Odyssey Five

Technology

2011-11-21T20:06:00.000-06:00

I don't know what's worse. The kids finding technology or me losing my electronics.

Train Part 2

2011-10-15T14:06:00.001-05:00

Jarrett on the train at the mall.

Train

2011-10-15T14:04:00.000-05:00

Jackson ridding the train at the mall.

Happy Birthday

2011-08-07T15:23:00.001-05:00

Guess whose hand this is.

Happy birthday Matt and Jackson!

2011-08-07T15:21:00.001-05:00

Joplin June 3th and 4th

2011-06-15T22:20:00.016-05:00

I’ve been through hundreds of storms. I’ve seen wall clouds, hail the size of softballs and I’ve even seen a tornado from a distance. Being from Kansas you are use to these things. You go through years and years of watches and warnings and it is no big deal to hear sirens. That just means there’s something worth going outside to look at. It’s just another day in Kansas. Don’t like the weather, just wait 5 minutes. It took less than that for the tornado to become visible in Joplin. It didn't take long to change Joplin forever. Seeing pictures and videos does not do it justice. According to the National Weather Service, a large portion of Joplin Missouri was devastated by an EF-5 (greater than 200 mph) tornado. Latest reports from Thursday 6/2 indicate an estimated 138 fatalities and over 1150 injured in the Joplin MO area. The Joplin tornado is the deadliest since modern record keeping began in 1950 and is ranked 8th among the deadliest tornadoes in U.S. history.

Imagine the chaos that must have occurred in and around Joplin on May 22, 2011. It was late on Sunday afternoon as people went about their regular routines; running errands, fixing dinner, walking the dog, when the sirens off. Did they take cover or were they like me, outside looking up? On the other end of the spectrum are the people who take heed. A watch means stay close to a radio or TV and a warning means take cover. It must have been terrifying. You never know when 5 minutes could change your life.

Put yourself in their shoes. Imagine your life, your family, your belongings and your memories being sucked into a tornado and strewn or miles. Everything you own. Everything you cherish. What you knew as your live has been taken away. What next? Your home is gone, you have nothing but the clothes on your back and whatever is left around you. Everything was fine then suddenly, you’re homeless.

2 weeks after the tornado, I had the opportunity to go with other church members to pass out supplies to survivors. I was excited to go and help even if it was for just 2 days. At first we went to Galena, a small town not too far from Joplin. We reported in at the Galena Assembly of God and was overwhelmed by what I saw.

We were taken to a large open room and it was full of donations. Clothes, bedding, shoes, belts, ties, coats, jackets, anything you can think of. It wasn’t until day 2 that I realized there was another room full of food, drinks, diapers, stuffed animals, games, toiletries and it was overflowing too. We spent 2 days helping to sort and organize items from the first room so that when people came in, it would be easy for them to find things. It was a big job with hundreds of volunteers participating. It was an awesome sight.

On top of that, the church housed people from the Red Cross, Search & Rescue, members of the medical community and volunteers. There was a table full of food at all times as well as breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is a big church and every square inch was being used.

We visited part of the damaged area and it was incomprehensible. There were blocks and blocks of destruction. You couldn’t tell where one property ended and another one began. Trees were completely uprooted and thrown around like toothpicks. Personal items were mixed with dirt, drywall, wood and just about anything you can think of.

I’m going back next week to help clean up. It will be hard work but it will be gratifying to help people get to the point where they can rebuild. I want to give them hope because I know what it’s like not to have it. There is still life in Joplin and we will help them find it.

These trips are being organized by Evangel Assembly of God, 11444 W 21st St. N Wichita, KS, 67205. Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30-4:30. Their phone number is 316.749.1111. There will be at least 2 more trips so there is still time to help out.

Daddy is so proud

2011-05-05T19:16:00.000-05:00

All they need are tractor hats and they will look just like Dad.

5 Months

2011-05-01T19:33:00.003-05:00

Has it been 5 months already? I can't believe it. It's just not right. This picture was taken at Chris's graduation party. It was the last time some people saw him before he died. It was almost a year ago that this picture was taken.

". . . life's like an hourglass glued to the table. . ." from the song Breathe by Anna Nalick. It kind of describes how I feel. I can't stop time, it just keeps going.

It's been so long . . .

2011-04-14T21:31:00.004-05:00

I'd like to apologize to the 2 people who still read my blog. Things just haven't been the same since my dad passed away. I will try to do better. I love and miss you dad.

I took this picture at the K-State game we went to last fall. It was a long day but I'm glad we went.

Quick and Easy way to contact your Kansas Representative in support of children with developmental disabilities TODAY

2011-03-23T10:27:00.001-05:00

Attention all Kansans. I would appreciate you taking a few minutes and show your support for Jarrett and the other 4,000 Kansans with developmental disabilities who are on waiting lists for services. Once you click the link, click on SUPPORT Kansas DD funding, Sign your name now. Thanks.

Greetings!

Please share this message with Rainbows’ families and supportive individuals.

Yesterday’s 39-0 vote in the Kansas Senate was a big step forward for SB 210. Senate Bill 210 proposes a "provider assessment" for the DD system to raise funds in order to bring additional federal funds to the Kansas DD system.

Provider assessments are used in other human service fields, including hospitals and, most recently, nursing homes. It is estimated that a provider assessment would bring close to $25 million in new funds to the Kansas DD system, including around $40,000 new dollars to Rainbows. However, the biggest advocacy work still remains.

We have to build momentum within the House of Representatives for consideration and passage of the bill. Equally important, we must continue to convey the purpose of the provider assessment and strongly discourage any amending of the bill that would weaken it or change the destination of additional funds potentially realized through the bill. The bill designates additional funds are to go for increasing DD waiver rates.

Families, employees, friends and Board members are all invited to take a quick minute to join me and other advocates and send a message to your Kansas House of Representatives to support passage of SB 210 by using the Invisible Kansans email system all you have to do is type in your home zip code, the appropriate message is already composed and ready to send. It’s really that easy. Give it a try today,

http://www.invisiblekansans.com

Thank you!

Deb Voth, President
Rainbows United, Inc.

Busy Boys

2011-03-20T15:36:00.001-05:00

If they figure out how to work the mower, we are in trouble.

Not to bad.

2011-02-05T15:28:00.000-06:00

Hmmmmm

2011-02-05T15:22:00.001-06:00

Is this how you do it?

Lunch

2011-02-05T15:09:00.000-06:00

Pro help

2011-02-05T14:35:00.000-06:00

We had to call in. The professionals.

Jackson

2011-02-05T14:28:00.001-06:00

Jackson getting ready to bowl.

Bowling

2011-02-05T14:25:00.000-06:00

Jarrett at the bowling alley on his birthday.

J & J

2011-02-02T11:14:00.001-06:00

Jackson and Jarrett not happy about my picture taking.

Hole In My Heart

2010-12-07T16:41:00.004-06:00

I am at a loss at where to start.

There's a large hole in my heart.

I'm not ready for you to go.

What happens now, I just don't know.

I know that God has a plan

and this is all out of our hands.

I'll take my worries and my fears

and lift them up to Your ears.

Take my sorry. Take my pain.

Take my frief and make me sane.

Thank you God for giving me time

with a Dad as great as mine.

He taught me so much about life;

what was wrong and what was right.

How to love with all your heart

and how not to fall apart.

I'll miss your laugh and your smile.

You always went that extra mile.

God be with us and keep us safe.

Draw us closer as we wait

to see our loved ones one day soon.

I do not know what else to do.

I'm at a loss at where to start.

There's a large hole in my heart.

I miss you Daddy. I love you.

Mommy's Little Helper

2010-10-22T19:01:00.000-05:00

I don't know what's so fascinating about vacuuming. I'm just going with it.

Graduation

2010-10-06T16:52:00.001-05:00

Wow. I am sooooo far behind with this blog. I can’t believe Chris graduated in May and is now at K-State! Here are some pictures from graduation and the picture Chris submitted to be shown at graduation. So cute!

Jarrett's First Day Of Kindergarten

2010-08-16T08:16:00.000-05:00

He is excited to go.

Mason Alert

2010-08-13T13:33:00.001-05:00

Several times Jarrett has ran away from us in public and at home. He is a flight risk as most autistic children are. Please join me in signing a petition at http://masonallenmedlamfoundation.webs.com/ to show support in the establishment of an alert system that will be used for children and adults with special needs. It will be called a Mason Alert in honor of Mason Medlam, a 5 year old autistic boy from Colwich who drowned in July after pushing a fan out of a window and crawling out. The alert would provide authorities with a current picture, contact information, their fascinations, nearby hazards and details about the person and how to approach them. His story was recently on KAKE news and can be seen at http://www.kake.com/home/headlines/100477609.html. When I heard that a 5 year old autistic boy in Colwich had drowned it made me stop and think. I didn’t know at the time exactly where Jarrett was. I knew it wasn’t him because he had no reason to be in Colwich but it scared me. I think this alert is a great idea and I would appreciate your support. Thank you!

Jarrett on the Wii

2010-08-08T20:21:00.001-05:00

Jarrett is now in second place on the table tilt with 150 points. Go Jarrett!

Sent from my Android phone using TouchDown (www.nitrodesk.com)

Train ride

2010-07-05T13:54:00.000-05:00

Riding the train at Towne West

Sent from my Android phone using TouchDown (www.nitrodesk.com)

My Cowboys

2010-07-04T14:59:00.000-05:00

Aren't they handsome?

Sent from my Android phone using TouchDown (www.nitrodesk.com)

Sleep much?

2010-06-11T07:32:00.001-05:00

Guess who didn't get enough sleep last night?

Sent from my Android phone using TouchDown (www.nitrodesk.com)

Seeing A Show At The Crown Uptown

2010-06-04T13:21:00.001-05:00

Wendy is a verrrrrrry brave person. She took the boys (Jarrett and 3
9-10 year olds) to the Crown Uptown to see Junie B Jones.

Jarrett Floating

2010-06-03T09:56:00.000-05:00

Jarrett went swimming today. The last time he went swimming he just
jumped in the pool, the deep end of course, so Wendy asked me to get him
a life jacket.

Jarrett Fishing

2010-06-01T13:42:00.001-05:00

Today Jarrett is fishing at the Great Plains Nature Center.

Jarrett at the Great Plains Nature Center

2010-05-28T10:18:00.000-05:00

Jarrett is spending the summer with a wonderful woman named Wendy. In
his first week they went swimming, to the zoo, the Great Plains Nature
Center, garage sales, the library and the Nifty Nut House. He is having
a good time.

Jarrett at the Great Plains Nature Center

2010-05-28T10:14:00.001-05:00

Prom 2010 Chris and Lauren

2010-05-03T21:38:00.002-05:00

There are no words . . . to describe how awesome . . .

Lauren and Chris look!

Lauren is just beautiful and Chris is of course, handsome.

Prom 2010 Chris

2010-05-03T21:23:00.004-05:00

My son. Doesn't he look nice?

Handstand?

Now that's class.

A Morning At The Zoo

2010-04-18T16:28:00.002-05:00

After the race we got medals and food! The boys really had a good time. The boys really liked the zoo. It has changed a lot since the last time I was there.

One of the cool things we got to do was to feed the giraffes.

We got there at the end of the feeding so they weren't very hungry. The baby giraffe was really cute.

We ended up walking 7 1/2 miles including the race and the zoo. We were VERY tired. We being me and Matt, not the boys!

5K Family Style

2010-04-18T12:10:00.004-05:00

Yesterday we participated in the Link 4 Life run at the Sedgwick County Zoo. It was a 5K (3 mile) race (well, more of a walk/pull). Jarrett started out on Chris's shoulders but that didn't last long. Jackson wasn't excited about being up so early on a Saturday. The race started at 7:45. It was about 45 degrees and he was cold so Chris gave him his gloves.

Matt pulled the wagon the whole way. Jarrett was in and out of the wagon but ended up riding most of the way.

Here we are after the race. We finished in about 50 minutes. Chris finished ahead of us but we don't know what his time was.

I plan to do the River Run this year. It is a 10K (6 miles). I'm trying to get Chris to do it with me.

Bowling Scores

2010-04-10T20:08:00.002-05:00

Jarrett 104
Jackson 106

Jarrett

2010-04-10T19:58:00.002-05:00

Jackson

2010-04-10T19:54:00.002-05:00

Bowling With The Boys

2010-04-10T19:49:00.002-05:00

Loud Noises

2010-04-05T19:05:00.002-05:00

When there are loud noises, Jarrett covers his ears. Jackson on the other hand, covers his cheeks.

Jarrett - Not Quite As Messy

2010-03-27T17:52:00.001-05:00

Mmmmmm . . . Pudding

2010-03-27T17:50:00.001-05:00

Enjoying His Food

2010-03-27T17:48:00.001-05:00

Bike Riding

2010-03-06T14:43:00.001-06:00

Jarrett doing gymnastics 4

2010-02-26T19:15:00.001-06:00

Jarrett doing gymnastics 3

2010-02-26T19:11:00.001-06:00

Jarrett doing gymnastics

2010-02-26T19:07:00.001-06:00

Jarrett doing gymnastics 2

2010-02-26T19:04:00.001-06:00

New Style

2010-02-14T19:18:00.001-06:00

Purple Bath Water

2010-02-14T19:13:00.001-06:00

It may be hard to see but today we have purple bath water.

Wii Fit Plus

2010-02-07T11:57:00.002-06:00

Should I be offended that the Wii called me a dog for sticking to the same routine?

Bath Time

2010-02-07T11:48:00.001-06:00

Thanks Aunt Mary for the bath colors!

Jarrett Does Gymnastics

2010-02-05T21:58:00.003-06:00

Jarrett took his first gymnastics class today. He was not too sure about it but we got through it. When it was over he told me he couldn't leave because he needed to practice. He said it was awesome and wanted to do it again. We signed him up for the month of February.

He has been practicing his forward rolls at home so he will be ready on Friday.

Chris Doing Parkour

2010-02-05T20:53:00.003-06:00

Chris does Parkour. What is Parkour? That is a good question. It looks like running an jumping to me. Here is the definition from the American Parkour website:

Parkour is the physical discipline of training to overcome any obstacle within ones path by adapting one's movements to the environment.

Jarrett and the dentist

2010-01-28T10:23:00.001-06:00

He did really well! They said his teeth look good.

Jarrett Visits the Dentist Part 2

2010-01-28T09:56:00.001-06:00

He did really well except for spitting water on the floor. He didn't know what else to do with it.

Jarretts First dentist visit

2010-01-28T09:53:00.001-06:00

Visit With Santa 2009-Part 2

2009-12-13T17:01:00.003-06:00

Since Jarrett wouldn't get his picture taken with Santa I decided to try to get his picture by the tree. This is about as good as it gets.

As if that wasn't challenging enough, I tried to get them to both stand in front of the tree. This was the first picture I took.

They kept running away so Sara tried to help me.

This was the last picture I took. Never mind.

Visit With Santa 2009-Part 1

2009-12-13T16:53:00.004-06:00

We went to Cheri's Bakery again this year to see Santa. We also enjoyed some yummy treats! Jarrett was more interested in the cookies than Santa.

This is the closest Jackson got to Santa. We couldn't even get Jarrett to do this.

Chris wasn't afraid of Santa.

He and Chris discussed what he wanted for Christmas. He requested some sort of electronics.

Then he showed Santa how to dance.

Thanksgiving, Part 2

2009-12-06T12:31:00.007-06:00

Ahhhh . . . brotherly love.

Come on boys. Stop pushing.
Give your brother a kiss. Come on. You can do it.
How about a hug?

That's better.

Thanksgiving, Part 1

2009-12-06T12:18:00.004-06:00

We went to Rozel for Thanksgiving. Renea wanted to take some pictures of Rozel so we took a walk. We also went to the park with Mark and Mary. Jackson really liked the slide.

Jarrett resting for a minute.

Matt pushed the boys for a bit on the merry go round.

Mary gave them a spin too.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

2009-11-25T13:37:00.001-06:00

I promise to post more often just as soon as my classes are over in about 2 weeks!

That's my boy

2009-11-04T18:26:00.001-06:00

Happy Halloween

2009-11-01T10:19:00.004-06:00

Every year we go trick-or-treating as a group. This year Jackson, Hannah,

Skyler,

Jacob,

Zachary,

Jarrett and Rodney went. Rodney didn't have his costume on for very long so I didn't get a picture.

We had lots of fun and got lots of candy. I think Kevin, Julie, Roger, Krista, Chris and I had just as much fun as the kids.

Coach Chris!

2009-10-31T11:32:00.003-05:00

Happy Halloween!!!!! Chris is a Maize football coach this year. Practicing his sideline comments.

Equipped with everything including a play sheet in the back of his pants!

BEST COSTUME EVER!!!

2009-10-31T11:00:00.000-05:00

It's Tough Being A Kid

2009-10-24T16:54:00.003-05:00

After a rough day of playing outside, getting a hair cut, watching cartoons and eating lunch the boys fell asleep. It's rough being a kid!

Halloween Sneak Peek

2009-10-22T19:34:00.004-05:00

This year we went with Thomas! Jarrett is very excited about his costume and may actually wear it to go trick or treating. Look how cute they are! Halloween should be run this year!

A Good Morning!

2009-10-19T09:49:00.001-05:00

Jarrett had a good morning! We did not go through the normal routine “Where are we going?” “I am going to work and you are going to school.” “But I don’t want to go to school!!!!!” and then I have to drag or carry him to the bus where he is handed off to a para and she straps him in. This morning he didn’t ask or complain about school. When it was time for the bus he happily went outside to wait. He ran around the driveway and was excited to see the bus when it got there. He climbed right on and the para and the bus driver gave him a car for being good on the bus last week. He was VERY excited and waved to us as the bus continued on its way. Jackson waved goodbye to Jarrett too. He always says, “Bye brother. Bye bus.”

An update on Jarrett

2009-10-17T16:33:00.003-05:00

Here is a picture of Jarrett sleeping in his "old man" pajamas. Isn't he cute? He sleeps in the oddest positions. Just as long as he sleeps, that's all I care about. Jarrett is doing well in preschool. I can't believe he will be in kindergarten next year. It seems like just yesterday he was born. He loves cars, airplanes and Bakugons. What are Bakugon you ask? I'm not sure. They are Happy Meal toys. At first he was mad that they weren't giving out Hot Wheels cars but when he saw the Bakugons, he was happy.

What's new with Jackson?

2009-10-17T15:38:00.003-05:00

Just look at him! Sweet. Innocent. It is very deceiving. Jackson is a very busy little boy.

He is a very cute little boy. He is ornery just like his father. He has been in trouble at daycare lately for standing in the window. It is only about a foot off the floor so can you blame him? He climbs up there and then looks at his teachers as if to say "Go ahead, make me get down!" He is into everything! He likes to climb, pull out all the canned goods, reorganize toys and anything else he can get his hands on. He is a little parrot and will try to repeat everything you say. He is starting to potty train and insists on trying to potty when I change his diaper. He is a funny little boy. We love him very much!

What Were They Thinking?

2009-09-12T23:50:00.003-05:00

What is that in the middle of the Cowskin Creek? That would be 2 tractors. I don't think they started out in the middle of the creek but that's where they ended up. I took this picture while exiting Kellogg onto Maize Road. I just wonder at what point did they think about moving their tractors to higher ground or did they leave them on the little mound of dirt on purpose just in case it rained.

Now THAT'S Funny!

2009-08-27T21:29:00.003-05:00

Hello all! How have you been? We've been doing ok. School is going well so far (at least for Jarrett and Chris it has) and work is . . . work. I heard the funniest stuff from someone lately that I just have to share.

First, some background information. I am a Michael Jackson fan as you can tell by the post I did just after his death and the music you hear on my blog. Chris on the other hand is NOT a fan. I don't know why but for years he has made fun of his music, clothes, etc. He has made lots of jokes over the years and even made fun of his brother when I decided to name him Jackson even though he isn't named after Michael, it is just a coincidence. By the way, Chris's middle name is Michael. That's a coincidence too.

Anyway, Chris has been helping at Zachary's football practices. Zachary is my cousin who is in the 4th grade. He is one tough kid. Chris says he is fearless. One of the kids on the team, Javen likes to talk to Chris during practice. Earlier this week he told Chris "you have a calm voice just like Michael Jackson." Chris was stunned. He didn't know what to say. Chris asked him if that was a good thing and Javen said yes. Chris said ok and Javen went back to practicing. I thought it was very funny. Well, today at practice Javen asked him to speak so he could hear his voice. Then he asked him to moonwalk. When Chris told him he didn't like Michael Jackson, a group of kids heard him and said, "You don't????" Now THAT'S funny! Next time you see Chris, ask to hear his "calm" voice. And, ask him to moonwalk.

Calm

2009-08-18T14:14:00.002-05:00

I caught the boys in a calm moment just watching TV and eating pretzels. No wrestling. No fighting over toys. Just calm . . .

Jarrett's First Day of Preschool 2009

2009-08-17T21:09:00.002-05:00

Today was the first day of school. Jarrett was excited and scared but had a good day. He is growing up so fast. He can spell his name all by himself and write his name with help. He can do simple math in his head and can count to 20. He is still lacking in social skills but I am very proud of him. He has changed a lot in the last year.

Happy Birthday Skyler

2009-08-11T20:40:00.003-05:00

Happy Birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday dear Skyler. Happy birthday to you! WE LOVE YOU!!!

Jackson's 2 Year Pictures

2009-08-08T19:40:00.003-05:00

Isn't he cute! Jackson is 2 years old.

Oh BOYSSSSSSSS!!!

2009-08-03T19:18:00.008-05:00

Ryan

Ryan Ryan

Ryan, Rodney and Skyler

Ryan, Rodney and Skyler.

Chris, Jarrett and Jackson.

Chris, Ryan, Rodney, Skyler, Jarrett and Jackson.

Happy Birthday Jackson

2009-07-27T20:25:00.001-05:00

Kim is resting

2009-07-24T19:31:00.002-05:00

She woke up, put on her make up and is taking a nap.

Surgery is over

2009-07-24T11:58:00.002-05:00

She is in recovery. The mass was gone so they just removed the uterus and part of the tubes. I will update more later after I charge my battery.

Not out of surgery yet

2009-07-24T10:34:00.001-05:00

Kim's not back yet. Ben is keeping her bed warm. How thoughtful.

Surgery Details

2009-07-24T08:54:00.002-05:00

My last message was slow getting out (no service). She was taken into surgery about 9:15 and they said it would be 2-2 1/2 hours. Rick, Ben, Arla and I are just hanging out.

Surgery

2009-07-24T08:43:00.001-05:00

She is off to surgery.

Kim update

2009-07-24T08:02:00.002-05:00

It is now 9 AM and nothing has happened yet. Law & Order s getting old.

Not Yet

2009-07-24T06:26:00.002-05:00

It's 7:30 and we haven't seen anyone but the nurse. I'm glad we were here at 6 AM.

Kim without makeup

2009-07-24T05:49:00.002-05:00

Kimaree update

2009-07-24T05:23:00.002-05:00

It is 6 AM (5 AM in Kansas) and we are at the hospital. Its really early. I think surgery is at 7:30. I will let you know when I know more.

Jarrett Likes Ice Cream

2009-07-16T21:45:00.002-05:00

Jarrett is having a fun summer. He stays at home with Emily and they play and color and swim! Tonight we had ice cream after dinner. It was yummy.

He goes back in school in about a month.

He likes pizza, ice cream, cheese its, gold fish, hot dogs, chicken nuggets, french fries, hamburgers, macaroni & cheese and Mickey Mouse cheese.

Jackson's List of Words, Corn and a Black Eye

2009-07-15T21:32:00.007-05:00

Jackson likes corn on the cob. He also has a black eye. Can you see it?

He was rocking on a toy a little to hard and fell off.

It didn't really phase him.

He is developing quite a vocabulary. He can say no, brother, mama, daddy, papa, nana, uh oh, and Sponge Bob. I'm so proud!

4th Of July Celebration

2009-07-05T09:04:00.005-05:00

We celebrated with our neighbors. After a great dinner we went swimming. Jackson wore a swim suit with floaty things in it. He looked like a wrestler because it was a bit small. Chris, Jarrett and Alex were the first ones in the pool.

Jackson, Tammy, Steve and Matt waited a little bit to get in.

Jarrett eventually swam without help wearing a life jacket. At first he wouldn't let go of someone or something.

After we swam it was time for fireworks. Jackson and Jarrett found comfortable chairs to watch at first but ended up playing cars and trucks in the garage.

Steve, Tammy, Alina and Jackson got good seats for the show.

Alina, Jackson, Jarrett and Matt wait while Emily gets out the fireworks.

Chris and Alex lit most of them.

Emily lit some too.

Chris, Alex, Alina and Emily lit fountains at the same time and gave us a wonderful show. We had a good time.

You Know Somethings Wrong When There Is Silence

2009-06-28T13:16:00.003-05:00

Once upon a time, Chris brought home a cake. He put it on the kitchen table and went about his business. Then the cake was found by his brothers.

They enjoyed the cake . . .

and were carefree until Mommy made them stop.

The end.

Brace Yourself

2009-06-26T22:40:00.003-05:00

I stand before you today ready to admit I am a fan. I have taken crap from people over the years and even had to defend him to Bob Getz in the Wichita Eagle. I have heard countless jokes and endless comments over the last few days about how weird he was but when it comes down to it, he was talented. It is not our place to judge him. He had a beautiful voice and a talent for music and dancing. Close your eyes and listen to the music. RIP Michael Jackson. (shut up Chris!)

Double Trouble

2009-06-26T21:29:00.003-05:00

Do you have any idea how many times I say, "Get off your brother!" in a day? They are cute, aren't they?

It this case, it was ok to sit on your brother.

Happy Birthday Kallea!!!

2009-06-26T14:36:00.002-05:00

Happy birthday to Kallea!

Happy birthday Punky Kallea!

Happy birthday to Kallea!

WE LOVE YOU!!! Look how far you’ve come!

Name That Picture

2009-06-24T21:48:00.003-05:00

I had Chris take this picture for me because I was driving but I couldn't come up with a good title or quote or name for it. Can you think of one for me?

Happy Birthday Ryan

2009-06-20T20:51:00.002-05:00

Today is Ryan's 15th brithday. It just doesn't seem possible. Here he is at his 8th grade graduation. I borrowed it from his mother's blog. HAPPY BIRTHDAY RYAN!!! WE LOVE YOU!!!!

Bowling With The Family

2009-06-19T21:39:00.008-05:00

We sent bowling again at West Acres. Here is Chris looking all kinds of enthused. Check out these shoes. Jackson was very stylish.

Kayla patiently waiting her turn.

Zachary studying the pins.

Jarrett enjoyed the pizza.

Zachary helped Jackson bowl.

Hannah and Dakota enjoying a beverage. Dakota took a fall on the lane during the first game. It was pretty funny. I think Zachary took a dive at one point too.

Jacob was ready to bowl.

I told Zachary that I didn't know if we could bowl with him because of his Steelers hat. He said he couldn't bowl with Matt if he kept his K-State shirt. We decided to keep both.

Hannah chose a pink bowling ball.

The Toy Box Is Full

2009-06-12T21:27:00.001-05:00