The Cassady Family

Natalie turns 9

2011-05-02T21:00:00.000-07:00

Natalie chose an owl cake this year.

This is the geocache they found.

Natlaie turned 9, March 25th. She has grown so much this year. She breezed through 3rd grade and is working on finishing 4th so that she can start 5th grade this fall with J. She started taking clogging this year for the first time. She is really pretty good. She is playing softball again, and is playing catcher. She still has the same sweet and tender heart. She has met several new people through our homeschool group, and although she misses getting to go to school and see friends everyday, I think she likes being able to be home too. She still loves reading and has read the first three Narnia books, and is reading the reading the Allie Finkle series. She is growing into the young lady that God wants her to be. I can't wait to see what God has in store for her.

She decided to have a sleepover. She had 2 girls from her softball team, and one friend from our homeschool group. After the game we went to the park, and had a picnic. They layed at the park for about and hour and then we went home. The played with dolls, and then Randle took the girls on a geocache hunt. It was near Lay Lake. Natalie and L fell in the lake, and they all got eaten up by mosquitos. When they came home we made soap, ate cake, and they danced like maniacs. Denise and my mom came over for the cake, and got to see all the crazy dancing. I put them to bed around 11:30 so that they could be up in time to get ready for church. At 2:30 am they all came in my bedroom, fully dressed, shoes, and hair brushed shaying they were ready for church. I VERY quickly told them it was NOT time to get up and to put their PJs back on and go back to bed. Such silly girls, they thought they were very funny.

2011-04-02T21:05:00.000-07:00

Today we started geocaching. We heard about it a few years ago, but just now decided to try. It was a lot of fun. Randle, Harley and I found 4, and then found 2 more with Natalie. It was a lot of fun, and we can't wait to keep finding more. I figured out where the first one was. The second, I just happened to see a strip of paper that ended up being the log. The third (which was really the first one we looked for) Harley found. She was so proud. The fourth Randle and Harley found. While we were looking for this one we found a deer skull and spine. Randle and I were impressed, Harley however, thought it was disgusting. When Natalie got back from shopping with Grandma we went to look for one more, so Natalie wouldn't be left out. They found it pretty quick at Vincent's park. The girls were begging for more. We had only intended doing this one, but the girls kept begging so we tried to call Denise and have her look up the coordinates for another, but got Jared instead. He found them for us and the girls were soooo happy. While we were at this last one the land owner came over and asked what we were doing, and said he had wondered why this land was such a popular spot. It was funny, I'm pretty sure he thinks we are nuts. We have picked out three more to go find on Monday while we are out for a field trip. We can't wait to get some people to join us, it was too much fun.

A Big Month of Firsts for Harley

2011-03-29T09:49:00.000-07:00

This past month has been both busy and momentous for Harley. She started her first season of softball, and has done a great job of learning all the rules. She plays left field, and has usually hits off the first couple pitches. She really wants to play circle. She also has just recently learned to ride her bike without training wheels. We went to a playdate with a family who works at the Kings Ranch. They have 2 boys and a girl. They were all riding bikes and we asked Harley if she wanted to try, she said sure, and Randle had her up and riding before the other mom and I could get back with snacks. So now she can zoom around and keep up with Natalie a lot better. She was so proud, and so were we. Today, she lost her first tooth. It has been loose for almost a month. She wouldn't pull it, so this morning I tried. All I did was grab it and it fell out. She was so excited. She has already called Mrs. Denise and can't wait to call Grandma and Papa when they get off work.

Nataliepalooza Continues

2011-03-29T09:41:00.000-07:00

Well, Friday was the big day! She is officially 9 years old. She had a birthday cupcake for breakfast. We built birdhouses in the morning with our homeschool group. She made a new friend Rachel. I didnt' think we were going to be able to seperate them to leave. :) Then she and Randle went to be referees for the Youth Convention Dodgeball Tournament. She love getting to ride in Dad's truck and have some alone time with him. She chose Dominoes pizza for dinner. Then she and Harley played Tangled on the Wii. My mom and youngest brother came over to bring her their gifts. Mom gave her sliding shorts and cleats. Jonathan gave her a new softball glove (she lost hers). She was so excited about the shorts, she slept in them.

Saturday she slept over at a friends, and then Gramps, Nana and Aunt Julia took her out to lunch on Sunday. So altogether, Nataliepalooza lasted quite a while, and she was completely spoiled. I am anxious to see what this year will bring for her. She is an amazing girl, and we pray daily that God will guide her steps in life, and help prepare her for the role He has for her.

Nataliepalooza

2011-03-16T20:56:00.000-07:00

It is no secret that we have a big family. We usually end up having a party with their friends, a party with my family and a party with Randle's family. Needless to say the birthday ends up lasting about 3 weekends. So when it is close to one of the girl's birthdays we call it Nataliepalooza or Harleypalooza. Well, Nataliepalooza started Monday. My mom made reservations at the Atlanta American Girl Store for us. So Mom, Natalie, Harley, Jordan, and I drove out to Atlanta to dine with their dolls. It was a lot of fun. Natalie and the dolls got crowns to wear, and each of the girls got a doll size birthday shirt, doll size balloon, and a book in their goody bag. It was really cool. So now we are waiting on the softball schedules so we can plan a birthday party. Natalie has decided to make soap, so we are going to buy molds and glycerin. She is excited. I can't believe she will be 9 soon. She is such an amazing little girl.

Field Trip to Botanical Gardens

2011-03-10T18:40:00.001-08:00

We have been so blessed with a great group of homeschool families in the area, Highlands Homeschoolers. We have gone to two play days (one at McDonalds in Chelsea and one at the park in Chelsea), a Valentine's Day Party, and now a field trip.

We got to have a guided tour through the Rain forest, and then do a scavenger hunt. The girls had a blast. We also had lunch at a little pharmacy that has a soda shop. There was a group of 5 girls, including mine, all between 5 and 11. They all sat together at a table, and needless to say there was alot of giggling.

Harley gave us a run down of all the things we can get from rain forest plants this afternoon. Both girls are already asking to go back. We are planning on going back once things are blooming and giving them a chance to draw some of the plants. They are also both wanting to take cameras and see what kinds of pictures they can get. I love how creative they both are, and love how we have the opportunity to nurture it through homeschool.

So, I'm not so good at the whole blogging thing :)

2011-03-09T22:52:00.000-08:00

Ok, so it has been almost a year since I've added anything. Really sad huh? I am going to try and do a little better. We have had so many changes since I last wrote that it may be impossible to update.

First off, we moved again. The people we rented from decided to sell the house so we had to find a new place. We, well I, panicked a little bit and then realized that God of course would supply, He always has. So we ended up buying a trailer in Harpersville off an online auction. We got a great deal. We repainted all the inside, and replaced the floors in all the rooms except the kitchen and bathrooms. It is small, and still needs some work, but it is ours, and we love it. We have only the two dogs, and a Fire belly Frog, named Percy, now. Although for a little while we dog sat for some friends and had 4 dogs. It was crazy, but fun.

Second off, we are homeschooling. I really never liked the idea of Natalie going to a public school, but we couldn't afford private school. She attended Mount Laurel for 1.5 years. I had thought about homeschooling but talked myself out of it and was miserable. So we started her 3rd grade year and Harley's Kindergarten year this August. This may be the biggest adventure I have ever been on. For a while there, I really didn't think we were going to make it. I love my children with all my heart, but they were driving me crazy trying to get all the housework and school work done. We settled into a nice little rhythm just as Harley finished up Kindergarten. Natalie has now finished 3rd grade, and we are all running in circles again trying to start the next grades. I love having them home, and being involved in everything they learn and would change it for anything. (Even if it means I loose a little hair and sanity)

Randle got a new job. He has worked for Augmentation, a temp agency, since we moved to Alabama.(Minus a month or so) We have been incredibly blessed that it has lasted so long. He started working on Friday and Saturday nights at the King's Ranch on the boy's campus. He liked the interaction with the boys and wanted to get on full time. He just recently got on full time and loves it. He works Sunday thru Thursday night from 10:30 to 6:30. He wakes the boys up in the mornings and gets them ready for school. Over Christmas break we got to have a couple of the boys come with us to our family gatherings and go caroling with us. We really enjoyed having them come along with us.

Natalie and Harley are both taking dance. Natalie is taking clogging, and Harley is doing a combo class. This is Harley's second year at Dance and Tiffeny's and she LOVES dancing. At the end of last year she decided she wanted to be on the competition team. She has worked very hard and got invited this year. She would be on the "mini team." I love that she has worked so hard and accomplished a goal. We, however, are not going to let her join. It is VERY expensive, and while we would try our best to raise the money, don't like all the required time. She is only 6, and it requires ALOT of time. I would love for her to be on a team someday, but think it best for her to wait until she is older. It breaks my heart to tell her no,and I dread the conversation. While I don't want to disappoint her, I have peace and know Randle and I are making the right decision for the time being.

Both girls are also playing softball this spring. Natalie is on her friend Jordan's team and couldn't be more excited. Harley is loving it so far and wants to play circle. Both of them are doing really well so far, and I can't wait for the games to start.

I think that is all the major updates for now. I'm hoping to keep this up better, but who knows.

Recent Harley Stories

2010-04-14T08:41:00.000-07:00

Harley has been asking lately if it is hard to be a mommy or daddy. I have tried to explain that while I LOVE it, yes it is hard. I explained that there are a lot of decisions to be made, we have to try and teach the right lessons, and make sure that they see us making the right choices ourselves, and most importantly apologizing and trying to fix it when we do something wrong. She decided that it was going to be too hard so she is not going to have children. I tried to explain all of the good and fun things too, but she said that she still didn't want to have any children. Then she decided further that she is going to go to college, live life, and then come back to live with me and Randle like her Aunt Julia. It cracks me up. Apparently, to Harley at least, Aunt Julia has quite the life. After Randle asked her some more questions, it seems that she wants to travel and see a lot of places, and just never get her own house, or get married. She said she didn't' need a husband. Well, I am glad she has her life planned out at the age of 5. It should make everything a lot easier to have it all planned out. She is a funny little girl.

Easter, Softball, and a Little Family Quiet Time

2010-04-05T11:20:00.000-07:00

Jousting

We celebrated Easter all weekend long this year, although it all started off with a softball game. Through out the whole weekend we tried to talk with the girls about why we celebrate Easter and why we choose to skip the whole Easter Bunny tradition. They still get a basket, it just comes from us. By the time we gave them our baskets they were exhausted and probably overwhelmed. They had then received gifts from 2 sets of grandparents, and one set of great-grandparents. They could not wait however, to start their little flowers that we got them. I am going to try and let them plant them tomorrow, and update photos of their flowers growth with pictures that they take.

PT and Rabbit (my favorite part)

We started with the Easter Egg Hunt at church, there were so many people. The kids had a blast hunting eggs, jumping in the bounce houses, jousting, and the sticky wall. The KOR Drama group did a GREAT job on their human video. We were so proud of them. When asked Harley said her favorite part was when the glow people came out during the program. Natalie's favorite was jousting with her friend. Randle even got a chance to joust.

After all of the fun at church and helping clean a little we went to Randle's dad's house. One of our nieces and our nephew were over so the kids got to hunt eggs with them. They ran all over Gramp's and Nana's house until it was time to shower and go to bed. Although I think we put them to bed somewhere around 9:30 Natalie and C were still awake at 11:30 when we were going to bed. Harley and M however, were out cold, neither one remembering that they were moved when they woke up in the morning. We went to Randle's sister's church to see her in their Easter program. It was really good. She was in a women's drama group that did two songs. She did really well. Natalie was impressed with her facial expressions. (I think she has been to too many KOR Drama practices)

Hunting Eggs at Mamaw and Pawpaw Catfish's

After the church service we went to my grandmother's house to have lunch. The girls had fun playing with their other cousin V, and hunting eggs again. They also had fun watching the baby J, run around after eggs. We spend a good bit of time after hunting eggs outside taking family pictures. We were exhausted and had not been home since the day before so we left a little early. On our way home we decided to stop on Hwy 25 at some big boulders on the top of the mountain. Natalie has been begging us to stop their as a family for quite some time. We were probably their for about 30 or 45 minutes taking pictures again. I was just planning on taking pictures of the girls, but Randle got my camera and decided that I should have my own personal photo shoot. I tend to take the pictures, so we usually have a lot of everyone but me. He made up for this in one day. We got a lot of really good shots, and I am going to upload more of them later.

Harley came up with this pose soooo sweet!

Natalie actually took this photo of us!

More of Natalie's Adventures

2010-03-21T19:30:00.000-07:00

Natalie has been requesting for me to take her shopping for a training bra for about two months now. I asked a couple of moms with older girls when they started wearing them. I had one friend tell me her daughter had NO modesty until she started wearing them and then she became SUPER modest.

Well, I finally gave in and took her shopping. We went to Target (they had the most selection). I let her choose matching underwear to go with them. She was very proud and excited. We all know that underwear that doesn't come in a package is oh, so much more fun. Well, we made it to the car and she immediately put on her new "clothes". SO FUNNY. She had to call her dad and tell him. You know how dad's LOVE this part of their little girl's growing up. He was very good and acted excited for her. He was excited on one hand, but of course sad on the other, because it is one more step to her growing up. (He is much more sentimental in these areas than I am)

We left Target and went straight to JBQ (Junior Bible Quiz) Semi-Finals.We hadn't been there long and I I very quickly found out that unlike my friends daughter she has lost all modesty and makes a very quick announcement as soon as she gets all the girls together, and even shows them in the cabin. I had to inform her that while it is fine to be excited and share this with our girlfriends, (we all know that this kind of sharing is vital in a circle of girlfriends) we have to make sure that there aren't boys or men around and that we should not be showing at all. She got all embarrassed and snugly. Then ran off and of course had forgotten the whole conversation by the next day when sharing with her aunt. She goes back to school on Tuesday and I am sure there will be lots of giggling and sharing over her new "items" with the girls there.

I absolutely LOVE the excitement and sense of adventure during all of these changes, lessons and experiences that Natalie has. She is of course longing to grow up much faster than she should, but doesn't argue too much when we pull back. She will be 8 this Thursday. It doesn't seem that long ago that we were enrolling her into Kindergarten, enrolling her into Preschool, moving to Indiana to start a new life without any family around, or even sitting at Brookwood Hospital waiting for her to be born. All of these very important milestones in our lives and her life. All of these things seemed like they would last forever, and yet here we are entering into her eighth year of life. We have had some hard times, and lots of great times. I wouldn't change any of them, because they are making her the person she will be, and us the family we are. Natalie has a huge heart, and values friendship. She chooses her friends very carefully. She loves God, and wants to obey and serve him. She has entirely too much knowledge for her own good and is so very intuitive. I can't wait to see what God brings about in her life. As for now, she is a little girl, who loves a lot and wants nothing more than to have fun.

Simple Pleasures

2010-02-09T20:32:00.000-08:00

I am becoming quite the copy cat. I saw this on Life with the Bittengers and decided to follow suit.

My Lifes Simple Pleasures

1. Watching my girls sleep
2. Listening to Harley make up stories in her head when she doesn't think I am listening
3. Randle's excitement when planning a new program
4. Sitting in our new (hand-me-down) chair by the wood burner
5. Listening to Natalie read to Harley
7. A Brand new notebook (why yes I am a nerd)
8. School/Office Supplies
9. Clearance Sales
10. A bubble bath while watching Hulu
11. A freshly bathed Emma Rose (my dog)
12. Hearing our rooster crow throughout the day.
13. Brand new socks (yes, I'm weird)
14. Sitting outside in the cold drinking fresh coffee
15. Family Game Night
16. Restaurant Night (Left over night)
17. My girls' creativity
18. New Food Night (trying a new dish, or completely new food)
19. 1/2 off day at the Salvation Army
20. Shopping with a friend

I could go on and on I think. I am amazed at all of the little things God has given me to smile about. Thanks Jinger for the idea, I will use this list to remind myself of all the things I have to be thankful for and that God is present in everything I do. Even giving me a brand new notebook to write in.

Goals

2010-02-09T20:27:00.001-08:00

So, I saw this on my friend's Bethany Herrington's) blog and decided to copy.

Organize the office
Keep my bedroom clean
Go through the girls toys and eliminate some
Cook at least on new recipe a week
Use more organic foods in cooking
Get to a size 14/16
Do a deeper devotion
Go through the Kindergarten Hooked on Phonics with Harley (before fall)
Knit 3 Christmas gifts
Get back on track with my e-bay endeavor
Visit Indiana
Take a family trip to Gulf Shores

I will have to put some more thought into this and add as I go! Thanks Bethany for the idea, now, hopefully I will be more inclined to finish these!

Bathroom Troubles

2010-02-02T20:36:00.001-08:00

Our landlords decided to put on a new roof, YEAH. We were so excited. It is a metal roof, too. While the guys were working on the roof, my bathroom got a mind of its own and completely shut down. If you flushed, the bathtub had water come up out of the drain, if you washed laundry, you had water fill the toilet and come up out of the drain in the tub. So we tried a snake, and couldn't get it to work. Thankfully, the guys working on the roof found an outside cleaning point and got the drains cleared, and fixed the toilet drain so that it drains better. While the were here they decided to retile the bathroom floor.
OK, so week before last, I was changing the position of our shower head (from low for the girls to high for me) and it broke off in my hand. The shower arm was plastic and it apparently did not like being moved. So Randle and I tried several different things to remove the piece inside the pipe and failed miserably. So our efforts now stopped so that we could focus on the tile. One night we took out the sink, toilet, washer dryer, etc. When we removed the sink one of the pipes snapped off and shot water EVERYWHERE! I ran and turned off the water, we put the girls to bed and then Randle ran to Lowe's. We got the pipe fixed, but it wouldn't stop dripping, so Randle had to buy more plumber's tape and another piece. WOW!! Then we broke up all the tile. The next day, while I waited for the guys who were putting in the tile to come, I went ahead and removed all of the broken tile and put it on the porch. Well FOUR days later, they finally finished with the tile, so I moved the washer and dryer back in. In the mean time Randle tried a few more things to remove the broken shower arm. He finally ended up using a torch and melting it out.
Well, I thought I was really smart and decided that I didn't need to wait for Randle to come home to put in the washer and dryer. So I carried them into the bathroom by myself, and hooked them back up. The dryer went fine, the washer, not so much. First, I hooked the hosed up backwards (hot to cold and cold to hot). Then I didn't' attach them well, so when I did my first load, the bathroom flooded AGAIN! I mopped up my mess and retried. I flooded again, the guys came in to hook up my toilet and tried to help, and said I needed new hoses. So Randle brought home new hosed and we washed again. It still dripped. So he finally got it fixed and I can now wash almost 2 weeks worth of laundry. I was seriously running out of clothes.
So after my washer adventure, I decide I can hang a door. I think I dropped the stupid thing onto my head about four times. It is up and hanging very well. Finally, 1 point for me!
So tonight I put in my shower head, and guess what NO LEAKS! Yeah, 2 points for Katrina! Now the guys are retiling the girls bathroom. Can't wait to see what trouble I can cause in there! J/K

A Remembering of the Lessons of 2009

2010-01-05T06:59:00.000-08:00

God is always amazing me. One of the things that He (God) is working on me with is faith. It has been the major theme of my life and lesson I have been learning this past year. With Randle going from unemployed, to a temp job, to a side job, and back to the temp job, my faith has been stretched. When Randle lost his job originally, I thought I was trusting God by moving to AL. Then when we were waiting for the temp job to start I again, thought I was trusting, but all along, I had been only partially trusting. I had every expectation of Randle getting a job. I am now beginning to realize that my trust must be fully in the Lord and that He will supply everything we need in His time, and in His way. So far he has supplied through friends, family and temp and side jobs. NOT a permanent position. Every time the bills come due He has supplied the money for them. Last week I did the budget several times and couldn't get it to work. Finally (which is embarrassing to say, b/c I should have done this at first) I put it down and prayed that He just supply everything we needed. Last night when I sat down to rework the budget again, everything worked out. It is what I like to call God Math. He seems to change the numbers to where everything works even though the numbers don't seem to work before. It has taken me longer than it should have, but I think I am beginning to learn my lesson. I am very happy to say this. To learn a lesson and move on to the next is always exciting.

With 2010 fully here, I know it will be filled with new lessons, revelations and adventures. 2009 was quite the adventure for our entire family. I can't wait to see what this year brings. I have seen Randle grow in great strides closer to God. I have seen Harley begin to ask questions that show she is getting a deeper knowledge of Gods Word. Natalie's longing for more knowledge of God and His Word is very steadily growing. Natalie has also begun to realize more fully the difference in believing and accepting God are two different things.

I am thankful for both the blessing and lessons God has given us this year. I hope that He continues to lead us in the path He has for us!

God is so very Faithful

2009-12-16T09:41:00.000-08:00

I am a worrier by nature. I try (at times) to stop worrying and hand it to God. I have gotten better in some areas, Randle and the girls, but when it comes to bills, it never fails. I can make myself almost physically sick over it. Since we lost the job at Potawotami last year, God has been showing me that really my worrying really coming from my not trusting and having faith in Him. I just love it when He shows me things like this. I say that honestly and sarcastically. Honestly, I love that He cares enough about me that He will show me ways to grow. Sarcastically, I think, "like I didn't have enough to worry about!" This is not all that He is teaching me, but right now it is the strongest. He has supplied everything we have needed.

We, Randle and I, wanted to stay together rather than me come to AL early to find a house, but couldn't make it work. The night were moving Randle said that he just couldn't stay in IN by himself. So we packed a moving truck at the last minute. That night, as we were finishing up, my mom called. She had found a house that was perfect, no lease, $400 a month (that is $200 cheaper than anything we had found) and it kept us in the Shelby County School System. GOD GAVE US A HOUSE RIGHT AT THE TIME WE NEEDED IT. He didn't' give us planning time, or wiggle room, He gave it right at the right time. WOW!!!

Randle had unemployment, but it really wasn't enough and we were going through our back up money really quickly. Randle got a temp job, that pays just enough to keep us afloat. GOD GAVE US A JOB RIGHT AT THE TIME WHEN WE HAD TO HAVE IT!

Randle started working with Campus Life. We have to raise our own support. Through that Randle was able to have a side job when the temp job ended. AGAIN, GOD CAME THROUGH RIGHT IN TIME.

The side job ended, and the temp job began. AGAIN GOD LINED THINGS UP.

We got behind on a couple of bills. We were, embarrassing as it is to say, in danger of having the phone, and power turned off at different points. I cried and stressed and worried. Through different ways, GOD SUPPLIED EXACTLY WHAT WE NEEDED.

I am really trying to learn these lessons. God will always give us what we need. He knows before we ask, and He hears our prayers. God also has perfect timing. I am hoping that I have these lessons now. I am apparently a lot more stubborn than I even realized.

God is amazing, and will ALWAYS care for His children. All we have to do is have faith, ask, and then wait patiently. I will now sit and practice patience, b/c I know that God already has lined up what we will do next whether the temp job will end at the beginning of the year or not. He will take care of our family. We just have to wait, and I will keep looking at all He has done for us up to now, and know that He has a plan, and it will all work for good in the end! PRAISE GOD!!!!

Crazy Christmas Schudules

2009-12-06T12:50:00.000-08:00

Today started our many family Christmas parties and gatherings. The morning started with Randle and I teaching the High School Sunday School Class for the first time. Then KOR (Kids of the Rock) did their Christmas program. It was really cute. We had so many people come to see them. My mom and dad, Randle, Brenda and Julia, Mamaw and Pawpaw Catfish, Mamaw Foster, and even Miss Harris. I was so excited to see Miss Harris. The kids did an excellent job.

Then we headed straight from church to my Aunt Lib and Uncle Mickey's lake house for the Adams' Christmas gathering. I got to see several aunts, uncles, and cousins that honestly I haven't seen in years. It was nice. We ate lots of GREAT food, and then did a craft with the kids. We took water bottles and filled them 1/2 full of chicken feed. Then Randle read the Christmas story, as he read we had the kids put in items from the story. They put in a baby, an angel, 3 crowns, music notes, a gift, a nail, a light, etc. Then we put more seed in to fill it about 3/4 of the way. It ends up being a 3D I Spy game. They really seemed to like it. Each family also got a printed copy of the "Christmas Story" and a list of the hidden items. Then we went in and the kids opened their gifts. After we got that all cleaned up the adults played Dirty Santa. It was a lot of fun. After we got most everything cleaned up we headed home. The girls went straight to bed, with lots of excitement about playing with their new toys tomorrow.

This is the first of our Christmas Gatherings. We also have a Foster Gathering, Chapel Gathering, Zbinden Gathering, Christmas Eve at my Grandmothers, Christmas Eve breakfast with Randle's Dad and Brenda, as well as sometime with my mom and dad and Randle's mom. Lot's to look forward to. I know the girls will love meeting all of their cousins.

Well, we made it through another very busy weekend. We started out at Westover's Christmas Parade. It was really good. After the parade they had hot dogs, chips an drinks that they were handing out. So after the girls ate a hot dog we headed to the Christmas Party. This time it was the Foster Christmas gathering. The girls had a blast playing with their cousins again. This time their were five girls (including mine) and one little boy. They pretty much stayed outside with the dog, or upstairs with the toys. It was a lot of fun to see everyone again. We played Dirty Santa again. After the party, we were supposed to go to Randle's Nana's house and help get out Christmas decorations. She was tired from a busy night before and cancelled. So we went shoe shopping for the girls instead. Both of them were wearing shoes that were too small. We found great deals at Target. Harley's were actually only 3.50. I was super excited about that. Then we had to run back to Shay's house b/c I left my moms camera and needed it for the next day. We got home around 8 or 9 and got ready for church the next day. Sunday the girls and I went to see the Nutcracker at the BJCC. It was really good. Harley liked all of it except the last 5 minutes of the girls dancing with the toys. After the ballet we rushed to meet Randle in Chelsea and headed to small group. It was a nice night. We had two new families come and we talked about how to keep Jesus in the center of our kids minds at Christmas. Then home to try and get ready for the coming week.

Well, I lost time and didn't keep updating after or gatherings, but we had another parade and then the Zbinden gathering. We were late for the gathering and didn't' get to see everyone, but had fun seeing those we did. We got to see Nana a bit more than normal and that was nice. We had Christmas with Randle's dad the Monday before Christmas. The four cousins, Natalie, Harley, Carson and Micayla, had a blast playing together. Randle, Jessica, Michael (Jess's boyfriend) and Randle Sr. and I played LRC. It was a great night. Harley got to go to her Ballet class party. We had Christmas with my mom on Christmas Eve around 3. I don't think either one of my brother appreciated this, but we wanted to spend Christmas day at home with the girls. After that we went to Family Communion at New Life. Then to my grandmother's for her Christmas. The girls got to play with Victoria and LOVED that. Christmas day we did our family tradition. We get up eat breakfast and go to church. After church (the local Lutheran church) we come home eat lunch (usually hot dogs and sandwiches) we read the Christmas Story and open gifts. We stayed home all day and let the girls play with all of their new things.

December had become a very rushed month for us now that we are near family again. While I miss the quiet nights around the tree and relaxing on the weekends, it is nice for the girls to play with cousins. I have irreplaceable memories of running after cousins and playing all kinds of games at family gatherings. I hope that my girls get to remember it both ways. We are heading back to normal life now, with school starting Tuesday. I have to say I love having Natalie at home and hate to have school starting back. We are now officially in 2010 and I can't wait to see what it holds for my family.

"I feel like I'm 10" Natalie says

2009-12-04T20:33:00.000-08:00

Today I had to take Natalie to the doctor for a cough. I try not to be THAT parent and run in every time they sneeze, but Nat's coughs have been an alarm for upcoming trouble since we have been down here. Anyway, while we were there Natalie wanted us to talk to the dr. about deodorant. She had asked a few days before, saying that some of her friends were wearing it. I had told her we could talk to the dr, because I didn't know how it could affect her. She wanted me to ask the dr, but I told her she had to ask. We talked about her cough and her asthma and the dr was leaving the room. I told Dr. McAfee that Natalie had one more thing she wanted to talk to her about. I was of course smiling so she knew something was up. Natalie got all embarrassed and was trying to cover her face. Before she could say anything, Harley blurts out, "She wants to know if she can wear deodorant." Dr. McAfee asked how old she was and if she has started smelling any thing when she was hot. Honestly she (Nat) doesn't smell that bad when she gets hot, but it is colder now. The dr. said she could start, but to put on just a little bit. Natalie was ecstatic. After we left the dr office she couldn't wait to go to WalMart and buy it. We stopped at the Mission Possible in Irondale, Sams (for lunch) , the Bank in Chelsea and finally Wal Mart. We went straight to the health and beauty department. After several minutes she decided against the sparkly Teen Spirit for the Degree Girl. She loved that it was a tropical smell. She couldn't wait to tell her Dad, and called him at work to tell him before we even left the store. While we were walking around she kept saying how she felt embarrassed, scared, excited all and the same time and didn't know how to describe it. She finally said, "I feel like I am 10 or something!" She then asked how I had felt when I first wore deodorant. I told her that I couldn't remember, but that I would blog this for her so that when she was a mommy, she could look it up and tell her daughter. After Randle got home she showed him her new deodorant and put some on. She was very cute. She is certainly growing up and loving every minute of it. I love her so much. Watching all of the changes take place is amazing. She is way too smart for her own good, and I can't wait to see what God is going to do with her life.

The Excitment of Christmas Coming (Harley's Understanding of Christmas Decorations)

2009-12-03T14:46:00.000-08:00

Today while Natalie was at school I pulled out the Christmas decorations. I don't necessarily have that many, and they aren't fancy, but they are mine. Some are from my mom or Randle's aunt and Nana, some are things I received as a child from family, and others we have added. My absolute favorite is our Advent Wreath. Randle and I went shopping after Christmas last year and got it on a great sale. It is beautiful. I can't wait to start it next Sunday. I hated to decorate without Natalie, but once I started pulling out boxes the excitement in Harley started bubbling out. Her eyes got even brighter, if that is possible, and she started jumping up and down. She helped me carefully unwrap, and clean each piece, then clean and pack up our regular decorations. She was adamant that we keep it a secret from Natalie and surprise her when we got home. Natalie in return for not getting to help with all of the initial decorating got to set up Thier Nativity on the coffee table (Little People) and got to pick which stocking she wanted to use this year. I love the excitement in the girls as Christmas approaches. What made today so special though, was that while we were pulling out all of the decorations Harley said, "Mommy, I know why we decorate the house and make it special pretty." When I asked why she replied with an amazing answer. "It isn't because we get gifts, or anything, it is because we decorate for Jesus's birthday. We like banners at our birthday parties, but He likes trees, and ornaments, and lights, and pretend Him's to decorate His." I said "Your right, we do decorate to celebrate Jesus's birthday, that is the whole reason for the celebration, without him it would be just an ordinary day, and a very sad life. But what is a "pretend Him?" Her reply is classic Harley, "Mommy, your not supposed to ask questions if you know the answer, remember? It is the baby in the nativity (which sounded more like mapivity), they didn't have camera's then!" My little girls have the truth in their hearts even if it is jumbled in their heads. I LOVE IT. Natalie was very excited to find her "surprise" at home and loved setting up the Nativity. I love this season with the girls!

Wow, what a weekend

2009-11-30T06:56:00.000-08:00

Our Thanksgiving started on Wednesday with Shrimp and Grits with Celia, Charlie and Nana. It was great! The girls had a blast getting to see everyone, and playing with the dogs. We loved getting to visit with them. We haven't seen them since we moved down. We had a lot of fun watching Celia teach the girls to juggle with scarves. They did really well.

Then on Thursday we went to my mom's for Thanksgiving lunch. The girls had fun playing in the treehouse, and playing the Cookie game. After lunch everyone was looking at the sales ads getting ready for all the deals on Friday. My grandparents found a computer that they wanted and it was going to be about 1/2 off on Friday. We told them we would stay in line that night to get it for them. My mom said she would keep the girls, so Randle and I went home and got our jackets, some blankets and drinks. When we got home, we found a laptop for $200. So we called someone else and told her we would wait in line for her if she wanted to. So we then headed to Best Buy. We got there around 5 or 5:30 pm we guessed we were about 20th in line. There were three tents, and some others with chairs and sleeping bags. There was some drama at about 11 or 12, b/c people started hanging out for extended periods and people thought they were cutting in line. In the end Best Buy passed out tickets for the door busters around 4am and we got to go in at 5am and get everything we wanted. It was fun. The excitement of getting the deal and being there so early is great! It was a great blessing that Buffalo Wild Wings was open until around 2 or 2:30 so we had a potty. My mom and dad brought the girls up to visit for a little bit and brought us chairs and coffee. We were very grateful for that.

Then Randle took the girls up to his dad's while I shopped with my mom and got a nap. We closed out the weekend at church yesterday. What an amazing service. I have really been struggling with self confidence and a positive outlook lately. God reassured me tat He loves me and that I need to see myself though his eyes.

Harley's Vocabulary

2009-11-09T11:02:00.000-08:00

Instead of using the word bad, or naughty, alot of times we will say inappropriate. So the girls use this word too. Except Harley says, "Propriate". Whether it is inappropriate or appropriate. It is very funny. She also instead of recognize, it is "neckernize". I absolutely L.O.V.E. the way she says things. I know I will miss the mispronunciations when she can get her tongue in order. We have an MP3 recorder. I really hope to record her. I have been told by mothers with grown children that to record their sweet little voices when they are young, can be very helpful. B/c when they are teenagers and acting their age you can go back and listen to how sweet they were when they were younger. I don't know how helpful it will be, but I know we will enjoy listening to it.

Life's Mysteries

2009-11-04T19:37:00.000-08:00

Today, I noticed something weird on the hall wall. It looked like water, but was almost an oil consistency. I could not figure out what the children had done. I called Randle at work and asked if he had sprayed something in the hall lately. He said no. (I hate it when I accuse the kids and then Randle is at fault) When he got home, I showed him the wall. Randle did the same thing I did. We both rubbed a small piece of it, and even smelled it, but still couldn't figure it out. So we ask the girls is they had put something on the wall. Natalie says,"I can tell you what it is." So I think that she is about to blame Harley. Instead, she says, "I've been squeezing the fish oil medicines. I take one and pop one." We had to leave the room for laughing b/c she goes into techniques that work better than others. WOW! We had to explain that we can't waste the medicine, and that she should have asked before hand if she could try or at least told us after the first one sprayed all over the wall. She claims it is only 2, but I am pretty sure by the evidence left on the wall it is more than that.
At church tonight Harley lifter her arms playing ball and I noticed that her belly button had something black in it. I thought "GROSS, she just took a shower." I couldn't figure out what was going on. When we got home I got a Q-tip and tried to clean it. It wouldn't come off. I was beginning to get concerned, thinking she had some nasty fungus, in her belly button! So then I ask, "Did you color your belly button with a marker?" "No" she says. I gave her the "I don't believe you look and tone and said, "Harley?" So then she confesses. I was coloring on my bed and wanted to know if the marker would work on my belly button." WHAT IS GOING ON WITH MY CHILDREN?!? Apparently it is Cassady Family Science Experiment Week, but I missed the e-mail. So, now I have a wall that is spattered with fish oil, and a child with a black belly button. This has to be Randle's genes coming out, because I did NOT behave this way. But, on the up side, we have solved two of life's mysteries. Yes, you can color your belly button, and yes, you can pop a fish oil pill. I am sure scientist everywhere are documenting our finds to help us in the future!

Funny but Naughty

2009-11-02T15:06:00.001-08:00

Today after school the girls and I ran into Leeds to look at a new thrift store. I have a couple of things I am trying to find, but don't want to spend a lot of money on. While we are in the store the girls notice a Leapster, and an L-Max. The Leapster had a game in it. Harley pulled the game out of it, and tried to hand it too me saying, "This is ours." I explained that by doing that she was not only lying to me, but trying to steal as well. I told her that I would talk to Randle and we would decide her punishment. I wanted it to be significant to make a point that this is unacceptable behavior. I called Randle and we decided to take away sweets for the week. No desert, Halloween candy, cookies, etc. I climbed into the van to tell Harley her punishment. Before I could even tell her, Natalie says, "Can I take her punishment?" I was amazed, this is probably the 3rd or 4th time Natalie has offered this. I said no. Harley's response, "Uggggggg, please?" So then she got in even more trouble. WOW. What a sweet thing for Natalie to offer, but come on Harley, really?

Fall Festival, and Another Date Night

2009-10-31T22:07:00.000-07:00

Tonight our church had a fall festival. There was corn dogs, hamburgers, hot dogs enough for 900 people and they ran out. They have estimated somewhere around 700 people. It was amazing. There were inflatables, a mini carousel, games, and face painting. Our girls had a blast. Natalie dressed up as a fairy, she was way too cute. Harley was a rock star, and let me tell you her hair and make-up were pretty stinkin' cute. I will try and post pics tomorrow. We hosted an archery booth. It went really well, and we handed out around fifty "awards" to kids who hit within the circles somewhere. I have to say, I had as much fun cleaning up as I did walking around the festival. You really get to have some interesting conversations with people when you are cleaning up after a long day and everyone is tired, and has there guard down more than normal. Thanks to Jen for the trip to Starbucks, and to Denise for watching my girlies so that we could help clean up. I really appreciate both of you!

Well, for the first time that I can remember Randle and I got a date night for two weekends in a row. Randle's dad and Bren kept the girls last night. Of course the girls were excited. We got to go to a reading of a new play, dinner at Surin 280, and then dessert at Yogurt Mountain. We had a lot of fun. The play had some language that I would have liked to be omitted, but it was a pretty good story line. Dinner was great, and Yogurt Mountain was a lot of fun. I am afraid that I am going to be spoiled by all the date nights. I met Randle (Sr) and Brenda at Brookwood Mall this morning to get the girls. WDJC was handing out free vouchers to Disney on Ice to kids dressed as a Disney Character. Harley wore Natalie's old Cinderella Costume,and Natalie wore her fairy costume. We got the passes, so I guess they will be going to Disney on Ice. I think my mom is going to take them next Saturday. I know they will love it. It was another exciting and busy day. Tomorrow brings church, and Natalie's last Fall Ball game. Afterwards we will be going to Bruester's as a team and handing out trophies. Natalie will flip! I can't wait. All of the parents decided to keep it a secret. I can't wait!

The thoughts and thought processes of a 5 year old (who is too smart for her own good)

2009-10-27T15:11:00.000-07:00

So, I am going to share a Harley story, but in order to save judgment and embarrassment of some people I will leave the others in the story nameless.

This weekend we had lunch with a couple of people. Over the course of lunch Harley looks at one of them and asks, "Why don't you go to church?" It was very innocent, and no Randle and I didn't put her up to it. The person responds with, "I do sometimes." Harley asks again, "Why, don't you go to church?" The person responds again with, "I do sometimes." Harley who is too smart for her own good tilts her head to the side like a confused puppy and with very round eyes, says, "Oh, really? Where is it and what does it look like? Can I go sometime?" So the truth is this person doesn't go to church "sometimes", but goes very rarely. Harley knows this. I really don't think Harley's last remark was being sassy, but trying to figure out how she missed it. I made the decision (be it right or wrong) to let the person sit in the awkward moment. I made no comment whatsoever. The person then changes the subject. Well today Harley out of no where comes up to me and asks, "Why doesn't _______ go to church?" So I sat there a minute and then said, "Well, I can't say for sure, only they can tell you that, but I would guess that at the moment they are just out of the habit and used to the extra time on Sunday after working all week and they don't want to give it up." Harley then says, "Why won't they answer when I ask? _______ always says "I do sometimes" but that is not what I asked." I then explained that they were probably embarrassed that she was asking and it was easier to think about the fact that they do sometimes, and not about the other times when they don't. Then Harley wanted to know if I always went to church when I was an adult "you know since you didn't live with Grandma?" I unfortunately had to say no, that I hadn't always gone that there were almost 3 years where I didn't. But now I realize how important it is and that I was wrong to not go, so we go all the time, unless we are sick or something. What Harley said next caught me so off guard that I almost fell out of my chair. I didn't know ho to respond. She says, "When I grow up and I am an adult I think I'm going to be like __________ and only go to church sometimes." I had no idea what to say!!!!! So the only thing I could come up with was, "Well, I think you should stick to going to church all the time, but we will talk about this more later." I really don't know whether she is pushing my buttons (b/c she know it drives me nuts that this person won't go to church) or if she is trying to see how I will respond to see how I really feel about the subject, b/c I try to not talk about it to her (Harley), or if she is so smart that she is already at the age of 5 able to test my faith, and how important it is to me. So now thanks to some advice from my friend Denise I am going to turn the tables on Harley and ask some loaded questions. Hopefully this will help me weed out her motive. I think I am going to have my hands full with this child. I also hope to use this episode as an ice breaker with the unnamed person and help them realize how detrimental inaction is and just how much they are influencing children. I know with out doubt that love is present, but I just need to convey that even in this aspect love with out faith, and faith with out action, is pointless. I definitely want my children to feel loved, but that love that they feel does no good if they end up with out faith or with a dead faith.

So tonight during our Family Game night Randle and I approached the whole church attendance subject with both girls. Harley apparently doesn't even remember saying that she wants to only go sometimes when she grows up. We asked about favorite parts of church, why we should go, what happens if we stop, how do we feel when we miss, etc. We also asked if they think they will continue to attend when they live somewhere other than our house. Harley says yes, and Natalie actually said that she might stop for a little bit, b/c she will be able to do what ever she wants. Now when asked she says she wants to go and doesn't feel "made" to go. So who know? Anyway, it seems Harley was just looking for a reaction, whether it was to get a rise out of me or to just see how I really feel, we may never know. But we had a nice discussion, and for a couple of little kids, they actually have some pretty good insight and a great hold on Biblical Truths. While I think at least for the moment we have settled with the answer that church is needed and without it we could fall apart, I still plan on having the talk with the person this is centered around. Hopefully God will use this experience to soften a heart and bring back a stray sheep!

Natalie

2009-10-25T19:44:00.000-07:00

Natalie has finally begun to come out of her shell some. I am still having to encourage her a bit socially, but I think we have gained a lot of confidence the past couple of weekends. Last weekend we had one of her church friends go with us to her softball game. The little girl had a good time and has asked to come to our house, that made Nat's face light up. Then this Friday we had another little friend go to dinner and bowling with us. They had a blast, and giggled and talked the entire night. Today at the softball game that little girl asked at least 2 times for a sleepover. Natalie was very excited about that.

At Nat's softball game today she got her first hit. She was the last batter on their team. Her first hit was a single, and b/c she was the last batter she got to run to 1st and then had to come in. Her second hit was a double and then was able to run in off of someone else's hit. She was so excited, she jumped on home plate. She gained so much confidence. I can't wait to see what next Sundays game (which is our last) will bring.

A Whole Day Together

2009-10-24T20:59:00.001-07:00

This morning the girls actually slept in and we had to wake them up at 9 to go to Lowes and to the kid's craft. It was a Frankenstien Magic Box. They had a lot of fun. After that we took them to my mom's house. My parents took them to the local Pumpkin Patch, and I'm sure they did some baking and other fun stuff. Randle and I however, got the whole rest of the day to ourselves. YEAH!!!!!!
We went to a garage sale, J and J Junk, ate lunch at Wings, saw the new (latest, it's been out for a while) Harry Potter, got ice cream and came home to watch a Monk episode on Hulu and relax. It was great! We got some really good books at J and J, and found a great idea for Zbinden Christmas gifts! It was so nice to have more than just a couple of hours before bedtime to spend with Randle. I love my kids, but alone time with the hubby is GREAT!
Thanks mom and dad for taking on the kids for the day!

Harley's Prayer

2009-10-22T21:02:00.000-07:00

We have a prayer list on the back of the girls bedroom door that we pray for each night. We try, unless it is a really late night, to have the girls pray for 2 or 3 of the people. Well, right now we have three babies that we are praying for. So of course the girls mainly focus on those. Tonight though, Natalie prayed for like 5 people. Harley of course can't do less, so she decided to pray for the whole list. Harley, being 5, can't read, so she would pray for someone and then tap me so that I could tell her the next person. She prayed for the 3 babies, and then came our pastor's son who has joined the Army. He is Basic Training right now. Here is Harley's prayer,

Please, please, please, Jesus help Mykel be healthy. Please Jesus help him on his journey because he needs help on his journey. Please Jesus, watch him and help him on his hunting trip"

She knows that people in the Army wear camo and that you wear camo when you go hunting. So she must have come to the obviously logical conclusion that he is hunting. It was so cute. Her little "pleases" were so sincere, and heart-felt. I have a mp3 recorder, I have GOT to remember to sneak it in with me and record her.

A Weekend of Activity

2009-10-19T15:54:00.001-07:00

Our weekend started with a Hoover High Football game. Although Hoover lost, the last plays of the game were quited tense. The girls had a blast watching both the game and the cheerleaders, they also loved that Dad bought them special Hoover "H" silly bands. Saturday we slept in, loaded the dish washer, cleaned the girls room and took Natalie to a Birthday party at Pump it up. Harley and Randle went on a "Daddy Date" while we were at the party. Then we went home to quickly change clothes and go to a wedding. The girls absolutely loved it. Tabbie and Marshall's wedding was beautiful. The got to dance with their Daddy at the reception and ended the night by helping all of us clean up. They are great at washing windows. We got to sleep in again on Sunday b/c there was no Sunday School. We met a Westover Park for Pastor Appreciation. It was a huge picnic with football games, corn hole competitions, relays and kids running everywhere. Lots of fellowship. After the picnic, we went to visit my brother Jonathan, who was in town for the weekend.

Then Natalie had a softball game. Natalie had a friend from church go with us. We will call the friend J.R. J.R. and Harley sat in the bleachers and stood at the dug out fence watching the game. They really cheered Natalie on. During the game Natalie had 2 tips, and hit the ball once but it hit her and homeplate, therefore itwas a dead ball. She also got a ball hit to her in right feild and ran it in to second, and actually almost got the girl out. We, the "Blue Sting", won the game 9-6. We were all very excited. The girls even chattered in the field some after being offered blow pops at the next game. After the game we took the girls next door to the park. They ran around for about 30 minutes. On the way to meet J.R.'s mom the girls were talking. I'm not sure how the conversation started, but we hear Natalie say, I'll eat your eyeballs. To which J.R. says, I'll eat your ears, Natalie somes back with, I'll eat your eyes, ears, mouth, teeth, head arms, legs, EVERYTHING. J.R. sits there a minute and then says, Wow, you'll be full. Then they went on with a normal conversation about school and clothes.

As a result of all the late nights, no one wanted to get up for school on Monday. Harley was in a very bad mood. I had a horrible headache when we got back and decided to lay down after I took some Alieve. (It makes me kind of spacey when I am taking it with decongestants) I put a short 30 min. show in the DVD player for Harley and told her if I wasn't up to just play, and I would be up shortly. I woke up and listened for her. I love hearing her talk through her play. She has so many onversations between all of her toys. I couldn't hear her this time though. I got up really quiet so I could see what she was doing with out her knowing. When I got to the living room. I found her sound asleep on the floor, with her head on a study buddy. I tried to wake her up so that we could meet JT at HHS, but she wouldn't budge. I shook her, rubbed her cheek, patted her, stroked her hair, and still she wouldn't budge. Finally I pick her up, and she is completely limp. I sat on the couch and chuckled at how sound asleep she was, and saw a smirk cross her face. There is no telling how long she had been faking. The little twirp, but what a cute little twirp.

Bowling, Shopping and Softball

2009-10-12T21:36:00.001-07:00

Friday we took the girls bowling. They loved it. We had a great time. I took them again today (we had free passes). I actually bowled with them today though. They absolutely loved it. Harley actually got a strike and Natalie got a spare. Somehow the bumpers stayed up the whole time instead of going down for my turn. I got a strike too, but it can hardly be counted since it bounced off the bumpers. After bowling we went to the Galleria to let Nat buy something at Gap with a gift card she had. She got an adorable outfit. I will try and post bowling pics tomorrow.

Natalie actually made contact with the ball at her game on Sunday. We were very excited. They were both fouls and she still struck out every time, but she was quite pleased with herself for hitting the ball. Her team is really beginning to come together. Now if we could only get a practice in between the rain storms. I will try and post softball pics as well.

A Fun Day With a Friend

2009-10-05T18:16:00.001-07:00

Today I went over to a good friends house to help her work on a slide show. We started it last week, and got to finish it up today, except burning it to discs. I always have fun with her, and today was no exception. We started by moving all of the pics over from the file to Windows Movie Maker. We got all the pics on and two of three songs put on before I had to leave to pick Nat up from school. Right before I left to pick Nat up, she got completely lost in laughter. Harley had been drawing pictures. She had drawn one for Randle and wanted to put "I Love You! It is for you" I wrote I Love You in cursive just like she asked, but she wanted to write the rest of it herself. I of course had to tell her letter by letter what to write. So I have Harley to my right, saying, "Okay, Mommy, what letter now?" and my friend on my left saying,"What do I do next?" One right after the other. One question from Harley for each letter, and a question from, Denise, (Oops, did I put your name?) right after each time. Harley ends the session with her famous quote, "I'm hungry.", so Denise trying to be cute tugs my shirt and says, "I'm thirsty." So without missing a beat I reached behind me and grab Denise's cup and hand it to her. It was pretty funny. Denise was all but rolling in the floor. The funny part to me was that I didn't realize she was playing. I thought she was wanting to get up from the computer, (I had her blocked in) so I handed her the cup without realizing she was playing until afterwards when she was laughing so hard she couldn't breathe. I laughed until crying! Then we went to pick Natalie up and went back to Denise's house to finish up the slide show. The girls did great together. Of course anyone who spends a day with Denise know that along with the laughter comes probing questions to make you think later. So, now I'm off to do my homework, that Denise always feels the need to give! God has blessed my family with such great friends. I couldn't make it with out them!

Harley's Birthday and Natalie 1st Softball Game

2009-09-28T09:55:00.001-07:00

Harley turned 5 on the 23rd. She wanted to have a Maya and Miguel party at the local park. We invited the kids in her church classes (Wednesday and Sunday) and invited the little girls in her dance class as well as a couple of family friends and of course cousins. She was supposed to have on on the 19th, but we all caught the flu, and it was raining ridiculously. So we rescheduled for the 26th. She has a little friend from her Sunday school come, and a cousin. It rained (drizzled really) for the first little bit, but the sun actually came out after that. She had fun playing at the park, eating cake and especially the pinata. She surprised us all by saying that her cake had too much chocolate. She designed her own cake this year. She asked for a round chocolate cake with two layers. She wanted vanilla ice cream between the two layers, and chocolate chips on top of the ice cream. She wanted chocolate icing, and sprinkles on top and "Happy Birthday Harley" written in red icing. She was pretty detailed. I guess she had put a lot of thought into it. She is a funny little girl.

I can't believe that she is 5 years old. She says she still feels like she's 4. We got her an American Girl Bitty Twin. She has named it Cindy,and she goes everywhere with us. So far she has gone grocery shopping, to the Galleria, to Wal-Mart, and even the ball park. Randle was picking on her by saying the Cindy wanted to stay home instead of going with us Sunday. I said that she could go with us but had to stay in the car during church. Randle then says, "That's OK, she doesn't want to go with us anyway, she wants to stay home and play with toys." Harley gives Randle a look like he is the dumbest person on earth and shouts, "Yes she does, SHE WANT TO LEARN ABOUT JESUS!!" We about lost it. I am very excited the she loves her little dolly. She even bought a new doll stroller with her birthday money.

Natalie had her first softball game yesterday. She said she had fun. She didn't make any hits. She didn't get an opportunity to stop any balls b/c she plays right field. She was so very nervous. She had a great attitude though, and can't wait for practice. We are going to borrow a swing a way from a friend of ours to let her get in some batting practice. They also have a tee that they said we could borrow. We bought her a new bat yesterday that is yellow with flowers on it. She all but slept with it and was asking if we could hit some balls after school. I am glad she is so excited.

Natalie's First Bible Quiz

2009-09-12T20:45:00.000-07:00

Today was Nat's first Bible Quiz Tournament. Her team participated in 8 different games that had 20 questions each. She buzzed in 3 times and got 2 of them right. She tried to buzz in other times, but wasn't quick enough. We were proud of her for buzzing at all. She was so worried and can be so shy we didn't know if she would even buzz in. She will have her next one in October, and I can't wait to see how much confidence she gains.

Harley had a long day of Bible quiz, but did really well. She sat very still and quiet. She is already learning alot of the questions and answers, and she has 2 years before she can join. If she continues to learn at this rate she will blow them out of the water.

The Busy Life

2009-09-10T14:22:00.000-07:00

I am so spoiled from our life in Indiana. The girls had YMCA memberships and the Y was only 3 blocks from Natalie's School. I was able to schedule swim lessons and dance right after school, so that we weren't out late. Neither of our girls did sports, so we were home a lot. Not so much anymore. We aren't members of the Y anymore so there are no more swim lessons. But instead of swim we are not doing Monday night Campus Life Meetings in the Hoover area, Wednesday night Bible Quiz and Church, Thursday night Dance, and Friday night Hoover Football Games. We are also about to add Softball practices one or two nights a week and games on Sundays. Then there is the occasional Saturday Bible Quiz Tournament and Sunday night Small Group. We are loving everything we are doing, but wow at the scheduling.

Last Sunday our van broke down, so we have been borrowing Randle's dad's truck. What a blessing it has been. We hope to have ours fixed by this Sunday or Monday. It may be the $15 fuel filter or the $200 fuel pump. We are really hoping for the filter. Either way I am sure God will supply.

Natalie is settling in to school now. She is still saying that she doesn't have friends, but I think it is more of a definition controversy than her not having friends. She plays with her classmates, and every time I am around they are saying hi to her and running up to tell her something. I think that she is defining "friend" as she had them in Indiana. It was different, b/c she had been in a class with the same kids for 3 years. We also went to church with several of them. This was our only real fear when moving from IN to AL. We are trusting God that He will lead her where she needs to be. I know that He is preparing her for her future and it will all end well, with her having learned the lessons, and growing where God needs her too.

Randle's side job will be wrapping up very soon, so we are also trusting God to supply a job. There may be more openings at the temp job he was at before. We have also learned of a couple of job opening in the surrounding areas. This is tough for me. I am having to continually give it back over to God. Obviously I am strengthening my faith and trust in Him right now. I can't wait to see where God takes us and what He has us doing after all of this is over!

The Girls Just Keep Amazing Me

2009-09-03T07:25:00.000-07:00

Monday we got a letter from Natalie's teacher telling us the results of her reading test. I am sure there are several different reading tests out there, but Mt. Laurel uses the STAR. It explains that there could be some variables so there is a level listed, but when you get to the level of book she should get there is a range listed. Anyway, she tested at a 3rd grade level at 4 months into the school year. At the end of 1st grade she was reading at a second grade level at the end of the year. So that means she advanced 4-5 school months over the summer. We are very excited, and proud of her.

Harley has been writing a lot and wanted to spell words. She has been spelling 3 letter words that end in "at" for about a month. She then started reading them. I couldn't believe she was sounding them out and spelling them before reading. Today she asked for our "fox thing" meaning our Hooked on Phonics. I got it out for her and she didn't want to start at the beginning where it teaches you letters and their sounds. I told her if she could name most of the letters and their sounds by herself I would let her skip it. She got all letter sounds but "g" and all letter names except for lower case and upper case "g" and lower case p,d,and b. Considering there are times when Natalie gets b and d confused and I knew that there are no q words until much later in the books, I let her skip the letter part. She has now read her first short story "Fat Cat, Fat Rat". It consists of the words: cat, rat, sat, and fat. She read the story 3 times to me and about 4 or 5 to Randle. She is now tackling the "an" family words. I can't believe she is reading at the age of 4.

Natalie and Harley: the mouse hunt

2009-09-01T11:49:00.000-07:00

Yesterday started with a visit to both Hoover High campuses with Emily, JT, and Judy. We went to each lunch period to pass out invitations to the annual Campus Life Burger Bash.

Last night we had the annual Burger Bash with Campus Life Ministries. We meet every Monday (except when school is out) over off of 150 at the Langston Family's house. We had around 112 students come last night. There was a skit, a couple of games, burgers, chips, cookies, and of course a visit from Captain Unexpectedpants! We were very excited about the turn out and hope that it continues.

The girls went with us this week since it was a little more free flowing. They started off climbing all over the fence around the horse pasture. Then playing with a Frisbee, quickly changing to climbing on the large spools, and chasing each other. They had a blast! At one point Michael pointed out that there was a small field mouse running behind the guys that were grilling. The girls saw me looking at it and Natalie decides to catch it. She ran at it and snatched it up pretty quick. She didn't get her hands around it though and it jumped out of her hand and on to her forearm. She panicked, and swung her arm up. The mouse went flying and landed in front of Harley who trapped it with her hands and quickly jumped away when it squirmed. They chased it around a bit both of them squealing with delight and finally Natalie caught it. She held it up at her chest level and was looking at it. It was of course scared so it nibbled her finger and she threw it. Harley then goes after it and picks it up and then the poor mouse got thrown again when it bit her. It was quite a show for all those around to watch. I am quite impressed that they even tried to catch it, much less caught it. They finished the evening hopping around like bunnies with little bunny ears, noses, and tails on. They also re-named the horses and chased the dogs again before I drug them away. When we finally got them home they were out cold and were both carried in. We woke Natalie up to take her inhaler, she did it, rinsed her mouth and went straight to sleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.

The Adventure Conitinues

2009-08-18T21:52:00.000-07:00

Randle found out last Wednesday that the temp job he was working ended the following Friday. So that means as of right now, he doesn't have a job. God is supplying everything we need. He has had people share food from their garden and over buying, he has allowed us to pay off the car, and even supplied a side job for Randle for the next bit until he finds a job. God is amazing. Just when things seem to be falling apart, He comes in and pulls them together. He has also allowed me to start selling things on ebay. I have been so blessed with the items I have found (God had Shown) to sell. He is really moving in our lives.

Natalie has started 2nd grade at Mt. Laurel. She is in Mrs Holland and Mrs Ashley's class. It is a team taught class. I am not really sure how I feel about this, but the teachers really think it is a good opportunity. Natalie was completely bored the first two day. A lot of sitting and listening to rules. As a child who follows rules to a fault, she doesn't think she needs the reminder.

Harley has started Dance at Tiffany's Studio for the Arts in Westover. Tiffany is great with the kids. Harley is very excited to be dancing again and to have her own friends. Not being able to go to pre-school this year has been hard on her. They are just too expensive down here.

God is really stretching my faith. He is also showing me some areas where he wants me to step up and lead. They are not foriegn areas to me, but scary just the same.

Our baby chicks have grown size and shrunk in number. We are down to 4. I will try to upload current pictures of them soon. As we continue our walk with God we appreciate all of your prayers that we listen carefully and follow his lead.

New Adventures

2009-08-09T21:08:00.000-07:00

Randle is still working a temp job in Birmingham for the Housing Authority. We had hoped to have something permanent, but God has other plans, and I am learning to not question how He supplies. Randle is also starting to work with Birmingham Youth for Christ. We are pretty excited about it. It will be stretching my faith a bit as I am not known for dealing with teenagers well, and we will have to help raise his salary. It is a volunteer thing first and then a full time position when we raise a certain amount. Obviously it is not us but God who will be doing the raising, He will just be using us. Randle will be starting soon. It is mainly Hoover High, but they hope to expand in the future. They will have meetings on Monday at a place called "The Barn". I hope to go and help, but that will depend on the girls. They also hope to start a ministry for Teen Parents. I would love to help with that. I may have to wait until next year when Harley is in Kindergarten though. I am doing a lot of praying about it, because like I said before teenagers are not my strong suit. I am loving talking over ideas that Randle has though. This will be a great new adventure for our family.

We had thought that we would only be in Birmingham short term until we found what God wanted for us, but apparently He wants us here. We are learning a lot right now. God is really pouring into us . We love our church. God is moving dramatically at New Life. His presence is amazing. Our pastor is amazing. He listens so closely to Gods Word and leading. I have to say, I am very thankful that our girls are getting to experience God in such an amazing church. I know He is preparing them for great things.

Our girls are growing up quickly. Natalie is starting second grade this week. She is in Mrs Holland and Mrs Ashley's class. We get to go meet them tomorrow night. I am very excited. She is such a smart girl. She is reading on a third grade level. She is still loving to draw and paint. She is very artsy and creative. She has expressed some interest in tennis, but we will have to see.
Harley has another year home with me. I think she likes this idea. She will be ready to go to school next year. I think that she could handle it now academically, but socially I think it is better to wait. I have heard lots of parents say they wish they would have waited, but never heard anyone say they wish they would have sent them earlier. We are working on some stuff at home with her. She knows most of her alphabet and their sounds. She can count through thirty (with the exception of 14, she skips it every time). She can spell some words by sounding them out. Harley is still very full of drama. She showed that to us on Tuesday when she got her shots. Let's just leave it at a lot of screaming.
The girls have learned about YouTube and love watching "Charlie bit my finger". They quote it all the time. Harley has quite the British accent. I am trying to get her to let me record her and post it, but true to herself she denies what I am asking. I think we are going to sneak and record her this week anyway. I am sure this week will bring more stories as school starts again, and Harley will need to perform for me since her sister won't be here.

Stories

2009-07-16T19:02:00.001-07:00

When Harley was first learning to use the potty we had a hard time getting her to sit on a potty in public long enough to go. (She was used to having books to read) So we started making up stories. I would make up most of the story but I would pause at points and let her name characters or places. I started making a story about a little bunny. I let Harley name the bunny. She named her Emily Apancha Dude. We have now made up Three Emily Apancha Dude stories. Harley loves them so much I decided to blog them so that hopefully they will not be forgotten.
Here is one of three stories:

Once upon a time there was a little bunny named Emily Apancha Dude. Emily loved to swim. One morning she woke up and hopped down the stairs, hop, hop, hop, and said, "Mooooooooommy, Mommy, Mommy, Mommy, Mommy, Mommy, can we plllllllllllleeeeeeeeeeease go swimming today?". Emily's mommy said not now Emily, I have to clean house this morning. You go play out side and after lunch we can go to the lake. " Emily was very excited and went outside to play. She played on her swing set, in the sandbox, in her baby pool. She really wanted to go swimming at the lake. Her mom called her in for lunch and told her they would go to the lake after lunch. She ate all of her carrots, all of her broccoli, all of her peas and even her celery. Then she hopped, hopped, hopped up the stairs, changed into her swim suit and went back to her mom. They hopped hopped hopped down the drive way, hopped, hopped, hopped, out the gate, and hopped, hopped, hopped, all the way to the lake. When they got there Emily's mommy sat down in a chair and Emily went straight to the lake. She jumped in, and started swimming. She swam all over the lake. Then she saw the diving board. She was SO excited. She hopped, hopped, hopped over to the diving board, climbed, climbed, climbed, up the the ladder and bounced, one....two.....three....SPLASH. Then she swam, swam, swam over to the edge of the lake, hopped, hopped, hopped over to the diving board. Climbed, climbed, climbed up the ladder, and bounced. One.....Two.....Three.....SPLASH. She did this over and over, until her mom said it was time to go. Emily said" Noooo, please mommy can't we stay?" Mommy said, "No, honey, we have to go home I have to get dinner ready. " They hopped home and Emily was sent upstairs to change clothes. Then she slowly hopped, hopped, hopped, down the stairs and out side to play. She played on the swings, in the sand box, and with her bubbles. All she wanted to do though was swim at the lake. So she very quietly hopped, hopped, hopped up the stairs, tip-toed, tip-toed, tip-toed to the closet, and put on her swim suit. Then she tip-toed, tip-toed, tip-toed down the stairs, tip-toed, tip-toed, tip-toed out the door, hopped hopped, hopped, slowly to the gate. Opened the gate very slowly and hopped, hopped, hopped, as quickly as she could to the lake. Then she hopped, hopped, hopped, to the diving board. Climbed, climbed, climbed the ladder, and bounced, One....Two... "EMILY!!!" she heard the policeman say, "You come down right now! Does your mother know where you are? You go home RIGHT now." She hopped home and started playing in the yard. She played in the sandbox, played on the swing set, and even blew bubbles again, but all she could think about was jumping off the diving board. So she tip-toed, tip-toed, tip-toed to the gate, and hopped, hopped, hopped, allllllllll the way to the lake. Then the hopped, hopped, hopped to the diving board, climbed, climbed, climbed the ladder, and bounced One...Two.....Three....SPLASH. She swam to the edge, and did it three more times. Then the last time she jumped in she heard, "EMILY!!!! GET OUT OF THE LAKE!!! " Emily felt something bump her foot. Then it bumped it again. When she looked behind her she saw it. AN ALLIGATOR!!!! She swam, swam, swam as fast as she could. She got out of the lake as fast as she could. Then hopped, hopped, hopped to her Daddy. They hugged and then he took her straight home where she got sent to bed without any dinner.

Well, while I know it is not a Robert Munsch story, our family loves our own little Emily Apancha Dude series.

Random Short Stories From Our Daily Lives

2009-07-16T18:31:00.000-07:00

We knew that we had a mouse because we were finding small holes that had been chewed into our bread and other packages. We put out poison and had hoped it would take care of them. I was in our bathroom and thought I heard something, but ignored it. The next thing I know I saw a little mouse head peak around the corner. I screamed before I knew what I was doing. Randle came and as he was coming it ran into a little closet. About the time he got to me it poked it head out of the closet and then ran into a box. I started screaming at Randle to pick up the box. It ran out before he could. It came straight at me so I jumped up on the toilet and it started tipping over. Randle had just fixed it and the glue and wax ring had apparently not completely adhered yet. The mouse got away and I had to go to bed wondering where it was. So then the next day we were getting ready for Wednesday night church and Randle turns on the light to his closet and finds the mouse again. But this time it was dead, laying right in the middle of his closet floor.

Tuesday night we went to a Rook tournament at Ekklessia Coffee House in Chelsea. We started out playing Rook, and ended up with Cranium. It was a lot of fun. Natalie and Harley made a new friend and played Hullabaloo for most of the night. As they were closing up shop we told the girls to pass out good bye hugs to Michael and Lisa. Natalie went right over and started hugging. Harley, being Harley, didn't want to give hugs so she leaned up against Michael. He picked her up and gave her the famous "upside down hug" that she gives both of my brothers. They pick her up hold her upside down and squeeze her. Well, tonight she left him with a little surprise. She pooted right in his face. Everyone in the coffee shop fell apart laughing. I have to say if anyone in our family deserved this it is Michael. He has pooted on most of us repeatedly.

Tonight we were having fried fish, hush puppies and squash casserole. I had gone to the store this afternoon and gotten everything except the crackers and ice. So I asked Randle to get the girls started on dinner and I would run to the gas station and get crackers and ice. Apparently Randle was fixing the girls plates and stuff and Harley says, "Daddy, Mommy bought your favorite ice cream." Randle very excitedly goes to the freezer looking for it. He asked the girls where I put it. (He LOVES ice cream. ) Harley then said, "I tricked you!" What 4 year old comes up with that on her own. I can't believe how mean she is sometimes. I have to admit, I laughed really hard, but then had to explain why and how mean that was. In the end she apologized, but WOW, what a personality we have on our hands.

4th of July trip to the beach

2009-07-09T15:03:00.000-07:00

We went to Randle's dad's house in Foley for the 4th of July. The girls and I spent all day Friday getting the car and house clean and then packing the car. Around 2 I took the girls to the little grocery store in town to get some cokes to take with us and Kool Aid to put a second layer of dye on Natalie's hair. This round took much better. Randle got off around 2 and we left our house around 3.

We got off the interstate and onto Hwy 59 in south AL. It is a very busy road, b/c of Gulf Shores so there are lots of advertisements. One of the advertisements was for a hospital that had just started offering digital mammography. I had not heard of that and made the mistake of saying so out loud to Randle. Harley heard the word and apparently thought it sounded like a fun word and starts chanting in a sing-song voice "Mammography, Mammography, ha ha ha ha ha". She did this for about 5 minutes. I thought she would stop, but I was wrong. So I had to explain that while it is not a "bad" word, it is not a work people want to hear in public. I also had to explain what it was, and why people have it done and whether I had had one or not. What a way to start off a vacation. We finally got them to stop asking questions and move on.

Randle let us go straight to the beach, so the girls could put their feet on the beach the first night. They absolutely loved it. They kept walking further and further into the water until the bottom of Harley's carpi's got wet. Then of course they had to kick the sand everywhere and cover themselves with sand. We found a spot to rinse and then got back to the car to find that Harley had gotten entirely too wet to ride home. So she had to ride home in just her panties. She was mortified and was very worried about the "old people" in the neighborhood would see her without pants. After a lot of calming down we got them into bed so that we could finally go to bed ourselves.

We expected to get woken up around 8 or so by the girls and then head to the beach. Instead we got woken up at 6:50 am by Natalie saying she is hungry. The only thing I could say was, "Are you kidding me, we couldn't even make it to 7am." So we got up ate, slathered sunscreen (almost 1/3 of a bottle) , packed lunch, packed the car and headed to the beach. The girls started off by trying to build sand castles, and then drug us out of our chairs to the water. Right off the bat Harley not only gets knocked down by a wave but completely taken under and covered in the wet sand that is swirled in the water by the force of the wave. You could hardly see her hair there was so much sand.

Natalie took to the water immediately started riding the waves. Harley however stuck to the edge finding shells. Then somehow Harley got convinced to go out into the water. She found that she loved being in the "deep end" as she calls it. Which is where the water was about to Randle's shoulders.

The waves were great so we took a break at lunch time to walk across the street to the shop and bought the girls boogie boards. Natalie was great at staying on, but Harley kept falling off and getting beaten by the waves. So she sat on her knees on the board and Randle held onto her while they bobbed in the waves. Natalie stayed at about waist deep, so that I could push her and get her started on the waves.

We left in the late afternoon so that we could get ready and eat dinner so that we could meet Crisi, Mark, Bailey and Jessica for fireworks. The fireworks were supposed to start at 9. However the concert started at 9:10 and the fireworks finally started around 10. We got there at about 8:30, so the girls were about to fall apart on us. I broke out glow stick at the very beginning, and one broke and so we let them write on themselves. Harley squeezed hers and it shot in her eye. OH THE DRAMA!!!! We had a lot of screaming and all she wanted to go home. We finally got her a wet paper towel and then ice cream and things turned around. We then met Crisi and them and stood around with them for about another hour before watching the fireworks. It was a great show and lasted for quite a while. Harley was asleep before we even got on the bypass. She was so out of it we were afraid she had gotten choked and stopped the car to check on her. She yells "WHAT?!?" and slapped his hand away. Once we got home we all went to bed, and the girls actually made it to about 8:30 the next morning.

We got up and started looking at a local Baptist and Assembly of God church in the area to attend. We agreed on the AG church and started out. We got there and found all the ladies in dresses or skirts and all the men in ties. They took the girls to the back of the fellowship hall where children were running around and playing in a blanket tent. Randle pulled me aside and said "go to the car I will bring the girls" So I left and got into the car and waited. Randle came out holding Harley and Natalie walking quickly beside him. We then left and went to the baptist church. When we got there we found out that there was no children's service because it was a special service for the 4th. Harley went to a classroom and Natalie went with us. It was very nostalgic service for Randle. When we picked Harley up and got to the car we asked how her class was. She told us, "I didn't learn anything. They just wanted us to play, so I helped." I love that at 4 she expects to learn and not be put in a nursery setting.

We went home ate lunch and headed to the beach. We took a break around dinner time and went to "The Hangout" which is a great place on the edge of the beach. The girls had fun in the loud atmosphere and then playing in the tunnel they have under a hill of sand. The building is not air conditioned b/c it is opened to the beach. So they have a HUGE fan. In the middle of the fan is a company name. Natalie read the name out loud. It is "Big A** Fans". I could not believe she read it. We were very careful to keep her away from t-shirts in shops that were inappropriate but never imagined the fan as a danger spot. We then went back to the beach and played until dark and then went home. The girls had another day of great fun and hated to leave.

Monday was quite a sad day. We didn't get to go to the beach b/c we had to leave but intended to take the girls swimming in the pool. However it started raining and we just packed the car. We were packing the car Harley was following Randle back and forth. She was trying to convince us to take her to the beach or pool. She finally while crying says, "It's no fair there are people on the beach right now!" We finished packing and took them to Lambert's, home of throwed rolls. They loved it. Then we went to the shops with the huge Octopus and Shark for doors. Looked at everything and finally headed home. It was a great weekend and the girls loved having time with me and Randle. I can't wait to take them back.

Harley's Random Thoughts

2009-03-31T20:21:00.001-07:00

Last night at the dinner table Harley finished her drink and asked for more. I got her some water from the tap. I was also doing something else so she came and got her glass from me and returned to the table with Randle and Natalie. When she got back to the table she had a conversations with Randle. Here is how it went:
Harley : Do fish poop?
Randle: Yes
Harley : Where do they poop?
Randle: In the water.
Harley: So fish pooped in my water?
Randle: Well they cleaned it.
Harley: How?
Randle: People have machines that clean water.
You never know what they are thinking. I don't even think we were talking about fish, and I KNOW we weren't talking about poop.

2009-03-28T19:40:00.000-07:00

Today was quite a day. It started with us picking the girls up from my moms and heading to the Columbiana Coop to meet Brad, Bethany, and David Herrington. We hoped to get some seeds for our gardens and a bunny or two. There were no bunnies, and we got watermelon seeds. Then we headed home and the Herringtons were coming over so we could put our seeds in seed starters. After they got here Randle's dad called and came over with our niece and nephew, and sister. Then the neighbor boy came up to play. And finally my grandparents came to bring angel food and say hi. We fed the chickens some crickets and worms. We played with the chicks and duckling that Natalie got for her birthday, planted our seedlings, the guys went on a hike on some property and "scampered up a hill and jumped a creek", the kids found a creek, played on the swing, chased each other around/in/out of the house, we cooked dinner(quite and eclectic spread), ate leftover birthday cake, and the kids ended the day rolling down a small incline in an old trash can. Yes, and old trash can. I have no idea where this came from, but the creativity of my children never ceases to amaze me. They had a blast and can't wait for everyone to come again. What a day and list of activites. Now we look forward to tomorrow: church, 50th anniversary party, and human video practice. I have to say this may be one of the best weekends we have had in Alabama. Thanks to everyone who participated and helped make our weekend great.

2009-03-03T08:49:00.000-08:00

This week is Read Across America Week. To celebrate it Natalie's school had the kids dress up as a Dr. Seuss character yesterday. Today they are sending books all over the world. Tomorrow they wear their PJs , Thursday they wear their school shirt and Friday they dress up as pirates. Natalie decided to dress up as Thing 1. Randle and I forgot over the weekend and put her costume together Sunday night. We ran around the house looking for stuff, and finished in about an hour. I think it turned out really cute!

Phonetics

2009-03-02T19:00:00.000-08:00

Tonight we had Natalie help read our family devotional. We were reading the story of Elizabeth and Zechariah. Natalie got to the part where the "neighbors" where asking what they would name the baby. She was sounding out the word neighbors. She read it sounding like knee hob ors. It was really funny. We had to take a short break from devotions to regain composure.

YEAH We Have Chickens Again!!!

2009-02-21T19:39:00.000-08:00

I have a cousin who has chickens and guineas. He has had several escape theirs pens and has not been able to catch them. So my brother went to help him. While Michael was helping catch the chickens he mentioned that we would like to have some. So he not only sent Michael to my house with 5 chickens (3hens and 2 roosters) but also with 150 feet of chicken wire. We were thankful for the chickens, but couldn't believe the generosity of the wire.

We have been talking about getting chickens and even had a dog house to convert into a chicken house, but hadn't had the time yet. So Randle and Michael rig something up so that they would be safe for the night. When they had finished we came in and Michael and me played the Wii, but that is a different story. The chickens appeared to be safe so after Michael left we went to bed.

The next morning Randle took the chickens some water and then left for work. When the girls and I got up we noticed on chicken was missing. We looked around for a while and finally say her. We couldn't catch her so we got ready to go to the dentist appointment. Harley went outside to check on the chicken and saw that she was on top of the house. While I was helping the girls get dressed we saw the missing chicken on top of the van. When we went out to the car we realized that there were two out. I was very frustrated, but we had to leave.

When we came back another had gotten out. We tried throwing feed out on the ground but they didn't care. I told the girls before we could try and catch them they had to clean out the van. We had both sliding doors open to let air through. One of the chickens hopped right into the van. The girls tried to get it, but couldn't . So she flew off.

They finally finished with the car an d went in to change into play clothes. When they came back out we chased the chickens all around the house. We couldn't even get close. One of the girls had run into the house for something and left the door open. About the time I realized it I saw a chicken on the front porch. Not wanting a chicken in the house I went to close the door. Only the chicken was faster and went straight into the house.

We have all hardwoods, tile or linoleum. It ran into the living room and stopped I tried to sneak up behind it,but it saw me and ran to the kitchen. It was standing under the table facing my room. I went to shut my bedroom door afraid of what might happen if it got on my bed. Natalie stood on one side of the table and Harley on the other ready for when she ran. I got on my knees to try and get her only to have her take off into the living room. I scrambled up and tried to run ahead to close the other doors. It hit the living room and started sliding all over the place, but somehow stayed out of reach. It ran into the girls' room and I caught her just before she ran under the bed.

All of this lasted about 15 minutes. I have never laughed so hard in my life. You never know what will happen at our house, but I would never have dreamed of a chicken chase in the house. Luckily as scared as she was she didn't poop anywhere in the house.

Today we had to catch two others, one of which we thought has been eaten because she hadn't been seen since Friday morning. It turns out that "she"has spurs and may be a boy. We are going to have to do some research.

The Traumatic Zoo Trip

2009-02-17T19:50:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was supposed to be Randle's first day of work, but because it was a holiday it was delayed until today. Natalie was out of school, so we took a family trip to the Birmingham Zoo. The girls had a lot of fun. We got to pet the sheep and goats, as well as vote for the President of the Zoo. Natalie and Harley voted for the Lion, Kwanza, I voted for the Macaw, Nut Nut, and Randle voted for the Beaver, June. I am calling tomorrow to find out who won. The first thing we did was go to the Sea Lion feeding. It was very lame. The people had the sea lions do a couple of tricks, but they didn't explain anything to the kids. The show at the Fort Wayne Zoo is much better. After that we went to the Laurakeet exhibit. We paid $1.50 for a little cup of nectar for the girls to feed the birds. Randle only had $2 so he got 2 cups for the girls to split it.. Before he could even pour a little into the second cup 2 birds had landed on him. He finally got it poured an then handed the cup to Natalie. She jumped when the first bird landed on her, but soon got comfortable with it. Harley decided she didn't want Randle to let go of the cup. She finally realized it was safe, and took the cup. About the time she took the cup a bird snatched it from her. I got the cup back and she got to hold it again. She hadn't had the cup very long and a bird landed on her head. She almost threw the cup at Randle, and dropped to the ground. She stayed in a squatting position laughing s hard as I have ever seen her. I got photos, but wish I could have taped her laugh. It was great! It was definitely the best $1.50 we have ever spent!! The zoo has this really cool section called Alabama Wild. 　It is a section of the zoo filled with animals found throughout Alabama, hence the name,. At the end of the trail there is a creek and we could hear some frogs. I got the girls to stand really still and listen.Just as we all turned and started walking off Harley started screaming and dancing around. Randle and I didn't know what was going on. We though she had been stung by something, all we could tell was it was something in her jeans. I finally got her to speak where we could understand and we found out that she was saying that a frog had jumped in her pants leg. Well, as much as we tried not to, we laughed. Randle picked her up and I pulled at her pants leg　There was nothing there. I told her that her pants leg was empty, but she wouldn't believe me. Randle picked her back up and I ran my arm as far up her jeans as I could but she still claimed it was there. I finally got her to agree that it was her jacket that she had tied around her waist that had bumped her, but then she felt it again and freaked out on me. She walked the rest of the way to the entrance bent at her waist holding the knee of her pants as if she were trying to keep something in that one spot. We finally get to the bathroom,and I put her on the changing table and pull her jeans down to show her nothing was there. Then she calmed down and when we got to the van she decided it must have been the seam on her jeans. I haven't laughed so hard in a very long time. While she was scared to death at first once she realized she was safe, she even laughed. We ended the day at the zoo and went to dinner at a Thai restaurant. Natalie really liked it, but Harley would still rather have McDonalds. Unfortunately I do not have pictures of the frog incident, but I will add Laurakeet pictures tomorrow when I update with who won the Zoo President election!

A True Dumpster Diver Needs No Dumpster (as per Randle's requesr)

2009-02-12T21:25:00.000-08:00

So last Saturday we were headed to Randle Sr.'s house when we realized we needed to stop and get some cash. We still have our account in IN so we have been using Wal-Mart instead of ATMs where we get charged. So we took the long way around to pass a Wal-Mart. While we were driving down Hwy 119, Randle gets excited and says, "Hey was that a turtle shell on the side of the road?" I wasn't paying attention, and I really can't understand why a grown man is excited by a turtle shell. He makes a quick U-turn and we go back to look at the turtle shell. When we get there I realize he is talking about the kind of turtle shell that your strap to the top of your car to carry luggage. So we pull into some drive way that has a locked gate with a HUGE house inside. He gets the dog (Grace) out of the car, shoves the shell inside the middle of the van, puts Grace underneath part of it and then we leave. I can't tell you how embarrassed I am at this point. I just thought "At least it is over." We pull out of the drive way and head to his dad's house, or so I think. He then pulls into Sonic, and orders us drinks while he takes out the dog and shell and straps the shell to the roof of the van while sitting at Sonic. It takes like 20 minutes to get it on, and finally we leave. Oh the odd things men do sometimes! So now we have a new (to us anyway) turtle shell for the top of the van. Only we find out while strapping it on that it has two cracks. When I pointed this out Randle informed me that he can fix that easily with some Bondo. I think he is nuts, but maybe the bondo will supply me with another blog entry!

Alabama

2009-02-03T20:11:00.000-08:00

So I haven't posted in way too long. We have finally moved from Indiana to Alabama. We were very sad to say goodbye to our friends, but also excited about out new adventure. Now that we are here, have a house (which we didn't have until the day before leaving) and mostly unpacked I can breathe. Natalie is going to school at Mt. Laurel Elementary, yes this is a public school. We had a lot of explaining to do with Natalie. St. John where Natalie and Harley attended in IN was set up as an extension of the churches outreach and ministry. So far in the Birmingham area we have not been able to find one Christian school that has any kind of scholarship program or financial aid. So Harley is waiting for next year to go to preschool again, and Natalie is attending a public school. She loves her teacher and already has 2 good friends in her class. She is adjusting well, and we start each day praying over her for safety in body and spirit and that she will be a light of Jesus to her classmates.

We have an amazing house that we are renting. It is bigger and nicer (on the inside) than anything we have had so far. It has three bedrooms, although one is used as an office, and two bathrooms. The girls' room is painted pink and orange and they got new bedspreads and shams. (we found them on clearance at Target) We are out in the country which suits us, but are about 30 minutes from all major shopping. (Wal-Mart, Winn-Dixie, Target, etc.)

At Christmas time I had given Emma Rose away because it was too cold for her to be outside all the time in IN and the house we were living in couldn't have pets. It turns out the house we are in now allows pets and I was able to get her back. I was ecstatic.

I have also started my own business with Ameriplan and will hopefully get some results in the next couple of days. Randle is still looking for a job, and as such we are looking for a second car. I may also be babysitting for a cousin as well. Harley is very excited about that.

Our parents are very happy we are closer to them. We have seen my parents almost 2 or 3 times a week so far. I'm sure it will slow down once we are more established in the area. We are attending New Life Assembly of God. It is where Randle and I attended before and right after we were married. It has a lot of children Natalie and Harley's age and great Sunday School, Children's Church and Missionettes. We are about to start a small group next Sunday.

So that is the short (ha ha) version of our life's updates. I will try to get some photos of the house to upload soon.

Leaving Indiana

2009-01-16T19:41:00.000-08:00

Well , the time has now come and we are leaving Indiana and heading south to Alabama. While we will be happy to see our family and friends that are there we are very sad to be leaving some here. Tonight we went to the Grepke family's house to have one last gathering. We have so many incredible and supportive friends her it is hard to leave. It feels as if we are leaving family here too. We will load our truck tomorrow and leave after church on Sunday. We will miss our Indiana family greatly. This is a big change in our girls lives and we appreciate all of the thoughts and prayers from everyone. Where Natalie understands a bit more than Harley she has already began to process the changes. Harley however has known nothing but Indiana. Alabama will be quite a shock I think. Because all of her encounters have been for visits centered around grandparents I'm afraid to her it is a bit like Disney World, a magical place where people focus on her all day long. I'm afraid a wake-up call followed by several fits and time-outs are to come. Natalie will attend Chelsea Park Elementary (a public school). This will be the hardest thing for her. She can't imagine a school where you don't have religion as a subject and you don't have chapel. I pray that she gets a strong Christian teacher and befriends someone who loves Jesus as she does. Thank you again to all our friends in Indiana we love you and will miss you. We are already trying to work out a visit. We will stay in touch!

Santa?

2008-12-22T07:48:00.001-08:00

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

2008-12-14T12:54:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-20T06:56:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-09T06:48:00.000-08:00

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

2008-10-26T16:20:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-15T07:56:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-15T07:29:00.000-07:00

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?

2008-10-11T07:44:00.000-07:00

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?

2008-10-05T10:05:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-25T05:34:00.000-07:00

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?

2008-09-21T19:39:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-19T20:23:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-15T19:22:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-14T06:06:00.001-07:00

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

2008-09-10T15:54:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-10T15:46:00.001-07:00

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

2008-09-09T12:47:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-08T08:08:00.001-07:00

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

2008-09-06T18:36:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-05T14:54:00.000-07:00

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.