Merry Christmas!

It's getting close, and somehow, I am all ready!!! The shopping has been done for a few days, gifts are wrapped, more baking than usual got done, even the Christmas letter got out ON TIME, and basically, I am quite calm! This is how I always want it to be, but it doesn't happen! We have even had plenty of time to babysit Tucker...he IS a puppy and demands our full attention! Mostly, he has been a joy to have around and keeps us smiling and laughing. There's just something about a puppy! Spike is not quite so impressed with the little guy. Actually, he is scared to DEATH of him. He just moves too fast and is too small to even see coming at you! Carissa and Tucker are already home and staying with us through Christmas, Joshua and Jen will come by lunchtime tomorrow. We will have our traditional chicken salad for lunch tomorrow, go to the Christmas Eve service at 4, out to the Propp's for their Christmas Eve party, then back home to open gifts. On Christmas morning we will open stockings, then Joshua and Jen are flying to Michigan to be with her family. After we get them off to the airport we'll be on our way to Brooksville to be with Cary's family. Merry Christmas!

Christmas Puppy

On Wednesday morning, Carissa called to tell me she thought she wanted to get a puppy. Well, long story short, she has been dragging me around town ever since! Today was the day! We got to bring him home! He's been to Grandma's house to visit, and has now been sent home for the night. I've always heard that's the way it works! Far be it from me to change history! He is a Morkie-that's part Maltese, part Yorkie. He does not have a name yet, a few choices are being thrown around! He is three pounds, will get to about 7 pounds, and is nine weeks old. He is adorable, but the best part is seeing the smile on Carissa's face!

Gingerbread House

Yesterday afternoon we had our little girls over and made the gingerbread house together. We had a HUGE rain, so it was nice to just be inside and do something fun! Grace, Claire, and Kaylee did a wonderful job and I think we all had fun doing it!

Christmas in the Air

We are into all the Christmas activities around here. Cary has completed one weekend of the pageant, still one to go. I have been working on the shopping, wrapping and baking. Kathy is back from her mom's service, so I had lunch with her today. It cooled off for a few days and seemed like Christmas...well, for around HERE it seemed like it! They say it will cool off again this weekend. We just turn the air back on in between! There's not much news around here, just thought I should check in.

The Christmas Tree

On Sunday, the whole family gathered for decorating the Christmas tree. Cary and I had gone and bought it and gotten the lights on it on Saturday. Being the organized person that I am, all the kids had to do was pick from their own box of ornaments which ones they wanted on the tree. It seemed simple, we tried to make it easy. However, Carissa could not pull herself away from her school work long enough to help on this FAMILY project! Jen said our tree looked like a Weeble. You know, those things that wobble, but don't fall down!!! Good thing we love that girl! Joshua and Kaylee were no more excited about it either. Jen did her best to rally the troops. Well, it finally got done enough to get a picture, but I think next year we just won't have a tree! Oh, I'm sure I'll be over it by then!

Paula Deen Wanna-be

I have never been a great cook. I know it, I just do the best I can. Since finding Paula Deen, I've been a bit more interested in trying. I just think she's a stitch, and she's got my attention! This week, I tried making her Malted Milk Ball Cake. I had NO idea what I was getting myself into! First, I had to find out just HOW you buy MALT, and WHERE in the grocery store you can even find it! That took more than one trip to the store, and trusting some young MALE thing that worked at the store that this product really was what I wanted. I did not own cake pans, so they had to be bought. Finally, the process was taking action! After I got started, I found out that I needed THREE cake pans, not TWO!!! Who ever heard of using cake pans anyway? A 9x13 has served me very well over the years. So, a call of panic to a neighbor gets me out of this crisis. All three pans come out of the oven and now I am supposed to put them on WIRE RACKS. Why, I wonder??? Well, we just didn't dwell on that part. Now they are cool, and we have to STACK them with icing between the layers. Sounded easy enough. However, the layers weren't the same size, and they kept sliding on the icing. I put it in the fridge and kept checking on it every few minutes to see that the icing was setting and that the layer was not crashed somewhere in the fridge. OK, so it was all said and done, we tested it out on our friends, John and Lisa. I thought the whole point was that it would TASTE like MALT. But, NO! I guess the malt just makes it moist. Moist, it was. Good, it was. The whole process over-rated, it was!

Where Have I Been???

I can't answer that question! I have no good answer! There is a lot I should have written about, but I just have not been at the computer too much. My sister, Donna, had a birthday last week, I made my first cake from scratch, I've been doing the whole shopping thing, and I am even working on a CHRISTMAS letter! I recently told you about my friend, Kathy, and her sister dying. That was just about a month ago. Last week, her mom died. We called her "mamaw" around here. She lived in Kentucky, but came to visit often when she was younger and her grandchildren were younger too. She simply adopted my children as her grandchildren and they loved when she came to visit. Since my kids spent so much time at Kathy's, they got in a lot of visiting time. God took her very quickly, and we are thankful for that. This time of year has become bittersweet for me. I love the season, but I will forever be reminded of my last days with my own mother during this time of year. Not long before mom died, I found a new author that has become a favorite, Donna VanLiere. I've read all her books, and I decided that I would go back and re-read all of them. I just finished "The Christmas Shoes" the other day and something stuck out to me this time that did not before. It is a quote from her, and I have really pondered it since finding it. Here it is:

Death's power is limited---
It cannot eradicate memories
Or slay love
It cannot destroy even a threadbare faith
Or permanently hobble the smallest hope in God
It cannot permeate the soul
And it cannot cripple the spirit
It merely separates us for a while
That is the only power death can claim
...No more

So, during these last few days when death has been on my mind a lot, these words have also stayed close. I am dwelling on those memories, remembering lots of love, thanking God for threadbare faith that found new strength THROUGH death, and praising Him for hope and a spirit that has known new strength because of the journey. I'm so thankful for a sweet baby that came to this earth to give us life, and abundantly!

Happy Thanksgiving!

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Jen's parents were in town, and Jen's brother, Dave and his wife, Laura surprised them and came to visit too! We had a great day together, just low key and relaxing! We checked out the adds for shopping tomorrow, and just had time to visit and enjoy getting to know each other. I got my camera out to take pictures of our meal...but then I forgot to do it till it was WAY too late! Everything was very good and I didn't stress, just enjoyed having my family here together and welcoming Jen's family into ours. Jen reminded us today that last Thanksgiving was her first with our family and Joshua also made it her first fishing trip! I guess it is true that time flies. I never dreamed my table would be too small to fit all of my family around, but we are growing and had to use the bar today too! We have so much to be thankful for and because of this we look forward to our tomorrows, knowing He has a great plan in mind!

Busy Month!

Only two days after returning from the cruise, Kaylee and I flew to Phoenix. We stayed with my brother, Bob, and sister-in-law, Renee, and my sister Donna came to Phoenix from Kingman. My sister, Alice, also lives in Phoenix. We were all able to have dinner together last Thursday night. On Friday, Donna, Renee, Kaylee and I went to the Women of Faith Conference and heard Beth Moore all day. It was a great day together and we got to hear Beth too! What could be better??? Something really neat happened, totally unexpected. I love it when God does that! Almost a year ago, I had heard about one of our service men that was killed in Iraq, leaving behind a wife and five young children. We have a mutual friend, and over this year I have received updates on the family and carried a huge burden for them. Ginger and the children live in Phoenix, and Ginger has stood firm through the tragedy. She has taken a public stand for our military, for America, and for God. She has been a huge blessing to me, even though I had never met her. On Friday, among THOUSANDS that were at this conference, I walked right by her, I KNEW it was her, and I turned right around and went back to her and introduced myself! I needed her to know that I had been praying for her and that she had been a testimony of God's faithfulness to me. We held tightly to each other for several minutes, knowing that God had just ordained our moment together. Pray for Ginger and her children-the 27th will mark the one year anniversary of Troy's death. During the night on Friday, it would seem that I came down with a stomach bug, and I was not able to go back to the conference on Saturday! I was SO disappointed, but everyone else went back and had a great day. On Sunday we were in church together and then went shopping and to our favorite place-Marie Calendars! On Monday we returned home, and now, life is back to normal! No more trips for a while! It feels good!

Cruise 2007

We returned home yesterday from our cruise. We had a wonderful time-relaxed a LOT and enjoyed beautiful beaches in Tortola, Antigua, Barbados and St. Lucia. We met some new friends, Erich and Erika from Canada. We seemed to have so much in common and loved hanging out with them! We saw some beautiful sunsets, and no sunrises! That's my kind of vacation! Cary and I had a wonderful time together, just resting and doing not much of anything. It was great! Everything seemed to go well at home while we were away, and last night we loved having all our little "chicks" at home for dinner and getting to catch up. Jen had big news-she passed her National Boards, which we knew she would, but it is now official! She worked very hard and we are very proud of her! I have plenty to do after 10 days away, but I just wanted to check in! I have NO idea why everything I am writing is underlined-I don't think it is something I did!

Cruise Time!

I'm signing off for a few days while we cruise to the southern Caribbean. No computers or phones, just my hubby and me looking for dolphins! Hold down the fort till I get back!

Busy!

Last week was a busy week, we were in constant motion, and yet there's not a whole lot to show for it. Cary did Robin's memorial service, and we got to see lots of people that we don't get to see often. I had a migraine-that always messes up life for a while. We started packing for our cruise-we leave on Friday! We are doing a ten day, Southern Caribbean this time, and we are very anxious to go! Carissa will be at the house with Spike and Kaylee. I'm trying to finish up the books I'm working on so I can start new ones while we are gone! Last night, after church, we had a birthday party for two of our college kids. I talked to my brother, Marvin, and my sister, Alice, this weekend. Not a whole lot of news, but somehow we have just been very busy! Tomorrow, Cary and I will hopefully finish up the dental work!

A Wonderful Saturday!

Today has been a bit fast paced, but it has been a good day. My day started with hearing quite a long discussion between Claire and Cary about how her MAMA fixes oatmeal. Let's just say that Cary never quite mastered the task, but Lord knows he tried. I fixed the poor child a bagel! Saturday is chore day, so the girls gathered all their dirty clothes and picked up a bit. Claire did her BEST to teach Kaylee how to make a bed. Pretty sad that the 4 year old attempts to teach the 15 year old. We took the girls to a soccer game-to see some other of our adopted children that we have inherited through Kaylee babysitting. We had some of the college kids here to watch football-Kentucky and the Gators. The girls KNOW where they stand on that one...they ARE Gator fans and did their part to put our poor Kentucky fan in his place! Grace and Claire have really made friends with Spike. He is normally pretty good with them, but he does have his days! He has learned they are a great food source, and he's really trying hard! Tonight I got out some of the dishes my girls used to play with when they were little. The rest of the night was spent placing orders in the restaurant that opened right in my living room! I got to read a bedtime story and say prayers tonight! This is good grandma practice for the future, a wonderful reminder of days long gone, and also a sweet blessing just for today! We are having a blast!

A Hard Day

Yesterday was a rough day. At the end of the day, I told Cary I was so glad it was over. It was hard emotionally, and yet it was such a blessed day. One of those days when you find out who is in your support system-no matter what. Family and friends. Praying. In town and out of town. The body of Christ, doing just what it was meant to do. A friend used to tell me that crisis was just a phone call away, so we always need to be ready, prepared to face the test. I told God yesterday morning that I wanted to do it right, to keep looking to Him and not dwelling on myself, pointing the people involved to Him. I had that opportunity. I wanted to really live out in the tough times what I believe, and give Him the glory in the end. God was gracious. The crisis was pretty much over in 24 hours. Not everyone has the same ending to their story. I've walked with God long enough to know that the hard times end up making us stronger and knowing Him better, and that makes it all worth it. Today I am blessed, and He has once again proven Himself to be everything to me. He IS good.

Robin has gone Home

I told you about my friend, Kathy, a few months ago. (You can find that on Aug. 3, 2007) Kathy has been a wonderful friend for a long time, and along the way, I've met a lot of family members. Not all that many years ago, I met Kathy's sister, Robin. She moved here and we shared a love for Yorkies and she loved on my kids, just like Kathy. A few months ago we learned that Robin had brain cancer and she has gone steadily downhill. On Monday I found out that Robin had been put in Hope Hospice, on Tuesday I went to see her, and last night, her fight was finally over and she went Home. Robin leaves behind two daughters with little ones, another sister, and even her mother. As I tried to take it all in and process it last night, I was reminded of when my mom died. I've learned something very important through her death-well, a lot of things, really! I always thought my salvation experience was about me, about me going to heaven one day. What I realized through mom's death, was not only was SHE going to heaven, but her salvation left ME sure of her destination! What greater gift to leave your family with? I have such comfort because of her decision to accept Christ. Robin did the same thing. She has left those that she loves here with the assurance of where she is today, and what a comfort that is! Please say a prayer today for my friends that have suffered a great loss.

Dance Class

Grace started a dance class this fall and I have been wanting to go and see her in class. We finally arranged it for yesterday. She has"performed" for us in the living room, but I wanted to go to the actual class and see her. She did a great job, and seemed to really enjoy it! After class we went for dinner at McAllisters. This afternoon Grace and Claire will arrive to spend a few days with us while mom and dad get a few days away. We are SO excited to have them around for a while! Stay tuned, there will possibly be more pictures and stories!

Happy Early Birthday to Me!

On Saturday, I got an early birthday present. I've never gotten a present with more thought and effort put into it. Remember the title of this blog, and why I named it The Dolphin Tail? I LOVE dolphins, and LOVE being reminded of the freedom I have in Christ. So, knowing those things, my little Hutchcraft girlfriends took Cary, Kaylee and I out on a boat and we went dolphin hunting! It didn't take long before our hunt was over and we had a BLAST! Our captain was wonderful and knew just what to do to get the little creatures to SHOW OFF! I took about a million pictures and they all look a lot the same, but each one is of a different jump and flop! It was a THRILL! We stopped along the way to do a little shelling and found some beautiful shells. After our outing, we went for lunch at Panera. Mr. Cary tried to fix Claire's headband, and it was certainly photo worthy! He's a bit out of practice! It was a wonderful day and I have never felt more special or blessed by such an appropriate gift!

I'm Back!!!

I know, I've been really bad. Didn't plan it that way, it just happened! Cary and I were gone to Atlanta for the Catalyst Conference for five days. It was wonderful-we had a great time and tried to take it all in. Then, we came home just in time for the big staff wedding-where Hank and Dawn got married. Then it was time to start the dental work...joy, and that took up two days of my life and a whole lot of pain and plan changes! It's not over yet, a root canal MAY be in the plans, and Cary has also had crown prep done and is not doing well either! What a pair! And, if all that wasn't enough, my computer crashed and I was out of commission for four days! Hopefully, things will soon be a bit more like normal! Hang in there with us!

Kathlyn Is Going Away

Last night we had a going away party for Kathlyn. She is moving to Ohio to live closer to some of her family. Kathlyn has been a huge part of our family and the college group, lots of relationships. I have NO idea how many people were here, but there were tons! We had lots of fun and plenty of great food! We got Kathlyn a china tea set-she loves tea! It was a wonderful night, but we will miss her lots!

A Busy Day!

This morning started with a dentist appointment (I need a crown) and then on to the dermatologist. From there, I ran to school to see Kaylee inducted into the National Honor Society! Somehow, parents get a lot more excited about this than the students! Anyway, she's the third from the left and she didn't trip and start the place on fire or anything! We are very proud of her! She wanted her picture made with one of our favorite teachers. Mrs. Peterson has had three Robinsons come through, and we love her dearly. Then we ran to lunch (Kaylee got out at noon) and had lunch with Carissa and some of our college girls for Shannon's birthday! She's 21 today! Shannon and Carissa live together, so we claim her as one of ours. After lunch I ran home to work on food for Shannon's surprise party tonight, so of course, the next thing on our list is the party! A busy day, but that's the way we like it!

Scrap Book Weekend

On Friday, Michelle, Kaylee and I left for a weekend of scrap booking. We were on Ft Myers Beach and this was part of Kaylee's birthday present. We had a great time, and accomplished a lot. I was able to FINISH my first scrap book! I am very pleased with it. Being a perfectionist, I spent a lot of time "tweaking" until I got things just as I wanted them! That makes Kaylee crazy! She says I think too much! We had a great time!

She Did It!!!

Yes, she got her permit! Oh, it was an experience! We had an appointment, were almost late due to being lost in Cape Coral, and then...we had to have her SS# and we did not!!! After a million phone calls, we finally got it and then she passed the test and they were even able to make change (finally) for a $50 bill. Oh, I'm glad this is behind us! After I did not have a "good" picture of Carissa for her birthday, I told Kaylee we had to get one of her. She was only too happy to pose for about a million, and I just had to pick one! I think she was really trying to get out of homework the night she volunteered! OK, we are done with birthdays for a while!

Happy Birthday, Kaylee!!!

Things can change a lot in 15 years! I woke up this morning thinking about Carissa and her pony tail, Joshua and all his questions, both standing and watching Kaylee get her first bath. Donna had come to help me with the kids, and she had just arrived the night before and I woke her up early to say we were on our way to the hospital and we'd call her and tell her how to get there with the kids!!! I guess she was pretty good with directions! I'll write again later today, but I just had to share this picture this morning!

Bob's Birthday

My brother's birthday was last Saturday. I didn't write about it at the time because there was a big surprise party being planned. Bob is 18 years older than me. Age and miles have made a relationship difficult, but through the time of mom's death, we were able to spend a lot of time together and a relationship has developed. We were together when mom was sick quite a bit, when she died, and after the funeral it was Bob and I that went to CA. to clean out her house and get it ready to sell. Being the only son, he was left to deal with all of the living trust that mom had arranged. It's in the thick of things that you really get to see what someone is made of. Bob wanted to do things the "right" way, and he used great wisdom in all the responsibility that was left to him. He completed everything the way mom wanted it done. I was very proud to be able to watch the process and know how his mind worked. I believe mom is proud too. We talk on the phone often now and have had several good visits, and my relationship with him is certainly a wonderful gift that resulted through mom's death. This picture was his two year picture. Cute!

Kaylee's Birthday Celebration!

Yes, ANOTHER birthday celebration!! Today we had a family celebration for Kaylee, since her birthday is on Wednesday and that's a crazy day. Wednesday she will have school and get out early to get her permit...hopefully! Hilary joined the family fun and we went to Olive Garden for lunch and then came home to open presents. One of her presents was two tickets to the afternoon show TODAY of Disney on Ice, High School Musical. We had ice cream cake and then rushed off to get Kaylee and Hilary to the show. It was a fun surprise and I think they had a good time! Now, no more birthday stuff until WEDNESDAY!!!

Claire's 4th Brithday

Tomorrow, our Claire will turn four! Today, we were honored guests at her "Princess Party!" It was a pool party and the decorations were wonderful! Michelle does a party right, and puts a LOT of work and effort into it! We got her a princess gown and robe, and some roll on glitter, of course, and her sister got to read to her about an upcoming trip to Disney World! We had a wonderful time and we are so blessed to be a part of Claire's life!

Happy Birthday Olanda!

This is Olanda, my World Vision little girl. Today, she turned five! I started sponsoring her in January, in memory of my mom, on the first anniversary of her death. It is amazing to me the healing and joy that comes from reaching outside yourself and touching the life of someone else. Olanda has written to me through a counselor. She hopes to grow up and be a nurse. She lives with her parents, brother, and two sisters. Her dad is a farmer. She lives in Haiti. I mailed her a bunch of stuff for her birthday, and I do hope it put a smile on her face!

Walking

I have been trying to walk in the mornings some. I haven't said anything, because, quite honestly, I thought it would be short lived. However, this is the first time I have tried to walk since I've had my nifty little shuffle that I told you about a while back. I wake up WANTING to walk, can't wait to get out there! I've even been going on days when I didn't plan to! For real. "Ms. I don't want to sweat." Somehow, having Matt and Chris with me has made all the difference in the world! (That's Matt Redman and Chris Tomlin) This morning they were singing and I was praising, and I was SO excited I was almost marching instead of just walking! I heard first thing this morning that God had worked out a terrible situation, He had the last word, and He just needed to be praised for it! Last night, a wonderful friend found me-we had been out of touch for a few years, and I was so excited that God had brought us back together. I just had a lot to talk to the Lord about and we had a great time visiting today! I just love how God works! I love it that because of past experience, even when I don't understand, I still know that He's working, and it's for my good! He always has my best interest in mind. Always.

Shackles and Chains

When I took Kaylee to school this morning, we heard my favorite song, "Shackles". Hearing it reminded me of a story I never wrote about. Kaylee was able to get a ring tone on her phone that plays-rather loudly-"My Chains are Gone" every time her phone rings. (Which can possibly be about 60 times a minute.) Around here, being free from shackles and chains is a pretty big deal, and I like that song too! Kaylee offered to have it added to my phone too, but I wouldn't let her. I told her I was afraid I would forget to turn off my phone one day during a funeral and "My Chains are Gone" would start to play-rather loudly! To that comment my 14 year old daughter said "What better song to have at your funeral?" I was telling the story to Carissa one day and before I could get to the punch line, she said "What better song to have at your funeral?" We all kind of think alike around here, and I have left Kaylee in charge of making sure that "Shackles" gets sung at my funeral. I've also OKed a little dancing in the aisles. There is something pretty wonderful about knowing that my girls are more set free than I was at their age! God is faithful!

Cookin Kaylee

When Carissa moved out, Kaylee inherited cleaning the bathroom. This didn't exactly fit into HER plans, so she thought she'd wheel and deal. She offered to fix dinner one night a week, if I would clean the bathroom! And, to me, THAT was a DEAL! Tonight she made chicken alfredo, garlic bread, and salad, and it was wonderful! She's learned to "suggest" what I should blog about and even volunteers for pictures now! She even cleans up and does it all with a smile and a great attitude. I'm liking this plan real well! Actually, tonight I need the time to relax while she cooked. I got the wild and crazy idea to let her drive for the first time today! She will get her permit in 10 days, and so I gave in and let her drive around the block. Last time I checked, all the mailboxes are still where they were earlier today! Only my nerves took a blow.

The Eye Of God

This is a picture NASA took with the Hubbell telescope. It is called "The Eye of God." Kaylee sent it to me and it is pretty cool. I know He is watching and has everything under control-even when we can't see it, but this is a nice reminder!

Carissa's Baptism Day

Today was a wonderful day! Carissa got baptized, by her daddy. Carissa made the decision to get her baptism on the right side of her salvation and today was the day! Josh and Jen came, along with Mitch, Michelle, Grace, and Claire, and we all had lunch together. They have been such precious friends, a huge part of Kaylee and Carissa's lives. Kaylee, of course, decided that since everyone was together, we needed a new family photo! Joshua always loves it when we do family photos!!! The good part about today was that Claire got to spend sometime with "my boy" and now she knows his name and has even declared herself his girlfriend! Jen took it very well, didn't seem too concerned at all! We are so proud of Carissa, our 20 year old daughter, and the stand she has taken in her walk with the Lord. You go girl!!! We love you! (I charged my camera yesterday and I know the date is messed up in the pictures, today really is the 9th!)

Scrapbook Weekend

I know, these don't look like scrap booking pictures! Michelle and I scrap booked all weekend, worked very hard, with occasional short visits from different family members! Michelle has her hands full with trying to teach me this new art! Claire found out I had Legos in the garage. I keep them for little boys that come to visit, but had never thought to offer them to the girls! She knows that they were "my boy's" so she often was telling me that "your boy" lost this piece or that piece! She really doesn't know Joshua, so the name just slipped her memory! Today she was with us for a while and she and Kaylee made cookies together. I don't have any pictures of the scrap booking, just the entertainment! I told her today it was a good thing God gave her to her mama and not me. I'm pretty sure she'd be real rotten real quick. She makes me smile and laugh and remember when mine were that age. I KNOW mine were cute too, maybe it has something to do with being able to send them home and not having all the responsibility!

Happy 20th Birthday!

Yep. She's mine. I'd claim her most any day of the week. Today she is 20 years old, living in a condo, working hard in college, working hard, makes good decisions, has her head on straight. When she was little, I sang "You Are My Sunshine" to her all the time. She was. She made me smile. This picture was taken at a clown practice before we went to Guatemala and it says a thousand words! We celebrated her birthday on Monday, so tonight we will meet for dinner before going to church. Happy Birthday!

Painting

When we moved in our house five years ago, Carissa spent tons of time painting basketballs and a Gator on the walls of her room. It was a very bittersweet thing, but we just felt like it was time to change things up a bit when she moved into the condo. Since Joshua's room became a guest room, Carissa's will be a sewing room and office, and somehow, the gators just weren't in the decor plans. So on Saturday, after we went bridesmaid dress shopping, we got to work on painting the room so I can start rearranging the house! It is done and tomorrow I'll start trying to figure out how to best use the space. After I make a little progress, I'll post another picture!

Complaints

I'm getting complaints from my reader (yes, that is singular) that I am a bit behind in updating my blog! This is the time of year when I go CRAZY. We have three birthdays in a very short period of time, demanding lots of my attention! Cary's birthday was last Thursday. We had dinner together, shopped, had dinner with friends on Friday, dinner with friends on Saturday, lunch with family on Sunday, and then tonight-the FIRST time all the family could get together at one time, we had our DQ cake. Since Carissa's birthday is Wednesday, we celebrated early, while we were all together, and now hers will go on for a few days. And in my SPARE time, I am to plan Kaylee's birthday! Cary got lots of clothes, Carissa got a new bed set for her new room in her condo. Josh and Jen came to celebrate with us, and yes, Jen has better jeans, she just feels very comfortable with us and that's the way we like it!