Kailei-ism's

So Kailei was recently had a practice for her first communion which will be in a few weeks. They got to test the bread and wine out. I asked Kailei what she thought of them and she said, "I didn't like the cracker, but I liked the wine." (I'm in so much trouble with this one.)

***************

Zeb burned a wasp nest he found in the grill and as Kailei wached him she said, "I'll bet their saying, Oohh our house is on fire, help, it's burning" in wasp talk.

***************

Hunan, China is known for its spicy food so they call the little ones "spicy girls.". Kailei just told us, "I'm not a spicy girl. I'm a sweet girl now."

***************

"Would you like to be able to grow whiskers like this when you get older?", asked Zeb. "No, because then I'd have to be a boy, and wear weird underwear!", replied Kailei.

***************

  Zeb was punishing Kailei for her temper and told her he was going to "leave her to think about things" to which she replied, "I'll be weeping while I'm at it!"

***************

I was having Kailei tell the waitress thank you at the Chinese restaurant so she said, "Xie Xie. That's the technical term Mom."

***************

Kailei was complaining about how her sister makes her get everything.  "She says, 'Pweddy Pwease,' and I can't resist it!" cried Kailei as she burst into tears.

Kailei's Biome Project

Well, I'm not sure if I'm a fan of Kailei's teacher because I encourage the use of technology but someone has to do it.  In lieu of a diorama or clay animal, I had her create a photostory (which was probably more painful than a diorama because Kailei had to draw all the pictures). Then I had her write the script for her story, scanned in the pictures and recorded her comments.  I think it turned out pretty good and I think she was very happy with it. 

MWCC BBQ

We take a chance every year that the weather will be nice enough for a BBQ.  We have had it all...rain, wind, sun, etc.  Today was not the best day but not the worst either and truly the weather doesn't matter when we can get together with friends.

The Merwin-Olk's, the Trautman's, the Peterson's and the Wyman's made their way over today with food in hand to share.  The kids had a great time jumping on the tramp and playing dog trainer I think.  Keara spent most of her time with baby Claire hoping to win her over which she did in no time.  The adults got to catch up and we enjoyed just hanging out.

Love having this "extended family" in our lives.

A Keara Funny

I told the girls that I would be crying someday when they graduate from high school. Keara asked, "Why? Because you have to pay for college? So much for sentiment. 

My Birthday

Really can't believe how fast the years are going.  The only blessing is that Zeb is older than I am but unfortunately I look older then he does so I suppose I should quit whining.

It was pretty low key this year.  With China in our future, all the reserve funds are going to that.

Mom did make some homemade spaghetti which was to die for and Dad did splurge and get me the ice cream cake I wanted to that made it special.

I also got some great homemade cards which was all I really needed.

Keara wrote:
Dear Mom,
Happy Birthday.  I hope you have a great day and all you wishes come true.  You are the best mom ever.  I hope you never change.  I love you.
Sincerely,
Keara

Zeb wrote:
You started out in Omaha,
Headed out to NYC.
Made it down to Caroline,
Then somehow ended up with me!

We had a ball in Yellowstone,
Messed around in Provincetown.
came to Parker for our first home,
And you never let me down.

Took a trip t London one year.
Then we went to Ireland
In China we shifted gears,
And found more love than we had planned!

We've been a lot of places now,
Some together, some apart.
But when you leave me now,
You always go with my heart!

Happy 45th Birthday Chris!

Last Day of Chinese for the Year

We always look forward to the last day of Chinese for the year.  It is hard to give up every Saturday morning but we feel it is important for Kailei and we will continue to do it as long as we can.

Today was the last day of class and the dancers always do a performance.  I just loved this one.

Mother's Day

I think my favorite thing about Mother's Day is that the girls are just as excited for it as they are for Christmas.  Kailei was awake at 4pm and told me that I needed to sleep in this morning...a long time.  Around 7am (not the long time I was hoping for) I was greeted by Keara who made a clay pot for me and a sweet card.  Kailei came in next with a homemade vase of flowers, a picture and a card.  And then Zeb came in with the breakfast tray that the girls fix for me every Mother's Day.  And while the eggs get cold, and Kailei eats the sausage before I get a bite, it is so much fun to have them so excited and feel so loved on this day.

Keara's card included a poem from a previous year and then her new one...

There once was a dog,
Whose friend was a hog
Who love to play
Together all day
In the misty fog

Kailei's card:

Dear Mom,
Happy Mothers Day.  I love you so much.  I hope you like Mothers day.  I love you.  I hope you like my card.  Do you?
Love, Kailei

My Promise