Ruby Red Slippers

I had to update this and change all the typos. I was in such a hurry to get home!

I am getting packed and ready. The shoes are almost on. If only it were that easy as clicking my heels!

There is no place like home....no place like home...

No future in this crystal ball!

HOT! HOT! HOT!

In fact it was record breaking hot for Memorial Weekend in the Chicago area. We sure didn't mind. All the cousins kept cool with water (again except for Sunshine...she's scared of it).

The plans to go to the "club" and see family and friends (and swim) did not happen as planned.... How does that always seem to happen? We ended up with 3 sleeping: two little girls and one big uncle (who had to work an earling morning shift).

But most of all we had termoil to fix. Diaster to control. Mishaps to manage. Order to regain. Destruction to repair.

In a pretend game of movie theater, a once intact beautiful irrodescent clear gazing ball turning into my nightmere! Dante's creativity of Chicago Bear hats and german beer steins somehow targeted the gazing ball(s) as the enemy! BIG beer stein wins over thin glass ball...battle over...WAR BEGUN!

Of course Dante knew immediately that life as he knew it would soon change. He didn't tell any grown ups and instead picked up all the peices (weapons of destruction) and put them in his Brave's hat.

I remained calm! I did not yell! I did not feak out! I wanted to. After sitting and thinking, I called a garden center in town, and YES they have a irrodescent gazing ball! I am teaching the children a lesson. When accidents happen you must fix it for all parties...Considering I loved my son and wanted to keep him, I was all for "fixing" the ball! Starla's idea to superglue it was not going to cover it! (Even though it was cute at the time).

I left my kids with Aunt Sarah (how nice would this be to live close by her all the time!) and went in search for the ball. Rick's Garden center...VERY nice! I am getting into flowers and landscaping more and more. This place would encourage this.

Problem: no CLEAR irrodescent ball, it is a white irrodescent ball. With no other places open on Sunday Memorial Weekend at 4:30...I look at my choice of 50 balls (all sizes and shapes). Finally pick a solar powered color changing ball (with some encouragement by the staff at Rick's (they are good!). I get back with in 20 minutes and check out the stand for the ball.

Problem: not hollow, and no place for the wire to run on the solar ball. We stick with the color changing ball because it is so cool and Papa Doug...can fix everything (except the clear irrodescent gazing ball). Again, Starla cracks me up with.."I hope Grandma Sandy doesn't notice!"

The moment arrives...They come home. Dante wants to run. I deep down agree with him and think, RUN CHILD, RUN!!!! I get to tell the story. (I am also guilty because I let them even be back where the precious goods are) I feel like I am on the chopping block. Did I just studder. I am 17, my car has been taken by friends and crashed and then left...memories of bad times in this position hit and I am so glad I am the MOM now. Why then am I shaking? Sandy...surprisingly very cool calm and okay. She has always loved Dante! Papa Doug still has the mean face and I am now really scared. I only had been threatened with the possibility of her attack. The story of how the ball came to be was told and now I wanted to RUN! Now I remember...his mom, my grandma Al, gave Sandy, my mom, his wife, this once beautiful clear irrodescent gazing ball on a very heavy solid stand adorned with a cherib or angle (not sure which) to replace one broken by hail (natural disaster much better excuse then beer stein). Of course, it was special. What is done is done...but wait.....

Doug ends with, we got one today anyway. I am thinking there is no way! They were at an Indy 500 party. A gazing ball as a door prize? Today of all days. God is good! He runs to the car and retrieves a smaller purple ball on a tree (with face) stand. A friend bought it for a dollar at a garage sale, and knew how much these balls meant to her. Purple being her favorite too! This story might have ended with a flee to the ONE house had Dante broke the purple ball (which is still alive and well, right next to where the clear irrodescent ball once stood)! But, all in all, it was only a ball! (couldn't resist)

What are we doing?

A score at a garage sale...
A walk around the neighborhood...
A visit to see Mary...
A visit to see Grandma Dar, Kelsey, and Carla...
Hotdogs made on the neighbors grill...
Playing outside with sidewalk chalk, bubbles and sand...
Eating with Grandpa Scott at Culvers...
A visit to the nearest Walgreens for a toothbrush (opps)...
A visit to see Uncle Sam at work...
Playing at the neatest park I have ever seen...




I am not kidding about the squirrels. I can get feet from them and they are everywhere. I either never noticed them...or Missouri is lacking in squirrel habitat like Illinois.
I was trying to scare one away and it honestly scared me. The kids are certain these squirrels have RED EYES! We have yet to prove this, and don't really want to!

Where in the World are we?

We are here... We are not in CHINA, yet!

I grew up in a small(ish) town. There are sidewalks to walk on and lots of squirrels...hundreds of them. Dante has been gone for a day...camping/fishing/bike riding. He loves to be spoiled by his grandparents.

I spent a part of the day just looking around and realizing how small life was back then. (Or should I say how big it "seemed"). Even the streets, I remembered as being wider.

I spent some needed time healing and also got a glimpse of fireman practicing for the water fights...at Corn festival This is so neat. Area fireman go against each other to play a tug-of-war kind of deal with a huge disc thing or a bucket suspended from a long rope high in the air. Each team shots water to move it over a designated spot at each side. It is huge and always fun to watch on a hot evening! I was surprised they actually practiced. This may be a normal thing...but I thought it fun.

Sorry no pics...I have not been taking many. I will get on that tomorrow.
I can't wait to go fabric shopping tomorrow! The kids want to swim...So a FUN day for everyone...Except my loving husband who will be sleeping! LOVE YOU HONEY!

The Brown Envelope

This is the BROWN ENVELOPE! It is what Bart thought was from the government about our taxes (he must be scared of an audit), and ripped the whole top apart. He felt really bad when he realized it was for Kate.

What is the "brown envelope" ?

The brown envelope is a packet of papers sent from the US consulate in Guangzhou. They send the packet 1-3 months after receiving the cabled message (Visa 37) that you have been approved by USCIS (INS). The packet contains extra copies of some of the forms that you will need in China and a map of the area surrounding the US consulate in Guangzhou.

I had a feeling we might be getting ours this week. I watched two other IFS families get their's one after the other with earlier LID (logged in date)s. Since we were all informed our LIDs at the same time, it only made sense that ours would be on it's way shortly. This includes paperwork we will need to take to China. Have you ever kept anything for over a year without spilling coffee, dirt, toothpaste...something on it? Makes me a little nervous. Especially since Lucy already grabbed it while annoucing she wanted to "COLOR"! It is to go into the famous black adoption bag as soon as I have looked at it a couple more times.
It is a really nice reminder that we are officially waiting. And waiting we will be. Referrals come about once a month (towards the end). They were for the most part including about 30 days of LIDs. For the past 3-4 months there has been a major slow down. (many reasons, many rumors). Only 3 days of LIDs one time, 5 days, 7 days.... Really little. But a lot of LIDs were included for these days. So if CCAA (China) kept this up...we'll travel in 2010! Lots will happen before that does! We still look now to a summer...maybe (not counting on it) spring of 2007 travel. Just think Olympics are in Beijing in 2008!

Quilt Fabric In TOO!

Day 1 of Summer Vacation...

Summer Vacation. What better place to go then the "yuckie water". The last time we were there (and Stone fell in) the water was very high due to heavy rain. Good thing too, because otherwise Stone may have gotten hurt much worse then his pride. The boys had fun jumping from rock to rock...Lucy as you can tell by her sour face was scared. Too many memories for one girl to handle!

Dante is actually standing at the scene of the crime. Right behind him is a deep area (where Stone fell in) surrounded by rocks. Makes me count blessings!
This did not look like a good idea. Dante was going to attempt to JUMP with him over to the next exposed rocks. He might be an athlete but no Michael Jordan.
















We spent the evening at the farm with family. What a treat it always is to see all the kids run around and play like kids should. Our niece Trinity is growing so fast (as all kids do). But still not fast enough to shake her Michellen tire rolls. CUTE!

Today we will attempt a photo at JC Penney's with the OUR 3, Trinity, and Bart's sister's 3. Ages are
9
5
4
4
2
almost 2
almost 1
and that makes 7 kids!

I can't wait to see what turns out!

The Pot at the end of Rainbow.

My Aunt Jamie is great at sending me things like this that make me giggle. I need things that make me giggle. If the first day of summer break any indication of what's to come, then I am thinking SUMMER camp! 

Dante is a fourth grader now!

Last day of school..aka Track and Field Day. The morning is spent having fun races of all kinds among all the kids! The afternoon was broken up into stations.


In the gym there were 2 huge rent a jumers, bead necklaces, and tatoos.









The cafeteria had snowcone(cups) and hairspray dye.












This is what Dante was most excited about. He looked cool in his purple and red stripes!








Outside was free time for kickball and other activites.
HE LOVES KICKBALL! There was also an area for bubbles (3rd graders?) and ring toss games.

At first I thought he was old enough to not want me around and told him I probably won't be going. His eyes swelled up with tears at this. I guess I was wrong, and now I have hurt his feelings. Change of plans...what do you want me there for? HAIRSPRAY. So Stone, Lucy and I visited for about an hour to get some good pictures and excerise for me (chasing them both is always fun!). But DANTE smiled and was happy to have us! He even told me I could leave now since I was having to chase "the kids". GOD blessed me with this child and I am forever thankful!

So next year brings a new year, a new school (private Christian school), and more adventures as I try to grasp the youth from him as it slips through my fingers. I just hope this gets easier with each child...but something tells me not!

He also brought all his grades up to straight A's (He had two B's last semster) and has good marks for neatness and speaking out in class (which both always needed improvement). To celebrate he wanted homemade tacos, Bart's specialty. Smarty-pants got brave a few weeks ago and asked for $5 for every A. Bart is not into that kind of bribe...neither am I. And how rude to ask us to reward you for something you should be doing and know darn well you can, too! Bart shot back to him, that he pays us $5 for any grade less then an A, to see how it feels. He wasn't too happy about that and I am sure he will think twice before trying to "make a deal" with us again.

WALKING TO CHINA UPDATE

House for Rent

We lost our great tenants (well soon ..end of the month.)

Looking for good renters! I have had calls off the wall and some shows. Some interest but no deposits.

I loved living at this house.
3 bedrooms,
1 bath,
living/dining room open,
back cement patio w/sliding glass door,
2 storage areas,
washer/dryer hookup in kitchen area,
huge pantry,
across the street from elementary school and close to all other schools,
corner lot

Too bad the house could not grow with us (3 kids) or the tenants (now 3 kids).

And now Bart's looking for more properties. Look what he found while shopping:

Mr. Snapping turtle, who came from the lake across the street from the property. He was very aggressive (the turtle, not Bart) and I was so proud how my BIG strong man could handle him. He only dropped him twice with a thud.

Room themes.

Vintage Circus, with a lot of pretty to it! I bought the first real thing for Kate. Well, I put it on lay-away! It was still a good deal, right at $25. It is adorable pink and light green. The bumper as the pink/white vintage circus. A strong man, elephant, some kids, tightrope walker..... the other side it pink and white block checked. The comforter is shown as the pink/white/green stripes on on side and pink flowers on the other. It is a removable zip up comforter cover over what might be down...not to sure. Very good quality. Finally the skirt is the same striped as the comforter.
And look what I found at ebay:
New AMY COE Pink Circus Toile Crib Sheet - BEAUTIFUL!
There are 2 crib sheets listed and I don't ahve one of those YET! The price on the comforter is way more then I spent! I am a winner today!
It gets even better. Look up Amy pink circus,or Coe pink circus on ebay. There is a lightswitch cover, knobs for drawers, night light, lamp. All a kid from China could want!

A boring post to most, I am sure, but I am tickled to have the reality of Kate closer and closer.

Bad thing is, I think it is like breaking the seal. I won't be able to stop now that I started!





Lucy's room is covered in I love Lucy things. Which, I found a great book at Hastings and puzzles that are in episode themed too (but did not buy)! Her birthday is coming up. She is also short some dolls... Barbie I Love Lucy "Does a TV Commercial" Episode 30 , and I Love Lucy ITALIAN MOVIE Barbie~ NRFB:$1/NR, and
I LOVE LUCY BARBIE DOLL, LUCY GETS INTO PICTURES , and I LOVE LUCY DOLL L A AT LAST 114 BARBIE DOLL NRFB, and I LOVE LUCY JOB SWITCHING DOLL NIB LUCILLE BALL MATTEL , and NRFB Barbie I Love Lucy & Ricky 50th Anniversary dolls, and I Love Lucy Lucy Gets A Paris Gown Doll NIB, and
NRFB Barbie Lucille Doll I Love Lucy Be A Pal Episode 3.


Dante's room...sports, mostly baseball...I was able to throw in some vintage baseball things in there too!






Stone...poor Stone has bare walls, no theme. I would like something that lasts and am still working on it. He did have a Popeye room....not so into it anymore. I thought about Mario....adding fuel to that fire might not be wise, but I have a feeling he will never stop loving Mario!

Hidden treasures

What is all this?

1. A baby bottle (not sure how old, but it was a friends who has a baby)
2. A pen
3. A bouncy ball with a bull on it.
4. A pair of Jenn's broken sunglasses.
5. The Best Tree book.
6. A sock
7. A bottle nipple that Lucy never took to.
8. Another sock blue in color...old
9. An old phone used as a toy
10. A whistle from Panama from Grandpa
11. A remote control
12. Another sock
13. Safety glasses
14. A blue wooden ring
15. A red wooden ring
16. Empty bottle of Claritin for kids
17 A mesh Color Wonder marker bag
18. Plastic spoon from tea set in mesh bag
19. A Q-tip in mesh bag

Are you puzzled, confused, curious?
They are couch/chair treasures. Some are very old and others not so old, and even some we don't know where they came from.
Believe it or not no money or food was found!
Or Lucy's darn pacy (no comments, yes she got it back, AGAIN).

Bad Hair

I have a sad post today. I cut my hair short a while back and went deep into my bathroom drawer for my hair wax, that I soooo love. Since then I bought one canister as well. I LOVE this stuff. Silly, I know. The texture, the consistency, the smell, the way it makes my hair stand out and look just fabulous. Well, not fabulous so much, but better then without it, or some other gooey product. I am out and go to get more...........IT IS GONE! Off the shelf...at Walmart, K-mart, Target! I will never have good hair again. (exaggerated dramatically to express the feelings of loss!) It is a product called Physique Hair Precision Wax, and Proctor and Gamble either owns it or makes it. Better yet, I know! So I will now go bury my empty can of wax and say a prayer that someone loves me and will find it somewhere, other then on eBay for over $15 a can! Yikes!

Happy Mother's Day!

I wanted to add that this was sent to my from my Aunt Jaime. I have tried to add pictures of my mother's day made with love gifts, too but to no avail.
Thanks Aunt Jamie! And Vicki who also sent it to me!

This is for the mothers who have sat up all night with sick toddlers in their arms,
wiping up barf laced with Oscar Mayer wieners and cherry Kool-Aid saying, "It's okay honey, Mommy's here" Who have sat in rocking chairs for hours on end soothing crying babies who can't be comforted.
This is for all the mothers who show up at work with spit-up in their hair and milk stains on their blouses and diapers in their purse.
For all the mothers who run carpools and make cookies and sew Halloween costumes.
This is for the mothers who gave birth to babies they'll never see.
And the mothers who took those babies and gave them homes.
This is for the mothers whose priceless art collections are hanging on their refrigerator doors.
And for all the mothers who froze their buns on metal bleachers at football or soccer games instead of watching from the warmth of their cars, so that when their kids asked, "Did you see me, Mom?" they could say, "Of course, I wouldn't have missed it for the world," and mean it.
This is for all the mothers who yell at their kids in the grocery store and swat them in despair when they stomp their feet and scream for ice cream before dinner.
And for all the mothers who count to ten instead, but realize how child abuse happens.
This is for all the mothers who sat down with their children and explained all about making babies.
And for all the (grand) mothers who wanted to, but just couldn't find the words.
This is for all the mothers who go hungry, so their children can eat.
For all the mothers who read "Goodnight, Moon" twice a night for a year and then read it again "Just one more time."
This is for all the mothers who taught their children to tie their shoelaces before they started school.
And for all the mothers who opted for Velcro instead.
This is for all the mothers who teach their sons to cook and their daughters to sink a jump shot.
This is for every mother whose head turns automatically when a little voice calls "Mom?" in a crowd, even though they know their own offspring are at home -- or even away at college.
This is for all the mothers who sent their kids to school with stomach aches, assuring them they'd be just FINE once they got there, only to get calls from the school nurse an hour later asking them to please pick them up. Right away.
This is for mothers whose children have gone astray, who can't find the words to reach them.
For all the mothers who bite their lips until they bleed when their 14 year olds dye their hair green.
For all the mothers of the victims of recent school shootings, and the mothers of those who did the shooting.
For the mothers of the survivors, and the mothers who sat in front of their TVs in horror, hugging their child who just came home from school, safely.
This is for all the mothers who taught their children to be peaceful, and now pray they come home safely from a war.
What makes a good Mother anyway? Is it patience? Compassion? Broad hips?
The ability to nurse a baby, cook dinner, and sew a button on a shirt, all at the same time?
Or is it in her heart?
Is it the ache you feel when you watch your son or daughter disappear down the street, walking to school alone for the very first time?
The jolt that takes you from sleep to dread, from bed to crib at 2 A.M. to put your hand on the back of a sleeping baby?
The panic, years later, that comes again at 2 A.M. when you just want to hear their key in the door and know they are safe again in your home?
Or the need to flee from wherever you are and hug your child when you hear news of a fire, a car accident, a child dying?
The emotions of motherhood are universal and so our thoughts are for young mothers stumbling through diaper changes and sleep deprivation...
And mature mothers learning to let go.
For working mothers and stay-at-home mothers.
Single mothers and married mothers..
Mothers with money, mothers without.
This is for you all. For all of us.
Hang in there.
In the end we can only do the best we can.
Tell them every day that we love them.
And pray.

Bad MOM! Good DANTE!

Last night was Dante's first game of the season! He played good heads up ball at short stop. He walked twice....Only swinging the bat 2 times! Hard to believe, I know from the SLUGGER! It was an 8:00 game, having us arrive home almost at 10:00. They won from what I was told. I tried to keep up with the score, but the innings hardly ever ended with 3 outs. Most times it was all players batted round rule. It is the first year the kids are pitching and things are interesting to say the least.

Bad thing is, I left the camera in the van. I could have walked over and got it, but then so would have Stone and Lucy. To a good picture I would have gotten closer to the other side of the field, then so would have Stone and Lucy. I did not want to run out into the field to retrieve the under-aged wanna-bes. I know BAD MOM! As I said it was an 8:00 game.
So, here is the picture of Dante's debut 2006 game. His dirty uniform! Monday is another game and then probably 15 more after that to capture many moments in time!!!!

GO BRAVES!!!! 

Play-day 2006

The rain finally went away and we had PLAY-DAY!!!! It was cancled Wed. due to rain....and thus ruining all MY plans to do nursery for the group on Thurs. I felt terrible having to call and cancel. Miss the last day there or Stone's play-day? No way could I miss MY SON'S playday. I hope they understand. Goes to show I should not try to live off my plans and follow the plans HE has for me.
I was so thankful that it was not raining, though. This was our last chance to have play-day at the park. I did not say dry..just no rain.
Lucy and I got there before the kids, so we helped with prep work for the bubbles.....Check it out, 2 swimming pools FULL of watered down dishwashing soap (I was told it was Dawn) and a couple added bubble soap bottles. Here is Stone and one of his friends getting into the soapy fun of things. Most kids where either covered in slime or sitting on the bench....not wanting to touch the slime. Even though it looks like he is getting ready to plunge in, he did not. In fact I think the morning passed without any bubble bathers.

Bubble making toys were creative. The fishing net Stone has was the BEST one! It made huge bubbles! There were also spatula's with holes and all the traditional bubble wands.

We started the day with races. The kids first did a relay race. Ms. Karen set them up...explained one at a time as I headed to the turn around point to help guide them back. She said go and 20 kids came running full force at me in the wet grass!!!! There was not a single one left to run the second leg of the race. The second try went much better...even though she had to grab Stone, who tried to run out of turn when she said go! We skipped, galloped, walked backwards, and even did the buddy race (where you run with elbows entwined with your buddy). Stone and his "twin" friend with glasses only fell once and got back up to finish. There were no losers only winners!


We also played in safety city. The school brought ride toys of all types and sizes, and a couple lawn mowers too! This area is set up like a city with streets, (lines and all) stop signs, some play houses... This was a good time had by all. Lucy even got to ride the "Fred Flinstone" cop car. And no one crashed!

The playground was our last stop before snack. Four kids went down the slide together right of the bat. Ms. Karen set safety rules after that. Earlier I had worked to get some wood chips moved over the puddles under the slide. I did this before the kids came as 10 parents look on at me. I don't know if they thougth I was crazy....but it worked and the kids kept from getting wet up to their ankles. I am a pro-active parent this way.


Snack time= Burger King kid's meals with Juice. Stone loved the juice. Stone also shared with his sister. I knew this would be an issue....Lucy did not send her $3 to school for a kid's meal. Just like her too! Karen offered (if there were extra) but I declined. We shared just fine!







Check out this picture to show how muddy and wet the park was. Lucy's white shoes (what was I thinking? Oh, yeah, they were already ruined from the green circles she colored on them last week.) are now brown and the bottom inch of her pants match the shoes. The pants are in the washer now. Maybe I can get an after picture later.







I was able to help with the whole day! MY FAVORITE THING IN THE WORLD! I get sad when I think that the year is over. Like, tears rolling down my face right now, SAD! These kids changed Stone's life, my life, our family's life. They are so heartwarming. They can be so simple, and yet complex in everything they do. You might not understand that....but it the best way to describe them. I don't know if I could do what Ms. Karen and Ms. Mary Ann (who was not able to be at play-day) do on a daily basis. I don't think I would ever know until I try. (Not that I am on that road!) I will worry about what I am going to do when i grow up......when my kids grow up!

Hanging out in Springfield.

What kind of crazy lady stops in the card store to take pictures of her almost 2 year old daughter with HOMER. I do! I do!
Lucy of course wasn't too sure about the party animal that her brother loves! I bought him a Simpson's game on the gamecube and we've all enjoyed the laugh. If you grew up in the 90's ....lived any part of your life in the 90's you watched at least one episode of the Simpsons....Bart, Lisa, Maggie, Marge and Homer...along with Grandpa and Santa's Little Helper too!
I have to admit I has one of those who watched it every week and then everyday on FOX at 6:00 when I came home from work.
Let me take you back...Some of the store and place names around Springfield:

Gun Shop: BloodBath and Beyond
Pastry Shop: The French Confection
Investing service: IPO Friday's
Museum: Louvre: American Style
Family Restaurant: Texas Cheesecake Depository
Soup Kitchen: Helter Shelter
Seafood Restaurant: The Fryin' Dutchman
Middle eastern restaurant: Two Guys from Kabul
Discount Store: Try 'n' Save
Dog Obedience Schools: Eastside Ruff-Form School, Professor Von Bowser's Sanitarium For Dogs
Music shop: Suicide Notes and Tommy Toots
New Age Shop: Karmaceuticals
Girls school: Saint Sebastian's School for Wicked Girls
Repo man: Repo Depot
Outdoor Clothing Store: Malaria Zone
Gourmet Food store: Eatie Gourmet's
Toy Store: Valley of the Dolls
Roach Motel: The Ritz Carlton Hotel for Vagrants
Comic book store: Androids Dungeon
Air conditioner store: It Blows
Boys' Clothing Store: Wee Monsieur
Law Office: I Can't Believe It's A Law Firm!
Healthcare Facility- HMO (Hibbert Moneymaking Organization)
Joke/Novelty Shop: Yuckingham Palace
Jewelry store: The Family Jewels
Shop selling casserole dishes: Stoner's Pot Palace
The eye care center: Eye Carumba
Donut Shop: Lard Lad Donuts
Toy Store: J.R.R. Toykins
Toy store in Chinatown: Toys "L" Us
Junkyard: Uriah's Heap
Girls' Clothing Store: Saks Fifth Grade
Airport Bookstore: Just Crichton and King Books
Many of the characters are named after major streets in Portland, Oregon, where creator Matt Groening grew up. Examples: Flanders, Lovejoy, Terwilliger, Kearney.

If this made you drift back....and laugh click here.

Stone's analogies.

Stone brought this home from school yesterday.
Completing Analogies Activity
The blanks were filled in with his creative mind! I of course couldn’t resist adding my comments!
1. A giant is large. A baby is small. (He is off to a great start!)
2. A car is heavy. A pencil is big. (I picture those big souvenir like pencils…Not exactly all wrong)
3. A snail is slow. A dog is big. (A lot of dogs we know are big!)
4.
5.
6. Were all skipped
7. The evening is dark. The morning is sun. (He knows the ear otates…. Earth rotates)
8. A carrot is good to eat. Milk is good to carrot. (Come on…it’s white…he only knows milk as white)
9. The bottom is down. The top is down. (Not real sure I like were this is heading.)
10. A boy who laughs is happy. A boy who cries is crying. (Easy!)
11. Raisins are black. Snow is cold. (And yes it is!)
12. Candy is sweet. Pickles are yummy. (Yet, I have never seen him eat a pickle…now Dante is a pickle freak.)
13. Summer is hot. Winter is hot. (He dreams of retiring in Arizona)
14. Christopher is a boy. Linda is a cool. (I assume he means his great aunt Linda is cool.)
15. The quiet girl whispers. The noisy girl a boy. (Girls aren’t noisy!)
16. A man has a house. A bird has a fly. (Confused if he means the verb form fly or noun fly as in bug)
17. February is a month. Monday is a Tuesday. (He can sing the days of the week song to prove this!)
18. A scream is loud. A whisper is quiet. (Ding, ding, ding….we have a winner!)
19. A baby is young. A grandfather is sleeping. (Does this say anything about his grandfathers?)
20. The ceiling is high. The floor is down. (He tends to fall often and knows this by personal experience)
21. A pet is tame. A lion is roar. (All I can do is smile, and picture him roaring.)
22. Fresh food is good. Stale food is hungry. (He meant stale food makes him hungry because he won’t eat it, I can only assume!)
23. A friend is nice. An enemy is smack. (Too much Mario Smash Brothers)
I love the fresh outlook of a simple young mind!

Over the river (Mississippi twice, Illinois once) and through the woods...

This is not looking into the window of the ONE house, but looking out Grandma’s Window in Iowa. I (we) had a fabulous time. I was at one time sitting at the kitchen table looking out the picture window into the huge backyard and saw my brother trying to lift my niece Starla into the tree as Stone hit him with Arnie trying to protect her. I took a deep breath, took a mental note, and said….I wish I had this day to put in a box to always remember. Do you ever have days like that? I have 175 (no joke) pictures of this day! I did my best to be able to put it in a box. Of course 20 of those are trying to get a picture of the kids, and I still did not get one with them all looking at the camera!

The morning was spent working. That is always the case….it is devoted to a project for grandma. This year was tree trimming, trim painting and some yard work. My uncle Virgil is as crazy as the neighbor with a chain saw! Tree splitting, prayers and thankfully no ladder or uncles falling from the tree, or broken house parts. I put Bart to work and I supervised the kids. It is not possible for me to have a “job” with them running around. I did a little by picking up sticks. I always feel guilty, but hopefully I will be able to make up for it in years to come. I thought I only saw things like this in Southeast Missouri.....

At this time I was able to get a great cup of Chai tea latte from the best coffee house in town: Gnomad Coffee House. My cousin Tony, was not there....but it is his baby and I was impressed. If ever in Maquoketa stop in. I felt I was sitting in some big city...there were books, games, puzzles, internet connections....I can't seem to get the web page brought up...so someone tell Tony! It isn't working! Awesome place! www.gnomadcoffeehouse.com

This area is so rich in history. We had to break down and to the car-ride nap thing and were able to see so many neat things. One was the Hurtsville Kilns....Thankfully my smarty Husband knew all my questions on lime. Who knew?

The afternoon was spent playing ball in the HUGE yard, ring around the rosie,sitting, talking, a game of cards (for the men), and some sidewalk chalk, which Arnie and Snappy became the erasers for! It was this part that was sweet. Catching up, not just by conversation per say…but by watching and listening. I think, but am not sure this is where Bart and Uncle Dale talked shop about concrete walls.....hmmm.....What did you say, energy efficient....the magic words to get Bart's attention.

This was topped off with a very yummy homemade dinner. The best kind, too! Swiss steak, potatoes, corn, beans….I do regret not getting a picture of the blood sausage. It is a complete German thing. THEY loved it…in fact the uncles were pushing, shoving, throwing elbows, and sneakily getting to the food line to get some. Usually the kids get to get food first….HA! NOT the case this time….BOB!!!!!!!!!!

Dante, Stone, and Lucy loved the swimming pool at the hotel. Starla also had a great time swimming. Sunshine…not so much. It took her most the night to get up to her knees. She does not take after her dad and aunt Jenny in the water department!
I wish I could visit more often. It is so welcoming and comforting to be around such loving kind people, and BOB, too! I am glad we do take this weekend every year to come…even though now that Aunt Annie, and Uncle Eddie have a nice new inground pool, we might have to go a little later in the year! The weather was cooler up North. In fact all the flowers and lilacs were in full bloom! It was nice until my allergies reminded me what I just went through the past few weeks.

The 7 hour car ride home....8 hour ride there (I took one wrong exit!), was worth it to see faces like this!