Merry Christmas to all...

...and if I could get the kids to sleep, it would be a really good night. But alas I sit on my bed awaiting the signs that they are snoring or something so that I can get this show on the road and go to sleep!!! I could probably pass some time playing diner dash on the computer, but I think Kamry might want to play it first. Brat... :-)~

We have returned from the parentals loaded down with some really neat loot. We have digital cameras, movies, books, some bling, and oh yeah...a mini trampoline. Yep, yep, yep...this is me wondering how long it will take one of us, any of the four of us, to end up in the ER. Say your prayers.

I was so determined not to be the last to church that this year I managed to get there first. A true Christmas miracle. That never happens. Of course mass wouldn't have been complete with out the dragging droans of the snare drum and the wailing of the lady with the really high pitched operatic voice. But I digress...I even managed to get in the boys room and clean out the closet and under the bed. Links and his brother have 2 bags of clothes and 1 bag of shoes coming their way.

Well, I am going to watch Days of our Lives until the little angels drift off to dream land....and then I might join them.

Love to all...Merry Christmas...ME

Happy Birthday Joshua!! Basketball pics

If you are interested in changing your background, go to http://www.pyzam.com/. They only have about 12 Christmas layouts, but they are cute. I had to change the font color on mine. It came through as white. And how are you supposed to see that on a white background??? Whoever designed the template wasn't thinking.

Now for the pictures..

Rainy Sundays and sick daughters...the fun never ends...

Me

Nothing says Christmas like stress...

So, we all know that December is a historicaly financially stressful month for me. With 3 kids to do Christmas for along with 2 birthdays...enough said. Of course, I never know that this season of spending is coming until its here, so why, on the face of the earth, would I ever dream of planning ahead. Well, things are tight and a little rough, but things seem to be working out and the kids will be more than pleased with their haul come Christmas morning.

I managed to score the entire week of Christmas off. None of the admin staff has gotten an entire week before so I am history in the making. However, this will not come around again for 3 more years. We are rotating and one of us will get the entire week each year. Not a bad deal if I must say so myself. Speaking of work, December brings in deliveries from far and wide of gift baskets, Hershey's tower of chocolate, so on and so forth. Needless to say, by the end of the holidays, the office has eaten enough free food to feed 3 third world countries. I am not complaining. :-).

My last Government and Politics class was this past Tuesday. We had a test and it was a wee bit harder than the last one. So I think my A (B?) might be in jeopardy of becoming a B (C?). But I am glad to not have to spend 3 hours every tuesday night at school. I have an english paper due tomorrow and that will be it for English 2. At this point, I just want to be done with that class. It was hard enough getting through English 1...I should have an A in psychology. My grade on the class website shows as a B, but he is missing extra credit things I turned in, so don't think I am beyond bringing that to his attention. Next semester brings Sociology, Spanish, and Biology2 with a lab. I hate next semester and it hasn't even started yet.

We just put up our Christmas tree and lights today. I had planned on doing it last weekend, but it just didnt' pan out that way. I am not completely done with it yet. I have a few more things to put on it and then I will post pictures.

Tomorrow is Joshua's birthday. He will be 14!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What a difference a year makes. He is doing so well. I knew he had it in him to be successful...now he really knows it too. I love you Josh! I am very proud of you and your continued progress.

Silver bells and ting (the curly q sticks with glitter we put on our trees...bet you didn't know it had a real name)...Me

I have learned I can update while at work...this is BAD!

Before we go any further about the moral and ethical ramifications for updating at work, let me tie up a loose end and bring your attention to something.

First the loose end....I made a 97 on my Gov't and Politics test. I ROCK!! Okay, so the truth is, I BS very well. Thank goodness I can spit back what she has talked about and use it for good instead of evil. Dad said I should have celebrated by posting an update. I chose, instead, to celebrate by getting a migraine and buying myself a Wednesday in bed. Children, take note...listen to your parents.

On to the attention....please direct your eyes to the very bottom of my page and take part in my poll. I beg you to do this...have you read Anne's comment from the last update?? Can we afford to let her head swell any further??? We must band together!

Now, the whole updating at work thingy...get over it. No one is here. All that I can do for today is done. I am bored. I had started reading my book on which I must take a quiz before tomorrow night, that made me sleepy. So I am updating. Be happy.

Kamry had a field trip today. Another one of those leave before the sun wakes up return after the sun goes to sleep type trips. They went to Chattanooga to the Discovery Museum, the IMAX, and the Aquarium. They left at 6:40 this morning and will return at about 6:30 tonight. You will all be glad to know that I did not have to chase down a bus or a room mom or a chaperone. Thank you, thank you very much!!

Kamry has a tender heart as we all know. But I learned last night that heart is very generous as well. I already knew it, but her actions solidified it for me. She was making her lunch last night in preparation for our early departure this morning. She was asking this question and that and just kind of off the cuff says, "Quincy never brings a lunch on these trips. He says he forgets. I don't think his mommy has enough money to buy him extra stuff. I am going to pack him a sandwich and some of my other stuff too. Is that okay?" You bet your sweet bippy it is. We may not have a bunch of extra stuff, but we always seem to have plenty of food. So sure, go ahead. She said that normally all the kids in the class just pitch in what they don't want or don't mind to share and he has plenty to eat. She thought it would be nice for a change for him to have his own bag to eat out of. I love my girl!!

Well I guess I have wasted about as much time as I can doing this and should at least pretend to be busy. Only 1 hour and 11 minutes till time to leave. I will try to update this weekend and post pictures from Joshua's basketball game last night. They are at home on my camera.

Love to all....ME

Isn't a sad statement....

...that I just rolled over and began snuggling....with my Government and Politics book???

...that I actually used nearly all of the allotted time to take my test for the above mentioned class (3 hours)

...that for some incomprehensible reason I started cramming for the test about 3:00 this afternoon

...that I used all but 2 pages in the 15 page testing booklet (basically a bunch of notebook paper stapled together with a fancy shmancy cover) to take the test

...that I was the next to the last person to leave the classroom when I finished the test

...that despite all of the effort (I'm reaching here...) that my grade will reflect my superhuman ability to cram at the last possible minute and barely pass

...that I am content with a C in one of my classes because they are just "so hard", but I ream my kids out for bringing home the same grade, because they are smarter than a "C"

...that I am already doing the happy dance because I only have one month of school left this semester

...that registration for next semester starts on the 8th and I am completely stoked about finding the 3 easiest classes I can to balance out this hellacious semester.

Well, it's after 12 and I should have turned back into a pumpkin by now, but instead I will just spend tomorrow being a grouch ass cause I didn't get enough sleep.

Love to all...ME

Rainy days and Mondays

I think there was a song to that effect wasn't there?

Today was exceptionally busy...again. I ran upstairs a minimum of 14 times. Okay so not literally ran, but rode the elevator. Anyway, I digress. I made a gajillion phone calls. Firmed up a shirt order for our Ohio plant. I chased down missing reports. I finally left work at nearly 6. More nights than not that is getting to be the case. Five o'clock used to be the golden hour. I only had to stay that long. Now, I am lucky to leave anywhere near it. It's not that I can't get everything done in 8 or 9 hours, it just seems that there have been more and more things that don't come to a head until the 5 o'clock hour closes in. Like I told Ron when I was chatting with him on the drive home, I would rather be busy and employed than unemployed and sitting on my butt gaining all my weight back. It's all in your perspective.

As I type, Kamry is reading me a book. I couldn't tell you what it is about other than basketball. I am doing this, doing homework, or watching TV as she reads. Her class has to read aloud 100 minutes each week. Then I sign off on a log sheet. Nowhere in the instructions does it say that I have to pay attention completely. It's not like there is going to be a quiz later. Man, I hope there isn't going to be a quiz later.

I have a Gov't and Politics test tomorrow night. I need to study. I need to go over the material from last week to make sure I know what was discussed. Instead, I sit here typing. What did I say a couple of posts ago about procrastination? Will I ever learn?

Well, I am off to turn of the reader. She is beginning to get on my nerves. :-). Then on to history....

Love to all....ME

PS I changed my subheadline....like it? One of the ladies at work said that today and I thought it was great!!!

Dryers and grades

When I awoke yesterday morning, I did what I usually do. Went potty and then started laundry. Upon getting the clothes out of the washer and placing them in the dryer, I noticed the dryer was pushed back towards the wall about 2 inches. That is not a good thing. My vent hose is, to say the least, not secured very well to the external venting. The assembly that goes from the outside to the inside and that the hose slides over is old, falling apart, and filthy. As is usual when the dryer gets moved even the slightest bit, the hose slipped off the wall piece and my laundry room was about to be a lovely sauna like temperature. I decided to go to Home Depot and got all the necessities needed for a complete overhaul. I bought all pieces needed and with some help from Joshua (fetching tools and screws) got everything switched out. I feel so good about myself when I am able to do these kinds of tasks for myself and don't have to have Daddy do it for me. It all works great and hopefully won't be falling apart anytime soon.

I got Joshua's report card just a week or so ago. He is on block scheduling so he only has 4 classes a semester. One of which is Gym/Computers/Spanish/Weight lifting (there fore not a class earning a grade). He got 3 B's. A 92, 92, and 91. Wow, is this the same kid that brought me straight F's for more than a school year? You bet it is!!!!! I knew he had it in him, and now, I am pretty sure he believes it himself. The boy is rocking and rolling right along.

Well, I am sleepy. Sleeping way late and doing a bunch of nothing all day makes me very sleepy apparently. I am hoping this week is no where near as stressful as last week. We'll see!

Love to all...ME

I have realized...

.....That I don't have to get on here and give a complete diatribe of everything that happens in our lives in order to constitute an update.

.....that boys at age 15 are predestined to be brainless wonders who only realize the error of their ways once they have been busted.

.....that my babies are no longer babies and aren't always going to do, say, be, act the way their mommy wants them to.

.....that just because you CAN put off taking a test, writing a paper, completing an assignment until the last day, doesn't mean you should. Pressure to complete them in time is hardly worth the strife.

.....that some people are ungrateful and rude no matter what you do, say, or offer.

.....that those people have little value to add to my life and are therefore more than likely not worth any extra effort I would expend on them.

.....my bed is my favorite place to be.

.....that I wake up every Saturday morning with a headache.

.....that now that cheerleading is over that I can indeed sleep until noon, like I have done the past 2 weekends

.....that if I do updates more often then maybe they will get back to be being more fun, as well as more frequent.

Love to all....Me

I know, don't toot your own horn

I shouldn't have bragged on myself for being good about updating. I promptly fell apart. My apologies. It has been a month or 2. I have been left scathing comments. Harrassed by all family members over the age of 15. And guilted into typing at this late hour. I can't handle the pressure, so this is me caving.


First, can I ask you where the last 2 months have gone? Yeah, can I have them back? I need more time. More time for everything. Sleep, school, work, kids, family. All of it!!



I get asked how school is going. For the kids, fairly well. Josh is pulling mostly B's. He may have a C, but I am not sure. He has started basketball practice. His first game is October 22. Stay tuned for further details. Joseph has decided that In School Suspension (ISS) is not all it's cracked up to be. After 2 or 3 trips so far, he has decided to steer clear. His grades are average from what I understand. Stay tuned for further details. Kamry is floundering some. Her grades are good enough, they could be better. If she would slow down and take some more time with her work, her grades would be greatly improved. But we are trying. Stay tuned for further details.



I am taking Psychology, which I thought would be difficult as an online class, and I have an A.



I am also taking US Government and Politics. I go to school every Tuesday night for 3 hours. I thought I would hate this class. Somehow, give me a notebook, a text book, and tell me to take notes, and I am happy as a lark. I can tell you from experience that school desks at this age, no matter how "Designed for Adults" they are, suck after the first hour of a 3 hour class. My butt and back hurt for 2 days after the first class. Funny story about our first test last Tuesday. We get in there, she hands out the testing booklets, and then the actual test. We begin settling in and looking over the test. Suddenly, the thing that only happens on TV or in dreams, happened. The stinking fire alarm goes off!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I left the test behind, grabbed my notes, and of course my phone, and hauled buggy to the parking lot. Once I stopped walking and began going back over my notes, there was a circle of classmates surrounding me. We all went over what we could remember seeing on the test and crammed for the next 5 minutes or so. As we were walking back to the class room, I only had one thought. I don't know what, who or how...but thank you God!! I needed that extra time. I get my test back this coming Tuesday. Stay tuned for further details.



Now, my third class is English 1020. It is a lot of reading and writing about what you read. I hate it. It's time consuming. I hate it. It's kicking my ass. I want it to be December just so this class will be over. Did I mention I hate it????



So that is what our life is about in a nut shell right now. Not much, but way too much. There are not enough hours in the day. But are there for anyone?



I will leave you with some pictures so you can remember who we are.


Josh munching at a picnic about a month ago.



Kamry on the way in to see High School Musical on Ice.


Joseph thinking "I do all my own stunts!"


Till next time.


Peace, love, and stupid school desks....Whim

I am trying to get better

I am trying to do better at updating. I feel sometimes like I don't have much to say that would be of interest. But who really cares, right? So let's get down to buisness.

The last couple of weeks have been, at the least, stressful and quite hell like. It seemed that it couldn't be just one or two things that went wrong. I seemed to have the opposite of the "Midas touch". Everything I tried to do, or touched, or thought about doing...the bottom fell out.

I have come to refer to these 2 weeks as my very own personal 24-hour crap buffet. The problem with this is that everytime I got full and tried to push away from the table, my plate kept getting filled back up. I had no choice but to suck it up and continue trying to clean my plate. Carol told me just to get out the toilet paper, clean off the plate, and start again tomorrow. I tried that each and every day. The dang pile just kept getting bigger, stinkier, and much more frustrating.

You know that you have been a crab ass way to long when not only does your sister make you a CD of songs pertaining to subjects such as "If You're Going Through Hell", but your co-workers walk by your desk cautiously as they ask if today was a better day...scared to hear the answer if it wasn't, I'm sure.

Wednesday things started to not necessarily get any better, but at least much more tolerable. Delauna and I were giggly over the most insignificant things. I laughed at lunch more than I have in a month. That evening, our office gathered at Calhoun's on the river to celebrate one of our co-workers who is retiring. It was a very relaxed enjoyable evening. We laughed more and decided that we really are the "Kool Kids" in the office. Everyone wanted to sit with us, talk with us, or just generally be near us... :-)

The boys at our table were so immature!!! Just look at what Josh did. This is the only picture taken of me the whole evening....

Ok, so it's not that it's such a great picture of me...I was trying to rid myself of extra chins as I was sitting next to a 6' female stick. But look at the sheer joy on his face for getting one over on me. Or so he thought. All I am going to say is that payback is a bitch, for him anyway. We will see what happens the joy later. I wonder why they tell us all the time we fight like married people. I can't imagine.... :-). He is one of my very best guy friends and he along with the others made my crappy weeks melt away. I am very blessed to work with a group of people that I not only work well with, but can count as friends. Jeff, Josh, Delauna, and myself are a force to be reckoned with when we get going.

Delauna may not have had her husband, Jack, there with her, but I think she managed to enjoy herself anyway. See...

So today, we cheered. It was another way too hot, I can't wait for October, is there an ice bin I can crawl in kind of day. I started the day as "coach", spent the middle part as "worker" (concession stand helper), and ended the afternoon attempting to just be a mommy to my little cheerleader. I was finally able to take some pictures of her.

So in closing, let me share with you a golden tidbit of knowledge. When wearing flip flops to the football field, apply sunscreen to the tops of your feet or you run the chance of this happening...

So, I am going to take Jasmine home. She stayed after cheer to watch High School Musical 2 and have dinner. I had two little girls each with a large ear of corn that they refused to let get the better of them. Again...see....

See you on the flip side.

Peace, love, and shutting down the crap buffet......Stupid Looking Feet Whim

2 days in a row

Did you miss me? It's only been 24 hours. Not 24 days or weeks or years. Miracles do happen.

Tonight was a momentous evening for my household, as well as Carol's. She arrived here at around 6:30 to pick up Joshua and his belongings. I cooked dinner (pork chops, peas, corn, rice, and applesauce). She made dessert (individual sponge/angel food cakes inbetween two layers of fat free cool whip..200 calories..perfect). They loaded up Sophie and by 8:00 were on the road to Harriman. Why you might ask?

Joshua, as I have mentioned before, has been held back in the 7th grade. The school he attended previously pretty much has him labeled as a troublemaker and it does not seem they are at all willing to change that label no matter how hard the kid works to prove them wrong. These two pieces of the puzzle do not match. They are a recipe for disaster. I have been told by numerous people who I trust with out question that there was no way he was going to able to go back to that school and be successful. But what was I supposed to do? I can't afford the private schools around here, and with his history, the chance they would accept a "behavior problem" was hovering some where between slim and none.

This is when Carol mentioned that she was contemplating the possibilities of Josh coming to stay with her during the week and going to school where she teaches. As much as my children belong with me and are my responsibility, the thought of him having a completely clean slate, a fresh start, and the chance to be as successful as I know he can be was the glimmer of hope I needed. It took a lot of soul searching for both Carol and me. We presented the choice to him as a united front and left the final decision in his hands. Neither of us wanted him to answer right away. He needed to think about it seriously. After a couple of days, he said that he wanted to go and was willing to try as hard as he could to be the super star he knows he can be.

Fast forward...do you know that you can be your own lawyer? I was able to download temporary guardianship papers/forms to give Carol the rights/permissions she needed to make the decisions that would need to be made for him on a daily basis, legally. It only cost $8.95. Not bad. A whole lot cheaper than law school.

So as the summer went on I was given forms to fill out, tasks to complete, calls to make, and copies to copy. All so that when Carol went last week to register him, she was completely prepared. It seems that some of the staff at her school were a bit stunned that she was registering a real life, talking, walking, breathing child. Inside, I would say she was probably a bit stunned herself. This is a huge undertaking for her. She is becoming instaparent to a teenage boy. I got a whole lot more time to prepare for him to be this age and I still don't get it. I know that she will be a great parent to him. I don't know what I would do if she didn't give him this opportunity. I am grateful and humbled.

So they are probably sawing logs right now. The bags have been unpacked. Clothes hung neatly in the closet. Toiletries placed in their spot. They have crawled into their respective beds in preparation for tomorrow. Carol will prepare her classroom for her students to arrive on Wednesday. Joshua will wander around the grounds of the school trying to get his bearings and kind of know where he is going when the bell rings.

I love them both more than they could ever imagine. I am at peace with this decision. I truly feel it is what is best.

I too must get some sleep. 4 hours of sleep per night is not enough. Good night and sweet dreams.

Hi, My Name is Kathy....

...and I seem to not know how to update my blog with out being harassed!!!

I guess I should fill you in on my life lately. Well, the biggest piece of information I need to share is this....I have a new ride! Way more cool than the money sucking, constantly breaking down, my mechanic saw it more than I did Stratus. I am the proud owner (well, I will be in 5 years...I make my first payment this Thursday) of a 2002 Toyota RAV4. Or as my dad calls it, a Rava. It looks way newer than it's year of birth would lead you to beleive it is (kind of like me). As is typical Kathy style, even the purchase of the vehicle had to be a debacle.

I originally decided on July 13 (shoulda known something wasn't gonna go right) to purchase a Mazda Tribute, YOB: 2001. All was well...for about 12 hours...then, Saturday morning the engine light came on!!! WHHAAAT?? I promptly called the dealership and was told to bring it to the service department at 1 when they got back from lunch. I was there at 12:45 and waited patiently. I was cool for about the first hour and a half when the people that had come in after me were already leaving. Starting to get nervous here. Another hour passed and they finally cam to talk to me. When they send the service manager and a bunch of paperwork....worry! Well, they found a small leak in a seal that was allowing tiny drops of oil to come into contact with the spark plugs. They gave me a rental to drive till they could get it fixed. {a little back ino here...I paid about 5500 for my stratus...was paying 11000 for the Mazda} They put my rear in a 2007 pimped out Camry (MSRP: 23000). Hello!! Do I have to take it back? So anyway, that was all on Saturday. I got a call from the service manager on Monday afternoon. (2 managers from 2 different departments in 3 days...not good). When any person starts off a conversation with, "Well, I have some interesting news for you...." it causes a lump to form and then promptly commence to flipping. His next statement of, "We won't be able to sell you that car, we are sending to auction." Apparently, the engine headed south and would need to be replaced. First off, thank goodness for the lemon law, and second, thank goodness i went to a reputable dealership that was willing to stand behind the fact that even though I bought it as is, no warranty, real or implied, I deserved to have things made right.

I have always said that everything happens for a reason. The Mazda was not the ride I was meant to have. I was meant to have my Rav4. I absoultely love this vehicle. It gets great gas mileage, has all the features I need and some that I don't, has enough room for my ever increasing in height children, and came with 2 different warranties...real ones...from Toyota. I am pleased as punch and am loving driving it more and more every day.

The fly ride needs a name. I have never had a vehicle worth naming. This one is definitely nameable. Here a some pics so that you have something to go with when helping to name her. And if you know anyone that is in the market for a 2000 Dodge Stratus that won't go over 27 miles per hour...I might know someone.

Do you know the meaning of being grounded?

Apparently Joseph does not. He has been grounded for a week or so for making some very poor decisions, amongst other things. My definition of being grounded and his definition are quite obviously polar opposites. To me, being grounded means no phone, no phone, and no freedom. To Joseph it means that as soon as your mom isn't looking you take off out the door. It also means that while your mom is at Cheer Camp that you go jump on the neighbor’s trampoline....’cause she'll never know, right? Yeah, that is until you try to pull a Jett Lee/Spiderman move as you are getting off the trampoline. What happened next taught him why you listen to your momma when she tells you something. See when Jett Lee busts a move, he usually doesn't end it by busting his elbow open. Yep, the phone call no parent wants to receive. Joseph was jumping and fell and busted his elbow. I came home to find my child covered in blood. From the time it took him to fall and me to get home, he managed to bleed all over his shirt, his shorts, his arm, hand, leg, and shoes. The wound itself wasn't bleeding when I got here, but it had been. As I tried to control the lurching in my stomach, I made him get in the truck and off to Methodist we went. (I am driving Daddy's truck ‘cause my car is in the shop). We placed a call to Aunt Carol as Joseph said he wanted her. A lot of good that did. She did well until they really started cleaning his wound, at which point her freckles disappeared and so did any pinkness she had in her face. I told her if she was checking out on us, this was the place to do it...plenty of medical professionals. We had a great ER tech that was a real hoot and took good care of all of us. She attended to the wounded and ill...all three of them. Joseph with his cut, Carol with her pass outedness, and Joshua with a seeping blister on his heel. Me....I get the bill. Dang, I think next time I will at least stub my toe. So anyway, 4 stitches and the removal of a chuck of loose skin later, we left. I must say I won the bet. I said 4 stitches, Josh said 5, Carol said 8, Joseph said just numb it first. He gets his stitches out in 12 days, so I take him back on June 34th. ha ha!

I am going to post some pictures of his wound. If you have a weak stomach, use caution when viewing.

To each their own

Well, a lot has happened since I last posted. 98% of which I don't want to get into. That 98% has taught me a life lesson. I guess I should say that I have known it all along, but this experience has driven it home. This lesson is that no one can create happiness in my life but me. I should never give other people the power to make me happy or sad. I have been pretty down for the last couple of weeks and have struggled greatly to get out of my funk.

The enlightenment came this evening as I talked with Carol. This probably sounds completely whacked out, but as much as I didn't always like the Carol she was before she made her journey through her own hell, I feel that in some warped way, it was good in that it has allowed her to have a perspective on things the rest of us don't have. I love that she is able to provide truly nonjudgemental assessment of situations. I owe her hugely, majorly, in the biggest way. It's not that she had some magic wand that waved over me as she chanted ancient healing verses. It was more the out look she shared. The experiences she shared. And the love and understanding she showed.

I entitled this to each their own for one reason. It is up to each of us to be our own person. It is up to each of us to make our own happiness. It is up to each of us to make the decision daily to live our own life for us, not for those around us. This is not to say that others don't matter or that we shouldn't be considerate of others. What it does mean is at the end of the day, we answer to ourselves. Be confident in your decisions, be secure in who you are. Do not let others bring you down. If they manage to bring you down, don't let them keep you there. Life is short, and if you decide for it to be, life can be oh so sweet.

This is what makes my happiness, my sweetness, my joy. In as much as they drive me completely insane, they are my reason for wanting to experience complete happiness. The loves of my life.....

Peace, love, and sheer happiness....Kathy

Camping pics

Josh and Isaiah hope to provide dinner for the group.















A lot of time was spent fishing. I even cast a line or two.
I actually caught 2 itty bitty fish. Proof of that to come later.

Davonice, Josh, and Isaiah hang out waiting to head to the lake.

Isaiah assists with cooking lunch.

Dinner....yum!!!!

Swimming (most everyone is in this pic)

Akeyrah, Arissa, Isaiah, Jadon,

Joseph, Zaresa, Josh

Davonice, Shay

Daniel, Josh, & Isaiah head to the lake

General informational update...

The school year is coming to a close. Joshua is potentially nearing the end of his treatment journey, the end of a wretched school year, and hopefully moving into the next phase where the roads are paved in roses and daisies. We are heading out for our first camping trip of the season. My daughter is going to meet Mickey and Minnie in person on Saturday. Joseph is in anticipation of his birthday. He will turn 15 (are you kidding me????) and will be able to get his learners permit. HOLY CRAP!!!

Do you remember getting your permit? Your license? Your first car? Do you remember thinking there is no way I am driving with my parents, in their old fogey car? Joseph seems to be living in this world where his mother apparently craps money. We will be driving and I will hear, "Hey Mom, will you buy me that one?" as he points to a 2007 Escalade. I say "Sure Son, because I am only driving this 2000 Stratus to divert thieves from stealing my car." What the heck ever!!! The boy, who has neither job nor adequate funds, will be driving my car (the aforementioned 2000 model), or taking his bicycle.

We have talked about it. He doesn't get it. People who make what I make do not buy their children cars for their birthday. I will buy him his license, and I guess for a while, his insurance (until that first paycheck comes in), otherwise, I will still be the only one that can go get milk on Sunday morning so the kiddies can have cereal. That is my greatest joy of this whole next year.

When he is ready to get his actual license, his first "alone" trip will be to Kroger. Milk and eggs baby! Milk and eggs. No you may not stop by McDonalds! No you may not take Jadon with you.

So, Mickey and Minnie. I think the bigger draw there for my child is the princesses. What little girl doesn't want to meet, hug, and talk to Cinderella, Aerial, Jasmine, so on and so forth? Question, do they have Princess Fiona walking around down there? That would be so stinking cool. I would want to see her before anyone else.

Well, I have flshlights to check, supplies to prepare, and shopping to do for the weekend. Isaiah and Arissa will be going camping with us for their first time. From what I hear, they are super excited! Isaiah is stoked on not bathing for 4 days. Oh my goodness, can you say stank butt? It's ok, honey, there is a bath house, very near by. Complete with showers that even have hot water. We don't poop in buckets. We don't forage for nuts and berrys. We eat better out there than we do at home. I will only go to the bathroom in the bathroom. No leaves for this tush. I am anxious to see if they enjoy it as much as my kids do. I think they will.

I will check in upon our return and get some weekend pics put up here.

Peace, love, and s'mores....Cool Aunt Camping Whim

DDDDDAAAADDDDD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In my last post I made specific mention of my mom and sisters in regards to the reading of this blog. I was not aware at the time that my dad read this as well. He was quick to bring this to my attention and I promised him a "shout out". Well here it is.

I think my sisters and I are very lucky to have the dad that God gave us. He loves us all so deeply. He is my moms best friend. He shows us what a real man looks like, should act like, and how we should be treated by how he treats our mom. My parents relationship has set the bar for what my relationships should be.

Dad is stinkin' hilarious. He makes everyone around him laugh. A lot of times, its the gross things that he does that he is the most proud of. He has taught the boys the art of the perfect fart, how to maintain a burp worthy of a "10", and what it means to put your ass in it. He teaches the girls that broccoli puts hair on your chest, that even in softball you have to dig, dig, dig, and that when he comes to watch them cheer, he really does watch them cheer!!!!

Here is a picture of my daddy:

Dad, I love you! You are awesome.

Love, peace, and trust....Queen of the Mice

Can you say ALUMNI???

Well, I don't have pictures to prove it....yet. But in case you didn't already know, I am a RSCC Alumni. I was notified of this tid bit of information, given a pin stating such, and a hearty handshake affirming the welcome mere moments after being handed the "baton" of graduation.

As a college graduate, I feel it is my duty to impart to you the "significance" of the red baton. I would like to say that it is the school's way of saying that it is our time to run this leg of the race. That, as a group, we were to be the race leaders and pace setters for tomorrow.

HA!!!! Yea right!

The red "baton" they gave us had absolutely no signficance at all. It was merely a tool to give us a letter stating that we graduated. That our diplomas would be mailed. And that the first alumi giving campaign would be starting soon.

Ok, so a little about the ceremony.

I walked in at 7 and out at 8 something. I had told the family that they were more than welcome to leave after I had gotten my red stick of graduation. Being that I was number 7 out of over 260 (and #5 didn't show up, so I ended up being #6), that was a long time to sweat for a bunch of people they didn't know. Can I tell you what I saw as I rounded the corner to go back to my seat? Butts! Nothing but Butts! My family was out! I was glad they left as it was hotter than heck and they needed to cool off. The only thing they missed was the other 260+ names and us walking out. Okay, so there was a little hooting and hollering. A lot of clapping. And a time for the class of 2007 to thank the people that supported them. Ok, so Carol and Joseph were still there, so that covered that. We left the gym, were handed a payday candy bar, (our first payday after graduation..ha ha), and I hit the stairs looking for my boy and his aunt. It was dinner time!!!

Today I had the best party! I had a number of family and friends come to help celebrate with me. In typical Stratman style, there was good food and lots of laughs. I think that everyone had a good time, and if they didn't get enough to eat, they have no one to blame but themselves. There was so much food that we actually were able to provide Andrya with the food for her international fair. Her country is Germany. Her food, left over bratwurst and kraut. The kids may not eat it, but it screams Germany.

I just want to say to anyone that was there, or wanted to be but couldn't, and might be reading this (sisters and mother aside cause I think they check daily to see if I updated, so I know they are reading) that I love you all and truly appreciate your support of my endeavor. Each person played some role in helping me achieve my dream. I never really thought this day would get here. It just always seemed so far down the road. Just a faint light in the distance that really didn't shine very bright until about 6:59 last night.

I was not in a position to take pictures, being the center of attention and all, so I hope that the pictures that were taken can be uploaded soon.

I am going to sleep now. The high from the last 24 is starting to wear off. Of course that could be the effects of Sara Bakers monster cupcakes wearing off too. It's hard to tell sometimes.

Again, I love you all. Thank you for everything!!

Peace love and graduation caps....Graduate Whim

The Saga Continues

So when last we spoke, I was going into great detail about the ups, downs, and topsy-turvy of this fun little thing called life.

So Tuesday morning came and off we go to Peninsula hospital for the evaluation. I was so scared I couldn't see straight. I don't know if I was more afraid of potentially leaving him there, or bringing him home. We talked to the assessment chick for nearly an hour. It was decided as he was not psychotic, suicidal, or homicidal that there was no need for inpatient hospitalization. It was an intensive outpatient program that was determined was our best option.

It was late in the day and we just had to wait for the phone call to discuss the when's, where's, and how long's. I heard nothing on Tuesday so I called them first thing on Wednesday. I left a hasty message as I was anxious to get this ball rolling. By lunch, Robin had called and we decided that he would start the next morning, Thursday. She offered the option of waiting until Monday, I didn't feel we had that much time to waste.

They offered 3 time slots that he could attend. 9-12, 12-3, or 4-7. I actually opted for the 9-12 slot. I know, I know...what about school? Well, my child was already going to repeat the 7th grade, so any thing he would miss at this point wasn't going to have a profound affect on his academic career for this school year.

He rode in with me to work, where he would hang out for about 45 minutes until I left at a little before 9 to run him over there. I then went back to work and worked until just before 12. I went and picked him up and took him to Oak Ridge to school. My lunch hour was now his lunch hour. The best part was that I didn't miss any extra work.

My office relocated to Parkside Drive this past weekend. Monday morning the transportation service began picking him up from the new office and taking him in. They are also now taking him back to school in Oak Ridge. The only day that I have to drive him is Wednesday. I think this is mostly due to the fact that he doesn't go to school on Wednesday. They get out at 12:45 and we get to the Ridge about 12:40. So he goes straight to the Boys Club.

This program is a 6-8 week program. So far we have exactly 3 weeks under our belt. He has definitely been more vocal with his feelings. Trust me, we have GREAT communication (insert sarcasm here). To be honest, his new found vocality of feelings usually comes in the form of yelling at me. I don't know which I hate worse. Him closing down and not letting any one know what is bothering him. Or him letting me know on any certain terms exactly what bothers him...at great volumes.

We are doing much better. We definitely are not all the way back. But we have started down the road to learning how to live as a family again. We are all learning how strong we are and how weak we are at the same time. Josh still bucks up and gets hateful and ugly. Just the other night, he got mad, mostly because he got busted lying, and reacted in what I would deem an inappropriate way. The difference this time...we were both able to come back and just move past it. We both have to learn when we are reacting negatively and consciously choose to stop. If one of us can do that, the outcome has been a peaceful resolution.

I am learning to pick my battles and be grateful that for the most part he is healthy. I am learning new ways to react to his new behaviors. It is just as much work for me as for him on certain days. I long for the day when my life, although it will never be perfect, has some resemblance to peaceful at the very least.

Enough about that situation.

I have changed the picture of us from the Christmas photo to an Easter pic. I have updated the puppy pic.

Stay tuned for an update really soon. I hope to have Graduation Pictures posted this weekend.

Much love and peace....Me

I'm Back....Now Hush!!!!!!!!!!!

Ummmm....three weeks, yea, I know. I have heard about it from everyone that reads my site...all 3 of them. So here I go.


My family has struggled in recent weeks. I was of the mind set of, "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all." Yes, Momma, I was listening. Carol informed me today that you would, and wanted to, read no matter what the tone.


In my house things have been pretty ugly. We have gotten to one of the lowest points that I feel any family can get. One of us wasn't here the way he should have been. Joshua started a downward spiral in aggressive and defiant behavior around the time of my last post. He managed yet another "mini-vacation", only this time...he got to be home Thursday till Tuesday (or should have been Tuesday) due to the Easter weekend.


Friday (ironically...Good Friday) was the day that the bottom NEARLY fell out. I woke early, went to the parentals to get my brakes half done, left there, went to exchange a pair of shoes, and headed to the house. As I was putzing leisurely (doing my usual 70 mph) down Pellissippi Speedway (Parkway) my celly rings. Joseph is on the other end wondering where I am and when I would be home. Apparently, my fair skinned freckled one was an antagonizing, irritating, tormenting tornado. After the two previous weeks, I was at the end of my rope...literally. I called my mother hysterical and pretty much told her that if someone didn't do something, it was going to be an ugly scene. I just couldn't wrap my head around how my child, the one that had been raised in the fashion as his siblings, could be such an awful kid. Momma told me she would call Daddy and see what he thought, but that one of them would come get him.


I calmed down somewhat and called Carol. I asked her to just talk to me till Daddy, or Momma, got there. Instead, she dropped everything and ran up here. I am forever grateful for that. I had a house full of kids, one of which was pretty well out of control. I was at a near nervous breakdown state. She came in, gave me a job, herded the kids to bedrooms to clean them, and was the voice of reason when I had none. Oh yeah, my job...look in the phone book and find SOMEONE to call to see about getting some sort of help. I don't think I ever called anyone, but I do know that I sat for quite a while with the phone book open on my lap and the phone in my hand.


By the time Daddy got here, the kids rooms were sparkling and he was quite pleased. He gathered Josh, his luggage, his meds (make SURE he has his meds, said dad), loaded it all in the truck and off they went.


It ripped my heart out to have to send him somewhere, but I really had no other option. I fear that, had he stayed, things would have gotten even more out of control and I don't know what the outcome might have been.


As much as I love my kids and would do anything for them, the last thing I wanted to do that entire weekend was talk to him. That sounds really awful. I would like to say that not having him here was horrid, and on one hand it was but on the other hand, the stress of wondering what was going to happen next was drastically minimized. I think that I really needed the time and space to calm down, think, and just let someone else deal with him for a while.


Have I ever told you just how awesome my parents are? They didn't have to come get him and keep him the entire weekend. But they didn't hesitate (that I am aware of) to come to our rescue. My parents love us, we all know that. It is just amazing to me how they can be so selfless. They could have easily said to me that I had to deal with it, I had no other choice. But they didn't. To tell them thank you would never be enough. They are just two of the most loving, genuine, not to mention cute people I know. I thank God that he chose them for my parents. I guess He knew He needed to give me to these two since He knew the could handle all this drama.


I brought Josh home with us on Sunday afternoon, and I was extremely hesitant. Apparently, my hesitation and apprehension weren't that far off. Josh was to stay home for his last day of suspension. With his other jaunts, I have woken him up early each morning and put him to work before I ever left. This particular morning, I figured the longer he slept, the less time he would have to reek havoc on my house. I gave him no chores. If I had no expectations of what should be completed when I got home, then I wouldn't be disappointed and upset.


What is it they say about the best laid plans???


That day, I heard nothing from him. I didn't call. (Insert appropriate ignorance is bliss cliche' here). Then the clock struck 4. This is the point at which the bottom DID fall out. Joseph had called Alison and pretty much told her to come get him and Kamry. Josh was completely out of control and they were not staying at home with him another minute. Talk about feeling helpless as a parent. Your kids world is pretty much in the process of being completely turned upside down and you aren't there.


I have always known what an awesome friend I have in Miss Alison, but my mercy, does she have to keep rubbing it in my face...ha ha. She did not hesitate to come to help of my children when I couldn't get here fast enough.


She allowed me enough time to make a very vital phone call. I contacted the admissions/assessment folks at Peninsula. After hearing my story, not to mention my distress, fear, and frustration the lovely man on the other end of the phone set us an appointment at the main hospital at 11 the next morning (Tuesday). Praise Jesus is all I can say.


Upon reaching my house, I see two of the most beautiful sights...Sara and Alison. I don't know at what point Sara Baker came in to the picture, only because that whole evening is pretty much a fog. What I do know is these two ladies stepped up, stepped in, took control of a completely out of control situation. I am still unclear as to what all took place between the kids in my absence, and anymore, it doesn't matter. Alison put Joseph and Kamry in her van, got them clothes and took them to her house. Sara called Todd and he came to get Josh.


In the midst of Josh completely losing it, he vandalized (only word that seems to fit this situation) the house. It looked like a tornado had gone through and Alison said that it was way worse when she got there, but she had the other two help her clean it up a little bit. In my lack of control state, the one thing I knew I could control at that very moment, was the state of my house. I started cleaning. I began scraping hardened glue off the wall from where Josh had a "Picaso" moment and made some really interesting designs with hot glue. I actually even took the floor vent registers off and vacuumed them out. WWWHHHAAAATTT???


Ali brought food back on when she came back over. Although I was not even remotely hungry, she made me eat and I have to admit that it did help. They both stayed with me for a couple of hours after the kids were gone. In that time, we talked about the whole situation and tried to come up with some sort of game plan that would offer everyone the safest situation. Sara said that she would take Josh and he could stay there as long as was necessary. Alison had already advised me to call Peninsula, and emphasized how important that appointment would be in getting to the other end of this dark, curvy, scary road.


A word, or more, about those Baker's. They completely rock. Not only did Sara drop what she was doing, which includes taking care of her own family, to come take care of mine. They opened their house, their hearts, and their family and brought my child in to give him shelter during our storm. Again, the last thing I wanted to do was not have my child here, but there was no further down to go at this point. Friday now seemed to be a breeze in comparison.


Well, this is getting way long, and you have probably had 17 cups of coffee/diet coke/insert appropriate stimulant here just to get this far. I appreciate you staying awake this long. I will stop for now and finish from our appointment to the present in my next blog entry.


I have my left hand on my key board (typing with 2 fingers here people) my right hand is raised. I, state your name, hereby promise to not wait 3 weeks to post ever again. I, state your name again, also promise that even if I don't have anything nice to say, I will still stop by and post something, anything, just to let you know we are all breathing.


Peace, love, and hope....Appreciative Whim

Life in the Ridge

Preface: If you see my oldest child and his lips are swollen, laugh all you want. The doorknob just tried to suck them off with the vaccum cleaner attachment. I am so NOT kidding.

Has it been a whole week? Well by golly, I guess it has. My bad!!!

Monday, Joshua spent the school day at St. Mary's. I left work early to meet with him and Sr. Anne Catherine. All in all it went pretty well. He really liked it and is excited about the potential of attending for the next two years.

Tuesday, I was up till midnight doing homework. The assignment took me 4 hours. I was so tired and so frustrated, I kept messing things up or skipping things, and had to start again.

Wednesday, Kamry had church. I dropped her off and went to the pet supply store. Kashmir got a new ball that makes noise and she enjoys throwing it up in the air. As soon as it leaves her mouth, she runs to where she thinks it should land and pounces. I went back to get Kamry from church and went to Ali's to drop off around 10 bags of clothes that I could no longer wear. Her dad has been in the hospital for the last week and they thought he would be coming home on Thursday so they were trying to get furniture moved around to accomodate him. I assisted them in moving the television to a spot that would make for easy watching. Can I tell you that stinkin TV weighed about 47 thousand pounds. Goodness. Hank won't make it home till about Monday. Keep him in your thoughts. Thanks.

Thursday, I had class. My computer presentations class met for the second time. Little did I know that we would have to give an impromtu presentation. Luckily, she had predetermined the subject matter. We were split up into groups of 3. I knew one of the girls I was with. The other I didn't know. I now know enough about her to make the following determinations: cute and smart don't go together for her, she sucks at giving presentations, she wrings her hands when she is nervous, if she were bald she would have nothing to play with while talking, and she is probably not going to make the greatest grade in this course. Now, I know what you are thinking..."That Kathy sure is hateful". Well, maybe you are right. But after 3 hours of hair twirling, sugary giggling, and way to much whining, you would say the same things. Praise God that our final presentation is individual and I don't have to count on her for part of my grade.

Friday, work was slow. Very slow. So slow, that it gave me ample time to complete my music appreciation concert report. I am curious as to what that grade will be. I don't know if I gave her what she wanted, but I know I hit the word count. It had to be at least 2000 words. I came in at 2140. I had a final to take for the computer presentation class and it had to be done by midnight. I got it done as one of my classmates was pulling in the driveway. She was having computer issues and needed to use mine. There was 6 tutorial exams that had to be done before you could take the final. Careena hadn't started hers. We had 4 hours to get 7 tests taken. She got done about 1045. It wouldn't have taken that long, but we talked way too much.

What did we do today? we met Ali and the kids at Sagebrush (or stagebrush as Sara called it) for lunch. After that, Josh went with them and the rest of us did yard work.

Joseph mowed

Kamry blew the leaves

And when Joseph was over it.....

....she mowed for the first time.

My yard looks great. My kids are worn out. And we are going to bed.

Peace, love, and vaccum hoses...Supervisor Whim (notice there is not a picture of me working)

Another interesting day...

I guess I shoulda said, Another interesting 24 hours.

About 24 hours ago I was driving home from work. It was suddenly as if some force had come and sucked every bit of energy out of my body. Shortly there after I arrived home, plopped down on the couch and proceeded to sit there for the next few hours, gradually feeling more and more sick to my stomach. Ali had come over while Brandee was at soccer practice around the corner and I don't think I moved the entire time. Well, by about 11 I was face first in the toilet and can now tell you that lettuce eaten at noon is still in your guts 11 hours later. I think I freaked the boys out. Joseph wouldn't even look at me when I asked him for a wet wash cloth. I laid down and attempted to sleep the gross feeling away only to wake up an hour later with it coming back to visit via the south end. This happened every hour on the hour until about 3 am.

My alarm went off at 8 as Maddi and Kashmir had their vet appointment at 9:30. Joseph got up and went with me. Good thing he did. Those two puppies are a handful. Maddi managed to chuck in her Mommy's car just as they pulled into the parking lot. What didn't get in the seat hit the parking lot. Better luck next time with the timing. Our girls wrestled in the waiting area until they were called back. Joseph picked up Kashmir and we hoped Maddi would follow him down the hall. No such luck. In typical fashion, Miss Maddi not only bowed up at the door, she sprawled out and laid down. It was really funny. Especially when Carol didn't notice right away and she dragged her part of the way down the hall.

The tech took Maddi to be weighed. The verdict...15.4 pounds of pure feisty. She is almost 3 months old, so all in all not too bad. When they gave her the dewormer stuff, they squirted it in her mouth and she handled it like a champ. She sat like a proper little lady (just like her momma would have) and daintily lapped up the yummy yellow liquid. She got her shot and hardly said a word. What a little trooper!!

Then it was Kashmir's turn. Her weight 3 weeks ago, 9.7 pounds. Today's weight, 15.6. So nearly 6 pounds. At this rate she's gonna be a stinkin horse in 3 more months. She too is just like her momma, who can't eat a meal with out getting something on her. When they went to give her the stuff, she got it all over her face. I couldn't see her from where I was sitting, but Carol said she looked like she had been playing in yellow paint. Then came the shot. The little drama queen yelped like a big wuss. Kashmir's bonus prize was a doggie biscuit. Puker Maddi didn't get one as there were chunks of her breakfast nestled deeply between the seat and the console of her momma's car.

Upon checking out and paying our bills, I noticed that my car keys weren't in my purse. Dammit, you have got to be kidding me!!!!!! Two Saturdays in a row??? How is that possible??? I'll tell you how. I am not dumb and like to lock them up for shits and giggles. Both times I was completely distracted. Really! It's true. This not an excuse.

Last weekend Steven was gracious enough to allow me to use their AAA service. He saved my bacon (and some cheddar) last weekend. This weekend, Tammy was home and so Carol ran me up there to get my spare key. So Carol and Tammy saved my bacon (and more cheddar) this weekend.

I think I am going to put my keys on a leash, tie them to my wrist, or quit locking the car.

Carol wanted to go to Kohl's for some spring/summer wear. She left to take Maddi home and we met at the Kohl's in Farragut. We searched the clearance racks and found her some really cute capris and a couple of pairs of pants. She found some cute tops, some of which weren't on the clearance rack. She was searching high and low for a cute/pretty/girly something which she could wear for Easter as well as the other important upcoming events. She found the perfect dress, well almost perfect. She needed a size bigger, they didn't have it that store. But they had it at west town. It is really pretty and she absolutely loves it. I love it on her, but more than that, I loved the look in her eyes when I walked back in the dressing room. Her eyes were literally dancing. It wouldn't have mattered what it looked like, she was thrilled. Actually, at first I didn't notice what she had on. I noticed the look on her face.

I had a really good time hanging with her and best part of the day I will take away is a very simple line I will leave you with....Dang guurrll, you look like a hamburger on a hot dog bun!!!! No offense intended!!!

Love peace and pale pink fi-fops....Shopping Whim

P.S. Alison went to court yesterday. Everything is staying the same for now. The judge set a date for the final hearing on May 30. This is the last date that will be set and whatever decision he comes to then will be final. Say lots of prayers and have lots of good thoughts. I don't even want to think about what will happen if the judge doesn't use his brain on this one.

Love ya much!!!

Well crap, I guess things can only get better????

If you read my last post, then you know that last week was not the best week in the history of the world. You would think that this week would have to be an improvement, or would you???

My lovely babies are on Spring Break this week. I knew it was going to a long week when Monday started with the first of 47 (being sarcastic here) phone calls. What could be so important? Apparently the fact that one child had the audacity to breathe another child's air, or be in the same room, or any number of such offenses was grounds for an immediate call complete with whining. All calls ended the same way. Is anyone bleeding? throwing up? dying? No??? Then I have work to do. Buh-bye.

I learned this week that unless you tell your 14-year-old to tell his 9-year-old sister to get dressed and brush her hair, that you will come home to find her still in her pajamas, hair as big as Diana Ross, and without any shoes on. Did I mention she was outside this way? Yeah, uh huh, she was. This is a true story. No names have been changed to protect the innocent. They are hardly innocent. I wonder sometimes what planet my kids came from. They can be as dumb as a box of rocks sometimes.

I learned this week that the squeaky wheel gets the oil, and that sometimes, the wheel gets promoted and put on a classy car that can really get it where it wants to go. With this lesson came the realization that the old car takes things personally and can get quite bitchy. But, in "squeaky wheel world", the old cars issues are not the squeaky wheels problem. The squeaky wheel has to consider all the possibilities the classy car has to offer. Now the wheel doesn't want to go and do something stupid like throwing off lug nuts that it might need later, but the wheel does have to look out for itself. Now, the wheel has not gotten moved to the classy car yet and there is no time frame along with no guarantees. The offer of the classy car is unofficial at this point and has merely been talked about by the classy car. However, the classy car is very highly thought of and so the chances of it actually going through are quite high. I guess we will have to see how the tread wears and what kind of gas mileage we get.

All will be happy to know that Hootie Bootie (Arissa) was released from Children's late morning on Tuesday. Praise the Lord!! I know that Anne was glad to get home and if nothing else, sleep in a real bed, her bed. We are very thankful that our girl is feeling better and got to come home. As much fun as it can be to have complete control over a bed that moves 62 directions, there is no place like home and your own bed, even if it only has one direction -- flat!

My psycho puppy has a vet appointment on Saturday. Carol and Maddi will be joining us for Maddi's first round of baby shots. This should be fun as the only thing these two puppies like to do when they are together is wrestle and chew. I wonder if Maddi will bow up in the door way like her sister. Kashmir sat her butt down literally in the doorway and refused to walk any further. She had never been to the vet before. How did she know what was waiting for her on the other side of the door??? My mom insists they have a sense about it. I am pretty sure she's right.

Kamry is spending the rest of the week and weekend with her dad. I didn't even have to ask if she wanted to go. She couldn't get packed quick enough. I think she needed to get away from her big brothers and go be the big sister for a little while. I guess it is much easier to boss then to be bossed. Can't say that I blame her.

I am very grateful that tomorrow is Friday. This week has been very trying.

I feel like the only thing I do is get on here and whine about my kids and my awful life. My life isn't awful and neither are my kids (most of the time). Without my babies, my life would be boring and I wouldn't have anything to write about. Life is good. It is what you make of it. I choose to make mischief and drama. Just playing. Every one that I know can always use a little more peace, a lot more time, and a little extra cash in the bank wouldn't hurt either.

The Chain Gang at the Aquarium

Please keep my friend, Alison, in your thoughts and prayers. She goes back to court tomorrow about the kids. Nothing is guaranteed and anything can happen. Pray that the judge uses the logical and compassionate parts of his brain and gives the kids what they need most. The love and stability of Alison. She is a shining example of nurture over nature. Biology does not make a parent, DNA does not bind a family. A true parent loves their kids enough to do what is right and realize its about the kids, not the adult.

I need to go to bed. I have phone calls to receive, oil to be applied, and prayers to say tomorrow.
Thanks for tuning in again.

Peace, love, and classy cars.....Squeaky Whim