what we did this weekend...

well, this past weekend we went camping at clifty falls state park with our best friends (caswells) & their children... they've 3 little ones from haiti (6y, 4y & 2y) & along with ours (4y, 3y & 2y) there's never a dull moment... they're the same family that went with us to myrtle beach this summer (boy, does that seem like a long time ago - we're already looking forward to seeing mickey mouse next year!!)... it was so nice that when we got there friday night, angela had already made homemade cornbread & garden greenbeans over the fire & kyle was cooking chicken on the grill & man, was it a gooooood meal!!... we got up saturday morning & went to their town (madison) & spent the entire day walking around & they were able to show us all over... they took us to a fabulous lunch at the downtowner & we'd highly recommend it!... they serve sandwiches, chips, soup, salads, etc. & they were soooooooo good... we had campfires every night & then had to leave on sunday, but not before spike hit angela square in the eye!... yep, you read it right, he was holding a hard rubber ball (about the size of a softball) & had been holding it for quite awhile & went to throw it over to our camper, but when he went to release it, it hesitated as his hands were sweaty & about the time it did release it met up with her eyeball & boy does he feel bad now!... here's some pictures of the kids while we were out...

kiaras day wasn't so hot...

well, since we've come home from haitian camp kiara & karleigh have begun showing signs of being ate up with mosquitoes... karleighs have been driving her crazy (itching!), but we've noticed that kiara hasn't been bothered by that at all... this' been odd as kiara's our 'scratcher' anyway & scratches all the time for comfort (ie: when she's tired, sick, scared, upset, etc.)... i began noticing kiaras 'bites' on sunday night at the same time i noticed karleighs... i began giving both girls benedryl for itching & it seemed to help... i lotion the girls down 2 times daily (morning & night) & did so on monday night as well (feeling the bumps all over them)... karleighs are mostly on her arms & back, where kiaras are ALL OVER HER!... she's got them on both legs from ankles to very top of leg, both arms, shoulder blades, wrists, face, etc... when she got up yesterday (tuesday) i went to lotion her & upon starting at the high part of her left thigh & moving towards her ankle i felt something NOT RIGHT... i turned her leg over & all down her left calf was huge blister type things where the small 'bites' had been... i knew then they weren't an ordinary mosquito bite so i called her pediatrician... we went in yesterday for them to say they had no idea & for us to go to a dermatologist... we went this AM & he didn't know what it was UGH... he did want to biopsy it (which he did) & will send it off to a lab & should have the results middle of next week... here's a picture of what it looks like... we're just praying that things come back alright & there's nothing to worry about... BTW, she did fine during the procedure although she did get a pickie (numbing shot)... she wasn't very happy (alright, screaming), but in the end went out smiling (just like kiara!) & was very polite to all that she spoke to...

well, we're home from haitian camp...

well, we had haitian camp this weekend (friday/saturday/sunday) & had a blast!... there were several families that stayed the entire weekend & then other families just came for the day on saturday... the food that was served was wonderful & we all got to spend so much time together just visiting... there was swimming, chatting, eating, playing, bonfire, singing, testimonies, stories, etc., etc., etc... we were able to use our camper for the first time & it worked great... here's some pictures from the weekend... i've even posted one of all the kids that barbara's adopted out...

heading to haitian camp tomorrow...

well, we're heading out to haitian camp tomorrow for the weekend & we all can't wait... we're going to be able to use our new camper for the first time & we're very excited about testing it out... the girls all had a horrible time getting to sleep as they're sooooooooooooo looking forward to heading out in the morning... i'll post pictures as soon as we get home too...

our time with barbara...

well, barbara got in several days ago & has been staying with us since then... we're having a very good time & really enjoying her company (as always)... today she went to visit some haitian children near us that have been home a couple months... they really enjoyed seeing her again & she was very happy to see that they've grown so much!... this evening we had brit watch all the 'little people' at our house & spike & i took barbara out to dinner & to the movies... here we had no children to take with us & what did we go see? "the ant bully" (a kids cartoon movie!!)... it was cute & we had a good time so i guess that's all that matters, huh?!?!... tomorrow we're planning on doing some shopping & then we're heading over to spend some time with my mom, who's going to haiti with us in october... the girls haven't seen dad & mom for several days & that's all i heard today was, "can we go to nanas house??"... i'll try & post some pictures of girls kids & barbara tomorrow...

our new (to us) camper...

well, we've been 'moving up' as far as campers go for several years now... when we married we started out with a tent (one that leaked no less!) & moved up to a popup/fold down... we then sold it & purchased an small, old motorhome as it was only spike, myself, dustin & brit & we had plenty of room... we then decided to add more to our family tree so we sold the motorhome to pay for an adoption... we knew that 'one of these days we'd get another one'... we had a very close friend of ours phone us about 1½ - 2 years ago & said that he'd aquired an older motorhome, didn't want it & just gave it to us!!... we were back in the camping business (whooo)... well, since then we've added to our growing tree AGAIN & had been thinking about getting another bigger one, but just knew that we'd get one when we found that 'perfect' deal... well, last week spike was on his way to work & spotted a motorhome for sale... he stopped & fell in love with it... he phoned me to go look at it, i did, we both loved it so it's now ours!!... it's a 1998 34' coachman mirada & has everything inside that we'd wanted & only had 24,000 miles!!... it's in excellent condition & has only been stored inside... here's a picture of 'our new camper!!'... we already had camping plans for the next 3 weekends in a row... this weekend's haitian camp (bedford, IN), next weekend's camping with the caswells (madison, IN) & then the following weekend it's camping with my parents (greenfield, IN) & hopefully many more yet this year... oh, we're so excited to finally have a bit more room!

been looking at houses...

well, we spent all day looking at model homes... whew, what a long day (fun, but long)... we've narrowed it down to 3 homes, but our absolute favorite's the statton home... here's a picture of the outside of it... we'd do this elevation, but choose different brick, etc... not sure what we'll end up doing, but it's fun to dream, huh?... barbara is on her way to our home now... she should be here in about 30 minutes & will be here from 1-2 weeks (YEAH!!)... well, i'll get off here & will post again soon...

yesterday at the cookout...

we went over to my brother/sister in laws house last night for a cookout with spikes whole side of the family & we had a blast... here's some pictures of the girls playing in their pool (i did take pictures of brit, but she kept sticking out her tounge so i opted to not add them!!)... all our little ones jumped off the diving board & thought they were big stuff (even karleigh, who's the chicken of the bunch!)...

our kings island trip...

well, we returned home sunday, from a wonderful trip to kings island... we'd taken all 5 of our kiddos along with dustins girlfriend, suzy & we had a blast... we were at the park all day on saturday from 10am - 10pm & boy, were we bushed at the end of that day!... our tiny tots enjoyed meeting dora the explorer, diego, scooby doo & more, while the bigger kids were all over the park from 1 rollercoaster to another... kiara (our 4y old) rode her first ever rollercoaster (front seat & alone i might add) & she's now hooked!! (YEAH!!)... believe it or not, karleigh's the one that's always trying to act all big & bad & she's the biggest chicken of them all!!... monday, i took all the girls to dad & moms house & started braiding hair... mom mentioned how cool it was on their big front porch & that if i came over there to do their hair, then the other 2 could play outside & not be stuck indoors all day... i got rubys hair done on monday (8 hours) & then on tuesday i did karleighs (3½ hours) & also kiaras (6 hours) so all in all i braided for 18 hours!! UGH... it'll now last for 1 month & they better not decide to brush it or play in sand!!

todays mapping...

well, today i took ruby down to riley again for her to be re-mapped (where they 'up' her CI & tweek it as need be)... they commented on how well she's doing... she responded exactly correct in her session & received fro new programs (she's already on #3!!)... we go back again in october & are looking to see more incredible things soon to come...

leaving for kings island tomorrow...

well, tomorrow's the day that we're leaving for kings island... we'll get there midday, but our son dustin & his girlfriend suzy won't arrive until tomorrow night... we'll be heading to the theme park on saturday & then dustin & suzy will head home on sunday sometime, but spike, myself & the girls will all come home on monday... we're planning on a nice time with ALL of our kiddos... praying for nice weather, which we heard we're to have... we'll post when we return...

not a lot going on...

well, not a lot's been going on over the past couple days... yesterday, mom & i went to the movies & saw the lake house... it was the 2nd time i'd seen it, but moms 1st & it was sooooooooo good... i was supposed to take ruby to ISD for speech therapy today, but last night i wasn't feeling well AT ALL, so i opted to put it off & today i'm much, much better (PTL!)... i stayed home with all the girls & they played & i cleaned house & messed on the computer to set brit up a blog... it's taken forever as my computer wasn't willing (& still not) to accept what i was telling it to do!... tomorrow's errand day as we've been in all week & i really need to get out & get things done... karleigh's chicken bites (what she calls them) are in the non-passible stage now & she only got 17 of them... she'll not leave them alone, which's driving me nuts!... i never did take her to the dr., but they truly do look like chicken pox, but i guess who knows!... well, that's about it from our bunch to yours!!...

another gotcha day?...

wow, i can't believe we're celebrating yet again, another gotcha day... karleigh just had hers 2 weeks ago (july 3) & now it's rubys turn... we brought ruby home from haiti last year on this date (july 17) & man, what a difference a year makes... she's a wonderful little thing & loves being included in whatever's going on... she loves helping around the house & has a good time with her sisters (when they're not arguing)... she's adjusted well with her 2 cats & her daddy!!... it's been neat to see her progress through her hearing loss & then adjust to her ci & she's done remarkably well... i just can't imagine life without her... what a fun little girl she is & here's a picture to show you how pretty she's become...

this weekend/next week...

well, i'm not sure how often i'll be writing ver the next few days as things are going to get rather busy(ier) for us next week... not that a household with 6 people (spike said to note that 5 of them are females) isn't busy enough, but it's to get a bit busier soon... tonight we've decided that instead of going out for dinner, which we usually do, we're having dinner at home... i made a meatloaf today in the crockpot, scalloped potatoes & corn on the cob (YUM!)... not sure what we'll do tomorrow, but i'm sure we'll be gone... tomorrow night we've church, but with karleigh having chicken pox, they won't let her into class so we'll be home... sunday's still up in the air for what to do during the day, but sunday night brit's got youth at church... she's always gone to youth on fridays, but now that she's in high school, her youth meets on sundays... they just made the switch last week, but we weren't home so this'll be her first high school youth group & she's excited!... next week (tuesday) we've got speech therapy in the morning & a realtor coming over to appraise the house in the evening... (friday) we'll be leaving for kings island (yes, we told brit & she knows now)... we were planning on coming home sunday the 23, but spike's got a meeting to attend first thing monday morning & it'll be on our way home, so we're staying over until monday the 24... dustin & his girlfriend suzy are going with us so we'll have a blast i'm sure... we're all very excited about it... i'll post more when i get time...

well, we've got the 'pox'...

chicken pox that is... karleigh woke up this morning with a few bumps on her face & arms... throughout the day they've continued to increase & after naptime they'd really multiplied... we've been able to count 17 on her so far, so we'll see how she wakes up tomorrow... she had chicken pox a year ago, but only had a mild case (3 total), so i think now it's truly 'the real thing' UGH... kiara got her pickies/shots yesterday & so today she's been very cranky as she's sore... then this afternoon she didn't want lunch as she said she didn't feel good... i thought she'd devour dinner with being so hungry, but she only had a couple bites & said she didn't feel well & needed to go to bed... boy, after me having a migraine all day, i sure hope everyone sleeps well tonight (praying here!!)...

kiara & her 'pickies'...

just an update on our day today... we were up this morning for rubys voice therapy & then immediately following, i took kiara to the health department for her shots/'pickies'... she was sooooooo excited that she was going to get pickies & that ruby & karleigh couldn't come... she was beaming from ear to ear just at the thought of it... we went in & with her eyes wide, she proceeded to share with the nurse what was about to happen... she said that she was going to get pickies & that they'd hurt, but if she held really still that they'd hurt less... i kept thinking to myself, hold still - yeah right!... well, i held her as they gave the first pickie in her arm & all she said was, "oh oh oh oh oh" & just whimpered... the lady had already told her (without asking me) that if she didn't cry, then mommy would be taking her out for lunch... when pickie #2 came, she let it all out & screamed!!... then pickie #3 arrived & she cried, but was soooo ready to leave... on the way out the door she said, "i didn't cry on that first pickie, right mom?"... i said, "no honey, you did great!"... she said, "good, cause i'm hungry & ready for lunch" UGH... (we then went to chili's to eat!)... this evening dustin & suzy stopped by & visited for quite awhile & were both in very good moods & we really enjoyed ourselves... spike's away on business & won't return until tomorrow night so it's just me & the girls :(...

brit's now 15y!!...

well, today's brits birthday & she's now 15y!... she picked panera bread for lunch & sapporos for dinner tonight (& it was YUMMY!!)... her grandparents, her brother & his girlfriend all came over last night to visit & she's gotten tons of phone calls today wishing her a happy birthday (she's just loved that!)... we bought her a cake & spike picked it up this evening along with ice cream & we ate some after we get home & i'm so far beyond stuffed it's not even funny (that'll be great for the hips to eat cake & then go to bed, huh?)... we bought her a beautiful dress for her birthday, that she'd picked out & gave it to her yesterday... we're also taking her to kings island next weekend (21, 22 & 23) & she knows nothing about it (PLEASE DO NOT TELL HER, IT'S A SURPRISE!!!!!)... she's never been to kings island & has been begging to go, so she'll be soooooooo surprised!!... we're planning on driving down that friday (not telling her where we're heading), going to kings island that saturday & then driving home that sunday... here's a couple pictures i took of her today out in the yard, isn't she pretty??

today at the pond...

well, this afternoon, while waiting on spike to get home, the tiny tots & i went for a walk to the pond across the street... i took my camera & here's some of the photos i took *smile*... aren't they adorable!!...

going to haiti a bit sooner than expected!!...

well, we talked to barbara tonight & she had the opportunity to go to vietnam during our planned stay (october 5 - 12) so we called about changing our dates of our travel... when i talked to american airlines, they informed me that there was a schedule change (hmmm, how did they know why i was calling???)... they said that the day we were leaving from indianapolis, the flight time had changed from 8:18am to 7:20am & because of it being a change on 'their' part, they wouldn't be charging me a 'changing fee'... i said, "well, that's great & why i'm phoning you is, i'm wanting to back up my travel dats to october 3 - 10"... they checked & said that'd be fine & so the change didn't cost us any extra at all!! (in fact, we saved a few dollars per ticket)... barbara at this time will be flying out of PAP with us on the 10th *smile*... isn't god good!!

today at the 'nanas' park...

i took the girls to the park today (or as they say, "nana's park")... they had a blast, (here's pics to prove it!)... we met nana & brit there & ate lunch first & then they played... after we'd been then a couple hours, we decided to leave so we could get home for naps (they just loooooved that idea, NOT!)... we're now home & in they're in bed & mama's doin' the 'happy dance'!!... i think we're staying home this evening as we'll more than likely be going out tomorrow for dinner (we usually do on fridays)... better go so i can get things done before 'the angels' awake *cough, cough*... i should be sleeping right now since i've got 1 'angel' that chose to wake up at 5:10am, but i'm not as there's way to much to do (like add to my blog!!)...

brit & our 'change of plans'...

brit's at dad & moms house for the week (yes, a week!) & really enjoying herself... here's a picture of her that was taken last night at the big parade... it's a typical picture of her doing what she does best & that's chat on her cell (she gets this trait from her father, ya know!)... she's such a pretty young lady & an out & out great girl!...

well, we were planning on going to dinner & then to see fireworks, but it started raining & looked as if it was going to be a washout so we changed plans... i made dinner here, got the girls' pjs on them, put them to bed, watched a movie & ate some ice cream *YUM!*... while all this was taking place, the rain stopped, sun came back out & the fireworks were back on again, at least for others, but we decided to not chance it & stayed home *smile*... the girls all got to bed a decent times & will now get a good nights sleep after their late night last night...

it's july 4th, 2006!!...

well, we're getting ready to head to dinner & then it's off to see the fireworks near us... the girls have no idea what we're planning on doing as kiara's seen them 3 times, but she was so little, that i think this year will be the first time she 'remembers'... karleigh's now just 2y & ruby's never seen them as she wasn't home last year at this time... we head down & get some snacks & pack all the girls in our quad stroller & we're off!!... i'll try & post more when we get home as to their reactions & all... not only's this rubys first firework display to see, but she's never 'heard' them either... i'm anxious to see her reaction to their sound with hearing it through her CI *smiling*...

karleigh's 2nd gotcha day!...

well, can you believe it's been 2 years today since we brought karleigh home??... where's the time gone?... we've been 'house shopping' or should i say, house 'thinking' all day... we then went to TGIFridays for dinner & then to a midnight parade & karleigh loved it (as did the other 2)... she's doing so well & is such a good little girl... i still can't believe it's already been 2 years though... god's blessed us with so many things & wonderful children ranks the highest on that list... here's a picture taken at myrtle beach a couple weeks ago, isn't she a doll!

what a fabulous vacation!!...

well, we've been gone for awhile now on vacation... we returned this past sunday & man did we have a great time... we'd been in myrtle beach with our best friends... spike & i had our 4 girls (14y, 4y, 3y & 2y) & kyle & angela had their 3 kids (6y, 4y & 2y)... anyone who thinks that taking 6 kids ages 6y & under would be a disaster needed to go with us... there are some days i think that mysef & we're just at home, but these kiddos did fabulous!!... we drove ½ way on day 1 & then drove the rest of the way on day 2...while we were there we did everything from eat our way through the entire state of south carolina (absolutely wonderful restaurants) to playing on the beach, swimming in the pools, golfing, taking a dolphin watch boat ride, going to a theme park, going to see the movie 'cars', going to dixie stampede, etc. etc. etc...in the movie, we all took up 1 entire row (brit, ruby, me, kiara, spike, karleigh, maddie, kyle, noah, angela & sanite)... well into the movie, spike leaned up & said, "lori, karleigh's pooped all over the place & it's in her hands!!"... my thought was, "well, you're the one sitting by her!", but i chose to not say that & instead, jumped up, grabbed a diaper, wipe container & karleigh & ran to the bathroom (where they had NO CHANGING STATION!!!)... after arriving in there i noticed that she'd completly ruined not only her shorts, but also her light yellow shirt as well... i was in the process of trying to clean her up when a cleaning lady walked in... i said, "ma'am, could you help me??... my daughter's obviously a mess & i'm needing my diaper bag... it's in the theater across the hall with my husband, our children & some friends of ours... i need you, if you will to: 1) go get my husband to bring me the diaper bag 2) you bring me the diaper bag 3) stay with her (miss poopy pants) while i go get the diaper bag"... she didn't say a thing, but ran out the door (guess she didn't want to stay with lil' miss P.P.)... she came back with the bag & i finished my work at hand... we went back into the movie with her wearing just her t-shoes & a diaper (she loved it!)... just after we sat down a dress was passed to us from down the isle (from our friends) & so she had something to wear home... we're taking the kids this weekend to see 'cars' again to mommy can see it!! *smile*...the resort that we stayed in was just across the street from the beach, it had 3 pools (2 outside & 1 inside/heated) & also had lazy rivers at each pool...you're really never sure how things will work out for 2 (or more) families to co-habitate for several days/weeks... with everyones personalities being different, different foods tastes, different ways to discipline (or NOT!), different schedules, etc. etc. etc... we went in this vacation with a 'i think it'll work out well, but we'll just wait & see' attitude, but i'm happy to report that it went so well that we've already started planning our next 'family' trip together for next year ~ we're taking everyone to disneyworld!... it was so enjoyable & fun, we'd all do it again in a heartbeat!!...

busy days around here...

well, we were gone all day yesterday & again all day today... i came home tonight & had 599 emails to go through (& i cleared everything last night before bed, so that was just from today!!)... we took the girls this AM for pictures & as you can see, they had a ball!!... we then ran over to papaw & nanas house to visit (alright, brit & i went to visit, but kiara, ruby & karleigh had other plans ~ EATING!!)... we were there for about 1 hour & in that length of time they consumed several circus peanuts, several wafer cookies & a bag of chocolate candy each!... nana was at the heart of this madness & takes all the blame (as she snickers under that smile she's got plastered to her face)... after leaving their house, we drove around looking at houses most of the afternoon... we're right now out on space for the 6 of us & would love to have a bit 'more room'... we're very open when it comes to what we're able to do (ie: add on to this home, buy something existing, build again, etc.) & we're in nooooooo hurry... we'll continue to keep searching for the right thing for us, but our goal's to 'know what we're going to do' by the end of 2006... this evening we took kiara to church again for the VBS program & like yesterday, she had a blast!... she's got 1 more night (tomorrow) & she's looking very forward to it...

for those of you who've been emailing/calling asking about ruby, i'll apologize now for not updating better... she's doing fabulous!... we're starting to see soooooooo much improvement with her hearing, it's incredible... we go in every couple months for a 'mapping' (where they turn up the volume & tweak things a bit)... they also give us 4 new programs each time (1's low, 2's a bit louder & so on)... each time we go back in for a mapping, the new programs they give us are louder & stronger than the last set was... she goes back again for another mapping in july, but can already hear us say, "shhhhh" if we're standing behind her!!! (praise the lord)... she's trying so hard to repeat everything that's being said too... she curls that little mouth around in all sorts of weird contortions (it's hilarious!!), trying to look like we do... she's doing very well as she continues to pick up ASL & we just keep 'learning with her'... thanks for all the prayers & concerns (keep them up!) & i promise to update better as time goes on...

my hubby ~ what am i going to do with him??...

well, as you've read from recent posts, we're heading out for vacation next friday... all 4 of the girls & myself are all packed completely... we've also packed up the pool bag (beach towels, swim suites, floaties, etc.), snack bag, toy bags for each of the little ones, overnight bags for each of us (as we're only going ½ way & this way we won't need to unpack EVERYTHING when we stop for the night), blankets, pillows, DVD player/movies, CD's, brit's backpack of her 'goodies', etc... i've also recharged all the cameras, cell phones & 2-way radios...

spike's been needing to get his hair cut, buy a new pair of shoes, pack his suitcase, his overnight bag & load it all (including our stuff) onto the top of the van in a car carrier thingy... as of today, he's got his hair cut... he's leaving town on tuesday & wednesday, so those days are out as far as getting anything else done... the only thing he's wanting to do on thursday night after work's load the top of the van (praying it all fits!!)... what this means' he's got to do EVERYTHING else either sunday (all day) or monday night ~ EEEEKKKK!!!!...

i know he's thinking his normal thought, "it'll just take me 15 minutes!"... yeah right!! *smile*, but i sure hope he makes it!!...

our friends...

well, this evening we met kyle & angela in a nearby town & then we all drove back to our hometown for dinner... the kids were all excited to meet up with them, but since we're planning on heading out next friday (with this family), all the kids thought we were leaving TONIGHT ~ wish we were!!... we had a great time & are now counting down the days/hours until we leave... we're meeting another set of friends down there (doug/connie) & so in the end we'll have about 15 people all together (8 of them are children ages 6 & under ~ *smile*)... tomorrow's a day full of spike working to get things 'ready to leave', brit's getting a hair cut & then we're running errands... i'm not sure when i'll be able to post again as the next few days will be busy, but i'll try...

silly little girls...

here's a picture taken last night of our 3 little ones... they were rough housing around on the bed & i snapped this... (kiara 4y, ruby 3y & karleigh 2y)... they're such silly little girls & love, having a good time... they're getting very excited as we continue to pack up & get ready to head out for vacation next week... they've been camping, out of town for the weekend, etc., but have never been away for that long on a vacation... we'll be gone 10 days & so to a little one, it'll probably seem like a lifetime *smile*...

busy, busy, busy...

well, it's already wednesday night & we don't have much longer to pack & get ready to leave... we're leaving on the 16th, heading to myrtle beach, south carolina... we've always taken the kids & gone on a nice vacation every year since we've been married... we'd usually either go over spring break or else we'd take a week + & head off sometime during the summer... we started 'thinking' about adopting in 2000, prayed about it in 2001, started paperwork in 2002 & kiara came home in 2003... needless to say, we've not had a vacation since 1999 & so we're off!... we were planning this trip for some time now & talked to our best friends (kyle & angela) & asked them to go along with us... we'll have our 4 girls (brit 14y, kiara 4y, ruby 3y & karleigh 2y) & also have their 3 kids (sanite 6y, noah 4y & maddie turns 2y while we're gone!!)... so, who wants to tag along, going with 5 kiddos, all 6 & under, do we have any takers??... it does look as if barbara might meet up with us while we're gone & 'vacation' a bit too (she's such a sucker when it comes to her kiddos)!!... we're really excited & know that no matter what, it'll be a memorable trip for sure *smile*... dustin will be staying here, taking care of our cats & also getting our mail, so that's all taken care of... we're praying that we all stay healthy & well while we're gone & can soak up the rays & bring them home with us!!... we'll be traveling to TN on the 16th, then on in to SC on the 17th... we'll not be leaving SC until the 25th so when we get home on the 26th or so, we'll need to catch up on sleep!... while we're in SC, we're planning on heading to a theme park 1 day, an aquarium 1 day, the beach several days & other than that, we'll shop, the guys will play golf & do whatever we want!!... i'll write more when i can...

brit's now a freshman, whaaaaaaaa!!!...

well, it's official, she's growing up & will start HS next year... boy, time's sure gone by quickly... she's such a huge help around here & doesn't mind pitching in to get things done (most of the time *smile*)... we've got a very busy summer planned, so i'm sure it'll go by way to fast as they always do... we've now got 1 out on his own, 1's a freshman & 3 still scooting around the house, so we'll still have this 'freshman' thing to go through 3 more times - hopefully it won't get here too fast!

our weekend...

wow, what a good weekend we had as it was our first camping trip so for this year (2006) & we'd a great time... we left friday afternoon to go camping with my parents (papaw & nana) in greenfield, IN & returned last night... my brothers family also stopped by as did our son & his girlfriend, so we'd a 'site' full & we loved it!!

here's a pic of our younger 3 (L to R: ruby 3y, kiara 4y & karleigh 2y) posing as nana grabbed her camera (notice kiara's 'neckhold' on her sister ruby??? - sisters!!)

ruby was mapped again...

well spike took ruby in this AM for her next mapping & they up'd her CI unit... she's got 3 new programs to work with so we'll hopefully be able to bump her up soon... we don't go back until the end of july, so for now, they feel she's doing well... she actually did hear the phone ring the other day when she was in the living room alone... after hearing it ring, she brought it to me & said, "HELLO!"... it was neat to see that she heard it & knew it was the phone!!... i'll write more when i can as we're going for dinner tonight & then tomorrow we're heading out to go camping for the weekend!

the festival was a hit!...

we had the festival at my parents church this past saturday & god blessed us with wonderful weather!... there was singing, face painting, activities for the kiddos, food, drinks, fellowship, etc... spike & i sang a few songs & had a great time... here's a pic that my mom took... i'll add more pics to this post in the next couple days as my mom took a bunch, but hasn't sent them to me yet... although on the pic it says 01/03/2004, mom apparently hasn't 'set' the date as this was just taken this past weekend (5.20.06)... here are some more pics that i thought you'd all enjoy!

what a beautiful day...

what a beautiful day it is today!!... the sun's shining bright & the winds blowing lightly... i took the girls this AM & we went in our neighborhood to garage sales & boy, did we hit it big!... i found a TON of clothes for kiara & for a little bit of nothing *smile*...

ruby ended school yesterday & the other 2 (kiara & karleigh) will end next thursday... they all love school so much!!... next year kiara will attend a new preschool (tuesday, wednesday & thursday), ruby will go back to the same school that she attended this year (tuesday, wednesday & thursday) & karleigh will stay home with mommy... i had all the time in the world when dustin was younger to enjoy him, the same happened when brit was younger as i did daycare so i was home with them all... kiara came home & i sucked up every bit of time i could with her as i knew she'd not stay little long... then karleigh came home & after being home for only 1 month, we began rubys adoption & were so wrapped up in getting her home (eg: working on paperwork, tons of phone calls to haiti & making trips to haiti every 6 weeks) so i don't feel i got 'my time' with karleigh... she's now 2 (came home at 5m) & i can't wait for a bit of 'mommy & karleigh time'... i'm really looking forward to it!!...

tonight, we're planning on staying home since we've got the festival to sing at tomorrow & we'll be gone most of the day... it'll be fun & we're praying for nice weather...

i'll try writing more over the weekend to keep everyone up on what we're doing... stay safe & be blessed!

our anniversary...

well, today was great... spike & i've been married for 15y as of today & man, how far we've come as a 'couple'... when the '3' of us were married (spike, dustin & i *smile*), we were a complete family, or so we thought... a few years after we married we added brit (1995) & again, 'thought' we were finished... we added kiara several years later (2003), karleigh (2004), ruby (2005) & i now can honestly say, WE ARE DONE!!... we love our kids dearly, but the 3 younger ones can sure make mommy tired by the end of the day...

we met my parents at cracker barrel for lunch & then he & i went to logan's for dinner... after dinner we went to see flight 93 (good movie!) & just got home... we're bushed so i'll close for now, but will try & write more tomorrow!

we've been practicing music!...

spike & i've been practicing music for an upcoming festival at my parents church... it'll be this weekend & we're all praying for good weather *smile*... we're very excited & hope to have a wonderful turnout... they're going to have singing, food, face painting, fellowship, etc. & much more i'm sure... we'll post pictures as soon as we can!

what a wonderful mothers day!...

i realized today, that this was my first mother's day with 'ALL' our kids!... for the past few years, i've celebrated mother's day with 'some' of our kids, all the while knowing that another one of our children were still waiting for us in haiti... this' gone on now for several years, but now we're complete & all our kiddos are 'home'!!...

we went this afternoon to sapporos japanese steakhouse & man, was it great!... we then took the younger ones home & took brit up on her offer to watch the girls & spike & i went to see poisidon & it was wonderful (sad, but a very good movie)...

we've got a very busy week coming up as we've got: school for brit (mon - fri), ruby (mon & wed), kiara (thurs), karleigh (thurs), one of our best friends, barbara, flying into town for the night & will be staying with us (tues), choir concert (wed), our anniversary (thurs), brit's youth night (fri) & singing at a festival (sat) (which we've yet to prepare for - YIKES!)... we'll certainly be ready for a quite day after we get through with all we've got planned...

i'll post more when things calm down!!

"thank you God for giving me 5 'wonders' that You hand picked... they're all perfect & i'm blessed to have them call 'me' mom"...

what a wonderful mother's day it's been *smile*

another child coming home, PTL!!...

well, this'll be short as we've friends that were traveling back home from haiti today & we received a phone call from them a bit ago & were told that they not only were arriving tonight with their little girl, eli'anna, but they're also escorting another little girl, angi, (indianapolis, IN) for some other friends of ours that only live a few minutes from me!!... i went to haiti last march with melissa, angi's new mommy & we spent several days there with ruby & angi... ruby arrived home last july & now angi's arriving tonight!!... they've 2 other children, but aren't telling them where they're going so it'll be a HUGE surprise for them as they've been soooooooo excited for their new sister to come home... they're also getting a new brother, waldy, from haiti as well, but he'll not be coming home for a few more days (paperwork, ugh)... it looks as if he'll be escorted in by barbara, our facilitator, next week sometime (looks like maybe tuesday??)... we'll post when we know more!!

kiara's 4y old today ("boo hoo", says mommy)...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY
TO YOU
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
TO YOU
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
DEAR KIARA
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
TO YOU!!

well, today our little girl, kiara, turned 4... she came home from haiti @ 10m in 2003, but i still can't believe she's 4!!... she's such a great kid & enjoys life to the fullest... she's got a wonderful little spirit about her & loves to make people 'feel good'... she's always saying things like, "you're the best mommy in the world", "i love my babies" (meaning ruby & karleigh), "i'll always be your baby girl", etc., etc., etc.... i'm honored that the lord allowed me the opportunity to be in her life & she in mine... i'm a much better person/mommy for it too... she brightens my day from the moment she wakes up until she closes her eyes at night... i love that she's a 'sniggler' & still likes the 'mommy & me' time... we get her 'popper kisses' all the time & smiles on top of that... i'm in amazement of how far she's come since arriving home, am blessed beyond anything i could've imagined & can't wait to see what god's going to do with this precious little one... we love you honey & happy bday...
now i need to get ready to leave, as we're taking kiara out for dinner to her favorite food joint - mongolian BBQ (or as she puts it - 'monkey BBQ'!!)...

ruby's been bumped up a notch...

well, ruby had another mapping this AM at riley & they cleared all her programs & gave her 3 new ones... she's doing fine on the lowest setting today & so we'll leave it there for a day or so & see how she does before bumping it up... we've to take her back on may 25 so they'll change her settings again at that time... we'll continue to keep posting as things move along, but for now, she's hearing some things, just doesn't know what direction to look... she does love wearing her CI though & wants it on first thing in the AM... the drs. say to begin not only having her sign the things she wants (ie: book), but also making her say the word (best she can) & if she won't try, then she doestn't get what she's asking for... we'll start working on this right away & hopefully we'll start hearing her 'talk'!

today at the zoo...

what a wonderful day we had with the girls... we got up this AM & went to the zoo for the day... we'd beautiful weather & everyone enjoyed themselves so much... the girls were great & we saw all kinds of animals... we signed all the animals that we knew & have determined in our minds to learn the ones we don't know!... here are some pics of the animals that were our favorites!... hope you enjoy them!

we're heading to haiti...

well, it's now 'on the books' for spike, myself, brit & my mother to head to haiti october 5-12... we've been planning this trip for some time & booked the tickets today!!... we're all very excited as we'll be able to spend a lot of time (again) with our girls' bfamilies (YEAH!!!) & we'll be working with foyer de la nouvelle vie (the organization that we used to facilitate our adoptions), the zacharys (haitian missionaries that we know & have known for several years), visiting with some more missionary friends of ours & showing brit & mom the sights, etc., etc., etc.... we all can't wait!!... brit's more than excited as she's never flown & this being her first trip & it's overseas, she's just beside herself *smile*... yeah, we're going to haiti (again!!!)

what we've been doing over the past few days...

well, where do i start... some of the things that have been happening around here are: (not in any particular order)

on a somewhat 'sad' note: someone backed into spike's new van the other day so he's been working between insureance companies & dealerships in order to get it settled, repaired, rental car while getting repaired, etc....

on a 'better' note: ruby's doing very well with her CI... she's starting to hear some things as her teacher was telling me that on monday of this week, a little boy sitting beside her was making noises & she signed, "TOOOOOO LOUD!" & plugged her ears (if only she knew how loud she is!!)... she's really trying to talk & tries repeating everything we say (sometimes WAY off of how it sounds to us, but she's trying!)... they reprogramed her CI last friday to 4 new programs (1, 2, 3 & 4) & we're to get her up to level 4 by her next appointment (on the 9th) & she was just raised to program level 2 this evening & is doing great... i think we'll begin uping her program levels more quickly as she's doing just fine...

well, i've really got more to write, but it's now 12:30am & i've been on the phone for over an hour so i'm off to bed & will write more tomorrow (& hopefully add pics!)