Sunday, December 31, 2006

New Year's Eve

Leftover pork chops, way-spicy nachos, carrots and chocolate chips were the menu items. Mike went to Family Video to choose, well, some family videos. He returned with Pirates of the Carribean 1 & 2 as well as Larry the Cable Guy. I guess the kids and I will find something on TV instead.

Speaking of TV, I put on my best "Mom" voice and announced to the kids that since they are almost 9 and 11 years old, tonight they will be allowed to stay up to watch the ball drop at Times Square and ring in the new year. I was expecting cheers of elation. Instead I got, "What?! That's Eastern Standard Time, Mom! It will be only 11:00 here!!"

When did they learn about time zones anyway? And why are they pulling out daily geography information now? It's vacation time!

Back to the nachos . . .

Saturday, December 30, 2006

Christmas Machine


OFF. We pulled the plug on the outdoor lights today and took down the tree. The living room seems darker, but SO MUCH larger.

Next for our family are six winter birthdays. Here's one from last year.

Thursday, December 28, 2006

4:30 a.m.

They see you when you're sleeping (That's when they sneak to the tree to peek at the stockings.). They know when you're awake (That's when they stop tearing open the gifts long enough to scream, "Merry Christmas! Santa was here!").

Or perhaps your Christmas Eve and morning were more like our friends, the Bickersons. Go ahead - click on it!! Read the December 26th post titled "4:20 a.m."

Overheard

What NOT to say at a family Christmas party:

1. A radio?! What am I going to do with another radio?
2. So, how much extra skin do you have now after birthing those babies?
3. What?! Santa Claus is deceased?!
4. They didn't have a real baby so they used a dumb doll to be Jesus.
5. Wanna trade your radio for this gift?

Relax with the Caribou

Has anyone seen this full-page add in Good Housekeeping? There is a beautifully-dressed woman wandering through a peaceful-looking herd of caribou, holding a CARIBOU COFFEE granola bar in one hand, and petting a large-antlered creature with the other.

Is there anything relaxing about this to you? I mean, I'm a mom. I'm thinking, "You're gonna poke your eye out! Wash your hands before you touch your food! Watch where you're stepping! If you bring any caribou manure in the house you're gonna be scrubbing the floors for an entire month and I'm not kidding you!"

Monday, December 25, 2006

No Caption Required

Golf Cart Christmas Tag

Or was it hide-and-seek? Leave it to six cousins to create games such as this. It became particularly interesting as daylight faded. . . .

What else are you supposed to do when three babies are asleep in the house and all the presents have been unwrapped?!

Trouble

Once a year, whether they like it or not, these brothers get their picture taken. Where's the missing sis? Skiing the slopes, perhaps?

Good food, interesting conversation and free entertainment - what else can you ask for in a family Christmas party?! And a fun time was had by all!

Friday, December 22, 2006

Happy Birthday!

I was in Quinn's third grade classroom this afternoon for the Christmas party. Throughout the day, they had sung Christmas songs, watched Christmas movies and enjoyed the swing choir's performance of Christmas carols.

As I helped to pass out Christmas-themed napkins and plates for the Christmas cookies, one of the lesser-attentive students ly commented, "Oo-Oo-Oo! Cookies! Who's having a birthday?"

I answered, "Ummm . . . Jesus!"

He sincerely thought the afternoon party was to celebrate a classmate's birthday.

Now he knows.

Cookies for Santa

Santa is coming to our house tonight because we will be traveling over the weekend. The kids set out homemade cookies for him and were thoughtful enough to etch a personalized message onto the gingerbread man's torso.

Thursday, December 21, 2006

So Big!

When did the tree get so short?! It's hard to believe that they are too big to carry. Even Quinn is too big to sit on my lap for very long. Once again, Mr. Rellim had to remind me of the genetics into which I married. Oh, yeah. . . .

Miracle on Main Street

- the title of the Christmas musical at church. This is a shot of Quinn and Rachel's guest appearance as Mary and Joseph. Rachel had to kneel so that she wouldn't tower over Quinn.

Firefox.com

Look! It's a picture sporting Rachel's 'tude. I'm not only a loser (with a big "L" sign) - I'm a double loser!!

OH- about the firefox title . . . I was finally able to upload a picture by using firefox browser instead of internet explorer. Why can't this just be easy?

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Image Uploads

I'm getting a little bit annoyed . . .

I've been trying to upload pictures for my posts for about a week, but am not having any success. I've cleared the cache, allowed pop-ups on this site, added the address to allowable sites in my privacy controls and even tried holding "Ctrl" button while clicking the image upload icon.

Any advice out there?!

Monday, December 18, 2006

Christmas Musical

Mary tried to walk off stage before the song began. Joseph sneezed on the baby. Both commented that the baby doll Jesus "looked freaky." But all went well and the entire musical was excellent.

Saturday, December 16, 2006

Mary and Joseph

The kids have not participated in the practices for the church's annual children's Christmas musical due to other commitments on Wednesday nights. However, the director called last week to ask if they could fill in for a part that was inadvertently not filled. Our commitment would be for only Saturday morning practice (today) and the actual performance tomorrow afternoon.

The characters for whom they needed actors?

Mary and Joseph!!

There's even talk about using an actual baby instead of a doll. I'll keep you posted on how it all works out.

Friday, December 15, 2006

Lone Clappers

Last night was Rachel's first band concert. We sat in the bleachers on the highest seat in the farthest corner from the door. To entertain ourselves between songs, we tried to be the last people clapping following each song.

Toward the end of the concert, Mike asked me to hold his wedding ring so he could "clap louder."

Who needs MTV with us around?

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

Firestarter

Hint: Before agreeing to allow your children to start a fire in the fireplace, make sure the flue is open.

Postscript: Thank goodness for new batteries in smoke detectors (not that the thick cloud of choking smoke wasn't a significant clue).

Rhyming Math

Sometimes it works - "7 x 7, Frankenstein! 7 x 7 is 49."

Sometimes it doesn't - "8 x 8, This is great! 8 x 8 is 64."

Someone please tell Mr. Rellim.

Sunday, December 10, 2006

Cookie Grammar


Rachel learned an important lesson about grammar in baking today.

The first recipe instructed her to "cream butter and sugar." She wanted to add heavy whipping cream to the mixture until I told her that "cream" was a verb in that sentence.

The second recipe instructed her to "add light cream" to the mixture, so she turned up the mixer to run faster. Alas, "cream" was a noun and essential ingredient to the recipe, which was eventually added, but after much laughter.

Look out, bake sale! Here we come!!!!

Tuesday, December 05, 2006

"Bleating" ?

My friend is a member of the Cornerstone Baptist Church in Dixon, California. Last week they received free publicity via the Sacramento news. You see, the two sheep that were borrowed by the pastor of the church from a local farmer for the live nativity, had restraining orders against them. Apparently, at last year's event, these same sheep "wreaked " on the town, possibly by bleating loudly or knocking over trash bins.

Who woulda thunk to ask a question like that to the sheep's owners?

"Uh, Mr. Farmer, I'd like to borrow your sheep for a live nativity, however I must ask you a few questions. Do either of your sheep owe child support, back alimony payments or have any order of protection issued against them?"

Leave it to California . . .

Sunday, December 03, 2006

Refill Prince

At the movie theatre today, we saw THE NATIVITY (rated PG). It was loved by all.

At least we think the kids liked it. At final count, they had eaten seven or eight bags of popcorn and five slushies.

I'm surprised the snack counter workers kept giving him free refills. On the other hand, he does have a persuasive personality. He actually talked them into a refill on the way out the door.

Saturday, December 02, 2006

Who stole my Christmas purchases?!

I was sure I had all my gifts purchased, wrapped and waiting under the bed. I was sure all I had to do was pull out the packages, don the bows and drink some eggnog.

Well . . . I'll be drinking eggnog alright! But now I'll have to do some shopping too!!!

On the other hand, maybe Mr. Rellim won't mind receiving shower gel, a Johnny Cash CD and a Hawaiian shirt on Christmas morning.

What do you think?

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

Post office

Quinn and I sent our Christmas packages today. When we got to the front of the line, the new postlady asked, "What grade are you in?" Quinn replied, "Third grade. . . . It's a hard life. . . . You can't believe what we have to do in science!"

Everyone in the line behind us chuckled heartily. I suppose it's a good sign when people in the post office are laughing.

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

Chicago Spread


The turkey is on the table. Where are the s? One child is ready to eat. Where are the s? What are the boys fishing out of the cooler? Where are the s?

Sinus pain woke me up at 3:45 am today. I called my physician when his office opened and asked him to phone in antibiotics for my sinus infection. He insisted I come into the office. So, I took the day off, sat in his office for about an hour, saw the doctor for about 90 seconds and ya know what he said, right? "Looks like you have a sinus infection. Let me call in an antibiotic for you." Then, he asked which antibiotic I preferred. Maybe next time he will trust me more. Maybe he should just give me one of those prescription pads.

Sunday, November 26, 2006

Happy Thanksgiving!

As the story goes, I was told that I could NOT take the rocking horse home with me. Apparently, I picked it up to prove that I COULD take it with me. However, the issue was one of permission, not ability.

What else can I do? Make a mean turkey dinner one day, drive 3 and 1/2 hours each way for turkey dinner the next day, convince toll booth workers to accept 50 cents in pennies, unwrap a portable DVD player meant for Christmas and give it to my children early to "try it out" on our long trip.

But can I convince my children to go to sleep tonight? We shall see. . .

Friday, November 24, 2006

Lo-n-g Time

Long time, no blogging. We are busy rounding up receipts and answering questions for the IRS, who can't believe Mike drove 40,500 miles for business in 2004. It kinda sucks the humor out of life for a while. Perhaps it will be included in my memoirs when it is but a faint memory.

I promise a better, stronger, funnier message next time.

Monday, November 13, 2006

Speaking of Rednecks . . .

This is a new friend from church, dressed up as a redneck hunter for "Trunk or Treat" last month. I wonder if he might be interested in our squirrel trap.

Wednesday, November 08, 2006

You know you're a redneck if . . .

. . .you have to empty the squirrel trap before school.

But what Mike really wanted to catch were some of the pesky chipmunks. Better luck next time, Mr. Rellim.

Thursday, November 02, 2006

All clear

Quinn's follow-up appointment with the orthopedic surgeon resulted in an "all clear" for participation in physical education at school. Of course, the numerous bruises and grass stains on his jeans were a give-away that he had not exactly been minding doctor's orders to obstain from active recess.

P.S. I've been trying to post a picture for about 3 days but keep getting kicked off the website. I'll keep trying . . .

Monday, October 30, 2006

Memories


From a couple years ago . . .

Can you tell that Quinn had cut his own bangs earlier that day?

Trunk or Treat

Our church hosted "trunk or treat" last night in the parking lot. It was a blast. We decorated the trunk of our van in a 1970s style motif, complete with a revolving disco ball. We hung groovy clothes around, lit candles and featured a lava lamp and period music.

Some kids asked us, "WOW! Where did you get at that 1970s stuff?"

"Well," I replied, "It's ours. We use them and wear them regularly."

The only thing better than that was watching little kids' expressions when big Mike, decked out in bell-bottoms, tie-dye and giant sparkly peace symbol necklace, shouted, "Hey, little dudes! Want some candy?!"

Saturday, October 28, 2006

A Good Day

I think these smiles were a bit forced, don't you think?

Compost Pile

Rachel, our environmentally conscious fifth-grader, decided we needed a compost pile. She even partitioned a space for it in the backyard. Unfortunately, she did not choose wisely. Her brother might want to use the swing again.

Tuesday, October 24, 2006

Manpole

Quinn wrote a short essay today on his friend and he chose to write about his dad. Mike was reading it aloud just a few minutes ago and it was quite touching - until he came to the part about the favorite game he plays with his dad. Mike read, "And one of the best games we play is 'manpole.'"

"Uh, Manpole?" said I, obviously distraught amidst racing thoughts of the Foley scandal.

Quinn's response - "MONOPOLY, you netwhacks!"

Oh yeah, Monopoly. That is a great board game.

Whew.

Stupid Pants!

The boy came home from school complaining that his "stupid pants" kept falling down all day. I took a look at the stupid pants and let him in on an important piece of information - the pants were actually his older sister's. After looking closer at the young man I ascertained another fact. The big baggy shirt also belong to Rachel.

But I can't really say anthing about the mix-up. I watched him get dressed and gave him the "all clear" for school this morning.

Hmmm...might have to think about switching back to caffeinated coffee.

Monday, October 23, 2006

The Real Deal

I was there tonight to listen to a former Iraqi General and National Security Advisor to Saddam Hussein, Georges Sada. He spoke of the atrocities orchestrated by the former dictator and the goodness of America and its allies in toppling the regime. He assured us that the chemical, nuclear and biological weapons were real. Where did they go? To Syria, under the guise of humanitarian aide to the country. Some of the cargo planes were filled with food, blankets and medicine. Some were filled with chemical weapons to be hidden.

He told us the many times his life was spared, even as he defied the demands of Saddam and his son and did not execute the 40 pilots who were prisoners of war in 1991. He told us of the night Saddam's bunker was hit by Patriot missiles - He was in the bunker waiting for Saddam.

Why his life has been spared, he does not know. But he does know that whatever plan God has, it is not for us to understand, only to follow and know that the strength for the tasks ahead will come from Him.

He has written a book "Saddam's Lies: How an Iraqi General Defied and Survived Saddam Hussein" and I can't wait to read it.

This Christian man is the real deal. Where was NBC? CBS? ABC? FOX? All I saw this week was a small article on the back page of the newspaper in small town USA.

It may be time to write a letter to the editor . . .

Sunday, October 22, 2006

"Germy"

Did I ever tell you about Quinn's friend in Kindergarten? It was back when his hearing and listening skills were fair at best. He argued day after day that his friend's name was "Germy" not "Jeremy."

Today, finally, three years later, Quinn actually understood his error. Of course, it wasn't much later when he said, "XYZ, Mom! You better expandin' your zipper."

Uh, "examine" would be the word of choice there. We should have named him Samuel. Doesn't that mean "laughter?"

Saturday, October 21, 2006

Homecoming Parade Loot

First, I'd like to point out the doggy bone that was thrown to my children during the parade. Interesting way to fight plaque, I suppose.

Secondly, I'd like to mention that the ROTC parade battalion that walked alongside each float does not distinguish between throwing things AT the parade participants and throwing things TO the parade participants. Clearly, I was at a family friendly gathering, complete with Blues Clues bouncing house and pancakes on the grill. I was meerly attempting to share some of the parade bounty with a hungry-looking group of young fraternity members.

Finally, I'd like to thank my husband whose quick thinking was able to divert the young reserve and save me from a potentially embarrassing situation. All's fair in love and war.

Tuesday, October 17, 2006

ADHD?

It was a sorta noisy little red car . . .

Monday, October 16, 2006

Need we say more?

I bought a new shirt to wear to my next friend's 40th birthday party. Or maybe to work. Or maybe to clean around the house. Or maybe to my bank. Or maybe to church. Wearing it gives me a hankerin' for some good old-fashioned toilet-papering of the neighborhood trees.

I will consider lending it with proof of responsibility.

Sunday, October 15, 2006

Harmony

Quinn got the recipe from a special features section on a Veggie Tales DVD. Rachel separated the hard candy colors. We all molded and shaped the cookies and the 4H group will taste the reward of successful baking.

By the way, Quinn has decided to concentrate on baking for his 4H project since he recently learned there is no "gerbil show" at the county fair.

Hairy Elbow

We had no idea that a possible side-affect of wearing a cast for six weeks would be hairy elbow. Can you tell from the picture? We are hoping to use his elbow as a Halloween prank of some sort.

Thursday, October 12, 2006

How Ignoying!

What's a mother of a third grader to do? I've been labeled "unmature" and "ignoying" in one evening.

Monday, October 09, 2006

Margaritaville

Bambi (the rabbit) has an eye infection and the veterinarian prescribed an antibiotic that could be mixed with a strawberry-flavored syrup to, well, help the medicine go down.

Mr. Rellim was unaware that one could ASK for a flavor to be added to it at the pharmacy. Instead, he bought a liter of strawberry margarita mix. Bambi is certainly not complaining. Neither is Mr. Rellim.

Sunday, October 08, 2006

Baptism



Triplets baptized. Candle wax faux pas. Parents outnumbered. Little (not mine) eats four ham sandwiches. Two potty stops in 100 miles. Cooler full of frozen applesauce obtained. Boy tells new mom that she looks pregnant. Silence. Ahhhh, family events!

Bunny Feet

I've heard of giving someone "bunny ears" in a picture, but this is going too far. Bunny feet? Bunny toes? Smelly head?

Saturday, October 07, 2006

Oktoberfest

The parents came to visit today, with sis and her little dog too. We ate a heavenly brat lunch featuring two German potato salads and two saurkraut dishes. For entertainment, there was a trio consisting of an accordian, clarinet and tuba playing polka tunes and wearing traditional German clothing.

We were sad to not see the little German man who usually entertains, wearing his kelly green knickers and singing and playing accordian.

To say we were underage for the crowd would be an understatement.

Thank you St. John's Lutheran School. Thank you Mylanta Gas.

Friday, October 06, 2006

Malapropisms

Don't know what that means? Read on . . .

Boy: "Mom, I'm gonna pull the best FRANK on Dad!!!"

Mom: "Do you mean 'PRANK?' or are you talking about a hotdog?"

Boy: "Whatever! I was walking near the house with the trees in a line (I have no idea where he's talking about) and I saw a poor little cat that looked like he had been ADOPTED so I tried to pet him."

Mom: "ABANDONED? The cat appeared to have been neglected or poorly taken care of?"

Boy: "Yeah. ADOPTED cats are so cute. So I tried to take him up to the house with the trees in a line by the smooth road where my old teacher lived (Still no idea where he's talking about and wondering how he got so far from home without me knowing and why he's associating with mangy old cats.) . I rang the doorbell and asked them if this was their cat and they said yes and the cat ran inside."

Mom: "Thank you for caring about the cat, but don't go around ringing doorbells anymore. Now go wash your hands. It's time to eat."

Dad: (walking in the back door from work) "HEY!!! I'M HOME!!!!"

Boy: "Hey, Dad, are you ready for a good FRANK?"

Commentary: One never knows when early language delays will creep back to the surface.

Thursday, October 05, 2006

Three in One

Most of us have heard the explanation of the Trinity in the apple analogy. Although the apple has three distinct parts (core, fruit, skin) it is one apple.

My pre-teen daughter thought of a new analogy that might be better understood by s her age. She said, "God is like shampoo - you know, the two-in-one kind. Shampoo is God the Father. Conditioner is God the Son."

"So (I had to ask), What about God the Holy Spirit?"

"Duh, Mom - hairspray!"

Bathroom Etiquette

So, I'm relaxing in the living room after a long day at school and I hear the toilet flush. That's OK. What puts the fear of God in me is the young boy dashing out of the bathroom screaming, "Run! Run! Run! Mo-o-o-o-o-o-om!"

At the time of this post, we keep a plunger in that bathroom. But, I still wonder who he was bidding to flee the vicinity.

I've heard of dropping friends off at the pool. . .

Tuesday, October 03, 2006

Zzzzzz

Should I wake him? He promised to do the dishes tonight. Perhaps I should mind the old saying and remember to let old dogs lie so he won't ask for tricks. . . . Good night!

Gerbils

This is Patches - or Nester - I've never quite figured that out. I do know that they are of the same (or sterile) because there have been no baby gerbils and we have owned them since Christmas.

We moved them from the boy's room to the garage to "freshen the air" in his room. That's code talk for, "the rodents really stink." Secretly, I have hoped for a raccoon to find its way in the garage and have a furry snack.

The weather is getting cooler and gerbils are arid creatures. Maybe the boy's teacher could use new class pets.

Wednesday, September 27, 2006

THE shelf suspended


Several of you have asked for pictures. I think the kids even used a small level during the project. I am impressed with the ingenuity. Who would have thought that a small stepstool could be modified to be used as a floating shelf?

The question still remains: Who wanted a floating shelf?

Tuesday, September 26, 2006

Martial Arts Ambition

Mr. Rellim bought the kids pocket knives without my knowledge and they have been working on 1/4 inch dowel rods, whittling them into small spears. I haven't asked the purpose of their project, but am happy that the long dowel rod is history.

Why?

Because last week, the boy was walking around the block brandishing the rod and practicing "cool moves" such as whipping the dowel loudly from side to side while shouting, "Yah! Yah! Yah!" and spinning randomly from left to right as his casted arm flung about.

I wonder what our neighbors think of us . . .

Sunday, September 24, 2006

Suspended

What were the kids supposed to be doing? Picking up toys, making beds and staying out of trouble.

What did they do instead?

Dismantle a small stepstool and suspend it in the middle of the boy's bedroom using kite string, 2 nails and a mangled hanger.

Is this how MacGuyver got started?

Thursday, September 21, 2006

Homework?!


"No, Mom, I didn't have time to do my homework tonight."

Why?

"Well, I had to make some ear warmers and a cape for Bambi. You know, it's getting cold at night and I don't want my rabbit to get too cold."

She fit her rabbit with winter wear instead of doing her homework. Do you think she could get some credit in her art class?

One More Week

The cast comes off in one week. Tonight Quinn was complaining because his arm was itching. "Man! I wish I hadn't put all that extra cotton in there!"

"What extra cotton?" said I.

"You know all the cotton that used to be in my cast around my fingers?"

("Uh, the cotton in your cast that's there to keep your fingers from getting sores?" thought I.)

"Well, I picked it all out and shoved it into the top of my cast and now my arm is itching!"

COMMENTARY: Hmm. I wonder what else he's shoved into his cast. It will be like the Giraldo Rivera show when he opened the supposed Al Capone treasure vault. Could be gold or dirt.

(Short Break)

I just answered my cell phone. It was Quinn calling me from his bedroom on his new Bart Simpson telephone (thanks, Great-Grandma M.). He wanted to remind me that his arm still itches and that he's hungry - so hungry, in fact that he's planning a sleeping strike unless he is fed.

COMMENTARY: What messed-up family has a Bart Simpson telephone? And what kind of world are we living in when an eight year old chooses to contact his mother by cell phone instead of hollering down the hallway to her?

Must go feed the child. I'm thinking graham ers, but will monitor for possible crumb cast-shoving.

Monday, September 18, 2006

and Smart

She chose her hairdo and lipgloss and t-shirt for her 5th grade pictures. It says, "Blonde and Smart." You gotta love her positive attitude!

Saturday, September 16, 2006

4 pictures, 3 babies, 2 cousins, 1 new mother

New Mama Rellim with one of her three new babies.
One of the Rellim s holding a Rellim boy.
A close-up of the youngest Miss Rellim.
The young Mr. Rellim with the youngest Miss Rellim.

Sunday, September 10, 2006

Relaxation at Last (To the tune of "Taps)

Day is done.
Hole is dug.
Pipe is laid.
Sod replaced.
Grass seed splayed.

"Come, rain, come!"
We will say
With no fear.
French Drain.

Saturday, September 09, 2006

Howdy!

She really wants to be a farmer - when she's not busy painting her fingernails or salvaging trash to create artistic masterpieces or designing clothing from scrap material.

She especially wants to be anything that does not involve cleaning or organizing her bedroom.

Thursday, September 07, 2006

Friends

Guess which one of us has a California tan? The same one who is becoming extremely busy at her new job. Say hello to Ahhnold for me!!

Tuesday, September 05, 2006

Thanks, PaPa Wayne!


The flooring looks great! We appreciate all the sweat equity and love you very much!

A Few Projects


After we got the bathtub tile taken care of, I talked Mr. Rellim into digging this trench. If we don't finish soon, I'm afraid we will have to have a moat instead of a french drain.

Monday, September 04, 2006

What's That Smell?!

Now the smell is fresh paint, wood flooring, ceramic adhesive and bathtub caulk.

The indoor projects are complete - until I can think up another one. The young Mr. Rellim has hardwood laminate flooring and new paint. The hallway has ZERO fingerprints. The bathroom has a new tub/shower fixture and ceramic tile. And the hall closet adjacent to the bath/shower no longer has THAT smell (of leaking water and rotting drywall).

Tonight we dug a trench along the west side of the house to place a french drainage system. I'll post pictures soon.

Wednesday, August 30, 2006

Triplets are Born

There were one and two boys added to the extended Rellim family last night and each weighed over five pounds. AMAZING! Everyone is reportedly doing well, but the babies will be staying for a few days until breathing and feeding skills normalize.

Way to go, new mom!!

We're praying for you!

Sunday, August 27, 2006

God Knows EVERYTHING

At 6:00 am Wednesday morning I woke up, still thinking about bills from the night before. Cleverly, I decided that in order to make ends meet, we would not tithe to our church on Sunday. Yeah! That was just the solution. "What's God need money for anyway?! Can't he just create some for himself?" (Rellim, Boy. May 2006)

At 8:00 am Wednesday morning I logged into my email and received a message from our preacher. He asked if I would consider praying Sunday before the offering.

Talk about the Spirit nudging. . . So I prayed on Sunday AND we tithed.

State Fair Time

Here is a picture of our neices at the State Fair. I usually make a run for the corn dog stand during the washing of the pigs.

Thursday, August 24, 2006

Helpful Hint

If ever you are sitting in your home thinking, "What smells like wet crawl space?" - Guess what?

It's a wet crawl space.

You might have to replace a few pipes in your plumbing, have some trap thingy installed in your washing machine water drain and repair the condensate drain on your AC so that it will stop pouring water under your house. While you're at it, you might consider replacing the 45 year old water heater and a couple floor joists with water damage.

Oh! Wait a minute. The floor joists sustained damage from termite damage, not water damage. That headline might read, "Not All Free Mulch is Free."

Tuesday, August 22, 2006

Happy Birthday, Owen!


If I were three years old today I know what I'd ask for -

100 doughnuts

Not even a hesitation

Yesterday was my first full day back at work. That evening I had a chance to visit with my best friend and asked my children if they would mind me leaving them again in the same day.

"Will you feel abandoned?" I asked.

"No, I'd feel like there is some peace and quiet in the house," was the boy's response.

Saturday, August 19, 2006

Great Grandkids

More Great-Grandparents with Great-Grandchildren. And a fun time was had by all.

Friday, August 18, 2006

Real Surgery

The boy's left fractured forearm underwent closed reduction today under general anesthesia. (That means they re-set the bones without having to make incisions.) The new cast nearly reaches his underarm, is light blue and heavy.

Sprite with ice, mac and cheese and a little Tylenol with codeine seem to be working well.

Wednesday, August 16, 2006

Virtual Surgery

The boy and his sister have been practicing knee and hip replacement surgeries using this website .

Unfortunately, he broke both bones in his left forearm last night and might have a little bit too much information regarding orthopedic surgery.

We will X-Ray again on Friday and see if the preliminary bone set has held.

Again, he asked, "Why does everything happen to me?" His father's reply: "Because if this happened to your sister she wouldn't survive."

God says he won't give anyone more than he can handle. Why is it that He trusts us so much?!

Monday, August 14, 2006

Merry Christmas, Easter Bunny!

The boy was "disappointed" in my "crazy" choice of hand towels in the kitchen. You see, I had hung an Easter-themed towel on the stove front. In order to make the room seem "more like summer" he chose a different towel "with spring flowers" to hang on the other side.

How did he do?