Dad's Burial

We had dad's burial on yesterday(3-25).....it was just a family affair...but was really nice...and gave me some closure. The kids are on spring break this week....so it was the best time to go to Texas. We still have to finalize dad's estate...but that can be done later. I still have alot of anger about the way things were handled by several different people....and when the time is right...I will let them know how I feel. I was close to my father....real close...and his wishes were simple...and I believe that anyone that loved him...or said that they loved him.... should have obeyed those wishes.

I made dad this spray to cover his grave while the dirt is settling and the grass grows back....its made of sunflowers, gerber daisies, blue bonnets.....and has wheat and a brown raffia bow to make it country. I know dad loves it....he always loved the homemade things I would make him!! I can see his smile now...... :)

Dear Daddy.....

I miss my friend.....
The one my heart and soul confided in....
The one I felt the safest with....
The one who knew just what to say to make me laugh again....
And let the light back in....
I miss my friend....


I can't put into words how much I miss you. If I could turn back time....I would....I would go back years....just so I would have you to hold, to love, to laugh with over and over. I know that is selfish...but its just how I feel. You were my best friend....the one I called everytime I needed advice...or just to hear that I was right when Keith and I would get into a fight. I find myself saying that I am glad that you didnt suffer...or that you werent ill...but actually.....I almost wish that I would have known...had some kind of warning...that way...I could have been with you. There was so much more I wanted to know from you....I just always thought I had lots of time. I don't know how to go on....I feel lost...so lost....I depended on you for sooo much...and without you here....I have a black cloud in front of me. Will this ever change? I try to pray....but can't quite find the right words....all I have is unanswered questions. I miss you....and will always love you!!

Love, Cathy

The Sweetest Kids EVER!!!!

Well I had to work on Valentine's day...and the kids ended up being out of school the Friday before so they didnt get to celebrate Valentine's day at school either....so on Monday the 15th....we baked a cake...opened presents...and ate wayyy too much candy!! Aren't they the cutest???

Chelsea's 16th Birthday

Chelsea turned 16 on Feb 3rd. Kaitlyn and I went to Texas to celebrate with her. We started her 'birthday weekend' off with a party at Norman activity center. The theme was all about SWEETS..since it was her 'Sweet 16'! We had cupcakes, loads of candy...just about anything you could think of....but we also had finger sandwhiches, pizza rolls, chips and dip....and veggies. We hung out there till 10ish and then headed to mom's with her and her friend Brittney. It was like 2 AM before everyone went to bed...so we ended up getting a late start on our day. We ate pizza at mom's for lunch since most of us woke up at 11AM. We then headed to the mall for a photo scavenger hunt...along with some shopping of course. The girls had a list of things they had to do...crazy things, not so crazy things, and some just plain LAME things....but I had to take a picture of them doing it. The girls even jumped on the bungy jump in the mall....I was suprised Kaitlyn wanted to try it....and even enjoyed it! Afterward we headed to Olive Garden to eat....but there was such a long wait....we headed to Texas Roadhouse....again...a 55 min wait...so the girls decided on Mexican Food....we ended up at Casa Ole'. Fajitas were the choice of foods..... and the girls kept flirting with the waiter....LOL Then at the end....they sang Happy Birthday to Chelsea in spanish....and gave her an ice cream topped dessert. We took Brittney home....and then headed to dad's. It was a loong day....but truely one she will NEVER forget!! Then on Sunday we were suprised with a great little something......Chelsea came back to LA with us!!! It was a great weekend.....my birthday fell on Friday...and I enjoyed watching how happy Chelsea was celebrating her day and that was the best gift EVER!!!

GO SAINTS!!

The New Orleans Saints play this weekend for their chance to go to the Super Bowl. The school board declared today SAINTS day...and the kids were allowed to wear saints shirts. I couldnt see spending 15-25 dollars per shirt....so I made them some. Kaitlyn's fleur de lis is made out of material and attached to the shirt. Kase and Coby's is an iron on transfer that I found online!....they loved them...and they looked sooo cute too!!

Missing Brandy....

Today Brandy would have turned 33,but she was in an auto accident on Sept 18,2007...and didnt survive. I still can remember our conversation....her last words before the accident. The sound of the crash....then the silence! Its been 2 years...will I ever forget? Do I even want to forget? I MISS HER!! I miss her smile, I miss her crazy hair, and her ADHD ways that made me and Meg smile everyday in class!! :) She had such a big heart...and would help out anyone in need. We had sooo much in common...I guess thats why we became friends those first few days of nursing school. She was only in my life for 9 months....but has left such a void....an empty space that won't go away. She was just that kind of person...that kind of friend!! I feel so blessed to have known her...even for that short time....to have been called a FRIEND by her! I know that one day I will see Brandy again....and until then she is up in Heaven....drinking her Sonic ice tea....and watching over us until that day!!!

Playing Catch Up

Finally the internet is faster....and I can get some pics of the holidays uploaded. These are pics of the kids at Christmas and on our trip to Texas!!

The Night Before Christmas.....this is the kids in front of the tree. On Christmas eve we wrote our letters for Santa, baked cookies, fed Santa's reindeer, sang christmas songs and Church songs.....and finally headed to bed to await SANTA's arrival!!

Great Grandma.....this is the kids with Nana...my grandmother.

This is my nephew Derek.....he has grown up sooo much......I can't believe he will be 17 in Feburary. He is such a great kid!!!

Mom has a slot machine.....called the 'One Arm Bandit'.....well it didnt take long for the kids to get hooked....I think KK was hooked the most. This machine actually has a jackpot....around $20 so I think she was really wanting that money.

Coby finally spent some of his MONEY.....and won again with 3 bells on the machine!!

We had a great time.....it was brief but the kids enjoyed getting to see everyone....and so did I!! Things are finally getting back to normal....except the kids have been out of school Friday and today, Monday, due to the ice and cold weather which caused pipes to bust at the school....so hopefully tomorrow they will return....and I can go back to getting things organized around here before I head back to Texas Feb 5th.....for Chelsea Sweet 16 Birthday Party!!!! LOVE YA!!!

Happy Holidays

WOW...I can't believe 2009 is over. It seemed like the last 2 months were only 10 days long. Our Christmas was good....Chelsea was with us this year which was GREAT!! Dad met me the Sat before Christmas in Alexandria so that she could spend her entire break with us!! (thanks daddy)

On Christmas eve we wrote letters to Santa, baked cookies, and put out feed for the reindeer....then put on our PJ's and took some pictures infront of the Christmas tree before snuggling in our beds so Santa could visit us. Kaitlyn woke up first...it was barely day light outside...and of course she had already went to the tree and took account of what gifts were for whom....LOL!! She then proceed to wake everyone else up....(what happened to waiting till about 8 AM?)!!

Chelsea got a cell phone (hardly ever put it down...I am suprised the numbers werent melted from texting everyone...LOL), some clothes, a camera case, makeup, perfume, jewlery, and of course lots of other goodies. Kaitlyn got a camera -pink of course, a light bright, a purse, some girly perfume and makeup, an educational laptop, a HSM dance mat for the PS2, lots of jewlery....other goodies too. Kase got a RC Ford Truck, a tommy 20 nerf gun, Bakugan stuff, magnetix stuff....and some other goodies. Coby got a Lady bug pillow pet, RC VW Beetle car, Hot Wheels cars and race track...and several other toys. The all had a wonder christmas!! The kids even got me some musical Christmas decorations for me to put out with my christmas stuff for the years to come. We are truly blessed!!!

The kids and I went to Texas for New Years to take Chelsea back. It was a fast trip but we were able to see everyone.....including Nana...which was nice. The kids received even more goodies from everyone in Texas...(thank yall again).....they are loved so much!! We came home Saturday the 2nd.....so that I could go to work...and the kids could prepare for school which starts back tomorrow!!

I have lots of photos to upload....of the kids parties at school, Christmas, New Years with our Texas family.....so I will be adding those soon!!!

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!