A Snow Day

Well it snowed last night....yep white fluffy snow. This makes the second year in a row that we have had actual snow. Last year on Dec 11th we got 8 inches....this was in no comparison....but nonetheless.....it was SNOW!! I worked last night....so when it was falling....we were having snowball fights....of course once we made sure the patients were all tucked into their beds....LOL!! Then when I got off....we let the kids play in it....throw snowballs....Kase even made a snow angel.....!! It was fun while it lasted....because by the afternoon...there were only traces of where snow once was. There are a few scattered places with snow still there.....but most has melted away!!!

Here are the kids playing in the snow~

A New Chapter

Everyone is good...just enjoying the fall weather that has hit all of a sudden. I went and signed my lease agreement today for the rent house. The kids and I went back tonight and cleaned some...well I cleaned they just ran around and played....LOL ! I have to work again on Sunday...so I plan on heading over to clean some on Monday after I take the kids to school. I should be able to start moving some things toward the end of next week. The house is still in Loranger....so the kids wont have to change school....or even mess up there routines.

Right now everything is kinda is slow motion for me....I am sure that will change soon...once the reality part kicks in with all parties involved. I am anxious and scared at the same time for what the future holds for me and the kids....but all I can do is pray and let GOD guide me.

I was able to get a more routine schedule at work. I will be working weekends....Friday, Saturdays and Sundays. I will be home during the week to help the kids with school stuff and attend any functions going on at school. Right now.....the kids will be with Keith a week and me a week....but when I have to work on the weekends I have them....he will keep them just while I am at work until I can make other arrangements. The next 2 schedules are made....so I am locked into the schedule till the middle of Janurary.....so we will see what happens. I am going to try to go to days and still work the weekends....that way the kids can stay at the daycare that my work provides on Sat and Sun. They only charge by the hour, and you only pay when your child stays....so it really is cost efficient for these types of situations.

Well my bed is calling me......only got in about 5 hours sleep today...and go back to work tomorrow....so I need to get my beauty sleep......LOL......

Happy Halloween

The kids went trick or treating at our usual spots around Loranger. The weather started to get pretty chilly....so we cut our night short....but the kids already had sooo much candy that they had to drag there bags instead of carrying them!! What a great night!!!

Trunk or Treat

This year the LES trunk or treat was HUGE.....there were sooo many people there. The kids really enjoyed seeing their friends dressed up in costumes. The book fair was also going on at school during that time...so we went to the library to check out some books. It was a nice mini halloween for the kids!!

Kase lost his FIRST tooth

Well it finally happened....Kase lost a tooth. He has been waiting sooo long for this day. This tooth has been loose for weeks.....and it was just hanging there....so I wiggled it back and forth and out it came. Kase wasnt too happy about me pulling it....but that all changed when the tooth fairy brought him $3 for it...LOL!!!

Happy 85th Birthday...Pa

Yesterday we had a birthday party for pa at the nursing home. We had cake....and the whole family was there. Me, Keith and the kids, Mary Ann, John Paul, Jonathan, Randy, James, Shirley, Emmit and Darlene, Sandra and her 3 kids, and another grandchild of Emmit's. Pa said he felt good which was nice to hear....since he has had so many bad days in the past. I took pictures of the kids and put them on the wall so he could see them. How blessed we are to have had another year with him!! Thank you Lord!!

Kase and Coby's FIRST Hunting Dogs

A few weeks back Keith and Kase were at a garage sale....and the man raised beagel puppies and dogs...well long story short....Kase was given one by the man for FREE. She is a red and white beagel...very rare for this breed.

Here is Kase and Red

Well of course....Coby had to have one too...so papa paid for him one....he chose a brown and black male....another rare colored...since most have alot of white on them....and he has no white.

Here is Coby and Scooby (was Batman....and will probably change again)

These dogs are for rabbit hunting. The boys love to take them to the woods and let them run...they are so cute chasing rabbits out. They are good kid dogs too....because they dont bite on you....or play rough...they just run at your feet and play with the dog toys.

Camo Kids

Here are the kids dressed in camo for school...to support the BE A HERO EVERYDAY - SAY NO TO DRUGS ralley.

Its been a while.....

Time has just flown by.....where has the month of October went to? Nothing going on here....just working and getting the kids ready for Halloween. They change weekly on what they want to be....this week Kaitlyn is going to be a 'princess' witch...LOL...Kase is between Batman and the Wolverine....Coby...well he has said Buzz lightyear, Ninja turtles, and Optimus Prime from Transformers....so who know which they will actually wear Halloween night....LOL

This last week was National Red Ribbon Week....each day the kids got to dress a certain way....

Monday-was wear snickers for "Don't let drugs sneak up on you"
Tuesday-was wear crazy socks for "Sock it to drugs day"
Wednesday-was wear as much red day for "Wear red rally day"
Thursday-was wear sunshades for "Shade out drugs day"
Friday-was wear camouflage for "Be a hero everyday-SAY NO TO DRUGS"

The kids enjoyed it.....I took a picture of them all dressed up in camo....I still have to upload it...but will post it soon.

Thats pretty much been the week...this next week...we have the book fair, Trunk or Treat, and Halloween....plus I work Wed and Friday thru Tuesday.....so it will be a pretty busy week again!!

I am off....I have a few pages to scrap to get caught up.....before I have the holidays to scrap!!

The Princess and the Pea

Kaitlyn and Coby had a field trip Friday to the Columbia Theater of performing arts in Hammond. The performance was The Princess and the Pea. It was really cute and funny. The local college is the sponsor...and the 'actors' were students from there. The kids all seemed to enjoy themselves. Coby's class went back to school to eat lunch.....but the 2nd graders all went to North Oaks park by the college. A great end to the week.

Kase is still fighting the seasonal flu/cold.....the chest xray on Friday....was clear...but he still is running 101 to 103 fever at times. Once his fever breaks he seems to be doing fine....so we are just playing the waiting game. He has missed 8 days of school because of this crud....but his teacher says he will catch up....because he is very smart. So hopefully....rest, fluids, and prayer will get him over this soon!!

ETA: Hunter (my nephew) came home from the hospital this week. He has been at Children's since his attack by a pitbull. I havent gotten to talk to him...but my dad says the skin graft went well...and he seems to be doing good. Thanks for all the prayers!!

Icky Week

Well this week has been blahhh.....Kase and Coby both have a cold....and now Keith has bronchitis. Kaitlyn has been staying up at Mary Ann's to avoid the black cloud that is hoovering over this house.....LOL. She comes home in the mornings and I take her to school. I will be sooo glad when they are over this crap!! It is really exhausting taking care of sick people at home.....at least at work....I get paid!!! LOL

But on a good note....report cards went out this week...and Kaitlyn got a 3.6 GPA. She had all A's and 2 B's. I am sooo proud of her. She was named the star student of the week by her teacher....how cool is that? She and Coby are suppose to have a field trip on Friday....Coby probably wont be going....but I am chaperoning Kaitlyn's class....so I will get to be there with her.
I am going tomorrow to apply at a Nursing Home closer to home....so I can pick up a few extra hours when I am off from the hospital....... I better get off so I can get some sleep.

Tangipahoa Parish Fair Parade

The parish fair is this week. It runs Wednesday to Sunday. The kids were out of school today for the parade that runs thru Amite. This actually was there first year going to this parade....and they loved it. The weather was nice....and they caught lots of stuff. We plan on going to the fair on Saturday. We went to eat at La Carreta's afterwards as a treat to them for being so good. The morning was so looong that everyone took a nap when we got back home....including ME.....LOL!

Four Generations

On my recent trip to Texas......I met my mom,sister,neice and grandma....along with Chelsea for supper. It was nice catching up....and talking about stuff. We didnt get a picture of ALL of us...but we did get some to remember the day by. Maybe when I go down after Christmas we can get together again....and take some....of all four generations!!

Projects, Projects and MORE Projects

There's something about glue, paper...and the artistic freedom to express yourself that I LOVE. I owe a thanks to my Mom and Dad...because no matter the project....they always provided what I needed to complete the assignment. I remember my dad building a log cabin for me.....we had to cut each wooden dowel so that the notches stuck together....and I was a little young to use the tool...so he worked endlessly to complete it for me. Another time.... I decided to talk about the ice storm we had as my project. I collected all the material and made my presentation board...but I couldnt come up with a 'model'. I had went to dad's for the weekend....and while I was gone...momma had bought the materials and made me an awesome snow/ice scene complete in its own box. I don't have pictures of either project....but the images are forever in my mind. So this why I love helping my kids do their best.......THANKS MOM AND DAD!!!

Having 3 kids with projects due for school in the same week....was a challenge though....and I know its not the 20 years added to my age since I was in school.....it's got to be something else...right?

Anyway...we made it...they are completed....the week is at the end...and we ALL survived...LOL!! (can't ya tell I don't have to work tonight...LOL)

I was so happy to get to go to Texas this week....it was brief but none the less....I enjoyed the time I got to spend with everyone...and I got to help Chelsea on her project. She had to create a poster on the greek god Uranus. Do you know how HARD it is to find suitable pictures of god that lived thousands of years ago....well if you dont...let me tell you.....ITS HARD!!! LOL.. You would think with the internet....we would have access to hundreds....but we didnt. Chelsea did get a couple to choose from...and I think she made her project work with what she had available. I hope she got a good grade.

Next was Kaitlyn's ....she had to create a cereal box and then come up with statements and commands and try to sell her cereal. She wanted her cereal to be girly...and she was thinking Princess Puffs....but Papa Ken suggested Fairy Dust...and she loved it...so she went with that one (thanks PAPA). She colored her box pink (suprised?)...and then we cut out the fairy and castle in hot pink glitter paper...and then the finishing touch was glitter all the way around. Her eyes lit up when she was finished....she loved it. She took it to school and said her teacher gave her a hug and said she loved it!!

Finally is Coby's....our parish fair is next week..and every school has a booth and they take projects that the students make and decorate the booth. Coby's project was a 'junk picture fame'. I cut the cardboard frame out for him....but he decorated it. He kept saying...."I love crafts...this is fun"!! Everyday he comes home....does his school work...and then wants scissors, paper and markers...and he sits in the floor and creates something.....:)

Back from Texas

I am back from Texas....I left on Sunday and returned today. Dad was suppose to have a kidney stone removed on Monday that was lodged near his bladder....but at 4AM on Monday it removed itself. PRAISE GOD!!! I was sooo happy that he didnt have to have surgery.

Dad and I hung out and visited....which was nice since I hadnt seen him since April. He took me to Atwoods....which I LOVE....by the way. They have the cutest toys....and I also seen a hot pink 4-wheeler....which....we wont be telling Kaitlyn about...or I will NEVER hear the end of it!! LOL I did experience a first....we went Monday morning to breakfast at a Mexican food resturant and they served refried beans with eggs and hashbrowns....LOL (only in Texas)....LOL

I went to Tyler with Chelsea monday evening and we met Mom, Cindy, Emily and Nana....at El Charro's to eat supper. It was nice to see everyone. I hadn't seen my grandmother in years....and Chelsea hadn't seen my mom in years either. We all went afterwards to shop a little bit before I had to head back to dad's to help Chelsea work on a school project. We took pictures...so I will post those soon....!! Chelsea also had homecoming on Friday...so those pictures I will post soon too!!

When I got home...I had to take a nap...and ended up sleeping longer than planned.....but it is for the good....because I have to transition to nights anyway....I work Wednesday and Thursday!!! I can't wait to go back....planning on Decemeber...and staying a week at least!!!

Kaitlyn's First Day of Dance

Kaitlyn started dance class today. She was so excited....well excited doesnt even touch the surface of how happy she has been. She got off the bus at 3:30....and asked if she could get ready....and we still had 2 hours before class began....LOL!!

She had a great time...she knew the girls in her class...so that was even better. She will learn just basic moves of Ballet, Tap, and Jaz...then after Christmas she will start learning routines for her recital in June. She will have competitions, parades that she will perform in....and lots more fun stuff for the next year.

SCRAPFEST

I attended Scrapfest over the Labor Day holiday. It was a blast. I met a group of ladies from Nachitoches, LA....they were teachers or retired teachers.

This is Terri, Connie and Brenda

Then I met some more ladies that came with Martha and Pat from Petal MS.....and Remembering Moments. I also happened to meet Misty....

......who knows Kristal...my friend from Sumrall,MS...... It really is a SMALL world. LOL

I worked on Kaitlyn's baby book....I completed the birth pages...and pre-designed the monthly LO's so that all I have to do is add pictures. I have 4 LO's left....and her book will be complete. I also pre-designed 2 Halloween, 2 Christmas, and 1 Fall double page LO....so I can add pics....and stay caught up for the year. It was easier for me to pre-deisgn because I get so caught up in the design when I have the pictures in front of me....so this was a nice change. So over-all...I completed 28 LO's...... YEAH!!! It was a nice vacation......I just wish they happened more than 2 times a year!!! LOL :)

Coby's Party at The Fun Farm

Coby had his hot wheels party at The Fun Farm on Saturday. He has been asking when we are going to the 'barn' (looks like a barn...so I guess thats why he calls it that)....for weeks.

He wanted a hot wheels theme....and everything he got was hot wheels related. He got 2 carriers for his hot wheels...and still needs another....because he received so many new cars to add to the dozens he already owns. He got a race track to run his cars on, a parking garage....and several other play sets.

Chase his friend from school....got to come....and coby wanted him to sit right next to him....and he would tell everyone....Chase is MY BEST FRIEND!! :)

Coby had a blast.....well that's it on parties this year....now come Christmas....LOL!!!

Coby Turns 5 & Get Well Hunter

Coby turned 5 yesterday. He had a party at school.....then we had cupcakes at Maw's since it was his actual birth day....then his party was today at The Fun Farm. He had a little friend from school come named Chase. They also went to pre-K together. He had a hot wheels party. He received LOTS of hot wheel cars, carrying case's to put them in.....and lot of other hot wheel accessories!!

Tidbits about Coby at 5:

-Favorite Color: Pink...though he likes orange and yellow too
-Favorite song: (changes weekly)...but he can be heard singing Lips of an Angel, and Don't call him a cowboy, and Pink...by aerosmith
-Favorite Toy: Hot wheel cars....(of course)
-Loves to ride the school bus
-Loves to play his gameboy
-Loves to eat gold fishies
-Loves to tell 'tall' stories about his 'blue house'
-When he gets mad...he tells us to 'buy' a new Coby....LOL
-Still has trouble saying some words...but they come out too cute
---like Negative....comes out as netatitive
---tempature....comes out as temtature





ETA: I found out that my nephew Hunter was mauled by a pitbull on Thursday. He is at Children's in Dallas. He is doing better than expected....though he has several surgeries ahead of him to replace the skin on his head. He also has fractures to is hands....which have to be dressed 2 times a day....and we are all praying for NO infection from the bites!! I will update when I have more!!!

Back To School

Today was the first day of school for the kids. Kaitlyn's teacher is Ms. Tumminello...Kase got Ms. Raney (KK's teacher from last year)...and Coby got Ms. Cetta. All are really nice...and I am anxious to see what this year will hold for them!!

Kase and Kailtyn stayed all day...but Coby goes on the 20th...then starts on the 24th....and he is ready!!!

Kase and Kaitlyn got on the bus as usually.....but there was a change due to the bridge being out next to the house and we didnt know......so Mr. Lynn had to bring the kids home after he finished his route!! So they will be riding bus 4L till the bridge is fixed wich will be end of November!...so we will see how that goes!

Getting Ready for School

School starts here Thursday the 13th. The kids are ready....and I have to say...so am I!! They want to see their friends....and I want to sleep in peace on the days I have to work....LOL!! I started buying uniforms early...and have been picking up school supplies since the sales started in July. Backpacks, lunch bags, and shoes are all purchased....we are just waiting!!



This is Coby's first year at BIG KID school...so he is a little TOO excited....he has been asking everyday to go....(I wonder how long that will last?) Coby's 1st day wont be till the 24th....but he will go Thursday...and then another day for testing before his actual first day.

So other than that....nothing new is going on.....just enjoying the remainder of the summer.

Our Hermit Crab Family

I would like to introduce you to the newest members of the family.....

this is Kase's crab.. Elvis...he is really active.....acts like a monster truck...and walks over everyone....

this is Coby's crab....Rocky...he likes to walk ALOT...so he and Elvis make good house buddies

this is my crab....Rainbow Brite....pretty laid back....and EATS alot.....

this is Keith's crab...Termite....this wee little fellow pretty much keeps to himself....but will come out and play

this is Kaitlyn's crab...Carly....she likes to play with Termite...but also loves to sleep ALOT

Gulfport Beach

We decided to pack up the kids and head to the beach yesterday. We drove to Mississippi and headed up Hwy 90....nothing but 26 miles of sand and water. It really was breath taking. We set up the canopy and let the kids play in the water. We hadnt been there long when it started thundering....and lightening....so we packed up and headed back up the beach toward Long Beach and Pass Christian...where it was clear of rain...and we set up again on the beach. We got in about 3 hours before the wind picked up....and we had to bring down the canopy. It would have been ok....but it was hard to keep everything from flying off. So after chasing the lid to the cooler....and the toy pail...we decided to call it a day...as far as the beach goes.

We headed into Biloxi...and went to the Hard Rock Cafe.....this was a first for all of us. It was such a neat environment....lots of rock and roll history everywhere. This one happen to be a hotel, casino and cafe. The food was good....a little over priced...but I guess you are paying for the name.

We began our trip back home....and stopped in at Souviner City....to pick up a few momentos of the trip. Well I was thinking T-shirts, cups, or maybe even hats....but instead we came home with HERMIT CRABS. They had the coolest colored shells....so we let the kids pic out there favorite....and even Keith and I got one.

It was nice day vacation.....the kids loved it...we all enjoyed being outside on the beach...and playing in the warm water. We hope to make it a weekend trip next time!