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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Koelly just loves his big sister Kennedy. 

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

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

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

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

Keenan is a floating head! we really enjoyed this exhibit. The mirrors make it look like you're body isn't here. Too funny! 

You know how sometimes I want to wring Kadi's neck? Well ..... He,he ... just had to get a picture! 

Koel and Khiana enjoying the science center. They love each other. It is so sweet. They were totally happy to sit together. Koel fell asleep and Khiana held his hand. Everybody together say "Ahhh ..." It was so sweet. 

Kennedy and Kadi enjoying sitting on Grandpa. 

See? I said Woody enjoyed himself ... here's the proof! I think he tried everything! Kimbra, Rose and I giggled quite a bit! 

Koel made himself comfortable while sleeping ... too funny! I had to get a picture! 

The yellow sky during the storm. Isn't it gorgoues in a scary sort of way. I had never seen the sky that color before ... the whole western sky ... yellow. Spooky! 

Here's the Durango during the storm ... all lit up orange in places. It was spooky outside. 

We are without electricity here. My flash on my camera is just very good. It was dark in the kitchen all but the candles. We had a quiet, peaceful time in the dark. 

Here's a view from the backyard over the garage. The other picture was in the front. 

Saturday the 3rd ....

We took Kyle to the airport around 11:00. After arriving back home, we did some cleaning and laying around. Saturday evening, we went to Jenny's apartment. We took her a housewarming gift which was very fun to put together. Odds and Ends for her and Lisa. Candles, Koolaid, etc. Jenny, the kids and I headed off to Walmart on Jungerman. Such a nice Walmart. We were there FOREVER ... but a fun FOREVER! I love Walmart and I love picking out stuff for other people. So, that's what we did ...even a fish. After Walmart ... WENDY'S ... I love it ... probably my favorite fastfood place! Kadi was upset again that going to Wendy's did not mean Wendy Lankford's house. I need to remember to be a bit more clear for her.

Sunday the 4th ....

After church, the kids and I cleaned the house together. It was fun. Kennedy did the dishes herself. Keenan helped by picking up. Kadi likes to wipe things with spray cleaner. I dusted and vacuumed. We had a good time. I like days like that when it goes smoothly ... and Koel slept the entire time!

At 6:00 we loaded up in the Durango and headed to Specks for some fun. We had fabulous food and fellowship. The whole church was there, except the Varvils who were noticeably missing let me just say. For food, we hang out in the backyard. Played cards. Washers. Good times. THEN for the fireworks ... we all sat in the front yard for a front row seat to Florissant's firework display. It was fabulous ... and long. Koel cried at first, then just sat very still in my lap.

The Bishop kids were stinking hilarious! Ooo-ing, Ahh-ing and Screaming. THey loved it. I know Jamie was worried about Caleb, but he had a hoot! It was all so magical and amazing to them. It is fun to see it through the eyes of a child who finds it completely fascinating! We all enjoyed hearing their delight!

Ike and Kadi had a moment ... Kadi stood up to watch the fireworks for a moment. Mind you I'm sitting behind her, so basically what I see is her silouhette lit by fireworks in front of her. Ike stood up next to her ... and put his arm around her shoulders. Their heads immediately drew together. Ahh ... Wendy and I giggled ... What a romantic moment ... did it have to happen to 4 year olds???? ... Then, a few minutes later, I noticed Mr. Isaac Lankford's hand seemed to find a resting spot on my Kadi's hip ... rather possessive if you ask me ... I smacked Jamie Lankford on the leg and told him to keep an eye on his kid! Again, Wendy and I giggled. Too funny.

Monday the 5th ...

We loaded up and despite the storms, went to Pete's house. She and I made a slip cover for her couch. I had never done that before, but it turned out rather nice if I do say so myself. Pete was very excited. The kids played with Heather's dog Roz and with Heather ... bless her heart. She did very well having all of the kids around that she doesn't know very well.

When we were done, we came home and sat out the storms. Our electricity went out about 7:00 ish. I fortunately had candles, so I lit them all. It was an experience for the kids let me just say. I took a few pictures I'll add later. The sky outside was Yellow. Bizarre looking. The lightning and thunder lasted for hours. The wind was horrible and at time the rain was just in sheets. In a candle lit house ... Kyle should have been home ... very romantic if he had ... however, with me and the kids, we sat and quietly talked. It was very nice.

Woody, Rose, Kimbra and Khiana arrived after 10:00 p.m. Still not electricity and it was getting warm in the house. We all got sqared away though and went to bed in the heat and dark. About 1:30 a.m. the electricity cracked back on. Fabulous! I had to rush and turn off a few lights that I forget their switches were "on". Very nice to have the air back on at that point! Some peope around St. Louis are still out of electricity today ... it's Wednesday. On the news this morning, they said it might be tomorrow before the city is completely restored. Thank you Lord for ours coming on shortly after it went off. 6 hours just isn't that bad.

Tuesday the 6th ... Science Center. It was very fun. I tell you who was the funniest though .... Woody. He was like a kid himself. I think he tried nearly all of the experiments himself! So funny! We lazily walked around and let Keenan and Kennedy check out whatever they wanted. Kadi kindof floated around after them. I do believe the favorite item was of course the Dinosaurs. Large dinosaurs. They really got a kick out of that. We went over the bridge on the highway too. There are windows in the floor so you can watch the traffic go underneath you. Keenan and Kennedy both looked very hesitantly over ... Kadi looked, saw what it was and stepped right on the window! I knew she would! SOOO funny! That's my little brave girl!

We lasted at the Science center for about 3 hours. Plently of time. Then ... to McDonalds we went! The new happy meals are wonderful! They had a mixture of chicken nuggets, apples, fries, soda, chocolate milk ... everyone's was a bit different! I was glad. AFter eating ... to the play yard. Grandpa sat outside with them while us ladies sat inside. We too went out after a bit ... but it was so humid. The children all had a wonderful time. Khiana and Koel had a blast with the little playhouse. They laughed and chased each other. It was so fun to watch.

Our evening was calm. Pizza and rest. Keenan and I though went to see Karen Wasoba. She talked to him for around 30 minutes. It was good. She asked him for his help to know how to best help Mommy and Daddy to get along better. He had a couple of ideas. He is very insightful. It was hard to hear what my 8 year old knows about what happens in our disagreements. I told Keenan on our way home that any time he feels sad and doesn't want to talk to me or Kyle about it, to just let me know and he can talk to Karen. She made sure and let him know that's what she does ... helps people who are sad and mad and don't know what to do. He responded very well to that. He really liked her. She had him laughing harder than I've seen him laugh in a while. It was refreshing. I'm not trying to get my son in 'therapy' here, I just want to keep my sensitive son 'okay'. I know it is rough on him around here sometimes. He told Karen it makes him mad when Kyle and I argue. How easy is it for us adults to disregard what our kids hear and digest. So, anyway, now he knows he can talk to someone if he needs to and Karen had another window into our home.

My homework assignment this week is to ask questions. #1: What are characteristics of mine that you notice? And oops I've forgotten the next one ... gotta think on it ...

Keenan's assignment was ... BE A KID! No problem there! :)

Today ... we are headed to the ZOO ... and it is going to be 81 degrees, sunny skies and low humidity! GORGEOUS! I can't wait! They are apparently moving 4 gorillas today ... maybe we'll get to see that.

I'll let you know ..............

July 3. Wow.

Kennedy and I are up very early. We're both listening to music in the office.

Kyle leaves today. God bless him and keep him safe on his trip. I ask that you cover him in your wisdom and protection. May he be a sponge while he is there in soaking up the language and the love of the people in Anapra. May he set a good example for those coming there to build houses for people in Anapra. May his love for Anapra help others to feel comfortable there themselves. And Lord please watch over the kids and I while we are here in St. Louis. Thank you for all of the company that we have coming. Maybe we have a lovely time. And I pray that the time would pass swiftly. I don't want the children to 'notice' Kyle isn't here so much that they are sad. Bless this day as we send Daddy off on his way.

Here's a note I have to add for Kadi ....

Every night before Kadi goes to sleep ... she asks for a 'piece' of water. :) That makes me laugh!

Kennedy is really into wearing earphones and carrying around her own walkman. So I've ordered her some Christian Pop CDs comparable to today's music of the world. It's not that I don't want her to listen to the radio or anything, I just want to balance it all.

Koel is very good at expressing "no" now. We went to eat dinner at O'Charly's last night (2 kids per adult eat free ... ALL the time!), and Kyle and I kept trying to get a kiss from Koel. He kept saying "No". So funny. Uh-oh ... the baby is up now. It's only 6:40 ... not good. Some morning he'll sleep until almost 9:00.

Okay, so the last two days ... I've gotten to do my FAVORITE thing. Thrift store shop at a SALE!! The thrift store at the end of Wismer on Rock Road is moving, and EVERYTHING is on sale. All adult clothes are $1.00 each. All kids clothes are $.50 each. All books are 10 for a $1.00. All 'bric-a-brac' is $.50. That's all kitchen stuff, miscellaneous. All shoes are $1.00. It's hilarious! We came home from the sale twice ... with jeans for all six of us. Plus jeans for Mason Lankford ... like five pair ... jeans for Marty. Jeans for Felicia. Jeans for Kelsey. Jeans for my mom! Shirts for some of us. LOTS of books. I think I must have bought like sixty kids books. My kids are thrilled! I am too. That was only $6.00. Very fun!

Keenan has his daddy to himself right now. Kyle went downstairs and curled up with Keenan. I thought he was packing although it is early, so I went to chat with him ... nope, curled up asleep with Keenan. That man can drop sleep ANYWHERE! I'm glad for Keenan ... when he wakes up, he'll be so happy. That makes me happy.

Our new Firebellied Toad is Melissa. We decided KeeWee needed a friend. So, .... Melissa has entered our lives. She is a fun Toad. She 'talks' constantly and is very social. She watches us. It really is very funny. I think today we will get them a bigger cage. And we've decided to feed them roly polies. That disturbs me since I love the little bugs, but ... you gotta do what you gotta do when something is free!
So now we have KeeWee and Melissa ... sitting in a tree .. k i s s i n g ... literally. They're quite fond of each other. They do a lot of Hugging shall we say. Funny stuff.

On to start the day ....................