Sep. 19, 2008 - Car Shopping Humor

Since our van went kaput on the way home from vacation, we have been considering selling it.  Honestly, it's not the first time.  But it is the first time we've even somewhat seriously started looking to see what was out there. 

Since we've had it we've:

*put a new engine in it (Thankfully, it was AFTER we returned from Colorado on vacation)

* had a major computer piece go out (read big $$$)

*brake job $500

* radiator nearly $700

*new key (not a remote key, just the key) $150

*Still needs a driver side window regulator at least $500.

Memories ... expensive memories, like the corners of my mind... misty water colored memories of the van that was... (those of you under 40 probably wont remember that song...do you hear the sarcasm??) 

Okay, so I'm looking on craigslist, the KC newspaper, etc.  Shane wanted me to take it to carmax to see what they would offer... it's not even worth mentioning --it let's just say the radiator alone cost nearly what they offered.   And for what we've put in it we could have had a nearly new van...

So here's what I've found so far:

* A 1996 Ford 15 passenger van for $3000-- without any seats or even seatbelts, but it was listed as a passenger van. (No, not my first choice but low miles and cheap.)

*A BMW that cost more than our house.  ( I forgot to put the search parameter of "van" in the proper box)

and I found a lady looking for someone to give her a vehicle because she's letting her teenage girls run her life.  I wanted to email her and ask her who the momma was and why she is letting them "leave her without a vehicle" and why SHE is paying their insurance etc.  But I didn't want to cross the line.  I got so many nosey emails when I was listing our doggy a while back from the PETA lovers that I wouldn't want to do that to anyone. 

I'm thinking a horse and wagon sounds good about now... we could haul anyone anywhere, with anything in the wagon.  Feed for the horse has to be less than $3.50 a gallon, although going to the city would end up being an all day affair.  ETA's for a horse and wagon are a little bit longer than for a vehicle with an actual motor.  Hey, maybe we could rent a car and driver when we had to go to the city like the Amish do... it's a thought.  Wonder what Shane would think of that????? 

Shane said the problem with the horse and wagon is the exhaust. 

Sep. 19, 2008 - My Funny Boys

Little Bit comes out today and says to Bubba:

I tried keeping my eyes open as long as I could last night.

Bubba:

It hurt didn't it?

Me:

You've done it? Is that how you know?

Bubba:

Yes

Me:

LOLOLOLOLOL!!!!!!!!!!! 

Funny boys! Now I really HAVE  to go make breakfast and get in the shower.

Why is it that I either don't post at all or post several in a days time?  I guess that's the way I am... an all or nothing call of gal.

Have a blessed day!

Sep. 19, 2008 - Birthday Boy!

Bubba is 9!  His birthday was yesterday.  It's hard to believe that my baby--yes he's the only child we've had from birth, is 9!  

We tend to have unusual requests for dessert at birthdays.  Most children want a cake for their birthday.  Not ours.  This year Bubba wanted Toffee bars.  This is a treat I normally make at Christmas time.  So easy.  Graham crackers,  melted brown sugar and butter, baked for a few minutes and sprinkled with choco chips that you spread after their melty. I also convinced him we needed something to put candles in, and he said he's heard Banana Creme pie is good.  After probing I found out that the creatures on one of the "Jungle Jam" cd's said it was good... we need to get out more...

 In years past I've made Key Lime Pie (yes, I peeled all the tiny key limes and won't do it again), Zucchinin Cobbler, tastes like apple, and pumpkin pie among other interesting desserts.  One year when he was 3 (I think) Shane's Grandma made him a cake that looked like a vacuum cleaner.  Yes, you read that right... and it was green.  He LOVED it.  Of course this is the child that used to get excited when he's see the big yellow mop bucket at Walmart and the "wet floor" sign.  He still likes to clean... but doesn't care much for picking up his dirty clothes off the floor. 

With the Chaos of vacation, and general craziness, we didn't get his gift ordered in time, so we paid UPS 2 day delivery and are opening gifts tonight.  Although he did open his cards last night.   We ordered an ESV hardback with a concordance.  He wanted a Bible with a concordance and hardbacks seem to last longer.  They offered imprinting for another $5.  He'll think that's neat.  The children got him some legos.  And we may end up at LJS for "Talk Like a Pirate day" for dinner tonight matey... not sure yet. 

Sep. 8, 2008 - Home Again Home Again

Jiggity Jig.  We did not buy a fat pig, but we sure could buy a huge one with the expense of the car repair,the hotel, dinner, etc.  Our van is now in Columbia, MO at the Mazda dealer and we drove home some fancy smancy gas guzzling GMC SUV.  Tommorrow, I get to call and make sure the new radiator made it and the children and I turn around and spend several hours in the car driving to Columbia and home again. 

God was so very good to us during this entire ordeal.  We were protected in so many little ways.  There was a nice little restaurant for us to have dinner at last night, and the room was nice and clean.  We didn't have to walk on the Interstate at all.  Shane called AAA and usually they don't allow 2 tows for the same incident, but since this happened on a Sunday, and there was no way for anyone to know if said shop could fix it, they allowed it.  That saved us about $250.00.  We also needed a new key as we cannot find Shane's anywhere (suspect SC's decided to hide it, maybe even in the trash can).  The key was gonna cost $150 to replace (that's not even for a remote key) It's  some saftey feature to keep theives from stealing our van, so in their kindness the Mazda dealership in Columbia is only going to charge us $50 to make the key.  So in a round about way, this saved us $100.  Makes me feel better to think about it this way anyway. 

Shane and the boys rode with the tow truck to Columbia this morning, and was able to rent the SUV when we knew they weren't going to be able to fix the van today.  Princess, Sweet Cheeks and I waited at the nearby McD's for a few hours.  We got drinks, then lunch, then while SC's took a little nap, Princess and I got Sundae's.  I was so thankful when Shane called and said he was 10 minutes away.  I was actually afraid I would cry, but I didn't.  Home is good.   

Sep. 7, 2008 - The Best Laid Plans...

We started home this afternoon after church and a quick trip to Trader Joe's for groceries for next week.  We made it about an hour down the road and the car overheated.  We stopped, bought some antifreeze put it in.  It seemed to do the trick and off we went... only to go another mile and the guage started going up again.  So we pulled over.  Put some more water in and it steamed itself out. Time to call AAA.  We are so thankful for our membership, so at least we won't have to pay for the tow.  Fortunately, we were less than a mile from New Florence, MO and a  nearly new Days Inn, called "The Bear Lodge"   The car was in spitting distance of the tow company and a shop.  Thankfully, we were able to walk across a mowed yard, onto a road from the interstate.  We even passed the tow truck office and a little car repair shop on that road, and are less than a 1/2 mile from them.  We are praying that the little shop here will have the ability to work on our Mazda van.  Especially since it seems like every part we need involves a trip to the dealer. 

We have made the necessary calls and to parents, friends, bosses and even one of Shane's clients.   There is a cafe nearby that the tow driver recommended, so we'll have dinner there.  He was kind enough to carry Shane and our luggage to the hotel for us.  

I must say that it would certainly have been easier for this to have happened while we were in St. Louis, but God is good and His plan is perfect.  Shane can do some work from the hotel and hopefully we'll be back on the road tomorrow. 

And they have popcorn in the lobby in the evenings and a great sounding continental breakfast in the morning... so it can't be all bad. 

Hopefully, it will be as simple as the thermostat and not the water pump or head gasket...

Sep. 6, 2008 - Our Wonderful Vacation

This year we thought we'd stay close to home.  Our plan was to visit St. Louis, MO 2 years ago; however, some of you may remember that we were waiting for a very important phone call so Shane could travel to Liberia and bring home Sweet Cheeks.  Last year was Boston, so we thought we'd try St. Louis again this year. 

We've had a great time.  This is the day we pack up and head west toward Kansas City.  I thought since I have high speed, I would work on my entry here, in the hotel, so it wouldn't take me hours to share my pics with you. 

We started out visiting the St. Louis Art Museum on Saturday, and then the Museum of Transportation.  We saw everything from Monet

to Egyptian mummies

at the Art Museum and trains, trains and more trains with some pretty cool cars thrown in at the Transportation museum.  What fun, and they even gave Shane and I the teacher "discount" (in other words, we got in free). 

Sunday we visited a family integrated church and meeting one of the first blogging buddies I ever had (nearly 3 years ago now).  What a neat family.  We had a wonderful time with them after church on Sunday. We went to McD's so the children could play and we could visit-- I think we were there 2 or 3 hours.   We visited their new little home Monday morning for a brief stop, and then Friday they met us at the Magic House and we spent the day with everyone except Christi's dear hubby. 

(Christi playing with SC--she's got the baby itch, can ya tell? )

They children all got along well and played well together.  And we have new IRL friends!  We also went to one of my favorite grocery stores... I'm hoping for one in KC soon. 

So Monday we did Grant's Farm

and Incredible Pizza on Monday, along with Shane taking the older 3 swimming while Sweet Cheeks napped.  Tuesday we went to the Zoo, we saw the baby tigers, a baby zebra and a baby giraffe.  My favorite was the penguin house. 

 Princess, Little Bit and I all got splashed.  Wednesday we stopped by the Bott Radio Network station and I got to meet most of the people that I've heard Shane talk about including one of the sales reps that prayed faithfully for Sweet Cheeks as we worked to bring her home nearly 2 years ago.  Then we went to a really cool place.  It's called the City Museum.   The man that owns the place has recycled all these really cool things from the city and built climbing places, slides, mosaics, and even a very small tunnel under the floor.  This place is several floors tall, and they even have a 10 story high slide in one room, along with caves and in one room  you could walk through the belly of a "big fish"  Yes, I ventured in the tunnel, (If I had only seen that sign, I NEVER would have tried it).  When I got to the end I wasn't sure I'd make it through that tiny hole to get out, yikes!   Bubba went running to Shane and told him I was stuck!  No, I wasn't actually stuck yet, I just thought I might get that way--lol!  I also crawled into the tubes in the ceiling.  Not sure my knees will ever be the same.  Sweet cheeks had a ball.  She must have slid down the roller slide 20 times. (yes, we did this all in our dresses--If we had only known, this is one place we would have been more modest in pants!)

 And climbed and crawled.  We didn't get to go outside because this was the only day it rained, but we had plenty to do inside.  (Note to self, wear pants and old, old clothes next time.)  There was an art section, and we painted, sculpted and glued for nearly an hour.   This place is indescribable, if you ever get to St. Louis, it is well worth spending the day and the money. 

Friday, Magic house and Union station

(Not the best pic of me, but with electric hair in my face what can one expect?)

Saturday we went to the Lewis and Clark Historic Site and out to the locks.  We got a great tour and saw a nice cruiser and a tug with a barge go through while on the tour. 

I may add more pictures later, we actually have 2 digital cameras (got the 2nd for Shane to take to Liberia and it's smalller, so I may add more pics later.)

This morning, we're trying a different family integrated church.  By Trader Joe's after for next week's groceries and then home again, home again. 

Aug. 24, 2008 - Pictures from Worlds of Fun

I had a dumb moment-- actually several of them lately.  I haven't been able to upload pictures for some time now.  I thought HSB was having issues again, even though I haven't had any issues with them for a long time.  Well, it wasn't HSB-- it was ME!  I have been trying to add pictures using the link editor instead of the picture editor.  (is that even the right term?  Hopefully ya'll know what I mean).  So I have pictures from our day at WOF. 

You have to see this face.  Bubba had the time of his life that day....

This is what he looked like, all day long.

The Boomerang... this one pulls you up slowly and then you drop like on a roller coaster, around and upside down a couple of times and up the other side... then you do it again... backwards. 

Wanting to ride the Patriot, but less than an inch too short.

Shane and Bubba on the Mamba.  A 256 Ft. drop.  I couldn't watch them after this point.  This is what I watched instead

Isn't she cute???????

Shane, Bubba and Princess on the Detonator.  This thing goes up and down and up and down a little at a time, and then wheeee all the way up!  And back down... no thanks!

I like Little Bit's speed better

His favorite ride, the Red Barron planes.

The Fury of the Nile that ate Little Bit's shoe.

Aug. 22, 2008 - Funnies Between Bubba and Sweet Cheeks and Victoria Secrets

This afternoon, I was taking the children into town so they could spend the night with Shane's parents.  Bubba was making commentary along the way to Sweet Cheeks... it was very comical to listen in...

Sweet Cheeks, that is McDonalds,  they have good food.  Okay?

Yesssh 

Sweet cheeks, that is Quick Trip, that is where you get gas Okay?

Yesssh

Sweet Cheeks that is Prisicilla's (along the lines of Fredricks of Hollywood, from what I understand) and that place is EVIL you don't ever want to go in there.  You won't ever go in there right? 

Yessssh

Don't go into Victoria Secrets either, they show their Secrets, okay? 

Yesssh

Obviously, he didn't see my recent post on my recent purchase at VS. 

Mom:  Bubba, there is nothing wrong in and of itself with Victoria Secrets.  I'm don't like their window displays.  Remember, Mommy just went and got some undergarments there.  

Oh Mooooom, yuck... You mean it's okay for married people? 

Yes, Honey, I know it's hard to understand, but you will want your wife to shop there some day...

Moooom, I will NOT!  You mean I'm gonna WANT to see my wife in her BRA?????????? No way!

Yes honey, trust me, someday you will understand and you won't have a problem with it. 

That ended the running commentary to SC about what business did what...

Aug. 15, 2008 - What a Way to Spend an Anniversary!!!

As usual, I am behind a day or two in matters of extreme importance....

Yesterday Shane and I celebrated 14 years of marital bliss.  I truly cannot believe that it has been this long, it seems like just yesterday we were sitting on "our" swing at college talking about our future together, and now here we are, in the future.  And having a wonderful time of it. 

When I think of my past, my parents 3 divorces each, and what the world says should have happened to me, I sit with tears in my eyes.  

 I think about how wonderful my dearest is.  The chance he took on me, being a fairly new believer, (I think I was about 3 when we married) with the track record I held.  With my past life in the world.  And yet he accepted me for who I was and has helped me grow into the person I am today.

He is  an incredible husband and father.  I do not even come close to deserving him and was given abundant grace by the Heavenly Father when he so chose to bless me with such a man. 

Sweetheart, you are the LOVE of my life!  And I thank God for the blessing you are to me!

Now, I can tell you how we celebrated.  We went to World of Fun.  (We will get a night to ourselves next weekend when Shane's parents will have the children). 

Every year this time, Shane takes a  vacation day off work for a family day.  In years past, we've gone to the state fair, and have actually been there at least once on our anniversary.  Honestly, I have been a bit disappointed that we were going to miss the state fair and have been complaining a bit about it a bit.  But a great time was had by all at WOF and I was even the one encouraging Shane to stay until closing... esp. since who knows when we'll go back again. ( We were there before the gates opened, so we had a full day of it).

 I can't find my card reader right now, so pictures will have to be forthcoming...

 Yesterday morning was a bit rainy, but it slowed down and the temperature was perfect.  Didn't even have to wear the clear zinc oxide.  And didn't have to wait to long in any line either.  We ordered tickets online-- they have an  deal where you get your entry and an all you can eat meal for less than a regular admission ticket.  The food was good, and we were starving by the time 3:00 rolled around.  Fried Chicken, BBQ, hot dogs, baked beans, potato salad, chips and chocolate chip cookies.  Drink included. 

Bubba and Shane even rode the Mamba, one of the tallest roller coasters in the world (I think it's highest drop is 256 ft.)  You can see it for miles before you actually get to the exit for the park.   He was 1" to short for a few of the rides and was disappointed to not be able to ride the Patriot.  He rode every other roller coaster, including the kiddie one.  For now,  I'll just have to tell you about the huge, goofy grin on his face the entire day. Imagine teeth-- everywhere.  Even when they were pulling the cars up to the top of the boomerang to come down and twist around.  Even as the boomerang was coming down at an alarminly fast rate of speed... probably even when he was on the Mamba, but I wasn't there, so I don't know!   

I am not real crazy about the roller coasters.  It's not the upside down, or even backwards that bothers me.  It's climbing upwards slowly, slowly and then the DROP! and down, down, down.  Yikes!  I did ride the Timberwolf and one of my favorites was the Zulu.  I even liked the Spinning Dragons.  And I told Shane that if he wanted to, I would ride the Patriot with him.  (Bubba was too short, by that measly old inch and Princess had no desire to ride it) But he chickened out hehehe!!!

 Sweetcheeks enjoyed everything she was big enough to ride including the Scrambler, the Octopus, and the kiddy roller coaster.  I have a feeling that her and Bubba will be riding budies in the future   She was hollering and waving at Princess and LB as we were riding the Octopus and she was beside herself when she didn't think she was going to get to ride the Ford Fairlane again.  "Agin Daddy" "ride, Daddy" "Agin, agin" was most of her vocabulary yesterday. 

Princess enjoyed the "danger" rides to a degree, but once was enough for her on most of them.  She rode the Zulu with me, and the Detonator with Bubba and Shane.  But says her favorite was the Scrambler.  That's always been one of my favorites too.  An oldy but goody I call it. 

Little Bit had a great time, he rode the big rides, but was perfectly content riding the airplanes in the kiddie area.  The excitement of the day came when everyone but me and SC, she was too small and I was fairly dry and wanted to stay that way, rode the  Fury of the Nile for the 2nd time. 

We were waiting at the observation area and saw them go by having a great time.  When they got off, here comes LB with only one shoe.  The Nile ate it!!!  It fell off as he was getting out of the raft.   He was not very happy, but he accepted it and went on.  No big fits, no lashing out.  I am so very proud of him and the improvments he's made.  Later, we found an employee and asked him how often someone looses something in there and he said "daily"  I think that eased his mind and he went on to enjoy the rest of the day.   Unfortunately, it was the new pair of Nikes that I had just bought him, but thank goodness it was a pair I had picked up at the thrift store for a couple of bucks.  But he really did like them!  (do any of you really think I'd spend a bucketload of money for a brand new pair of Nikes?) Thankfully it wasn't Bubba's glasses or Shane's or a watch, wedding band, or anything else more valuable. 

As we were getting ready for bed, Shane commented to me that celebrating our anniversary with our family was a great way to remember our 14 years together, and I agree. 

Jul. 26, 2008 - How to Lose Your "Daddy Card"

Shane and I used the "daddy card" "mommy card" trump fairly often to help remind the children who the parent's are.  Usually it is called into play  when one of the children is acting like the parent.   But tonight Shane almost lost his card.  I recently told you about the "get to" game Shane and Sweet Cheeks play each night when Shane puts her to bed. 

Apparently, part of the game includes SC running into Princess's room for one last kiss from her too.  And Shane is supposed to tell her to get out and then chase her down the hall.  Well tonight Shane decided to play it differently and went past Princess's room to see what SC would do.  She yelled "DADDY! NO"  Shane obviously did the wrong thing... so he decided that he'd better fix it.  Back down the hallway calling SC to get out of Princess's room...

Whew! That was close.

Jul. 24, 2008 - Funnies

Sweet cheeks is getting so funny.  Tonight Shane was talking to her about stuff.  You know planting those future seeds... and she says "hehehe, you  funny daddy" 

Every night at bed time she starts down the hall and stops halfway and says to daddy "I gonna get to" I gonna get to"  she wants Daddy to get her. 

Anytime I talk to Shane during the day and she's close by, she says "HI DAAAAAADY" "HI DAAAAAADY" 

She has also discovered water from the toilet, but I didn't feel so bad because up until now, she's only stuck her hand in.   Apparently Shane used to brush his teeth with toilet water when he was little-- yuck! 

Now the not so funny, she just dumped the dogs water... where's the mop??

Jul. 22, 2008 - Messenger of God

Little Bit's name means "messenger of God"  Yesterday afternoon the  neighbor boy that speaks to us wanted to come play.  He hadn't been over in a while.  Usually, he comes later in the afternoon, and stays for about an hour, until Shane gets home.   A few minutes later, LB comes in for his Bible and says he's going to tell "boy" about God. 

At the dinner table, the discussion is all about how this boy doesn't know anything about Jesus.  And how LB was "preaching" to him. 

Guess the conference rubbed off and God is raising LB up to his namesake...

Jul. 14, 2008 - Homemade Windshield Washer Fluid

This was posted in a Mother and Child Reunion area wide paper a while back.  It's easy and cheap to make.   I also make my own diaper wipes too-- much less expensive than store bought. 

3 Cups Isopropyl alcohol

1 Tablespoon liquid detergent (I use my dishwashing soap)

10 cups water

Pour all the ingredients into a clean, gallon size plastic jug. (we've kept the last store bought container for fluid, it has a childproof lid and is marked appropriately)  And shake.  You can also add a couple drops of blue food coloring if you want. 

Jul. 14, 2008 - Leaving on a Jet Plane...

It's been a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day and I'm running away to Branson for the week.    Is my nose growin yet?  Yes, it has been a Monday around here.  And yes, I'm going to Branson.  But I'm not runnin awayon a jet plane. 

First thing this morning, the dental school calls to schedule Little Bit's first appointment for to work on his mouth for his next surgery.  When I couldn't drop everything at the drop of a hat and come in when she wanted to schedule me, tommorrow, btw, she lit into me!!!!  I wish we had another choice, but no ortho that takes medicaid will work with a cleft-palate.  I spent the better part of the morning calling any ortho I could find that would.  So a) we either suck up and deal with the UMKC dental school, or b) we pay out of pocket. Since we don't have rich relatives that have left us a million anywhere, we'll suffer with UMKC and hope their service is better. 

Tomorrow morning, we leave for the Answers in Genesis Worldview Family conference.  The lineup includes Voddie Bauchum, Ken Ham, Carl Kirby and Doug Phillips.  Buddy Davis is also going to be doing a children's workshop-- oh how fun for our boys.  We're hoping to meet up with a couple of the Patriarch Wives families and my Above Rubies friend Paula and her family.  The nice thing about this is that they have scheduled time in between to be able to see some shows.  So thanks to Bott, we have tickets to Noah, Acrobats of China, and a couple others.  On the way back we hope to hit our favorite MO used bookstore in Springfield. 

If you happen to be there, email me so we can meet... I'll have my new handy, dandly laptop with me.  And if you aren't there, I might give updates along the way of the highlights. 

Have a wonderful week!

Jul. 8, 2008 - Pictures!

I've figured out Nero's photo program well enough to get some pictures up. First Bubba's baptism. 

Then, the family gathering.  Yep, we're all related by blood, adoption or marriage.

Do you want the run down?  (Lto R, back row) Shane's brother Aaron, his wife Karie, Dad,  Mom, Princess, Aunt Rachel, Sweet Cheeks, Shane, brother Barron, (Lto R front row) cousin Philip, sister Haley, Bubba, Little Bit, me and lastly, the newest addition, brother Joshua.

And now the 4-H cakes

Princess and her Ladybug

And now for the grand finale... hold your applause please .

The Castle Cake

This cake is just under the 13" tall requirement...

Jul. 7, 2008 - They're Done!

Whew! We were able to get BOTH cakes finished today.  I can't believe that we started Bubba's cake over yesterday and it's done today. 

Let me tell ya, I wanted to quit.  But Bubba was the one hangin in there.  He must have spent at least 6 or 7 hours in the kitchen between yesterday and today.  And he worked!  I helped him a little showing him how to roll the fondont, or getting the coloring added, or coaching him as to were to put the stars, but this cake is his cake!  However, it did take all three of us (me, him and Daddy) to get the white fondont layed over the form for the castle yesterday.  Hey, even the Iron Chef has helpers   At one point I even called Shane and told him we were going to have to do something different because things just weren't going well.  But Bubba perservered and we figured out the problem and continued. 

His stars aren't all uniform in size, his fondont isn't perfectly smooth, but it's his work, and I'm so proud of him!  If they gave awards for effort he'd definately qualify for 1st place.  Yes, I have pictures, but it's late, so I'll try to find the time tomorrow to post them. 

Princess's Ladybug cake turned out very cute.  She has blue eyes and big brown dots on her back. 

Both cakes are boxed and waiting to be delivered to the site of the fair in Blue Springs, MO on Wednesday afternoon. 

Have I told ya lately that I have some of the greatest kiddos God ever made?

Jul. 7, 2008 - They're Done!

Whew! We were able to get BOTH cakes finished today.  I can't believe that we started Bubba's cake over yesterday and it's done today. 

Let me tell ya, I wanted to quit.  But Bubba was the one hangin in there.  He must have spent at least 6 or 7 hours in the kitchen between yesterday and today.  And he worked!  I helped him a little showing him how to roll the fondont, or getting the coloring added, or coaching him as to were to put the stars, but this cake is his cake!  However, it did take all three of us (me, him and Daddy) to get the white fondont layed over the form for the castle yesterday.  Hey, even the Iron Chef has helpers   At one point I even called Shane and told him we were going to have to do something different because things just weren't going well.  But Bubba perservered and we figured out the problem and continued. 

His stars aren't all uniform in size, his fondont isn't perfectly smooth, but it's his work, and I'm so proud of him!  If they gave awards for effort he'd definately qualify for 1st place.  Yes, I have pictures, but it's late, so I'll try to find the time tomorrow to post them. 

Princess's Ladybug cake turned out very cute.  She has blue eyes and big brown dots on her back. 

Both cakes are boxed and waiting to be delivered to the site of the fair in Blue Springs, MO on Wednesday afternoon. 

Have I told ya lately that I have some of the greatest kiddos God ever made?

Jul. 6, 2008 - Cool 4th of July Celebration / Bubba was Baptized / 4-H Cakes

Bubba was baptized Friday at our 4th of July Celebration!!!!!  I hope to add a pic later, but I'm on my new laptop (Yippee!!!)  and I've got to get familiar with the basic's first.   It's been a while since I've had a laptop...  

We stayed up late Thursday night talking to Bubba about being baptized.  The first time he came to us was over a year ago, and he just wasn't ready.  A few weeks ago, he brought it up again, but then kept putting it off.  Thursday, his day wasn't going so well, much like several in the last few weeks.   I told him point blank that I thought it had to do with his refusal to obey God's calling him to baptism.  So near bedtime Bubba decided to talk to us.  Let me tell ya, there were several times I thought we'd be filling up the bathtub, because I wasn't sure he'd want to wait. (See the baptismal account of the Ethiopian Unich and the Phillipian jailer for his reason).  But he just wasn't sure.  Finally, he decided to go to bed and see if he could sleep.  2 minutes later he came out.  Shane prayed with him and sent him back.  About 10 minutes later he came out again.  Shane was out doing some chores, so I told him I'd send him back when he got in.  By the time Shane got back there, he was asleep.  So the last thing  Shane told him before bed was that if he decided he wanted to be baptized on Friday, that he needed to tell Daddy early enough in the day, so the water in the kiddie pool would be warm.  It was almost the first thing out of his mouth Friday morning. 

The entire day was so much fun and very cool!  Everyone was here by about 12:30 and the children started setting of daytime fireworks... then, we had our annual presentations of patriotic, or historic nature.  One family colored several different flags that our nation has had, and explained them.  Bubba and I read "The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere" and Princess told everyone what was wrong with it.  Shane's little sister and little brother clogged for us, they even clogged to "Rocky Top" for me.  Shane won a copy of the Politically Incorrect Guide to the History of the South from his oldest younger brother.  And we even learned about Zachary Taylor from another of our younger friends.  

The finale was Shane's next to oldest younger brother played the Army song on the keyboard while our friend got her husband now at Ft. Benning, GA on the phone!  It was a God thing because Tim has never gotten a signal in the barracks!   We finished by singing the Star Spangled Banner and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance  with Tim still on the phone. I almost cried.  He even called us the next morning to tell us how much he enjoyed being able to be with us a few minutes on the 4th, and how touched he was that Shane's BIL had played the army song for him.  He also told us they were feeding him well and that he's eaten steak 3 times in nearly 3 weeks-- so that's were are tax dollars are going   I can't think of a more noble cause than to those who sacrifice so we can live in a free country. 

We had to start Bubba's castle cake for 4-H over this afternoon... it was too wide by about 1 inch.  But we got everything done on the cakes that I wanted to today.  Princess's cake now has a "face"Tomorrow is royal icing day, and hopefully we'll finish them so they can set a couple of days before we take them in on Wednesday.  If we have to, we can take them Thursday, but between you and me, I'd rather be done with them. 

Jul. 4, 2008 - Happy Birthday America!!!!!!

Yes, I know it's not technically the exact day that the Declaration of Independence was signed, but it is the day we celebrate that important day in history, so

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!!!!!!

We will be celebrating in our usual way.  Shane has been smoking ribs for several weekends, and the chicken goes on this morning, we have baked beans ready for the crock pot.  (My Dad bought Shane a new, bigger smoker when he was here a couple of weeks ago, so next year, he'll only smoke once-- Thanks Dad!)  We have several families that join us and bring the sides, watermelon, corn on the cob, home made ice cream, just to name a few.  I make lemonade.  We shoot off various fireworks... daytime and nighttime... no not anything huge, but the children love it anyway.We have a 3 person water balloon launcher (from Vision Forum) that is VERY fun!!!! Etc, etc. etc. 

And we have a patriotic presentation in honor of the freedom's we have and of our country's birthday. 

This has evolved over the years.  I believe the first year involved nothing more than the reading of a Peter Marshall prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.  Every year it has grown.  This year it may prove to be the best yet!  Bubba and I are going to read "The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere" Princess is going to tell everyone what is inaccurate about the poem.  Shane is going to be reading excepts from several founding documents... from a great book we found at a used bookstore in Springfield, MO last year (Our Nation's Archives) in case anyone's interested.  Shane's brother is playing several piano pieces, including the Army's theme, in honor of our dear friend, Tim.  He just reinlisted and left 1 1/2 weeks ago, leaving his wife and daughter's here while he faces the heat of Fort Benning, GA this summer.  (shshshsh... it's a secret, but she also found out last week that she's pregnant... she miscarries easily, so please pray for her.  Her name is Donna).   I'm also planning on playing "God Bless America" on the dulcimer, but I haven't had it out in a while, so I'm a little rusty... one of our friends sons, picked out a former President to talk about.  He chose Zachary Taylor (can you guess what this child's first name is?) and another young lady is going to tell us about Bess Truman.  

This year, there may be an added bonus.  Bubba has been thinking about being baptized.  Yes, Jesus is his Savior, but we feel this is a very important step in obedience and are very excited.  He has been thinking about it for over a year now.  But has not seemed to be quite ready.  We were up very late last night discussing with him.  And he is ready now, when he decides that his answer is yes.  He really wanted to go ahead last night, but decided to wait until today when Grandma and Grandpa would be here.  All Bubba has to do is tell Daddy and Shane will fill the little pool we have this morning so he can be batized this afternoon in warm water. 

Hey, if you're in the area... come on down!  The more the merrier!  If you can't make it this way (hehe)  then have a wonderful day whereever you are...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!!!!!!

Jul. 4, 2008 - The Liberal Dog

Some of you may remember a couple of years ago, not long before Sweet Cheeks came home from Liberia, we brought home this cute little Chinese Crested Powderpuff. 

(Imagine cute little fuzzy red and white ball of puff, with beautiful curly headed girl here) Apparently HSB won't let me insert the pic right now :(

From the very beginning, this dog didn't fit into our family.  He barked incessently, we were told he didn't bark at all.  He was very cat-like in his ways.  He hid out under my desk for 2 weeks, and wouldn't hardly eat.  He didn't like men, or even our boys very much for a while, and they were never his favorite.  We were told he had several playmates at his previous home. He absolutely dispised our choco lab, Ben.  We thought it was a name complex ("Papersack" for such a cute little dog was a very stupid name in my opinion).  We renamed him Sherman and waited for him to adjust, when he left our home several weeks ago, we were STILL waiting for him to adjust. 

The people that came for him actually "rescued" Chinese Crested's.  It was a sad day... Princess and I both cried.  I had not given him up before because we "knew" how hard it would be for him, etc. 

The husband walked in our door wearing a very offensive T-shirt.  It was a play on the movie "The Fockers" (which I know nothing about) and had a pic of several conservative leaders, including President Bush and C. Rice, Dick Cheney, etc.  So, they thought he was cute, could find him a new home, and all that jazz and away he went with them.  (me thinking what in the world have I just done to the poor dog). 

So later in the evening, she calls and says he's doing wonderful!  He's playing with the other dogs, he's eating, he just adores_______ (insert husband's name here, I can't remember it).   I week or so later, I emailed, mainly because I couldn't believe my ears when she had called saying how well he was doing.  In her email, she said that they had decided to keep him.  "Sherman would follow John (that's his name) anywhere!"  "He adores him" And on and on about how well Sherman was doing...

We decided that Sherman must have been a liberal trapped in a conservative home!  And we are all happier. 

BTW, just about a week after Sherman left, we found our new little silver poodle.  He is 8 months old now, and he fits our family perfectly.  He LOVES to play with Ben, and gets along well with all of us.  We named him Ashur.  Princess says we only need 10 more to have the 12 tribes--- hahahaha!!!!!!!