of caution is better than to do nothing.

Kennedy had a play at school today. She was the tiger. Very sweet. It was at 3:00 in her classroom, so the kids and I went to watch. She did wonderfully! And I must say she was THE best reader in the bunch! Made me proud!

Keenan is so much becoming a boy's boy. Rough and tumbling ... hopping fences, running around without his shirt on, riding his bike, tossing the ball around, stuck on his gameboy. I'm thrilled. He's so confident. Thank you Lord! His little voice is even changing. It's deeper somehow. It just really is. What a good kid he is. I like him so much.

Kyle took Keenan and Kennedy with him on a bid tonight. They loved that!

And Miss Kadi ... well she didn't get to go to the bid because she was in trouble. But she was soon consoled by playing at Marty and Karen's ... we sat in the backyard while Marty grilled our dinner. Kadi and Angel, the dog, had a great time. I was glad to see Kadi not being afraid of the dog! Usually she's only okay around Nika.

Kadi had a good day for the most part. She got to play with Zaine all day. THAT she enjoyed very much. The played water guns most of the day. And they shared nachos for lunch. They had a very nice time. No problems. No worries. Very nice.

Ah ... I'm going to go check on my laundry .... Good night ....

Japanese Blood Grass in front flower bed ... 

Evening Primrose in the Azalea bed ... 

French Lavendar in the garden .... 

Gaillardia Fanfare ... in the front flower bed 

Here is the Wilkinson garden ... 2004. 

My garden is planted!

This is very exciting! I had decided maybe I wasn't going to do it ... but Jamie Lankford came over and tilled it for me ... so Lauren and I piled all 6 of the kids in the car and went plant shopping at Home Depot and Harkte Nursery (which by the way is in excellent place to spend time). Here is what we bought ...

Parsley
Chives
Cilantro
Purple Basil
Lemon Basil
Sage
Rosemary (2 kinds)
Strawberries
Tomatos
Red Onions
Jalopenos
Green Peppers
Cucumbers

Keenan picked purple petunias and a Citronella plants
Kennedy picked Pink Impatiens
Kadi picked a pink begonia.

I'm still lacking Okra .. which I will remedy shortly! AND we are going to have a tough time keeping Koel out of the garden, so today I'm going to go searching for a small 2 foot fence of some kind that we can place all the way around. That way, the garden will be safe from Koel and Nika can still come over to play.

It is very pretty and Kennedy and I worked very hard yesterday evening. I told the kids, because they have their own section, they have to work hard to keep it weeded ... we'll see how they do .... They are excited to have their own section in the middle. That is where the annuals are planted.

In the annual section for the kids, today we also will be planting Zinnias and Marigolds. I'm going to be basically farming my marigolds ... when they get big enough I will replant them around the tomatos and peppers.

I also transplanted my Lamb's ears from the front flower bed to beside the garage in the backyard. They will eventually really take over there ... and that is fine! I pulled them all out of the front yard!

AND my front flower bed is going to be soooo gorgeous! Shasta Daisy's, Easter Lilies, Gaillardia Fanfare, Mums, A Redtwig Dogwood, Japanese Blood Grass, Strawberries and Cream grass, Lavendar, Aquilegia Columbine .... just beautiful! I can't wait.

AND around my tree out front I now have variegated Hostas, and right beside the front porch step!

AND under the Azalea bushes now there are 2 Evening Primrose's and 2 Lavendar.

Not to mention, as Keenan would say, the bamboo growing heartily along the back fence!

I am sooooo excited! I'm becoming quite the little plant lover! And I have such a vast variety. Who would have thought I would enjoy this soooo much?

I will add a picture here soon .... I'll go out and take a picture of the garden in a bit .....

Here's Koel and Daddy on the Kubota Tractor .. fun stuff! 

Keenan and his Buddies at his Birthday Party 

I figured out how to add pictures!!!! What fun!!!!

Lauren took Kadi to play at her house today so I could work uninterupted ... HOWEVER ... she promptly brought her back about 45 minutes later. Apparently Kadi and Kelsey could not get along ... so Lauren left Kelsey at home, brought Kadi home to me and then she took Justin somewhere special .... I thought that appropriate. Both girls were sad. And that was the point. Good job Lauren!

Kadi soon fell asleep in my lap while I was talking to Chrissy today. I had been sitting indian style on the couch ... She crawled under and through my right leg and laid her head on my left leg. So ... I had my right leg over her. Yep, she fell asleep ... and there I was ... stuck. So, I waited until she was really passed out and then inched her off of my lap. I am a contortionist. Actually, it is those Pilates that Lauren makes me do. I'm sure it must have been a FUNNY sight! I wanted to laugh outloud at myself ... but I didn't ... I didn't want to wake her up!!!!

We watched Kee-Wee the Frog eat his mealworms today. That was fun. He's quick. One was hanging out of his mouth ... I guess he had to digest most of it before he could get the rest down ... oooooo ....I hope I don't lose my dinner .....

New subject!!!

Kennedy decorated a flower pot at school with ink and fingerprints. She brought it home today with a begonia in it. How sweet. She was so pleased. Me too.

Keenan and I played with Koelly after school. It was great. We played tickling and with the Sit-N-Spin. The three of us laughed and laughed. Kennedy and Kadi joined in the fun too eventually. I still can't get Koel to talk, but he sure is sharp as a tack! He is funny to watch while he's trying to keep up with his siblings.

Kyle was what I consider 'late' coming home again this evening ... past 6:00. So, the kids and I, after we had of course had our dinner as we do most evenings before Daddy arrives home, loaded up in the car and headed to Big Lots .... I knew Kyle would be home soon ... so I thought we'd show him what's its like to not know where your family is ... or as in my case ... my husband. He called sure enough. I laughed outloud when he said "Where's my family???" I said "Big Lots". He said "I would like to have gone to Big Lots". I told him to jump in his truck and come, but that I wasn't leaving the store to come and pick him up and take him back there. He didn't want to drive he said. Bah! He tried to convince me to come get him. I told him No. I told him that I had four children with me ... and Kadi was making it seem like I had five. So ... no way ... not at all. He,he. We did go get him after we were done and take him with us to get icecream cones. That was nice. I can't deprive my children of his company the whole evening.

OH ... another funny about the trip to Big Lots ... I let the kids each pick out one thing under $3.00. Keenan got a fuzzy black notebook. Kennedy picked a pink carrying case she can use for papers and such. Kadi picked a Barbie dry erase board ... purple of course. For Koelly we picked out a plastic lawn chair ... just his size. He is thrilled. I found a summer top for $2.00 ... %75 off!! Woo-hoo! And I got my next photo album for When Kyle Met Dacia volumne 13. Sheesh! So ....... we get home after McDonalds (Icecream) and the kids are showing Daddy what they got ... He, naturally, says "Did you get me anything?" I said ... "Sure did ... I got you a tacky shoe brush to keep on the front porch". (It looks like a porcupine). He actually liked the idea! And liked the tacky creature! It now resides on the porch. I do think it is a good idea to have ... Kyle's shoes are always dirty or muddy .... so it's a great way for him to clean them before he comes in. BUT ... I didn't want HIM to like it soo much! {Jenny ... really ... I would go hoosier before Kyle???? Come on!!} Fabulous evening ... all in all.

And now ... tis nearing 11:00 p.m. and I must sleep ..... not a creature is stirring, not even a mouse ... except me and my typing fingers .... so, off will go the TV in the living room, where Kyle is asleep. Off will go the kitchen light and the hall light. Then ... off will go my light as I snuggle deep in my bed .... mmmmmmm.

Wow .. the blog has a new look today. Kindof threw me ...

It's 9:15 and the children are in bed, not asleep, but in bed.

It has definitely been a while since I've written anything. Things have been crazy around here ...

Keenan's birthday party was a hit. He had a great time and I think everyone else did too. We BBQ'd (Actually Brent Valentine did all the work on the grill) and we ate and ate. I made Brandi's awesome dip ... huge hit!! And we had a shop-n-save cake .. because my oven wouldn't turn on at all! But it was very good ... the cake.

I sat up late ... until 1:00 with the boys who were spending the night ... so they would all fall asleep. Mason was the last to give up. Keenan fell asleep just after 11:00. He always passes out! Keenan had ... Zaine Yardley, Tyler Hebison, Tristian Dunne, Mason Lankford, Josh Varvil and Tyler Watson spending the night. What a great group of guys! I like them all very much. And they all did really well ... keeping in mind it was Mason and Tyler W.'s first sleepovers! Yeah!

Keenan was so happy with the gifts he received too ... his gameboy and three games (Pacman, Arcade Games, and Spongebob ... Attack at Bikini Bottom); Legos; Bionicles; and lots of art supplies! Also a battery operated water gun. Very fun. AND HE GOT A FIRE-BELLY FROG!!!! He's very cute ... we've been feeding him tiny crickets and worms. You go buy them at Petco ... by the way ... that place SMELLS! It's fun to watch him gobble them up!

Saturday, we lazied around. The boys were all gone by 2:00, and my kids and I just rested. I had them lay in the living room and watch TV. I took a nap. We needed that time to unwind.

Sunday was Mother's Day ... I now have a Redtwig Dogwood Shrub in my flower bed in front! Very exciting! We also went to the Valley of Flowers Parade. It is a hoot ... especially if you can go with the Varvil clan! Talk about 'People Watchers' ... AND they really get into it ... Andrew, he's 16, threw a banana at a float with a monkey on it! I about died!

My children loved the parade! For Koel we took the Baby Jail (Playpen) ... that worked for him. Kadi and Kennedy had a great time picking up candy and beads that were thrown from all the floats. They also got to watch a Maypole dance. Very fun for my girls. Keenan preferred to climb the tree behind us and watch from there. He's so funny.

I got a dryer yesterday! Now, we just need to find the time to hook it up! Yippee!

Oven still doesn't work though ... I'll keep updating that ...

Oh, and Kyle couldn't find his keys again this morning .. I've gotten lax about the what's Kyle lost today trip I had gotten on.

I ordered a Toddler CD-Rom for Koel ... it came today. HE LOVES IT! I've never seen him so happy. He grooves to the music and pounds on the keys. It's just great. It is Fisher Price ... very cute.

That little man, however, has been quite the crank-pot today. He's been 'off' shall we say ... all day. I had several calls with customers today where I had to go outside just to hear above the screaming. One lady laughed and told me she had four kids too ... she understood. That was nice.

Kadi, Justin, Koel and I went across the street today to help Tonya and Charly plant petunias .... 3 Flats! It was a nice time. I haven't really spent time with either one of them in so long ... I was happy to help.

OH >>> big news today ... Okay, so Glen (cranky guy next door) has these gorgeous orange flowers in his backyard near our fence ... I've been enjoying them for over a week now ... so this morning, on my way over to Charly's ... I said "Hey Glen ...what are those gorgeous orange flowers you have back there?" ... He hesitated, then answered "They're Poppies" ... we proceeded to chat about his Poppies for a couple of minutes. Then I thanked him and went on about my business. Yeah! Thank you Lord for the beautiful poppies to be a conversation started! I felt so happy!

This afternoon ... Kadi and Koel and I went to Hartke Nursery to find some Vinca Periwinkle for a customer .... HOW MUCH FUN!!!! It was sprinkling the whole time we were there, but that it all the more fun! AND ... Kadi was soooo good! She loves flowers. She was just in hog heaven walking around there. I let her pull the wagon and I pushed the stroller. We found the periwinkle ... and then ... I found what I've been wanting ... Japanese Blood Grass ... I bought 2! It is a lovely ornamental grass that is green with RED tips! Just lovely. AND I found another grass, I bought one of it, that is called Strawberries and Cream. It looks like a Maiden Grass, but is variegated. And at some point in the summer, the while areas will take on a pink hue! Fabulous! I'm very excited. It will get up to be about 36" tall! The Japanese Blood Grass will be about 18". I love my yard! And I love taking Kadi to the Nursery!

Kennedy has decided she wants to work in a Nursery/Greenhouse when she grows up ... THAT would be awesome! Both of my girls could ... then I could have an even more beautiful selection of plants in my yard!

Okay, so Kadi was good there ... but I have to say ... she had a couple of moments today where she pushed the line. She went out the front door after I told her not to before we went to pick up Keenan and Kennedy. Therefore, Koel got out. So I told her I was angry and swatted her and put them in the car. While we were at the school ... she said "Mommy are you still mad at me?" I said "No, I'm not mad at you anymore ... I"m disappointed in you". She said "Oh ...." I said "Kadi, do you know what disappointed means?" She indicated she did not. So I told her it is when someone does something that makes you really really sad. "You're disappointed" she then asked ... rather meekly. I said "Yes, I am honey". It was a sweet conversation. Really.

AND .. one more note ... I let Koel outside for a brief bit today while I was working in the front yard. I was bent over planting my Strawberries and Cream Grass, when I looked up and realized I didn't see Koel .... I found him .... two doors down in the front yard!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I RAN after him, he saw me, and took off running in the opposite direction ... all the while laughing his head off! What a booger!!!! I caught him of course. Man he scares me. So he was swatted, told no, and put back inside. I have to watch him constantly! I continued planting while he stood at the front door and cried. "I'm a mean mommy" as Kadi would say.

Here's a funny note ... Kyle is sleeping ... he has been since about 9:00 ... however, he has sound-proof ear things on ... so he wouldn't hear the kids! So there he lays with these big things on his head. Goofy.

Is anyone else sick about the beheading in Iraq? I can't bear this anymore. Why don't we just leave there? Can we? Should we? It's getting ridiculous it seems. Just anger and hatred everywhere.

I'm going to go curl up with my LTD Commodities catalog ... and have a bit of ice cream. The whole house is quiet ... so nice. Except for Kyle's cell phone keeps beeping ... he likes to let it run down before charging it .... course he can't hear it ... got those goofy ear things on .....

G'night ....

Justin: I'm going inside. (heading for the door)

Kadi: Well, I'm making you a present. (playing with grass,etc...)

Justin: Why? (stopping and looking back)

Kadi: Because I love you. (nonchalantly)

Justin: What kindof present is it. (heading right back to Kadi).

I had to grin. Kadi knows how to get Justin to do what she wants. That's my girl.

I was just about to mow the lawn, but I stopped. It's too hot. That's an evening job today ... except I won't be here this evening ... argh ... and I don't think there's enough gas in the mower too! Big party needs lawn mowed!!! Maybe everyone can ignore the grass .... think so?

Back to the kids .....

It is almost too hot to sleep. It is 81 in here. And the air isn't moving. I'm not complaining, I'm just wondering if for the next two days ... with highs near 90, that maybe I should turn on the air conditioner.

Today was pickup Paige and Zaine day. So, Justin, Kadi and I all loaded up and headed for Timbuktu ... aka Florissant. Justin and Kadi on the way there had an interesting conversation ...

"Kadi, are you my girlfriend?"

"No, I'm Ikey's girlfriend."

"When can you be my girlfriend?"

"I will always be Ikey's girlfriend."

"Maybe Kathryn can be my girlfriend".

"She would say No."

"No she wouldn't."

"Uh-huh."

And here's where I say "Well, Justin ... you might want to ask her Daddy first." he,he.

Those two create sooooo much drama! They make me laugh so much ... some days.

So, we picked up Paige and Zaine, got a bite to eat from Jack-in-the-Box ... where I bought food for five children and myself for $8.72. Yep. And we all had plenty to eat ... Two Jumbo Jacks with Cheese; Three Cheeseburgers, and One Hamburger with only Ketchup ... Also a large fry and 4 waters to share. Wonderful!

Then, we drove by to see a job Kyle was finishing up ... that I designed! He,he ... that was fun! I think it really looks nice. It is so exciting to get to create something so beautiful for someone! And have them really appreciate it!

We finally got back to my house around 1:30. We played for a bit, then walked to the school early to pick up Keenan, Kennedy and Tyler at 2:00. They're doing the Iowa tests this week ... so in the afternoon, they're not doing much. So, we all came home and played in the sprinkler! What a fun time that was had by all ... except for Keenan ... who was busy doing other things so that by the time he went in and got his swimming suit on ... an hour later ... I had turned off the water. He was bumming. But he got over it ... and then I turned the water back on and got him good!!!!! It was fun!

The later part of the afternoon was spent in the front yard with Karen. We talked and moved around the yard as she tried to stay in the sun for a tan and I tried to stay in the shade ... my medicine again ... can't be in the sun. We had a good time. Charly came over to chat too. That's always nice. The kids played.

Then, Marty and Kyle got home with the Kubota Tractor. They fiddled in Marty and Karen's driveway smoothing out their rocks. Kyle also took each of the kids on a tractor ride. I got a picture of Koel's trip on the tractor. Cute. Freaky, but cute. Kyle also brought home a few extra plants. So, Karen and I split them up ... some for my yard. Some for hers.

We also split up her Hostas and planted some around my tree in the front yard and some right by my porch. THEN ... I pulled out all the lamb's ears ... Yeah! My flower bed looks so much better without them. And I've arranged the new plants in their place. I'm so excited.

What a day. Busy. And most of it ... outside! How fabulous!

BTW ....
Do you ever have the feeling that you may have hurt someone's feelings and you're not sure how to approach the subject?

That was a completely random question .. had nothing to do with anything I had previously written.

Another note about today ...

I can't believe it has been a year since Bev went to be with Jesus. A year. Is it possible? I had a nice talk with Jeff today. And Chrissy found out she's having a boy today. I love those Chamberlains. Jeff and I talked today about how we need to strive to be like Bev. To be encouraged to follow her example. Follow me as I follow Christ. What a legacy she left .... a legacy of loving God. I asked Jeff if that was an encouragement to him ... to see the legacy ... he said Definitely! God, bless them all.

Happy Birthday to David B. today! (My brother) I got to chat with him this morning. He has so much going on right now ... He was ordained yesterday. Today is his birthday. Saturday is his graduation from Seminary at Dallas Theological Seminary. AND, he is seeking God's direction for a ministry opportunity. He really has grown up hasn't he? Can't he just always be my little brother???? He's such a grown up man!

He needs a Marion Berry suit. Wendy and I really should make that clothing line. A ministry clothing line to sell in Christian stores ... you know ... a Marry and Bury suit ... Marion Berry!!!

Okay, so Keenan is getting picked on in school. Several kids in his class are bullying him. Today he said two of the girls spit on him. I am NOT okay with that! Tomorrow morning I am going in to talk to Mrs. Burkhardt. He's been kicked at, pinned against a tree, laughed at, made fun of ... I've had it. They pick on him cause he is skinny. Or because of his stories. Sometimes I really don't like other people's kids! I know who the kids are who are doing this and it doesn't surprise me. I keep trying to tell myself these people don't know Jesus. Have compassion. Lord, grant me the right words and actions in the morning! Keenan's spirit needs your protection Lord! May he always know how deeply loved he is by his Savior! May he know his talents and his gifts and use them fully! That is my prayer for my son. May he be used by You!

Kadi got to spend the afternoon playing with Isaac. They were both thrilled. I took her there on my way to help Kyle with a job I designed .. which by they way ... how fun is that!!! So, her Daddy picked her up later when he was completely finished. I had to leave earlier. I can't believe so much time has passed since Kadi and Ike played together.

We had Dairy Queen this evening ... in like 60 degree weather outside! He,he ... crazy, yes! But YUMMY!!!

Keenan's birthday is drawing nearer. He's so excited. He's having some of his friends over for a sleepover. That should be fun! I hope. It was suggested that we let them sleep in the tent ... that is definitely an idea! I'll see if I can motivate Kyle ... that is the key!

Okay, so I'm tired. It's late. Good night .........