Home Again, Home Again, Jiggety Jig

We're back... Yep, we had a great "vacation" and did all our field trips for the year. :-) I was very impressed with Sioux Falls. (I now know how to properly spell it without checking.) We enjoyed the weather, most importantly the lack of bugs! We could walk outside at dusk without swinging our arms like windmills in a windgust. (We are having a bupper crop of mosquitoes this year.) Dot did a great job outlining our vacation at www.xanga/joy4kitties.

I really couldn't believe all the beautiful parks. We stopped at one huge swimming park to find out how much it cost to swim. The lady told me they had a broken line so were out of business for the day, but there were 3 other swim parks in town I could go to!! This is besides the many other regular parks. I say regular but they were beautiful!!! Nice playground sets and beautiful trees and lawns. They have a bike trail we rollerbladed on, that goes in a huge loop around the city, 26 miles!! I wanted to conquer the trail, but not enough time. lol We'd have to work up to that, and get Duke and Dessert a bike there.

Our favorite park was the Japanese gardens. What a beautiful and relaxing spot. Perfect for pictures. My camera was full and we wanted to relax, not just photo shoot - but wow! Need to go back for more pictures someday. My favorite shot turned out blurry - huge bummer. Need, need to go retake this one.

Our favorite bakery was Daylight Donuts. I'm so glad they are not located close to our home. Our favorite eating out was Olive Garden - ahhh, culinary culture with elegant service. (a plus was Darling slept through the meal :-)

Here are a few pictures from the science museum:

Battleship Memorial:

This is Darling surrounded by one of her favorite things - Rocks! This is while waiting for the boys at the CAP class they visited.

The sculpture walk:

The Zoo:
Included in the picture is the Gentleman we stayed with in his basement, and his grand-daughter.

Fishing on Saturday:

It is great to be home, but we still feel like we are catching up. We are all having an aversion to being in the car. Question: "Want to go.....?" Reply: "No."

With Endless Sight - A Book Review

Summary:
Born into a life of privilege in 1861, fourteen-year-old Belinda never questions her security, even as she leaves Illinois with her family to discover new adventures in the Oregon Territory. But when disaster falls, Belinda is left wounded, weak, and alone. Her faith in God gives her the only strength she knows in a harsh new world. Belinda’s journey takes her to a snow-covered mining camp and a red-roofed brothel in the Wyoming mountains, but not before she must spend a lonely winter with the man who took away the life she knew. Throughout the grief and hope of a strange land, Belinda must decide if her faith is big enough to allow her to forgive.The satisfying conclusion to the Crossroads of Grace series, With Endless Sight offers a rich story of family, new beginnings, and the freedom that grace can bring.

You may purchase the book at Amazon.com: With Endless Sight
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1601420129

Or Comment by June 14, to win your copy of this book.

Fatal Deduction - A Book Review

I really enjoyed the fast-paced book, "Fatal Deduction" by Gayle Roper. Libby Keating and her twin sister, Tori, are forced to share their Aunt Stella's home in the city as one of the conditions for recieving Aunt Stella's sizeable inheritance. A dead man and a number of crossword puzzle clues pop up for her cheating sister, Tori. Solving these clues and the strange incidences with which they arrive, are necessary for surviving their dangerous outcome.

I enjoyed Libby as a character and her relationships with those around her. She was an inspiring woman who allowed God to work in her life, despite the harsh circumstances she grew up with. In fact Gayle allows the reader to get to know Libby first, and her background later. I felt like Libby kept her sense of independence and purity even while she manuevered through the minefields of her relationships with her sister, Tori, and her neighbor, Drew Canfield. In its interesting conclusion, find out why Aunt Stella wanted Libby and Tori to live together in her home.

The crossword puzzles are included in the text of the story for those crossword lovers out there. This book would make an excellent gift for a friend who loved crosswords and a great novel. It also has a strong thread of the redemption God has for those whose paths were less than perfect. Find out how God used a neighbor, Madge, while Libby was growing up, to be a Christian example of the servant, caring heart of God.

Want your own copy of the book? Comment by June 7th for your chance to win.

Author Bio: Gayle Roper has been writing mystery and romantic suspense novels for more than thirty years and is the author of over forty-five books. She is a three-time Christy Award finalist, the winner of three Holt Medallions, and the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from Romantic Times magazine. Her novel Autumn Dreams won Romance Writers of America’s RITA Award for Best Inspirational Romance. She and her husband, Chuck, divide their time between Pennsylvania and Ontario, Canada.

Memorial Day Weekend, before & after

This past week was busy, lol what week isn't?! Drum and Dime got to go on a CAP O-ride.

It was Drum's 2nd and Dime's 1st. They had a fantastic time, and flew over our home and both grandparent's homes. Later in the week, Dime had his c-130 flight. He had a great time. Timing was interesting as the night before he was working at his youth group to package up stuff to be sent to other countries via C-130's. So it was interesting to ride in the plane that will eventually carry stuff like he was packaging.

Dime had his last guitar lesson, the trees were in bloom, so Dot and I took a photo opportunity. She's so beautiful! :-)

We sure had a busy and fun Memorial Day weekend. Friday night we went to graduation for friends. We had a great, busy time. What memories to see kids I've known at least 13 years, graduate. My Mom spoke at the graduation. Great job, Mom!

Saturday late morning, Dunk, Drum, & Dime went to a CAP volunteer event; while the rest of the kids & I went to the parade to walk for my Mom. Well, Dot, Deer, & Duke rode unicycles; Darling was pushed in the stroller by Gma W; Papa K drove the truck, Papa W rode in the truck; and Dessert and I walked together to hand out stickers. We had a great time! They had snacks for us when we were done. The kids got to see the rest of the parade and get enough candy to fill their pockets before the trip north. After the stop for sandwiches, we headed north to the CABIN!!! The boys joined us up there in time for supper together - steaks! Wow!! (How often does a family like ours eat steak? Yeah, right.) Most of the kids swam (it was way to cold for me!!!) The little ice-cubes joined us for our 1st sunset cruise of the season.

It rained Sunday morning, perfect for church :-), and then was nice the rest of the day. We went to the park with the kids,

tried roller-blading (not great spots in town), played games, etc.

Monday we relaxed. The kids repotted plants with Papa, and did other projects around the house. Duke made himself his own cribbage board. He won his second game on it! We won't talk about the first game. Dunk left about 3:30. The older grandkids watched a movie with Papa, Gma, & I on Monday night, while the younger ones watched their own movie, and I did Gma's hair up (I should have taken a picture.). The movie was exciting!! A fun evening!

Tuesday we went to Slavoda's for breakfast. Nummy!! Papa, Gma, & Dessert biked, Darling was in the stroller, and the rest of us roller-bladed to town. After a swim, we took our 1st trip to the Gumdrop Tree this year. It is well looked forward to. The kids love looking at the unique toys, and trying out different candies. Darling loved the fountain at the store.

Then we did our traditional visit to the bakery, and then walked around the corner to the used book store. We found some to bring home. A trip to the grocery store, and then we headed back to the cabin. Whew!

Wednesday dawned bright and gorgeous. All the kids hit the water in the afternoon, even Darling! Then she got a sun bath, while she played on the porch.

Many thanks to the men and women who helped make our freedoms possible for this Memorial Day Weekend. We appreciate your sacrifice.

Skid - A Book Review

"Skid" by Rene Gutteridge was a fun book to read! First Officer Danny McSweeney prepares for a routine flight from Atalanta to Amsterdam. His flight is joined by an unusual female captain, a tactless co-pilot, a lead flight attendant with a capital Tude, a mentally unstable women with a pet pig to calm her fears, a diamond carrying grandson, a jilted Lucy with her ex and his girlfriend, and the stabling influence of Hank Hazard. Hank's faith in God calms the passengers and crew, and is the connecting force behind this story.

How Danny and Hank eventually meet and join up to make the flight home is a funny and interesting story. Despite the multitude of characters, this book was well worth the time it took to meet them. It makes me want to get the first two of "The Occupational Hazards" novels, "Scoop" and "Snitch." If you get them, please comment! so that I may borrow them if I don't buy them first.

Rene Cutteridge has done her homework to make sure these novels are authentic to their occupation. She is the author of twelve novels, including the Boo series, the Storm series, and the novelization for The Ultimate Gift, as well as Scoop and Snitch, the first two Occupational Hazard novels. She lives with her husband, Sean, and their two children in Oklahoma City.

You may purchase the book at Amazon.com: Skid
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1400071593

Or save your money to buy "Scoop" or "Snitch" and win your copy of "Skid" by commenting below, before May 30th.

Against Sleep?

I'm not sure what it is about sleep these days, but I'm sure not getting much of it!
Last night, after I was sound asleep (very tired, is about 10:45 or so), Dime came into my room and told me he was having a splitting headache and stomach hurt. I asked him if he took an IB earlier. (When he came home from CAP, he said he had a bad headache; I told him to take an IB right away.) Nope, didn't. Did you eat a snack when you got home? Nope. (He hasn't eaten much all evening, because he was at CAP, and they went early, played outside, doesn't want to waste time with that sort of thing.)(Fresh bread and rolls were on counter for him.) I tell him to take 2 IB, and eat something with it so won't throw it up. Turn on a movie to relax your brain.
I'm almost asleep again. Dime returns - headache worse, took ib's, can't swallow any food, now nauseated, can't turn on movie because head hurts. Tell him to tell Dot to put on movie (she's awake and up), don't throw up in here, nothing I can do at this point. Few minutes later, I threw up but still feel horrible. Head still hurts. I'm really sorry. Turn on movie and try to relax. Now I can't sleep, feel horrible I didn't get up and really commiserate with him. Finally get up and go check on him. (12:00) He is sound asleep in his own bed.
Then this morning at 5:30, what is that noise? a wierd alarm? oh, it's the CAT!! Does she want to go out - No! - she wants to go downstairs to eat! Too light out, can't sleep....
I'm gonna need a nap. :-)

It was a busy weekend, what with a birthday party, clean-up day, 2 graduation open-houses, Dot's ballet recital, church, Deer's Awana party, Dot's work, and Dime's 1st guitar recital!! :-) He did so nicely. I'm looking forward to his playing, while we all sing. It was great to see and hear him play.

Dot had a sweet ballet recital. It was fun to be the Mom and take lots of pictures. I will post them separate. I had dead camera batteries, but my Mom didn't - PTL! So I borrowed her camera, and she e-mailed the multitude of pictures. So, I'm still putting the pictures into a form I can see and post.

Dunk's back to work. Our tests arrived this weekend (goody-goody. Not!!) so we get to do testing this week. We are all looking so forward to Memorial Day weekend at the CABIN!!!

Food & Fun, Here we come!!!

Signs of Spring

Beautiful Tulips!!! (thanks, Dad)



Blue Bird Eggs


Baby Birds


and Deer?!


On Saturday, we had our local clean-up day. Dime went along to the drop-off site. He found out they were throwing this deer head away!! He rescued it, and put it up in his room. I couldn't believe it. It would freak me out to wake up and see that staring at me. His room is not that big!! I don't think I'll be visiting Dime all that often. :-)

Happy Birthday Duke!

We celebrated Duke's Birthday this week. He had his buddy over on Thursday, and they had a blast together. Dunk had picked up a pinata at a garage sale, so it got filled and broke!

They also love to play cowboys. Duke's not as into dressing up anymore, but his friend does the part justice!!

Later that evening, we went with friends to the opening of "Prince Caspian"!!! Darling woke up in time to see the film, but I was glad when she finally decided to hit the hay again. :-) On Friday, we celebrated again with Dad home. He wanted an ice-cream cake this year. He picked cookies-and-cream, moose tracks, oreos, and carmel as the ingredients. Nummy was the result!! He learned how to play dominoes this year, and wanted a set for his birthday. Drum got him one; which entertained Darling quite a long time. I love her chubby legs in this picture. It was the first time for shorts for her.

Awana Wrap-up

Deer, Duke, and Dessert finished Awana this Wednesday. They did so well, and we were so proud of them! :-)

Dessert missed on Wed. nights occasionally, but they helped him finish his book. He is so excited about moving up to Sparks!

Duke had mostly skipped one year of Awana, so he was behind in Sparks. This year he completed his second and third books. I was amazed, that's alot of verses! This was his last year in Sparks, next year he graduates to T&T.

Deer finished her gold and silver sections in her third book.

I thought they were harder than the regular sections. I was pleased she worked so hard to finish, and didn't give up when the going got tough. She just has one more year in T&T. Dunk was out of town, so I worked harder to make sure I had pictures, to share the moments.

A Great Recipie and Joke

I tried a new bar recipie from Julie, yesterday. Yum!! It has a graham cracker crust, a cream cheese layer, topped with nuts, coconut, chocolate, and butterscotch chips. I used her shortcut with pre-made graham cracker piecrusts, and it made a very tasteful, easy dessert! It was hard to get the pieces out neatly, so I want to try it again in a 9x13 pan. Don't you think I should experiment? Just to make sure? :-) Maybe at the cabin? Willing to taste test, Dad?
I was awaken by our cat, Kip, at 5 am this morning!!! 3 or 4 am would be better, as it is easier to fall back asleep when dawn hasn't hit yet. I'm so glad to see the sun today!! I've got a busy day ahead with an appointment this morning, guitar lessons this afternoon, and Awana awards this evening. I wish someone would tell my schedule about the gas prices.
Papa W's was telling jokes last night, so here's your joke for today:
Two engineers are standing in front of a light stand looking up at it. A lady walks by and asks what they are doing. "We want to measure this pole, but we forgot our ladder and tape measure," they replied. The lady set down her purse, took out a wrench, unscrewed the base, laid the post down, took out a tape measure, measure the post, looked up and said, "It is 13 feet, 6 inches." She then put her stuff back in her purse and walked away. The engineers looked at her and at each other and then the one said, "Isn't that just like a woman! We wanted to know the height, and she gave us the length."

Healing Promises - Book Review

Recently I read the book "Healing Promises" by Amy Wallace. FBI Agent Clint Rollins is shot, but his accident may save his life. While in the hospital, they discover he has cancer. This strong agent and family man now needs to go through chemo. His wife, Sara, is an oncologist who has delt with cancer with many families. Now it is her turn to go through the personal turmoil as she and their children watch Clint go through chemo. After encouraging so many other patients in God's healing promises, can she claim them for herself?

Both Clint and Sara try to be "tough," but find that in sharing their hopes and fears with God and eventually friends, they find the help they need to make it through the days ahead. Clint continues to help track down a serial kidnapper. Days recovering from chemo and nightmares are followed by attempts to help agents follow the clues to the capture of a kidnapper who has a personal vendetta with the Rollins.

Clint and Sara discover God's healing promises are there for their family. Although this is a novel primarily, it helped me feel for those going through the cancer process. Amy weaves the story of a family with cancer with an interesting FBI adventure. I enjoyed the book, and its reminders to cling to God and His promises when the going gets tough. It shows the importance of not going it alone, but sharing our struggles with friends and family who can support us.

Author Bio:
Amy Wallace is the author of Ransomed Dreams, a homeschool mom, and a self-confessed chocoholic. She is a graduate of the Gwinnett County Citizens Police Academy and a contributing author of several books, including God Answers Moms’ Prayers and Chicken Soup for the Soul Healthy Living Series: Diabetes. She lives with her husband and three children in Georgia.

The book may be purchased at Amazon.com: Healing Promises
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1601420102

Want to own a copy of "Healing Promises"? Comment by May 18 and I'll draw a name to win the book.

May Musings

I was sick to my stomach. I could not find my camera!! After checking everywhere and worrying, I finally confessed to Dunk on the phone that I thought I lost my camera. He replied, "I have it with me. I must have forgot to tell you." I was so relieved; I didn't have the heart to complain about all the looking I'd done. But I don't have any pictures of where he is, because he FORGOT to use it. :-)

Yesterday Duke, Dessert, and I spent 3 hours cleaning up their bedroom. I mean the cleaning where we went through their clothes, their closet, under the bed, etc. It was one of those projects I've been desperately needing to get to. It looks great!! The boys are both glad to have it done. Now I got to empty my car from the stuff I put in there from their room! I've found, when the kid's rooms are messy, they don't want to play in them. If they are straightened up, they enjoy playing, etc. in their rooms. Here are our "done photos."

I sure had a great Mother's Day! Dunk took Darling out when she got fussy at church, so I got to enjoy a sermon seated (vs. walking in the hall, or missing it in the nursery). Then we went to Subway for lunch. Several from church joined us. We were going to go rollerblading, but the wind was strong, and it was chilly. So we decided to go home and watch a movie. This got interrupted, because I had to pick up Dot from work who wasn't feeling well. We finished the movie, Dunk finished his nap and then he and the kids cleaned up the kitchen and made supper. What isn't there to love about a man with a broom and dishrag! :-) We had grilled burgers, beans, cooked carrots, homemade salsa and chips, and veggies and dip!! My folks stopped by on their way home from the cabin. Dad helped with the salsa. Later Mom & I went for a walk, the kids cleaned up the kitchen again. :-) We ended with one of my favorite things, reading to the kids aloud. I don't get to it often enough, and we were in the middle of a really good book! I got some fantastic cards and beautiful gifts. Thanks so much, everyone! I realized that being a mom gave me Two great days to be spoiled. My birthday and Mother's Day!

Here's one of my favorite sites: Deer reading on her bed.

It is so cozy to walk by and see her reading. Another favorite is seeing my bigger boys all dressed up for CAP. They look great!! and are so excited about the evening. Another favorite is when Drum wakes up on a cleaning spree and decides to clean up the kitchen for fun in the morning. I come down to KTIS playing, a happy kid, and a clean kitchen! Happens about once a month. Helps make up for those other times, you know the ones we aren't supposed to tell about. :-)

Saturday, Gma W, Anna, and I went to a ladies tea at our church. I had the time mixed up, so we missed the tea, but were right in time for the speaker. Tracey Finck was speaking about her book, "Love Letters to a Child." I had read her book, but it was even more inspiring to hear her speak. This weekend, I got out the journals we've started for the kids, found one for Darling, and put them on the buffet by the dining room table. (Trying to facilitate access.) I made a page of notes to write in their books on Saturday. Now I need to fill them in! I'm trying to not get overwhelmed by writing in 7 books!! (panic, panic) (Remember-) I'm looking for small bits, which will add up. :-)

School's Out!! The boys have their science to finish, Dot has history, Deer has her book to finish and print. BUT, we have signed off on the rest of school. Although, sad, sad, our tests haven't come yet, (I forgot to order them early.), so when they come, we have to do them. :-( Not my favorite part about home-schooling. The girls usually do great, the boys not so well (on testing), and I spend a month feeling like a failure, before I remember their successes and improvements, and realize we are doing God's will for us, and try again next year.

I went to a garage sale the other day, and bought a few Hardy Boy's books. The lady at the counter asked if I was interested in more, sure, and later I met her in town to pick up the Hardy and Drew books. 76 BOOKS total!! I guess the kids have their summer reading planned. :-) Deer tried her first Drew book this winter and was hooked. :-)

I have several book reports to do on the blog, so you'll find out what I've been reading lately. (besides an occasional Drew book) :-) Gotta run to piano lessons. Plan to bring a couple journals. :-)

Toe-nail trimming time. :-)

We have sure enjoyed the nice weather lately. Yesterday, Drum, Duke, Dessert, Darling, and I went for a roller blade/ride-in-the-stroller/walk. We had a great time and walked almost an hour while Deer was at an art lesson. Not only did I push the stroller, I got to enjoy Duke and Dessert taking turns hanging on to it for a break while I pushed. :-) I've got some sore upper back muscles to prove it.

We were excited for Drum as last night he was promoted to Tech Sargent at CAP! He and Dime had a great weekend at Black Cap (an emergency services, training weekend). They arrived home 6:30 on Sunday and it was so funny how still they both sat in the car on the way home. Josiah went to bed an hour after we got home and slept til 1:30 the next day! :-) Drum is still catching up on sleep, as he wanted to get his studies caught up on as well.

We will be doing school later this year as we've had a number of things go on that are pushing the boys later in finishing. Deer has just a couple items left, Dot has one (not counting ballet). Dot did her violin recital on Sunday. On Saturday, Dunk & I attended our local Republican Party endorsing convention as delegates. It was fun to help my Mom get endorsed as the candidate to run for Rep. Dot helped serve bread, while the other kiddos smiled around. :-)