White Cedar Days

Slip n Slide

One of the "events" and by far the most entertaining was the slip n slide set up behind the Timberline. Dad and Aunt Nita watched closely!

I couldn't get this on the other post so u hv 2!

Oregon Day 3

Today is another travel day. Alaska Airlines managed to lose a whole day for me. Instead of getting to CB Thursday afternoon, we got there on Friday afternoon. Lost a whole day of being able to see friends and catch up with people!!! There is my venting - now on with the day!!

We had breakfast with Clint and Sallie just before meeting with the Sheriff's Department. CZ (I'm not sure of his title so I won't use one) met with Keith and I and updated us on some of the things that have been done. It has been several years since I have actually been able to meet face to face with one of the Detectives and I was glad that I did. On the phone I tend to get emotional and don't manage to ask any of my questions. So. . . we still don't know what happened to Jeremy but I do know that lots and lots of people have searched, investigated, visited people in several states for all kinds of reasons, listed him on the NCIC and CFM&EC, used sophisticated equipment, dug holes, run dogs, drained wet places . . . all in the quest for finding my baby. I also turned over the tape from the psychic and gave him her request for maps. It was a sad meeting. Non-productive in fact but it sure made me feel better. I know that they haven't forgotten him - or religated him (his files) to the "cold case" room. I would never be able to put my thanks and appreciation to these people into words.

Then we packed up and headed for Powers. As we drove thru Coquille and Myrtle Point a kind of homesickness hit me. I'm supposing that it is a combination of the "empty nest", the meeting I'd just had, the family support that was available back in the years I spent there. As the years went by - mostly after Mom passed away - we've seperated and all gone our own ways. I keep in touch with very few people other than the ones that I communicate with thru this blog!! But the trip. . . the scenery was all absolutely beautiful. The trees are tall and green, water in the river, fields waving with hay. It was an absolutely beautiful drive. Keith isn't any more impressed with the Powers Road this year than he was last year!! We arrived at my Aunt & Uncles home to find that Uncle Jim was home alone. So we went searching - in Powers! And it's White Cedar Days. "In the olden days" there were contests for log rolling, axe throwing, pole climbing. . all sorts of good things!! With anticipation we walked down the street to find the festivities. Here was a "different" decorating idea!! Keith insisted on a picture. It's one of those - only in Powers things!!

Then on to the Party!! Found Dad at the tavern eating, so we ate also, then we went to the field behind the Timberline and this is what was happening!!
and the next post should have video.
and I hope to be able to upload the pictures on the wall of totally historic logging!!

We watched the activities and then went back to the house for dinner and a long visit!!

And On to Coos Bay

As you all are aware by now, we made it to Oregon. Spent the night in Eugene as Keith didn't want to do one of "those roads" at night. They really aren't that bad!! We went over to the coast on Hwy 126 from Eugene to Florence. It was a beatiful drive!! At Florence we turned on to 101. I think that 101 is an interstate - but if it is - it's not like any interstated you Easterners have EVER seen!! This picture it taken about 25 minutes out of Eugene and Keith was driving. We left about 10 am to make it to Coos Bay before the Friday night "traffic" started.
We stopped at the Hwy 101 and Hwy 38 Junction at a little restaurant and met Lucy and Art since they were headed to a wedding in Eastern Oregon and I wouldn't be able to see them during my shorter-than-planned visit to Coos Bay. The painted saws on the wall were amazing. There were more but I tried real hard not to make a total spectacle of myself taking pictures. We got there just in time. Right after we sat down, the place totally filled to the rafters!! We had a really good visit and I caught up on some news that I hadn't heard. Lucy looks great and they both look really happy. See? It was a nice rest in the trip.

Then we headed in opposite directions! We did make it for Clint's Birthday and "last day of official" work before his official retirement. We visited for most of the afternoon at thier home and then went out to see who might be out to see. Since the airlines problem cut our stay down to one day - we tried to pack everything in at once. On Flickr there are more pictures - of the scenery, the dunes, the McCullouch Bridge, and of the entry to North Bend. I think that was it for the day. We were back in our room by 10:30 and called it a night.

Where In the World . . . .

When we were the "Novice RV'er's" my sister used to quip "Where in the world might Keith & Diane be" now. This comes from an OLD computer game that only those with DOS history might remember. It is probably one of the first computer "games" Brett & S'te played. No graphics, no mouse, lots of typing, and spelling was a MUST!!

Anyhow, where in the world are we? We are stuck in the Portland Airport until 9 PM. We were on time for our 10:45 am flight. We boarded about 20 minutes late as the plane was late arriving. In fact they were de-planing about the time we should have been boarding! Then, as we are captively strapped into our seats without air to breath and Keith has no legroom - they announce that an outside door of some sort has a crack in it and they will be replacing it. Instead of letting us out where we could breath, eat, potty, or walk - there we sat. Like sardines of the first order!!!

So, guess what time our ticketed connection is!! 1:45 Only a supposed 1.5 hour wait in Portland. As soon as the late announcement came Keith tried calling Alaska Customer Service and make sure we were booked on the next available flight. He waited on hold for about 10 minutes (while they nicely told him he might get quicker answers on AlaskaAir.com) before a nice lady answers AND THE CALL WAS DROPPED!! So Keith askes the Flight Attendent what time the next flight from Portland to Eugene is. Before we ever leave the terminal in San Diego. He answers 5 something or another. We breath a sigh of relief. At least we won't be driving to Coos Bay in the dark. Note : at 10:30 this morning Alaska Airlines knew we would not make our scheduled connections!!

At 2:25 pm we de-plane in Portland - we stayed in our seats so that travelers with connections they could make could get out first. Such nice people we are!!

We are told to check in with Customer Service at the desk upon de-planing. We do so. We are told that we would be booked on the 9 pm United flight to Eugene. Not the 5:40 Alaska flight. It was booked up with others that had missed connections and checked in before we landed. It didn't make any difference that Alaska Airlines knew there was no possible way to make our scheduled connection - they did not hold the seat for us until we checked in at PDX!!! They had a 5 or so flight to North Bend - we said hold on to that for a minute. Fired up the trusty Internet - Checked the car rental rates - More than double for a rental car from Coos Bay/North Bend area AND a mileage allowance. No wonder the "tourist trade" is floundering!! No - for that amount ~~~~ SO ~~~

We took the $8 each for lunch and dinner so we have something to do while we wait the 6 hours before the 9PM United flight. So much for driving in the daylight! We go to the United terminal and see a 5:45 flight to Eugene. So, we go there and ask if we can be put on the standby list for that. Yes, the Agent was very sweet, smiled nicely, checked us in for the 9 something flight and put our names on the 5:45 standby list. She sweetly smiled while she asked if we had United Flyer Numbers. No - we have Alaska and American. A few AirWest and I think Keith even has some Delta. But no United. So, still smiling, she says that even tho' we are checked in really early, the flight is overbooked, and if United Customers booked on the 9 pm flight wanted to bump ahead of us - it would happen. Makes me wary of the later flight. What if the bumped REGULAR United passengers from the OVERBOOKED flight at 5:45 decide they want our seats on the later flight? Does that mean we walk? Or after spending 6 hours in the airport - they keep us here overnight - and I miss my meeting with Detective Looney tomorrow? Maybe, just maybe, we should have just mailed the tape. Maybe. Maybe. Maybe.

So only the Good Lord knows where we will be tonight - or even tomorrow. Pray for us - we need all the support we can get :)

So now, we've had lunch and I've typed this and Keith went down and got us both mileage numbers - no miles on them but we have numbers!! and only have 4.5 hours to go. What do do next?? ? ?

Signed - the Novice Travelers!!

Travel Day -Again

Well, it's back to the airport again. Heading for cooler weather. A constant quest!! It has been really hot here!!! Of course, this is Spring Valley - not Sera Mesa!! I guess it's always been hotter out here - but I never spent much time this far out - so I didn't realize it. Ya learn something new every day!!

Dad says it's "cold" in Powers. Of course, he's from Bullhead City, right in the desert. We will see him on Saturday for White Cedar Days. Sallie H. called last night and she will have dinner ready for us when we arrive!! She says we have to eat - and of course, she loves to cook!! Clint won't be home until tomorrow - he's in SF.

Well, Keith is carrying suitcases into the bedroom - so I guess I'd better get to packing - no sense in waiting until the last minute.

More from Oregon!!

Wednesday the 28th

Well, it's our last full day here before we head North for a few days. Our flight is about 10:30 in the morning so we will leave here by 8 or so. Not much time tomorrow.

Sunday we went to the Padre game. It was a circle jerk!! But it was fun and another memory of "the best laid plans". Of course it seems that when somehting is planned thru Pat at C1 - it turns out that way. People tell me that it isn't always screwed up - just when I'm involved (you think they are trying to tell me something?). We all got there - almost 30 of us - in time for steak and eggs or hot dogs. The bus was supposed to pick us up at noon - First pitch is at 1:05. At 12:45 about 10 of us (the rest opted out) got into cabs and left because the bus never showed. We did make it before the end of the first inning - and our seats weren't bad either. We had shade by the 3rd. They were a little higher than I like - but Papa has spoiled me so badly!! Pads lost - bad!! 8 to 4 when we left in the 8th. We rode back with Bumper - she offered the cab fare back to C1 but I wasn't letting her out of my sight. Lil Deb wound up sitting on knees both going and coming. She was real good natured about it (but, hey, she is the only one that wouldn't smash the legs down to toothpicks) there were several jokes passed on - but it was all in fun. The rest of the crew showed up about an hour after we returned. Keith and Earl went down to the Moose and met Liz for dinner - I stayed at C1 and got all kinds of caught up on news. I had a really good visit with Judy and saw several people that I hadn't seen in a year or more. Got home and had a long talk with S'te about a few things that were bothering me (I talked and she played her 'puter and said ah-huh).

Monday I don't know what I did. Probably real close to nothing except for laundry - and lots of it!! Papa finished the closet doors and hung the planter outside for me. He also had his own work to do. He's been concentrating alot on his part-time position as well as what is going on in Lakewood. Between all of that and listening to me - he definately has a full day - every day.

The roofer came bvy and left an estimate, the floor people called and said they would be out Wednesday to check out the subflooring in the kitchen.

Ms. Joyce came this morning and brought sunshine as always - she is a happy, cheerful person with a constant smile on her face. I got all of my "stuff" picked up so she could do her job. Kinda hard to do floors when you can't even see them. I haven't taken any pictures or done much of anything lately. S'te has been really, really busy and it sounded like she has another really full day ahead of her today. Her house and yard are coming along. She is working hard on the house and on the kids. It's alot to have them all home, all bored, all wanting to do the same thing, all day!!

Today I need to get laundry done and packed. I feel like crap. Of course it's the same crap as usual - just a little more so. I overdid a bit (maybe alot - for me) yesterday. I just have so much I'd like to do - and so little time to do it. We did get curtains and rods for a couple of the bedrooms and S'te got the film for the kitchen windows - so I might get that stuff up while laundry is going - and I finished here :)

It has been really hot the last couple of days - even Ty has a heat rash. Not Florida hot - but hot none-the-less. Makes activity sluggish. But when I start hurting - I have to do SOMETHING so I don't just sit and dwell on it. It still aches and sometimes really hurts - but if I'm not focused on it - it seems more bearable. Speaking of which - my typing time is over. I'm correcting more than I'm typing.

The End of Week 3

Boy I'll bet the kids will be glad when we leave!! S'te has to much time to dream up new projects while we are here!! This just outlines the last few days.

She decided to see if she couldn't get the wiring run so that her hall lights would work. This had to be done early (like before coffee or breakfast) before it got hot. That attic warms up quickly!!

The Jay-man helped out by keeping TeeTee occupied and off the ladder.

So when it got to hot to work in the attic - she scraped the wall until she got that finished and got it all cleaned up before Kia's bedtime!!

So that's what they are doing. I've just been trying to help out by being the gofer. I can reach switch boxes, do laundry, chase TeeTee and be a general pain to the kids because I'm a wonderful "chore checker". I just keep right on a checkin' 'em 'till they are done right!!

Last night I went with Keith and he dropped me at C1 while he went about his bizness. Had a really good chat with Janet and Debbie. I was glad to see them because they aren't going to the Padre game with us tomorrow.

Today, the triple digit heat forcast didn't materialize and we went to the Swap Meet down by the water and I found 2 new tents (dresses) that will fit around my ever expanding behind. I also found a couple of really cute tops for Destini and Brayana on the $2 table. I hope they like them. It was cool enough that we actually wore sweatshirts off and on all day.

After that we picked up LaDaria her performance in Claremont. I was glad to get there in time to watch part of the program. I love it. More and more every time I see it. LaDaria is getting really good. She has really gotten her niche and it shows!! Great Job, LaDaria. I was sorry that Ty decided he didn't want to go today. He has a real talent and maturity in his presentation of the materials. He presents like it comes from his heart no matter what his 16 year old mind thinking.

We then went to Coco's and ate too much, came home and fed kids while S'te went to stock up on supplies to COMPLETE her projects-in-progress.

Talked with my sister at Knuckles Knoll and there may actually be a reunion of my Mother's side of the family scheduled FOR WHILE WE ARE UP THERE!!! Now that's luck. What usually happens is that everyone has plans elsewhere while we are visiting. So I have been blessed. She will call with more details within the next few days - so I'm really pumped about this!! I haven't seen some for 10 years or so and others for much longer than that!! I'm really hoping that this comes to reality.

Now all is asleep and it's time to check out what is happening in the rest of the world.

God Bless!!

Another day, Another project started!!

She's at it again!! So, one minute she was scraping the wall in Kiah's room so she can patch and paint his walls (One wall of Kiah's room was kind of done with strips of wood in a mosaic pattern and Ty tore it down.) and the next minute she was tearing out tile in the hallway.

Well, actually maybe not quite that quick - but all we said was that there were so many cracked and broken tiles there that she was going to have to replace that floor finish also. Turns out that there is hardwood floor there also. Under a layer of ceramic tile, cement, mesh, and tar paper was actually hardwood flooring!! Ty had the unfortunate luck of coming in from school about the time the wheelbarrow needed to be emptied.
S'te was thinking that it might take a week or so to get the tile all torn up and scraped. I thought maybe she should know when someone might be around to install new flooring before doing the RIP job. But, no, not she. She found that wood floor down there and didn't stop until it was finished!! It came up in large pieces and chunks like in the picture above, so it didn't take long. I helped by cleaning up the mess afterwards and putting the tools away - so I did assist a little!

Then we had the interview with the Psychic. She didn't want to talk on speakerphone so she concentrated on S'te for awhile and then spoke with me. S'te called the Coos County Detective that happened to be 4th or so in line to inherit Jeremy's case. She told him what she had done and the results. I also spoke with him for a very short time but we made arrangements for me to meet with him while we are in Coos County. I don't want to spill the beans just yet. I want to digest and ponder for awhile and wait and see what happens before I give up the feelings that we were given. I'll let you know if anything comes of anything!!

Then this evening Keith had his Board Meeting for Lakewood. He really looks all serious too!! Don't you think? The wonders of modern technology!! He has called and been involved with every meeting that has been called. Things seem to be progressing pretty well at the Village. I'm anxious to see the changes when we return.
The new flower bed that was started yesterday got put on hold for today - they will probably work on it tomorrow. The middle kids spent most of the day in and out of the pool so they stayed pretty busy. The basketball hoop got moved to the back yard the other day so the nasty lady on the other side of the fence can't complain anymore about the balls going over the fence and into her yard!! Now she's going to have to buy her own balls instead of keeping the kid's.

Enough for tonight. More when there is news.

Papa finds a baby!!

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Originally uploaded by Amah.

No matter where we go - or how far we travel - Papa finds a baby to hold!! He's made fast friends with this little guy!! He is the baby of a friend of S'te's that is visiting for a day or two. He's sure a chunky little thing.

Not much afoot today. Ty started summer school - the others are bored and have nothing to do. It is amazint - today is the official first day of summer break. I don't know how S'te is going to survivie a whole summer. It has nothing to do with Rod being deployed - he works full time when he isn't deployed :) She is planning out her gardens - like her Aunt Sharen - and will get more done as time goes on.

We met Liz and Earl for dinner last night and then on up to C1 to see the gang. It looks like we might get quite a crew for the Padre game on Sunday. Sammi is planning a Bunco party and that sounds like fun but if I do that - I'll never make it to the game. Janet, S'te and I had planned to go to Bingo today (Janet and I need help on our cards HEEHEHE) but Keith had to work - so that fell thru. We didn't have anyone else to leave the kids with. BOO+HOOO

Even with all the good times and great visits things must be catching up with me. One of Keith's very good long-time friends passed away last week and we didn't know until the day of the services (when Keith called to see how he was doing). We have another friend that all are in prayer for - hoping for a quiet and painless passing. I had a bad night and an even worse day. I don't know why I insist on the continual eating when I feel bad. Now my foot hurts, my arm-hand-and shoulder are throbbing, I have a headache and heartburn. BUT I'M FULL!! :( Overful. Bloated. Fat. And nothing went away. I did get in a nap this afternoon for a few minutes before dinner. S'te fixed Tacos with spanish rice and beans. It was great. I hope that the law bans electric guitars. They cause more trouble than guns!!! Especially when there are teens in the house!!

We have lots of plans for the week. The kids have a VTC with Rod and the interview regarding Jeremy are both set for Wednesday and Thursday. It is possible that that is what is messing with my brain right now - but we will see.

Wish us luck!!

Father's Day Cards

Papa's Cards for Father's Day!!

End of Week 2

Friday was LaDaria's Graduation from 8th grade. I didn't get to go to the ceremony but S'te taped it so I could watch it. As all of those things go, we couldn't see enough of the one we wanted to see enough of. But it was nice to be able to watch her graduate.

I went to the Doctor and got a neuro referral and they hope to get me seen while we are still here. It would sure be nice to get this arm and neck fixed. Once and for all!!

Saturday was Destini's 9th birthday. We got her an outfit and some bath gels. "All About Me" was the name of the set. It sure fits. She's the dramatic one of the bunch :) We watched the other kids while she and her friends went for her birthday lunch and then all but Taniyah went to the movies. Taniyah stayed with Amah and Papa - she sat up here and had munchies while we watched TV. We had our own little fun. She is so absolutely adorable!! I remember when they were all little and sweet instead of pre-teen and and teen and all argumentative! ! !

Today is Father's Day. The blessings came early!! Keith started out with a new T-Shirt that says "Navy Dad" and cards from S'te and the kids. Then he got a call from his "Little April" to wish him a happy day from her and the kids.

We again went to church with S'te and family. It is amazing how many ways the Gospel can be presented. Pastor Vines peppers his message with many comical paraphrases and really brings his message into every day life. Todays message was on Fathers Love. He spoke of how our Father brings the love for the fathers everywhere to share with others. He spoke of ID's verses identity. It was a really great message brought in a rather non-traditional way. He definately keeps you listening :) See a sample of New Season's here. I miss my home Church in Vero but this is good also. Variety is great.

We are spending the afternoon kind of kicked back and lazy. The Andy Griffin Show is on and we adults all have laptops going!! I couldn't get the photo of the cards to load so have to put them in as a seperate post.

Happy Day to all you Dad's.

Makkiah promotion

Makkiah promotion
Originally uploaded by Ste Elmore.

It was Graduation Day for our youngest grandson today. Papa went off to visit Timmy while S'te, Ty, and I went to the Graduation Ceremony at the park. It was a really cute. = They did the chicken dance (everyone but Kiah - wasn't no way, no how he was doing that!!), einsy weinsy spider, more chicken dance, and then got thier certificates. The adults jumped into line like starving orphans and had sandwich, cake, and punch. It was really organized and the kids were wonderful. They must've been practicing. They stood in line, didn't talk, paid attention!! They have a lot of work to do to fix that before their next grad!!!!

S'te and Ty and I helped to clean up and pack up. I had the balloons that I was carrying to the top of the hill - to THIER pickup - literally snatched out of my hand buy Kiah's least favorite teacher. For more Graduation, another picture, and a link to the slide show - visit the Money Pit. S'te has all that on there.

Papa has decided to put the kids to work. He returned with a blade for the sawsall, a new lawnmower, got the weedeater started, and had a total list of what needed to be done. I guess the visit with Tim motivated him.

Liz and I went to lunch at Pedro's here in Spring Valley. I ate too much and we had a great visit. I vented some of my frustrations about Gerald and Jeremy. She is really a great listener. When she needs to - she vents to me. I guess it was mostly just my day. She toured the Money Pit and couldn't get over how much progress has been made in less than 2 years. She was just totally amazed. We laughed about the "maze" and how far you had to go - to go back to the kitchen for your purse. She drove right past it when we returned from lunch - said she did the same thing when she came to pick me up. The kids have done a wonderful job of putting it together.

We went to support group and then stopped at Denny's. Another busy day!!!

Brayana, Jaleel, Makkiah, Destini

Whew, what a day!! The AIM Team had a presentation at Del Mar at the San Diego County Fair so all the kids skipped school and we headed for it. We all got in free - Papa and I were chaperones (hee hee) and since it was "bracelet day" and we could ride from 11 - 7 with a $20 bracelet, we stopped at Ralphs and got coupons for $5 off the bracelets. That way after the Presentation, we could just ride, and ride, and RIDE, AND RIDE :) I know for a fact that the kids had a long, good day because they all went to sleep in the car coming home. We actually hit really good traffic and were there inside the gate at 11. The call time for the kids was 12:30 so S'te took the middle kids to ride for awhile while Ty and LaDaria went to the "big rides" for a short try out before they had to report for dress and make-up. As always it was great. I just about cry everytime I see them put their talents into such a wonderful thing. I can't even describe it. And the people watching it were suprised that the team wasn't a "Christian School Group" but a group of kids that got together and put the talents and spirit that God gave them to good use. Papa and I kept Taniyah and watched the other performers do ballet, skits, choir renditions and the like - I really like to watch talented people. Gives me hope for the future to watch people doing something besides murder, rape, and the like.

Sooooo, after the AIM presentation we parted ways with the big kids (they'd rather hang with the friends, ya know) and took all the middle and little ones to the infield where their rides were. Papa even bought S'te and I wristbands, so I felt obligated to at least ride a few! Now I remember why I'd rather watch. Every ride I got on was way too long. Not that I didn't enjoy riding with the kids - but by the time the roller coaster, the swinging boat, the tea cups, and the twisty boat rides were done - so was I. I was perfectly content to watch my Baby and her Babies ride, and ride, and ride. About 6 we left the kids area and headed over to meet the big kids. They found more to ride over there!! I took TeeTee and we just hung out in the shade until they were ready for the last ride - then Papa and I took her and TY (he wasn't feeling real well haha) to the van and waited the few minutes until they got there. It was a great family day - not hot, not cold, a nice breeze, sunshine, smiles, giggles, the lines were really short because most kids were still in school, good food (I go to eat!!). We got back to S'te's and I asked TeeTee if she was ready for bed, she very solomly nodded her head, kissed Mommy goodnight, took my hand and went to bed. Not a peep outa her since..I thinks she was tired! I think it was a good day!
Now, back to reality!! But not until morning. Good night!

Tyrique

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Originally uploaded by Ste Elmore.

We got around early this morning. Ty is out of school this week and is trying to earn "points" so he can pay for his internet game site that he likes. So he told his Mom that he would do anything she wanted him to do. Well, guess what was first!! The lawnmower is back at HD because the motor mount is broken - mind you - it is a brand new mower!! So he wound up weed-eating the lawn. He was really good natured about it too!! He can really be a sweet kid when he isn't trying to see how far he can push!! He got the lawn all cleaned up nicely. S'te and I went to the Garden Shop and got some stuff to kill the huge weeds that really like the new soil in the lawn. We have to wait for 3 days to spray it on now - but even weedy - it looks better than it did. He has the week off before he heads for summer school.

We did some deep cleaning yesterday and figured out that the tiles in the kitchen were REALLY getting bad. The ones that Lowes sold them that were defective. Lowes gave them the purchase price back but nothing for the pain of installing and now ripping out tile that is less than 2 years old. She caught me with the camera while I was laying on the floor trying to clean under the fridge. Never trust a kid (no matter how old) with a camera when you are doing something that looks really stupid :)

Mak has been taveling with us every day after his 1/2 day at school and pretty much takes it in stride. He was really funny at WalMart. He was "wanting" things he didn't have a clue what they were.

TeeTee was in a huggy and kissy mood so she got lots of attention. Her little legs and her purse in the crook of her arm - it was sooo cute. Papa is making up to her with Smarties so he has a new best friend!!

We straitened Brayana and LaDaria's hair the other day and LaDaria wanted to know why I don't know anything about curly hair!! LIke I EVER have had a problem with CURLS!! I laughed so hard tears came.

We are going to let the middle kids and LaDaria skip school tomorrow and go to the county fair in DelMar. The 4 oldest are "presenting" with the AIM for Faith Team and I definately LOVE to watch them. I'm going to try AGAIN to get a good video. I even have a tripod this time - yea!!

Keith got me an appointment - shows that the "squeaky wheel". We have to go to the downtown office verses the Kearney Mesa office - but I'm happy to be going!! God does wonderful things - if we give Him a chance!!



It's taken me 2 days to get this entry finished. By now I know that Alberto wasn't as bad as it looked from here and I'm so glad that the people out there weren't torn up and washed away - again. I've been watching every news show Keith will let me turn on. He says hi to everyone and he is working hard!! He even babysat for TeeTee while we went to the floor store this afternoon!!

Enough for now - going to go out and help S'te plant more flowers!! She has lots of strawberries on and they are going to be plumb sick of tomatoes!! Fruits of labor. :)

End of Week 1

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Originally uploaded by Amah.

As our first week here winds up and comes to an end - I am thankful that we are here. The kids may not be :) but I am. The extra adult eyes - and eyes in more places at once have disconcerted the kids!! In just the few short weeks since Rod has been gone they've gotten the hang of avoid-Mom-'cause-if-she-sees-me-she'll-say-no and then I'll have to stop having so much fun. It's a little rough sometimes - I'm not atuned to 7 kids at once screaming over each other, the music, and the earphones to be heard by all. I haven't gotten the "tune out" button that Mom's these days seem to have. Maybe I had one years ago - but it went somewhere and I'm definately looking for it. When it really gets loud I try to remember how sweet they all were 5 years ago. Back when they were all sweet little tots. They are growing up sooooo fast!! I stayed in tune with their growth better when I lived here. I get to see and stay closer than many, many grandparents and I'm so very happy about that. I miss out on growing with them and have a hard time catching up with the 'tudes and tantrums. And they ALL have them!!! Even me!!! I get all the yelling I can stand - then I start. They don't like that much - but it's ok if they do it!! Example: Destini changed in Brayana's room and left her clothes in there. Brayana snottily told her to get her clothes out. Destini didn't comply so Brayana put them in the garbage!!! Destini came and tattled to Mom that Brayana threw away the clothes but didn't tell the beginning of the story. So when the whole story was told the tatteler was in as much trouble as the tattelee!!!

Otherwise, we've talked with the WC attorney and were authorized to make an appointment with the primary that I had before we moved. The only appointment they had was for the day we are leaving for Oregon. When Keith tried to make an appointment for when we got back from there - they weren't scheduling that far out!! So what do you think of that?

We've started several small projects but haven't gotten much completed in the last few days. I accidently took my evening meds in the morning on one of those mornings and spent most of the day in a daze. My eyes were open but there was nobody at home!! Sometimes I think I'm certifiable!!

TeeTee is talking a little, she says Mama, YaYa (for LaDaria), and of course, PAPA. She definately has her own opinions on things and has abolutely no qualms about letting you know 1. she's done, 2. she wants Mama 3. no touching 4. she dosen't like that I learned all of those things right away too!!

Our Day 5 here

It's Day 39 for S'te. She's keeping track of how long Rod has been gone!! I used to count the days Papa was gone - back when he traveled alone. It's hard to believe that he used to be gone for weeks at a time. I was working and stayed pretty well busy back then. Busier when he was gone than when he was home. Just to pass the time!! That's when I started doing Respite for foster families. S'te had foster children then and I went and got my prints done, passed my security check, got registered as a respite provider and then watched the children so that the parents could take a time out. I sat anywhere from a few hours to a weekend - sometimes at my home and others at theirs. I wish Florida had more respite providers. I should campaign or something. If we had providers that could watch the children for short periods of time - we might be able to recruit more foster families. Who knows? I'm not real sure just where all that came from but it's here now :)

We've been quasi-busy for the last few days. So far:

Saturday - we arrived, Keith went to the Condo to check a few things with the renter. I was tired and my foot looked like a football. So I stayed home and rested. And visited and played with the kids.

Sunday - We went to church, to C1 for spaghetti for lunch with a bunch of friends, stopped by the Condo to try again to fix a few things, had dinner at the Moose Lodge with Liz & Earl

Monday - S'te's Birthday YEAH - 29, went to play Bingo with Janet!! What a bust!! I had so many cards that I could anywhere near keep up!! Got home and Papa asked if we had a good visit!!! Like we had time to talk!! I didn't even have time to breathe!! We are planning to go again in a couple of weeks. I'll take S'te with us to help us keep up!! Had dinner, cake & ice cream - and gifts - for the Birthday Girl!

Tuesday - S'te had her VTC with Rod. She took TeeTee and Kiah. The rest of the kids were in school so she taped it for us to watch. It was really kool the way they did it. I wish they could have taped what was being said on this end. We could only hear Rod on the tape so sometimes we didn't know what he was answering to but we were able to hear his voice. It was so great!! Then we went to Olde Towne for dinner with a co-worker of Keith's that was here from St. Louis on business. We have Mexican food every day since we've been here!!

Today - S'te planned to take "Yellow Kitty" to the shelter. She really only was going to take care of him until she could find a home and he is soooo little~~ but she didn't want 3 cats. So, she packed him up and took him along - Papa and I were laughing about her ability to leave him at the shelter!! She might make it into the parking lot but she'd never make it in the door!! Well, she didn't - but she didn't come home with him either. She took him into Headstart this morning with Kiah and found a parent whose kitten had to be put to sleep - so she wanted him. God works when you let him!!! Follow your little "feelings" and everything will work out! Papa fixed our bedroom door - it was ruining the carpet so he took it off and shaved some off of the bottom. He also scoped out how to patch the hallway ceiling and has already gotten the materials he needs. I went shopping and got lost trying to get back here!! It took me 5 (or 15) minutes to get to the store and 45 (or 75) minutes to find my way back!! Just one wrong turn and I totally lost my way. Same as in life. I followed my warped sense of direction and came out on Broadway (I think) - and got back here. Just like my Mom, turn me around twice in a paper bag and I'll never find my way out!!

S'te went to her leadership meeting this evening and now we are sitting in the recliners working on our Blogs. Papa is asleep. We are way to relaxed here. I could get used to this!!!

Well, now I'm done with this so I thing it's bedtime now for me. I've uploaded new pictures on Flickr - so go check them out!!

We're Here

We're Back!!! S'te and the kids picked us up about noon today. We left home about 4:30 this morning est and made our 8 am flight in plenty of time. Even with driving to Orlando. We got an upgrade for the first leg of the flight but didn't for the DFW - SAN leg. The longest part. Papa sat with those long legs pressed against the seat in front of him for the whole trip. He couldn't even use part of my leg space because the kid next to me was tall also and with thier legs and my width - it wasn't real comfy for anyone. Like Papa said - a real "love in". At DFW we got a ride from one end of the C Terminal to theother end of the D Terminal on the handicap cart - I don't think I'd have made it if we hadn't. Anyhow, the driver was a riot!! The would holler "cart coming thru" and then he'd thank everyone that he almost ran down!! Then he'd tell me not to laugh because they'd (those people) would be "hittin' on yous and hurt yous 'cause you be ridin' and they be a walkin'". He was totally halarious. We got to our flight with just about 10 minutes before boarding - and that was because they were late getting it cleaned from the incoming route. But we made it!!! We are here!!! Ty and LaDaria weren't here to meet us - they had spent the night with friends and just got home a bit ago. It's 9:30 my time and I feel like I've run all day. The kids and S'te walked in the La Mesa Flag Day Parade (about a mile) while Brayana played her Flutophone. She played "This Land is Your Land". S'te said it was HOT (about 90). The did the parade before they came to pick us up. She's got great timing. FOr the second time - she pulled up just as we got to the door. They had stopped at Taco Bell but Papa didn't want that - he was ready for Carnitas Uraban at Mrs. Rodriguez. So after unloading our gear he and I went down there and had lunch. We got back - he took a nap and I unpacked all the stuff that I packed just yesterday!!

We've had a good visit - Destini has shown us her routine that she is working on with Action, Brayana played us the theme from Star Wars and S'te tuned the flute Grandpa Doland gave me up and played a bit of that for us. Papa has gone to see some friends and I'm about to relax right to sleep.

I really think I should've worn the "black boot" just a little longer. My foot feels like ##***#. I'm not liking it at all. Dr. Lisa has given me some new meds to try so maybe I can sleep tonight. Not only that - it cools down at night here!!

Have a great one all. I'm so happy to be here!!

Getting Ready

We (I) are getting ready for our vacation!! This is rather solitary (it seems) work. I pack for us - he packs for him. I clean house - he checks e-mail. I stop the paper, put in address cards - he looks at the jokes on his e-mail. I make arrangements with the office, fill out appropriate forms - he spends an hour contemplating his time sheet (there was a holiday and it threw it all off). I'm bitchy. The Dr says my bloodwork is wonderful - she is so everlasting cheerful. I'll just bet she was a cheerleader all the way thru Med School!! I don't think she is as old as Dougie Houser. Well, maybe a little. Anyhow, I thought I'd vent this way instead of strangleing Papa and winding up in jail instead of on an airplane. I got the laundry done minutes ago. He took his things that I'd folded and rolled them up and put in his suitcase. Of course, he has 1, I have 3. But I have all the meds, toothbrushes, toiletries etc that we will both use. THAT STUFF dosen't go into his bag. I can't do my meds until we go to the drugstore, and we will do that on our way to pick up the rental car, and drop the little car in Frazers driveway, and the pickup in the little house drive - that way everything is under cover and there is a vehicle at each home. Keith washed the bbq off a few minutes ago. He left it on the driveway to dry so we can bring it into the kitchen. The lawn maintenance people just came by and mowed the lawn. I don't want to be the one to tell him that he needs to go wash it off again. Living in Paradise~~ We have to make sure that everything is tied down, put inside, or take the chance that it will become a missile. I'm not afraid of anyone stealing anything - I'm afraid of things turning into missiles and breaking my house. Aren't I funny HEHEHEHE.

I'm still crabby. Writing didn't help. It was 78 at seven this morning. I bought a dehumidifier for the shed so that I could actually put stuff in there without it molding. I got a whole container of water overnight. I guess we will have to do the hose and drill a hole thing - on both houses as I bought one for the Florida Room at the little house. Thought that may help in making that room a little more comfortable. And less moldy too!!

I think Papa is ready to start moving. Geez I hope so - I want to get done what I need to do - so that I know it's done and I have time for all the things that I forgot to do while I was worrying about the things we haven't done!! So see ya'll soon.

Childless

We are childless again!! I spent yesterday going between worrying that S'te would have a hard time with her girls going and being afraid that they wouldn't find a placement for mine. That all worked out just fine. S'te had a kick of a time with the SW who is a PITA but she handled it well and mine got a placement that looks like it will work and was moved about 2. So all is well. S'te and I talked it over for a long time last night. It's not that the children need to be moved. It's not that they move the children. It's that they have to be so condescending and nasty when they do it. When we get considerate DCM's or SW's we are so overjoyed they are lucky that we don't just jump up and kiss them :-)

We celebrated our new status by going out to dinner at the new-to-us Sloanes that replaced the Surf on SR 60 and took kid toys over to Tom & Nancy's so the grandchildren have something to do. Tom is doing as well as can be expected - he is handling everything like a champ and so is Nancy. It is amazing just how quickly things can change. Last July we were all sitting at the Lake in Georgia talking about their plans to build a new home up there. Now Tom will be lucky if there is a July for him this year. It saddens me - but God know's what He is doing. I have to put this in my God Box and let him take care of it - I can't. Anyhow, Tom rolled out the slides and projector of the Days in the PI that were so long ago. Great pictures and it reminds us how much we have lived - and how rich our lives have been!! We stayed until Tom got tired, Jackie put the girls to bed and Nancy was surely ready to be rid of us. And we stayed out AFTER DARK!

Keith is watching Western Wednesday after doing his club meeting, a phone con, checking with the BOD President, and looking in on Tom. I went to Wednesday Coffee this morning, took apart my PC, took apart the Villages Channel 2 PC, saw that I couldn't "swap parts" so I went up and bought some new RAM to put in it. The graphics sure look better on the TV. Now all we need to do is figure out how to get the office onto cable modems so that she dosen't have to mess with the modem she has that is slower than molassas in January. Or maybe even the modem in the CH 2 PC. Not sure which. But there has to be something better!!

Anyhow, I got home, watched my soap, and headed for my MASSAGE. I've looked forward to it for - like - forever. My legs hurt, my arms are tired - I was just soooooo ready!! I didn't make it. There was an accident on SR 60 that held me up for long enough to miss my appointment. So I called from the standstill traffic and rescheduled for tomorrow morning.

So, instead I went to Best Buy. I asked if they had a "thing" that I can put my PC Maxtor hard drive in and make it an external drive so if I need it - I can just plug it into the notebook - we don't use the PC anymore - It isn't even on the internet connection - and hasn't been. I just want the drive in case there is something that hasn't gotten transfered. The little "geek" said SURE NO PROBLEM! ! He ran right over and got this little box thing for me. Looked about the right size so I thanked him for making this the easiest thing I have tried to do all day. Paid and left. Got home.

Took the external kit out of the box. It isn't the right one. It is for a 3.5" external drive.

So I put it back in the box.

Put the box back in the bag.

Put the Maxtor into the bag with it.

Put the entire batch on Keith's lap.

He can deal with them. I'm tired.

Life is so much easier with kids. I don't try to do these other things that FRUSTRATE me so much!!!

But Channel 2 is up and running :) My Sister at Knuckles Knoll updated her Blog. My foot is propped up. It is cool in here. I have so much to be thankful for.

Flag Raising

Flag Raising
Originally uploaded by Amah.

We had a really nice Memorial Day. We went to the Flag Raising and the Potluck at the Village Clubhouse. The houses in the background (behind the lake) are all replacements of homes damaged in the hurricanes 2 years ago. Screen rooms and carports are still being repaired - Katrina victims - we are still digging out too!! The Village lost about 25% of our homes. Several of the residents that had damage have either given up or sold out and left.

For this Memorial Day - please all raise your eyes and hearts to the Heavens and pray for our Men and Women in Uniform who are now defending our Country and Bless those who have already given their lives for our FREEDOMS. Thank God we can still THANK GOD!!

Late Night Thoughts

The picture is of Mr. Tom & Pastor Bert and I can't get it where I want it so~~

I can't sleep, my mind is going 50 miles an hour and I wanted to tell my story. It's not a daily log like usual so bear with me~~

We got up this morning and went to Sunday School and Church. With Austin safely ensconced with Grammy and Ms Diane in the Nursery - I attended Sunday school for the not-to-manieth- timeas-an-adult. Mr Tom, our SS Teacher, is helping us thru the book of Acts. Helping to follow Paul thru his ministry. I've always been good at geography but the Bible Geography was always way beyond me. As I sat there and listened to Mr. Tom and others - a light bulb came on. I was actually seeing the Book come to life instead of trying to read it literally - alone. Alone I haven't been able to make connections between the Books and Personalities and got utterly lost when trying to track who was where and who actually wrote what. Thank you Mr. Tom.

And then Pastor Bert started his Message. It was on Chapter 3 of James. All about the power of tongues. He told of times in life where loose tongues cost lives. And times when the power of the tongue has had the ability to hurt many people. He also talked of the power of the tongue in changing lives. Making them better. Using the power of the tongue to Bring the Word to others. I got rather into my own head as Pastor talked. God has given us the power of choice. We can use that choice for everything in our lives. I made a choice many years ago to allow my children to attend a fair. They didn't "need" to go. They had never been away from me for the 5 days they were to be gone. I made myself believe that I trusted the person that was going to be "watching" them. They wanted to go soooooo bad. I smothered my selfish instincts and told myself that they were bored, wanted to see their friends, they hadn't missed a fair in years, it was the near the end of summer and they deserved a treat for being so good and understanding with all the work and college classes that I was occupied with. All that stuff. The power of the tongue (in my case voice in my head). I justified (to myself) letting them go. And I made the wrong choice. It was a life-changing choice. I never saw my son again. God was trying to tell me - I had to work so hard at justifying it. If it was something that was supposed to happen - God wouldn't have made me work so hard to justify it to myself. Listening to that voice - the one in my head - cost me my son, hurt my daughter, destroyed my mother. It's not only the tongues that wag - it is the voices in our heads. God gave us the power of choice - he also gave us reasoning powers and our conscience - which is Him - to help us to make the Choices according to his will.

Pastor Bert was right on target - the tongue is the most powerful organ in the body. It can also be used to pass the Word. Tell the world about God and Jesus. Use that tongue to be kind to someone today. For no reason - just find one person out of your circle to be kind to. And let it be said that the voice of God asked you to do it.

Now that I've emptied mind, pardon me Pastor if this wasn't the message that you were sharing. I may have gotten lost in myself. On a more humerous note: I will miss hearing your messages for the next few weeks but we will attend Church with our family in Spring Valley. I assure you, it is a totally different style- very effective and I really do enjoy the differences for short periods and love it when I can return "home" to the heart of Faith Baptist.

A Thought

Birthdays are a time for celebration

Not a time for tears

But what happens when the birthdays

No longer mark the years

A Birthday marks the moment

A spirit enters earthly life

To share its special love and joy

And learn from earthly strife

Before a spirit comes to us,

It knows when and how it must depart

It chose its path carefully,

We are honored from the start

The sadness we now feel on such a joyus day

Is longing for our loved one's touch

It's natural to feel this way

For even though the birthdays

No longer mark a spirit's stay

Love continues on forever

To touch us everyday

I hug my precious memories

Close to my heart

And honor my beloved spirit child

Who chose me from the start.

(unknown)

This wonderful poem was sent to me last year on Jeremy's Birthday by my daughter.

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to my baby boy - who is now 34 years old!! I miss you as I have every day for the last 19 years 9months and 11 days.

Here are the last pictures we have as a family. You were 13, S'te was 8, and on the left is a "computer aged to 26 composition made by National Center for Missing and Exploited Children a few years ago. What a handsome man!! I want you to know your entire extended family still misses you and we are all praying daily for any knowledge of you!

Amber and Tylor left for their "summer home" about 6. They were all packed and ready to go. They were real excited to be staying with younger parents - that "do" more. I think they really have unrealistic expectations LOL because both work and the weekends will be play time. They have been enrolled in summer "enrichment programs" to help to get them the skills they need to compete in the upcoming school year.

I stayed pretty busy. No time to think or dwell. I had my discussion with God when I first woke up and he gave me enough peace and patience to make it thru the day. As well as receiving 2 get well cards and a thank you note in the mail. I've gotten 2 thank you cards in my life and both were from Keiths family. One for the coffee cup I had made for his Mom for Mother's Day and the other for the afgan I crocheted for Melody for her birthday. But receiving a "missive" from family members helped me tremendously. As well as a very long conversation with S'te (from the Money Pit) during the morning and another very long conversation with Sister Sharen (Knuckles Knoll) during the late evening. I took the kids shopping for shoes for Austin and my salad ingredients for Monday, and we went swimming for almost 2 hours where I visited with our neighbors from Canada (who got their seasons backwards) and got all caught on thier activities over the last year. So I stayed pretty busy. The Lord found enough for me to dwell on that I didn't have time to dwell on my loss.

Austin loves the water!! He also loves the little whisk broom and dustpan (a man after my heart). He has been no more "trouble" than any other 2 year old - except that he is 40 pounds and cannot express his needs - so I am playing a guessing game all the time and he likes to run from me. I think I will stop chasing him (it hurts my foot anyway) and wait until he comes back around in the circle and snag him. I'm starting to think the chase is a game to him and he is enjoying it way to much.

We also had a shareholders meeting last night with only 2 "dissenters" in the crowd. Dave Atwell is our new President and he worked very hard in holding it all together. It's a challenge. Especially when you have those out to disrupt the meeting to start with. The Village is facing a very hard couple of years. We had such massave damage during the last 3 hurricanes (to common areas - not our home) that it just dosen't get fixed overnight. It has been 2 years (listen up New Orleans) and we still have building that have not been replaced. Several of our Shareholders are unhappy about the FEMA presence and our new CAM is working diligently to make sure those families understand that our Rules are for everyone - including them!! She got a hand for the wonderful Hurricane Prep class that she put on and I'm sure she deserved every bit of it.

So you see, Jeremy, even tho' you are in my thoughts and prayers every waking moment, over the years I've learned to protect the hole that I have in my heart. The one that will be there for as long as it takes to "find" you. I love you Son. And I miss you.

Enough for tonight.

You just never know. . .

We took Amber and Tylor to their visit and got a call on our cell phone. The new placement for Austin didn't work out. He wasn't there 5 hours!!! So we have him back - again - already. So much for getting things cleaned up and organized. I don't have a clue what happened other than she said he wasn't working out. So now I'll have him over the weekend - I'm pretty sure of that. With no one else here to entertain him -

He came back just as non-chalantly as he left. I took his hand, he came in and got the soda off of the back of the counter, drank all of that as I chased him around the kitchen, I got him out of there, closed the gate and all has been as usual - right down to bedtime. I really wonder what happened. That is probably something that I will never know.

Just goes to show you - your plans are meant to vary. The Lord wants him here for some reason. It's not my job to question Him - just do my best for as long as He has decided that he will be here.

Tomorrow will be a very hard day for me. Even kids leaving, Austin staying, a Shareholders meeting, and Jeremy's Birthday. It is so hard to believe that 34 years ago - at this time - my Sister and I were timing Labor pains. It seems so much like yesterday. We were waiting for Mom to get off work so that she could drive me to the hospital. I was so excited!! I couldn't wait to hold my baby. Back then of course we had to wait and see whether the baby was boy or girl. And I had my baby boy. THe prettiest baby in the Nursery. Oh so long ago, and yet so easily remembered.

2 Left

It's only noon today and already two of our babies are gone. It's already to quiet. They will all be gone by tomorrow evening but the two youngest went today. Austin was the suprise. One of the FP's in another county had a child leave and gamely volunteered to "try" taking him. He is definately a challenge. And a very high-energy challenge at that. He finally had made contact with me (it took several days) and now to move him was hard. But I know LeAnne and she is great!! She'll have him eating out of her hands in no time. She is a younger and more energetic woman than I (that's not hard to be tho') so he will do wonderfully there. I am very happy about this placement.

There was an opening for Lonnie to be placed with his 2 brothers, closer to where Mom and Dad live, so they don't have to put themselves out to visit. So, over protests, they have all been moved to the same placement. The one good thing is that they will at least be together. His brothers are just a cute as he is. I got pictures of his "home-leaving". I'm sad about him - I had him for 5 months. But that's about my limit - after 6 - I'm to attached and have a much harder time looking at the bright side and letting them go.

The older two went on their water park adventure with their prospective future long term fp's and they just loved them. I asked them on Monday if they would rather have them for parents than us and they didn't even think before they both said "yes". Amber actually realized what they said and looked a little embarrassed afterwards and I laughed with her - so she would know that's it's ok. I understand. It will definately take all day to get their stuff together - they are normal kids and have it all over the place. So anyway, they will be moving tomorrow evening and we will have none.

I will have a full week to get my foot healed, my shoulder back in place (my replacement tenz machine finally arived), find all the things that Austin moved (hid), and get all washed and cleaned up before we go on vacation. So even without kids - I'll be busy.

Keith is feeling bad - he has some sort of recurring digestive virus or something. In true Keith fashion - he won't call the Doctor. So we just have to watch him laying in the recliner looking sick and sad. LOL

I'm looking forward to seeing my babies in San Diego. It makes it all worthwhile. So click on the "comments" button below and let me know what you are doing!!

Small Steps, Little Wonders

I am learning about Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ADS), I think. Weirdly enough the May 15th issue of Time, which arrived yesterday, has a huge write up on the subject. Now, I'm aware that Time only ever reports the upside of any subject so I'm reading on this with a grain of salt - BUT - Austin got his cup off of the cart - got a drink while wandering into the playroom - AND THEN CAME IN AND PUT IT BACK!!. Not that this is a huge thing - but in our life of constant turmoil with him - it is hope. And it means that he isn't THAT slow to learn. I personally feel as tho' this is a good sign for him. He is now laying on the floor behind me entertaining HIMSELF with 2 trucks, complete with engine noise and uh-oh's when they crash together!!! When we can't find anything he "wants" to do = he is a terror. He runs and grabs and runs and spills and runs and screams (while hitting himself in the head with his fists) and runs and runs and runs. I'm slowly learning his triggers and how to deal with him. He also is responding well to one-word directions. UP, COME, SIT. So, maybe I will be able to manage another 10 days with him. He is a large, strong 40 lb 2.5 year old. Maybe I should get combat pay :)

Lonnie is teething. He is miserable, therefore we all hurt. There is no TV show or conversation that is not punctuated with his whining. He had stopped it for awhile, but it's back - in triplicate~~

The older two have gone on a field trip to the Water Park. They were so excited to go that I don't think either one of them slept a wink last night. Amber was wanting to wake Tylor at 6 this morning and was caught 3 times trying to sneak in to do so. I finally told her if she tried again, she wasn't going. She decided to get herself dressed and take care of her hygenic stuff instead. So that little problem was solved. Tylor was up at 7 anyhow. It's not like he overslept. He did have a hard time getting to sleep - excitement - and Austin banging his head and mumbo-jumboing until almost 11 before he finally conked out.

I'm hobbling in my "boot" but my foot is feeling so much better!!
I have to have a shoe on the other foot or I'm seriously off balance. I hate to show my horribly fat legs. It seems like only years ago that I had good looking legs - time does horrible things.
If it's not where the Dr. wants it by Tuesday, he is talking a cast - oh, no,no,no. This monstrosity is hot enough. It is 9:30 AM and already 88 in the shade on the screen room (with a breeze). I can't even imagine a cast!!! :( :( :( :-(

Keith's friend Tom, who was in the Navy with him isn't doing well. He was diagnosed with some type of very fast-growing cancer about 2 weeks ago. Prognosis is about 6 weeks left. Family has arrived, Hospice is involved. Tom has decided to forgo any treatment that will make his remaining days miserable. My heart goes out to the entire family but most especially Nancy, who has been married to him for many, many years, raised 4 children with him and will be so very lost without him. I am so glad that she has her faith in the Lord to see her thru as well as the love and dedication of her family and friends.

It is so true (I had to learn it) that our children grow and start a life seperate from ours and could it be because they will have to carry forth when we are gone? They ways of God are innumerable and his life plan for each of us remains a mystery to me. Just as - why did Jeremy get taken just as I was getting things straightened out in our lives? Why has the Lord seen to torture me all of these years with the uncertainty? It's getting closer to his birthday and I get more and more morbid as this time comes each year. This year he is 34 and has been lost for almost 20. I pray daily for the strength to keep praying.

Also, 2 days ago was my Dad's 73 (I think) birthday. I tried calling both his home and cell numbers and didn't get an answer on either one. I left messages - but you can tell that we are really close - huh-. Anyhow, Happy Birthday Dad!!!

Keith's Mom loved (or said she did) her coffee cup with our picture on it. It even made it for Mother's day! I haven't had a Mother for so long - I forget to do those kind of things!!

And if you read the MONEY PIT you will see how well S'te is dealing with Rod being gone for so long - and Kiah's triumph!! He's such a smart boy - (when he's sleeping LOL).

I guess this is enough for today. More when something new happens!!

2 Days?

Has it only been 2 days? My foot feels like it's been 2 weeks. And a busy one too. Austin is really a pretty good boy. As long as you leave nothing in his reach, all the doors closed, and the sliders locked (it didn't take long for him to figure out how to open them), the baby's bottle put up, and check behind the big kids everytime they go out the door of the screen room. I've finally just locked the those doors and if they want in - they have to come to the front door and go thru the house. It only took once for the neighbor 3 houses away bringing him home that I figured out he is an escape artist.

Keith and I were "Panel Foster Parents" for the graduating MAPP class last night. The Judge for Indian River County was also there. I learned a bunch listening to his answers to the prospective fp's there. The group was mixed between foster and adoption so there were lots of different types of questions. The one that really astounded me was "Why would it take up to a year to get a 9-13 year old girl in good health to adopt. And we don't want to go the foster route, we want to adopt right away". The answer is soooooo simple. The ones that are really adoptable are the children of any age that are in good health. Family members and foster parents who've already had them for a year or two adopt them. Come on!! The children that are with large sibling groups or the children that will never leave home are the ones we are begging people to adopt. http://www.chsfl.org/adoptiondisp.php?divID=all This is a site to look at if you are willing to adopt a sibling group or older children. OKay off of my soapbox again! :)

We are winding down for the summer. We have a placement for Lonnie, a possible for Amber and Tylor, and we don't know anything yet about Austin. Placement told the PI that we would keep him until the end of the month. Placement asked us if we could help out with him for a few days. Same worker ~ different spin. It's ok - we know the Lord will help UFF out!!

Keith is planning an addition to our home. He wants to put an additional 10' on our screen room - he says it's for the space - I think he just wants to make sure they don't put another home on the area that the Village told us was our "oversized lot" that we chose because it was one of 2 "oversized lots" left. But I can live with his version. We will then have a screen porch almost as wide as our home and an additional carport. Lots of room for us two. :)

So with laundry, panels, babysitters, oh, and did I tell you - my foot is broke. Dr. says stay off of it and he will see me again on Friday to see if I need an ortho consult. LARGE HAHAHAHAHA With Austin's circles and the kid's school winding down I've been busier than a cat covering crap - and my house is a wreck, the pills make me want to sleep so I'm tired, Papa is still not back up to par, and other than that - Life is wonderful. I have the dream of seeing my beautiful daughter and wonderful grandchildren to sustain me for the next couple of weeks!!!! This is Austin watching Baby Einstein's Baby Neptune. I put the movie in the DVD out of desperation and he LOVES it. I can hear him laughing and talking back to it - so I know he is enjoying it. Lonnie is still trying to teethe- or something - and has been whinier and clingier than usual - and there he goes again!!
So - see ya later.

New Visitor

We have a new visitor at our house. He will only be staying for a day or two. He is a sweet little 2-year old that is in constant motion and totally non-verbal. As always - he came to us with no paperwork of any value - and no medication of any kind - so my initial guess is that he is one of God's special children. I closed all the doors and up my gates. He runs the "fence line" about every 5 minutes - I suppose he is looking for an escape hatch. He slept very well last night - was very easy to put to bed once I figured out that he still takes a bottle. I gave him a 4 oz and he went right to sleep - slept until 8 this morning. He pretty much stays away from the baby - which is good - but we watch constantly anyhow. He definately knows what he wants and I'm watching him throw a tantrum because Papa wouldn't give him soda. Well - he is over it now.

Mother's Day wasn't the exciting day it is supposed to be. Papa was sick (has been since Friday) so he still wasn't getting out of bed, the kids were totally bored, and my foot is the size of a football. So I gamely stuffed my toes into a sandal and we went to Sunday School and Church. Afterwards, we went to Sonny's BBQ. We've driven by it dozens of times, I love anything BBQ and Keith doesn't like the place. So since he wasn't with us, we went. Tylor and Amber don't like anything with "sauce" on it. So they wound up with $4 hot dogs & fries but I had the best bbq chickenthat I've ever had (that wasn't homemade) with baked beans, baked sweet potato and garlic bread. It was great and I made a total pig (I'm past the piglett stage) out of myself and ate most all of it. The kids did unbend to try a little of the chicken that didn't have any sauce on it, and Tylor ate a piece of the garlic bread. He suggested that "next time" I get the cornbread 'cause he likes it better. We then came home and I remembered the tickets for the Mother's Day lunch that the Social Club put on at the clubhouse. But I was completely done walking. My foot was not only football size but is turning colors and THROBBING. So I chalked it up to my old-timers CRS and got in the recliner and propped my foot up. About 3:30 one of the Ladies - actually the one with a psuedo-halo knocked at my door with a tray - full of the most wonderful goodies. Now I didn't have to fix dinner either. There was Chicken Salad on Croisant, green salad, pudding in a cloud, and some of the greatest little chocolate sticks I've ever eaten.

Then I talked to my little girl. She is so lonesome without her hubby. Her voice sounded so tired and wo-be-gone. I knew exactly what the problem was and I feel for her. I remember all the years alone thru the holidays. Of course, I was married, he wasn't deployed, I was just alone. We chatted for quite awhile and her voice sounded more chipper when we hung up. I reminded her that it is only a couple of weeks before we would be back out there - and Rod will be home in just over 2 weeks from when we leave. Of course, our presence isn't nearly as fulfilling as her wonderful hubby - but it's the best we can do :-)

The hot dog must not have agreed with Amber - I noticed a towel laid out on the carpet in her room - I lifted the towel - yuk!! I sure do wish she would've told me before it all soaked into it. So now that both little ones are down for a morning nap - I guess I will take my football foot and get down on my knees and clean up second-hand hot dog.

Better luck to all of you!!!!!

Oh, and Bless Miss Sallie at church, she found a t-shirt that was dropped after the Gibbs Family Gospel on Friday - When I got home I found that the bag that I asked Tylor to carry for me - only had 1 t-shirt in it - of course it was his. He says he didn't notice dropping anything out of the bag while he was "swinging it around" (his words). So thanks to Miss Sallie - I didn't totally waste $10.

More later,
Amah

Hobble-A-Long

I've done it again!! And I don't even know for sure just what I did. As usual - I don't remember bumping, hitting, twisting or anything. And it isn't my ankle - it's from my little toe up to my middle toe and across the top to my ankle. It hurts like the dickens and I'm not having any fun trying to walk. I did it yesterday about 4. I know that because 1) the kids were in school and the baby was asleep so I 2) decided that I had time for a short power nap (these meds make me sleepy). Anyhow the phone rang and I 3) looked at the clock and realized that Papa had gone to meet the bus and 4) someone needed to answer it. I jumped off of the couch and promptly landed on my well-padded derriere. I let out a holler that woke the baby up and was still sitting there when Papa and the older kids got home a few minutes later!! Well, last night was also the Gibbs Family Southern Gospel presentation at Church - so Papa got out my crutches - from the last time I couldn't remember how I hurt myself - and we went. Papa had a lot of fun telling people that I fell off of the couch - and he has paid for it dearly today - he has the flu. A really good dose of it. He has been ill ALL DAY - which means he laid in bed and I hobbled around to do the bare necessities for the kids. Thank the Lord it is Saturday and the older kids are such good ones!!! They fetched and carried for me - but then about noon (Papa in bed and I'm still in a nightshirt) a GAL shows up unannounced!! Said that DCF gave her an incorrect phone number and she hadn't been able to contact us to set up an appointment. So we looked like a real happy family (add to all of the above that Vinci brought all of the baby stuff back yesterday afternoon and I still have it stacked in the living room) as well as organized and effectual. I'm not sure what the woman must be thinking but I do hope to get a chance to make a better impression.

We've not done much else around here. I just go in circles every day and get nothing done. Still trying to diet (I've only gained 5 lbs on this last one) and about to totally give up and go to Mexico for that belly banding thing. I read with the big kids for about 20 minutes each per day and then I fix dinner, we get baths and it's bedtime. Today was supposed to be a swimming date - but with Papa sick, Tylor coughing, and me hobbling - it just didn't seem like a really good idea~~ Tomorrow we are supposed to go to a Mother's Day Lunch. Bought tickets in advance and everything. Enough for today Hope all is well with everyone and HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL OF THE MOTHERS THAT READ THIS. You know who you are :-)

Diane

Wife to Keith, Mom to S'te (28), Amah-Mama to "Lonnie (5 mo), Amber (8),& Tyler (7)"

The new "crawler" at our house

Click for Video

Video Description

Lonnie is only a few days beyond 6 months. He is showing us a new way to "motate". I mentioned yesterday his odd way of moving from place to place. Below is a picture of the pyrimid he usually starts with. I couldn't catch it in the video - but it is sure cute!!

It's already Sunday

We had a kicked back day yesterday. During the morning the 3 older kids "helped" Papa by riding their bikes thru the lawn while he was trying to put the brick borders in for me. I took the idea from both S'te at http://elmoresandiego.blogspot.com/ and Sharen at http://knucklesknoll.blogspot.com/ but not nearly as ambitious. Not only that, I was afraid that if we went more than 1 block high the hurricanes would blow anything not tied down thru the windows of our house ~~ So we shopped and found some that I liked enough to do our yard.

Then we had lunch and went swimming. Now, those of you with kids are well aware that there is NOTHING kicked back about going to the pool with 5 kids. The older 2 were just fine but the 3 year old whined constantly. No one would play with him, there's nothing to do, I can't do that, I want, I think I'm hungry, I think I'm getting thirsty, etc - on and on and on. Then we have the 2 babies - one walking - so he can't be left out of arms reach for a minute and the other wanting a nap!! By the time I finished blowing up all the swimmies, rings, and baby floatie, I was exhausted!!! I took snacks and water for all - but they didn't want that (there were others that had chips and sodas at the next table) and with all the longing, forlorn gazes dragging the ground they were (ordered) requested back into the pool or we were going home. That lasted about 5 seconds - so we packed it all up and headed for the house - complaining all the way!! Good thing Papa is hard of hearing and I am stubborn. They then played inside for the rest of the day (all 2 hours) until dinner. It was just so darn hot out there even the kids stayed inside!!

My night consisted of Lonnie waking up at 10:45 and staying that way in 15 minute increments until about 5. Yes - that is am also, S'te. So I did get some sleep. Papa got up with the kids and I wandered out about 9:30. I have an hour to get everyone ready for church!!! In a rush I get all of their clothes out, start the diaper bag and announce that I'm headed for the shower (between the chlorine and yard sweat yesterday, I really should've done it last night - I was just to tired!). NO WATER. The water didn't reappear until almost 11 so - no church. I put the church clothes away and got play clothes out for the kids - they played outside until noon - then it got to hot. So now we are in for an all day in the house with "nothing to do". I'm tired, got a headache, and they are all bored and argueing. So much for Sunday!!

We spent most of the evening watching and chuckling (out and out laugh sounds harsh) as Lonnie trys to crawl. He has this spider-man thing going. He gets on all fours but it is hands and feet - and flops in the direction he wants to go. He will get on his hands and knees and rock back and forth while he is considering his direction and once he makes up his mind - up goes the butt and down goes the head - and flop he is that much closer to where he wanted to be. I got a short clip but don't know how to add it to this. I've seen it on other blogs but haven't found the key yet. But when I do.........

If anything more comes up - I'll let ya'll know but at this point I may wind up in the looney bin before dark LOL See ya!

Dinner

What do you fix when you don't know what anyone eats? I was going to fry a chicken, but I (in my infinite hurry) bought a roaster instead of a fryer. And I do know what a fryer is~~ So I marinated the said roaster in italian seasonings and put some sweet potatoes in the oven with it. I know that one child likes broccoli and another likes carrots - so I sauteed a mix of these with some summer squash and zuchini. I thought it all came out tasting pretty good. So did the 3 and 1 year old boys that we are babysitting for 4 days, but the 2 older ones just picked at it. Tyler said it was going to make him throw up if he had to eat anything but the chicken. He had his head held up with both hands and Amber just kind of pushed around on her plate. I tried bribing with chocolate ice cream - it worked really well with Adam (3). He ate all of his and the ice cream and asked for more (ice cream). Riley (1) came with baby food because he doesn't really like "people food" yet. He ate all of his and a jar of green beans with rice. Papa ate a large plateful and the older kids finally decided they would rather go to bed so they wouldn't have to eat anything.

I think they had a rather over-active day (for us). They had a visit yesterday so they were all wound up last night and didn't sleep well. We had to go thru all the "why's" and how long are we staying questions - again. It is so hard to try to explain - and they already knew the answers - they just didn't want to go to bed so it was really late - almost 10 before they finally sort of settled down. I don't know exactly when they went to sleep - I was having a bad spell of my own. I didn't even go with them for their visit, Papa took them. So anyway, I'd taken the meds that the Dr gave me last night and they make me sleepy and grumpy all day the next day - I try not to take them often - so Papa took them to the pool after school. So by the time they got home from school at 4:20 - got their snack - got changed - went to the pool - did a little homework while the food cooled - we didn't eat until almost 7. Our dinnertime is usually around 6 - if not shortly before. So hopefully this is why they were so tired.

By 8, Tyler (who was not the least bit tired) was sound asleep but Amber couldn't sleep. Of course when I checked on her the first time - she was up at her dresser watching herself make faces in the mirror. I explained that she couldn't sleep standing up so she got back in bed. Then she needed water. Then she needed the bathroom. Then she wanted her door open a little more. The next time it was quiet and I checked she was sitting up in bed playing with her fingers. She said she just couldn't go to sleep. I explained that she couldn't go to sleep while she was sitting up. It was best to lay down when trying to doze off. She wanted to know what doze meant and got me into conversation. That worked for a few minutes - but not for long. I woke up and quit talking to her. She was asleep about 3 minutes after she finally laid down. Next was the 3 year old. He brought all the little chairs and set them up around his bed. Tyler was sleeping so soundly that he didn't even wiggle when I turned the light on to take all the toys away from the bed. The next time I heard movement - Adam had taken his pj's off and was under his pillow and blanket playing "tent". I redressed him and he said he does not like me. OK, fine, lay down and go to sleep. Meanwhile, WB went to sleep on the floor about 6 and hasn't woke yet. Will he sleep all night?

I gave up on Tuesday and started going back to the Chiropractor. By mid-afternoon none of the joints or bones in my body want to cooperate with me. They just hurt, and my feet burn. Even just sitting with them put up - they just burn. And when I try walking on them it is even worse. I also had the echo done that Dr. Lisa has been harping about. No word on that yet - so it must've been ok. Nothing earthshattering or I would've heard something by now. I do go back to the Chiro tomorrow morning so I will be able to hold my head straight up. That's always a plus.

Papa got in touch with an attorney in CA and we will see her while we are out there. I need for this to be over so I can at least get done with the "I-don't-want-to-touch-your-shoulder" syndrome that the Dr.'s have. Then maybe with the whole picture - we can find out what the hell is wrong. I'm so tired of having a great day, 3 bad days, a good day, 2 bad days, and then maybe another great day. And I hate the anti-whatevers that I am taking to get that one great day out of the week or so. I'm tired of being tired. And I know it isn't the kids - without them I wouldn't even function. They give me a reason to get around as much as I do. And I love having them (however it probably sounds on this). They need safety and help. I have been so blessed in this latter part of my life that I feel strongly about needing to share some of the blessings that I have had bestowed on me with those less fortunate. And who could possibly be more needy than these poor children whose parents aren't able to care for them during special times of their lives. I pray daily that these parents will come to realize what they are inflicting on the unsuspecting and innocent lives of thier children.

My meds are kicking in and I'm becoming morose so I'll close for now. Keep the comments coming - I live for them!! ~~