Something other than the kids....

Ok, so most of my posts are focused solely on Kaliese and Braedyn and rightly so, since they occupy 99.9% of my day-to-day. While this post still speaks of them, we will branch out to other areas of interest.
Saturday started out at Kal's baseball game and then we ate lunch with Sara, Kal and Kamden. We had a very good visit.
The main event followed with attending WWII Days at the airport in Peachtree City. That was a little less fun for the kids, but Braedyn still enjoyed the airplanes. This wasn't really an airshow, even though they did have some of the planes flying. It was more of a WWII re-enactment. They had some battles, demos and presentations of different aspects of the war.

To see more pictures of this really cool event click here

Afterwards, we dropped the kids off with the wonderful aunt Katie, so we could meet our Sunday School class for an outing to Stone Mountain. The plan was to get there, eat, play some games and watch the Laser Show. However, about the time we finished eating, it started to rain. We headed back to headed back to Mcdonough and finished the evening with milkshakes at Truett's. Not really as planned, but a fun night out with friends just the same.

Treasure of the day:

While at the WWII days, we had the pleasure of meeting "Dutch" Van Kirk, who was the navigator on the Enola Gay. The record log he kept of all the missions of the Enola Gay (including their most famous) sold for over $350,000 at auction. He was there signing books in order to help fund a WWII museum in Savannah. He addressed a book to Braedyn and Kaliese and was a bit confused about why their names needed to be so difficult to spell (we get that a lot). The kids really didn't understand who he was and they may never care that they have an autographed book from him. But Brian and I thought it was a very unique opportunity, and should one of them ever be half the history nut that their parents are, then this should be a cherished memory for them. The book was also signed by "Hap" Chandler who flew over 35 missions during the war.

Kaliese's First Art Show

The art teacher at Walnut Creek has set up an art show to display student pieces. Every student has a piece! They mat it and frame it for family to purchase. The show is actually Friday, May 2 from 6:00pm-8:00pm as a fundraiser for the art program.

If you would like to see Kaliese's artwork click here and then type in (or copy and paste) the code 2008248422.

Spring Fling Fun!

Saturday Kaliese's school had a Spring Carnival. There were about 6 huge inflatables along with some other games and lots of food. She had a blast. Braedyn came a little later after going to see Kal play baseball with Ganjee. My post was taking Luau pictures of the kids in front of a beachy backdrop.

Here are some pics of the fun!

The inflatable pictured here was a straight up climb (of about a 70 degree grade) at least 15+ feet high. You then reach over and grab two loops on the top and let go. Kaliese's teacher was monitoring that slide and so Kaliese wanted to go say "hi" to her. I told her that was fine, but that the slide might be a bit big for her. I walked over a few minutes later to an astonished teacher. She explained that several kids had gotten half way up and came back down, others got to the top and then panicked at the thought of sliding down that long, steep drop. Even her own daughter, who was about 9, had to be coaxed down the slide. But Kaliese apparently climbed straight up, reached over to grab the loops and without thought or hesitation she lets go! She has very few fears! Not so sure that's always a good thing!

Treasure of the day:

It's been a while since my last post because we had some serious computer malfunctions. NO FUN! So after working through many programs, updates, spyware and virus protectors (and making a few phone calls outside my realm of knowledge) I think this thing is finally on task again. Hopefully (fingers crossed)! Its really amazing just how much of my life revolves around being able to access all my computer magic. And not on games and leisure either. Just checking weather in the mornings to dress Kaliese for school and see if she needs a jacket. Checking emails and ebay auctions (for Braedyn's upcoming bday). Making calendar stickers for Kaliese (so she knows exactly when we are going to Napa, CA and when Wall-E comes to theaters). Editing pictures for the school, Selina and the blog. And of course all the fun stuff like paying bills and checking account balances, etc.

So anyway, my sad little link to life is back up and running! Yahoooooo!

The inevitable has occurred.....

Well, we did it. After many painstaking weeks of searching, discussing, traveling, negotiating and deliberation we finally mangaged to acquire a minivan. Hopefully we will at last get a glimpse of the ever advertised paradise only accessible to those with the power of the ultimate family vehicle.

It's not new, but still a great deal. 2001 Nissan Quest (which was one of our top picks). A nice dark grey which will coordinate nicely with the necessary Tarheel car attire. It does come with a drop down tv screen, but it only plays VHS. That will do for now I suppose (even though we just got rid of most of our VHS movies). It has a 6 disc-CD changer which is just great because Braedyn likes to switch back and forth from Pirates of the Caribbean music to the Transformers theme song -- they are on two separate CDs! It has a few other really nice options. The guy selling it paid for a really nice detail job, so the inside is really clean and the outside has a few very minor scratches, but otherwise shines.

We can cross one thing off our to do list....397 other things to go LOL!

We Got 'Munked!!

The Chipmunks had a concert today at Northpoint Mall. It was a long drive to get there, but for the kids it was worth it. They were so excited and their jaws just hit the floor when the "major rock stars" appeared. They sang a few songs and then stayed for some photos. Both the kids got a Chipmunk activity book and an Alvin dogtag. Below is a picture of Kaliese in front of a green screen. They gave me a flash drive to upload the picture on my computer. And all of this was free!!!


Braedyn wouldn't participate in either of the photo opportunities. When I asked him if he wanted to go talk to Theodore, he replied very firmly that he wanted to see ALVIN!


Here's some video of one of the songs. Keep in mind this was taken on my phone so the picture and sound quality are not fantastic, but it gives you an idea of just how cute the concert was!!

Treasure of the day:

I thought the concert started at 4:00, so we got there about 3:45 only to discover it started at 4:30. So we sat on the floor amongst dozens of others kids and parents for about 45 minutes. After the concert was over, we stood in line for about 25 minutes to get a photo with Theodore and then another 15 minutes for the green screen photo. How did I do this with both kids by myself???? Well, they were angels. They stood so quiet, still and patient. Not once did I have to speak to them about staying with me or being still. I could not believe how patient they were!!!! And to top it off, I bought them cookies and an ICEE as a reward. In the car, Kaliese thanked me for the treat. I said, "Your welcome...I'm glad you like your cookies." She said, "No mom, seeing the Chipmunks was our treat!" I was so touched!

The Grass is Always Greener.....

I bought Kaliese and Braedyn these Pixster games about a week ago. They are like a little Palm Pilot thing where they can play games or draw. They both have one. Kaliese's is pink and Braedyn's is blue. For the most part they play the same games. Likewise, they also both have bedrooms with their very own beds. Yet this is the picture this evening:






Playing with his sister's game on his sister's bed. I wonder what makes something that's not ours so inticing. He loves his sister's room and she loves his. There is something special about playing with something that was bought specifically for someone else. Not convinced? Not 10 minutes later I took this photo:

Are you kidding me? He couldn't believe I took a picture of him doing this, but I couldn't resist! Admit it....we've all had a little more fun than we should playing with our kids' toys!

On a different note, Brian made me a wonderful birthday cake this weekend. In spite of my Tarheels' gut-wrenching loss Saturday night, he fought to keep my spirits up with one last nod to the fabulous boys in blue. He was critical of his efforts, but I thought it turned out great. It tasted even better. I don't know how he does it, but he can make a superb cake-from-a-box!

Treasure of the day:

I was in the backyard with the kids today. I was mowing while they played (a safe distance away, but very much in my sight - mom). The kids' picnic table was in the way, so I shouted to Kaliese to push it over to a part I had already mowed. Braedyn didn't hear the instructions, but seeing Kaliese on a mission spurred him to action. She ran over to one side of the table and began pushing. He ran to the opposite side of the table and did the same. It took him but a moment to understand the goal and he ran over to the other side to help his sister. She was pushing with all her might, but only when aided by her brother did the table move. Together, they easily moved the table out of the way. It seems a small thing, but watching their combined efforts to accomplish something that was bigger than either of them individually just warmed my heart. Even now, the event is forgotten by them . But I hope, somewhere in the backs of their minds, the lesson was introduced: Together we are stronger!

Day After Laughter

Ok, so its no longer April Fool's Day! But I figure every day is April 1st when you have a permanent Joker living under your roof!

I drink hot chocolate out of rather large mugs and he loves to finish off the dregs for me (the unmixed powder that leaves a thick chocolate substance at the bottom). Without hesitation, its just bottoms up which usually leaves a very messy face! This one looked like a permanently affixed Joker smile so I got out my camera. Braedyn, excited at the prospect of having his picture taken, says "Cheese me, mom!" That's his new way of saying "Take my picture!"

Treasure of the day:

This evening our church had a special prayer meeting on behalf of my friend who is seriously injured. There were about 30 people there praying specifically for different aspects of her situation: healing, spiritual strength for her and her family, wisdom for the doctors, etc. It was very intense and I walked out of there with a sense of overwhelming peace. As the purpose of our prayers was NOT to grant ME peace, I can only imagine the wonders God worked this very evening in that dreary hospital room! I will continue to 'praise Him through this storm'!!

No laughing matter....

Usually I'm all for the practical April Fool's Day prank. I enjoy watching just how clever people can be in manipulating others and the other half being just gullible enough to make the entertainment complete.

However, today is not that day.

On Easter Sunday, as you may remember, I woke up with a pulled muscle in my neck. We made it to church where I saw a friend of mine I hadn't seen in a few weeks. We exchanged small talk for a moment and then parted as she said, "Please call me this week."
Well, Brian left for Tennessee that day and was gone until the following Friday. I spent the week trying to manage my neck pain along with the daily tasks of getting Kaliese to school, cooking dinner, washing clothes, etc. My plate was full.
Brian came home and we spent a short time together before he was to leave again the next Sunday. We woke up Sunday morning, after a night of pouring rain, to discover our laundry room and garage had flooded. Monday, dad came by to fill in the gaps around our pipes on the roof to prevent the same from happening again (its supposed to rain all week). While he was here, the boy next door was playing with his BB gun and shot out my glass in my screen door that leads to the backyard. So I dealt with that while trying to get ready for a PTO meeting that was changed at the last minute.
Again, my plate was full.
But along with all of that, I received news that very same friend I was supposed to call last week was in a terrible accident. She was life-flighted to Grady where it was discovered she had broken both ankles, her shoulder and crushed her T5 vertebrae resulting in paralysis from the waist down.
Suddenly, everything on my plate seemed so meaningless. I had been praying for this friend frequently as she had been diagnosed almost two years ago with Lupus. It has been a downhill battle for her and she stayed frustrated about her situation. I helped her out with small things when my schedule allowed; running errands with her, hanging out with her or just trying to encourage her. But the past two months I have not kept contact.
Sure, I could wallow in my own shortcomings as a friend, but that would not help her now; and focusing on myself at a time like this would be too inhuman for words.
As her friend, it is frustrating not being able to do anything to help make this better for her. But ironically that is where my comfort and peace come from. If I were able to help in any way, it would be far too insufficient for her needs. But in my inability, God is able. It is in this position that I have to completely rely on him and not myself. So that is what I offer. My sincerest prayers that his strength fall on her, she will need more than is humanly possible to get through the next few months. What is more amazing is that God could give her everything she needs and still have enough left over to give her family and friends everything they need to receive comfort and strength as well.
Selfishly, on her behalf, I pray for that miracle only he could provide. That she does walk again! But it is no less a miracle that should this condition be permanent, she has the peace and encouragement of spirit to keep fighting, keep living, keep giving God all she has to give.