Santa?

We do not do Santa. We have several reasons, but that is not the point. We saw an old man who was in the mall who looked like Santa, and was handing out candy canes. He asked Harley if she had been good this year. She said, "Not always". He laughed and said "Honesty counts for something." He handed her a candy cane and said "I'll be watching you to see if you are good so I can bring you gifts on Christmas Eve. Harley puts her hands on her hips and said "I know you aren't Santa because he isn't real, but thank you for the candy cane." I couldn't believe she said all that, but at least she remembered her manners.

We are now in Alabama for Christmas break. We surprised Brenda at her family gathering, and surprised Anne by showing up to pick her up for the Zbindin gathering. We are staying on the North side of Birmingham until Christmas Eve when we will show up at my mother's Christmas Eve family thing. It has been hard, but we have managed to keep the phone away from the girls when my mom calls so that they won't spill the beans. It will be a busy visit filled with lots of friends and family. I'm sure Harley will give me plenty of stories before the visit is over.

Gramps' Birthday

Monday was Randle Sr.'s birthday (Randle's Dad). We called on the way home to tell him Happy Birthday. Natalie spoke to him first and told him all about school and what we have been doing. Harley then had her turn. She told him about preschool and that she had a new favorite movie - Holly Hobby. (For those who don't know they have redone some Holly Hobby videos) He had asked her to repeat herseld at least three times and the fourth time she said "You must be getting old where you can't hear me". Randle and I about died in the front of the van. I couldn't believe she said that, but if she would it would have to be on his birthday right! Randle quickly took the phone and explained that on the new Holly Hobby movie the plot is planning a surprise birthday party for Holly's aunt who is turning 45 and is old in the kid's eyes. Also on the movie there is an old man that is a neighbor and he is very hard of hearing. As much as I guard what my kids watch, I still end up with awkward moments. Happy Birthday Gramps!

Harley's Random Thoughts

One Tuesday a month we go to a program at the library called Book Buddies. It is a program that our children's librarian, but funded by Decko Foundation. The kids listen to a book, then we sing a song or play a game that has to do with the theme of the book. This week was the book by Todd Parr The Feel Good Book. So we made faces that go along with our feelings. After that the parents go to a separate room and learn some different ways to play with your child that helps them learn different things (in this case distinguishing feelings). Harley loves this program. Natalie is too old so she reads or plays on the computers. This time however she went home with some friends. So it was just me, Randle and Harley. On the way home Harley announces that she doesn't want to die. So we explain that because we trust in Jesus she doesn't have to worry about it because we will get to go to Heaven and that is a good thing. Heaven has no sadness, sickness, and we get to praise God all the time. She was quiet for a few minutes, and then tells us that she doesn't like it that God is invisible. She says, "I want a God I can see. " So I try to give her examples of ways we can see God.....the sunrise and sunset, the trees, the way people help one another, the way He takes care of us. She ended our conversation then by asking "can I just go to sleep?" I don't know if she was overwhelmed or just tired of listening to us. She is so funny!

The Girls Big Surprise

Three weekends ago Randle and Don Schroeder took the kids to see Pure NRG in concert. It was at a church in Angola, IN and completely free. They were so excited. They got to take their CD and DVD cases in and get their autographs. Both Natalie and Harley were sooooo proud of them. It was a great blessing from God. We haven't been doing much of anything lately, because of getting everything packed and then moving to Camp Lutherhaven. It is amazing to think that God not only provides us with everything we need, but He also gives us things that are purely pleasure. I don't think I have ever seen Randle more excited the day of the concert. We kept it a surprise. All they new was that they were going on a Daddy Date. They got to dress up in their cute outfits and even wear my make-up.

We still don't know where we are going to end up, but a church camp in the area is letting us stay in their nurse's cottage until we move. It is the camp where our friends the Schroeder family lives and works. I can't even begin to express the blessings God has given our family in this very stressful times. Our friends have been amazing. They are so supportive and helping us in so many ways. I feel completely overwhelmed when I think of all the people God has put in our lives.

Depending on God During Life's Changes

We are looking at moving from Camp Potawotami and are looking at some different camps. We have looked at both YMCA and Church camps. So far it looks like it will be one coast or the other. There is no middle ground. One of the camps we are looking at is in Washington State. Natalie has had two friends move there and is now praying that we will move there. I have tried to make her understand that Washington is big and that we more than likely wouldn't be near them, but that doesn't matter. We are still waiting to hear from most of the camps and it is a little nerve wracking. We keep reminding ourselves that God will supply everything that we need, but it is so hard. Our families, I know, are not looking forward to us moving further away than we already are. It will mean a lot of changed for our girls as well. It could mean that they don't get to go to a private school. They will be moving away from their friends, and a very loving church family. I hate this for them, but I really have to trust that God knows better than we do and He will give them what they need in order for them to grow up and the the Women of God they are called to be. One of the hardest things in parenting I think is handing my children over to God and trusting Him to do what is best in this messed up world.

While it has been stressful getting everything packed and trying to explain everything to the girls, they have really enjoyed having time with Randle. They haven't had a lot of that lately. The have had him reading countless books, playing barbies, and lots of snuggle time. The blessing that God gives us in the middle of stressful times is amazing to me. It has also really shown me and Randle, both what amazing friends we have in Kendallville. They have been so great helping us and encouraging us. God is sooooooo Good!!!!

Last night we went out to eat with Richard and then took the girls to First Assembly of God in Fort Wayne to their Harvest Party. The girls had a lot of fun eating with their Uncle Richard and really liked that he was there to watch them play games. It was amazing. We expected a gym with some games and instead found the whole basement filled with games. There was a game in almost every room. The kids won points at the games then took their point cards to a prize room and got to cash in the points. The girls had a great time.

What to do if you catch on fire

Harley is in two day preschool. She loves her teacher, Mrs Hunter. Last week they were learning about fire safety. This included how to get out of a house if it is burning, what to do if you catch on fire, and even some ideas on where your family could meet. We have always told our girls to go to the Dining Hall because it is a building far enough away that they would be safe, and they could go inside. It also puts them in the middle of camp where anyone could find them. I had not told Harley what to do if she caught on fire, because I was afraid it would scare her. Mrs. Hunter told her class exactly what to do and they even practiced it. So last week we were all sitting on the couch talking about what they had learned that day. Natalie told us some facts about Moses and mammals, and Harley started talking about fire. I asked her "What do you do if you catch on fire?" She looked at me as if I had spoken Chinese. I asked again and received the same look. So I prompted "stop..........................drop....................... and" then she shouts "BURN" Randle and I started laughing, and Natalie shouts "NO Roll!" Harley didn't find the humor and just sat their with the same confused look on her face and then buried her face in Randle's chest. Oh, the stories my children give me to remember. I have been told that these stories are the only way to make it through the teen and young adult years. This is the reason I started blogging!

Mc Donalds Salvation

For the past few months we have been participating in a ban on McDonald's because one of their executives was on the board for the Chamber of Commerce of Gay and Lesbians as well as McDonald's them selves joining the Chamber. We told the girls that we would not be going to McDonald's anymore because they were giving their money to people that did things that made God sad. Harley interpretation of this was "they gave money to bad people." So just recently that executive resigned and McDonald's has said they are going to stay neutral to all such controversial things. Certainly I wish they would take a stance against it, but this is a step in the right direction. So we told the girls that they could once again go to McDonald's. (Which was great for me as well, because they sell these awesome coupon books for a dollar that give you 10 free items such as ice cream cones, drinks, hamburgers, and apple dippers.) So Natalie was with my friend Peggy and she was stopping to use some of the coupons for an after school snack. Natalie told her that we could go to McDonald's now, because "they stopped giving their money to bad people and turned toward Jesus." I think this is hilarious!!! I never would have expected her to take it that way. Their (my kids) understanding and interpretation of things makes me laugh so hard some times.

Was that a cat?

So, yesterday I sat at a red light waiting to turn onto Hwy. 6 and I saw something fall out from under a truck. I was on the phone with Randle and I said,"Was that a cat?" Of course he couldn't see it through the phone, but as I sat there I realized it was a little kitten. I guess it had crawled underneath on something to hide or get warm. When the light turned green I went up the street a little and turned around. I parked as close to the road as I could get and told the girls to stay in the car, and stay buckled. I got out and waited for at least 10 cars and two 18-wheelers to pass by so I could go rescue the cat. When I got to her she was in a tight ball. I went to pick her up and she went ballistic. She bit my index finger and scratched up my other hand. I finally got her teeth out of my finger, and then realized, I should probably get out of the street. So I went back to my van, and got her calmed down. Natalie and Harley were very upset, because they thought the cat was bleeding. I was trying not to cry because my hand hurt. We took the cat to the Humane Society. I hate to take animals there, but no one we knew wanted a cat, and we can't take any more animals. They had me fill out a bite report. I have been told cat bites are very dangerous and I'm really hoping I don't get an infection. I have been bit by dogs several times, even on my cheek, and it has never hurt like that little kitten. Anyway, the cat is safe, and I have two very sore fingers. I guess it would make sense for me to no do this again, but that is not me. I'm sure I will go after the next animal stranded in the road, with hopes of keeping my hand positioned where I won't be bit.

Can We Have Family Time Please?

This week was a very busy week. Randle was shorthanded at work so I taught two classes on Tuesday and Wednesday, and taught classes all day on Thursday. That meant the kids had to stay with friends. Not to mention all of the normal stuff like dance on Tuesday, and AWANAS on Wednesday. Then Randle couldn't find anyone to come in and work Saturday, so I helped out on Saturday afternoon as well. We were setting up for the last two activities of the night (campfires) and one of the groups asked Randle to help out with songs. So I took Natalie up to shower her, and then I was going to go down stairs to help make smores and Hot Chocolate for the next group. Natale says, "I feel like I'm not getting as much attention from you and Daddy anymore." Talk about having your heart break. I knew that their behavior was showing that they were not getting what they expected, but to hear it come from her mouth about killed me. So we are going to go walk around the Apple Festival this afternoon. Tomorrow Randle is going to eat lunch with Natalie at school. Then hopefully tomorrow night we will get to play some board games. The season has ended for camp except for two days. Then we will be back to the slower paced life we enjoy as a family.

We went to the Apple Festival and the girls had a lot of fun. Afterward we went to Pizza Hut for dinner, which of course they loved. We have had a good week so far with a slower schedule and more family time, so I think the girls are happier. However, both of them have asked if Miss Peggy can pick them up again, or if they can go to after school care again. There is no winning with children I have decided. We are going to spend tonight riding bikes and baking our pumpkin seeds. I think they will love the gooey insides of the pumpkin.

The major come apart at Si Senior

As I mentioned the one of my earlier blogs, my parents take the girls to the restaurant of their choice when they visit for birthdays. On Natalie's last birthday she chose Si Senior. Both of my girls love to eat their. At Si Senior if you tell them it is your birthday they bring you a fried ice cream. We had talked to Natalie about sharing it with her sister before they brought it. Natalie was fine with this. The waiter put it in the middle of the girls and even brought two spoons. Harley doesn't like cherries, so Natalie pulled the ice cream in front of her to get the cherry. This was the beginning of Harley's come apart. She started screaming at Natalie for sliding it away from her. I told her to stop screaming that Natalie was just getting the cherry and then she would put it back in the middle, which by the way Natalie had already done. Harley refused to stop screaming. I then told her she couldn't have any of the ice cream until she stopped. (This usually gets her calmed down to the point where I can talk to her about the problem) She continued to scream. I couldn't really talk to her because she was screaming and she had crawled under the table to my side and was leaning on my shoulder. My dad asked her if she wanted him to take her outside (which usually means a spanking to him) . Harley didn't understand that phrase because we just tell her a spank is coming. I told him I would spank her if I thought she needed it. (Simply because she had gone three days without a nap and going to bed at least an hour later than normal because of their visit) So at this point my dad is mad at me, and embarrassed at Harley's behavior so he goes out side. Harley is still crying really loud so I tell her she has one minute to stop or she doesn't get any ice cream. She doesn't stop and I made her sit at the table while Natalie finished the ice cream. It was complete torture for Harley to watch this and not even get one taste. Natalie tried to give her some at least twice, but I wouldn't allow it. I know that the best way to stop a fit is to remove the child, but sometimes the greater lesson is learned if you can just stick it out through the fit and make them see that not only are you not giving in, but everyone around them is observing their behavior. Harley did learn this lesson, and I can honestly say we have not had an episode like that again. So last week when Harley realized Grandma and Papa were coming for her birthday she announce she wanted to go to Si Senior and get that ice cream she couldn't have last time. I didn't realize she had looked forward to it for the past six months, but apparently she did. She even remembered her behavior and said "I won't act like that again, Mommy" So I could smile and thank God for the patience He gave me that night to deal with her. It was only His patience that got me through it, but there is no way I could have remained that calm on my own.

Where is our Egyptian Friend?

Today we took our international staff with us to church. Adriana is from Brazil, and Karim is from Egypt. After church and a long trip to Wal-Mart we had to take Karim to the bus stop. It was a sad time! We really got to know and love Karim in the short time he was here. He will finish school this year and then he will have to wait and find out if he will serve the mandatory army time or be pardoned. We are praying that he will be pardoned. Thanks for the great time, Karim and we all hope to see you soon!

Harley's Birthday Weekend

We will be celebrating Harley's birthday all weekend. My parents and grandmother came up for Thursday-Sunday. Her party will be on Saturday afternoon, and they will leave really early Sunday morning.



Friday Harley and I took Natalie to school, and then had breakfast with my family at the hotel. Then they asked Harley what she wanted to do. She says "I want to go to the mall." So guess what? We go to the mall. She got to have a Libby Lu makeover and then ride the carousel as well as go to the different stores she likes, and eat at Chic-fil-A. She had a blast. After all that we went and picked up Natalie from school, Randle from camp, and went to the hotel to let the girls swim. Then, as per tradition, Harley got to pick where we ate dinner. She chose Si Senior, so that she could finally get the birthday ice cream they serve. (This is a long story I will write about later) After Harley finishes a huge fried ice cream, we go to Wal-Mart to let her pick the snacks and drinks for her party. Natalie also go to pick a prize, because she got a 100 on her very first spelling test!! We are so very proud of her! She is so smart! (Not that I'm biased) Anyway we finally get home after 9 pm and I have just finished baking her cake, making dog food (Chocolate cereal mixed in melted peanut butter chips and then topped with powdered sugar), and making the icing. Wow what a day!



Just to explain the dog food a little, Harley chose a doggy theme, so we are having dog food and doggy treats. Randle and I will also be making a dog house out of a huge box tomorrow. I really hope it turns out OK. I think the kids will love it!

Today, Saturday, was Harley's birthday party. She had a lot of fun! We got the box painted to look like a dog house in time. Randle drew out the outline of the roof, door and sky. I started painting the roof. He started on the sky. When I had finished my grandmother ,Mamaw Catfish, came over and painted the shingles. I then painted the sides brown while Randle finished the sky, and cut out the door. Mamaw also added clouds to the sky. It looked awesome! The kids had a blast climbing around inside it! We put disposable baking pans outside of it with "dog food", Scooby Snacks, and water! I don't think she could have had more fun!

After the party we went on a pontoon ride, and the girls played with their grandparents until shower and bed time. They were miserable going to bed knowing that they wouldn't see their grandparents again until another visit. Today has been a very long day for everyone, but I think it ended pretty well for all. Let me just say, I'm glad there is another six months until another birthday party. The stress of it all is almost enough to take me out!

Natalie lost a tooth and got her glasses

Last night right before bedtime Natalie lost her second tooth. She actually pulled it herself. She was so proud. When she was trying to pull her first tooth she asked me to wiggle it and see how loose it was, and it came out while I was wiggling it. She was determined to pull this one herself. She ran down the hall into the staff lounge and showed Karim and Adriana while she was still bleeding all over the place. She told her teacher first thing this morning and got a sticker that said "I lost a tooth". She was very proud of her sticker, but gave it to Harley tonight at bedtime because Harley wanted a sticker.

I finally got the call around lunch time that Natalie's glasses were ready. So after her piano lesson this afternoon we took her in. She had the biggest smile and is very happy with them. I think she has shown them to everyone we have seen and known today. Harley insists on showing everyone her silver glittery shoes and telling them that color of Natalie's glasses is plum.

A Rainy Weekend

It rained most of Saturday morning, and then it finally stopped at lunch time. My girls were so happy to finally get outside. We watched a group of youth leadership do High Ropes, and the girls ran around with one of the children with the group. We had a little break in the groups program so we got to spend some time with Randle.

The girls were playing house and arguing over who was going to be the mom. I told them to either figure it out, or play something else, but to stop arguing. The next thing I hear is Natalie saying, "You can be the mom, I don't want to be a mom." I asked her why and she informed me that children drive you nuts. I then asked where she heard that, and she tells me "you". I didn't remember saying this so I asked when. She says, "You didn't say we drive you nuts, you say we are going nuts." Don't you love kid logic!!!


This afternoon is Playhouse Disney Live. Harley got tickets for her birthday from my parents so I will be taking her at one o'clock. She is very excited. I know she will love it.



Natalie is going to stay with Randle. One good thing about living in the apartment is she can see Randle from the window, so she can stay at home some of the time and play. I doubt that she will want to though. She loves watching people do the High Ropes Course. She really wants to do it herself, but we either have to wait until she gets bigger or buy a harness that will fit her better. The ones camp has fit fine for the climbing wall, but there is too big a chance she will flip upside down on the course, so Randle wants her to have a full body harness. Her opinion is that I should go right out to Gander Mountain and buy one. Maybe for her birthday.

Harley loved Playhouse Disney.
She danced, sang, shout
ed, and jumped up and down almost the entire time. The only thing she did not enjoy was intermission. She didn't think they should take a break. So we played a game of finding people in certain color shirts. She was such a good girl about all of the little things they were selling. She only asked once. I did end up buying a cup, (I know I'm weak) I couldn't stand it. Apparently Natalie was a good girl as well. She behaved well with her daddy until the last 30 minutes or so, then she got bored. She also told people where Harley was and asked Harley all about the show, without whining or complaining about not getting to go. She is growing up so fast. I am very proud of both of their behavior today!

Pet Clarification

I have been asked what is a giant Giant African millipede, and why do you have it. So I thought I would let everyone know. We have the millipede because Harley's preschool teacher wanted to give it away because her grandson was not taking care of it. She did not like it and yet she was the only one feeding it and changing its bedding. It is Randle's pet, for camp of course. (yeah right) It will stay in the nature center and his office, I don't want it in the house. They have 2 pair of legs per segment and the average millipede has 80 to 200 legs.

I don't know how many segments ours has. I will try to count and update later. They eat fruits and vegetables. In the wild they eat the stuff that has fallen off the trees. So we give him (or her, it has to be a boy right what girl would look like that?) our fruits and vegetables that are not rotten, but too far gone for us to eat. He is not slimy. His shell is hard and his legs feel like stiff hair. I don't mind holing him, but prefer not to. You may have seen them at the zoo. I know the Fort Wayne Zoo has them to take on school and other educational trips.

One crazy week

This week has been a crazy one. We have moved from a small house to a one bedroom apartment while our bathroom is being fixed, while preparing for my mom and dad to come up for Harley's birthday party next weekend. Plus all of the normal running around for school, dr visits, and activities.

Wednesday I took the girls to the optometrist. They both did really well. Natalie went first so Harley could see everything that was going to happen. Harley kept pointing to the two different machines they have you look through saying, "I'm not doing that." When they asked her to she was very compliant. It ended up that Natalie is farted. So she will be getting glasses this week. She chose a pair of plum wire frames. She looks very cute in them. When I took Natalie to school she was telling everyone she is getting glasses. Mrs. Thiem said, "Oh, you'll be able to see so much better with them!" Natalie's response was, "I can see with out them." I can remember when my brother Michael got his glasses it was like he was seeing the world for the first time. I hope her sight isn't all that bad. I will feel horrible if she has not really seen everything. She is excited for now, but I worry that someone will be mean and she will not want to wear them. When Harley and I got home we were talking to Randle about it and Harley informed us that she thinks she will take some glasses next time we go. She so wants to be like Natalie. It is so funny.



Wed. night was the start of AWANAs. The girls were so excited. When we got there (late of course) they had finished the orientation and were going to class. Natalie got her book so now we can work on memorizing all of the Bible Verses. Harley informed me she was missing some of her patches, and I need to start sewing tomorrow. I don't know what I'm going to do with her sometimes.



Thursday is show and tell day at Harley's preschool, so there was a lot of stress trying to find the perfect thing. She tried to take every one of our My Little Ponies. I told her she had to choose one. So she said, "Fine, but if it is only one it has to be a big one." She finally decided to take the big white one that changes colors if you put hot or cold water on it. She was very happy after school, apparently her pony was a favorite of all the girls.

This weekend has been soooo rainy. My girls are stuck inside and not happy about it. They are used to running all over camp with Randle on the weekends. Not to mention this is one of Randle's busiest weeks. He will have put in about 76 hours when all is said and done. So they are missing him. I think we all all looking forward to October when the groups will be finished and we can have more family time.

Natalie can't wait to have her glasses and has asked everyday since we went if they have called for us to come pick them up. I'm hoping they call on Monday so that she will stop asking. While I'm glad she is so excited about them, I hate answering the same question over and over. I think she has told everyone she knows about getting them.

A "Normal" Day

Today has been a "normal" day. I have been told, by Denise, that I do not have a normal life, even though I think I do. She says that Harley's behavior alone puts us outside the normal range.
This morning I took the girls to school. It was grandparents day so the grandparents came in after lunch for a special chapel service followed by cookies and a craft. Since our grandparents live in Alabama, Natalie sat with her friend Nevaeh and her grandmother. They seemed to have fun. Harley felt that this was a jip since she only goes half of the day. After lunch I came back to camp to pick up Adriana, and take her to Wal-Mart. Then we picked Natalie up, only to come home, shower, eat dinner, and then go out again for Book Buddies. It has been a day of back and forth for me.

Harley is playing Nickjr.com. This gives me a moment of peace and no fights over who has what bucket, or cup. I'm sure they will find something else to fight over soon enough.

We are getting ready for Harley's birthday party next weekend. She wants a puppy party. I wanted to make a puppy shaped cake, but she wants a rectangle cake with puppy toys on it. I don't think this is as much fun, but I'm pretty sure she just wants some of the My Littlest Pet Shop toys. (Pretty sneaky for an almost 4 year old.) I'm thinking of making cookies shaped like dog treats. We'll see how much time I have though.

Once I finally got dinner made the girls had 10 minutes to eat. They had to finish in the car, and we were still late to Book Buddies. Randle got to go with her. I took Natalie to play on the computer, because she finished her homework and piano practice. Hopefully the girls will get into bed at a decent hour. Tomorrow will be a late night because of Awanas.

We move out of our house tomorrow so that our bathroom floor can be torn out and the plumbing can be replaced. It will be so nice to be able to shower in our own home again. Going up to camp every night to shower had been miserable. We are hoping for 2 weeks, but it could go on as long as 4 weeks. We are moving into a one bedroom apartment. It will not be much fun. The girls will get the bedroom and Randle and I will sleep in what should be the living room. Please join us in prayer for the 2 weeks instead of 4 weeks.

A Day at Church and Riflery

Yesterday we went to church, and then had a picnic at a park. The girls loved swinging and climbing trees. Afterward we went home and took a nap. Randle loves naps on Sundays. We had dinner with our international staff then took them to shoot Randle's 22. Karim loved it. It was like watching a child in a candy shop. Natalie broke two of the chalk targets, and hit the sticker target twice. Harley refused to let Randle help too much, so she took the top off of two of the chalk targets. I hit the sticker target twice, and of course Randle got one bulls-eye and hit the target most of his other shots. We each shot five bullets at a time.


We bought these targets made out of chalk so that the girls could see them break when they shot them, and sticker targets that turn yellow where you shoot them. Natalie liked the sticker targets better. We had been there about an hour when Harley decided she had to go potty immediately. She told us she had to go so I told her to go to Sharples, the building that is close by and I would be right there. A friend of mine called so I went to get the phone and then to follow Harley. As I got to the trail I looked to the left, and there is Harley squatting in the the woods peeing all over her skirt. So we had to have a talk about why we don’t go to the bathroom outside. So this afternoon I found out the reason Harley decided she could potty outside is Randle took Natalie around to the same spot without me knowing. Wow the things my husband decides to teach my children. I can tell, even though she is only 3, she is going to be an adventure most of her life.


Today we took Natalie to an allergist to see if she has allergies that are triggering her asthma. They put between 20 and 30 dots on her back. Only one reacted as an allergy. Corn Pollen. This is pretty ironic considering Indiana is a major corn producer. In fact, the camp we live on is surrounded by corn fields. We even grew some in our garden this year. We adjusted her medication, and find out in two weeks if our new plan will work. I guess this will become a new argument for our family in Alabama for us to move back. Natalie also got to start piano lessons today. She is taking them from her schools music teacher. She is so excited. I think she will do well. She picks things up so quickly.

Football Games and Girls night out

Yesterday I had a mommy night with my friend Peggy. We sat in a coffee/ice cream shop and played on the computer. Not very excited to some, but to moms it a break so its amazing! While I was out Randle took our girls and our Egyptian Friend (Karim) to a high school football game. The girls got footballs and loved watching the cheerleaders. After half time Randle asked if either of the girls needed to potty. Harley did of course. After waiting in line for 3 or 4 minutes they finally got to go in to the potty that is attatched to the concession stand. After getting on Harley announced that she had to poo poo. When she is finally finished at least 10 minutes later she tells Randle "It was a popcorn poo poo. I smell popcorn" He tells her, "No, We are next to the concession stand where they sell popcorn." Why do children have to inspect and comment on their poo poo in public? At least it was with Randle this time instead of me!

Today we went to a health fair at the local hospital. It was a lot of fun for the girls. We had lunch, got thier faces painted, rode ponies, jumped in blow up castles, and got balloon animals. Of course I forgot my camera so Randle had to use his phone. When we first got there one of the volunteers sent us to the new Endoscopy Wing. We didn't realize what this was, so we went. After being blocked in, and realizing we were the only people under 50, the tour began. So our girls got a nice education on colonoscopies. We even got to see examples of polups and lacerations in colons. It was great! They did give us a insulated bag, and sugar free candy to make up for the torture. After we finally escaped we did get to see the rescue helicoptor.

As I said yesterday I am new at this and don't know what to write. So I write about my child's poo poo experiences and colonoscopies! Hope you enjoyed todays entry!

Getting this started

I am new to this, I have never blogged before. I'm afraid people will be bored out of their mind, but if they are they don't have to read anymore. I just thought it would be fun, and our family, all of which is in Alabama would enjoy the chance to look into our daily lives.
Natalie is six years old and in first grade at St. John Lutheran School. She is an amazing reader,and loves to draw, paint with water colors (she has won three painting contests so far), and anything outside or with animals.
Harley is three (four at the end of the month) and is two day preschool. She loves to play in the lake, or with her bunnies. Her favorite thing right now is to play Barbies or play Dora and Holly Hobbie games online.
Randle is a program director at a summer camp that also runs outdoor education. He likes comic books, Bruce Willis movies ,reading, playing board games.
Katrina, me, is a stay at home mom. I like to work in our vegetable garden, read, write, go to the YMCA, take pictures, and bake.