Swimming Lessons

Day 1 - 4

Emma has really embraced swimming. She has used the noodle to float and loves to wear her goggles. Jehu surprised us by getting in the water the very first day. Although he hasn't ventured away from the water's edge it's encouraging to see him splash and play. He even stuck his head in the water on day 3 and screamed...he thought that was great fun!

Memo Board

About six months ago my dad gave me some sheet metal and wooden frames so I could make magnetic memo boards for the kids' rooms and the kitchen. I finally got around to putting one together and here's how it looks. The magnets have buttons on them for decoration.

Memories From Childhood

The other night Kiki came over to visit and eat pizza! Emma got the Barbies out and it became a walk down memory lane. See the cool Barbie case that folds out and has twin beds? Wow! It even has pillows, rugs and entertainment options. They thought of everything!!!

Elmer Fudd and other things...

The other night Jehu sang "Rock-A-Bye Baby" while he tried to go to sleep. He sounded just like Elmer Fudd.

Wok a bye baby in the twee top

When the wind bwos the cwadle will wok

when the bough bweaks the cwadle will fall

down will come baby cwadle and all

It was difficult not to laugh - it was just so cute. Earlier in the evening he had thrown some of his stretchy lizards, snacks, frogs and worms up on the ceiling...one lizard is still stuck. He'll come down...eventually.

Much has happened since my last post. My father in-law passed away on December 23rd after battling recurring boughts with pneumonia for about 18 months. It was hard to say good-bye but is comforting to know he is in a much better place and in wonderul health! I can imagine him filling his parents in on all the events of the past 70 or so years. They died when he was about 9 within a week of each other of pneumonia.

Joe and I took a much needed vacation to Antigua where we enjoyed some true rest and relaxation. When we left it was 20 degrees in Charlotte so the 80 degree weather there felt devine. We missed the children but enjoyed quiet time. After 7 days in the sun, two massages and a facial I was feeling almost human again. Huge thanks go out to those who made this trip possible: Mimi, Kiki and Becky - you guys are angels! Plans are already in the works for a trip to Jamaica - probably when school is out. :) Can't wait!

I have returned to work in order to assist with student body elections and as with every other year there is a lot of drama. Hopefully after the run-offs next week things will calm down. My last day is scheduled for March 18th.

Jehu is working on doing the do on the potty. I'm so proud of him!

Emma has decided she wants long hair - we'll see how long that lasts since she cannot stand to have it brushed. :)

Both kids have a favorite new name for people: poo poo butt They especially like to say it to each other which means our turtle (Tattle) has been quite busy listening to the moans and groans of the Doozies.

Mom and Bob gave the kids battery operated cars for Christmas. Emma picked out the pink Barbie Mustang and Bob picked out the

John Deere Gator for Jehu. They love to ride in them but have difficulty steering...so, for the next foreseeable future someone one must walk beside them and help with that.

Budding Picasos...or Monets

The Doozies had a fantastic time painting pumpkins tonight. Yellow was Emma's favorite color and blue was Jehu's. Two brushes found their way inside the large pumpkin and someone decided to finger paint!

Wedding Weekend

How time flies! Kiki's wedding is Saturday!

In honor of the big day I wrote a few lines - still a work in progress:

What a special person we have in our friend
Her love for others is seemingly without end
She puts everyone else before her very own needs
She nurtures friendships like a gardner nurtures seeds

In crisis she's always there by your side
to offer suggestions or give you a ride
Even if it's the middle of the night
She comes to the rescue to make things all right

Through laughter and tears she's been there for all
Most of the time we've just had a ball
Whether sharing her wisdom or fashion sense
She's good for a giggle when times are tense

She's helped us through trouble and great sorrow
And, yes, at times, helped us worry about tomorrow
When times are roughest and we almost lose our heads
She leads us in a chorus - "Doc, increase our meds!"

A dream in the classroom and joy to teach
She now imparts knowledge to those within reach
Is there anyone better to teach your little one?
Absolutely not, she is second to none!
Top notch! Enthusiastic! Their attention she'll catch
and in education (and elsewhere) you won't find her match

Celebrating is a favorite pasttime and with good reason
This girl can decorate for any kind of season
Pumpkins, candles, memo boards, trees... it doesn't matter
She finds all kinds of wacky things to put together

Her taste is classy, she's always well dressed
Accessories galore you'd think she's obsessed
Purses and bags could anyone have more?
The Nifty Gifty prays that she'll never be poor!

Dining with Kristy is always a treat
She knows the best places in town to eat
So if you're ever in need of a dinner date
Give her a call - you might even split the plate

She's grown up before us and it's not a surprise
to see a such beautiful lady with fetching green eyes
Who can be so strong, funny and hysterical at times
Everyone sees the light that through her shines

As she begins an another chapter in her life
We wish her the best in her new role as wife!
























Best wishes Kiki!

Long Awaited Update

It's been a LONG time since I've added anything to the blog so here goes...

July 15th: Emma had a break through on potty training. She disappeared for a few minutes and slipped in the bathroom. I heard a scream and discovered my little girl had done BOTH jobs on the potty for the first time ever. I don't know what had her so upset...shock that she had done it or if she had tried to clean up a little and couldn't. Whatever it was it didn't matter. We high-5'd and had a great time celebrating this new development.

September 11: Jehu pp'd on the potty for the first time. His aim was a little off so we had to wash the wall down a bit but what a glorious moment!

Vera Bradley: Much to my neice's delight I have joined the rank and file of VB. I purchased a very small VB bag to put the essentials in then throw into a larger bag if necessary. It's the Windsor pattern. I fought it for so many years!

Upgrading the "little white house" began in June and we've done so much! Fence in the back yard! New steps off of the deck! New paint inside and out! New blinds! And, the trees infested by wooly aphids are GONE!!!!! Now my sidewalk, driveway, cars, house, porch, desk...all of them are clean! Emma was truly amazed and entertained by the tree man. Giggles galore! No more wallpaper in the house either! How exciting! There is still work to be done but we'll get there!

Kiki is about to get married and the Doozies are SO excited for her! We cannot believe the day is almost here. The year has gone by so fast. Kiki will be such a beautiful bride! I'm sure there will be tears! Emma has been impressed by Kiki's ring and wants one of her own. :)

Binky is back and is behaving better. Most days anyway.

O K L A H O M A !

The Doozies are on an adventure! Saturday we boarded a plane and headed to Oklahoma to spend time with Grandaddy and G'ma Carol. The first flight was a little over two hours and it went smoothly until the last 45 minutes or so. Thank goodness Margie was on the plane. She grew up in Columbia and was returning to Oklahoma City where she is a resource teacher for 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders. Emma sat with Margie and they read books while Mommy and Jehu sang and tickeled each other.

Grandaddy & G'ma Carol

We had a great visit with Grandaddy and G'ma Carol this past month. They were able to stay a week and get lotsa sugar! We ate tons of delicious food and played. Jehu pedaled his tricycle for the first time and Emma wore ponytails in her hair the whole time! The Doozies cried all the way from the airport to Papa's house the day they left. :( We sure hope they can come back real soon!

March for Babies 5/3/08

The March of Dimes held their March for Babies on Saturday and the Doozies had a great time taking part in the Preemie Walk, bouncing in the inflatables and eating cake, hot dogs and chips! We saw nurses from our time in the NICU and got special NICU graduate shirts. Donna was there. She gave Jehu and Emma their nicknames Peanut and Miss Firecracker. Kathy, the lactation consultant, was there too. She is an absolute angel! We had a great time and were completely worn out when we left. :)