Baby Bluebirds

The kids have been watching the growth of some baby bluebirds. Drum took these pictures.

Dot's Drama Camp

Dot enjoyed a week at Drama Camp. They had their first performance last night and their last one is this morning. They are performing for a mission center today. She thoroughly enjoyed the days and loved the new songs. She got to help out with the white in the color song and enjoyed her parts. She participated with two of her friends. She is to the right of the speaker under the "of" on stage. We all enjoyed their performance. Great Job, Dot!!!

Dessert's New Smile

Dessert had dental work done last Monday. He is the proud owner of 8 "silver teeth" and is sporting a missing front tooth that had been gray. His other teeth look so much better and we are so glad to have this job behind us. We had to be at the sugical center by 5:15 am so it was an early morning for Dunk, Daisy, and Dessert. Papa K. joined us and went in with Dessert. It was relaxing to know Papa was keeping an eye on him. His mouth is recoving nicely although he enjoyed being told to eat a popsicle. :-)

Duke Rides Again!!

Duke has had a blast riding the mini-bike. His waking thoughts are on getting his reading done so he can ride.

Mini-bike Excitement

Dunk got the little mini-bike working!!!! The kids faces when he came driving out from the pole-barn were worth any effort to get that thing going. Duke was so excited I think he was jumping 10 ft for every step he took to the house to get his shoes so he could ride. They have spent every minute they can riding it. It has been great motivation to get their reading and chores done in the morning so they can ride. I love it. I forgot to download the pictures from the camera so I will have to post a picture later.

Dunk is working getting the last leak fixed in the mud-room. Hopefully that means he can get the insulation done and inspected next week while he is still home and then the next step will be sheetrock. Someday..... :-)

I had a bad day on Tues or Wed - can't remember and don't want to figure it out - with morning sickness. I sure am glad I'm not bad most days!! My poor family has been struggling with a Mom with Baby Brain. Today I rushed Dunk, Drum, and Deer to an appointment only to have them get there and discover it is next week Thurs. I went to get eggs and milk the other day and forgot to get the eggs (despite Dunk calling while I was there and reminding me about milk & eggs)!! This week I also rented a couple movies while in town and then left them behind. I didn't realize it until the clerk called to let me know the movies were still there. I am praying for grace for my family.

Dot is gearing up for a busy few weeks and she and I are looking forward to some shopping this weekend. She has a busy Fri and Sat and then next week she is off to Drama camp. We spend the following weekend at the cabin and then we are home two days before she leaves with Papa and Gramma for a week. She's a little nervous but excited as well.

I can't believe how fast the summer is flying by!!! I wish someone could grab my heels and slow me down. On the other hand I am looking forward to the end of summer as it will probably be the end of morning sickness as well. A Cool Thought!! One that is tempered with the thought of the approaching school year - O brother... :-)

Dunk's Super Suit!

Honey?
Where's My Super Suit?!
What?
Where IS my SUPER SUIT?!
Why do you need to know?
I need it!
Oh, no you don't....!
But, we're talkin' about the greater good!
I am your wife!! I am the greatest good you are ever
gonna get!!!! ~Frozone from 'The Incredibles' ~










Dunk did get a super suit given to him while at Dirt Bike School from a fellow student. We all enjoyed teasing him about it but he did look better in it when sitting on a dirt bike. :-)
We are so glad to have him home!!

Tidbits

Dessert has really enjoyed Sign Language Lessons this year because that is the day his friend comes over to play for the afternoon. They are very busy and her mom says sometimes by the time she gets home she will ask for oatmeal for supper and then to please go to bed. :-) She brought her trike over this summer and they took turns riding it and giving rides. Fun memories....

Dunk is doing well at Dirt Bike School. He has met some interesting people and is enjoying the learning process. He said they are really working to make them into good teachers - not just someone who can tell or show the basics but someone who is good at being a teacher - been very interesting.

We enjoyed our local parade last night. I would post a picture of the kids handing out Gma's pushcards and saying, "Please vote for my Grandma!" but Dunk has the camera. :-) Gma W did take some pictures for us. :-) Dot ended up helping our churches VBS float and passing out fliers. From what we heard, her Grandma trained her in well on working a parade. :-) The kids enjoyed the bands from a new perspective after having played instruments the past year. I'm finding out where Dunk gets his ability to make on the spot connections with people. I couldn't believe how many times Papa W had just the right comment to make to a parade participant to earn him a smile, wave, laugh, or comment. We even got some candy thrown at us old folks. :-) Another Fun Memory!!

Baptism, Book Reading, Endorsement

BAPTISM
Today Drum was baptized at church. He did very well. You could tell he thought the water was cold. :-) He is really maturing. Congratulations, Drum, we are so proud of you.

BOOK READING
I've been reading: The Discovery of Genesis: How the Truths of Genesis Were Found Hidden in the Chinese Language. It has been an interesting book about the Chinese language. "China boasts of 4, 500 years of unbroken civilization and the ancient Chinese were monotheist, serving a Supreme Heavenly Ruler, called Shang-Ti." Their beginnings date back to a time after the historical timing of the dispertion at Babel. It is a look at the Chinese language and how the story of Genesis is written in the ideograms of their original language. For example: the Chinese character for "to create" is a combination of the figures for - dust, mouth, movement of life, and able to walk. "Genesis 2:7 states: "Then the Lord God formed man of dust from the ground and breathed (with His mouth) into his nostrils the breath of life: and man became a living being (not a baby, but an adult, able to walk)." A very facinating book to say the least.

Now I am reading another book: Genesis and the Mystery Confucius Couldn't Solve. His mystery he couldn't solve was stated in "The Doctrine of Mean, xix,6" by Confucius, "He who understands the ceremonies of the sacrifices to Heaven and Earth....would find the government of a kingdom as easy as to look into his palm!" At the time of Confucius they had lost the meaning behind the sacrifices they originally did which were begun when Adam and Eve were sent out of the garden of Eden. I am looking forward to learning more... :-)

MISC.
Dunk heads to Dirt Bike School this week and will be gone for 6 days. We are hoping to get caught up on house cleaning, and gardening. "Morning" Sickness has set in and my energy levels have definitely dropped. I've found a very frequent eating schedule definitely helps - as usual. The girls have been re-arranging their room - as usual - and I'm about to put my foot down about any more re-arranging projects. :-)

ENDORSEMENT
Yesterday we went to the Convention Center and helped Mom with her endorsement. :-) Well, we sang and cheered and looked good in red, white, and blue. Dot signed "The Grand Old Flag". Wow, I can't believe how grown-up she's gotten over the past year. Uncle J gave a great speech and then Mom followed with hers. They did a power point with pictures behind her as she spoke. It went so well! The kids loved the end of the ceremonies for the day when they dropped the red and white balloons over the audience and they got to go and pop or collect all they could carry. Dessert had 5!! two in each hand and one carried in the middle. It was so funny. It was so fun to see everyone. What a fun memory!!

More Memorable Pictures

Memorial Day at the Cabin

We celebrated a wonderful HOT Memorial Day at the Cabin. The kids spent most of their time in the water. The tramp in the water was a huge success. Dime and Cousin L checked out the bucket of minnows. They all made clay creations. Dessert and Cousin L enjoyed each other's company and kept an eye on each other.

Dot's 2006 Ballet Recital

The girls enjoyed their end of the year recital. It felt a little mild compared to previous recitals as they only had 1 dance to perform. Their hair turned out beautiful. They had an elaborate backdrop. Eventually even the guys got in on the act. :-)

Dot's Bible Study Group

Dot has been participating in a Girls Bible Study this year. It has gone very well and she has enjoyed getting to know the girls better. They have been studying 1 Corinthians.

Dot gets Contacts

Dot got contacts this month before her ballet recital. It was a challenge getting them in the first time but now she manuvers just fine around her eyes. :-) The technician was very helpful. She has enjoyed getting to wear sunglasses! We finished the day at a band recital for friends. Congrats, Dot!!

Happy Birthday Duke!!

Duke celebrated his birthday with his family, grandparents, and his friend, D. They share the same age, far-sightedness, a love for catching frogs, and the same interest in toys. Duke was Thrilled with his gift from D - a star wars transformer. Duke had a home-made ice-cream cake this year. It turned out to be a hit so we may be making it again. With eight in the family, we sure enjoy alot of birthday cakes! We are thrilled that Duke is a part of our family! He is a blessing. He loves to be with his Dad & he looks for him immediately upon waking up in the morning. Wherever Dad goes, he desires to go. Whatever Dad has, he desires to have. Whatever Dad does, he desires to do. :-) Happy Birthday Duke!!