Field Day

MWCC BBQ

Had my annual MWCC barbecue today. The Peterson's,  Merwin-Olk's and the Trautman's joined us for a day of fun. Thankfully it didn't rain so the kids could be outside and enjoy being together. Love getting together with this crowd

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Birthday

Well I hate to admit it I have turned another year older. The only redeeming thing about it is getting to eat mom's spaghetti.  Okay, that's not really true. I'm grateful for everything... my family, my friends, my girls, my husband, my dogs… Grateful for this wonderful life.

Proof She Loves Me

Kailei-ism's

I was talking to Kailei about how lent started today. I asked her if she had any meat today. "No, I

didn't but I'm pretty sure I could eat the hamburger at my school. None of us are sure it is really meat anyway."

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Zeb said something in the car, and Kailei said "To be honest, I wasn't listening." When he laughed, she protested, "Hey! It's the best policy!"

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So I was telling Kailei that a lot of teenagers like money as gifts for their birthday.
Her comment.."Not all teenagers like money mom. Some of us would like a boyfriend."

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Kailei-ism...
"I like making men uncomfortable." (meaning the boy in her class)

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Kailei-ism...
"Will you help me with my homework? Dad's really good at math but he just adds so much "extra"."

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Kailei: "Mom, when exactly does puberty start?"
Me: "Well, you don't know exactly. It just kinda sneaks up on you."
Kailei: "Well that's just about the worst news ever."

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"Next time please put the seat down...'cause I don't wanna touch your business." -Kailei

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Kailei: "What was Motown about Mom?"
Me: "Well it's about kinda about a man who made a lot of black singers very famous. Singers like Diana Ross. Have you heard of her? (I sing a little tune)
Kailei: "No."
Me: "Or Marvin Gaye (another little tune). Have you heard of him?
Kailei: "No, but I have heard of John Denver."

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Me: "You are getting better at using the yo-yo. Have you been practicing?"
Kailei: "Yeah, I'm to getting to know the yo-yo so I can fulfill its needs."

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At the Chinese restaurant tonight Kailei stated..."I love General Tao's Chicken. Especially when I'm not paying for it. Guess I will enjoy being a kid while I can."

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Kailei-ism: "I can you guarantee I will never smoke. Because even when I'm grown up, I'll probably still be afraid of fire."

4H

Big day for Keara today. Throughout the school year she's been going to 4H on Tuesday nights learning how to train Leah just a little bit more than she is. She's a high-energy dog so I think she enjoys going. But today Keara had to show her stuff in the local dog show. Keara is very shy so this isn't easy for her but she did just as we anticipated. She did just fine she ended up getting a first in showmanship and second in obedience. Not bad for your first dog show. Way to go Keara!

Here is a link to her obedience class video and her showmanship video. 

End of Chinese

Wrapped up another year of Chinese language and dance for Kailei. We do look forward to this day because that means we actually get to sleep in on Saturdays. Woohoo!

Dance Awards

Kailei had her annual dance awards tonight. She's worked hard all year and this is a fun event. Most surprising was that she was once again finalist for student of the year. I knew she wouldn't win since she went last year but she made her parents very proud. And it's so nice that they recognize her efforts.

Uncle Carters Funeral

This week I traveled to Washington DC to go to my Uncle Carter's funeral at Arlington National Cemetery. It was a somber occasion but it was also one that was filled with laughter and love. A lot of the family stayed in the same hotel it was nice to be able to have dinner together and catch up. The only sightseeing we managed to get was the Lincoln Memorial and Vietnam Memorial before we were too pooped. I was so glad I was able to attend and be a part of celebrating Uncle Carter's life. Arlington is the perfect place for him. There is talk of the family reunion happening in the future and I look forward to bringing the whole family back east.

Here is a link to a video of the ceremony.

Mothers Day

I had a great Mother's Day. Girls made me breakfast in bed as usual. This time however we had waffles, strawberries, a fruit cup and Keara even made homemade chocolate chip muffins.  Kailei wrote a magazine article about me which I absolutely loved. Spent the rest of the day reading. Feeling very blessed to have these girls in my life. Best thing I've ever done.

Somewhere in Keara's Backpack

Keara cleaned out her backpack and lo and behold pulled out these three certificates. She's had some of them for a little while but doesn't think that there any big deal. Her parents of course think otherwise.

Mother-daughter date

Well best laid plans. I had planned to take Kailei to see the musical Annie but she had to go do a dance competition which she could not miss. I asked Keara  to go but being the teenager that she is she at first said yes and then when it came down to it she turned me down. So Mom and I made a date and went and saw Annie. Mom enjoyed it which was good. We then enjoyed ziti at Carmine's which is always the BEST. It was nice spending the afternoon with Mom.

KAR dance competition

Kailei had another dance competition today. Luckily we didn't have to spend the whole day there. Her jazz number ended up being second overall which is of course great. I think I remember that she got  sixth for her lyrical. I don't remember her production number. Her tap which is usually pretty good was not so great today just because she slipped and fell but those are the breaks. Two more competitions to go.