A quick trip to Colorado

This is why we went...

Team Mile High on Color.

Jake, Sarah, Addy, Matt, Annie and me.

~ but more about this later.

Before the kids and I took off Thursday morning I decided to get a little pampering and got a pedicure.  I have never had a guy do my nails.  There were three young men working Thursday morning, along with a handful of ladies.  I found it kinda weird.  Not that there was anything wrong with it.  He was really strong and my calves are still a little bruised and it was 4 days ago.  I felt like a queen.  (ha ha!)  I've never had blue toes before.  I like them!   

 

I picked up the kids after class and we hit the road.  It was a pretty uneventful drive until we got into western Kansas.  Sarah had called and warned me of a storm packing high winds, hail and a little rain.  (Matt said it was generated by the Colorado wildfires.)  We made a pit stop in Colby for a potty break and gas.  I visited with a couple fellow travelers in the gas station and they advised me to turn to FM 107.7 for weather info if I was heading West.   I'd be fibbing if I said I wasn't a little nervous.  I found the radio station and sent Jack a text.  "God is our co-pilot.  Listening to local radio station for weather updates. It just happens to be a Christian station.  :-)"  It brought me a lot of peace.

The clouds were kinda scary looking.

It got really windy before the rain and thankfully we never saw any hail.

We finally made it to the Colorado state line - 

a little blurry but the sign is in front of the trees...

(I couldn't believe someone had stopped to get out 

and take a picture of a stupid sign in the wind and rain!)

 and the sun made an appearance.

We made it safely to Sarah's.  

Friday 

I surprised Addy with an early birthday present.

She loves Princesses so I gave her a bag Annie used during her

short princess stage and added a few things.

Addy LOVES her Princess iPhone.

Lol!

Two of my favorite people in this world!

After breakfast we decided to hike up to Addy's Rock (aka Castle Rock).  The altitude didn't bother us too much.  The view was beautiful.

Taking a rest break.

The view to the West...

The view to the North and East...

Pikes Peak through the smoke.

We got fire updates twice daily.

The Black Forest fire was very close

with evacuation to the county line to our south.

 We could only smell smoke one afternoon.

The kids really REALLY wanted to climb to the top.

I said no.

I'm not afraid of heights.

I am afraid of falling.

Annie found LOTS of lizards.

Addy decided to get right down on its level to check one out.

I brought tie dye cupcakes...

and Addy got to frost her own.

 

She loves frosting, see!?

Addy loves sprinkles!  (tell me when to stop)

 

Addy thought it was pretty neat.

Addy loves cupcakes!

What a little cutie patootie!

After Addy's nap and snack we drove into Denver to get our Color Run swag bag, stopped to see Matt at the fire station, had dinner at Cafe Rio - YUM!  (I can't wait to take Jack there the next time we're there.) and purchased supplies for our tutu's.  

I watched the video on how to make the tutus and we got to work.  Sarah and I worked together on Addy's 

It really is easy.

But I don't think either of us will go into business making them.

;-)

First try... Addy wanted to twirl before Sarah had it tied.

She was so excited!

Then set up and each worked on our own after Addy was in bed.  That's when my OCD kicked in.  (Sad but true.)

Saturday

Three finished tutus.

Annie decided she didn't want one... which was fine.

Off to the pool!

The water was warm,

the air was cold when you got out.

Addy loves the pool!

Picnic lunch poolside.

Then Jake hung out in the shade.

And Annie soaked up some rays.

Sunday  

Sarah had to wake Addy up, but she popped right out of bed.  Oh boy!  Race day!!

The kids were ready.

Sarah, Addy and Matt are ready.

Sarah and I were ready!

Lots of people!

Lots of waiting!

Lots of music and dancing!

Addy did such a good job!

Just kicking back, relaxing.

She's so darn cute!

Jake had gotten a little claustrophobic in the big crowd.  He got sweaty and the color on his lip started to run.  He almost got sick.  I was trying to convince him to just sit and rest on the side instead of among the people.  That way he'd get a bit more air.  

Finally getting close to the starting line.

We were in wave #14...

and already had some color on us.

There are only two rules for the Color Run.  #1 Start off wearing a white t-shirt.  #2 By the end you should look like you ran into Willy Wonka.  This year I expected to walk.  I was shocked when everyone on our team - except me - started off jogging.  (8-|  Seriously?  Jake walked with me for a few strides but then picked up his pace.  Don't worry, I caught up to them eventually.  Lol!   

Jake rolled in the yellow.

;-)

The kids coming out of the pink fog...

Post race fun -

Matt, Addy and Sarah.  Woo hoo!  You did it! 

Jake and Annie were both near the stage behind them.

Me and the kids.

TRIUMPH!

Then Addy needed a little time at the playground...

so Sarah, Jake and I decided to relax.

And if you're curious, I think everyone's dogs were barking.

(dogs = feet / barking = hurting) 

(*I believe it's called a double entendre, Annie. ;-)  xo)

We went out to breakfast - full of color.  We sat outside and felt a bit like animals at the zoo... lots of people were looking at us.  BUT we enjoyed our time and meal together.

We got back to Sarah's and Jake hopped in the shower.  He only got a little color off.  Annie just changed clothes and I stayed in my color gear.  We packed up and hit the road.  The weather was looking suspect and I thought it was best to get ahead of it.  We saw lots of lightning and a few sprinkles.  We left (the second time - after returning for Annie's glasses) at 3:00pm.   

We saw lightning and big clouds on 86 between Castle Rock and I-70.

Between Colby and Oakley we drove through a wicked dust storm

Visibility was only a few car lengths... scary.  I turned on my flashers and slowed way down.  But soon it was gone and we were back up to cruising speed.

We only stopped twice.  Only once for gas!  We got home a little after 11.  I was in bed and sleeping by 11:30.  Annie showered and was not far behind me.  Jake had homework... then he was off to bed too.

Today

It was hard to get up.  But I saw the kids off to school.  The crazy weather is still hanging around and a storm came in from the Northeast.  Ugh.  I don't know why but when storms come from that direction I get nervous.  Nothing but rain came of them - thank goodness.

Scary sky.

This afternoon Jake worked.  Annie hung out with friends.  And now we're enjoying a quiet evening together.  

I'm happy.

This bugs Annie, not only because it's a temporary tatoo...

but because it's crooked on my arm.

I'm going to see how long it will last.

Jake's taken three showers and still has color in ear and hair...

I wonder if he's leaving it there to be ornery?

Probably!

It's always fun to take trips and visit Sarah, 

even if only for a couple day, 

but it's good to be home.

xo

Happy Birthday, to ME!

Happy Birthday to me!

That's one BIG candle, huh?

I had a fun, relaxing day.  I opened all my birthday cards.  I just love saving up the mail and opening a bunch of cards all at once.  I think my Mom use to hide all my cards until my birthday... that must be why I like to wait.  I started packing.  I colored my hair.  I just love the feeling of washing those grays away!  I tried to make an appointment for a pedicure, but they were booked.  (So it got postponed until this morning.)  I took kids here and there.  Annie had afternoon plans with friends, so I dropped her off and took Jake to work.  

I came home and made cupcakes.  

Tie dye cupcakes!

I colored the batter.

into the oven you go...

My first attempt... not perfect but still yummy!

While I was making cupcakes the window guy came and replaced our broken window.

He took out the whole thing!

Then bam!  Almost done!

I couldn't show you both windows, because then you'd see how dirty the other window is.

;-)

And all complete BEFORE the cupcakes were even done.

I frosted half the cupcakes and will take the rest to Colorado.  My friend Lisa called and asked what we were doing for dinner.  Since Jack was golfing - league night.  Don't worry, he didn't blow off celebrating my birthday to go golf with friends.  I picked up Annie...

Waiting for Sydney's ride... 

NO PHOTOs, please.

LOL!

then we got Jake and met Lisa and her son, Justin, at Chili's.  Yes, we were just there last weekend, but that's where I wanted to go.  (Lisa's husband was working late and son, Nick, is on a mission trip.)  The kids enjoyed playing a game on Justin's phone.    

Watching Jake was so funny...

he's so animated.

Annie's game face.

HA!

She's gonna be so mad at me for posting this...

but it makes me laugh.

Me and my kids and a Big Birthday brownie

with 5 spoons!

YUM!

Jack got home and we enjoyed cupcakes - well, Jack saved his for breakfast and Annie didn't eat one at all. So correction... Jake and I ate cupcakes.  ;-)

All too soon it was late.  And now here I sit - instead of packing.

My toes are a happy blue color.  :-)  A young guy did my pedicure.  It made me feel like a queen.  (ha ha!)

Ok, have a great week!  I probably won't post again until next week!  If you want to know what's going on, you're just going to have to call me.  ;-)

xo

Make a list... and celebrate a little.

How can one kid have so much laundry in his room?  The washer and dryer haven't been in constant motion, which is probably why it seems never ending to me.  I had asked him to do the laundry but this morning I  decided to take it over.  I just want it done.

The morning started off slow but soon my mind was full... do this - do that.  Sell this - donate that.  After several telephone calls I decided I wasn't going to keep up with everything if I didn't start putting more in writing.  I have a list of everything I've donated, which I updated.  I have a list of items I want to sell.  Now I have lots of lists going... I wonder if I should make a list of my list.  (ha!  Just kidding.)  I get more done when I have a list.  I get so much satisfaction in checking off items one by one.  And yes, if you're curious, I have been known to write down things I've already done just to see it checked off.  :-D  Is that normal?  Or am I weird?  I don't care.  It keeps me motivated.

I made a to-do list for Jake.  He had several things that needed to get done before he left for work.  One of which was homework from last Friday - complete a W-4 form.  I sat with him and explained what it was and what it was for.  He checked all the items off and decided to lay down and take a rest for 5 minutes before we had to leave. I told him it was a bad idea.  He did it anyway.  He didn't ask me to wake him.  He didn't say anything.  I was going to wait him out - thinking if he was late to work it would be a natural coincidence.  If you remember, I had told him he was going to start driving to and from work each day.  I caved and told him to get up at 20 til.  I knew it would be pushing it, but I thought we'd be ok.  He drove through the neighborhood and it became very clear that he wasn't going to make it in time.  I caved again and asked if I could drive.  We got a few blocks down the road and I asked if he had his paperwork.  "Uh, no."  Ugh!  I did a quick u-turn and zipped home.  Now we were really late.  I had decided I was going to speed but got stuck behind several slow drivers.  We got on the highway and guess what - road construction.  Ugh!  I was getting pretty close to road rage a couple time with stupid aggressive drivers.  (lol - yes, I know how ridiculous that sounds)  I asked Jake to call in and let him know he was running late but he didn't have their telephone number.  We talked about being up front about being late and apologizing as soon as he arrived.  We got Jake dropped off 5 minutes late.  

Annie had a dentist appointment clear across town and now the challenge was getting her there on time.  Thankfully the lights were in our favor and we made it just in time.  No cavities!  Yeah!  I was surprised when she walked out with only a braces flosser in her hand.  No toothbrush, toothpaste, floss or toy.  :-(  (Even Jake came out with his little bag AND a toy.)  My little one is grown up so fast. (sob, sob)

I have a funny Annie story... she selected Debate as her top elective for her Fall schedule.  Jack and I were a little surprised to hear this, because Annie HATES to speak in front of people, but delighted that she was going to face her fear head on.  There is a girl at her table in art class that is going to be a Senior at BVW, they have been getting lots of information about high school and must have been talking about classes.  Annie came home and announced we needed to call the school and switch her out of debate.  "I didn't know what it was.  Why didn't anyone tell me?"  I couldn't help but giggle.  "Why would you think I wanted to take that class?  Really?"  My giggles turned into full laughter.  "Mom, this isn't funny!"  I tried to control my tears.  After I composed myself I called the school.  Unfortunately, she can't change her schedule until school starts - which mean she has to go to her first class.  Dread was written all over her face but I am sure the thought of going to one class is MUCH better than a whole semester.  :-)  She'll survive. 

Annie and I came home and made pies.  Little tiny fruit pies.  We made them out of tiny graham cracker pie crusts.  We made 2 strawberry cream pies, 2 banana cream pies and Annie made a blueberry pie for herself.      

We were only home 40 minutes before it was time to head out.  We had a Mission Trip meeting at 6:00.  It was uneventful but filled with details.  I completed some paperwork.  The kids are really looking forward to their Kansas City adventure.  

After dinner we celebrated Father's Day.  Jack was a little confused why we'd celebrate tonight, but... since we're aren't gonna be together until late Sunday we decided there was no better time.

Happy Father's Day!

Jack with his tiny pies, cards and present.

Cards from the kids.

(If you can't read it, it say My Dear Father)

Cool Dads Make Cool Kids - and I'm ridiculously cool, so nicely done, sir. ( from Jake)

You Rock Dad - even if your music doesn't. (from Annie)

Present Time!

Aw!

I think he likes it.

Nope, he loves it!

My friend, Jewelee, painted a picture of Suzy.

I hope he feels as special as he is!  

My friend Lisa stopped by for a few minutes.  She brought me a birthday present.  :-)  My birthday is coming up, ya know...  ;-)  She got me a beautiful picture.

It says:  In This House we do second chances.

we do grace; we do real; we do mistakes; we do I'm sorrys;

we do hugs; we do family; we do love.

It's perfect! 

Thanks, Lisa.

And it's already found a home.

(Jack said, "Someday, it's going to look like Applebee's in here.")

He thinks he's so funny.

It was a fun day!

xo

I think we're all exhausted

It was a fun, busy weekend - to go with my fun, busy week. Thursday Annie went to school only telling one friend that she had colored her hair.  She was entertained by the guessing game that ensued when her friend Kate tried to decide what was different about Annie.  It threw her off because Annie had her hair parted on the side.  Annie is tickled because "my eyebrows finally match my hair!"  ;-)  I have to say, I love it too!

Paula, Jack's Mom, came to visit in the afternoon. We picked Jake up from work and went out to dinner.  I'm prrretty sure Paula thinks we're a little crazy, but we shared some good laughs around the table.  At one point I informed our waitress the bacon potato soup tasted like clam chowder.  Of course, she had to ask if I was sure... and I tilted my head, and said in a squeaky voice, "I'm pretty sure!"  (watch this skit from Saturday Night Live and I think you'll understand:   Anthony-Crispino - "I'm pretty sure)  It might help you understand the story if I explain that Annie had ordered clam chowder only to be told they were out.  She patiently waited for her 2nd option - Lobster Bisque (yea, can you believe she likes Lobster Bisque? lol!)  Jake had also gotten soup, Potato Bacon.  I had asked if I could try it and got a clam.  :-(  I don't like clam chowder.  It was discovered the two cream soups had been mixed by mistake.  I wasn't trying to cause a scene, just make them aware of it - in case someone with a seafood allergy ordered Potato Bacon.  

We had a nice visit with Paula and had a low key evening.  We watched a movie.  

Friday morning was the kids second true day of Summer Vacation - no school on Fridays! They only slept in until 8 a.m.  It was National Donut Day.  Paula got up really early and went out for coffee and a donut.  She had a big day planned with Aunt Sue so she didn't stick around too long.  It was good to see her.

I posted on Facebook that I remember, several years ago, taking the kids to every donut shop we could think of.  We didn't do that this year.  Actually, we never went and got donuts.  Oh well.  There's always next year.  :-)

I had originally wanted to take the kids to Worlds of Fun, but sadly my offer was declined by not one but both kids.  Bummer!  (We've entered strange new territory.  I don't think I've ever turned down a Worlds of Fun offer.)

Jake had big plans... but his room was a disaster and it postponed his fun for a bit.  He met up with his friend, Hunter around 11:15 a.m. and they spent the day riding skateboards and fishing.  Jake had a "really big" fish on the line and I'm not exactly sure how the story went but Jake ended up in the pond.  "It was only about 5' deep.  And it was funny.  Hunter laughed.  I laughed."  Thankfully, he didn't get hurt but all of his bandages fell off.   

Annie and I took her friend Grace out to lunch.  Grace has been like a second daughter.  The girls spent the rest of the afternoon together and I dropped Grace off at home when I took Annie to the "surprise party for Maggie and Grace" that wasn't really a surprise.  They originally wanted to have a pool party but unfortunately the pool had another function scheduled and the girls decided the water was too cold.  Thankfully, another family offered up their house.  The kids had a great time.  After the party we hosted a final slumber party for Annie and her group.  Six girls.  There is nothing like the sound of whispers and giggles.  I love it.  The girls had a great time.  Jack heard them at 1:30 a.m., when they got hungry and ate leftover pizza.  The tough part came at 5:50 a.m. when the alarm went off.  It was moving day for Maggie she was to be picked up at 6:00.  I came down to make sure they were awake and sat on the stairs waiting and watching for her Mom to arrive.  Maggie went around to each of the other girls, they whispered their goodbyes followed by a big hug and tears.  (Ugh, it was hard to watch for sure!)  She gave me a big hug as she walked out the door and I couldn't help but flick a few tears away.   

Exhausted, all the girls went back to sleep.

I don't think Annie had slept much all night.

She hates goodbyes as much as I do.

Jack played golf Saturday morning, so he was up and out the door pretty early.  He played his nemesis course again and did much better!  He's really REALLY looking forward to golf league this week and spending a few days golfing with his Dad at the end of the week.

I went and got the girls donuts - we celebrated with donuts a day late.  :-)  

Feeling motivated, I took on Jake's room.  I went into this cleaning with no judgement.  I took everything out of his room except this bed and bookshelf and whatever was on the floor.  I organized and got a lot accomplished.  When Jake got home at noon his to do list was already long.  Mow the yard - and everything that goes along with that.  Vacuum his room.  Sort clothes and start the laundry.  I asked Jake to wash all his clothes  All of them.  After the clothes were clean we sorted into too small/don't like, donate/give away.  And his other "stuff" was  sorted into keep, trash, donate.  He made good progress.  

My folks were wanting to take me out to dinner for my birthday on Wednesday but Jack has golf league so I called them in the afternoon and asked if we could meet in Lawrence for dinner... tonight.  It worked out - even though my Dad isn't feeling the best.  (He's having trouble with the bottom of his feet.  Please say a prayer for him.)  We were late but had a very nice dinner and visit.  After dinner I made a quick stop at Target to pick up something for my sister and then we made our way back home.  We all made it home safely before the storm came through.

My folks gave me this sweet little cherub.

It's sweet little naked bottom is laying front and center on the mantle.

:-)

I was up way too late - keeping the laundry going.  

Suzy hasn't been feeling well and woke me up at 4:11 a.m.  :-(  I finally got back to sleep around 6!  Short night.  

Today was busy as well.  Sunday School, Home Depot, Hyvee, lunch at home (Jack grilled chicken and I made corn on the cob in the microwave - YUM!), Goodwill (another purge drop off), Walmart, Costco, Youth Group, wash - dry - fold - sort - repeat... 

Annie's friend, Grace, came over tonight for an hour.  She's moving tomorrow.  (deep sigh)  We are gonna miss that girl!  (Please keep Annie in your prayers, too.  It's hard to have friends move away.)  No tears tonight.  I just kept saying - "it's not goodbye, it's see ya later."  

Jake worked hard all day, so we let him go over to his friend, Ian's, to swim and play basketball.  It was a great way to end his busy, fun, productive weekend.

Tomorrow I hope to find  him a new dresser.

Yawn... another late night.  

Sleep well!

xo

Here, There and Everywhere

It's been busy.  It's been fun.  I've been tired.  The kids have been tired.  Jack's been tired, too.

Sunday was Sue's birthday.  I joined her, Lauren, CJ and Sue's friend, Susie and her daughter at Art in the Vines at Somerset Ridge Vineyard in Louisburg.  It's only a few miles from Marlene's old house.  It was a little cloudy, a little chilly but when the sun finally came out it was beautiful!  

Happy Birthday, Sue!

CJ, Lauren and Sue

Somerset Ridge Vineyard and Winery

http://somersetridge.com/

So much beautiful artwork!

I was there just long enough to finish this masterpiece.

Ha!  I wish!

Monday, the kids started their Design Fundamentals class.  It's a prerequisite class for all other art classes in high school.  They will go to class 5 hours a day, 4 days a week for the next 3+ weeks.  They were both excited.  I picked them up at 12:30 and found them both very tired.  

Jake spent the entire afternoon and evening with friends, skateboarding and having fun.  :-)

Annie had a friend over.  They went for a walk.  They had fun doing whatever girls do.  ;-)

Yesterday afternoon Annie went to a Tea Party at a friends house.  She was asked to make sure her legs and arms were covered.  This sweet friend is Indian and wears a head wrap.  Annie looked adorable and respectful.  Annie: "It wasn't really a tea party.  We just sat around talked, ate food and drank tea."   Me: "Umm, I'm pretty sure that's a Tea Party."  (wink)

Yesterday afternoon Jake started his job.  Jack went with me to pick him up at 6:00 - Jake was exhausted.  He fell asleep on the way home.  We picked Annie up, picked up a pizza, came home - Jake was in a deep sleep - we came inside, ate dinner, Annie did the dishes, then went out and got the mail - Jake was still asleep in the car - Annie went back outside and get her backpack out of the car.  Jake came in 10 minutes later.  He was in a mood.  A bad mood.  A grouchy mood.  He ate dinner.  He didn't talk to anyone.  He watched tv.  We finally told him he needed to go take a shower and go to bed.  He did.  

Today when I picked the kids up from class Annie said, "the first day was fun, the second day was exhausting and today was LONG!"  I think it's a bit more than they expected, but really, no ones complaining.  Annie and Jake are in different classes.  There are three classes with 25 students in each.  The majority of the students are freshman.  Annie is sitting with two friends and a girl from West that will be a Senior.  She's in band with Jake.  Jake is at a table with 3 freshman, 1 girl and 2 boys.  All were super quiet the first day.  One of the boys didn't speak until today.  "Today he talked, A LOT!"   If you could judge how a class is going by the amount of paint on your hands, clothes, I would say Jake is having a blast!  Today he was covered.  Yesterday, he had charcoal in the lines on his neck, face and pants and paint on his hands and arms.  Both kids like their teachers.  They seem to have very different teaching styles and so far it seems to fit each one of my kids.  :-)  

Today was the first day I found myself feeling a bit like a taxi driver.  I'm so glad we have a carpool to take the kids to school.  I picked them up then took kids here, there and everywhere.  About 45 minutes before Jake needed to be at work we left and took another couple bags to Goodwill, dropped Jake off at work; Annie to Target (to get a CD that was on hold at the store by the mall), picked up Annie's friend, took them to a different Target to get a few things, then home... back to get Jake, home long enough to get Jake's skateboard, on to his friend Hunter's house, back home for a couple hours.  When Annie got home from her friends softball game I took her to check on / feed Lexi the cat and then HOME!  Jack picked Jake up on his way home from golf, took him to get his stitches out, home long enough to grab a coupon and to get Jake's hair cut.  Whew!  No wonder I'm tired.   I hope it doesn't sound like I'm complaining.  I'm not.  I am glad that they are busy and active and taking a class and working and enjoying their lives!

Here's a few more pictures from our day.

Jake's stitches and bruised eye.

   

Annie colored her hair!

Super cute!

She promised she'd do it before Grace moved.

Grace helped.

I love her hair parted on the side!

Stitches out.

Tape stays on until it falls off.

Jake got a haircut.

And now he looks so grown up.

I don't like it!

I'm chugging away on my 2 a day project.  So far, so good.  It feels great.  

I was admiring my flower garden and found WEEDS!  I may have also found my point of OCD.  I plucked every little sprout.  And I found a dandelion!  Eeeeeck!  Jack calls them Devil weeds.  :-(  (Not too long ago we heard a sermon where the preacher told us our faith needed to be more like a dandelion - a dandelion seed head - give it freely.  Ever since then I have been very torn.)  I don't like the weed but I love the analogy.  

xo

Last day, wheels, 2 a day and a few stitches

Thursday was the last day of school.  It was the last work day for our team - Mary, Katie and I.
:-(  It was bittersweet.  I will miss Mary but am super excited to be a part of Katie's team her first year of teaching.  Both ladies have helped me grow as a para and a person and taught me so much.

Jake was finally done with finals and came away from his freshman year with a 3.3 GPA.  :-)  Yeah Jake!  Yeah, he finally got his wheels back - skateboard that is.  Several months ago Jake went to a friends house with skateboard and helmet in hand.  The plan was for them to hang out.  Jack happened to pass the boys, several hours later, going down the street and Jake was not wearing his helmet.  Without making a scene, Jack pulled over and and asked Jake for his skateboard.  Our expectation of safety is very clear.  He was grounded from his wheels for 4 months.  Finally, some freedom!  

He didn't just lose one skateboard...

he lost ALL his wheels.

Annie had her last day of middle school.  It was bittersweet since 2 good friends and several other acquaintances will be moving away (far away - Maryland, North Carolina, California, South Africa)  The morning was filled with Yearbook signing.  Her group had decided they were going out to lunch.  The original plan was to walk to an area restaurant but it was pouring down rain. I raced to the school, hoping to get there before Annie and her Yearbook were soaked.  Thankfully I made it in time and took a car full of kids.  :-)
   
My folks were with us the last two nights.  It was so nice having them here.  They attended the last gathering of the Kansas East Conference of the United Methodist Church.  Starting in August the two Kansas conferences will merge with the Nebraska conference and form the Great Plains Conference.  In the beginning Kansas and Nebraska were lumped together.  It's interesting how they will be again soon.

A friend made a goal for the month of June and I have accepted the challenge.  Goal for the month of June:  2 boxes a day.  That's the challenge.  2 boxes.  Donate, sell, organize, trash, recycle, whatever.  2 boxes.  We are accountability partners.  We are off to a great start.  Some how we collect boxes in our garage.  Lots of boxes.  We took a truck load of broken down cardboard boxes to the recycling center today - along with a bag of glass, some plastic, and papers.  We also took a large bag of plastic bags to the recycling box at Walmart.

On our way home from the Recycling Center we got a frantic call from Jake.  He was screaming and I couldn't understand a word he was saying.  I asked him to calm down.  More screaming.  I screamed for him to calm down.  I told him we would get home as quickly as we could.  He was able to tell me he was riding his skateboard to his friend Hunter's house and was a block away.  His skateboard wheel got stuck in a crack in the sidewalk and he landed in the street.  Thankfully he was wearing a helmet.  He got road rash on his arm and knee.  And cut his eye just under his eyebrow, on his sunglasses of all things!  We got home and I took a quick glance at his injuries.  I'm so not good with blood.  I went to the sink and got several paper towels wet with cold water and took them to Jack.  He assessed the situation and decided it would be best to take Jake to Urgent Care.  I wanted to go but was still feeling a little queasy.  They got right in and Jake received 3 stitches and a lecture about helmet safety.  Yes, he was wearing his helmet and we think this situation humbled him.  The doctor also cleaned up his wounds and bandaged him up.  I hope his helmet doesn't cause an argument in the future, like it did yesterday.  And it might sound silly but even wearing shoes while skateboarding was an issue yesterday.  I pray this unfortunately situation won't be soon forgotten.

All bandaged up.

And making plans to meet up with friends.

Three stitches.

Annie had slept the night with friends and had just fallen to sleep when "he came running in, screaming like a Banchee.  Ugh!"  She tried to help but was half asleep.  She was calm when we came home.  She was a great assistant to Jack.  I didn't realize it but she cleaned up a lot of blood.  (Oh, that was hard to type...)    

They weren't home 10 minutes and Jake was on the phone with Hunter.  "Can I go over?"  He wasn't in any pain and really wanted to go.  What's a mom to do... "Sure."  :-)

Jack told me after the fact that earlier today Jake was bragging that "I never fall forward!" and he's told me "I know how to fall, Mom!"  (Deep breath)  I am so thankful he's ok!

Jack decided today was the day to trim the trees in the backyard.  I helped him cut the limbs into smaller pieces and bundle them up.  8 bundles from 1 tree.  It looks great back there!  I will take a picture in the morning.  We work until dark.  I'm hoping I didn't get eaten up too badly by mosquitoes.

Annie went to the pool with friends but it was too cold.  They went for a walk and ended up at Target and Petland and who knows where else.  Probably Sonic.  She just got home a little bit ago.

Jake was out until 10:00 p.m.  Actually, he had asked if he could spend the night but we decided another night would be better.

It was a long day.
 
xo