Consequences!

Consequences can be tough! I have tried to get Carlton to see "the big picture" in the past with his choices....well, the ripples of yesterday's anger is flooding his tomorrows! Carlton has dislodged his knuckle and the Doctor is sending him on Monday to see a specialist. Looks like he might have to have a pin put in his hand. The ripples? Pain and agony of course! His class field trip in Monday to Huntsville to the Space Center.....Carlton will now spend Monday at the Bone specialists. Baseball? Pitching, hitting, and throwing are likely out for a long time. His season would begin this week! The repercussions of his actions are truly tough! His ball team is now going to be short a player. Makes me aggravated because Carlton is very good at baseball. To me ball is a tremendous positive for him. He needs those things in his life!

This morning, as he told his "story of anger" to several different nurses and the doctor....not one expressed sorrow for him. The first an older nurse said, "Well, that didn't work out well for you did it?". The X-ray tech told his she had not heard of anyone doing that in a long time! There are not many repeats for those who do! I just hope Carlton figures out that his actions, especially in this case, directly affect HIS quality of life!

Sweetness!

The mood in my house can change in a minute....actually we can have several good/bad moods going at one time! On a very very sweet note.....

I was in Wal-Mart with Sarah when an older lady I did not know walked up and asked if I was "Amanda"? I replied that I was and she immediately began telling me what joy I had brought to her family. I was still searching my sometimes scattered brain for the lady and my connection to her when she said, "I am Stephen Johnson's mother" Ahh....perfect sense! I had not met her before, but have heard wonderful things about her!

Over a year ago Trish (hi Trish!) called me and asked if I knew of anyone who had no children and wished to adopt. Our school Principal and his wife (a wonderful middle school teacher we have been blessed to have) had been working long and hard to have a baby. I thought of them. I drove straight to the school, walked in and told Stephen about this simply too good to be true situation. He and Roxanne moved forward and a year ago in Jan or Feb? They welcomed the most beautiful baby (I am not saying that to be kind...she is truly beautiful!) they named Emma Anne. Stephens mother babysits for her a couple of days a week.....in truth this family cherishes this baby dearly. I am over come with joy for them....but in truth....I was simply in the right place at the right time.

It is that kind of love that makes me want to help more and more children find homes to love and care for them....what greater gift can you ever bestow upon a child than to be able to hear a parent say "They have brought joy into our lives!"? I doubt I will ever be in such a wonderful spot again, but I also doubt I will ever forget the love I see in the faces of Emma's mother and father (and now grandmother!).

Hot heads!

Tonight Carlton in a fit of anger balled up his fist and hit the door frame to my kitchen (a 10x2 solid board). I don't think I have to tell you who won in that fight! Looks like Carlton has broken a bone in his hand. We have iced it and are headed to the doctor (our bone specialist) early in the morning. I suppose all hot heads hit things....but what a waste! Carlton is pitching on his baseball team. A home run hitter. Games begin this Monday night! Consequences stink sometimes and last a whole lot longer than the anger that awarded them the consequence to begin with!

cheetah girls

My little girls all love the Disney "cheetah girls". I like the diverseness and friendship. One of their songs says, "We are sisters, we stand together, we all may look different, but we are all the same"(forgive me if I misquoted that....but it is the jest). For the second time this week Isabella has opened her mouth and spewed hate. Directed at a sister and then another child at school. Ugliness, plain and simple. I sat her down....tired of the long talks with her about friendships and being kind. I decided that my child who "thinks she knows everything" really is socially missing some big things. So I have formed a support club for her!! A club made of sisters....who better to help her through life? They know her at her best and worst, and still all love her! I lined all my girls (including Sarah) up and we had a meeting. One that began with "Isabella has a problem and she is going to need every ones help to get through it"........I also added "Should she say anything unkind to you or others...... you are to tell her 'remember what we talked about?' and if the immediate response from Bella is not an apology? You come to mom asap!" They then all hugged Bella and we ended our "session", Bella was crying (without screaming), I think touched.....I hope touched! I know in the years that are to come, these sisters are and are going to be some special girls! All of them!

Mrs Moffett's 2nd grade plays

Ryan (far left), with friends: Romeo, Abigail and Sadie.

(l to r) My guys: Daniel, Seth, Caleb, Ryan and John

Ryan has one of the sweetest teachers, Mrs. Moffett! Her class wrote their own plays and preformed them today. Caleb and John were home and went with me:) My elementary school kiddos always love having big brothers or sisters at the school. A very special day!

Yeah Jacob!!

Jacob made the Cross Country team! Great job Jacob!!

Getting the most....

Yesterday morning Seth pulled a book down I am assuming from the bookcase. I don't think I have ever seen it before. He sat beside me "reading". He was absorbed for a long time and I finally asked what book he had? He held it up and I had to laugh! The title was Your Youth: Getting the Best Out of it!. I am so glad he is not actually reading! I do not think I would survive if my kids got any better at be kids! lol

A day of rememberance

Monnie DeBerry and one of the survivors listening to the son of a survivor.

John before the program.

John and Jaime presenting their living biography.

We are truly blessed with a wonderful school system. I know many many home school....I have (although for advancement in grades, not issues). I cannot begin to tell of the Christian teachers, the love and dedication, the understanding and love these teachers have! It is something I am in awe of and at the same time so very thankful for!



Yesterday one of the 8th grade pods had a remember and honor day for Tennessee Holocaust Survivors. They had three different programs throughout the day to make sure all who wanted to to attend would be able. John was part of the presentation. He had corresponded with a liberator, Mr Harry Snodgrass, how now lives in Mt Juliet Tennessee. Mr Snodgrass had planned on attending, but his health prevented him from being able to do so. He did send wonderful (although sad and graphic) pictures for John to share.



The state of Tennessee has a Holocaust organization that supports and encourages education of Tennessee students. Every year they find an educator in the State who has exhibited and encouraged understanding. In 2003 Mr Duane Eliff, one of our great 8th grade teacher was given this honorable award. In 2006, Mrs. Monnie DeBerry received the honor. One of the broad members was at school to represent not only his Father, a survivors, but also the Organization. He commented and I think it sure bears repeating, that it truly speaks of our teachers to have had two who have been awarded this honor. The day was a testimony to those teachers, along with Celina King and Lucy Burgess' dedication to teaching and truly conveying to the children the past....hopefully changing the future!

On a bragging note:) John was the only student who held the mic for their partner. I was impressed and after the program at 12:30 told John so. He said, "Well this morning she was so nervous her hands were shaking and she could not hold the mic and her cards, so this time I just held the mic." Either way, a very nice job he did!!

missing chelsea already!

Chelsea came home yesterday for a few hours. We had lunch, ran some of my errands and visited. She will be leaving the first of June and be gone for a little over 10 weeks. I miss her already! I am so blessed with great kids. I have so many personalities they simply make you laugh. I have the strong silent, the loud loud (not I did not say obnoxious), the quiet listeners, the helpers, the compassionate, the funny, the ones with common sense and the ones so smart they need some common sense! I have a wonderful mixture to be sure, and Chelsea is simply one of those neat personalities. She perhaps is one of the most supportive to me. She listens, she is objective, she laughs, she will cry, but she is always there. I know that cell phones go everywhere....I know that her summer will be something she always remembers! I just miss her. I think I'm allowed:)

monkey see, monkey do

I took this of Seth this morning. He was playing backyard football and had put the headset on. He is exactly like his big brothers! Of course the big boys do it because there is so much noise in the house they cannot hear....not the case with Seth:) Only noise is him talking to his players:) But, he is doing what he sees the big guys doing, so to him he is just right. I hope he, and the other "little boys" see and follow their brother examples in all the great things they do as well! Time will tell:)

Nothin but net!

Stuart put together a ball team for the Savannah's men's league. Caleb, Jacob,Josh Schwartz, Joseph Thomas, Thomas and I forget who else are all playing with him....they are doing pretty good so far!

5 days away!

We are 5 days away from our first game:) The boys are really excited. I love ballgames, but it is tough with school still going on....I enjoy them much more when I am not concerned about bedtimes. Seth has done surprisingly well to be 5 in the 6,7,&8 year old league. Ryan is Ryan....quickly and WAY full of confidence! Daniel is hitting so hard (and far...but mostly hard) that his coach only lets him bat last when practice is almost over. He yells to all the boys to "pay attention, this is the last batter", hoping they will pay attention and Daniel not hurt one of them! A wonderful problem to have....and yet a tough one at this age too!

I think I have the "sliding-ist" boys in the league....they love to slide!

Cross Country Tryouts

Jacob had his first Cross County tryout today. He loves to run. He goes again tomorrow. He was the fastest 8th grader (upcoming Freshman) today in the mile and 1/2. Tomorrow they will run three miles.

Good luck Jacob!!

Caleb's ride

Pictures of Caleb's new ride. A wonderful ride it is! Picture with him in the picture is Jonathan, Caleb's good friend whose Dad gave Caleb to Explorer.

Tasha won!!

Tasha won the Hardin County Farm Bureau poster contest! The prize was a $50 savings bond:) Now her poster will go to the state level, but that is not until June. Tasha is very tickled! Of course!

Because I want to!

A long time online friend asked today "Who do I think I am?" in regard to parenting a tough 5 year old. Well, I know who she is ....a terrific mom of many and a tremendous advocate for adoption. Her determination and love can be seen. (As can her frustration)

I know why she does what she does....because she wants to. I do the same. I have a large family....because I want to. I have believe I can bring about change in children who have great losses...because I want to! I have hope... because I want to! I choose....you got it...because I want to!

I was thinking about all the frustrating times my kids do things and then only have the "because I wanted to" response. Perhaps they get that from me....perhaps it is somewhat selfish human nature. Put to the test, it can get us to do great things. And it can be our greatest downfall.

I read Laura's blog the other day and she talked about God' will. About chanting it as a mantra(God's will...God's will...God's will)....perhaps that is the key to my "because I want to"'s. Keep my desires/hopes/faith/wants....my will with God's!! If God's will is my will? Then the battle is won!

Although even I know that in the case of lost children? God's will was that that momma not do drugs....not drink alcohol....not abuse her child....but God's will was overcome by selfish "I want to's". I suppose for me the question becomes more complicated when this is brought into light. I know God's will has been broken.....in the process a child broken....I do have faith...but sometimes I wonder where reality, faith and hope draw their lines? As with my guys....there are things broken that medicine cannot fix ..... that my 'want to's" cannot fix....I know that God's will is that we care for his children. I can keep with God on that one....but sometimes it is much harder dealing with it than I would have thought when I just "wanted to love/care for/help".

Time flies

Time flies.....Sarah took this picture this morning (from a picture hanging in our hall). It was taken about 10 years ago. Rosie was the baby in my arms...not a baby anymore! She will be eleven next month! This was in the middle of our fostering run......9 children between 1 and 9 years of age. I really miss the "little" ages, but do so enjoy seeing who my children have become:)

This group of foster children is a "happily ever after" group. In the front row, middle is Brittany, she was about 2 at the time this was taken. It was just short of 3....she spent her third birthday with her new adoptive family. They all live here in town with us and what a beautiful girl she has become! The oldest child, her parents adopted another sweet girl making them two great girls! The little girl on the far right is Skylar. She is 2 as well and her grandmother was given full custody. A wonderful grandmother who did not know Skylar was "hers" but certainly made up for it what she found out. Skylar is now in the 6th grade and I actually got a hug from her just yesterday when I took cookies to Carlton's bake sale! Kayla (bottom row second from right)and Kyle (second boy from the left) are twins. Both 5 at this time. They were adopted by a couple who had no children. Their mom is a teacher and they are half grown now! They too are here in town.

I look at the picture of foster children and there is not a "terrible" story in the lot.At least not a terrible "ever after" story....just the fact that they were all adopted (not the norm with our dcs) is a testimony to the hard times they had before coming into care! But they are all happy now! Not something I can say about many of the children who were in our home. I do love this one:)

Sarah at 3

Sarah has been taking pictures of pictures this morning for her facebook. This one is just so sweet. Sarah would like to think she was the sweetest little person in our family. While she was very sweet, and certainly a picture like this makes it seem she might have been my sweetest child.

Lighthouse...

Daniel, Sarah, Jacob and I all worked to create this poster:) We are having a ministry fair tomorrow at church. Scott is the deacon over benevolence and we made this to be part of his exhibit tables.

it's here, it's here!

Caleb's new ride is here and he is not. Caleb is at a church retreat this weekend and missed the arrival of his new ride! Caleb is so very blessed! His good friend Jonathan's dad gave Caleb a 1998 Ford Ranger. Caleb is so excited! You know(those who know us and read my blog) his current ride, our family dodge caravan dated 1990 is his transportation. He has really never complained about the van, just happy to have something that will get him to football practice, work and school. I will post pictures when Caleb is back.

radio

Sarah is on radio fairly often. We all listen to her on the high school radio show in the mornings (when she is on). She does a great job! I found these two pictures....while they are tiny, they are still pretty good:)

Friends and Teachers

Mrs Snelling's grandmother died and her funeral is today. Tina (aka Mrs Snelling) was Mercedez' and is Tasha's teacher. Tina has gone to church with us as long as I can remember. Her son Justin is a wonderful friend of both my big girls. Tina's grandmother was 95. Just two years ago she sat at every baseball game that her grandchildren were playing ain! She lived a long life and thankfully to her wonderful family, was able to keep living as she chose until she died. Scott, Sarah, Mercedez and Tasha all went to the funeral home this morning.

Sarah's husband:)

This is a picture of Sarah and her "husband". ... He leaves a lot to be desired:) But, for my 17(good grief...nearly 18 year old daughter) he looks really really good!

Sarah, as well as Chelsea, both seem to really have their heads on right. They know what they want from this life and they are not afraid of the unknown. Perfectly happy to enjoy life and wait for it to come to them. I am extremely thankful for my level headed girls.....

Sarah has been reading (nothing new there!) a lot of Karen Kingsbury. She just finished the First Born Series ....a wonderful gift from Grannie and Pa when she got her tonsils out!! Sarah loves to read so much. She called me from school one day last week because she was finishing book #2 and needed me to bring #3 to school. When I said, "Sarah!" She quickly replied that it was just two very short miles from the house to school and she had to have the book! Seth and I took #3 to her. She was in Radio and being silly. when the book arrived she sat down and began reading, Mr Winborn her teacher told her "Gosh Sarah if I knew that was how to get you to sit down and be quiet I would have gone and got the book!" She finished that book that afternoon! She came home and and was lamenting that she really needed us to go on amazon and buy the next series , the Sunrise Series. Sarah said, "Mom I love these books so much! Today I was reading and the main character had a wreck and was in a coma, everyone was praying for him, so I bowed my head and prayed in class....then I realized 'I just prayed for a character in my book! book!!" lol...She does love her books!

We went to amazon this morning to look and the Sunrise Series is not even coming out until May 13 (first book) and July (second book). Sarah was very disappointed (an understatement)! So we did buy the series before the Firstborn Series....the Redemption Series?. Sarah is now indebted to some serious work for mom! I need a good helper:)

I cannot fuss when it comes to books (guess I could...but) I love reading! I always have and guess I always will. I can remember the summer my parents told me, trying to get me to become a stronger reader, "We will buy you any books you will read". That summer they bought the entire Nancy Drew Series in hardback, which I still have in my library today. I can also remember my Dad limiting me to one book a day in high school!

I do have some great readers....a couple as 'bad" as their mom:)

Michael

Baseball is moving right along. The season will begin the last of this month. The boys have been practicing for weeks,. They have really enjoyed ball so far:) My guys love ball all the time. Like their bog brothers they have sports on the brain...24/7!

Sarah took this picture of Michael last night while we were gone.

Carolina Brass

Dad and Clara Ruth gave us tickets hear "Carolina Brass" a wonderful brass quintet! http://www.carolinabrass.com/

Scott and I had a great evening eating out and then going to the Auditorium at UNA. Scott and I rarely get far (as in an hour from home) away. I loved the 2 hours of travel time to talk and and catch up! It was just perfect!

Hospitality

This morning I was fixing Tasha hair and talking to her about her teacher Mrs Snelling. Mrs Snellings grandmother who is 94 or 95 and is now home with Hospice. They do not expect her to live to much longer. I asked Tasha, "How Mrs Snellings grandmother?" Tasha answered, "Well, she's still home with hospitality!" :) I love these moments! I smiled and we talked about "hospice" and hospitality!

I cannot think of a great title!

Last night Scott and I spent some time talking about Sam, Zack and Carlton. Scott had been shuffling through a ton of papers to find evaluations and medication documentation. After reading we can truthfully say that all written about these guys certainly presented a tough picture. Scott and I had prayed so much for this family of children. We did read everything....we did talk about it....we did talk to foster parents ....we did talk to all social workers involved. Scott and I had parented though foster care, adoption and birth over 50 children when we received the boys referral. We felt pretty good at reading between the lines. We knew that every word written might be exactly true and it might not be so bad. We knew that everything written is by the adults and that all adults have different perceptions. We had parented enough to know that we might or might not have "those" problems, and would likely have issues never mentioned. We felt prepared. Right up until meeting them. I can laugh now thinking about the children. "Out of control" is likely the best description. Scott and I were really taken back. We sat down after the first meeting and really re-evaluated. We scheduled small group outings and found the children "could" behave better than they had. Together they were outrageous...all vying for attention....all jealous of one another....all loud....very very loud. We have seen such tremendous progress over the last 4 1/2 years with these children. The two youngest are on the honor roll, still loud but are sweet and have seen so much growth! The three oldest? Still vying, still jealous, still have many issues. Although these guys have grown....there has been success for the them....right along with the failure. It seems that their ups are much higher and their downs are all new lows. A very emotional group. As I sat this morning with Sam, Tori and Seth in the Doctors office I thought about Sam. He was goofy acting, making faces and saying things that are not really appropriate for a boy his age (nearly 11). Victoria sat quietly reading a book, Seth sat in my lap (there was not enough chairs in the waiting room) and Sam constantly drew attention to himself. It was then that I really thought to my self, "what a tremendous help for Samuel to have such a large family". Older sibs keep my jumpy ones corralled. There is safety in numbers, there is strength in numbers and there is an opportunity to get caught in the numbers. If my crew had been with me they would have been good. As a whole they would have impressed adults and been very respectful....they serve as excellent camouflage(and examples!) for Sam and Zack. Not that they disappear in my group....but the children help one another....for Sam and Zack it is like have a a dozen external brains all helping! Alone Samuel really stands out(no external brain to help him). I must confess that I have never had a child who draws attention to themselves through bad or obnoxious behavior....lol...well, not in public. I need to really find me a good book on this .....I cannot tell Sam to stop being himself. The goofy, loud, embarrassing comments is Sam, while not appropriate. I suppose I just need more resolve!

Choosing....

I chose Scott 20 years ago. Actually more than 20 years ago:) After so many years have passed I can tell you I was lucky. As a 20 year old college student I thought I knew what I was doing...thought I knew all about Scott....thought I was choosing based on love and desire to be with him. But, Scott and I did not date for years. While we did counsel before we married. I remember one of favorite things about one another was our "outgoing personalities". For sure a good thing! But it has taken a whole lot more than "outgoing" to hold us together all these years.

I tell my girls all the time (girls because they are older and closer to that time in their lives)....know or date someone long enough to have been with them (to have seen them) in good times and bad, in tragedy and triumph, in sickness and health, in overwhelming times both good and bad.....in a nutshell...KNOW them! Know how they will act, know what they will say, know, know, know!

I have seen so many people get into one situation or another with someone they thought they knew ....only to be shocked or upset by the reactions of that person. It is in those times of hardship and strain that we see the true person. Know them!

Scott and I have been so "on the same page" over the years. Primarily the "for better or worst" in our marriage vows we took seriously. We have, to the best of our abilities, held on to the principles we set out in the beginning. We parent together, we decide together.....if it is important? We both know it!

Granted over the years we have worked hard to get to today! As much as I love Scott.... I do not want to Scott I married 20 years ago back:) I have great memories of that Scott....he is the one I fell in love with....he is the one I learned about life with.....BUT today I want the one who has lived! The one who loves me for who I am today and will continue to love me (and I him) as we grow together! I know he will do this, because I know him. Is he perfect? rofl... Every bit as much as I am! We both fall short....we both get up....we know that about one another:)

My advice to any of my children is simple.....once you decide to enter into marriage....you better know who you will be traveling that road with! And you better pray to God and keep Him close to you and your spouse:) The phrase "God only knows" is absolutely true! Only God knows your heart and your partners heart! In the times you think you will not make it.....stop and pray....you are never alone!

LOL...I sound like I am writing a eulogy:) In truth I am....an eulogy to the last 20 years of my marriage....for tomorrow will begin the next 20 with Scott. A future I look forward to and know, for better or worst, will bring us closer and stronger!

goofy pictures

This is Seth's attempt at taking a picture of mom and dad! lol...time and another couple of feet in height and he will be great!

This is Samuels attempt....pretty good:)

Trixie

I recieved this email today:

What EXACTLY is "Trixie Flopsy" ?

Inquiring minds want to know!

Trish

My response was something like this:

lol Trish! With a name like "Trixie Floppsy" What do you think it is?

A rabbit:)

Trixie (or as Seth says "Rixie") is a minature rabbit. Very sweet and likely to remain smaller than Coco (Mercedez Guinea Pig). Although Trixie has very very long nails which will have to be taken care of pretty quickly:) Just ask Jacob or Sarah!

20 years today......

Scott and I have been married 20 years today! People always say "It seems like yesterday". I agree. It does. I can remember graduation from college when Scott and I thought "if we just had a job that paid $600 a month we would be fine". Times sure change! We now need a little more than $600 a month....lol. We now have 20 children, one for each year of marriage. Although that was not the intent. I think we will stop at 20 children and 20 years... it's enough....not enough marriage(I sure am hoping for many many more years)....but plenty kids:) In truth, we had to 20 kids at 17 years:)

Scott is spending the afternoon of our anniversary taking Samuel (pictured above) to the Doctor in Memphis. Our long awaited appointment with Pediatric Psychiatrist is today.

Early morning!

This morning my alarm went off at 5:30, I got up and walked through the kitchen. Mid way through I heard the back door opening and closing. I have to admit my first thoughts were that one of the boys had been out and was coming back. Sam, Zack and Carlton are behind door alarms, but not my teens. The first thing a couple of the boys will say is why did you not blame Sarah? Mostly because she is afraid of the dark and it was still very dark! lol As I walked toward to door....there was Sarah and Chelsea, roses in hand, coming back from Wal-Mart. 20 Beautiful roses! Cards as well. Cards were lined across the table from my children:)

I snapped this picture of Chelsea and Sarah.....they look a whole lot better at 5 am than I do:)

Our new family member!

Sarah added to our family today:) Trixie Floppsy joined our family:) A sweetie .....

Old red

Our goofy old red van has lasted through Scott, me and 4 teenagers. One of our best vehicles (in longevity). It looks a bit rough, but it does move quiet a bit faster than a 10 speed! Today Caleb(on right with Jacob) is awaiting his "new to him" Ford Explorer:) He is a tad bit excited!

Time lines....

I was writing down graduation dates and such this morning. I laughed and told Scott, at age 61 our last child will graduate(perhaps) from college....that will give us one year to save for retirement:) I am glad to say that Scott already saves for us....but what a crazy thing! Not as crazy at the thought that between 2013 and 2017 we could potentially have 11 children in college...and that is only the ones who "should" be there!

Seth will graduate from high school in 2020...I will be about 53 years young:) Scott will be 57 years old:) When you think of it.....we have someone graduating nearly every year....You know you have a bunch of kids when it is easier (and shorter) to name the years you DON'T have anyone graduating! Our "don't" years are 2010, 2012 and 2019! Although, It is likely someone might graduate from college during those years...lol...this is why I should not do time lines....they just don't work...other than to amuse me:)

If I should die....

Last night on the way home from Henderson Caleb called to ask me if he could have a dog. An inside dog. We have never had an inside dog for a good reason, I do not want one. I realize there are millions of people who dearly love their dogs. I am glad they live and love with them! I love my family.....I really do not love dogs. I tolerate the ones outside. They are my concession.

I suppose I could trace my dislike back to childhood. When I was about 3and my brother Jon 2 we had a little dog. While we were playing in the yard, and mom was in the house, the little dog jumped up onto me and got his nails caught in my dress. I could not get him off, I think(judging from what my mother said) I panicked. Jon tried to help me and we somehow got caught together and were there for several long minutes until my mother heard us and came out to rescue us. We were so traumatized my dad had to come home and take the dog to the pound. My brother Jon does love dogs:) He obviously did not have any lasting issues with the incident..lol:) But, even Jon does not have an inside dog! I really have co-habitated with dogs in an "alright" way for the most of my life, but I do not like dogs. I respect them. Some I think are really neat. My kids watch Air Bud and dream of a dog like him....rofl....I might consider Air Bud:)

Back to the whole point....I do not want a dog in my house. I do not want to care for a dog. I do not want to remind someone to feed it. I do not want to clean up poop. I do not want to even see poop! I don't want Caleb mad at a little person who steps on the dog. I don't want Caleb mad when the dog loves someone else more than him. I do not want a dog.......I do not want one on a train, I do not want one in the rain.....I do not want one in my house....I had rather have a mouse...lol...well, a pet in a cage I can do!

Caleb seemed to think he could change my mind. Sorry son, I am 40 years old, I am not easily swayed. I do listen to what you have to say. I do love you. But that love and respect I have for you.....it does not make me want a dog in my house. If I say no....I likely mean no.

I finally had to tell Caleb "If I die on the the way home tonight you can try to talk your dad into one....but that is the only way a dog is coming into my house". He realized the talking had ended.

My super find!

This past week I found this beautiful dress for Victoria at the dig store...I paid a whole $5.50 for it!!! It is so very beautiful! She looked super sweet! Victoria loved the pantaloons! Just right for our too cold weather we are still having! I am so ready for that Spring weather they keep promising!

Last time a blond:)

This is likely the last time we will see Chelsea blond:) I thought I would post just one more from last night:)

Makin Music ...Saturday night!

Chelsea's club very sadly did not place, but they did a wonderful job! All their hard work did pay off....they gave a wonderful performance!! Sarah, Sandy and I went over and picked up Chelsea early and we ate Chinese together before Chelsea had to be back for her evening show. We also went to take a few pictures of them practicing before the show. We had good seats and the 30th Anniversary show did not disappoint!!

Thank God for dirty dishes!

I printed this for my children. I put it above the sink. We are so very blessed!! But certainly Scott and I are blessed with children who have the ability and desire (lol...even if I have to sometimes encourage that desire!) to help! I do love the poem. It is so true that my family, and in truth, most families in our great country are blessed beyond measure!

For my children who do dishes:

Thank God for dirty dishes,
They have a tale to tell.
While others are going hungry,
We're eating very well.
With home and health and happiness,
I shouldn't want to fuss.
For by this stack of evidence,
God's very good to us!

Makin Music ....Action!

These are pictures of Chelsea in her clubs performance "Holding Out For A Hero!" Chelsea was a damsel in distress. It was a very cute show:) They are competing with the other clubs to see who wins tonight:) They are judged at the three weekend performances, Friday night, Saturday matinee and Saturday night. Dad and Clara Ruth are taking family today to see the show at the matinee. Tonight Sarah is going (and a friend), she could not go with us last night because she has her ACT this morning. But she will go with me and Sandy tonight. I do love watching:)

Makin Music ...my blondie!

Chelsea is a much better blond than anyone thought...lol...but I still think God knew she would be beautiful brunette:)