WHY NOT TO LET YOUR 6 YEAR OLD ANSWER THE PHONE

Dalton, god bless him, took it upon himself to answer the phone today. It really isn't a big deal, Dalton has been answering the phone ever since he could lay his hands on it. Anyway, it was just mom and Dalton home and she caught some of his half of the conversation which went like this.."no the (--our last name--) isn't home right now, they went up north." Like he isn't one of us and doesn't have our last name! North?? I have no idea where he comes up with stuff. Anyway, he hung up the phone and told mom that Larry the Cable Guy had called and was looking for us!!!!!! WHAT??? You mean a celebrity called and we missed it?! hahaha I bet he is a distant relative and just wanted to catch up. Oh my gosh I can not tell you the mileage we have gotten out of this today. My sides hurt. He gets very mad at us when he hears us talking about it and laughing about it.

MEET MY COUSINS

This is my cousin Kevin and his wife Corrine. I think these pictures are great! They are trying to be "gangsta" and look cool for their kids. I think they look like they have eaten too many deviled eggs. (passing the blame on the other) They are lots of fun and have a great time with their kids and are not afraid to express their inner child. They are a cute couple so I had to post the good picture too. Welcome to my blog.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Can you hear the quiet? Ah yes! It is the end of the day, time to wind down and time to go to bed. This was quite an odd Christmas this year. We have all been sick so I do not think any of us was back to 100%. Dalton couldn't contain his excitement last night and we had one heck of a time getting him to go to sleep so he slept in this morning-till 9 am!! Denny was my big kid-I think he was up at 5:30 as if he was going to work. It was easy just being the 6 of us-we didn't get all gussied up-I think we all wore sweats today and we didn't stick to any sort of time schedule. Before we ate Denny and Dalton went outside to play with "their" RC cars. (yes I did say their because they both got them) Denny gave Dalton a talk about keeping it out of the creek, bla bla bla, and within 5 minutes of being out there DENNY is the one with the truck in the creek. No he is not a happy camper. That is all I am going to say about that. ;) Dalton spent the day playing with new toys, wishing he had someone to play with and climbing in trees. We tried to play with him and his new toys but I have discovered my child is a control freak and control freaks just bump horns!! I know (or at least I think I do) that he doesn't act like that with kids. I think he just does it with adults because he thinks we do not know what we are doing. It maybe kind of early for him to have the mindset that kids know everything and adults know nothing but he kind of has that tude about him sometimes.
Being with my family is all I need for Christmas as they mean the most to me but I have to share the best present given to me was from Denny and it was a card and of course it had all the usual stuff in it but what meant the most is what he wrote in it......he wrote: I love you and everything about you. I need nothing that comes in a box or a bag with a bow. He gave me what I needed and probably didn't even know it. Thank you Denny.
EVERYONE......I hope your Christmas was as good as mine. God Bless and goodnight.

GERMS GERMS GERMS!!!!!

GERMS have taken over our house!! ewwwwwwwwwwwww But I am not kidding. A week ago yesterday(Sun) Dalton came down with the "double wammy" bug. Withing 24 hours mom had it and then within 24 hours of her I got it-I had the dog out to potty at 1am when the "exorcism" decided to hit. I decided to keep it for days. I know, not a good decision on my part but when Dalton was sick I asked god to take it away from him that I would be sick for him and I am a woman of my word! lol Sometime in the last 6 days of me being sick I have disrupted my "good" kidney and now have bleeding. I am assuming it is the good one, I can't get into the DR. until tomorrow. Don't get excited now, I am not in any pain nor do I have the nausea anymore. Yesterday was the first day for me to not be sick to my stomach and boy does it feel good. I have lived off of soft pretzels and peanut butter for the past 6 days. I did not eat them together. I was starting to get real bummed out thinking that was going to be all I could eat at Christmas. whew, ham sure sounds good right now.
I do not have my Christmas shopping done nor do I have my cards all made out and sent and we have not made a single cookie. So, I have 3 days left to shop, my cards will probably be late and we didn't need the cookies anyway!! I am just grateful that we can all hold our heads up out of a bucket and not need the bucket any more!

HO HO HO MERRY CHRISTMAS

WATCH WHAT YOU SAY

That's me, I need to watch what I say... While attending the birthday party of Dalton's friend, Ethan (or Efan as Dalton says it), yesterday I had stated that we were so lucky because Dalton had not been a very sick kid. BAM 4am this morning I had Dalton at my side. "mommy my tummy hurts" blaaaaaaaaaahhh. Yep that's right I jinxed myself and he did throw up all over the carpet in our bedroom, and then all over the floor in the bathroom. THANK YOU DENNY FOR CLEANING IT UP. I am not sure where his iron stomach comes from but I am glad he has it. I'll just cut out some of the gross stuff and say that the poor baby has been ill all day and sometimes he was on the potty with a bucket in his lap. This is definitely one of those times as a parent where you wish you could take it all from them and put it on yourself.
Yesterday afternoon Dalton came in with a flashlight and he had taken the batteries out of it and brought them to me letting me know that he was going after some new ones. I tried to be simple when I explained that batteries had acid in them and it was dangerous and he was not to play with them. He was good with that. Well, today when he was sick I explained that his stomach was hurting so bad and it hurt his throat because he was puking bile. He asked what that was. And as soon as I said that it was acid in his stomach his eyes went from little slats with circles around them to big eyes with circles around them and he said "am I puking because I touched the batteries??" I assured him that the batteries had nothing to do with him being sick and he seemed some what relieved but I am not sure he was 100% convinced.
I pray he gets rest tonight and that when he wakes tomorrow he will be feeling better.

DEAR SANTA

Dalton has sent 2 letters to Santa. They are nothing a like so I am wondering if he thought he put different things it would increase the chances of him getting more stuff. One letter he did here at home and the other he did at school with his teacher.

Letter from home:

Dear Santa,
I want a red tractor, a tanker truck-you know one of those that daddy doesn't like that turns into the gas station (that's a whole nother blog entry-haha) and those round things that you put on shoes so you can walk up the wall and on the ceiling. ( I believe he was referring to suction cups) And I want one of those tables where you can play ping pong and pool ball, air hockey and that thing where you use your hands back and forth and it makes those people go back and forth. (I believe this would be foose ball). I will leave cookies and milk for you.

Love
Dalton

LETTER AT SCHOOL:

Dear Santa,

I want a remote control jeep that you have to put batteries in and I want a bunny rabbit and I want it in black. Also I want to name it Scott. I want a remote control tractor and some little ABC magnets and that is all. I love you.

Love Dalton

HE WANTS A FLIPPIN RABBIT!!!!! AND HE IS GOING TO NAME IT SCOTT!! I explained that rabbits do not make good pets. He explained that he was going to put it on a leash and take it for a walk. I explained that the neighborhood dogs (all 500 of them) would get it and eat it! Rabbits do not come when you call them. They do not do tricks. And I am not going to clean up rabbit poo until the thing dies or disappears!!!!

SANTA CLAUSE-HOW COULD IT BE?

Let me start off by filling in a few gaps. Recently, we saw a very bad santa look a like. He(?) was skinny, looked young, and we are back to the fact that I am not sure it was a he. So I quickly explained that this time of year Santa is busy so he has to hire helpers. Made sence to me.
Two days ago Dalton came home from school all excited explaining that he saw the real Santa at school. So of course I started with the questions. "Did you get to sit on his lap?" "No." "Did you get to tell him what you wanted for Christmas?" "No, I forgot." "Then what did you do? Why was Santa there?" "HE GAVE EVERYONE HIGH FIVES!" Mom and I and I looked at each other trying to supress our laughter and I said "well of course it must have been the real Santa then."

HOW GROWN UP DOES HE LOOK?! sniff sniff wipe away the tears

No more baby, no more toddler, he is a little boy now.

IMAGINE MY SUPRISE!

Can you imagine the horror I felt when I first walked into Dalton's room to turn his mini lamp off. The room was dimly lit and it looked as thought his chest had swollen up big and I started to freak out!!! I hurried to turn on the big light and then I didn't think I would be able to control my laughter.

Still not sure what the lump in his pajamas was, I slowly unzipped them to find 7 stuffed animals and his favorite blanket all stuffed in there. The next morning he said "they were cold and he was just being a good mommy keeping them warm." It kinda looks like he just gave birth to a circus!!!!!

OUR NEW MAIL BOX

This is our new mail box we had made to match the house. I think it is pretty cool.

"WHAT DO YOU THINK THE TOY IS?" SAYS ABIE

Look, Dalton has a brother and a sister and he won't share his Happy Meal!

BLOG NEGLECT

I KNOW I KNOW I AM GETTING ON IT RIGHT NOW!

THANKSGIVING

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We had a very laid back Thanksgiving this year. Dinner was at our house and mom and I did all the cooking. I decided to roast boneless turkey breast instead of the whole bird since we waste so much of the thing and (here comes the real reason) I have a problem with the whole gross turkey carcass thingy and the bag of "innerds". There I said it. I have issues with meat and bones anyway but turkeys and chickens are just gross! But chicken is my favorite meat-I just prefer boneless skinless though. Mom baked apple and pecan pies on Wednesday and Thursday morning I got up and made pumpkin and started the preparations for dinner even though we were planning a 4 0'clock dinner. This is where I tell on myself...........at 2 o'clock I realized I had not put the turkey on yet!!!!!! Ok, so we didn't have dinner until 5 o'clock it was still very good! The plus side of eating dinner late is we only over stuffed ourselves once on Thanksgiving instead of twice.

DEALING WITH A DEATH

We have just come back from the funeral of my 82 year old uncle thanks to the horrible disease CANCER. He may have been 82 years old but until the cancer jumped in and took over, you would have thought he was early 60's. As it is always hard to let go, you know that there is no more suffering. I find that it is the suffering that makes me sadder than the funeral now. As a sometimes greedy person, when it is my turn to go-I hope it is quick and painless. This was one of the best funerals I have been to.....now let me explain that statement since it sounds so horrible. Everything was done all in one day. The visitation for 2 hours then the funeral service which lasted and hour and then on to the cemetery. They did it on the weekend so that all those who had to travel could. The service was beautiful. My uncle was dedicated to his church and family and it was well spoke of. His son(my cousin) who is a music minister in Alabama and his wife recorded some songs sung by them. It was so wonderful and what a personal dedication. I was in awe. In another spot in my blog I have posted the poem DASH . My uncle has lots of DASH. Since my Uncle was a Deacon at the church and had belonged to the church for so long, when the minister spoke of him it was very personal and not just something that was written down and handed to him to read a day ago. You could not help but feel the love all around you.
On the way home mom, Michelle and Dalton all fell asleep and I had time to reflect on my own DASH and what I was going to do to make sure that I had lots of Dash for when I go. I want to MAKE SURE that I am doing special things each day for family and friends and even strangers. I want to be remembered as the mom who was always there for him, the loving wife, the caring daughter and sister. If I were to die today what kind of DASH do I have. Am I just in existence with out any DASH? Something new for me to worry about.
I was not sure how Dalton would take in everything that was going on. I explained to him where we were going and why trying not to go overboard in detail but enough to where he hopefully would not ask embarrassing questions in front of every one. (out loud-parents you know what I am talking about) We got in the line where you go past the casket and hug the family. He did not say much but asked what was under the flag (on the foot end). whew that was an easy explanation. He didn't ask much about him laying there but I had already told him that it was just a body that his soul had already gone to heaven. So he went over to Aunt Glenda and gave her a big hug and told her that he loved her. It was very sweet and I was very proud of him. He then wanted to go home. On our way to the cemetery I explained what was going to happen, explained that he had been in the Army and that there would be a gun salute. I forgot to explain about the flag. He was very consoling to us. Any time he would see us crying he would hug and kiss us and tell us everything was going to be all right. As soon as the cemetery service was over we were trying to get him to go to the car. (it was VERY cold out) but he wanted to go over to Aunt Glenda and give her another hug which he did. Then he asked her "do you get to keep that flag?" "Yes" she said with a great big smile to which he said "aww that's great." I nabbed my child and headed for the car. Once we were in the car the questions started. "Mom how does your soul go to heaven?" "Jesus takes it" I said. "How do you know when he takes it?" I replied "When you stop breathing is when he takes it." He thought about this a few seconds and said "COOL." Not another word was spoke about the funeral after that. I hope that is all we have to talk about death for a while and I hope that he does not want to play funeral. That sounds sick but you know how after kids have experienced things good or bad they seem to re-create it in whatever they are playing with. Denny thinks I am morbid. Mark my words.......a stuffed animal will partake in an untimely death this week only to be resurrected when he is done playing.

I SWEAR HE GETS BIGGER EVERY DAY!

Just to put how big Dalton is getting into perspective: he is 4' 1" now and I just had to buy him 7slims in jeans. At the start of Kindergarten (Aug) I had to get him 6slims which seemed pretty good until about a week ago when I notice I could see about 1 1/2 inches of his white socks from the back. Who fed him miracle grow??? He finally got that very much needed haircut too! Which brings me to his latest funny...........When I took Dalton in to get his haircut it was with someone new. So she was doing the usual chatter trying to get him to talk which he wasn't so eager to do. She got to the question "what grade are you in?" He said "first." Huh? When did that happen? Have I been in a coma? I quickly said "what grade are you in?" Which he responded with a look of I am so embarrassed how could I forget and said "second." Helllloooo! I think my child can be pretty smart some times but jump a couple of grades in the first semester of Kindergarten?? I don't think so! So, as I shook my head at him his next guess was forth grade. This is where I could no longer hold in my laughter and neither could the stylist. I guess because he had a birthday he thought he just went up a grade.?. Who knows!

CHECK OUT THIS CRABDAD (crawfish)

Yes, Dalton has been playing in the creek again and we do practice the catch and release program. This is probably the biggest one he has caught yet! Now can we all say blaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!! yuk

THE DASH POEM

The Dash Poem

by Linda Ellis
I read of a man who stood to speak

At the funeral of a friend.

He referred to the dates on her tombstone

From the beginning to the end.

He noted that first came the date of her birth

And spoke of the following date with tears,

But he said what mattered most of all

Was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time

That she spent alive on earth

And now only those who loved her

Know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own,

The cars, the house, the cash,

What matters is how we live and love

And how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard;

Are there things you'd like to change?

For you never know how much time is left

That can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough

To consider what's true and real

And always try to understand

The way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger

And show appreciation more

And love the people in our lives

Like we've never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect

And more often wear a smile,

Remembering that this special dash

Might only last a little while.

So when your eulogy is being read

With your life's actions to rehash

Would you be proud of the things they say

About how you spent your dash?

AMEN! I COULDN'T HAVE SAID IT BETTER

OOPS I FORGOT TO POST HALLOWEEN PICS

This is the first year Dalton has actually went trick or treating. He is pictured here with our family friend, Brett, Dalton calls him Uncle Brett. Brett is Native American Indian. So we had a cowboy and an Indian for Halloween. No wars were fought but treats were shared! lol Mom and I made Dalton's vest and chaps. The vest turned out ok but the chaps..not so good! They were off before the trick or treating was done. (he only went to about 12 houses-more than enough candy!)

MY EMOTIONAL MOMENT

Of course I have an emotional moment on this day every year, but my emotions run even deeper. You see, we tried to get pregnant for 13 years! In those thirteen years we had to come to terms with and deal with infertility issues. No one wants to think about that. It is suppose to happen naturally, right? How can that happen to us? What did we do wrong? Those are some of the emotions you have to go through and come to terms with when dealing with infertility issues. And then there is the mighty big one...there are no guarantees that it will work or that you will ever be able to get pregnant. Hearing those words shatters that minuscule of a chance that you thought you might have. There are lots of test they put you and your spouse through. Medications that send your hormones to outer space and procedures that sometimes become so painful that you start wandering if you will be able make it through them. I spent many a times laying on the table with tears streaming down my face and squeezing Denny's hand to the point that he thought I would cut off his circulation or break some bones. And then the emotional heart break of the procedure not working.
March 1st 2002 we went in for yet another procedure. You then wait 2 weeks and take a pregnancy test. When that two weeks came up I got up early to do my test and it showed negative again. I threw it in the trash and went back to bed. It was probably 4am. Denny later woke me up, shaking me, "why did you do the test with out me and why didn't you wake me?" "I had to pee and it was negative, why wake you?" He said no I see a faint line. I was not even slightly aroused by this. It had been in the trash can for 3 hours so it could do all sorts of crazy stuff. He went to work and so did I. I came home from work and he was waiting for me with 2 more test for me to take. I can tell you I was very depressed all day but I decided to humor him anyway so he would leave me alone. Well, there was that faint little line again. WOW were we really pregnant? To make a long story short I took the other pregnancy test the next morning and theb we got one more and I took it on Sunday morning. They all had that faint line. I was indeed pregnant. As I sit here and write this I can still remember the extreme rush of joy I had. Nothing can compare to it.
I loved being pregnant! It didn't matter how big I got-and I got really BIG! Dalton was delivered via c-section 2 1/2 weeks early, he was breech, huge and I couldn't hardly breathe anymore. I was so big it had been weeks since I could drive a car. So on November 5th 2002 at 7:17 am Dalton Michael was born 10lbs. 2 oz. and 22 inches long. He got lots of attention that day. We were the only ones in the maternity ward until later that afternoon then there was a rush of babies being born-all girls! Being such a large baby he was the talk of the hospital. (small town hospital anyway) My Dr. said if I had gone to term I would have probably set some sort of hospital record. I thanked him for NOT letting me set a hospital record. lol
And now last but not least.....if you know anyone who is or might be struggling with infertility problems the best thing you can do for them is give them your heart and your prayers. A caring, loving heart says mountains of words-even when words are not spoken. Most people do not like to talk about their infertility problems. And most importantly-PRAY! Pray for a successful pregnancy, pray for their good health, pray for their marriage (it's hard on a marriage) pray for patience and guidance and peace.
We have been through many fertility procedures since Dalton was born but none of them have worked. We finally had to quit when we found out that I had a kidney quit working.(and we are in our 40's and too old now) I have had severe kidney issues since having Dalton. They all started with stones. Lots and lots of stones!
We consider Dalton our miracle child and he is the most wonderful blessing ever here on earth!

HAPPY 6TH BIRTHDAY DALTON!!!

These pics were taken before school this morning. He has new cowboy boots on and boy is he proud. Poor kid needs a hair cut.

As of 7:17 am Dalton is 6 years old!! Happy Birthday my little man! It is mind boggling how fast time flys. I am sure all you moms out there understand when I say I can remember moment by moment of the day that precious baby came into this world. Oh yea you know I have the water works going!!!

DALTON'S BIRTHDAY PARTY

mmmm roasting marshmallows!

Parker getting her hula hoop grove on! go Parker, go Parker, go Parker go!

Josh, Ethan, Christy and Kaylee getting ready to have their cake too.

Billy and Tracy helping their kids Jayden and Kaitlyn with their cake.

Samantha, Kate, Parker, Ellen, Emalee, Drake and Sidney and Dalton's meme wait patiently while the cake is being passed out.

Kiley refuels on cake and ice cream with her mom, Lisa.

Ethan on the move.

The girls bonded and had a screaming good time!

We had a hay ride.

They played basketball.

On Saturday we gave Dalton a birthday party and invited his whole class and their families. We roasted hot dogs and marshmallows in the fire pit and had a hay ride through the neighborhood. The kids played basketball, played on the play set and drew pictures with sidewalk chalk on our driveway. They seemed to be having such a good time that I forgot all about the games that I had planned. It was great fellowship with the kids and their families.
We decided to have this kind of party because 1. we are new here and do not know anyone and wanted a chance to meet the parents of the children Dalton will be calling friends over the next 13+ years, 2. Dalton is shy/reserved (outside of our home) and we are trying to help him work his way out of it and become more social.
We asked that the kids not bring a present because first and foremost Dalton is very spoiled-I mean blessed. He is not only an only child but an only grandchild, you see where I am going with this. Second I would rather someone take the time and money and help a child or family in need, third -if all nineteen of his class mates were to come and bring a present - oh my gosh that is just crazy!! And last but not least, it would have been very embarrassing when Dalton would have refused to open his presents in front of everyone and he would have looked ungrateful. We go through this at Christmas too when he is opening presents on Christmas morning when it is just us. If we didn't help him he would still be opening them New Years Day! lol
We appreciate those that were able to make it to Dalton's party and we hope those that couldn't make it this year can make it next year. I am thinking of making it a yearly thing.
My camera was on the blink but some of my friends took pics and as soon as I have them I will add to my post.

AT THE PUMPKIN PATCH PICS #2

Me holding a duck for the kids to pet.

Kaitlyn in the sunflowers.

AT THE PUMPKIN PATCH

Dalton peeling leaves off of sorghum cane.

Kaitlyn, Ethan, Dillon and Samantha watch and listen as they hear about how to make sorghum.

FIRST FIELD TRIP TO THE PUMPKIN PATCH

LOOK OUT BRANSON HERE WE COME

Last weekend we took a mini vacation with Aubrey and her mommy and daddy. We left on Friday, it only takes us 2 1/2 hrs to get there, and decided to shop a while until we were to go see the Dixie Stampede. Denny and I have been to the one in Pigeon Forge TN. but Dalton had never been and since he has a new desire to be a cowboy it was even more fitting. We were lucky, they have already started their Christmas show. It was a great show and we highly recommend it.

Saturday we went to Silver Dollar City. It was cold at first but we bundled up and took blankets for the kids and pushed them in a stroller for a while. Notice I said "for a while." Once it warmed up they wanted to walk, climb, run, and flat out exhaust us! We stopped at the kiddie rides. Now Aubrey is a veteran Silver Dollar Cityer but she never rode the rides before since she didn't have anyone her age to go with her. THEY HAD THE BEST TIME! They rode some of them over and over again. Here is what I think was awesome: my son is a thrill seeking speed freak just like his mother!!!!!! He begged me to let him ride Thunderation with me so after Amy and I went first so I could see what it was like-I took him-and he loved it!!! This is a big deal! It is HUGE! I finally have someone to ride roller coasters with again. I took Denny on one about 7 years or so ago and he said he would never ride another roller coaster with me again. chicken poop. haha love ya honey! We ended our evening by going down to the Branson Landing and eating at Shorty Smalls. The ribs will melt in your mouth.
On Sunday, we played mini golf. It felt like it took h o u r s to play but we all made it. A stop at Olive Garden for lunch and we hit the road running.

We had an awesome weekend. There were a lot of first for both Dalton and Aubrey and I know they created many memories. I sure did!

I WANNA BE A COWBOY

The other day, Dalton's class got to see a "real" cowboy, pet the horse, see inside a nice trailer that was equipped so you could sleep in it and apparently some tricks.(?) When I picked Dalton up from school he had a big smile on his face. I asked it it was because of the horses. His reply was "mom I have decided that instead of being a teacher when I grow up - I want to be a cowboy!" OMGoodness he wanted to be a teacher and I didn't even know it. He said he told daddy but no one decided to tell mommy. A teacher! That is the first thing I have ever heard him say about what he wanted to be when he grew up. Most kids want to be a superhero (fictional) or a policeman, things like that. You know a teacher has made an impression on a kids life when that is their first expression of what they want to be when they grow up. I know, now he says he wants to be a cowboy but hopefully that will be short lived. Although, he has already figured out where he is going to put his horse.

REPORT CARDS AND PARENT TEACHER CONF.

All I can say is we were pleasantly pleased to hear he was doing well. He obviously will do more for his teacher than he will do with us. Man, I though we had at least until his early teen age years before he thought we were stupid.

MY COMPUTER NEEDS A VITAMIN! OR something

That's it. I've had it. I am convinced my computer has anthrax or some other crazy illness. I am behind in my blogging now and I am not sure if I can download pictures yet or not. I feel like I am in confessional. Forgive me friends for I have slacked off, it has been over a week since my last blog. hahahahaha ok I am not Catholic and it is late and I have the sillies.
There has been many things happen since my last blog and I was hoping to add pictures to my postings but I may have to go on and catch up with pics later. There are many events coming up too. Stay tuned........

PUMPKIN PICKERS

Kids always want pumpkins that weigh almost as much as they do. Dalton managed to carry it part of the way back to the awaiting hay ride.

PICTURES FROM THE PUMPKIN PATCH

HARVEST HOE DOWN 2008

First I must say Dalton had a GREAT time tonight! He made me promise that if we went to the Hoe Down he could stand next to me. I think once he started to see kids from his class and other classes that he knew he sort of got that warm fuzzy feeling and let down some of his walls. He actually wanted to play games and jump in the inflatables. I hope this will make it easier for future events.

DALTON'S FIRST BUS RIDE

Well, I finally did it! I broke down and let Dalton ride the bus home yesterday since the little girls next door would be riding the bus too. He got off that bus with the biggest smile on his face-and of course my camera wouldn't work so I missed a great photo op. It is a long bus ride. He is on the bus almost an hour. He really wanted to ride the bus home today too but I really like that time that I have with him because as soon as Denny gets home he becomes "DADDY'S BOY" and I suddenly don't exist anymore until bedtime.

SPACE BAGS

Space bags are such a wonderful invention! In the past few months, and my need to organize and re-organize, I have discovered these wonderful, reusable, space saving creatures. I have organized bedding, pillows, bedding for camping, it goes on and on. I first bought them at WalMart and then one night while changing channels they were showing another brand of space bags on QVC. They had a deal where you got a bus load of bags in varying sizes at a really good price so I bought them too. If I would have thought of it then I would have made my own little commercial because I have EXTREMELY reduced the amount of space that was being taken up for all of these items. It would be safe to say I took what was stored in the top of 2 walk in closets and reduced it all down to where everything fits under the guest room bed....the the exception of my camping items which before I sucked the air out of the bag with the vacuum it stood about 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide and now it is a 2 x 2 cube. I am starting on seasonal clothes and clothes we don't seem to fit in anymore-that we don't want to get rid of next! GO ME!!!

WOO PIG EEWWWIE!!

WHY DO I BUY TOYS???? It rained for a couple of days so as you can see the dirt pile is still quite mushy. We have no fear of dirt in our house and anyone with a cleaning OCD needs to stay away. hahaha or come on in and have at it but don't expect it to stay that way. There comes a time in your life where you just have to let go of some things and get a grip on what is really important...our kids. No, I have not given up on cleaning my house. lol