Friday, Friday

I love Fridays and I hate Fridays. I love them because it's so close to the weekend....and I hate them because I realize all those things I've been saying I'll get done that week and aren't finished! :) I've done TONS of laundry this week, but it's all folded in piles on "Grammy's bed". It'll take an hour to put away.....and now it's Friday.

I had a good talk with my sister last night. It's so good to have her back in the same time zone! She is rich with wisdom, and I enjoy her insights.

Yesterday was one of my best friend's birthday. She found out this week that her father isn't going to live much longer, and she spent her birthday driving to get to Wyoming to see him. I've thought of little else since I talked to her. That's one thing about this life that's so hard to bear. Death. And comforting the mourning. The scriptures say to mourn with those who mourn and comfort those in need of comfort....but how do you comfort someone who's lost someone so dear? I wish I knew. Debbie, I love you.

Weekend update

Well, Friday was a bad day for me, recovery-wise. I ran an errand and left in a hurry Friday morning and didn't take any pain killer. By the time I returned I was miserable. Angela was nice enough to take all the kids and run Kenneth to school for his afternoon class. I crashed on the couch and slept for 3 hours. I've been nauseated last night - in the middle of the night - and this morning, but now I'm feeling better as far as the nausea goes. The pain is more than I anticipated, but I've taken more ibuprofin, so hopefully it will back off.

Steve left at 3am with the kids to go to Grandma Ackerman and Auntie Sara's house. They are having a holiday dinner tonight and families are invited. All the kids were excited to go. I'm home "resting".

It's done

Well, it's done. I'm still pretty numb and feeling OK. The first thing the periodontist said was "Wow - it looks a lot worse". He had to cut away a lot, and there was a lesion on my root...he took a picture between the biopsy and the skin graft. I think he did a good job...he said it will turn all kinds of colors before it looks normal, but right now it doesn't look too awfully bad. I didn't anticipate stitches on the roof of my mouth - I don't know why not, but I didn't. I did see the skin they took and they took quite a chunk. I also asked to see the cyst they sent into the lab, and it was gross. I kept my eyes closed through the first 1/2 of the procedure, but I watched him do the stitches in the front. I go in 1 week from today to have the stitches on the roof of my mouth removed. The stitches that hold the skin together in the front will dissolve over time. I'm on a modified diet for a week. I was very apprehensive, but Steve gave me a beautiful blessing before we left the house for the surgery and that helped me be calm. I'm not sure I would have liked to be as "alert" as I was - they just did local numbing - no knocking out. I was very glad Steve was there, it was very comforting. He took me to CVS afterwards to fill my prescriptions (pain killer, antibiotic, and more pain killer) and he bought me some ice packs. They said the more I ice it in the first 24 hours the less swelling there will be. I guess that's the update. Thanks for all your prayers.

Today's the day

Today's the day I'm having the cyst removed from my mouth. I hope everything will be uneventful....especially the skin graft....wish me luck!

A moment to myself.....

All right, I finally have a moment to myself, so I'll try to update you on the last 2 weeks.

On November 22nd I left our home at 5:30am to drive to Fresno with the kids. There, Sami met us to get the kids. We all had a nice visit with Grandma Ackerman before she left. Then, Sami took the kids home with her and I spent the night in Fresno. EARLY the next morning - like 5am - I went to the Fresno airport. After 2 long flights, I arrived in Orlando at 5:40pm, surprised that Steve was still at the airport! His flight had arrived at 3:40pm. Well......he was not very happy. They lost his luggage. He flew out of Las Vegas - arrived at the airport 3 hours early, and flew DIRECT - NO STOPS to Orlando. His luggage (we later found out) went to Omaha. So, he was crabby and I was ready to vacation. After some food to cheer Steve up, we took the shuttle to La Quinta, where Elise & Les, Angela & Darrel were waiting. The rest of the crew arrived shortly thereafter, and voila, a vacation begins. We got Steve's luggage the next morning, thankfully, before we had to go to the cruise. We boarded the "Soverign of the Sea" that afternoon (Friday). There were 14 of us all together: Mom & Dad, Angela & Darrel, Steve & me, Elise & Les, Danny & Amanda, David & Jackie, and Benjamin and Weston. Weston is a dear friend of the family who came along to room with Ben. He was a delight to travel with, and we were so glad he agreed to come.

The cruise was amazing - as always - I highly recommend it for vacation....although, I recommend at least a 5 day cruise. We spent one day in Nassau, Bahamas and snorkeled and went on a large catamaran sailing ship. We spent one day on a private island called Coco Cay. A few of us (including Steve & I) went scuba diving and snorkeling. The highlight of that dive was a sea turtle! Cool! The beach was lovely, and we rented a small catamaran and sailed for a while, too. The weather was perfect and it was a great day! We returned to Florida on Monday morning. Since we weren't scheduled to fly out until Tuesday, my dad took me running (we also ran before the cruise, and worked out sporatically on the cruise). We ended up running around a lake - it was a beautiful run - we got caught in the rain, but it was so humid and I was sweating so much a little more water didn't really matter.

Tuesday Steve flew home to Las Vegas, and I flew back to Fresno. I then drove to Fremont to get the kids. Daniel was the one who asked for me the most, and he was glad to see me. Kenneth just kept playing and acted like it was no big deal that I came back. Caitlin, however, wouldn't come to me at all. She held onto Sami like she was a life raft. It took her about 10 minutes to forgive me and come over for loves. She came over VERY SLOWLY. We had a great time playing with cousins for a while - then went to McDonalds together before the kids and I headed to Lafayette (closer to Oakland).

There, we stayed with Missy & Darin for 2 days. We had a wonderful time renewing friendships and the kids had a great time playing with MORE cousins! The cutest thing about them was that Daniel (due to his underdeveloped speech) called Gilbert "Dilbert". I thought that was pretty cute. Missy took us to an amazing play place and the kids got 2 prizes! (They thought they had died and gone to heaven). Missy has a great toy room and the kids loved disappearing in there. She also has an adventurous back yard and the boys had a great time exploring. We got some Boudin Sourdough bread (I brought home 8 loaves to Steve) and Missy got Caitlin lots of DARLING clothes (thanks, Missy!). It's so fun shopping for a girl!

Anyway, after a fun-filled 2 days, we loaded up on Friday and drove home. It took 8 hours exactly. We only stopped once, and I only had to give Caitlin benadryl. :) Considering that was the part of the trip I was dreading, it went fairly well.

So-that's our trip! It was great - every piece of it.

We're back safely!

I don't have much time to post ALL the updates from the last 10 days, but we did manage to arrive home safely just now. We've had a wonderful holiday, and we've got a big week coming up, but it'll be nice to enjoy sleeping in our own beds tonight. We had a wonderful time on the cruise - a big thank you to Sami and Scott for watching the kids. And, I had a wonderful 2 days with my sister, Missy - a big thank you to Missy for being the wonderful hostess that you always are. It was also good to see Jan and Sara when we passed through Fresno.

More later,
Joy

We're off

Kenneth is on a date with Steve tonight as a reward for his straight "A" report card. It's a tradition we started in Kindergarten and Kenneth doesn't let us forget it! I'm glad he loves his dad so much....and the one on one time is always good. We seem to need the excuse because we're not usually very good at planning "dates".

Well, after a week and a half of nonstop preparations, I believe we're just about ready....well, we'd better be because I intend to leave before 6am tomorrow. That should put us at Grandma Ackerman's in time for lunch and a small birthday party for Daniel before the kids will continue up to Aunt Sami and Uncle Scott's house. Kenneth is VERY excited to spend time with his cousins, but not so excited about the drive. Daniel is wary I believe. He acted out at preschool today. I explained the "plan" to him yesterday and he just kept saying to me, "But Tennef is going to be there, right?" I think as long as Kenneth is there he'll hang in there. Of course there's no explaining to the baby and that's hard for me. I know she'll miss me - she's quite a mama's girl, but I know she'll be well loved and well taken care of in my absence. Knowing that adds peace of mind like you can't believe. I so appreciate Sami & Scott being willing to take on 3 more munchkins in their home. I know my kids will make sweet memories that, for Kenneth at least, will last a lifetime. I'm excited for the time "off" of work and "mom-ing". I'm also VERY excited to visit my sister, Missy, and her family. It's been just over 2 years since I've seen them and I'm so excited to be going to visit!!!!

Anyway, I have to finish packing - I've already mostly packed and loaded the car...I just have some finishing touches.

Losing....and life

Well, I'm finally losing weight. That is good news...I'm down at least 7 pounds, and sometimes 9. Angela and I have been exercising a lot and it seems like my legs are always a bit sore. I finished the last of the white meat turkey leftovers today, and that is always a sad moment. Caitlin had the best day she's had in WEEKS today....no moaning, griping, crying, whining, etc. She was happy - I even heard her LAUGH! I'm pretty sure she's finally feeling better now. We are all finished with our antibiotics (Kenneth was the only one to NOT take any - and he's the one in public school!). The week has been filled with preparations for our big trip that starts next week....getting the oil changed, etc. etc. This weekend I'm going to attempt to change the transmission fluid in both cars - wish me luck on that. Kenneth also has his last soccer game of the season on Saturday and we'll have a pizza party after the game. I signed him up for basketball this week - and that will begin the 2nd week of December. I'm still waiting to hear from Delta Dental about my periodontic surgery....hoping to hear any day. When I called them last week they said they'd be mailing my letter out this week. I'd like to get that scheduled and overwith. Today I got all my visiting teaching done, and it was so nice. I met a new sister who was added to our route, and she had such a sweet spirit. I was so glad to visit with her and pray with her....and, of course I love visiting my other "regulars" as well. We got unexpected news this week that Steve's company will be shutting down between Christmas and New Years. We weren't too excited about the "unplanned" vacation, but we're making the best of it and we should end up having a great holiday! It will be really nice to have a week as a family...and we'll probably spend some time in San Francisco and other fun places! My mom is coming through here tomorrow night, and of course we're looking forward to seeing her. Tonight Steve is back at work and as soon as I finish this post, I'll be working, too. I guess that's just about all the news....

Life and Death

One of our dear friends in Texas lost their son today. It wasn't entirely unexpected, but it's always tragic. It's been on my mind a lot, and I've felt so helpless. Their post sharing the passing was sweet, and they said they felt at peace as they held him in their arms (he was only 9 months old, and he never left the hospital). The Lord truly works in mysterious ways. Even though little Zachary had a short life here on earth, he touched the lives of many people. He has now moved on to a better place, a glorious place. I am so grateful that I know there is life after death. I know there is a purpose to our earth life. I know we are meant for bigger and better things. I know we can live together forever as families. I'm grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ in my life. I grateful for the Atonement. Every time I think about it I realize how very pivotal that moment was....that time in the Garden of Gethsemane. All of eternity hung in the balance, and Jesus Christ overcame the temptations of Satan and suffered for each of our shortcomings, and then a few short days later, He overcame the bands of death. What a blessing that is. I know I am not perfect, and I'm grateful I can repent and work each day on becoming a better person. I'm so grateful for each of my children, and for my dear Steve. I'm grateful that our challenges in life haven't been medical in nature. I'm grateful for the Lord's boundless blessings. I'm grateful for the family He gave me, and for the friends He placed in my path who make me want to be a better person. Sometimes when I ponder my blessings I am overwhelmed. The Lord is merciful. The Lord is kind. The Lord loves each one of us, regardless of our choices.....of that I am sure.

Family Photos and Thanksgiving

Talk about two big undertakings in one day! Today was Stake Conference, and we decided to have a "Family Day". We started by stuffing the turkey, then family photos. We had a HUGE, WONDERFUL Thanksgiving dinner with all the goodies....turkey, stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, deviled eggs, homemade rolls, olives....and we ate it on china and drank out of crystal! We finished up with homemade pumpkin pie, homemade apple pie, and storebought pecan pie. We're STUFFED!!! It was a great Thanksgiving. We should have leftovers for a few days. We've decided 18 pounds is the perfect size bird. We got all our stuffing INSIDE the bird, and we have plenty of leftovers. Thanks, mom, for the tips on the cooking - it turned out PERFECT! We enjoyed sharing the day with the Webb family, but we missed our Texas family. Here are our family photos:






It's hard to believe it's been over 10 years since Steve & I met and fell madly in love. We've made wonderful memories together, and a beautiful family - if I do say so myself. We've got a big year next year with my 30th birthday, our 10 year wedding anniversary, and Kenneth's baptism. I've got to say - I wouldn't change a thing. We've learned and loved and grown together, and I can't imagine life any other way.

Busy day and photos

Well, Caitlin's ears didn't clear up, so now she's on Zithromax (this is a 5 day antibiotic). Thankfully, she's been an angel about taking her medicine this round - including her iron supplements that she's on now. Today we had a busy day. We started at Kenneth's soccer game, then to the air show at Nellis Air Force Base, then to a sports store in the mall, then to Johnathan's karate demo, then back to a different sports store, then home. This evening I spent starting our Thanksgiving dinner preparations. We're having Thanksgiving tomorrow since we won't be with our kids on Thanksgiving (we want time to eat the left overs before we leave town). How can we have Thanksgiving without remembering all of our wonderful Texas friends...Nancy, Debbie and the Jones family. Half of our recipes are from Debbie or her family, and of course the deviled eggs are the Jones' addition to our meal. We miss you guys! It's not the same without you!!! Here are some photos from our morning...

Park Photos

It's been too long........

Angela kindly informed me that it's been too long since I've updated you on our exciting and wonderful lives....so, here goes...

Caitlin finished her antibiotics, but she still has a productive cough and a runny nose. I'm ready for both of those to go away.

Daniel wasn't able to go to his wellness check up this week due to insurance reasons. We'll reschedule for early in January. He's still on antibiotics, and feeling much better.

Steve & I are both still taking antibiotics, and feeling MUCH better. Steve has had a LONG, HARD week at work, but today hopefully will be less stressful, and we're looking forward to a fun weekend together. We've got a full weekend planned....air show/boating (we haven't decided between those two yet), Thanksgiving dinner (we're having it early since we'll be traveling and away from our kids on Thanksgiving), Stake Conference, family photos....it should be busy. I got a new client this week, so that's good.

Kenneth has had a much better week. I seem to be able to get along with him better, and he's not talking back as much. We've had some really good "bed time" time together, and I think that's helped. He's out of school today for Veteran's Day, so he's doing chores this morning...his "least favorite" chores. (Clean room, do laundry, and clean toilets). Life is rough, isn't it?

We spent lots of time at the park this week, and Angela took some darling photos. Yesterday we went to 2 different parks! The weather here has been upper 70's and lovely. We've definitely taken advantage of it. We're hoping to meet Steve at the park for lunch today. I'll see if I can share some photos...

Ears, ears, and more infected ears

Well, Thursday I was totally "off". I don't know what was wrong with me....seriously. I was snappy at everyone and I had book club at my house. I found out there were free flu shots at Albertsons between 10am - 2pm, so I drug everyone (Darrel, Angela, Steve, Alex, Johnathan, Steve, Kenneth, Daniel and me) to get their flu shots. I don't think they were too thrilled, but now we're all innoculated. (Except Zach & Caitlin because they only had shots for those over 4 years old - Daniel barely made it - lucky him). We did a little shopping after Angela and Daniel got theirs, and Daniel cried the entire time - "I got hurt...I got hurt....I got hurt". So pleasant. So, as part of preparing for the book club, I reorganizing my house (why can't I ever just clean it? Why do I have to move stuff around?) I had a baby shower to go to before book club, too. Right before book club I burned the homemade fudge I was making and that was just bad news. My whole house stunk, and I was so bummed.

Book club went well, though, and lots of ladies came. We read the "Peacegiver". It was a great book - very thought provoking. We had a great discussion, then chocolate cake and bread (thanks, Ang, for bringing the bread).

Friday started uneventfully and neither Angela nor I had much planned, so we decided to venture off to the park. On the way to the park we noticed that Caitlin looked miserable, so I called and made an appointment for her to see the doctor. We had a fun time at the park, and Steve & Darrel came home for lunch. When I took Caitlin to the doctor, the doctor said she had a major ear infection in her right ear (puss and everything), and a minor one in her left ear. She was anemic at her 12 month check up, so the checked her iron levels, too. She's still anemic, so now she's on a straight iron supplement instead of a vitamin with iron. She also got the first installment of her flu shot. We got her on Omnicef and she started feeling better quickly.

This morning at approximately 4:15am Daniel screamed in pain. He said his right ear really hurt. We gave him the boo boo sock, motrin, and laid him in bed by us. When he woke up, he said his ear still hurt, so I spent 2 hours at urgent care with him instead of going to Kenneth's soccer game. Kenneth scored and played great - I made it for the 4th quarter, but Kenneth was already finished playing, so I left to fill Daniel's prescription. Daniel had 2 ear infections - one really bad, and one mild. So - now he's on amoxicillin.

Both Steve & Darrel worked today, so Angela and I took the kids to the park, then met Steve & Darrel at Chuck E. Cheese's. It was so much fun! The weather here was 78 today. Lovely. I was thinking about my friend Shauna, who ran in a 1/2 marathon in Boise this morning. I'm pretty sure it wasn't 78 in Boise today. I heard she ran well, and she and her sister, Karen, had a good time, so that's great. Way to go you two!

As I type, Angela, Darrel, Steve & I are playing the game "Acquire". Daniel is sleeping, Caitlin is eating, and the other kids are watching a movie. It's only 8pm, but it gets dark now at like 5:30pm, so it feels like midnight. The other reason it feels later than it is, is because I'm getting sick. I think I have what Angela had last weekend. I started on antibiotics tonight (thanks, Danny), so by tomorrow I should be feeling better.

Well, I guess that's the update. Have a great Sabbath!

Happy Birthday, Daniel!

Well, Halloween was awesome fun. I went to vote first thing (early voting), then visiting teaching (I know, can you say procrastonator?....at least I went...), then to Daniel's pre school party...Holy Cow...was there ever a lot of food and games to play and crafts to do! We had a wonderful time, and Caitlin fell asleep in the middle of it. Steve & Darrel came home for lunch and we had BLT's (thanks, Steve!). After we got the kids and did homework it was time for dinner and TRICK or TREATING! We went to a neighboring neighborhood (nicer houses - gated area - safer) and the kids brought home the LOOT! We now have tons and tons of chocolate and candy! We took Daniel straight up to bed after trick or treating, and Caitlin went down pretty quickly, too. Kenneth got to stay up and carve a pumpkin he won at school by guessing the number closest to the actual number of seeds in the pumpkin. (There were 503 and he guessed 199). Since he hadn't had a chance to carve a pumpkin, it worked out well. After the kids were down, Steve & I stayed up watching 3 episodes of "House".

Today started with a hard work out for me....just what I needed. I ran 2 miles and rode 5. Then I did push ups and sit ups. I felt really good when I was finished. Then I came home and woke Daniel up to "Happy Birthday" and a couple of presents. We had breakfast, then we went shopping with Daniel's birthday money. ("We" in this part being Angela, Zachary, Daniel, Caitlin and me). Daniel got a remote control snake. I tried to point him in the direction of some new clothes- but he would have nothing of it. He had several toys he considered, but the remote control snake was the favorite. We went straight to Chuck E Cheese's from there and spent the last of our tokens from our last 2 for 1 sale. Then we got In-n-Out Hamburgers and went to a park. Steve and Darrel met us there. The weather was lovely. No coats required. Then home for Caitlin and Zach to nap and soon after we got batteries in the remote control snake it was time to head off to speech therapy (much to Daniel's dismay). I volunteer during Daniel's speech class, and I helped Kenneth's teacher with her web site today. We came home and helped Angela cut out and laminate about 30 sleeves worth of pre school stuff. Daniel took a quick nap, then we went to Red Robin for dinner! Yea! Daniel had a great birthday - thanks to everyone who called or sent a card to help make it special for him. He is really growing up in every sense of the word. It's hard to believe it was 4 years ago that I had 18 people in my hospital room just 1 hour after little Daniel came into this world. Thanks again to Sean Buckley for the chocolate shake. I've never had another shake that tasted SO GOOD! We are so blessed to have Daniel as a part of our family, and I'm grateful every day for his health and strength. He's a good boy.

We're Baaaaaaaaaack

We went to Brawley, CA Saturday, and returned home last night. It was a quick trip - 360 miles each way - but worth every minute. Our kids had a GREAT time playing with cousins, and it was so nice for Steve & I to be able to be there for the blessing of Sami's 5th child, Afton. We hung out with Scott's family and they were so kind to us and very accomodating. We had a great time and we're very glad we went.

Kenneth's soccer game was good - he played before we left for CA. They lost -but they put up a good fight. Soccer is a good sport for him.

We also had a wonderful time with Grandma Hansen here last week...we're just bursting with activity at our house. Tomorrow is Halloween and Wednesday is Daniel's birthday! YEA!

Off again....

Well, we've had a busy week. First- not our news - but my sister, Missy, and her family moved back to the USA - YEAH! We're so glad they're back. I know they had a great time in London, but I've missed them and I'm looking forward to catching up with them soon.

Steve worked his little pitootie off this week. All week. He promised it would relax after this - but not so. The customer they worked with all week is coming back in 2 weeks. Such is life.

The kids and I have been enjoying the weather - visitng the parks often. Tomorrow Kenneth has a soccer game, then we leave for Brawley, CA. Steve's little sister and her husband are blessing their 5th child and we'd like to be there for that. We'll come back Sunday night - so it'll be a quick trip. I just randmcnalley'd it and it says it'll be 340 miles one way.

Mary Lou Hansen, or "Grandma Hansen" came to visit us this week, too. It's been so fun having her around. She had a class to take in Las Vegas (she's a CPA) and so it's been a real treat for us. Tonight we went to the Cheesecake factory - just the 3 adults. She flies out tomorrow morning.

Next week is Halloween and Daniel's birthday and our first book club meeting - so it should be more eventful than this week. We did have our church halloween Trunk or Treat this week - and that was fun, as always. They combine it with the Chili cook-off here, so it's dinner and games and then trunk or treating. The kids had a great time.

Well, we'll let you know how our quick trip went - shortly. :)

Caitlin/Daniel

Caitlin is speaking more and more. She now says the following words:

• Uh Oh
• Mom
• Daddy
• Doggie
• Shoe
• Kisses
• Thank you
• Please
• All done
• I love you

She's very feisty when she's tired, but very cute when she's well rested.

Daniel can write his name unassisted, and I've taught him to fill in the blank when I say, "Daniel is sooooooo __________". I taught him to say "smart" but last Sunday during church I said it and he came back with "reverent". I'll take it. :)

St. George fun

Well, we're back. We just drove in from St. George. We went up (we being Angela, Joy, and all of our kids) to St. George to see our dad play in a volleyball tournament....the Huntsman Senior Games. It was FABULOUS. I didn't realize they'd changed most of the rules of volleyball during my decade off (not kidding). It was really fun to see dad play. Kenneth was under the weather on Thursday so I let him stay home from school. We left shortly after Angela's preschool finished at noon that day. We hung out with grandaddy playing miniature golf, ping pong and air hockey before heading to the park for a picnic and soccer. It was great fun and wonderful bonding time with grandaddy. Then, last night I had the night from #*$) with my kids....it was bad...we'll leave it at that....sufice it to say that NONE OF US GOT ENOUGH SLEEP. We picked Dad up this morning and went to Cracker Barrel for breakfast before heading to the volleyball court to watch his first match. They won that match, so we headed back to Angela's sister-in-law's house (that's where we spent the night) for nap time. I got ALL 3 of my kids alseep and Angela and I headed back to watch Dad's second match. We were about 5 minutes into the match (the score was 4-4) and we got a phone call that Kenneth had thrown up. So - I hurried back. By the time I got there they'd cleaned it up and he was back asleep. Kenneth woke up after a 2.5 hour nap. Daniel had a 2 hour nap, and Caitlin 3 hours. Kenneth woke up burning hot so I borrowed a thermometer and it registered 103 degrees. That's a personal high for him. He's never been that hot. I gave him some motrin and went to wake up Caitlin, who woke up with a blow out. So - after a quick bath we headed back for more volleyball. Dad had won the match I had to leave during, but he lost the one we came back for. (It was no surprise - that match was against the number one team). So........after that match Dad had to ref, so we hung out on the lawn before heading to a park for pizza and more games. We dropped Dad off and headed home after that. It was a wonderful time and we're so glad we went. Kenneth is resting now and hopefully he'll wake up "all better". He has a soccer game at 9am tomorrow - and he's convinced he'll feel good enough to play. I'll let you know...........

Headed out

This morning I am cleaning and packing for our trip to St. George. We are going to watch my dad play volleyball. My uncle is on the team as well. I haven't seen him play for a decade, and I'm very much looking forward to it. Angela and I are going together with our children. We'll see him play tomorrow (his game today is this morning - we already missed it)...then head back home. It'll be a quick trip, but we're very much looking forward to it. This afternoon we're just going to hang out with grandaddy. Maybe we'll find a park or go bowling or something.

Kenneth is home from school today, he's not feeling well. Hopefully the extra rest this morning will help him snap out of it. He has an upset stomach, and Steve was up in the night with an upset stomach.

Steve has been working way too much and work is very stressful right now. I'm ready for him to back off a bit, but the time is not yet.

Caitlin woke up at 3am and I was up with her until close to 4. Then she woke up again sometime after 4:30 or so. Steve got up with her and he said she never went back to sleep. I'm very frustrated with her schedule right now. She's been waking up shortly after 5am every day this past week - but I just can't do 3. For Heaven's sake! Any suggestions on regulating her schedule are welcomed.

Well, I'd better finish my cleaning!