5 Minutes for Mom is giving away a flat screen tv from Best Buy! This is one contest I couldn't pass up

Inflammatory Breast Cancer

Two times in one week I have seen something about Inflammitory Breast Cancer. Once in an email. Once in a blog. I don't know if word is just getting out, but in case someone doesn't know please watch the video. Knowledge is power that can save your life.

We took the kids kayaking on Thursday evening. It was the first time the whole family has done something like that and it was a good time. We didn't go very far because storms were on their way. We stayed close, and just played around with the boats. J-Bird and Rara got to piggyback on others most of the time.

It started with J-Bell and Desti on their own boats, Knight in a tandem with J-Bird, and me and Rara in a bigger boat. We paddled that way for a while.

Then it went to Knight, Rara, and J-Bird in the tandem, Desti in her boat and me and J-Bell switching boats.

Then J-Bird got in with J-Bell.

Then J-Bell wanted to switch back. Desti was getting tired and wanted in the tandem, and Rara went to Desti's boat with the boat tied to my boat while we headed back. We saw some clouds coming in.

We got off the lake, cleaned the boats up a little (very little at this point), loaded them up on the truck and the lady took off. She had seen the radar and knew she needed to get the boats back before the storm.

It started to rain so we headed home.

We left the parking lot, drove south maybe a half mile and decided that we would probably have better luck if we took the northern route home. We were already seeing downed branches to the south.

We turned around, heading north not knowing we were driving right into the storm, until the radio announcer came on and told us where the storm was.

Made for a quiet trip, as the kids were nervous about the weather, but we made it.

And the storm made it an even more memorable trip.

We have a new loser in our family. J-Bird lost his first tooth yesterday. This tooth has been wiggly. Real wiggly. Yesterday before we left to go to the water park in Knights hometown, this tooth was barely hanging in there. So, he lost it at the water park. Then he dropped it. Not in the water, but I have no idea where this tooth is. Good thing that we don't have the tooth fairy thing to worry about. J-Bell plays the tooth fairy, but since all the kids know it's her, J-bird just asked her if he could borrow one of her left over teeth so she could be the tooth fairy for him. And she has been getting a lot of practice. J-Bell is losing her baby teeth to make room for her 12 year molars, Rara is still loosing baby teeth. So Desti is the only kid I have right now without missing teeth.

About a month ago, the two older girls were gone and so the two little ones were helping load the Little Debbie truck. Mr C, the other Little Debbie distributor in our area, was loading his truck at the same time. My kids have a lot of fun picking on Mr. C. So when the little ones were there a month ago, they were talking smack. They threatened to bring water balloons the next week. But the next week was when the girls were at camp. When Knight and I showed up we saw a note that told the kids he was bringing his water balloons and to watch out.

We loaded truck late last week and missed him. He wondered where we were. He even called Knight. He knew were were ready for him because we had come prepared and when he wasn't there we cooled off by having a small waterfight with balloons and he had seen the broken balloons in the gravel.

And then he called again today. We didn't show up to load truck while he was there and he was prepared for us. So he left this note. (Notice the drawing) The text reads--

To the little Chickens from _____:

You can run, but you can't hide! I will be back to get you little chickens.

Mr. C

Knight had told him we would be there about 6pm. Mr. C shows up with his wife and youngest daughter (about 13) and there is a lady there taking pictures of the note. Come to find out, it was reported to the landlord. Mr. C explained it was just a water fight. She stuck around to make sure he was telling the truth. Then he asked that she not call the cops. And she informed him that she believed that they had already been called.

Knight shows up with the kids (I stayed home), the lady left, and the water fight starts.

We had bought 3 decent water guns, and water balloons but we also thought ahead. We had brought a 20 gallon tote about half full of water to refill the guns. Those amateur couldn't figure out how they ran out of water so quick but we didn't.

Mr C was soaked. My kids were victorious. Who is the chicken now???

When I was in my younger teens, my sisters and I would watch movies over and over again until we memorized every single word of the movie. The one I remember the most was The Breakfast Club. Now that makes me proud to admit that. Out of all the movies to watch, that is the one I chose. Along with Howard the Duck, Goonies, and most Molly Ringwald movies. Yeah, I was so cool.

I was hoping that this obsessive watching of shows was not going to be passed on to my children. Hey, I am trying hard to make them a whole lot more normal than I am. They started memorizing movies early. But it was ok. VeggieTales, Barbie, Disney. I can live with that.

But they have started a new obsession.

And it's getting worse.

They love to watch and memorize Billy Mays. You know they commercials. Kaboom, Samurai Shark knife sharpener, AwesomeAuger. He sells it all.

Now all the kids have paid attention to commercials. But when driving around you hear "Look, there's Ace...the helpful hardware place" coming from a little voice in the backseat you know that advertisers really know what they are doing.

And tonight Rara and J-Bird were going to watch Flushed Away. We were going to start it when Billy Mays came on. Then I hear, "Wait. I love this one!" along with murmering as they are saying the commercial with Billy.

Does anyone have any kids they want to send over so we can share this wonderful trait with?

Please pray for the Perry family. They are burying their 2 1/2 year old tomorrow. The funeral is at 11am (central time). They started coming to our church a couple of months ago. I cannot imagine what they are going through. They need our prayers, desperately.
Thanks all.

I woke up in the middle of the night hurting. Bad. My first thought was I guess I'll just post...

Can't move my arms. Will explain when it's better.

But once I got moving I am feeling better. So now for the explanation.

I went kayaking for the first time last night with a group of ladies. There were 18 of us. I have to say, this was not a scary thing for me. I was really looking forward to it. I love the water. I love adventure. They assured us we would not tip. And hey, I am not bringing my family, so I get a break. Sounds good to me.

We get there and there are 16 kayaks to choose from (four were brought by some in our group). Most everyone has never been kayaking so picking one was figuring out what color you wanted. I know there were different styles but when you've never done it before, that means diddly.

We get a couple instructions on how to paddle. Then get in our kayaks. Mine felt a little tipsy, but I guess that is what kayaks are supposed to feel like, right? We get paddling. Figuring out how to steer is the biggest obstacle for some of us. If you have more strength in one arm, you tend to drift that direction. At least that's my theory.

We paddle across the lake and are looking for this swampy little marshy area that is a passage way to Dark Lake. Totally cool. We all have to stop before we go in, just to regroup (our group had 10 in it). I was about to hit someone's boat so I throw my paddle into reverse.

Wrong thing to do...but the water felt great!

Yeah, I tipped my boat. Not a bad thing in my world.

Except...

I tipped in a pretty shallow area. Which would have been a good thing.

Except...

There was 6 inches of muck at the bottom of the lake right there. And the only panic attack I've had, it had to do with underwater ickies. So I'm trying to keep my whole body up away from the muck in 3 feet of water while our wonderful guide tried to clear some of the water from my boat and get it tipped upright. During this process I lost my brand new, never opened bag of trail mix. It was tied onto the boat, but one of the other paddlers *edited to give credit where credit is due*who was "helping" me helped herself to my snack! A small price to pay for not having to swim back across the lake. (In reality she did ask and I gave her my permission to munch and share the snack). **If anyone ends up posting the pictures of my swim I will post them here. Only great friends would take the time to take a picture before helping!**

We did get back onto Dark Lake where there was a boat of men, who probably were thinking their fantasies were coming true because all of a sudden, out of the marsh comes 10 female paddlers. So they start yelling. Some of the women start getting real uncomfortable with the "Ladies, come here and have a beer!" comments and the waving. I was about to scare them off myself. It would have been so easy. "Hey guys, Jesus loves you! Come here, we have some literature we would like to give you!" That would have sent them running for sure. But they left on their own.

We did make it back to the campground we took off from. We were probably on the lake 2 1/2 hours. When we were done, I was not real sore. But it did hit later. Apparently, I'm not real used to paddling like that.

I did have a great time and plan on doing it again. I called my mom to see if she would want to go, but she is resting up right now. She was going off the rope swing, landed hard on her foot. It's not broke, but she can't walk on it real well.

I wonder where I get my adventurous spirit from.

Off to the pool today. Are you feeling sorry for me yet? ;-)

I pick up the girls tomorrow. I cheated last night and went to the camp. Esther the butterfly (previously known as Esther the caterpillar) made her appearance yesterday and I just couldn't let her free without showing the girls.

J-Bird and I were supposed to go swimming today, but Knight got done with work early (11am!!) and so J decided to go fishing with his dad instead. That boy is just so cute. He wanted so minnows as bait, but Knight had already gone to the bait shop a whole two blocks from our house and bought waxies. Well, J wanted minnows and was willing to pay for them with his own money. So, I agreed to take him over.

He got the minnow bucket from the boat and headed to the car (don't judge me about driving 2 blocks!). As we were driving over I asked him why he wanted minnows. It's because he caught his 14" bass with minnows. We walk in with the minnow bucket and the lady there helped us get the minnows.

Apparently we are supposed to decide on what kind of minnows we want. Kind? Really, they are small fish the boy is going to spear on a hook and throw into a lake. Isn't the kind irrelevant? Seriously, this is the first time I have been to the bait shop.

So she let's us know that the fisherman have been having luck with crappie minnows. Ok, sure. Crappies it is. One scoop is plenty thank you, although he would have liked to have more, but he has limited funds.

So he goes up to the counter. The old men that were shopping and working in the store are having fun talking to my little man in fish talk. They ring up the minnows and then my son gets to entertain them. He pulls out his wallet and pays with his Mastercard gift card. I have loved watching the faces of the cashiers when he has paid for his purchases with it. It's great.

So, off to the lake they went and I went searching for books and a swimsuit. I went to Goodwill, Thrift Dept Store, and the used bookstore in town. Not one of the 80 books I'm looking for. But I did find the entire Mark of the Lion Series by Francine Rivers. My favorite books of all time. I got all 3 books for the low, low price of 12.50. Woohoo!

As I'm swimsuit shopping, I'm noticing all the helpful tags. Slimmer thighs, tummy control, etc. For some reason they think this will help me decide. Yeah right. Do they have anything that will make me look like I have the body of a bikini model without me actually loosing the weight and exercising? Nope. I looked. But I did see one suit that had the tummy control tag on it. I checked the size. Size 8. Yes, I said 8. If you are a size 8 and you think you need tummy control, come a little closer so I can slap some reality into you.

Can you believe it, I didn't find that perfect suit. Maybe next year.

Thursday Thirteen

Here are thirteen things that have been keeping me busy while the girls are at camp.

1. Meeting Knight for lunch everyday.

2. Making a different chore organizer (won't the girls be thrilled).

3. Printing and copying maps for school in the fall.

4. Washing all the bedding in the house.

5. Getting caught up on laundry.

6. Cleaning the vehicles inside and out.

7. Making flash cards (again for school).

8. Cleaning my bedroom .

9. Deep cleaning the living room.

10. Deep cleaning the classroom.

11. Downloading songs onto my phone.

12. Watching a movie with J-Bird.

13. Helping Knight with his work.

Honestly, I feel as if I'm on total vacation. I have been having really great days. These things are all things that I've been meaning to get done. I do feel that I have been ignoring the outside world, but if you remember, I just don't need that all the time and my true friends are not taking it personally. So, I'm off to do more chores. Ahhhh, Paradise!

Yesterday I dropped all the girls off at camp for the week. We had to put camp off until this week because of the appendix. So, J-Bird and I headed off and dropped them off. We were wondering what we should do with all the together time. Then he was invited to spend the night at his friends house and he had no problem ditching his mom.

By 1pm Knight and I were kid free. We decided to go to Fazoli's for dinner then to my sisters so Knight could play their Wii. He got his workout. Cheap date but we had fun. We didn't have that much time since we had to load his truck before dark, so that was the end of our date.

This morning I was able to wake up on my own. I started to try to figure out what I wanted to do with my morning when I heard a sound. A voice. It sounded close. What to do? Should I go get the gun? Should I hide? Call 911?

Then it occurred to me that it sounded familiar. Somewhere in the recess of my memory I remembered that sound. I couldn't quite place it just yet. It had to have been years since I have heard that voice.

Then I remembered.

It was the sound of myself thinking. I could hear myself think. Wow. I had forgotten what that was like. I was beginning to doubt I would ever have the pleasure of that again.

So, I was able to enjoy the morning with no tv, phone, radio, voices calling to me or fighting with each other. A rare thing for me.

Anyone have kids I could rent for the week??? On second thought, anyone want my kid for the week? Think of all the things I could do!

We have finally decided how much time we have for a vacation this year. We have a total of 5 days. We are going the end of September. We have the guy lined up that will do the work of the business. We have even informed the guys I work for that we are going. The only thing that we have left to do is figure out where to go.

Knight hates flying so that is out of the question. I would rather not drive more than 12 hours one way. Knight is thinking about going to Ken Ham's new Creation Museum. I was thinking more on the lines of something like the Badlands. We are running into a lot of touristy things being closed because of it being the end of Sept. I thought about Creation Museum and then on to Mammoth Cave, but that will be closed.

HELP! Need suggestions. I would prefer to show the kids something we can't show them in WI. But any really neat things that would be fun to do, we would love to know about it.

Ok...8 random things. Each time this meme gets to me, it gets a little harder. So I decided to write specifically to my blogging buddies since they don't get the pleasure of my personality up close. This will try to help you understand what type of whacked personality writes this. As you are reading this, the "amens" you hear are from those that have to put up with me daily.

1. I am a tad bit sarcastic. Even my kids are constantly asking if I'm serious. I don't enjoy humor that hurts others and I really don't enjoy bathroom type humor, but give me something that makes me laugh and think and I love it. But, on the other hand...I have five fingers. Hee Hee

2. I don't show emotion easily. Forgive me, but I probably will not cry with you. I will not send you sappy cards on how much you mean to me. If something is wrong with me, you probably will not know about it. But if I know about something troubling you, I will help you in any way I can. I will pray for you. I will try to solve it, if at all possible. I care. Y0u just won't get that feeling from me. People will let you know that I am heartless. Only a few that know me, know that I do have a small heart in here somewhere and it does beat every now and then.

3. I don't need daily interaction with people. I could be content living my life on my own, doing my thing. God has given me a wonderful family. I love them a lot. They keep me involved with other people. But I do crave alone time. A lot.

4. I listen to a wide variety of music. I have introduced the kids to Billy Joel, country radio, accapella, praise and worship, and my latest favorite is TobyMac. Some of my kids have complained it's a little too hip hop for them.

5. I would love to get rid of my tv. I watch it, but I think my house would have a much better feel if it didn't have a tv. But I would hate to get rid of my computer.

6. My favorite stores to shop in are book stores, and stores like Office Max. I have never had a need to go into Abercrombie, Old Navy, Christopher Banks, etc. I don't really care about clothes. But books, school supplies, and electronics. That's my passion.

7. I have a picture drawn of the tattoo I wanted to get for my 30th birthday (last year). I didn't want just any tattoo, but just this one. It has 3 vines coming out of a rock. 4 butterflies on/around it. The 3 vines are Me, Knight, and God. The butterflies had patterns in their wings with my kids' initials. The rock, Christ. It was going to be down my spine (the full length), where no one could see it. Knight HATES tattoos, therefore it's still a picture on my wall.

8. I dream. All the time. I never wake refreshed because of the lives I live when I'm asleep. I have learned to control my dreams at times, to make the outcome what I want it to be. My most hated dream is when I am dreaming that I'm sleeping and can't wake up. I can't get those around me to understand that I need help. They keep checking on me, but I can't move to let them know that I need them to yell, scream, hit me, something to wake me up. I'm paralyzed until they help. I hate that dream.

There is a peek into my psychosis. Anyone have a therapist they would recommend? Thanks Amy for the tag and the challenge.

I have been tagged for the 8 Random things about me meme. I do plan on doing it, I am still thinking about what to reveal to all of my adoring fans (yeah, right!).

Anyway, just wanted to say congrats to Keri. Her baby girl made her appearance yesterday in time for the fireworks. This little firecracker is already adored by these 4 kids over here and they haven't even seen her yet.

Hope all had a blessed independence day. We had a good time playing on the river. So much so that I am saddle sore from the jet ski. With all the boats, the waves were great and you could get airborne pretty often. I will admit that mom lives the lifestyle I wish I could. Boat, jet ski, river. What more can a person ask for?

We have a miracle on Main Street. I don't think it would have been much of a miracle if I was diligent about keeping my yard weed free, but I have a hatred for gardening and it shows.

It's not that I don't love the look of a well taken care of piece of property. My neighbor is an excellent gardener and I get to enjoy his work every day. I love his yard.

But for me, I don't enjoy getting dirt under my nails, my yard was a rental house for 25 years so no one has done anything to the yard in a long time and it would be a lot of work, and I really don't know a lot about plants and gardening.

When I first moved it, I just let everything grow the first year so I knew what was here (we moved in Feb). The second year I tried to make it look decent. I have evil bushes that grow fast and you can't kill these things. I also have boxwood elder trees that grow fast and you can't kill those either. I've tried. For years. I also have raspberry bushes that grow in my front yard. I have tried to transplant these babies every year. They never make it. They just keep coming back in the front yard.

A couple times a summer I go around my house and cut down the bushes, boxwood elder trees, and any really tall weeds that don't grow where I mow. There was this thing that was growing next to my house. Right next to the house. It got tall fast. For some reason I was fascinated. It looked familiar. Knight told me it was a thistle. I didn't argue but I didn't agree. I knew I needed to see it mature just to satisfy my curiosity. Then a couple of days ago (before it actually bloomed) it dawned on me what it was.

A sunflower.

We cannot figure out where this thing came from. The only thing I can think of is a bird dropped a seed. We don't eat or buy sunflower seeds. We have never grown sunflowers. I am just looking at it as a surprise gift from the Lord who can make me smile with a wayward flower.

Toni at Special K is having a contest! Do you want to win a $50 gift certificate for Splat Designs to get a blog template, just for you?? I know that I would love one! I hope to win.

We got in late last night from visiting family. Had to be up early to go working before church, teach children's church, work a little more, then came home. Knight and I are both tired. I fell asleep for about 30 min earlier today. Knight laid down on the couch, announced how much he wishes he could sleep during the day like I can, and fell right to sleep.


Now I'm in the mood to shop. I'm not in the mood to spend money, go anywhere, or actually get out of the lazy boy, and I don't need anything but I feel like shopping. So for your viewing delight, and because Jen is amazed at what I can find to blog about, I will give you some things I can safely say I will not be shopping or even ebaying for. Ever.


1.Security Briefs--It's made from a genuine pair of men's underwear, and comes complete with revolting stains. Built into the front of the briefs is a secret compartment with a Velcro fastener. Inside, you can hide your money, passports, and jewelry along with your dignity if you buy this item.
















2.Internet Urinal--Shopping, gaming, chat rooms, cyber-dating - the internet is such an addictive and time-consuming force, who's got time to go? With the Internet Urinal, you'll never have to leave your computer again. Imagine the freedom - destroy your opponents on network Quake without taking a break; drink as many cans of Jolt as you want and still be able to make that last important trade before the market closes.


















3.Fake Silk Marijuana Plant--Our 4 foot plants are large enough to fit nicely and noticeably into a vacant corner. They will provide color and vibrancy that is needed in every living and working environment. The 4 foot silk marijuana plant comes with 4 realistic looking buds, an attractive basket container, and moss to cover the base of the marijuana plant



















4. Does this really need explanation??? The only thing I can say is that is one brave dad, and one hungry baby. I think this kid is going to be pretty messed up growing up.




















5.Bird Travel Carrier--A hands-free, vest-style carrier for small and medium size birds. It employs the famous PetPocket® design features including padded shoulder straps and even weight distribution, mesh fabric and quality construction.




















6. Quantum Sleeper--For the paranoid person, just make sure you're not claustrophobic. "The Quantum Sleeper Unit is a high-level security system designed for maximum protection in various hostile environments Quantum Sleepers can also be fitted to provide protection from destructive forces of nature such as tornados, hurricanes, earthquakes and floods. The Quantum Sleeper is the ultimate in protection, entertainment and communications, “ ALL ROLLED UP IN ONE”. "And it's bulletproof!