What I would really like to tell you. . .

I have been keeping up, for the most part, with this blog for one year now. Some months I have been better than most for what I have included - so I decided to have a month by month year in review. January - Start of a new year. Super Bowl Fun. February - Beach trip with Grandma. March - Discovery Place, The Dead Sea Scrolls. April - Beulah Land. Egg hunts. Beach trip with just kids and moms (Jennifer and Anna Claire) May - T ball started (Cole) and soccer started (Katie) June - School over. Mountain trip. July - Fourth of July cook outs. VBS at church. Beach trip with Lee family. August - Pre school for Katie and First Grade for Cole. September - Beach trip with Thomas family October - Cole and David NC State Football Game. Mountain Weekend Trip. Halloween at home. Boy Scouts started. November - Basketball started. Thanksgiving. Cole awarded book mark contest December - Cole awarded for scouts.Polar Express/Grove Park Inn. Puppy for Christmas (Max). 2006 was a very busy year fille...

On Wednesday night, David and I gave the kids each a gift. They unwrapped a new pair of PJs and a bath robe. We then told them that we were going on the Polar Express on Thursday. We loaded up the truck and took off for Bryson City. It was about a four hour ride from our house so we stayed over night in Ashville. The train ride was wonderful. The hot chocolate was great and the two waiters on our car were super! The kids gave letters to Santa and he gave them a bell. This morning after breakfast, we took off to the Grove Park Inn. We looked at all the beautiful gingerbread houses. Some of the houses were huge and amazing. The kids were amazed at the size of the Grove Park. It was a magical day! We now wait for Christmas eve. . .

This is just day three of our Christmas break. We have been to the dentist twice - a two hour round trip driving time for each visit. We have wrapped the rest of the gifts. We have attended Cole's first basketball game. He did a great job passing the ball. In fact, he had three assists! We have had Cole's Cub Scout award presentation. This involved finger foods and advoiding flu sick kids! Cole received many beads for his uniform. Way to go! Tonight, we will sit. Thankfully. I need to pack for our mini overnight trip. It's a surprise for the kids! Christmas is really a great time. David sees to it that we all have fun. I have to say he really is a Christmas nut! Love you hon!

We had Christmas all day long on Saturday. We started with the Lee extended family Christmas. The kids get tons of gifts - including a gift from an aunt and uncle that love to give the kids clothes. It is a gift that I really like and for the most part the kids do too. I always go over with the kids the rules of gift etiquette - No matter what - like it and say thank you - even if you already have it or really do not like it - always smile and say thank you! Cole can repeat this and took the opportunity to say it as Katie was opening her obvious box of clothes. The aunts and uncles laughed - I was ready to melt into the floor. Katie did say thank you - but I believe that they are on to me!

Cole has kept the tooth fairy busy in the past three months. He has lost three teeth by having them knocked out - granted they were all very loose and almost ready to be pulled. The first tramatic tooth lose was on a bicycle at the beach. The next was on a bean bag at home (Katie was involved). The last was at basketball practice on Tuesday night. Cole said that he is afraid of Bs (Bicycle, bean bag, and basketball). The tooth fairy can rest just a little while because he does not have any additional loose teeth at this time. I guess we will wait for Baseball season (yet another B).

Tonight Cole recieved an award for the county Book Mark Contest. He received an honorable mention for his book mark about pirates. It was a great event. Over 1700 students submitted book marks. There were ten people in each catagory that placed. He was in the K-2 division. He was all smiles and I have to say was by far the cutest kid! Way to go Cole! Your family is really proud of you.

Today the entire family had their flu shot. David started off the morning by having his at work. I then followed and had mine at work. Cole and Katie had theirs this afternoon. Like most kids, they hate shots. I picked them up from school about 15 minutes early. They had no idea what we were going to go do. Cole asked if we were going to do something fun? Is it a surprise? When I did not answer - he looked up and said, "We are going to go get a shot, aren't we?" When I said yes, he only asked why. Katie then said, "Cole is going to get a shot." When I told her that she was also getting a shot - those eyes began to tear up. Cole did really well with his shot. He decided that he should go first because he is the oldest. He only cried when it was over. Katie, on the other hand, yelled out like some sort of wounded animal. It was sooo loud and really funny. Katie then looked at the nurse and said, "That did not hurt." OH well. Who knows what will ha...

Last night, we took the kids out to eat dinner and then we went to watch the Stanta Claus Movie 3. It had been almost 80 degrees yesterday so the Christmas mood was kinda hard to find - even the theater was too warm. We all loved the movie and it was neat to kick off the season watching it. Today we hope to haul out the holly. Let's hope for a cooler week. Come on winter! Give us some snow.

Today, Cole has asked about a gazillion times to have our neighbor over. Jaxon is also in Cole's class at school and in his cub scout group. Needless to say, I know Jaxon. I walked across the street and talked to his mom about having Jaxon over. Before anything was decided, both kids were across the street in my yard tossing a football. Jaxon's mom said, "OK, I will send his brother over in about thrity mintues to get him. Have fun." She smiled and walked back into her quite home. The boys tossed the football about twenty times. Long enough for Jaxon to fall and roll into the red mud and coat his shoes, shoe strings, and jeans in bright red mud. Jaxon then looks at Cole and says, "Let's go in!!" I race in to bar the doors. "Katie bar the doors!" I yell. Red mud alert! I then ask the boys, in my best Mother voice, "Let's just play outside. The weather is beautiful." Luckily, the boys find a tape measure and begin to m...

Yesterday we were riding home and listening to the radio. They were playing Christmas music all weekend. Blue Christmas by Elvis was playing. Cole asked if I could pass that song. I told him, "No, it's the radio." He said that that was the worst singer he had ever heard. It sounds like he is under water, he said. I laughed, and told him that it is Elvis singing. He said, "He will never get any votes." The wonderful age of American Idol. I laughed because how could I explain that Elvis was one of the greatest singers of all times! Cole then began to sing, "Blue, blue, blue Christmas." Yep, under water sounds.

We have been on school break this week. The kids have enjoyed staying in their PJs for most of the mornings. We have been to Walmart twice this week. Last night, David took us to Yadkin Valley for dinner. The kids had never been there before. They did a wonderful job and were on their best behavior. This week has been wonderful. We have enjoyed walks around the neighborhood, watching movies at night, and just hanging out. It has really been a break from our normal routine of running. Thankfully, David was able to smuggle out most of the Halloween goodies. Katie would have over dosed by now on chocolate.

It's finally here. It seems like we have been decorated for months - ready for Halloween. I carved the last pumpkin this morning. Cole's pumpkin is a spider web and Katie has Winnie the Pooh. We even roasted the pumpkin seeds. Cole is going to be Capt. Jack Sparrow and Katie is a ballarina. We will be traveling to see Kyle and KC tonight. Cole is ready for trunk or treat. He keeps asking exactly what is it? and how much longer until we leave? can we get dressed up yet? There is one more pumpkin - can we carve it too? He has been up since 6:30 this morning. Someone pass the pumpkin seeds - it's going to be a long day.

The long awaited mountian trip has arrived and past. The kids enjoyed playing with Grandma and Papa at Tweetsie Railroad. We all enjoyed eating too much at the Daniel Boone Inn. The weather on Friday and Saturday left something to be desired. Rain and 25 mph wind let us know that the mountains are winter bound way before us flat land folks. There were spots of leaves left - other places we were limb viewing. It was a great weekend.

The past two mornings I have been questioned by both kids. "Is it Friday yet?" they both ask. They are both so excited about going to the mountains. I really think that they are most excited about leaving school at lunch time. I am going to pick them up around 11:30. Katie gets to miss nap and Cole gets to walk out of class three hours before school is dismissed for school break. I believe they would not care where we were going - just as long as they were getting out of school early. Is it Friday yet?

Today Katie found a box of new crayons that I had stashed away. It was like Christmas had arrived early. She was so excited to find the crayons that she ran into the living room to show Cole. Katie then began to draw lots of pictures. Cole wanted paper to draw too. It's funny how a simple box of crayons can change an afternoon. It only cost a quarter for a box of crayons - but the time they spent drawing was priceless.

Today, David and Cole went to Raleigh for the NC State Game. It was a first for Cole. He has not stopped talking about it since he walked thru the door home. He earned $20.00 for working around the house for the last three weeks. Pa gave him an additional $5.00. He came home with a wolf for himself and a cheerleading bear for his sister. All of this was purchased by him with his own money. I don't know many kids that would buy something for their sister with their own money. Especially a sister that did not help with any of the chores. Cole has decided that he wants to go to State for college. This makes his dad very happy. Makes me happy because I look good in red. Go Wolfpack!

Last week David and I decided to have Cole and Katie go to sleep without any help from the two of us. This means that Katie cannot be rocked, and Cole must go to sleep in his bed and stay there all night. The first night was bad, but not as bad as we thought it was going to be. Cole cried and Katie did not understand why she was not being rocked - but we made it. This is night nine - the kids are fine. I have to admit - I miss rocking Katie and snuggling with Cole. I know that they adapted much quicker to this growing up thing than either myself or their dad has or will. So tonight, I will put Katie to bed and tuck Cole in for sleep. Tomorrow morning I will wake up and get them out of their rooms - just like a normal house - but in my heart I wish they were still small.

This morning I told Katie that she and I had to make plans for Saturday. I told her that her dad and Cole were going to a State football game, so we had the entire day to do something together. She said, "We can go shopping." Sounds good to me. I asked her what we could buy. Her response, "Cereal." This is a response that her dad will love - maximum cost would be 3.50. I think that Saturday she needs a lesson in what girls really do when the boys go away. Bring on the nail polish - grab your purse and hold on!

I have never really understood how to prepare children for the death of a family member or a close friend. Mr. Roger has been a part of my kids lives. He has a brain tumor and is not doing well. I have tried to prepare Cole and Katie for what is going to happen. They know that he is sick and that he has something that they cannot catch. Katie was concerned that she may get sick if she sits beside him. I told them that he has cancer and the medicine that he takes is not working. Cole prays for him every night in only a way a child can pray - from the heart and sincere. I pray that I know the words to say that will help Cole and Katie understand what is happening. I pray that I can be honest and clear. I pray for a miracle.

Last night the kids (along with Dave and I) were so exicted to have our Friday movie night. This time we had invited the Ingram family over. We had a boyscout meal complete with smores and a fire. Then we had set up our movie with a very large projector screen and a projector. The original intent was to have our movie outside, but winds and weather did that in. We set up the movie in the building complete with popcorn and goobers. The kids lounged on an air mattress while the adults kicked back in chairs. I have to say, it made our Friday movie night that much more fun. We have decided to keep everything set up for another round tonight.

Tonights homework involved Cole reading part of a poem. For some reason Cole could not read this poem without laughing so hard and turning red. The poem started out, "The tree stands still on a hill, on a hill. The tree stands still on a hil. A twig is on the tree, on the tree. A twig is on the tree. A leaf is on the twig, on a twig. A leaf is on the twig. " You get the picture. Cole read this poem many times using different voices. So I decided to show him how to read poetry. This only made matters worse. More laughing. I then had him read the poem for his dad. Even more laughing with David making matters worse. I see that poetry appreciation runs in the family, in the family. Poetry appreciation runs in the family.

Friday night David wanted to go to the football game at Anson. Katie and I have not attended a game with the boys. We loaded up and took off to Katie's first football game. She was so excited about the cheer leaders. They started cheering for the Bearcats. GO BEARCATS! Katie then stands up and says GO BEARTITS! Over and over again. David and I finally told her what to say. When the cheerleaders said DEFENSE! Katie cheered CJ! CJ! Yep - our little cheerleader. Cole just sat and watched the game. He helped me carry the hotdogs and drinks. Ever the perfect gentleman. Saturday we took off to the Pumpkin Patch. The kids had a ball finding the perfect pumpkin. By kids I mean Cole, Katie and David. We all had loads of fun. The "three kids" went down all the slides. I had to haul David out of the patch with only three pumpkins. He had picked out the largest pumpkin in the field and wanted the guy to come help haul it out of the field. Needless to say, I had t...

Every morning Katie wakes up and asks, "What is today?" This morning her dad told her that it is Thursday. She then always asks, "Is it a school day?" "Yes" her dad replied. She frowned. He then told her that she only had tomorrow for school and then Saturday - a stay home day. She smiled and got ready. I guess it starts early - the quest for the end of the week. It some how makes getting ready that much easier if you know the end is near. Even when your four years old.

Almost 10 years ago David and I moved into our house. I went into a furniture store and fell in love with a couch and love seat. The couch was so plush with over stuffed cushions. Today, the kids have turned my couch into some sort of play station. It involves jumping and leaping from the couch onto the floor. They are babys running from who knows what. Then they are monkeys dancing on a bed. All the while, I stare at this once beautiful couch. I guess that we will keep this couch for the next ten years. At least until the monkeys get too old to dance on it.

Once again I have fallen in my duties to keep my blog up dated. So here is my best attempt to get back on track: We have now had a two week school break. One of the weeks we spent at the beach with Grandma, papa, Uncle Bryan, Aunt Dana and Jadyn. Lots of fun. Competitive putt-putt and dinners out. Cole and Katie spent hours on the beach becoming the perfect sugar cookies. School is now back in session. Katie does her slow "dead girl walking" up the side walk every morning. She was caught calling Cole "mean ole Mrs. Bobbie." But she is beginning to come around to the idea. She realizes that mom is at work the entire time she is at school. I guess she thought that I was home eating cookies and painting my toe nails without her. Cole has now joined the Cub Scouts. He is ready to make the pine wood derby car, camp out, earn badges, get the uniform, . . . . You get the picture. He is one excited kid. The next meeting will be the first "real" deal. Ok - I think ...

8 - school days left until school break 17 - days left until we leave for the beach 66 - days left until we leave for the mountains 70 - days until Halloween 93 - days until Thanksgiving 124 - days until Christmas And the reason I know this - I have kids.

Katie really had the Monday morning blues. She dragged around this morning wishing she could just stay in her PJs and watch "a little more TV." We finally were on our way to school. In the car she was mostly quiet. She and I walked up the school side walk together. She smiled and started up the steps. She then reached behind her stretching her hand and arm all the way back out the door and yelled "Mooooomeeeeee!" When I made it back to the car, Cole asked, "Was that Katie's arm?" Yes, I said. His only reply - Wow. The teacher said that Katie was fine when she made it to her room. The morning drama is only for my benefit. I do not know if I should feel thankful.

Today I was a parent chaperone for Cole's first grade class to the Lazy 5 Ranch. The day was beautiful. Every kid had a parent. It was a wonderful day. We actually got to pet a zebra and a giraffe. How many people can say that? Katie fell again today on the playground. Guess what? She was RUNNING! GASP! How many people can say that they have ran on a playground? If there was a pole taken from kids around their school more have most likely rubbed a zebra than have ran on the playground.

When I picked Katie up today, her teacher walked her out. Katie had both knees covered in band-aids. The teacher said that Katie was running outside on the play ground and fell. She then leaned into Katie and said, "Remember the rule, no running on the play ground." I then smiled and said thank you for taking care of Katie's knees and walked Katie to the van. I told Katie that she had to follow the school rules and that I was sorry that she had hurt her knees. But you know, deep down I want to say, JUST WHERE SHOULD SHE RUN? So Katie, when you are old enough to read this just know that I am on your side. I can't tell you this now because you would go break the rule again. I really believe that this is the dumbest rule ever. You should be able to run outside on the play ground and act the fool. If you fall and get hurt, well, it was just part of learning. So for now, I am pretending to be on Ms. Bobbie's side. But in my heart, I'm pulling for Katie.

I have not written in several weeks for a reason. I really did not know what to say. Both kids are now in school and I have to admit - my heart is broken. Cole is now in first grade and Kaite is going to the Pre K program. Most moms would be jumping for joy to have both kids in school. I really like having them home. I like being able to play and run and just act silly. We are now serious with homework and bed times again. Cole's first comment about first grade was how there were no toys in their room. They have organized PE and can't run and act the fool and talk with friends. Katie missed me every morning and I still have to walk her up the walk with tears in her eyes. I only hope that she does not notice the way I have to turn my head so that she cannot see mine. I know that school is a necessary part of life - I just wish it could happen later. Just let us play a little longer. Well, school break is only 14 school days away. Maybe we can recapture a little sum...

I can't believe that my little man is seven today! Happy Birthday to the person that showed me just how much you can love someone. To the person that showed me what it was like to have my own heart running around free! We love you so very much. You are a wonderful and neat kid that I love being around. May your personality always be one of caring and sharing. God bless you. Love you - mom, dad, and Katie

Today I had asked Pa to drive up and sit with Katie while I took Cole to his well visit. On my calandar I had written some time ago that Cole had a 9:20 well visit. I had to wake Cole up and encourage him to get dressed this morning. Pa arrived ahead of schedule and Cole and I headed out. I had prepared Cole for this visit all week long. He was ready to go. We checked into the front desk and I got out my check book to write for the co pay. The desk lady looks up and says, "What are you here for? Does Coleman have an appoitment?" It seems that Cole's appoitment is really in September. So where are we supposed to be at 9:20 this morning? The lady could not answer my question. Thanks Pa for entertaining Katie for about 30 minutes and driving for about 45 minutes one way. Maybe we will see you in September.

Today we went back to school shopping for school supplies. Cole had quite a list of necessary supplies. What really took me back was the box of 24 crayons. There is nothing like the sight and smell of new crayons that places a person right back into first grade. Cole was so very excited about all his new stuff. Katie just wanted to know what we were going to buy her for her school. The preschool program does not have needed supplies. She soon got over it and got into the spirit of picking out Cole's lunch box. After the shopping, I had to water all the outside plants. The kids had a ball running thru the water. They were soaked and had to strip down outside. Katie, of course, had to dance naked on the front porch for all to see. Ah! the smells, sights, and sounds of summer!

The days just don't seem long enough. I looked at the calandar and realized that school will be starting in just one week. Our kids will miss the first week of school because of our beach trip. I can honestly say that I feel relieved that they will miss the first week of school. I am really not ready to send them off yet. I feel as if we have just started to adjust to summer. The kids are sleeping past 8:00am every morning, and I have to say I am too! Our beach trip will be bitter sweet. Cole turns SEVEN, school starts back, and to me summer will be over. August is still really summer - just not at our house. Come on September - I'm already ready for school break!

Happy birthday to a man that wears many hats! Our leader, my friend, supporter, counsler, dad, and many others. We would not know where to go or what to do without you! We love you!

David declared today that we will retire to the beach. I asked him if we would be ocean front? He said, "In your dreams." I asked if we would have a traditional four bedroom beach design home? He said, "No. One bedroom only." I asked where the kids would stay when they came to visit with our grandchildren? His comment was "A cheap condo down the street." Sounds like my future is going to be with one grumpy old man!

Wednesday, my mom kept the kids for me to work. David came home to relieve her from her duties late in the afternoon. The kids wanted to finish watching a movie that they had selected from the library. David sat in his leather chair to watch the movie with the kids. He started to get up when the chair seat came with him. It seems that Grandma had let Katie eat her pancakes (with extra syrup) in Dave's leather chair and syrup had found its way onto the chair and then David's legs. Needless to say, I received a phone call at work about the syrup filled chair. I called Grandma the next day to tell her about David's discovery. She laughed and said that Katie requested her pancakes in the living room in the chair. Grandma then took an oath to never let Katie eat pancakes in the chair again. David, your throne is now safe. You can reign in your TV kingdom with out fear of stickiness.

OK - here we go. June 10 - worked from 7a - 7p (my last 12 hour shift) June 11 - drove to the mountains with both kids alone. They did really well. Got there, unpacked, made beds, and headed to the grocery store. June 12 - spent the day at Tweetsie Railroad - Katie took the picture of a life time for her season pass. June 13 - Hung out at the park. Had a early arrival of David! Surprise June 14 - Marty and Jennifer arrive with Anna Claire. June 15 - Tweetsie Railroad again with Katie riding every ride. June 16 - Trout fishing. Radiator gone in car. June 17 - Hiking Linville Falls - Katie is now called BooBoo(because of the number of times that she fell) and Cole is now called Jack Rabbit (because of the way he ran around the mountain). June 18 - Rest June 19 - David goes back up the mountain with Pa in tow to retrive our van. June 20 - work - the kids want to know why we have the same radio in the car? They thought the radiator was the radio. June 23 - Kyle spends the night. We watch ...

Today was Cole's first day home from school for the summer. I had a to do list that would make most people faint of heart. I not only had the "to do list" but also had "to do it" with two kids in tow. David really did not think that I could accomplish this list and I will admit that it had it's moments - but - we did it. The kids were great and they did not drive each other insane. They were in and out of their car seats like they were ready to storm the beaches of Normandy. No little to do list was going to stand in their way of a good time. We were going places and Cole was marking them down. Katie kept us straight on what was next. Now I'm just ready to crash - they are still ready to keep going. Somewhere there must be a way for moms to break into summer break a little more easily. Maybe Lysol could make a spray for moms to coat themselves with just as the last school bell rings for summer. Then we could just reaply as needed.

Somehow May just flew by. We were driving from a soccer field to a t-ball field and suddenly it is June. Cole announced this morning that he only had four days and three nights of school left. I never realized that he slept there because I seem to be the one putting him in pajamas at night and David seems to be the one getting either kicked out of bed or getting kicked while in bed by Cole. Both Cole and Katie are getting into the swing of planning our summer break. It should be interesting.

Last night, Katie finally got her trophy for soccer. It was a girl kicking a soccer ball with a bobble head. Katie was thrilled to have her trophy. The coach said that Katie had been talking about the trophy ever since the first practice. Unfortunately, Katie did not listen when I told her multiple times that the head can be broken off. Within six minutes of receiving the trophy, it had been decapitated. Katie was upset. Of course, all the grandparents said they should have never given kids a trophy with a bobble head. My thoughts were, Katie should have listened and been more careful with her prize. Wonder what the now grandparents would have said thirty years ago to David and I if we had a broken bobble head trophy? Boy, have times changed!

Cole and I are so ready for school to be out. I don't remember my mother being as excited for school to be out for me as I am for him. I'm ready for sleeping in and wearing out PJs until at least 9:00am. I'm ready for NO HOMEWORK! No packing lunchs on Friday. No more having to remember books and backpacks. Cole agrees. He loves school but he too is ready for summer break. I counted - we have 12 school days left. Hurry up! We're ready!

Tonight we watched Dateline NBC and it showed conjoined twins that were seperated. Cole cried because it was so stressfull. He just can't handle things that involve any medical intervention. There is no hope that he can be a doctor. After the show, Katie said that she wished that she was a mommy. We told her that after she finished college she could get married and then be a mommy. Cole said that he was never going to get married. He never wanted kids and that he was never leaving our house. I asked why. He said, "What if you have two kids and one wants a snack and the other needs to go to the bathroom? That would drive me crazy." Yes. I know all about that.

Today was field day for K - 3 grades. Cole's squad was green. He did so well in all his events. He had the three legged race, obstacle course, relay race, tug of war, and a water race. They even kicked giant soccer balls to their team mates. Cole won three times in the tug of war. He had a great time. The weather was beautiful. The watermellon was great. Cole and Landon ate lots of pieces!

Yesterday afternoon was one of those days when I am sure that people thought I was insane. We had people outside putting pine straw down around our landscaping. Katie and Cole thought that was the most intersting stuff around. Funny how they never found it that intersting when David and I did it. Anyway, they wanted to be outside right in the action. I'm inside gathering up all the necessary gear for the soccer game and the T ball game. I had debated about when to feed the kids dinner (before or after the games) and had decided that they really needed something before the game that was beyond their snack. I grilled chicken and cooked brocolli and then made their plates. I went outside to call the kids in for dinner. The guys working in our yard looked up and then looked at their watches. I know - it's only 4:15 and a crazed woman is yelling for her kids to come in and eat dinner. You never know what you will hear at this house.

Yesterday was Mother's Day. David fixed breakfast. The kids gave me cards they had made and flowers they had planted in styrofome cups. It was a great morning. Later in the morning Cole gave me .50 cents. It was a wonderful day. Thank you guys!

Before the game, Katie was really pumped up. She looked at her dad and said, "I'm ready to rock!" That should have been a sign. Katie was put on the field first where she charged after the ball ready to kick anything that was in her way. The ball was put into play and she heard the whistle from another field so she charged. She kicked the ball all the way to our goal and "scored." She turned around cheering with her arms raised and said, "I did it. I finally did it." She then ran back with her team that was waiting. Katie then started tackling her coaches. She was cheering and really going crazy. One of her coaches yelled from the field to me on the side lines and asked, "Wendy, what did you feed her before the game?" To that I really do not have an answer. All I know is that Katie was ready to rock - and rock she did.

Katie: "Where does the cow like to go to?" Me: "Where?" Katie: "The Mooovies!" Laughter for at least thirty minutes.

Cole had his first T-ball game last night. The weather was very cold but the game went on. David and Cole had been working on catching the ball over the weekend. Cole was convinced that his team would lose the game because of him. We told Cole to just do his very best and he would do just fine. The coach put Cole on first base - and he was AWSOME! David lost count after 13 outs at first base by Cole. He caught the ball, tagged the base, and threw the ball back to home each and every time. He would tell the runner that they were out as they were running down the base line. David could not wipe that grin off his face! Way to go Cole!

Sunday afternoon it was cold and rainy. David's dad called to tell us that he was sitting on his deck outside of his room on the cruise ship in sunny and 80 degree weather. The kids were wearing jackets and long pants wishing that the rain would stop so that they stay outside longer. David was wishing that I was off of work so that he could stay in his chair and not be entertainment director along with meal planner, bath giver, displicine dispenser, and bed time enforcer. That cruise ship really sounds good. Not much longer until mom is no longer covering this crazy shift - just a little longer until we can sit on a deck on a cruise ship with sunny and 80 degree weather. Hang in there! :)

The month of May is becoming a scheduling nightmare! Cole has TBall games on Monday and Friday and practice on Tuesday and Thursday. Katie has soccer on Tuesday and Friday and gymnastics on Monday. I have work scheduled on weekends and Mondays and some during the week. David is everywhere with work and has deacons meetings and church. We have field day to remember and lunch to pack every Friday. There are swimming lessons to sign up for and Tweetsie Railroad tickets to buy. My brother's birthday present needs to be bought and then there's Mother's Day. It's only May 3 and I'm already tired!

Last night was Katie's first practice soccer game. She had been running the drils just fine - kicking the ball into the net, passing the ball to other players on the team, and having very little physical contact with the players. At one point of the game, Katie fell to the ground and tears immediatly appeard into her brown eyes. The coach talked to Katie and then brought her over to me. Katie and I talked about if she was going to cry or get mad and get the ball. She decided that mad was the way to be and then she stared to growl! She charged after anyone that had the ball - including her own team members. She kicked and growled at everyone and then was so mad that she stared to cry when her own teammate made a goal. David and I tried not to laugh at her as we explained the game. Hopefully next week she will have a better time at soccer. Maybe we should sign her up for drama class - oh yeh - she already has that down pat.

The kids and I got away for a quick beach trip before Cole had to head back to school for his last six weeks. The weather was wonderful. The sun was shinning and the air was crisp. We sat on the beach for hours building sand castles and digging for small clam shells. Katie found a jelly fish and then we went walking on the beach in search for more. We played putt-putt. Cole two putted almost every hole. We walked on the pier and watched a man catch a small fish. It was everything you wish for at the beach. We would have stayed - but we needed our daddy! I do believe that we are living in the best years! Bring on summer - our kids are ready!

Our children have found mud. This is not regular mud that washes out with ease - this is red clay mud that pretty much ruines clothes and everything else it comes into contact with. They have ridden their bikes thru the mud, around the mud, and fallen into the mud. The mud is in trails ringing around our car port where their bike tires have been. I have washed shoes so many times I don't believe they will ever dry. The only saving grace is that it washes off of their skin after scrubbing. God really got that one right! He knew that children would be attacted to mud.

Cole is on break for the next two weeks. Both kids are home. Most days we really have fun together. This morning Cole woke with a really interesting attitude. "What are we doing today? I hope that it is something fun. I would really like to have a new toy, but I know that you are going to say No." After I laid out the plans for the day (Library, Walmart, Dye Easter Eggs, Finish Laundry, Pack Dinner for a Picnic in the Park) he then started with a plan of his own. "What if instead of the Library we played putt-putt, and at Walmart we find a new toy for me and Katie and then we went straight to the park." I explained our day once again and why we had to do each item. He complained that he " never" got to decide what we were going to do. I smiled and said, "Part of my job is to be the entertainment director. You are just along for the ride." For the most part, he has enjoyed his day. He is already asking about tomorrow.

This past weekend we enjoyed time away at Beulah Land. The kids ran around and played with go-carts, horses, and fishing. Unfortunatly, the fishing was way too easy. Our kids have only been fishing a handfull of times. Their fishing experiences have been in front of a stocked trout farm pond and a stocked pond at Beulah Land where you can just about fish with an empty hook. They are pretty much ruined for "real" fishing.

The other day at school, Cole was asked to write the word CAT on his page. Instead of writing CAT he put KAT. That afternoon Cole was called to Mrs. Kendall's desk. She asked him why he spelled CAT the way he did. He said, "My sister's name is Katie and we spell it K-A-T-I-E. It has the same sound as K-A-T." Mrs. Kendall explained how Cat was spelled and why it was spelled with a C instead of a K. Cole said, "I will have to tell my Mother that we have been mis spelling Katie's name all these years."

Today I finally gave in and went to the doctor. After one week of non stop coughing and feeling pretty run down, I called and made the appoitment. Cole was at school and Katie was home with me. I loaded Katie up with her coloring book and crayons and headed off to the doctor's office. Katie was very interested in my appoitment - she had never known her mother to visit the doctor for anyone other than she or Cole. I warned her to not talk loud and to be quite while the doctor was talking to me. She agreed that those were good rules. We waited nicely in the waiting room for several minutes. The nurse greeted us and took us back into a room to check my temp and blood pressure. Katie explained the entire procedure to the nurse and checked my pulse on my other arm while the nurse did her exam. The nurse left and I again warned Katie not to talk while the doctor was in the room. The doctor entered and asked Katie, "Are you the patient?" Katie smiled and explained all...

David had the kids last night while I was working. David said that around 8:10 the phone rings and it's Justin Sides for Cole. The talked about 10 minutes. Cole then goes to bed. About 10 mintues later the phone rings again. It's Justin for Cole. David then tells Justin that Cole is asleep and that he will have to talk to him tomorrow at school. Justin says OK and then hangs up. Ten more mintues go by and the phone rings again. This time, Justin has disguised his voice and asks to speak to Cole. David asks, "Who is this?" The "caller" says, "This is Justin's mom." David plays along with the "mom" and informs the caller that Cole is indeed asleep. Justin goes in and out of his moms voice during the conversation. David tells Justin (once again) that he will have to talk to Cole at school. Justin's response - OK - in Justin's voice. I only hope that we can continue to stay one step ahead of our kids friends. Somethin...

What are we doing today? This is a routine question at our house every morning. I said, "Today, I go to work and grandma keeps Katie. You go to school, the library, and for lunch today you have Chicken Nuggets with creamed potatoes and green peas." His response was "Oh, It must be Tuesday." Yes - it's Tuesday.

Spring arrived today. Someone forgot to tell the weather. It seemed most of the winter that it was really spring. Today we had 38 degree weather with rain and sleet! Yep, spring is here.

This morning Katie told me that she had such a headache. I told her that I was so sorry and asked her what happened. She said, "Do you formember at Sunday School when that girl hit me on the head with a Noah's Ark animal?" That's one way to learn a Bible lesson. Certainly one that is sticking with Katie.

This past weekend the weather was something out of a picture book. The sky was blue, the birds were singing, and it was ver warm outside. So warm in fact, we all wore shorts and t-shirts. The kids were loving it! We had two birthday parties on Saturday, including one for our nephew KC. Katie had her first real injury that may have needed stitches but other than that - it was a wonderful weekend. Then Monday morning rolls around and the weather is still very nice. Cole gets to wear shorts to school. But - each morning this week has gotten colder and each morning this week we have had to have a talk about why can't I wear shorts. It seems that children can not feel exactly how cold it is outside. OK summer - were ready!

Sometimes I wonder what kind of impact I must be having on my kids. For instance, Katie says she no longer likes deviled eggs because they have nuts in them (pickles). Cole wants to eat at the table in McDonalds where you can see the people cook (a high bar near the cash register). Katie tells me not to formember (forget and remember combined) to do something. Cole asked if the fried shrimp he was eating had the same thing in it as the boiled shrimp that I was eating. After I told him yes - he "unwrapped" one of his fried shrimp just to make sure that I was telling the truth. Yep - who knows what they must be thinking about how crazy their parents are. We are just having fun being all together.

Remember when Katie educated a total stranger on "Pull my finger" standing outside the movie theater? She demonstrated dad's education without dad to witness. Cole goes to Sunday School today and told his teachers that he knows the ultimate prank. Of course, they say "Show me." Cole then says "Pull my finger!" David then goes to pick Cole up from Sunday School and his teachers meet David at the door. They said that Cole has shown them his ultimate prank. David falls right into the trap and says - "Show me Cole." Cole says - "Pull my finger." David finally gets to reap the benefits of his education in front of two Sunday School teachers and a room full of 5 and 6 year olds! Yes - life is good!

The last time Cole invited me for lunch we had two girls along with us. Friday, Cole invited me for lunch again. I did not ask who would be sitting with us before I accepted the invitation. I arrived at the school about twenty minutes early. I needed to talk to the school principal about Katie starting pre school in August. After I had the low down on how the preschool department works, I waited for Cole's class to arrive. Twenty boys and eight girls filled into the lunch room with tons of energy. Cole was near the back of the line surrounded by lots of friends. He came to the table with Landon, Jaxon, and Hank. They all sat on the stools around me and talked about their day. I was shocked to hear such adult conversation at our table. They talked about how much work they had left on their papers, how they really did not like the green beans that were being served that day, and how they were looking forward to summer break. They all discussed where Skip was - at the moun...

This morning David announced that next April we should plan a trip to Walt Disney World. We have never done Disney in April - always in November. I smiled (he knows how much I love our family vacations) and said "Great!" Cole and Katie will have a two week break in April - we can go one of those weeks. Then David said, "There is a place to turkey hunt about 20 miles outside of Disney." The truth comes out. Never fear, my Disney-infected-family-loving-vacation-mind still will plan this vacation. After all, it's still Disney and it's still my family (even if our lead Turkey decides to leave for a couple of days to hunt). So, kids - polish up those Mickey ears - Moms planning another Disney trip. 2007 here we come!

I love year round school. Cole is on the second week of his two week break from school. I believe that I love break just as much as Cole loves break. I don't miss the home work and I truly love having him home during the day. Katie likes having her big brother around the house to play with. The mornings are great because the kids don't have to rush out of their PJs. Yep - I love school break. I can't wait until summer break!

I have worked a lot this week for the Community College and the hospital. David has really stepped up with the kids while I was away. I seems that Katie can feed herself pancakes without a fuss and Cole can make his bed like a champ. The largest improvement - David somehow convinced the kids to "Go watch TV" while he slept in on Saturday morning. On top of the extra bed time, he also had a 45 minute nap before lunch on Saturday. So this morning I tried all his tricks - I asked the kids to "Go watch TV" - Cole said "Are you coming?" I placed Katie's syrup laden pancakes infront of her and said, "Eat." She said, "Are you going to help me?" My conclusion is either I'm a sucker for these kids (and they know it) or I'm just more fun than dad - I vote for sucker. P.S. Katie did eat her pancakes by her self!

I decided to take the kids to the beach for three days this week. We left Monday morning with a cold wind blowing and about 38 degrees. We smiled and continued our journey. When we arrived at the beach it was 45 degrees with the same very cold wind blowing. After I lugged all our "stuff" up three flights of stairs into our very cold condo, Katie asked, "When are we going swimming?" I said, "Let's wait until this afternoon to walk with our coats on at the beach." The day passed and we bundled up for a little shell hunting. Coats, hats, and thick socks and shoes, we left for the beach. After just minutes, Katie had a red nose and Cole was asking, "Can we take our shoes off?" What? It's cold and the wind is blowing at least forty knots! We continued our journey of shell collecting for about 5 more minutes. We then ran into the condo to warm up. Cole and Katie decided that tomorrow would be lots better for the beach. I voted for July!

Today was Cole's last day of school and he is now on a two week break. He was especially happy this morning for two reasons: (1) There were having their Valentine Party today and (2) today they would not have Brown Rice at lunch - they would have pizza. You see, the school menu changes every six weeks. Every Monday of that six weeks they eat the same thing - same for the other days of the week during that six week period. If there is a paticular food that you do not like - too bad - you will see it every week on that day. Cole's dislike day was Friday - Country Style Steak with rice and gravy. He really is not a picky eater so I was surprised to hear how much he disliked the rice and gravy. Oh well, today was pizza and in two weeks we will have a new six week menu. Hopefully, a menu that does not include anything with gravy.

Cole asked me yesterday if Katie and I could have lunch with him on Wednesday. They were going to be having Chilli Beans with corn bread. It is always so interesting to see him in his other environment. The kids all piled into the cafeteria and were handed their spoons and napkins. The milk was already poured into their glasses and waiting on the table. Cole was able to choose two friends to share lunch with us at a separate table. Cole comes over with two girls. One girl is Michelle Catherine and the other was Abby. This is the same Abby that has been sending home colored pictures to Cole via his book bag. The girls are smiling and seem very confident for kindergarten. I asked them many questions about their day and about school. Cole just ate his lunch while the girls and I chatted. Then Michelle Catherine lays it on me: Cole and Abby are engaged! Oh boy! I do believe that we skipped several steps. Who are her parents? What about college? I'm not ready for this! Cole turns really...

Why do toys keep finding their way into our bath tub? Just last week, I cleaned out (read tossed out) at least ten toys that were water logged and not really suposed to be in the tub. Today, I am washing the kids and I can hardly find them for all the toys that are now there. When do they toss them into the tub? I see naked kids running down the hall headed for the tub. I never see them run into their rooms on an undercover misison looking for toys to fill the tub. Somehow the toys appear. They smile at me and then each other when I start to question them about how Sponge Bob appeared in the tub. I quess that he walked and jumped in. My suggestion is to toss in some scrubbing bubbles and let them go to work.

The Ground Hog did see his shadow today so therefore, we have six more weeks of winter. Ha, ha, ha, ha! Six MORE weeks of winter. When did winter come? Please lets have more winter. We have had sixty degree weather for weeks. It has been a breeding ground for allergies for my kids. So Ground Hog - finally give us some winter, in fact, give us SNOW!

After watching the President give the State of the Union address last night, I began to think what is the State of our House. So here it goes: Gas - got to have it and it is about $10.00 higher a week than we budget for ($2.35 a gallon) Food - got to have it and it is about $20.00 higher a week than we budget for (due to the gas) Love - got to have it and it is about as high as it has ever been (due to the cost of gas - we don't go anywhere therefore, we can spend as much time as we need loving). Fun - got to have it and it is about as high as it has ever been (due to the cost of gas - we are staying home and making up our own fun). Memories - we are making (due to the cost of gas we are staying home and making memories). Cole and Katie have been sick most of the month of January so hopefully, the state of our house will improve with February in the sickness division. I have developed a new committee to spray Lysol to help improve air quality and germ destruction. We are going to a...

Today when I picked Cole up from school, Mrs. Kendall met me at the gate. She was walking Cole down and she had her arm around him. At first, I was alarmed - was he hurt? But she smiled and told me what a precious gift that I had been given. She told Cole that she loved him and could not wait to see him tomorrow. Cole - turning red - ran off to the car and started to buckle up. Mrs. Kendall told me how special Cole was and what a joy he was in her class room. I agree that he is a very speical gift from God and I am so proud of him and all that he has done this year. He is one smart boy! Thank you God for giving us Cole and thank you for how much he has taught all of us.

Yes - both kids and one husband are still sick. Cole and David have finished their antibiotic and are still not well. Katie started running fever today and the doctor's office just called in another antibiotic for her. David is convinced that we should see a someone about all the snot in our house. I am just sick of hearing everyone cough (especially at 2:00am) and dispensing medication. Where is summer? Bring it on. I'm ready!

Yesterday afternoon we took the kids to see a movie. The show started at 1:00 and the doors to the theater were locked and a crowd had gathered outside the door. There was a three year old little boy with his grandparents waiting beside our family. Katie and this little boy were talking and looking at his dinosaur shirt. Cole and David decided to walk to the front of the theater and look at the posters of the new movies coming out. Katie then decides to show this new boy her trick. She walks up to him and his grandfather with one finger sticking out. She says to the boy, "Pull my finger." The boy reaches out, and before I could react, Katie makes a noise with her mouth. The grandfather looks away as the boy laughs - I am ready for the cement to open and swallow me whole. The boy then says let me do it - and he sticks out one finger for Katie and repeats the entire process. David is never around to see his education in action. Yes - this was one of my proudest moments. I just ...

Found dog: blue collar, 35 lbs, tattoo on back leg (05CN17109), brown and black terrier mix. You would think that someone would be looking for their dog. This is after all an inside dog. The dog arrived six days ago. Yes, he is cute - but he sheds - a lot! Saturday, David and I decided to let the dog in to sleep. We set up a make shift bed in our pantry. The dog did really well and on Sunday we let him run around inside. On Monday, I started making calls to find out where this dog belonged. After about ten phone calls I had an owner. This dog is from the Charlotte Humane Society. His owners are Jeff and Trisha Moore of Matthews, NC. Funny how they have moved and did not leave their forwarding number. On Tuesday, I took Rufus to the vet for shots and a much needed bath. On Wednesday, Rufus found himself outside. After I really cleaned the floors and furniture I realized just how much Rufus sheds. I began to make more calls and continue my search work on just where the Moore's have r...

Happy birthday Pa! This is the man that has taught us all another language - Sante Claus and Suieside. This is the man that has an unbelievable talent to tune out entire conversations. This is the man that smiles all the time and truly loves life! Happy Birthday Pa! Your one of a kind and we all love you.

We have another dog that has taken up residence at our home. This dog is short and round with short brown hair and is wearing a blue collar. He is someone's dog and is an inside dog - but once again I will not have a dog in the house. He does not have a single tag that says where he belongs but he does have a tattoo number on the inside of his back leg. Unfortunately, all the vets are closed this afternoon for me to find out who his owners are. Just three days ago, we were a family without a pet and now we have two dogs that are becoming ours. Yes sister-in-law, you have your wish. We now have pets. Neither of the animals are offically ours but it is as close to the real thing.

Our neighbor has more dogs than any person should have. My kids do not have a pet - much to the dismay of my sister-in-law. Just recently, our neighbor aquired a new small dog from an abusive situation. The dog - dare I say - is cute. This dog was very shy and would not let anyone come close to it. That made it a challange - and I do not like to lose. I am happy to say that the dog will now not only let me rub it but will sit in my lap. Yesterday, Katie and I were outside playing with the dog and we left to go into the house. Before I could turn around, the dog was in our HOUSE! I screamed - Katie smiled and said, "It's like we have a dog!" Yes - we have a dog. I'm not sure how it happened and the neighbors do not know that we have taken their dog and renamed it. So far, she has been sleeping on our front porch - there is no way I can let her come into the house. Our neighbors house is for sale - I wonder if they will let us keep the dog? This is the first step - but ...

This morning the first thing Cole asked was, "Do I get to go to school today?" After three days of being held up at home, he was ready for a get out of the house pass. In fact, when I dropped him off at the front of the school he almost sprinted to the door. The kid always has loved school, this morning it was even more special. It smelled like freedom for him. He no longer was held captive by a mom that enforced the every four hour rule for medication and there are people there that are way more fun than mom. Yep, he is free today. Way to go Cole!

Yes - both kids are now sick. Both are taking antibiotics. Both are coughing. Both are up at night. Both are tired of being in the house. Both are tired of me saying, "Come on, lets take this yummy medicine." Both no longer buy into the concept that the medicine might be yummy. I think that I may start answering the phone Infirmary. When we were at the doctor's office today, Cole told Dr. Watson that his mom must have gotten up 1000 times last night to be with him and his sister. Dr. Watson smiled and agreed that today would be a good day for a nap for everyone. Somehow, that nap has not happened. My throat hurts and I'm tired - yet I still continue. That's what moms do. They try their hardest to make the entire universe happy - sometimes it works - sometimes it doesn't. It's time for the infirmary to continue the Uno competition. I'm loosing, but it really does not matter. I just really enjoy the game with the kids. After all, Cole has beat me four ti...

Katie is now sick. At midnight, she came into my room doing a very good impression of Darth Vadar breathing. We sat in the bathroom attempting to steam away her croup and then finally gave up and just did a breathing treatment. This morning she still sound just awful but she is running around like a mad woman. Sickness with Katie is never easy for anyone. Every medication that is designed to relax a kid does the oposite for her. Recently, in the paper there was an article on a family with sixteen kids. I wonder how she handles sick kids. There has to be someone sick all the time in her house. Her last full night of sleep had to be in 1983. So here is to round 2. Darth Vadar, Katie, needs her medication - so do I.

This year has really been better than last year for our kids being sick. So why is it that just hearing Cole cough sends a cold chill down my spine? It's most likely memories of last year that are still very strong. I remember breathing treatments around the clock, at least four different medications along with two inhallers to keep up with, and NO sleep. The military uses sleep deprivation as a form of torture for bad people - I understand why. I just keep thinking that his cough will somehow go away without me ever really getting too worked up. Somehow I don't think so. It seems that most kids have just colds - you always hear their mothers say, "Oh, he just has a cold." My kids, on the other hand, never have JUST COLDS! Their sickness involves multiple trips to the doctors office (where I am convinced they pick up even worse bugs to their already weakened immune systems), multiple medications, and lots of lost sleep on their parts. Yep, we have a cough. Please let ...

Sometimes my kids can say the funnest words. This morning it was so foggy outside that it was difficult to see. Katie says, "I can't believe how froggy it is this morning." Cole agreed that it was very froggy. Katie sometimes says allergy for alert when playing battle with her brother. Cole says that he takes durteck (Zurteck) for allergies. They were singing, "The weather outside is nightfull, the sun is so delightful, since we have no place to go, Let it snow." Well, at least they say I love you just right.

Where is the snow? Better yet, where is the cold. We spent the entire afternoon yesterday out side. Me in short sleeves - Cole without a jacket. The kids ran for at least an hour without stopping. I really would like to have some snow this year. The kids and I decided to turn our kitchen into a winter wonder land. We have been cutting out snow flakes and making a snow man for our kitchen windows. If it can't snow outside and at least be cold - we will have snow in our kitchen! So, Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow - in our kitchen.

Today at school pick up, Mrs. Kendall met me at the gate. She whispered to me to look at Cole. It seems that Cole was running for his life with a blue eyed, blond in hot pursuit. I asked if that was Abby (Abby was the girl that kept putting pictures that she had created in Cole's book bag without him knowing). Mrs. Kendall said, "No, that was over last week." It seems the new girl is named Chole and she arrived last week. Mrs. Kendall said that as soon as Chole arrived she found Cole. Chole, it seems, picked Cole out of a class of 20 boys. Mrs. Kendall smiled and said that Chole had excellent taste. In all honesty, I hope he keeps running for a long time. On the ride home from school, I asked Cole who he played with today - Landon, Skip, Jaxon. All boys. Never once did Chole's name come up. He did say that the girls were very agravating today. He said that he was chased all day. My comment was, "KEEP RUNNING!!" I really not ready for this. . ...

Today is a typical Sunday at our house - church, MaMas, and just being around the house. Tonight we start a special Bible study at church for all age groups. Katie will be in her normal preschool choir while Cole gets to go to a 12 week long class. David and I actually will get to be together in a class. I am excited about it!

Cole, David, my dad, and four other men are taking on the squirrles this morning. Some how the odds are in the favor of the men. It's COLD outside and yet they still loaded up with guns in hand to take out the squirrels. Just one more thing that I don't understand about men. Katie and I are warm, have food, and can stay in PJs until we decide that we really should dress. The boys, on the other hand, are cold, have very little food and are dressed in many layers of clothes - all for a squirrel. The wonders of the male mind never cease to amaze me.

How can you make one word so long - it only has one syllable. But when my kids yell Mooooom you would have thought that it had at least three. They yell this for any number of reasons, Katie has soap in her eyes, Cole needs something now, Katie wants more food, or Cole can't believe his mother could ever sing or dance. I never knew that one word could cause so much love, dread, smiles, or tears. It's the one word that I use first to define myself - Mom. So keep up the yelling. I will always respond to Mooooom.

Mulkey Engineering and Consulting has a new Vice President on staff - I just happen to be married to him! The Board of Directors voted unamimously on his appoitment. What a smart group of people. So tonight, I guess we can call this Daddy's House. We will let him win in Uno and basketball. We will all sit down for dinner together and have steak. All jokes aside, we love you and are so very proud of you. Way to go daddy-o!

Today was filled with the common - grocery shopping, trash halling, kitchen cleaning, bananna bread baking, kid drop off and pick up, and the constant feeding of Katie, which leads to grocery shopping, kitchen cleaning, bread baking, trash halling. . . You get the picture. I never knew one kid could eat so much ALL day long. She does not reconginize chocolate as junk food - she has decided that it could be her sole food group. With her love for chocolate so great, she is learing the word NO! Today I told her that she could have a sweet after lunch (this was at 8:30am). She decided at 9:00am that she could not wait any longer for lunch. After many distractions from me she finally had lunch at 11:30. She had two bites of soup and then declared herself full. Lets move onto the sweets! Needless to say she did not like my response. She is becoming smart in her search for the goods - she has learned what chocolate has nuts (she does not like) and which ones do not. She has learne...

All this week my kids have watched Madagascar. I have the music stuck in my head - I like to move it, move it. I find myself singing this song ALL day long. Even the kids are singing it. Katie can quote entire lines of the movie while Cole acts out the parts. The many talents of the Lee kids. Tonight we dressed up and took the kids out for one final meal before school goes back tomorrow. We ate at Sogos. The kids love watching their food being prepared and placed onto their plates. If they only knew that they really have that every night - I just don't flip shrimp tails or rice into their mouth from a hot surface and tells jokes with English being my second language. Oh well - I guess it really is a treat. I need to move it, move it.