Sometimes things just need to be told ....

There is a new "Jenn Reedy Fell Down" story. Soeyun you must know about this!

This past Friday night ... we had girl's night at my house. It was also to be a camp-out night for the kids. Lauren brought her tent over and we set it all up. Fun stuff for the kis! They all put their sleeping bags and pillows out there ...

Darkness came.

Jennifer decides it is time for a hide-n-seek in the dark game ... similar to Hide-the-Baby I'm thinking. She runs off into the darkness saying "Find Jenn Reedy".

THUMP!

"Oh, Jenn Reedy is Hurt" says Jenn Reedy.

Lauren looks to see what is the matter ...

Jennifer comes in, nice gray t-shirt now decorated with large grass stains ... grass embedded in her wrists and in her watch ... nice jeans now also adorned with the markings of green green grass. She also was bearing pain between two of her small toes....

This sight caused such hysteria it sent Lauren running to the bathroom to ... for lack of a better word ... pee.

I repeatedly asked Jenny if she was okay. Jenn Reedy didn't reply, just sat in my glider rocker ... stunned from her fall.

I told her the new look to her clothes could be a fashion statement.

Just how did this happen you ask? Ah ... rememeber the part about the tent being put up? Well, lots of tents have ropes that stretch out past the tent to secure it to the ground ... Yep ... that rope. And remember it was dark outside. Yep real dark.

Jenn Reedy did not see the rope. Jenn Reedy tripped.

She is okay though. She wanted to go home and change, but we made her stay. Grass stains could be a new look. No pattern is really ever the same. Grass green is a nice color ...

Okay, enough .... :)

Kennedy just said a VERY funny thing .... She came in the room in her nightgown to get a pair of undies. Now, in my house that usually means 'uh-oh', unless it is time to bathe or change our clothes. So I looked at her funny .... She said ...

"I didn't pee Entirely, just on my panties".

Ha! I giggled outloud! She said "Entirely". I love it when kids use big words, especially so early in the morning!!!

I am sooo proud of Mr. Koel Thomas Wilkinson at this moment! He brought me a diaper when he pooped his pants!!! He's sooo smart!!! I'm so excited! Of course I had to get his sisters in on the praise too. He's so proud of himself. We clapped and Woo-Hooed for him. He,he. I love 1 year olds!!! I mean, this stage is great! I love all my kids no matter their age, but 1 is fun!

Keenan is spending the night with Zaine or he would have been in on the fun too.

I gave Keenan a hair cut today. My oh my he is handsome if I do say so myself.

Death is a thief.

I just found out from my friend Jackie that her dad is dying. My heart aches for her. It is an expected outcome, but still hard, so hard. She asked for prayer for peace for her dad. I'm asking prayer for her peace too. She realizes it is time to let him go, but how to ... that is the question.

Jackie is one of those 'friends for life' of mine. I have a few of those and I know I am a very fortunate girl! Jackie and I lived on the same street in McAlester, Oklahoma for 6 years atleast. We rode bikes and played hard. That is a bonded friendship that will endure. I love her. I hate to hear that she is hurting. She lives in California ... in the Napa Valley area. We haven't seen each other in 8 years. Keenan was a baby I believe ... maybe he wasn't born yet ... it was either right before or right after when she moved from New England to California. She is my "Jax". My keychain is a gift from her. It is the only keychain I've ever had. It is a hand doing the "I love You" sign. It is very special to me. You know what makes me happy ??? Jackie loves Jesus! She and I have eternity to look forward to to spend together! THAT IS AWESOME! Thank you Lord! And please bless my friend and her family in this oh so trying time!

Childhood friendships are so special. These are also some people who should be aware that I have bribery photos of each from childhood!!!!!

Rhesa Michelle Crosby Storms
Lana Michelle Sanders Williams
Jackie Rae Collier James Reese
Kiley Michele Pahdoco Taft
Gretchen Elise Hinkle Davis
Kristen Sprague Efurd

First of all ... let me say this ... MOM, I would love it if you and Daddy would start leaving me comments! You tell me you read this ... but do you really?? Now, I'll know!!! He,he.

Pray for Kyle and I. We are in a rut. A business rut that complicates our marriage. I find myself being okay with him being gone all day. I don't have to listen to him when he's not here. And I'm sure he likes being gone so he doesn't get frustrated about "what isn't getting done". We just don't see eye to eye. I'm trying to follow instructions from Karen the Counselor about how to handle myself in our squabbles so that I don't lose myself and retreat. It just isn't fun to try to stay in the moment and express myself too.

I'm like that in so many of my relationships. Think about it ... if you know me well ... how often do I really truly express my opinion? Usually I don't. Peace is kept better that way. Of course, there's the flipside where I often am the giver ... and I get 'pushed' around in a sense. Do I mind? Sometimes. Usually peace is better than getting my opinion stated though.

I have lots of opinions. I believe most of them to be solid. However, there are some things I try not to have an opinion about. It just isn't worth it to me. I'm a peacemaker ... to a fault Karen says.

I just want to get along with everyone. I like most everybody I know. Truly.

My kiddies aren't feeling well. I'm experiencing the beginnings of a sore throat myself. Ned and Kadi are passed out asleep after the antihistimine I gave them. Koel is better ... he was sick most of the weekend. Sore Throat and Fever. But he is eating and drinking. Happy today.

Keenan is having a quiet day today. I've been working and taking care of the yard. The girls have been on the couch alll day. Koel has been wandering and not really bothering anyone. So, Keenan's been having a lovely time for himself. Drawing, watching cartoons, eating Chicken Noodle Soup ... his favorite. I'm glad for him.

Now he wants to get on the internet ... so I'm going to let him .........

Okay, so I didn't go to the Strawberry Festival. I called Lauren at 7:45, woke her up and she sounded like this ... "Whaddyou want?" ... He,he ... I found out the Strawberry Festival plans were later than I thought, so the kids and I went Garage Sale-ing with Pete. Hilarious!

This one house ... lots of stuff. We stopped because there was a couch. It was infact not so nice. One of the ladies told us there was more inside ... She wasn't kidding! The living room, the kitchen, and two bedrooms .... ONLY GARAGE SALE STUFF! CRAZY! I did make one GRANd find there! An Oster Blender for $2.00. Made sure it worked! Yippee! My big ol' find of the day. They had sooooo much! Too much. Jami and I were overwhelmed! So we quickly left after the blender. Keep in mind people ... too much can be just as bad as too little when it comes to garage sales!

Here is my list of purchases for the morning:

Oster Classic Blender .... $2.00
5 Navy Cafeteria trays like new ... $1.00 ... perfect for eating outside!
Tupperware Old Popcicle Sets ... $ .75 total
Rubbermaid Insulated Lunch Box (like new) for Kyle .... $2.00
3 Pairs of Electrician Gloves for Kyle ... great for using when he's doing Tree work!!! They were a total of $3.00!!!
Like new Cookie Sheet ... Teflon ... $ .50.
Baby girl ruffle butt panty for babies ... like new ... for Brandi ... $ .10!!!!
5 kids books for a total of $ .50.
3 Shelf organizer/bins stand for Keenan ... $2.00
Lawn Chair/Recliner .... $1.00
Soup Thermos for Kyle for winter ... $ .50 (like new)
Keenan got a Transformer Semi-Truck for ... $1.00
Kennedy got a rainbow slinky for ... $ .10.

We did fabulous!!!!

Pete found a tool set/flashlight New in the Box for $5.00.
AND a Metal Shelf unit for her laundry room ... for $4.00 NEw in the BOX!
At another sale she found ... a $10 Garden Ridge lamp for $1.50! AND ... her find of the morning ... an upholstered desk chair for ..... drum roll .... $1.00!!!

Boom!

We had a fabulous time!

Now imagine ... my Durango with Pete, Myself, my four children and all of the stuff minus the chair in it! Even more fun!!!! Pete went back for the chair later.

OH ... and when we got home there was a funny smell in the house ... so I took the trash out ... forgetting my keys were still in my hand. I felt them fly out as I put the trash in the toter ... NOOOOOOOOOOO!!! So, yep ... Pete and I dug in the trash. We ended up turning it on its side and I had to crawl in and get them ... they were on the very bottom!!!! Naturally!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THEN ... I went to Shop N Save and filled up my deep freeze for $200!!! I'm very excited!!!!! That's like a month's worth of meals out there!!!! Fabulous!

Now I'm pooped. I originally just now wrote Poopled ... He,he ... Had to make note of that! IF you can't laugh at yourself ...

AND ... I bought PEE WEE's BIG ADVENTURE at Shop-N-Save. I'm going to watch it with Keenan tonight! He!!! Good times!

Okay, so I have some real concerns about Koel.

1) He won't say Mom, Momma, or Dadda.
2) He now has taken to shaking his head and somewhat saying No ... ALOT!
3) He must have selective hearing ... 3/4 of the time he doesn't 'hear' me.
4) Does he really just not hear me or does he not HEAR me?
5) When you want him to say 'please' he just sits down and cries.

I will be taking him on June 17 to get his hearing checked. I did not want to take Paige, Zaine, Keenan and Kennedy with me and have them sit in the waiting room at the hospital by themselves. They can't go in with me. AND I don't think it is fair to Lauren to watch ALL of those kids ... mine ... okay. So, on June 17, Lauren will keep just my kids and I will take Koel. That seems like an eternity away.

AH .....

This morning we are going to the Strawberry Festival. I'm very excited. I've never been before. It's 7:30 and I'm already up and ready to go. LIke a kid. I also am going to register Keenan, Kennedy, Kadi and Koel for the Summer Reading Program at the Library. Koel can even be in it! I just have to log the time I read to him and to Kadi! So cute!

I was in agony yesterday .... I checked out some novels from the library. So I read one on Thursday evening. It was good ... a bit too much detail me thinks. Then I picked up another one around 3:00 ish yesterday evening. Started out good....Victorian era, set in Cornwall. I thought ... Ah, right up my alley .... The story flowed very nicely. Except as I got closer and closer to the end .... the author was just not wrapping up the story lines. Then I reached the final page ... NOTHING WAS RESOLVED! NOTHING! AND, there's no mention of it being a book that is part of a SAGA or anything! Agony! Sheer Agony! What happens to Sprat and Denzil ??? Nice names I know. But I must know! BTW ... Sprat is better than Wilhemina which is her real name.
I finished that novel sometime after 6:00.

I started another around 7:00. A Mail Order Bride Christian Fiction Novel. I should know better. Why is Christian Fiction so often SOOOO cheesy? It's just not real life! The characters are SOOO not believable ... especially the men! I've never come across such a caring lot! Maybe I just know all the wrong people.

I actually check out three of these Mail Order Bride Books ... I just read so fast, that I don't want to keep going to the library ... so I got a bunch of books. Jami picked up one too. Hers is cheesy too. I said mine is Parmesan and hers is Mozzarella.

So, I finished it around 11:30. It was pleasing. And oh that there really were men out there like Dr. Quint Roberts!!!!!!! Tall, Handsome, A Doctor, Whose every WORD centers on Christ. Always sensitive, kind, putting everyone else before himself. If he were ONLY real!!!

He,he ...

June 2 ... I'm about to do a marvelous thing ... crawl into bed with a Victorian mystery romance novel. I just had to make note of it! I've already started the book, so I know I'll be up late ... s'okay though!

Tomorrow is Koel's hearing test. Pray for my baby.

Koel did a big boy thing tonight ... fell asleep in a big bed with his sisters. I'm very excited! For the last three days I've laid him in their room for naps on their beds ... and tonight ... no problem he fell right to sleep! Fantastic!

I just really want him to talk to me. Even 'Mama' would be great! Occasionally we get 'Uh-oh' ... but that's it. My mommy heart is concerned.

June is here! It doesn't seem real. Here are ten fun things about the beginning of June 2004 ...

1. I got to talk to Rhesa tonight!
2. Kimbra and Khiana are here to stay the night, on their way home from Nashville.
3. We had Moose-tracks Ice cream cones.
4. Lauren suggested we eat pizza to celebrate the end of school ... and we did!
5. Kyle made a lot of money today! Almost my house payment!
6. Kyle said he's going to go buy me a dishwasher ... with a check!!!!!
7. Zaine was polite twice today ... he held the door at the post office for a lady without being asked to! And ... he put something back on the shelf at Walmart without being asked to ... the Walmart lady was very impresed! Hoo-rah for Zaine!
8. Paige, Zaine, Kadi, Koel and I had Jack-in-the-Box for lunch!
9. My baby brother called me today! Okay so he's not a baby ... he's a guy with a Master's degree and almost a one year old baby of his own! Can it be???
10. Ned and Keenan are out of school for the summer!

BONUS: Jenny comes home tomorrow!

June ... is good. OH ... AND IT DIDN'T RAIN! For like the first day in a week! No storm today! Hoo-Hoo!

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 .........

Here is the most fabulous thing today ....

My husband thinks I'm attractive. Truly. He said last night that he is very comfortable in public with me because he thinks I'm so attractive. He said some men just can't say that about their wives.

Ahhhh .... It made me blush. Today I'm still happy about it.

I think he's kinda cute too. :)

For everyone who loves ice cream:

MELTED ICE CREAM CAKE

1 (18.25 ounce) package plain white cake mix
2 cups melted ice cream, your choice of flavor (see Cook's note)
3 large eggs
Cook's Note: You can melt the ice cream in the microwave on "Defrost." Check and stir it every few minutes until it becomes liquid. A pint of melted ice cream may not produce 2 cups, because some manufacturers pump air into the ice cream during the manufacturing process.

Preheat oven to 350 F and move the rack to the middle. Lightly mist a 12-cup Bundt or angel food cake pan with vegetable oil spray, and then dust it with flour. Shake out the excess flour and set the pan aside.

Place the cake mix, melted ice cream and eggs in a large mixing bowl. Blend with an electric mixer on low speed for 1 minute to mix. Increase the mixer speed to medium and beat 2 minutes longer, scraping the sides as necessary until the batter is thick and well blended. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a rubber spatula.

Bake the cake until it springs back when lightly pressed with your finger and just starts to pull away from the sides of the pan, approximately 38 to 42 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool for 20 minutes. Run a knife around the edge of the cake and invert it onto a small plate or rack for cooling, about 30 minutes more.

Finish with a light dusting of powdered sugar or your favorite icing.

Note: You can use any variety of cake mix with any combination of ice creams you might have on hand. I've used cake mixes with pudding, no pudding, extra moist and ultra-moist -- all with good results. I've also mixed together several flavors and brands of ice cream just to use up those last bits that take refuge in the back of the freezer.

Can it really be the end of April?

Here are a few highlights of the recent past ....

*I arrived home from taking the kids to school this morning and the phone rang. It was Kennedy. She needed a picture today for art class and had forgotten...could I please bring her the one of her as a baby with the sticky-up hair?? So funny! I came across the one from Kris and Jamie's wedding where Kennedy is in Kris' lap and she is holding out a flower for Jamie to smell. Jamie's nephew is standing by looking on ... probably the best picture ever ... she wanted that one! So, Jamie ... you're in an art project today!

*Did I mention Kyle fell 10 ft out of a tree last week? He's okay. I'm okay. We're all okay.

*I planted Aquilegia Columbine, Gaillardia Fanfare, Lilium (2 kinds), Lavender, Evening Primrose Missouriensis ... in my front flower bed .... thus adding to my Mums, Ivy, and Lamb's Ears. I'm sooo excited ... now I just need a Weeping Cherry Tree .....

*I'm taking Tetracycline for my Rosacea now. Kennedy told me she didn't know what I'd look like without a red face. I'm so ready to look normal. It's at a point now where makeup really doesn't cover it up. So, the big medicines come out.

*I took Lauren to Sugar Creek Nursery to pick out a plant for her birthday. It was sooooo much fun. And it made her so happy. It is nice to give a gift that is soooo welcome.

*Keenan has been off the last few days. By off, I mean, quick-tempered. He has balked at things I want to do. Like this morning, I fixed eggs, biscuits, pancakes and bacon. He immediately started pouting as soon as he came i the kitchen. He left the room and I heard him tell Kyle he just wanted cereal. Why didn't he say so to me? I fixed the good breakfast for myself basically ... so the tetracycline wouldn't make me sicky feeling. Yesterday it did after I only ate Froot Loops. So, he had cereal and I had my good breakfast. Good grief. He's so drama, drama, drama. But still a good kid.

*Koel still won't talk. I told him this morning that he had to start talking to me or the doctor's were going to do tests on him ... he said "uh-uh". You know like the "no" kind of uh-uh.

*Justin Steele is the hungriest kid on the planet! He eats constantly. Must be a huge metabolism!!!!

Alright ... gotta referee Kadi and Justin ... they are having a difficult time playing together today. I don't understand that either. Kadi is really off today. And Justin is in rare tattling form today. Now Kadi is telling Justin to not leave the room "No, don't go".... Justin says "Why?" She says "Cause we are bestest friends". Could've fooled me!!!!!!!! Kadi can't leave the room, she's in time out in my room with me.

Koel has about figured out how to open the gate! Ay-yi-yi!!! What a smartie-pants! Why won't he talk????????

My kids are so cute ... they took some white yarn out in the backyard and they're creating a big spider web all over the yard. Funny.

Mrs. Keethler died this morning.

Kyle always called her Granny Bert.

I pray for Mr. Keethler. Married for over 70 years. God grant him peace. She is with You, and no more suffering ...
She is whole today! In Heaven!

I always knew the day would come when Mr. or Mrs. Keethler would pass away. But I'm still 'shocked' about it. Time just never seems long enugh.

What beautiful people. What an example of Christian living for all of us! 70+ years and still in love, because of Jesus!

May Kyle and I find each other in YOU that way too LORD!

I'm so pleased right now.

Kyle took Keenan with him to work. They'll only be gone for about 3 hours I'm sure. But, I'm so pleased. We've hardly seen Kyle lately. His plate is way too full! It's a really hard time right now. He's got a lot of stress ... pray for him.

I went to see Dr. Adams again yesterday ... He asked me how I had been feeling the past week. I told him that I've feelt on top of things, content, good ... He said "let me tell you something ... this past week, you were the REAL you!" I love his way of explaining the usage of this medication. He says we are simply supplying my system with something it is not producing on its own right now.

We also had a big discussion about birth control. When he saw that I use the patch he said he wanted to throw something out for me to think about ... I said Okay. He said that I just need to be aware that conception can take place while your on the pill or patch ... and that it causes your body to miscarry ... I sheepishly said I knew that. I told him it is a struggle for us. I said we neither one want to 'get fixed'. If something should happen to Kyle or to Me, and the other was to get remarried ... what if they wanted to have another child together .... We just can't 'get fixed' in good conscience. Then, Dr. Adams told me his own story. He lost his first wife after they had children. He remarried a lady who had children. Then they had one child together. Between them they have 7 BOYS! And he said he couldn't do without any one of them. Which would he choose not to have? He went on the say how the Bible refers to God opening and closing the womb over and over. For him it is a matter of Faith. Wow. I admire people who really make life a matter of FAITH! Yes, I believe God has allowed us medical science ... but this issue of birth control ... it's a whole different plain.

Alright .... this morning is clean the house day. The time is 9:00 ... Kennedy, Kadi AND Koelly are all still asleep! I need them to wake up so I can assign chores! We're gonna have the dry erase board out and make a chart of who is doing what ... the first one to finish will get a treat! Bribery? OF COURSE!!

Last night was fun. Lauren, Chrissy and I sat around and thought up baby names. Chrissy thinks she has a girls name picked out ... and it's meaning is Wisdom and Grace. Beautiful ... Sophia Grace. It is really growing on me! Very feminine. Very strong. Very all about God!

Today it has been a year since Bev's anyerism. Kyle and I laid in bed last night and talked about it. Is it possible that it has been a year? I know it has, but .... I can still see her, I can still hear her. "Open the Eyes of Heart" came on in my car this week. That is what Bev was singing when it happened ... "Open the eyes of My Heart LORD, Open the eyes of my Heart ... I want to see You ....." As I understand it, that's about the point she fell. My heart rejoices that she indeed is with our Lord ... She is seeing Him! The eyes of her heart were truly opened!

Pray for the Chamberlains today. Please. And again on May 5.

Lauren and I played Scrabble last night. She won. HOWEVER ... I played the word FACSIMILE! Hoo-Hoo!! I was very proud of myself. All of 13 points, I landed on NO special spaces and ... The "M" was a blank. :) But what a fun word!! (We were playing you can use 9 letters Scrabble ... that's why I didn't get 50 points for using 7 letters!)

Today has been interesting .... Koelly began it by emptying a Koolaid Jammer all over the floor and sitting in it ... splashing mind you ...

Now normally, I would be a mite frazzled by this ... even more so today since it was 8:38 ... time to leave for school!!!!

So I rushed Keenan and Kennedy off across the street to go to school w/ Tyler and his Dad. Kennedy began to really cry. I guess she is afraid of Scott. He's a really big guy ... Bouncer kindof big. So I told her she could sit by Tyler and he would protect her. He,he. She went for that. So I loaded her up in the great big 1 ton dually truck (which might have been scary for her too). Keenan was thrilled to go!

I called her at school to make sure she was okay. She was. I don't think she'll go for that again really soon though. Silly girl.

And later in the morning, Justin and Kadi called me into the living room ... Koel had pooped in his pullup ... wearing a pullup, cause we're out of diapers ... and he dug right in to check it out ... apparently. Then he gave it to Kadi ... she proceeded to put it in the toilet and flush. Here's where I came in and made them wash their hands. Bizarre. Nasty. Ooooooo.

I guess really it hasn't been that crazy of a day now that I think about it ... a couple of other things happened, but right now I'm blank.

Yesterday however ... Keenan ... he did something very bizarre for him. Jami has a big white trash can. It has been on the back porch. Well, the kids have used it for playing in the water with for a few days. No big deal. Apparently it had a crack. So Keenan yesterday, took a hockey stick to it and, along with Little Tyler's help, beat the poor thing to smithereens. What was that about?

I'm still doing my laundry air-dry. Today it's raining so I've got all the hanging stuff on the door jams in the hallway, and I took a baby gate I don't use, stretched it out real far and am using all the spaces in it for hanging socks and undies! Creative, huh? I have to be. I've got another load about ready to hang dry ... not sure where I'll put it! He,he. Fortunately for Kyle, I find this humorous. Plus my house smells like Gain/Snuggle. Mmmmm .....

The new episodes of Friends start tonight. It's about time!!!

Today was my first day to take Welbutrin. I felt good. I felt 'up'. I didn't cry today. That's good.

It is 85 degrees in my house right now, but I refuse to turn on the air conditioning.

It is time to paint my kitchen again ... and I need new wallborder ... but I just can't bear the thought of doing it without Soeyun and Jenny and a tube of Elmer's glue.

I made $1.50 at a garage sale today.

I enjoyed a pleasant conversation with Kent this evening.

Kelsey's birthday party was today. Because it was so nice, the kids got to play in the pool. It was fabulous!

We had pizza for lunch!!!!!! Need I say more about that??? Oh, and Pevely Home Run Sundae icecream.... chocolate with chocolate covered nuts and pretzels!

My brother called me today. That was nice. I love the sound of his voice. It makes me feel 'homey'.

10 reasons why I love my brother ....

1) He loves Jesus.
2) He is kind and gentle.
3) He is incredibly talented musically and genius working with people.
4) He loves to be silly and play. My children adore their Uncle David.
5) He used to tell on himself when I told him to.
6) He says to spell your last name on his answering machine at work ... cracks me up!
7) He is a Star Wars 'fanatic' shall we say. When he was 2 it began. And it just keeps going ....
8) He is an excellent rhymer ... we used to lay across the beds and hang our heads off upside down and rhyme words together. Sometimes not the best words ... but ...
9) He loves the show "Wings" ... we would stay up late and watch the reruns together. I love that memory.
10) He's not just my little brother anymore ... he's my brother who I can look up to. He can truly say, but he wouldn't, 'follow me as I follow Christ'. He is beautiful in his love of Jesus.

I am truly blessed to have such a brother. He is completely cool!

Koel was scheduled for a doctor's appointment this morning at 10:00. No sweat. I asked Lauren to keep Kadi for me. No problem. At 9:25, Kadi tells me that Angel is out ... Marty and Karen's little terrier dog. So I go outside ... Marty and Karen not being home. I chased her up MarMary a ways, then she ran the opposite direction down MarMary. I chased her to the corner, and she disappeared. I ran back, grabbed Kadi and Koel and jumped into the car. We went looking for Angel. She was up on St. Katherine, which is the street behind us. I tried to corner her there, with the help of two kind gentlemen who were working on a house. None of us could catch her and she ran back down St. Katherine. I tried to call Kyle. No answer. Hopped in the car again, and took off down St. Joachim after the stupid dog. She ran into a big dog on a chain and he had her basically frozen. I thought I had her. I got two feet from her and she ran. This time back up St. Joachim and down the opposite direction of St. Katherine. I hopped in the car again and took off after her. Finally I got a hold of Kyle. By this time I was near tears. Marty told him to tell me just to let her go. So, reluctantly, I did.
I drove to Lauren's to drop off Kadi, who was screaming that she didn't want to go there. I said Tough Noogies. I dropped her off and headed to Koel's doctor appointment. He had to get 5 shots today. Isn't that awful. BTW ... he turned 18 months old today!
I have to take him back in a month. He has fluid in both ears. AND his vocabulary is lacking. So, Dr. Finn wants to check his ears again and do a hearing test. Kyle and I are both concerned. Hopefully in the next month his vocabulary will pick up.
After leaving there, I went through the drive thru at Taco bell and tried the new crunchy cheesy gordita. I wouldn't recommend it.
Then Koel and I came home and I worked a bit in the office. We then took off for my doctor's appointment ALL the way out in St. Peters. Yep ... I drove all that way.
On the way there, I made a phone call to Lauren to check up on Kadi. I said "How is she", expecting a "just fine" in return.
I didn't get a "Just fine". I got a "well ....."
"Uh-oh" says me.
"What did she do?" I ask.
Lauren said maybe Kadi should tell me. So I gathered from Kadi that there was paint involved. I told her to put Lauren back on the phone.
Apparently, Kadi decided to play in the paint. Lauren is painting their front door red ... very nice by the way ... Kadi asked if she could help. Lauren said No, and please don't touch the paint. Well, something happened outside and Lauren went to check it out. She came back in to find ...
Red paint on her fireplace.
Red paint on her living room carpet.
Red paint all over the bathroom door, the sink, etc ....
Red paint all over Kadi.
Needlesstosay, Kadi was in a world of trouble. I am fine with Lauren's discipline of her. She couldn't tell Lauren why she did it though.
I was furious. I called Kyle. He wasn't happy either. We both want these behavior 'things' to stop. Kadi says she can't stop. She has to be bad she says.
I went to pick her up. I made her sit by me and tell me why she did it. Apparently, she was holding a little plastic slinky. "Somehow" it slipped into the paint can. So, she went in after it. Then tried to hide her tracks .... by ...
Hiding the red painted slinky under the recliner chair ... which we only discovered AFTER I was there.
Touching the fireplace and the living room carpet .... not to mention the carpet under the recliner, which was dry by the time we found out about that!
Going to the bathroom to wash her hands, touching everything in sight.
Ruining one of Lauren's best towels.
I feel so numb about her right now. I love her sooo much, but I have no energy to discipline her anymore. Nothing works. She just makes me sad. My heart is so heavy.
OH, and Angel found her way home somehow. Sidenote. I'm half glad, half not. I won't chase her again ... let me tell you!
I start taking Welbutrin in the morning. Dr. Adams thinks that will help me. I hope so.
Felicia and I tagged all of our garage sale stuff tonight. It took 3 hours. Not bad. It was fun. I like her so much. She wants to be up by 6 and setting stuff out! Oh My!
Pray for Kadi if you read this. Pray for me. Pray for Kyle. For wisdom and obedience.
I am praying too that Lauren can continue to love my little girl. She makes it so hard sometimes, Kadi does. I know it. I am horrified by what she did today. I have apologized profusely. Lauren says she is fine. She told Kadi that she loves her and has forgiven her.
I just hate it that my child could do this.
It has been a day. A very busy day.
I'm very tired. I am going to sleep now.

I'm really random today.

I like the Roaming Gnome from Travelocity.

"Don't forget your hat". Hilarious. Especially in the English accent.

I found an hilarious website today. http://www.freethegnomes.com/index.html
I really hope it is just a joke. Who knows. People are crazy enough.

Did I every mention my dryer isn't working? I'm doing the hang out the laundry thing. It's kindof fun ... don't tell Kyle!!!!

I never make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

Why?

I don't like to spread the jelly. It just sits there and then moves in a clump with my spoon or knife.

So, I just don't make them.

That is, until .... today!

I discovered I should spread my jelly with a fork!!! Lay down the peanut butter first, then slap on that jelly and spread it with a FORK!!!!

It is fabulous!

I thoroughly just enjoyed my peanut butter and jelly sandwich that I made at Kadi's request.

Just an FYI note, that is all, nothing more.

EXCEPT that .... you know I can't get away with having nothing more to say ....

Kadi, Justin, Koel and I went to Shop-N-Save today for some groceries. I had tons of coupons. I bought what I had coupons for. Filled 2 carts.

When I checked out, I had .... $ 25 ... in coupons!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What a fun feeling to know I just got $25 of my food/stuff FREE!!!! He,he!!

I'm having an "I'm very cool" kindof day thus far. Shouldn't toot my horn ... days not over! But right now ....... there's a big ol' smile on my face!!!!

Hey Jenn Reedy, having fun with your padres?

Classic Justin & Kadi this morning ....

Justin loves Kadi, therefore Justin like to hug Kadi.
Kadi has something 'up her bootwa' today.
Therefore Kadi doesn't want to be hugged.
Kadi screams. Justin hugs more. Kadi screams more ... like screeching now.

End result ... Kadi is in her room for her screaming.
Justin is confused. He loves his mommy and she likes hugs. Shouldn't Kadi too?

Ah ..... my girl.

AND .....

Kadi girl quote .....

Background info first ... my mom and my Aunt Lesta were here to spend the night with us on Monday night. They had been to Ohio to be with their brother Uncle Perry ... course his name is Perry ... but he's my uncle. My Aunt Bobbie passed away soon after they arrived, and they stayed on with him for over a week. On their way home, they stayed with us. (Please continue to pray for Uncle Perry and my cousins John, Sally and Judy and their families.)

So, we're sitting in the living room, and Kadi is between her Grandma and her Great-Aunt Lesta. She looks at her Grandma and says "Why is Aunt Lesta so old?"
Mom's reply was "We are Grandmas."
Kadi then quickly said "That's okay, Grandma's are old." He,he,he ....
I'm glad Aunt Lesta and Mom found the humor in it.

AND here's a frightful tale ....
Koel snuck out the front door on Monday evening. I found him in the street. When I started after him, he took off 'running' away down the street just giggling. When I caught him, he was spanked swift and true. My heart was pounding!! Now in retrospect ... the sheer glee on Koel's face was hilarious! The freedom! But then, not so much. Good thing for him he's adorable and funny! He is trying to say "PeekaBoo" now, but it comes out more like "Boo-Bah" ... uh-oh ... that's that show on PBS ... maybe that's what the title really is!!!! Peek-a-Boo!!

Kyle got to rent a 953 Tractor Loader this week for work. One of the Granddaddy of all Tractors kind of tractor! He's been like a little boy in the candy store with a bunch of money to spend ... that sort of happy! Did I mention he's also dyed his hair again ... maybe I should say 'bleached'. His face is shaven as well ... very nice. I like it.

Kennedy however, does not like her dad's new look. She straight up told him so. We figure she'll get over it.

Did I also mention that she had a lightbulb dawn the other day?
I picked her up from school and she says immediately ... MOM! Did you know that there is "Ned" in Kennedy???? I laughed, but not rudely! I'm still giggling at the thought of it! He,he.

And for a word about Keenan ... he's going to get to move downstairs ... maybe I've mentioned that ... He drew a plan for his room yesterday. He,he. He has it all mapped out where we should put everything in the room. Again, still giggling at the thought of it! He loves to draw and create. I need to check into an art class or something for him.

My family is just funny! Thank you Lord that I find the humor in this group of people you've created!

It is quiet in here.

How lovely.

I have to say that I watched the finale of Adam's Quest for Love last night. Very disappointing. Or is it just me? Sam over Rachel? I don't think so! He's a typical man ....

I'm going to be participating in my like 9th garage sale since I moved into this house in two weeks! it feels soooo good to throw "stuff" out! I'm even thinking of pricing stuff real low just to move it fast! That sounds like fun!

And it is a fabulous opportunity to get to know my neighbors Felicia and Nicole better.

I want to list something happy about each one of my kids ....

Keenan: He is totally creative. He wants to be a cartoonist now. Isn't that great? It changes alot, but I want to encourage his creative side ... God can use imagination in a large way! And my little man wants to be used by God! Yeah!!!

Kennedy: She is just so pleasant. She really can make your day brighter. She is very encouraging and sweet-tempered. She makes my heart smile. She is a great reminder for me to not raise my own voice. She really rarely raises her own ... for being a baby that screamed as much as she did ... this is God's handiwork!!!

Kadi: Boy is she funny! None of my children can make my emotions swing like she can! I love the faces she makes and she knows it too! We have a lot of fun making faces together. Her newest thing is when she gets a kiss, it has to be right on ... or you have to do it over and over and over until it is just right! Funny.

Koel: He is indescribable. He is into everything .... but at this point, it is just funny. He isn't doing it to be malicious and I know it. He is exploring ... quite a lot ... He has become quite a little dancer lately. He grooves as a matter of fact.

Paige, Zaine, Kadi and I ... well mostly me ... decided Koel is Jewish today ... when he was 'speaking' at breakfast he had that phlegm sound going on in his speech! Oh how we all giggled! he,he.

Quote of the day ...

"Great Barnacles!" ... Keenan when his sisters were retrieving a ball from the neighbor's yard.

Hilarious kid!

Kadi screamed for 1/2 mile today. Didn't know that was possible. Her cries ranged from "My legs hurt" to "I can't walk". Why. I ask you, why??????

When I say she screamed, she screamed.

I walked a good few paces in front of her the entire time. I'm not going to be accused of beating her. I don't. I want to sometimes, but what would it solve?

She makes me nuts sometimes. She has continued her behavior throughout the rest of the evening.

Parenting her is so hard. Keenan and Kennedy are so easy. What is Kadi's special need?

My dryer has gone ca-put. So, all day long I've been doing laundry like 'in the olden day's'. I even constructed myself a pretty good little clothes line! I discovered my garden arch is great for a drying rack! What a day. Paige and Zaine were here. That was nice. But poor Paige, she doesn't understand that I "work" for our company. I was so busy today with phone calls, invoices, and laundry. Finally 2:00 rolled around and she could watch the Ryan Seacrest Show ... that made her happy.

Zaine wrote "I love Dacia" in chalk on the porch today. Ahhh ..... I nearly cried. I gave him a big kiss on the cheek and told him that I love him too. He blushed. Too cute.

Man, fighting will totally take the breath out of you. We've had a very off day. I'm so tired. So tired. Going to bed now....

Okay, so they make Le Divorce ... the movie ... seem like it will be a funny movie. Nope.

And ... personally, I don't think Diane Keeton should have been nominated for an oscar for being totally nude in a movie! Just my own thoughts.

We watched Le Divorce and Something's Gotta Give last night. Lauren and I were up until 1:30! WOW!

I hate it when pretty girls curse. I don't like it when anyone curses ... but when a beautiful woman has a filthy mouth, my skin crawls. Where are the ladies? I almost said something to the person I'm thinking of imparticular tonight. Maybe I should ... I just want to tell her she's much to pretty to have such a dirty mouth. It makes her so ugly. Such a shame.

I want to be a lady. Sure I belch now and then, but on the whole, I think it is important to be a lady. Courtesy, kindness. fairness. The fruit of the Spirit.

We got to watch Kyle take down a big tree today. He's so manly. He's a lumberjack! Woo-wee!! Let me tell you ... now it doesn't frighten me so much to watch ... it just makes me swell with pride that that's MY man up there!!! He does such a good job. I was a bit concerned today as I watched ... but mostly just excited to watch him work.

Kennedy is reading this as I write it. We've had a nice discussion about why we should have pretty words come out of our mouths and not ugly ones. What comes out of the mouth is from the heart. Right Kennedy? "Yes", she says.

Time to get Koel and Kadi out of the tub ......

Again, the pantry door was left open today!

Again, Koel bee-lined for the pantry that was left open today!

Again, the bag of chips was taken by Koel from the pantry that was left open today!

Again, the bag of chips was poured out on the carpet by Koel ... the bag of chips that was taken from the pantry that was left open today!

Again, the mother of Koel, who poured the bag of chips from the pantry that was left open today, was very frustrated .....

Frustrated to the point of hilarity.

I almost got upset ... then decided I needed a good picture of that moment and ran for my camera! Good parenting? I hope so.

Moments like that are precious, despite the mess ....

People keep the doors shut when Koel comes over!!! Let me tell ya!!!

I can't be responsible for his actions! Well, too much ....

It is 60 degress and lovely today. So nice. So nice.

Girl's night is tonight. Lauren and I will go it alone. We are gonna rent Chic-Flics and have steak. I'm excited!

She made me do Pilates this morning. We did them alot back in the fall ... she has continued to do them ... me ... not so much. Lauren has gotten really good .... I'm just really good at the giggling part ....We did buns and thighs, then abs. Ay-yi-yi! My buttocks!!! Nika tried to help me with the Pilates this morning as did Koel.

Koel decided I needed help ... so he climbed all over me. Have you ever tried to do floor exercises whilst a toddler crawls on you? Hilarious! I told Lauren that they should have one of the 'models' of the Pilates being crawled on by a toddler.

AND ... Nika ... she decided I needed to cuddle. So she curled herself right up next to me. So funny. I just kindof kicked and stuff around them.

Funny stuff.

I'm gonna go enjoy the sun .....

On a much more serious note than earlier,

My aunt Bobbi passed away a little over an hour ago. She's had cancer for a while. Her pancreas shut down earlier this week, so it was just a matter of time. It is still sad, yet she isn't suffering now.

So ... here are the prayers of my heart at this moment:

My Uncle Perry ... Lord, give him peace, comfort and ease his loneliness.

My cousin Judy, who is 8 months pregnant in Portugal, and who could not be there. May the Lord fill her with peace and assurance that she will she her mother again in Heaven.

My cousins Sally and John who were there. May they hold fast to each other Lord and be a shoulder for their father as well.

My mother, who traveled yesterday to be there with her brother Perry, and their sister Lesta who traveled with mom. The experience of being there while someone slips from this life is new for my mom ... give her peace Lord.

Aunt Bobbi's sister and her husband ....

Mom's sisters ... Dorothy, Doris, Mary, Wilma ... I'm not sure if they are all there with Perry, Lesta and Mom. It's a big family. Lord, keep them close and help them to encourage each other.

I don't understand Cancer. It is just mean. Simply put ... it is just mean. But Lord, I trust that you can bring glory through this and any event. Thank you.

Kadi, Koel and I got into the car to pick up Keenan and Kennedy this afternoon.

Kadi asked if we could listen to the "Lotion Baby" song.

I was really confused.

At that moment, my CD player was playing "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" by Poison. I thought ... this is my 80's CD ....

Then it hit me ... Lotion Baby ....

LoveShack ... She wanted to hear LoveShack ...

So I turned it on and ... Bingo! That's what she wanted! Hilarious!