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!
Wednesday, July 28, 2004
Saturday, July 24, 2004
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.
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.
Friday, July 23, 2004
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!
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!
Thursday, July 22, 2004
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.
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.
Wednesday, July 21, 2004
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).
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).
Tuesday, July 20, 2004
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!!
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!!
Thursday, July 15, 2004
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
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
Monday, July 12, 2004
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 ....
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!
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!
Friday, July 09, 2004
Wednesday, July 07, 2004
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