Mother's Day

I started Mother's Day out with "first shot at the shower" (and in a home with 12 people - that's special)!! I also spent a few minutes pondering and reminissing about my dear Mother and of thanking the Lord for all the things that I learned from her. Above all, the empathy and compassion. Bless her and keep her always. I learned many many good things from her. She has been with the Lord for many years now - but I think of her often and many of her "ways" will be with me always. We then joined Rod and S'te for church. It was an amazing message ~ as usualy. Pastor Vines has such a way with words!! He bragged and blessed us all while teaching the Word. We acturally learned about the women in Mary, Mother of Jesus', maternal lineage.

THEN:We had 3 really happy Mom's here today. Here is S'te and her family. Ages 16 all the way down to our little Tetee who is 2. Makkiah is sitting on her lap - he is our "accident looking for a place to happen"!! Check out the Money Pit for his latest escapade. . .

I took 3 of the girls shopping (WHEEEEEE) while dinner was cooking and we were blessed that the rest of them decided to wait until we returned to eat. We shopped as fast as we could ~~ but there were just so many.stores. and.so.little.time!!! We said a wonderful group blessing with each of us asking the Lord to help us with our own personal "character defect" that we felt needed special work. THEN WE ATE!!! AND ATE!!Rod really put himself out at the BBQ!! We had carne asada, chicken asada, jambalaya, and all the goodies that go with it. I was soooo full!! But it was soooo gooooooddddd!!

This is Marsha and her family. She is S'te's best friend. Her husband Will is under way so she came and joined us for our Happy Day. She spent the day keeping S'te company, showing us how to work Ladaria's hair, and I do believe she had as much fun as the rest of us. There was much laughter and and good times!!

We opened our gifts and cards after dinner and it dawned on us to take a couple of picutes (dhuh)

S'te commented to Rod "Do we really have to have our faces in this?" and the result of that question was a "faceless picture" Can you tell who is 7.5 months pregnant? That's really not saying much for the other one - is it?

Ater dinner and wind down, we watched a documentary DVD on Arlington National Cemetary - which is a very emotional link to what these 2 families live every day. Many of thier friends and other family members are in harm's way as I type. The DVD itself was very informative and very humbling in the portrayal of the beginnings of the Cemetary as well as the Honor, Respect, and Pride which every member of our Military deserves. The History of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is especially poignant to me - - but I'm into history any how!!

So, I had a lovely Mother's Day and feel wonderful just being able to be here with my lovely daughter and her family. Just, please keep Makkiah in your prayers for his upcoming surgery. It has us all a little bit skittish. . .

We are here

We had a great flight across the country yesterday. All went wonderfully. I had never been on a plane as big as Delta's Boeing 767. We both got isle seats right across from each other. We had a short flight from Orlando and then a longer one from Atlanta to San Diego. The kids all seemed glad to see us. I didn't see Tyrique until this morning just before he went to school. He is playing Lacrosse so he has practice after school and I laid down on the couch about 9 (midnight in the time zone we left) and didn't wake up until about 2. It was a long, long day. We actually even stopped by Channel 1 for about an hour.

Today S'te and I went to the Muffins for Mom's "Concert" that was performed by Mak's kindergarten class. It was great!! I think I embarrased him. Tetee ate her muffin and drank her water like a little lady. The kids were really good. The "Concert" was for Mother's Day and they all just worked really hard. It was amazing and really touching. I am so glad that I was able to be here to see it. I felt like the worst Grandma ever - I forgot my camera!!!!

I cooked a big meatloaf with mashed potatoes and gravy tonight. It's been awhile since I've made a meatloaf for 12. There was a little bit of meatloaf, a spoonful of potatoes, and some gravy left. But not much, so it must've been ok. We all sat down to the table and had a wonderful family meal with all the kids taking turns being told how to sit up to the table, keep their elbows off the table, talking, chatting, laughing. We really had a great time. We were only missing Ty (again) as he had practice and a game tonight. I hope we do it many times in the next couple of weeks - and I hope that Ty will get to join us a couple of times.

I am impressed totally about S'te "nesting" abilities. The fence looks like it was professionally done and the painting of the library and all the pictures in the library and hallway hung. She's sure been busy, busy!!

No plans in the future except for enjoying the kids and keeping Kiah healthy so that he doesn't have anything get in the way of his having his surgery on the 24th. I am soooo blessed with having such a wonderful, kind, caring and empathetic husband. He is so dear.... he immediately re-booked our return flight as soon as we got news about the surgery. And the helper at the Airlines actually shopped around and got us flights for the same price so we only had to pay the change fee.

All seems to be going well and I am sure glad to be here.

Spring Repairs Done

We've had a busy day today. The roof repairers were here at 8 am to start fixing the leaks on our roof. The manufacturer never put a "flashing" on the roof when they made it. When it rains (which is usually often) it pours into our screen room. They worked all day but got it all done. Now I'm waiting for a rain so see if they found the leaky spot(s). It looks pretty good but I was suprised when he guessed the age of the roof to be 7-8 years old. The "manufacture date" in the closet says October 2003. Not a good sign!!!! We also got the a/c units thier "annual" checkups and cleanings. hehe Vernon from In Reason HVAC did an excellent job - as usual.

We also went to Okeechobee for our first time. We went to the hearing that was real close to what we used to watch on "The Guardian". Everyone introduced themselves, the judge asked the case manager what was going on, she replied with less than basic, truthful info, the GAL that I've never met had submitted a less than truthful report, and the Judge never read my letter. Basic JR. Crap. I did talk to Mom for a few minutes and she seems to be in a good frame of mind and thanked me for the personal pictures and videos of the kids that I sent with them. Glad they made it to her - I was concerned after the last workers lost the picture albums. I wish her good luck. The kids deserve it. They deserve a real life instead of being shoved from home to home by the system.

Anyhow we are childless and getting ready for yet another short trip before we head out for the summer. It's way to quiet here. Gotta go see the kids. I've been checking my "blogline" often for updates. S'te is working hard on her house - she is "nesting" big time - I vaguely remember that time - just before the baby comes. Fond memories. Check out her newest pics on her blog. The "Money Pit" is looking better all the time!!

Got some closets cleaned out and dinged out the shed. Put a pile of "stuff" out on the curb. By this morning everything was gone. Better that than the dump.

Trying to eat all the open stuff and keep leftovers to a minimum. It's hard not to open that jar of something - because it will have to be tossed before we can turn off the fridge. Just little things. . .

Oh, and I went shopping. Repairing my wardrobe. :) Tried on a pair of shorts. They fit so I got the same ones in 2 other colors and a pair of jeans. The pair I tried on still fits, the other 2 are 2 big and the jeans are 2 small. All the same size, same brand. Go figure. Took the 2 small and the 2 big stuff back, tried another pair on, they fit - so I finally wound up with 2 new pair of shorts. And 2 more pair to return. I'm working on getting something to wear on the cruise in August. Another bit blessing to look forward too. I have so many!! It is going to be a great summer!!! Wedding, baby, cruise, family, friends, wonderful husband. . . . life can't get any better. Only 1 thing could possibly happen to make it all perfect. . . .

I am so looking forward to seeing my little fat girl. . . . . .

Missing and Exploited Children

It has been 21 years since this family portrait was taken. In so many ways it seems like it was just yesterday and in so many others it seems like several lifetimes ago.

This was taken right after Jeremy's outstanding basketball season while playing for South Middle School in Grants Pass, Oregon. His coach nominated him for the United States Achievemnet Academy 1986 Awards. I still open Volune 31 to see his picture there. I'll never forget the pride and honor his Coach bestowed on him in a letter written to me along with a copy of this stats for that season. He was never happier than when he was playing ball. It never mattered if it was basketball, baseball, or pinball he loved it. And he had such a natural talent. Since he was tall for a 13 year old, and left handed, he could sneak up on the opposite team and suprise them easily with both right and left handed moves. The summer after this Portrait was taken we spent most of our time at Riverside Park. I was attending Business College and worked evenings but the afternoons were all ours. Jeremy and his constant shadow, S'te, ran, fished, swam, and biked all over the park while I studied both my books and them. That summer was the first (and only time that I know of) time he "liked" a girl. Actually took her to the movies. Her name was Eve. I'll never ever forget her name. It was my first realization that my "baby" was growing up. And so handsomly too! In my hazy memories, it was the best summer we ever had together.

Then something bad happened. We still do not know what happened. We may never know what but I pray that we will know where he is someday soon. The Coos County Sheriff's Department has spent countless manhours on investigation ~ for naught. But they haven't given up!! They are still working this as an active case - it hasn't been relagated to the "cold case" stack. Even after all of this time. The tools in place now for protecting children were not even thought of then. I fight between jealousy and relief every time an Amber Alert has a positive outcome. Sometimes even when the news isn't good. At least here is news for the grieving family. It is bittersweet knowledge that these families have to grieve senseless, sadistic acts brought on by the perverted people that have abounded. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children had only been in existence for a couple of years at that time. They have had Jeremy registered there since 1986 - and they have also not given up. All that we need is for the person or persons that has the missing puzzle pieces to come forth. The piece may not even be something that seems important. I pray that no one will take the pieces of our personal hell to thier grave with them rather than to help this one family solve a senseless event. I call it that ~ only because I do not know what else to call it.

A few years ago, I received this picture from NCMEC. It is an computer age-progressed idea of what Jeremy would probably look like at the age of 26. Isn't he still handsome??

A few weeks ago, I had more realization that God was still giving out tools for finding him. NCMEC contacted both S'te and I for DNA samples. We gladly complied. They will use these samples to run against the DNA collected from John Does. This program will hopefully answer questions for many families. I know in my mind that answers are needed - even when they douse that flicker of hope that has remained in our hearts - even after all these years. Pray for the families that have missing loved ones. We need these answers. We can't grieve until we know we have something to grieve for and we can't give up that glimmer of hope until we must.


Just this week, I received another age progressed guess of what he may look like at age 34. The end of this month is his 35th Birthday. His birthday is the same day as the Missing Child Awareness Day. He is still soooo handsome!!

I see the same humorous glint in his eyes that I see in S'te's. He would be so proud of her. She has so many qualities that she must've learned from him. The empathy, sympathy, humor, and steadfast loyalty that he always showed is so very apparent in her. He blessed our lives for such a short time - but left such amassive number of great memories. . . We love you, baby. Please, help us find you.

Jamestown and Arlington Cemetary

We got up and packed our "gear" to check out and be away on the last leg of our journey. We decided to drive down to the Jamestown Settlement before heading north again. After 3 days of walking all day, we opted for the drive thru tour of the island that the original settlement was founded on. As always, the history of our Country amazed me. The trials and tribulations that the early settlers went thru to found our Nation were truly amazing. The melding of cultures and the many things learned by all is what made our Nation the "melting pot" that it became. We saw so many things. The Island itself has pretty much gone back to nature - but we were able to see the swamps and bogs that were so instrumental in moving the settlement more inland. There are spots that trees are growing straight out of the standing water!!

After taking the long route around the island, we took the "scenic route" back inland. We drove thru about 40 miles of back roads to see the plantation homes of yesteryear. I was amazed at how small many of these homes actually were. Of course, they were closed to the public - the "season" hasn't started yet. But I got to see the outside of them. We did take pictures of the signs that gave the history to them - and that was in itself interesting to me.

After finishing our second "tour" of the day - we headed back to the Rappanahock to cross over to the Potomic back into Maryland. Then we headed west again as we decided we had time to do a quick view of the Arlington National Cemetary. We went on a mini tour there also. I was at the Cemetary during my 9th grade school year - so it has been awhile for me. I was amazed to learn that Keith never visited it - even when he worked right there at the Pentegon!! We had to wait for the tour to start as the Japanese Minister of Defence was touring and it was closed to the public until he was out of the area. It was worth waiting for. It was a very moving tour - including the Changing of the Guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the gravesites of the Kennedy's - both President and Robert Kennedy's sites, the Monument in Memory of the Space Shuttle crash, and many many many others. If you are ever able to get there - it is certainly a very moving place to visit. In one spot of the tour - you see graves - as far as the eye can see - in any direction. This is the price that our Brave Men and Women have paid for our Freedom. The same freedom we take so for granted!!

After that, we toured on down to the Monument "Park" and saw the Jefferson Monument, the Vietnam Wall, Washington Monument and so many more of those that I couldn't even begin to name them all. It too shows the great people and great works that are so part of our heritage. The AMERICAN Heritage. We have that whether our forefathers came from Japan, Korea, Ireland, China, Africa, England, France, or anywhere else. Maybe we should be dwelling on our Freedoms instead of chafing on the unfairness that we seem to want to waller in~~

After again putting miles on our feet, we headed closer to the airport. Driving thru Washington DC I was able to get a pretty good picture of the renovated "row houses" in the downtown area. They were renovated some years ago (but since I was there last) and are actually in a pretty seedy part of town - but hey are still really awesome looking. These aren't the best ones I was - just the only ones I got pictures of.

We then headed over towards the airport. We had the only poor experience of our entire trip. We got a lousy, smelly, dirty room. And by the time Keith went back up to complain, they were full. He left a scathing comment card - and we actually got a follow up phone call, an apology, and our room charges reversed. The carpet was so sticky and dirty that I spread bath towels out on it to walk on so I didn't have to do the floor in my bare feet. I will walk thru security at the airport barefoot - but that carpet - no.no.no!!

So this was our last day before heading back home. It was a jammed packed week - with lots of sights, lots of history, lots of laughs and a very good time.

We had a great flight back to Florida, seemed like it went by in a flash!! Stopped at the Lone Cabbage, ate stuffed crab and watched the gators floating in the marsh. Welcome home!!!!

Photos

Some pictures from our days at Solomans and the good time we had with friends. I think the bridge is longer and higher than the Coronado Bridge!! I spelled Potomac wrong on most of the pictures and the party was overlooking the Potomac River - not the Bay!! But once I got the text on the pics - I wasn't able to get it off!!!

Here are some of the Day 1 pictures of our drive down to Williamsburg - the farms and some scenery. The Inn where we had lunch was very unique and it was in Tappahonnock on the Rappahonnock River. They will be celebrating 400 years this month and the town was all decked out for it.

Many of the buildings in Colonial Williamsburg are actually closed this weekend to get ready for Queen Elizabeth's arrival on Thursday. She has already sent over her carriage, bed, and many of her linens for her 2 or 3 day stay here in Williamsburg and the drive down Duke of Glouchester Street. She will be here to commorate the 400th Anniversary of the founding. Thankfully, we are here this weekend!! It has been a great weekend - but next weekend will be a crush - and very limited due to high security. The news said she was here for the 350th Anniversary also. Now that's a real piece of trivia :)

Solomans, MD

We had a pretty good 2 days at Solomans in Maryland. Keith had to attend meetings - so the first day I dropped him off and went out on my own. I hit every little shop in the historical fishing village while he worked. I also went out looking for the power cord for my laptop - as I forgot to bring mine from home :(. This quest took me to the next town - 40 miles away and I found several other shops and an Amish market to browse thru. Complete with the corral for the horses and the buggies pulled up behind each bazaar table. There were absolutely beautiful quilts, hand crocheted afgans, blankets, bonnets - everything you could imagine - but absolutely nothing that I couldn't live without!! It was definately worth the trip out there to see what wonderful work they do.

After my trip out there and checking into the Inn in Soloman, Keith and work crew showed up to take me to a retirement party that just happened to be happening. It was held on the base at PAX and had the river and bay as a backdrop. We had a very nice time. The Retiree (Malik) was suprised and very happy to have his book filled with people that he had worked with from all over the country!!

From there we went to the famous Tiki Bar and enjoyed friendship and halarity for a bit longer before we called it a night.

The next day was a bit cooler and rained off and on so I didn't get to do much more sightseeing - but did make it down to the harbor between squalls to watch the boats (beautiful boats too) come up the river from fishing out on the bay. The picture above is a bird's eye view of Solomans from the top of the bridge over the Patuxant River.

We saw friends and Keith's coworkers from all over for the two days before they all headed back to thier respective homes and we headed out to Williamsburg. We continue to enjoy ourselves on thru the trip. We can't hardly wait to see what Williamsburg will bring. The weather hasn't been really nice but is supposed to be nicer for the weekend. We will see....

Lexington Park, MD

When Keith asked me if I wanted to go to Baltimore with him - I jumped at the chance. I had visions of looking up old "times and places" and pretty much re-visiting my own history - on my own - while he was in the meetings that brought us here to begin with. Imagine my suprise when I found out that we are actually in Lexington Park, right down the street from California, MD and not to terribly far from Myrtle Point, MD. If I can find those signs again - I am going to take pictures of them. I don't think I will make it on my historical sabbatical as we are about 3 hours south of the Baltimore Washington International Airport (it was Friendship International last time I was there hehe). We drove down thru several small towns, I saw some beautiful homes, and even tho' Keith let me steer - he did most of the driving.... too fast, slow down, wrong lane, light is red, car is stopping, turn here . . He just loves to be in control!!!

I didn't find out until after we landed and were in the car where ~ when I asked for a map and was told he knows where we are going~ did I realize that I would be visiting to far from anything to see anything. If you look at the northern shore of the Patuxant River (near the state line off of the Chesapeake Bay,) clear at the end point, you will see a little dot called Soloman's. This is where I will be entertaining myself while the meetings are on. The meetings are at the Patuxtant Naval something or another. . Keith used to do a lot of partying here (at Soloman's)~back in the day~ we drove by all his old "favorites" (didn't stop anywhere) found the motel we are booked at and he is napping as I write this.

I'm sure I will find something to entertain myself with - I did bring two books - so I can read and watch TV if nothing else....

So much for the best laid plans . . . and the daydreams:( And I still have Williamburg to look forward to - I hope - :)

Friday Night

We took the boys and went to a Southern Gospel Concert at our Church last night. "Hearts of Harmony" were great. I dearly love Southern Gospel Music. I always have - so call me a dork - but it definately is one thing that I've enjoyed all my life. There was one change - the blond in the picture was replaced by one of the other members' daughter for last nights event. It was great. They had some wonderful music - the boys were behaved - a friend and her Mom joined us and we just had a nice evening. And, of course, we ate. I ate my coconut cream pie and then had some of the extensive salad bar that was set up. Ever since Pastor had his heart attack - we've all been treated to healthier foods at the Church events. I messed it all up by taking a huge crockpot full of S'te's Chuckwagon Beans. It must've been enjoyed - it was empty when I took it off of the table!!

Still trying to get all the details together for the boys to go on Monday and get ready of our trip to Williamsburg!! I am going to have sooooo much fun!! And then to go see S'te on this unexpected short trip with Keith. The Lord is blessing me at every turn!!! I am truly lucky.

Excited!!

Ok, I know it's still 110 days until the Cruise but there is so much to do!!! Since I coordinated it and it is booked under my name - I have to gather the necessary info from everyone - which means that everyone needs to get their info together. . . It is going to be sooooo great!! The test cruise that Keith and I took was wonderful - and this is going to be even better!!!

Not only that - we have the Williamsburg visit coming up so I am researching the history and trying to decide what I want to see while I am there. I'm sure that I can totally pack the 4 days we will be there. Doing the research is almost as exciting as the trip. I am so blessed!! To be able to spend this time with my wonderful husband, then do the "homeless thing" and hop from family to family all summer, and come back and then out to see Mom B!! It is all so mind-boggling!! And now I find out that we may be able to drip in on family mid May also!! This not having kids is getting pretty amazing!! Not that I don't enjoy them immensly and there are many months that we don't have packed like this - but still. . . . I'm excited.

Maybe I'll go shopping. . . .

Just an Word or Two

It was warm here yesterday!! Warm enough that we took the boys and went to the pool at the Rec Center. The oldest really enjoyed himself and I managed to keep enough sunscreen on him that he doesn't show any signs of being out swimming in the sun - except for a little more color in his face than he had before. One of the problems with living here is that it gets to hot to go outside at all - so we look like Pillsbury doughboys all summer long!!! The little one didn't like the water AT ALL!!! he screamed so long and so loud that you'd have thought someone was drowning him in hot oil instead of sitting in the 0' part of the pool that had water over his ankles only!!! I finally (after about 10 minutes) took him over to the umbrella, sat him on a mat, gave him a toy and called it good. Of course, I got burned. I sat in the sun so he could have the shade. He finally laid down and took a nap. We spent the day there - it was 91 when we left at 3:30.

Today it is raining (thank you God!) and the wind is blowing. Kinda gloomy - but we can't have sunshine and water at the same time - so right now - I'll take the water.

The small amount of time I've spent helping a friend understand and use her email has richly paid off. I've (we've) just finished a wonderful loaf of homemade whole wheat bread. In the past weeks we've had home baked cookies, bread, candies, all sorts of STUFF. It has been great but I'm not losing any inches!! We loaned another Villager some baby equipment - for use by a Grandchild that is visiting - and got a box of really good German candies. Another diet hazard :) and my love of any kind of bread is almost overcome by my sweet tooth.. . . Aren't I blessed!! My volunteer duties to the Village have been terminated so I have lots of time to devote to my "suppliers" :)

116 days until the "mini" family cruise, something like 90 days until the new grandbaby, about 60 until our visit to Oregon, 7 until our trip to Virginia. Lots coming up. . but other than eating - not much happening.

Hope more is happening in your world. . . . . .

Happy Easter

As with Thanksgiving, we have so many Blessings. Too many to count. Here is our Blessing Wall. We add to it and change it around regularly. Especially when we get new pics to hang. We are happy to be sharing our Easter Blessings with new visitors. We had a wonderful Sunday School and Church Service this morning, went to a really nice Brunch afterwards and then our littlest kids took a nice long nap. The Easter Bunny has dropped his loot and is waiting for the "nappers" to wake~~

We are busily trying to put together our Summer plans, trying to fit everything in that we want to do and also what others want us to do. So many things, so little time!!

We so far have Oregon, California, Mexico, Oregon, home, and then a short run up north.

We had planned a Williamsburg trip but now that we again have visitors ~~ who know's!!

SO, God Bless and Happy Easter to ALL .

Anniversary

Well, it's our 3rd Wedding Anniversary and I am home alone :( Keith is in St. Louis, doing a meeting and staying with April but due back home tomorrow. He has been "invited" to a meeting in Maryland towards the end of the month so we will celebrate a belated Anniversary then - as I will get to accompany him. After the meeting days, we have planned to drive down to Williamsburg and spend a couple of days there. It is something that I've always wanted to do. I spent many years of my life right in Maryland and missed many of the Historical Sites that were very close by. Of course, when you are a 2 working parent family with 4 children, vacations were spent seeing grandparents - not touring the "tourist traps" hehe. Now that I'm grandma - I get to tour. I'm sure it will be lots of fun and we are both looking very much forward to the trip.

Not much else is going on - cleaning and re-arranging and waiting to see if they come up with any real short term babies that want to come share our home for a time. We will see what God has in store for us now.

It is so funny to have an "empty nest" again. Much to quiet. I love the sound of baby sighs and the little giggles.

As I sign off for now - I'm HOME ALONE!!!!!!

Suprises

First, Keith got home really late last night. I couldn't even get woke enough to say more than - I missed you, I love you, goodnight :(

This morning he brought me another BIRTHDAY PRESENT - a really sweet Mom's daily Devotions book and a heart.

And when I checked the mail - I had a postcard from Mexico - from Sharen. She's been back over a month and the postcard just made it!! Unbelievable!!

So today is going well - I'm happy!!

Tomorrow!!

He'll be back home tomorrow!! Only for a few days - but hey - days are days. Reminds me of when we were in San Diego and he was there and gone and there and gone. Only then, I had a job to occupy my time and mind. How much mind needs occupied by a 2 and 1 yr old? Boo would rather talk to Baby than to me. They are a good pair.

Things have been rather slow around here. The most exciting thing we've had for dinner ina week was sausages in our spaghetti!! I got a kick out of watching them blow bubbles at the park yesterday. Pelik is quite the pro!! Mary does really well to - but Boo still thinks she has to have her mouth right on the wand to blow. After about 5 tastes of the soap - she was done.

We went to the Southern Gospel concert at Faith Friday night. They were really great. When we left Pelik wanted to know if he could have a little "tar" like "that" one. One of the players had a really ornate adorable banjo. I think that was what he was talking about!! And he wants drums too - maybe I'll get him some for a going away present - hehe.

Pastor and Sallie have gone to help one set of children move and visit the other - up North. It was different with them gone. I really can't say I care for the substitutes style - but it was ok - and who am I to say?

I've been "carpentering" and of course - nothing is of standard size - so I've had to drag the saw out a couple of times - you should see Boo run when she see it!!! Like I'd be the circle saw murderer!!! It is really rather funny. It doesn't even have to be plugged in and she won't go out on the porch. I guess it's one way to keep her in!! But I'm little by little getting satisfied that room isn't being wasted. Now all I have to do is to convince Keith that everything doesn't need to be right in sight or on a top shelf!! Like that'll ever happen - :)

Time for lunch - see ya'll later - Oh, BTW - if anyone else would care to update thier blogs - I will read them!!!!

In charge

I know, I'm the one always hollering for others to update so I have something to read. Everyone seems to think they need an activity or subject to post on and I'm probably as bad as you, but here is for today:

The Good Lord knew better than to put me in charge of anything. . . .

They found the little boy in GA. NEIGHBORS!! How horrible!! Neighbors who confessed and led the law on a wild goose chase looking for the body - 'cause they "couldn't remember where they put it". WHAT A HORROR!! I feel so bad for the family. The horrors of losing a child is a known horror to me. The certainty of what happened is somthing I doubt that I'll ever know. Until my babies were grown - I knew the WHOLE neighborhood. Everyone in it and all their kids. I didn't always keep their names straight and to this day couldn't tell you what they were - but I knew who they were - and probably more about them than they wanted me to know. But that was then and this is now. Today everyone is to busy with 2 jobs, forty outside interests, and oversheduling that they don't get to know thier neighbors. These parents knew the neighbors were undesirable and couldn't do anything about it. How sad!!!

They arrested a man south of here for leaving his gun where his 14 year old could get it. The man thought he had emptied it when in fact there was 1 bullet left. The boy shot himself. The father is in jail. He is grieveing over his son, his stupidity and carelessness, and they put him in jail. Is everyone that is guilty of stupidity and carelessness going to jail? How about all these parents that are stupid and careless and cause thier children to grow up the same as they are? Jail them all???

Couey got the death penalty. His ruse of coloring and drawing throughout the trial didn't fool the jury. God and justice has prevailed. Now we wait and see how many appeals he has. How long will he be fed, bathed, housed, medicated, and examined on taxpayer dollars for brutally raping a young girl and burying her alive?

Does anyone see stupidity above? I wish I could be judge and jury on these - but the Lord knows that I wouldn't be kind and forgiving. Even virtually, I find it hard to forgive the insensitivity of man, our laws, and the acceptance of Godless ways. I don't care what name anyone calls God by. My Lord is calling to people to come to know him, band together, care for and watch out for each other. As the Bible says Earth, Wind, and Fire. I wonder if the desensitizing of people is part of the Fire?

A thought

If I could catch a Rainbow

I would do it just for you

And share with you it's beauty

On the days your feeling blue.

Keith got home yesterday. His trip must've totally exhausted him - he barely got off of the couch before bedtime. The kids were really excited to see him - Mary was in 7th heaven. Pelik had an incident at school so he wasn't a happy camper - but he was glad to see Papa too. Even tho' he didn't get to see a whole lot of him.

Not much happening around here. Tonight is "The Browns" Southern Gospel Group at Church so I think we may try to go there. Not sure if I can get late enough naps for the babys to go = But I'm sure gonna try!!

Keith just got back from taking the older 2 to preschool - Boo is having a total and complete fit because she didn't get to stay. SHE NEVER GETS TO STAY - I don't know why she would think today would be any different?

I've been listening to the news - the big debate over "ending the war". Do those people (in Washington) think that taking the American Troops out of the "middle East" will END THE WAR? I'm personally afraid it will bring it all home with them. The "bad guys" will have open country to do thier trainings, build thier equipment, and prepare openly. I really have a problem with unequipped people makeing the decisicions for our very Able Military Personnel. I'm sure they have not intentions of leaving our Men and Women over there any longer than is absolutely necessary. If our Politicians will quit tying our Military's hands - they may get our "folks" out even quicker. Or maybe the goal of the "bad guys" has been achieved - the division of the American Government.

My prayer for today: Dear God, Let our eyes be open and your will be done. May you protect each and every person that has been placed in harms way. In Jesus' name, Amen.

BTW: Vista is not my operating system of choice - TOTALLY!!

Today's Thought

My life has become so boring the only thing to "Blog" on is interesting e-mail that I receive. I happen to believe that this little Poem shows exactly what happened to our whole Society. Without something to hold a NATION UNDER GOD together - we have to know God.

Do you know why so many "Seniors" attend church?

They are cramming for thier finals!!

Thought of the Day

May today there be peace within.

May I trust God that I am exactly

where I am meant to be.

May I not forget the infinite possibilities

that are born of faith.

May I use those gifts that I have received,

and pass on the love that has been given to me.

May I be content knowing I am a child of God.

Please, Lord, let Your presence

settle into my bones,

and allow my soul the freedom to

sing, dance, praise and love.

I received this via email and made a few changes to it. It will be my prayer for the mornings. I have many things to do - and many that I need to work on!! I'm working on my own 12 Steps to Living as a Christian.

New 'puter

Well, the Gateway finally bit the dust. I was putting the finishing touches on our tax return with Turbo Tax when Pelik ran by and just HAD to hit the monitor!! That did it. Blank screen - blank mind, blank, blank, and more blank. After blinking a million times - a walk around the outside, a little deep breathing time in the screen room - got to where I could discuss the issue of NO PUTER with Keith without tears. He took it down to best buy to see if ANYTHING could be done!! Of course, they could put a new monitor on - after sending it out for several days (or weeks - as the case may have been) but the cost was more than a whole new laptop. So now, I'm the proud owner of another Compaq. Seems to be working nicely. It's a lot smaller than the Gateway - lighter too. And they did a "data dump" on a periferal (sp) hard drive that we took out of the desktop we used to have. Only trouble is - old data is mixed with new data - so I don't know which data I want.

So everyone, bear with me. I am rebuilding my address book, calendar, and picture files. A bit slowly - but they are coming along. The Geek Squad was here today for almost 3 hours trying to put our "home network" back together. Shoulda been a snap - but - did I forget to mention? ? ? it has Vista for an OS. So now I've used them all. DOS, Windows 3.1, Windows 98, 2000, XP, MAC, and now VISTA. Oh, and before you run out and buy a new puter - Vista is not compatible with PCAnywhere, Lexmark 6100 printer/fax, most of the software that I've put hundreds of dollars into. My photo editing software, all my links, I'm soooo bummed.

But he finally got it all together. And I can use the web.

And Keith called - he is in St. Louis for a week or so. He will have (I hope) a good visit with April and they plan to drive over to see Mom B while he is there. I really hope they enjoy themselves - I'll be praying that it is a great visit!!! I know how much I miss being so far from my Baby and I'm sure he feels the same way!!

So, I'm a single Mom - my first full day will be tomorrow!! It has to be saner than today with the Geek and therapist and trying to get myself a bit organized. I have lots of little projects to finish while he is gone - let's see how many I get done!!

Pastor is better, has been released from the hospital and is resting at home - We are all praying for him and for the several others from our Church that are having trials of their own right now. Again, any time I start to feel sorry for myself or get into the "pity party" I look around and see how much the Lord has blessed me - more and more since I've let Him back into my life. And I have my Baby Daughter to thank.

Still my Birthday!!!

I've had the longest birthday of my life!! Yesterday I received a pair of gold hoop earrings from Sharen. She bought them at the "Gold Market" in Mexico while on vacation there. Along with it was a really nice sentimental card. I got cards from lots of people. I had a nice stack of them when we came back from our cruise. Keith's Mom and 2 of his Sisters sent cards and I had my Annual Seranade from my not-so-little-anymore babies from the West Coast. Wish I could've saved it for longer than 7 days. I listened to it every day for the time I could. So I had a much better birthday this year than the last couple. I think that Keith realizes that he took me this far from my family - he has to do all the "festivities" himself - or I feel neglected. He did great this year!! The Cruise, new dresses (even if he doesn't guess sizes very well), and a stack of cards when we returned.









We spent most of the day outdoors. It was sunny and warm with just a bit of a breeze to keep it from feeling hot. Keith had to put new sealant on the screen room roof and he said it was hot up there. He spent last week bleaching and scrubbing - and today he completed the job of applying the sealer. It shouldn't leak the next time it rains!! The kids enjoyed the park - both the Village Park and the park downtown that we went to after nice long naps were taken by all of them!! Baby had such a time. I'll bet he sleeps wonderfully tonight - he must've done 3 laps with those short little legs of his. The girls and Pelik all ran until their faces were beet red and they were actually ready to get in the car and go home. It is really a shame that the Village doesn't put a few dollars into making a decent playground - and away from the water!!! I realized today that we have little out here on this side of the "City". There isn't a market, park, pharmacy - nothing this side of 58th - and we live on 90th!! It seems like some smart planner would put something out in this direction so we don't have to drive 8 miles to go to a playground or 5 miles to the pharmacy. I know it doesn't sound like much - but with all the residential stuff coming in - it just seems to make sense. Now off of that soapbox.



As I write I hear that our own Pastor Bert has had a heart attack. He isn't old enough for that!! Please add him to your prayer lists. I think of my blessings and the blessings of those around me. I praise the Lord for my new grandchild, the health and happiness of the rest of them, Keith and my health and happiness, the continued good health of the children the Lord put into our care, the news that my good friend Barb's son is doing better with his health. That my friend Liz is recuperating from her surgery so well. That the Lord saw fit to give Pastor a wake-up call instead of the alternate, the Blessing that Sallie doesn't have to lose a very much loved spouse, the hope I still hold for finding Jeremy. That my Sister has found happiness and contentment in her new life in KFalls. All of these things have blessed me by blessing those I love and care for. Thank you Lord for all of my blessings.

Cell Phone War

The WAR is finally over. It has been waging for several days now. Only the purple phone was to be found. What do you do with 2 toddlers and only 1 flip phone (we have several others too!!). I hunted the whole house over and couldn't find the pink one!! Mary KNOWS the purple one is hers and is totally unwilling to share it with ANYONE!! Mind you, she has absolutely no qualms about sharing anyone elses toys - but she's kinda Monkish about her own "stuff". She has gotten a late start on the "terrible two's" but she seems to be in full swing!!

Anyhow, this is what I think happened to it. Because today - Waaalaaa - here he comes with the pink one. I'm going to follow him some day - to see just where he hides his "stash" and then just "appears" with it again!!

The toy phones seem to be his favorite and the pink one disappears regularly. Of course he also takes off with the remote, telephone, or anything else that he finds laying on an end-table. I totally understand the remote thing - after all he is male. So the saga ends with the girls playing happily with thier pones and pusses. And a good evening will be had by all!!

I've sure enjoyed reading about the Rea's trip to Mexico. They did more "stuff" than we did on our Cruise - but I was rested when I got home (hehe).

Did you know that about $200 worth of "stuff" they sell in the spa on the ship doesn't work nearly as well when you get home and try to use it yourself? News Flash!!! It doesn't!!!! And I was supposed to look like one of those healthy Norweigen women when I'd used it for a week. I must admit - I don't have scaley legs anymore and I do think the "soaks" are helping my knees and hips. Not doing much for the "total being", (what they are for!) I'm still a grouch!!- but - something is better than nothing!!! Reminds me of when I was watching GVC (or something similar / or whatever that channel is) and they had a miracle cure for a double chin - for only bout $100!!! I couldn't dial the phone fast enough - I've had a double chin ALL of my life!!!!!! It arrived - it was moisturizer with a chin strap - and a page of exercises that I know damaged my vocal cords!! (I can tell that by how little I talked after that). And I also have a bridge to sell you. . . . . . .

Catch Up

As I wait for Felix to return from his first day back at "school" from our vacation - I reflect. I hope he did well there this morning. . . .



I got next to nothing accomplished over the weekend - many things started (as is my usual) but - 1. it's tax time again (and Keith WILL NOT track things as they happen) so I printed out my calendar so he can find his receipts for all the business travel and medical travel and all the travel that we've done this whole year with kids. He chose to take care of this part of the tax situation at the beginning of the year - since I don't have a clue what his business expenses are - he has to do it. And since we made several trips for the dentist and doctors, my part was usually reimbursed - but his wasn't and since I don't drive anywhere but in the Village - he has to go with me. So, I got my part of the taxes (everything but travel) all done and I'm (not.so.patiently) waiting for him to complete his.



After our wonderful time in California, our nice week with only 2 children, and our estatic cruise (it was really wonderful - I'm not being scarcastic either) - being home in full swing for less than a week has been harrowing. Pelik has regressed 6 years in 2 weeks (and he is only 4). Mary has forgotten that she has any voice but a high-pitched whine - and it's to cold (for here) for them to play outside - and it rained all last week - we are waiting for a call to schedule the actual assessment that I thought we went to last week (turns out that was ANOTHER screening) - and I have a headache that will not go away!!



Mary had a wonderful birthday - with 2 family parties - so they've been on a sugar rush from Wednesday to Saturday. The Lord blesses me by no one wanting to send the leftover cakes, cookies, candies, or punches home with the kids. I reqally don't need it around. I'll nibble at it until it is gone, especially since we limit the littles sugar constantly!! Baby got his name on this cake soo since he will be bit whopping year old later this month. Sooo many birthdays, soooo little time!!



We went to a very promising Southern Gospel Concert on Friday (yes, after a visit, bad.bad.bad move). I have heard about "His Song" from several members of our Church and really, really wanted to hear them. With Grammy and Zoey's assistance and a lot of patience from the people around us - we managed to stay thru the first 1 hour. Baby, Boo, and Mary all LOVE the music. They are just mesmerized by it. Baby clapps and dances, Mary just watches - mouth open, and Boo does a little of all of it. So there be the problem. Pelik does not care for any attention that is directed elsewhere. The second time Papa had to bring him back - screech going, arms flailing, legs kicking, we left. We even thought to bring his special seat - to no avail - his screech could be heard over anything anyone did. But I did get to enjoy a few pieces and I did get tapes. If you ever get the chance, listen.



We did get thru Sunday School - to find that Pelik had been again religated to his special chair for the duration of his class. And about the 1st half of the Service before my headache had become a thunderous pounding. I asked Keith about going home - he said ok and we picked the littles up (they were the only ones in the nursery) and let the kind nursery workers go to the rest of the service. After "loading up" (I do belive the term herding cats is so very appropriate to what we do) - Keith asked if I had eaten. Well, I've been TRYING to lose some of my megapounds and had a very busy morning getting everyone ready, so, no - except for a PopTart (diet food huh). So - that was probably the largest part of my headache - then.



We had a pretty normal afternoon, evening and night - Baby must've been really, really tired. He went down for a nap about 5:30 and slept until 7:30 this morning. I dozed in my chair until about 2, went to bed, got up about 4:30 - and started over.



Now that I've whined and moaned and groaned and vented a bit - frustration is such a wonderful thing!! I want all of you lurkers to know that not leaving comments is rude!! How do I know if anyone is even reading this trash that I put together?????? Comment, please.

Happy Valentines Day!!

I wish all the best for a Happy Valentine's Day. I talked to my sister this morning so I know she has arrived safely and happily back in her abode in Oregon. It sounded like she had a wonderful time except for the little irritations like the pre-vacation food poisoning, the heat rash, sea sickness, allergies, and general maliase. I know (cause she said so) that she is ready to be back home - now she continues on with her new job. Hopefully you can check her out at The Raes.

I know S'te and kids are ok, 'cause she IM'd me last night. She is building again - this time a fence. You can check her out at The Money Pit.

The kids all had heart bowls with thier Valentine's in them at the table. They had their cereal served that way - not special - but easy!! They've been home almost 24 hours!!!

Hope all others had a great one too!

Carnival Elation Bahama Cruise

We took the 4 day Carnival Cruise on the Elation from Port Canaveral to Freeport to Nassau last weekend. It was the nicest 4 days. I jus lay back and aaahhhh each time I think of those nice, easygoing, sunny, not-to-hot days.

Great Trip - Carnival - thank you for providing it - and Thank you Keith for taking me on it.

We went aboard about 1 to a buffet lunch with the greatest cheeseburgers~~ and lots of Carnival drinks-of-the-day. Be proud - I only had a few - and they were pretty mild!! We set sail about 4 but the party was on from the time we stepped aboard!! The size is amazing. I got lost soooo many times!! We met some great people - and we met som "me-first" snobs that just elbowed their way around!! But I don't want to dwell on them. We went down to the Stateroom to find our luggage already there, Keith checked out hte tv channels while I unpacked. THEN WAS THE FIRE DRILL!! It was the second most annoying but fun in a totally odd way, thing that we were required to do. It was over fast enough but the first most annoying just went on.and.on, and.on! Back out on deck, a little bit of exploring and then finding our dining room and table! We met our dinner mates for the cruise (you don't have to go again if you don't like them)After dinner the first evening - I stayed out and played blackjack, poker machines, and Texas Hold'em until the wee hours. I was making laps around the hallways when I heard a door open - and there was my knight in shining Armor - just waiting for me!! This is taken in the "salon" of our stateroom our second evening.We spent the day in Freeport, Bahamas and did a Glass Bottom Boat Tour. You can see abundace of pictures at Flickr. We returned to find our stateroom cleaned and made up, so we took a short nap before going up on deck and return (again) to dress for dinner. It just so happened that the "Formal Dinner" was my Birthday (or maybe Keith planned it that way - I don't know) so I got to see him in a tie for the first time since we went to Washington to a wedding in 1999. Don't he look just wonderful!!

Dinner with Ernest and his trusty assistant Burt (sounds a bit like Sesame Street, huh) was absolutely wonderful. Of course it was every night - but Formal Nite was Lobster Tails, Creme Broule, a Birthday cupcake with the whole waitstaff singing, entertainment, oh, to live like this always - AAAAHHHHHHHH. We went to the Mikado Lounge where we saw a Las Vegas Show - the loveseats we picked were so comfortable - I scooted down and sat on the floor in front - just so I wouldn't doze off and miss anything. We then returned to our stateroom to crash and burn - to find our steward had made our bed (again) folded blankets - evidently figured that we were cold so the a/c flow was adjusted and we had a sexy little piggy made out of towels laying on our bed with our good-night mints!! What a way to go!!!

We were only supposed to be in Freeport for 1 day but the itinerary changed. It didn't make any difference to us - we spent the second day on board - just like we wouldn've if we'd had our "day at sea". And had an absolute blast!! We ate, drank, laid in the sun, Keith went down the waterslide, we danced, we napped, we showered and headed down for ANOTHER wonderful dinner with Burt and Ernie (I mean Ernest and Burt) - another show - a "pamper party" - A wonderful vacation.

In Nassau (we didn't really look for Anna Nichole's baby) - we went on a city historical tour and a tour of the Bahama State Gardens. It was sooooo interesting - and we saw the "Marching Flamingos". And they really do march too!! We returned to the ship just before the Set Sail - watched them carve a fish out of a chunk of ice, went to a "detox" lecture (boy that one was expensive!! :() , dressed for our last dinner aboard, exchanged cards, blog addresses, and email addresses with our dining companions, watched E&B serve another absolutely devine dinner and our cute dinner show. Then back to our stateroom (sniff, sniff) to pack.

Since we were both novice cruisers - just like the Novice RV'er's we made lots of extra laps and had lots of fun getting lost in the Shjip.

The only drawback is the debarkation process. Someone somewhere needs to do some work on that - I have a few ideas - wonder if they'd hire me????

Recommend a cruise = YES. Just do your best to stay aboard. If you don't want to stand in a line that never moves - wait until after 9 am to even start thinking about leaving that breakfast table!!! I'll gie you a hint - RED HATTERS!!

From the Cold - To the Cold

We came home on Saturday. I know that was one of the coldest weeks San Diego or Spring Valley has had this winter. It might have even hit records. I don't remember it ever being that cold there. We had a wonderful time!!

It is cold here. I mean bone chilling cold. Add the humidity and cold rain to the cold - and it is cold. Sure hope the forecast looks better for our cruise!!

Rod, the conversation we had about who was fishing with Simon Peter? Well, it happened to come up in Pastor Bert's message - how cool is that??? It was the "Fishers of Men" story in Luke 5. James and John were with him. Just wanted to let you know that another of those coincidences happened. What a wonderful GOD!!!

But we have water!! We have County Water!! Spent most of yesterday trying to go thru mail and catch up on my chores. How can I have so many chores when I wasn't even here?

We are getting ready to start a week of dealing with the DHS and also trying to get taxes done YUK!!! on both.

Dinner

S'te says "I must be hungry"!!! /And now that she is eating for 2!!

I'm soooo FULLLLLL. We had our usual "family dinner" at Carnitas Uruopan in Lemon Grove. We try to do this at least once during each trip out. Janet, Liz and Earl, and the whole Elmore Clan - other than Ty and Ladaria were there. We had a blast. Liz looks really really good for having started her Chemo yesterday!!! I was so glad that they could all come out and I could show them the place where we "pig out" when we have a family dinner!! And they are always so friendly - and kid friendly too!!

The kids behaved like little troopers and the food was so good that they all ate so well that they went right to sleep when we got home!!! Now I get to pack. It's that time again!! I have my laundry done, S'te and Keith are sleeping and I'm doing this little update with my CRACKED MONITOR.

I opened my laptop this morning and I have a broken monitor. I'm having to assume that one of the kids decided to use it as a jumping board. They aren't heavy enough to hurt it unless they were jumping. I guess we'll get it fixed when we get back to Florida.

I was saddened to read about the terrible storm that went thru the Central area last night. So much sadness. I wonder that some of this "warming" is because we are changing the topography and the "natural order" of things ourselves. You know, building dams so we can irrigate desert, trucking sand from one beach to build up another, draining swampland to fill it in. We are changing all of this stuff ourselves and then go to blame it on "fossil fuel". Not that it probably isn't a contributing factor - just not the only one!!!

Another horrible event - a small boy in foster care was harmed by his caregiver. She told the workers she was overwhelmed and . . . a child has paid the price. Of course, this didn't get near the press that the storm did. Still nothing has happened regarding the death of Angie.

Earth, wind, and fire. The morality of the earth is diminishing rapidly, the complacency is astounding.

The girls decided on a foray into Destini's room and got into her makeup. You can't really see it but they have some serious warpaint on!! We've had a good visit. I haven't seen much of Ty or Ladaria as they are busy teens but I've had a good time bonding with TeTee and the others - when they get home from school. S'te and I went shopping yesterday for coffee cups - but forgot them - got all sorts of other stuff - but forgot the cups. Way to go!!. . . And we got some baby steps goin' on too!! He's doing pretty well with the max being about 1/2 way across the room!!

I'm getting excited about the cruise. I signed up for 2 excursions today. One in each port. So that is moving right along. Life for me is good. I've been greatly blessed. And I hope you have been also.

Sleep Study

Here was my room and bed last night. And for a night last week too!

A long time ago the Doctor wanted me to do a sleep study. She kept after me for about a year. So last year I went and had one done. They decided I had "restless leg syndrome" and she gave me meds for that.

Well, I still don't sleep well, so again this year she got me to do another one. I went last week and they decided that I needed to come back again and try sleeping with a mask. So I did. I didn't take the camera last week for the "wired" picture - I was going to - but forgot.

So last night I went to the "Center" and got all "wired" again. Wonderful pictures, Huh!!! Well, after I was all wired and safely tucked into bed, the tech came in with a couple of different types of masks. One would've made me cross-eyed as well as really.really.really scary for the kids to see, and the other was horrible, but not quite so bad. So I picked that one to try.

I woke up a couple of times, scared myself, and drifted back off. The tech said I slept quite a bit more last night than I did a week ago - so I will have a consult with the Doctor sometime this week and GET.MY.OWN.MASK to wear while asleep. Boy, if that doesn't completely tell me I'm getting old - I can't even sleep right!

Got home and we called Elizabeth Rose to sing Happy Birthday to her. Can't hardly believe it's been 8 years since I listened to April's tired voice telling Keith that he was Grandpa!! And - as unexcitable that he is - he booked an immediate flight to see her. He had to be back in SD right away for meetings - but he visited his baby girl, and her baby girl as fast as he could. Before she was born I tried to explain the surge of love that comes the first time you hold a grandchild. The THING that both squeezed and raises your heart in a flash. The total and complete I.COULDN'T.EXPLAIN.THEN AND I.CAN'T.EXPLAIN.NOW. feeling that you get when you hold your baby's baby. And I know that it never goes away and I know it comes EVERY.TIME. No less for the 7th than for the first. The pride that makes you cry just watching them perform, the tears for the first time they recognise you. And it isn't only the babies. The same feelings are there all the way thru. The pride, the worry, the exasperation, and the JOY. I love my hugs from the 16 year old (shhh - don't tell him, he'll stop) as well as the hugs from the 2 year old.

Anyhow, we've all grown. And I'm feeling old and sentimental today. And Papa is taking us all out to dinner. . . . Hope you enjoyed my beautiful pictures!!

Parking Lot Story

We had a liettle excitement on Thursday, Pelix pulled the fire alarm while they were visiting Grandma!! He was really excited when the fire trucks showed up and "everything"!! His eyes lit up like candles when he was telling me what happened. It was so much fun - I'm sure he'll do it again as soon as he gets a chance. Jeremy did that when he was about 7. He was visiting Aunt Sharen while I took Brett to get his "cowboy boots and shirt" for his birthday!! My sister was totally mortified when the entire fire dept showed up. She lived in an apartment complex and she didn't even know it was him - until he told her. Scared him to bits. I took him to the Fire Dept and they gave him a really good "talking to"! For some reason, S'te never did do anything quite like that - at least not that I've ever been told of.

We will be headed out West at the end of this week - for a week. Taking 2 kids and leaving 2. Pelik is in preschool now and I don't feel that I can handle him and Mary on a plane. The "honeymoon stage" is completely over. Mary has come into her own and is doing the terrible two's at almost 3. She has to get them all in really quickly - so she can transform the Terrifying Threes to perfection!!! :)

Baby took a couple of steps on Jan 1 and has taken a couple more here and there, but nothing to get to excited about. He does have a new way of getting around now. He does this more often than crawling. His knees must've gotten sore!! He looks soooo funny!!

I guess the next step will be actually walking instead of this "monkey step"!! To the right - you can see Pelik's room after he had a little "meltdown". He broke everything that was in there. Tore sheets and pillowcases off of the bed!! A real tizzy tantrum. See what I get for "timeouts"!! Don't know that he'll ever "earn" all the stuff back. I had to put most of it in the trash.

I'm getting really, really excited about my "trips". Now that there are 2. Almost back to back. I get to see my baby and her babies. THAT'S NEWS!!

Now for a RANT! I was in the parking lot to our SuperWalMart (yes, I went all by myself) - putting my millions of little bags with one item in it - into the little car. I was parked right next to a handicapped spot so I'd really lucked out with all the junk I had. I be sure that the milk is upright and cannot fall over - and then I put ALL the rest in the car. I then took my cart to the cart depository = the whole entire time I was doing all of this (and I had a WHOLE CART FULL) there was a woman in her Lexus blocking the thru traffic so she could have my spot. You know it!!! People were honking horns, she was acknowledging that they were #1 and by the time I got backed out of my spot - the line was the ENTIRE legnth of the front of the store!! HOW RUDE!! If she is disabled, and not just incredibly dense, then she can get a handicapped sticker so she can just park in the front line and not have to be so rude as to hold traffic up for that long!!!! I guess that and the rude people that put thier airline seats all the way back and then sit straight up for the whole flight are on the top of my lists!!!!!

Any how, that's my update for this week. We'll see if and when anything else interesting happens so I can take 2 more days to type it up!!!

Room is done!

It's done!! We now have another
carport and a tiny back patio, and a new 8 X12 or so screen addition. It really makes it look huge. Today wasn't as sunny and warm as it has been so I didn't stay outside for very long. It "only" got up to 76. Below normal for this time of year!!

Did a sleep study again last night. It sure feels strange to have someone wire up your head, chin, arms, and legs, wrap belts around you, plug you in, and say "good night". By the time all that got done - I needed to potty. Oh well, no one ever did say I was classy or anything!! Got there at 8:30 last night and was home at 7:10 this morning - all showered and ready for the day!! I actually slept about 6 hours. 4 straight, 2 awake, and about 2 more before revelee. Of course, no news on it for awhile. I don't go back for 6 weeks. Next is the PRESS. That is tomorrow - and I'm done with my annual medical for everything but this idiot right hand, arm, shoulder, neck or whatever whoever decides it is. The neurosurgeon says it's shoulder, the orthopedist says "shoulder is fine" its neuro, the chiro (that I have to pay cash) says it's neuro (but who is he?)the insurance says nothing and here I sit. I threw my fork across the table last night when my hand spasmed and I lost control of it. The kids looked at me like I'd gone mad. All I could do is laugh. I'm fine. Everyone agrees that there is a BIG problem - but no one will "diagnose". I still have a knot the size of a I don't know what in the pad below my thumb that makes it impossible to do anything with any accuracy. But the Dr says, it was that way for a long time before the surgery, there isn't anything more I can do medically for it, so I'm releasing you. It will just take time for the swelling, zapping, spasms, and electrical impulses in my fingers to go away. I know, I'm whining!!

I went and bought "Cruise Vacations for Dummies" so maybe I will have a clue when we go on our Vacation. 4 whole days, no kids. Now all I have to do is find time to read it!! Only 3 more weeks!! And I'm not doing anything strenuous so I don't have to get fit for it. I plan to lay around and eat bon bons for the entire time!!! If I can find a double lounger to lay around on!!

Now for the really, really big news!! For those of you who don't read the Money Pit, I am going to be Grandma again. And again, it looks like I will already be there for the arrival!! What timing my dear daughter has. We were asking if we could visit at a certain time - and she dropped the news. It took forever for her to post it - so I could blab it. I had to try to wait - and she did make me wait!! So Congrats are in order - and add both Mom and Baby to your prayers. So it looks like we will be spending most of our summer on the west coast again. Thank you Lord!!

Well, off to try to read a chapter and get buffed so I can press!!!!!!

Under Construction - Again

But first, here are the kids in thier "shirts" to sing in that they made in Sunday School!! Of course they didn't make it beyond Sunday afternoon before they got all torn from putting them on and taking them off so much!! And sing!! They sang all out while they were wearing them!! It was quite loud here for the afternoon!!

Here is the outline for the new screen room addition. If they don't have enough room to play now - I don't know what to tell them!!

The workers say they will be done and outta here by Wednesday morning - we shall see. The carport will be the perfect place to put the red car - and I'll get my carport out front back again. I think Keith is thinking we should put the van out there - we shall just have to wait and see. It makes it look huge!! And I'll have a little outside patio on the back side of it where I can go sit and the kids can't get to me hehehehe.

Got a call from the CA attny today. I may be making a really quick trip to CA again - but unless we can time it right after the Bahama cruise - I'll be going alone - since respite isn't that easy to come by and we don't have time before that to make arrangements to take them. Besides we have to buy to many extra tickets!! She is wanting the trip to happen in the next week or so. I do so hate to leave Papa "alone" with the babies. I know he can handle it - but I shudder to think what my house will look like after I was gone for 2 whole days!! Pray for us!! Or especially, him.