~Day 2• 90: Morning, Noon & Night

Cailee was sick again today, so she stayed home from school.  I'm fortunate that I have a job where I can work from home in situations like this. 

Morning: It started out with a breathing treatment to help her breathe better.  She had been coughing and it sounded like an asthmatic cough.  It helped her, thank goodness. After the other two kids left for school, Cailee and I headed for Sonic to feed mom's addiction to Diet Dr. Pepper with Vanilla.  Evil nectar.  It's sad really... the people who work in the morning know my car, know my orders and know me.  They are surprised when I change things up.  I asked them for the mints they give sometimes, and the guy gave me a whole handful for Cailee.  Mints are her absolute favorite.  So she was in seventh heaven and had to lay them out on the couch to count them.  She was excited to share with her brother and sister.

Noon: I had to be on some phone calls for work, so Cailee had to entertain herself.  After getting some medication in her, she felt pretty good.  She took it upon herself to get out the Sorry! game and play it all by herself.  It was cute.  I'm glad my kids can entertain themselves.

Night: I drove Ashton to scouts tonight, and the sunset was beautiful.  The colors were very vibrant.  Of course, my dumb phone doesn't do them justice.

Cailee also asked to help cook dinner tonight.  If she offers, I won't say no.  She is a good little helper when she wants to be.  You should see her after dinner... it's a whole different story.

Start the day with the breathing treatment, end the day with the breathing treatment.  She also had one in the middle of the day.  Morning, noon and night.  I'm glad we have the equipment and medicine to help her.  I cringe to think how often we might end up in the ER or the doctor's offices because of this.  She's a trooper though.  I think she knows it helps her, so she doesn't complain.  Maybe some day she will be a 'whole' person and not be sick all the time.

~Day 2• 89: Carrying on a tradition... ahahahaha!

So... Easter.  It brings some nasty treats.  Peeps and bunnies are some of those treats.  My mom happens to like the bunnies.  She has interesting way of eating them.  The ears go last.  No matter what.  Of course, her darling children love to taunt her.  So usually one of us gives her a package of bunnies with the ears cut off.  We are great children, I know. 

Of course, I had to get my kids in on the fun.  While at the store the other day, we found a display full of all sorts of peeps and icky bunnies.  There are so many flavors this year.  There used to be only yellow and pink... but now there are tons of colors.  We picked out the white package that was the 'mystery' flavors.  Oh boy were they mysterious.  Salty. Sweet. Tangy. Tart.... Cailee's face says it all!! They were so gross!!  They didn't even want to eat the ears.  They just pulled them off and dropped them in a bag ahaha  Love it!

The poor bunnies.  The bottom pictures show a pile of earless rabbits.  And Brookie is holding the baggie full of severed ears.  Morbid?  Why yes, yes it is. We are going to mail those ears to my mom.  And if she reads my blog before she gets the package, then she can anticipate the package coming from her loving grandkids.  ahahaha Love you mom!!

~Day 2• 88: Still smiling!

Goofy girls. After Cailee woke up from a four hour nap, she had quite the hairdo. Brooks needed to get in on the goofy faces, too.

Cailee didn't feel well today, so I kept her home from church. She was still all smiles today! After that four hour nap, she is now in bed at 8, ready to go back to sleep. She really doesn't feel good. Poor thing. I hope there is no fever in the morning so she can go to school. I wish she wasn't always sick. 

~Day 2• 87: Helpers, Heat and Halls

These little helpers were great this morning.  Our family was assigned to be in charge of cleaning the church this morning.  It was supposed to be us and 4 other families.  Only one other fam showed up, so I'm a little annoyed.  It's a large building!  Nick was with Ashton at a huge scouting event, so it was just me and the girls.  These little beauties helped a lot.  I think they had the most fun using the huge vacuum.  Brookie even volunteered to run from door to door to make sure they were locked.  Cailee actually said that cleaning was kind of fun. I wish they thought that about their own rooms.

After we finished cleaning the building, we went to the library and then headed out to get a bday gift for their sleepover with the little neighbor girl.  They were so excited to have a bday sleepover!  And I forgot to get a pic of them walking to the house.  They each had their sleeping bag carrying bag on their backs, filled with the sleeping bag, jammies, blanket and loved animals they can't sleep without.  They were so cute walking together!  I wish I got a pic!

Ashton had a full morning.  He and Nick headed to the Riparian Reserve for some scout stuff.  They were working on all sorts of achievements.  There was only one leader from Ashton's troop that went, so Nick volunteered to go, too.  I understand it was pretty warm outside today.  The girls and I spent most of the time indoors.  I'm missing the cooler weather.  We are getting too hot too fast.  Ashton had fun and I love his smile!

Rhapsody in Blue at Symphony Hall!  So much fun!  Linda and I went to see the Phoenix Symphony perform a bunch of music by George Gershwin.  It was really good!  A singer performed a bunch of the lyrical music, and they did some orchestral works, but the highlight was the piano version of Rhapsody in Blue.  The pianist was phenomenal!  It was excellent!

Linda and I started out at Chili's for dinner... the food shot is the only thing I got from the restaurant.  then we had to hurry our behinds to symphony hall.  We barely made it!  We sat down in our seats at 7:25... the concert started at 7:30.  We cut it way too close!!  It was a very fun night.  I can't wait for the next one!

~Day 2• 86: Pizza Party !

Cailee earned a pizza party today. But it started out with her needing a breathing treatment. Poor thing. But then the pizza came and the movie and root beer floats!

We got the movie Big Hero 6. It was just Ashton and Cailee tonight. Brookie was a the same movie at the school. The kids were excited for the party. Cailee especially. She worked hard for it!

Brookie went with her friend Bridgett tonight  to the movie. These two have so much fun together!!

And I just liked the way the glass looked after I poured the root beer after the ice cream.  It was a fun night!

~Day 2• 85: I have no description for today.

This little Bean likes to jump in the elevator and climb on railings. She is a regular monkey. And a cute monkey. 

Bunco night! As always, it's so much fun! I really need this once a month. These ladies are a lot of fun. I'm already looking forward to next month! 

And I really can't think of a description for today. Feel free to make up your own. 

~Day 2• 84: Heaven welcomed home an angel today

Early this morning, my grandpa LaVere A. Campbell (Bud) left this life for a better one.  My mom and I wondered aloud about how the reunion went with my grandma (my mom's parents).  We could hear grandma's unique voice welcoming him home.  And possibly asking why it took him so long to come be with her.  We smiled at that and know the meeting was a happy one.  They have waited nearly 10 years to be together.  They are both whole and healthy.  What a special moment that must have been.  (oh, and I stole the above pictures.  Mine are buried somewhere.  So thanks to Neil and Cami for your photos you didn't know I stole)

He was a very remarkable man. As long as I can remember, he was usually tinkering with something.  He was fixing cars, building something, fixing something, playing with the grand kids, helping grandma around the house, creating art out of wood.  I remember his collection of VHS tapes.  Yankee Workshop I think it was.  He would record hours of video and then learn to make some of the most beautiful pieces.  I have several shelves hanging in my house that he made.  My mom has some of his pieces in her house.  I know my brothers helped him build things and use some of the many tools he had down in his shop.  What a special thing to have to remember him by.  

I remember the summers spent with him and my grandma.  And the school breaks.  We would go stay with them for a few days while mom and dad got a break.  There was the annual South Fork river tubing trip.  We looked forward to that so much.  It was the highlight of our summer.  He would spend hours getting the rubber tire tubes ready for us to take them down the river.  He would spend hours finding the holes and patching them.  He would drive us up to the drop off and come pick us up from the bottom of the river.  He would even get in the river and play with us.  

I remember his riding lawn mowers.  We didn't have a riding mower at home, so this was extra fun for us.  Occasionally we would actually mow the lawn, but most of the time we just drove them all over the hug yard.  We would climb the apricot trees in his back yard.  Swing on the huge swing he created back there.  Pick raspberries  from the many bushes that grew on their property.  (those were mainly grandma's I think, but he kept them up and I always associate raspberries with their home) 

I also remember him reading.  When he needed some down time, he would sit in his chair, try to find his reading glasses (he had probably 20 pair around the house, and sometimes he couldn't find any of them.  I smile at that thought)  But he would sit and read books.  Sometimes very large books.  He seemed to always want to learn.  But I know he enjoyed relaxing when he could.  

I remember his smile.  His sense of humor.  I remember that he had a drawer in the kitchen where he hid his treats... he had diabetes, so he wasn't supposed to have sugar, but I know he had his stash.  I'm sure a lot was sugar free, but I know some also was not.  And I remember grandma getting after him for it. :) I remember he had a big barrel chest and we would try to hit him in the gut as hard as we could.  We usually ended up hurt. :)  I remember the Atari and the old computer with the huge floppy disks and the pool table in the basement.  He let us have free reign and made sure they all worked.

I also vividly remember the time I was sitting at the top of his driveway in North Ogden, right on the neighbors yard line to the south.  I was probably 7-8.  He told me to come inside and I refused to.  He nicely told me to come in again.  Of course I was stubborn and said no. I remember he did get really angry, but that was always a rare sight.  He would lose his temper like anyone, but I don't remember any other time when he was super angry.  He was always loving and giving of his time.

It's always hard to lose a loved one. But it's also a part of life.  Growing older is inevitable and sometimes it's hard to watch.  I did not watch first hand as my grandpa Bud grew older.  I did not watch first hand his daily struggles.  I did not watch first hand as my dear cousin took him into her home and cared for him, till the very end.  It takes a very special person to do what she and her family did.  I know I wouldn't have been able to do it.  I know he passed away happy.  I know he was comfortable.  I know he was loved by so many.  I knew this because of the stories I heard and the pictures I saw.  

She was able to experience a grandpa I really didn't know because of his old age and health issues.  Just like she wasn't able to experience much of the grandpa I knew because she lived far away when we were young.  But what wonderful experiences we both have to remember.  We will both have tender memories to think of often. Nothing will take away those memories.  Nothing will ever replace him in our hearts.  I look forward to the day when I can see him again, and my grandma again, and sit and talk to them and remember the 'old days.'  Maybe I missed a chance to talk with him these last few years while he was still alive, even though he was not the same man I knew.  Do I regret it?  I think I will for awhile, but at the same time, I know he wasn't the grandpa I knew and I also know I lived very far away from him and it wasn't feasible to get out there.  I'm writing this mainly for myself.  Time went so fast and before I knew it, it was gone.  I think people get so caught up in their lives that they have tunnel vision and don't think about what is outside their own lives.  I know this is what happened.  I really shouldn't look back because you can't change the past.  So I will look forward to the day when I can hug him again and tell him in person how much I really do love him.  I look forward to heading north in the very near future to spend time with my family and celebrate his life.  

Heaven welcomed home a truly remarkable angel today.  I know grandma welcomed him with open arms and I know he must have been so happy to see her again.  As I sit here with tears streaming down my face, I know they are a mixture of happy and sad tears.  I'm usually emotional anyway... I think I'm going to be emotional enough for all my siblings.  And I better stop writing my novel.  As I sat here, the memories just kept coming and I want to make sure I have this written down.  I want my kids to read this later and get to see a small portion of the man I knew and loved.  I love you grandpa, Bud.  You are missed, but we will meet again.

~Day 2• 83: Friends! And pie!

Visiting teaching is fabulous! Especially when we get together and talk forever. Oh, and the pie was good too :) hmm. And no, I did not take the picture. Arms are too short. Vertically challenged. Fun. 

~Day 2• 82: Oh, these girls

Cailee dressed herself today. She really loves her bluish animal print pants and will wear them with anything. I had her change the pants before she left the house.  The goof. And Brookie needed a picture before school. She loves pictures!  Silly girls. 

~Day 2• 81: This is taking forever. When will this be over?

I saw a video posted on Facebook that showed an easy way to re-cover a pillow, no sewing necessary. (just what I need) I took the girls to Goodwill yesterday in search of pillows.  We found a bunch and they were excited.  I had a bunch of material they could choose from and they had a good time covering their very own pillows. They did a good job!  (and of course Cailee had to have her 'bunny ears' in the picture, too.  Silly)

Cailee has a special reason to have her pillow.  She was excited to finish putting it together so she can use it.  She wanted to use it so badly, that she blurted out to our Home Teacher who came to visit, "This is taking forever.  When will this be over?"  Cailee!! Nick and I couldn't believe what came out of her mouth! Really?!? Yes, she is six.  But still!! You don't ever say that to anyone.  We had a little talk.  Jeez...

I wanted to do some pillows, too.  So I did.  They are actually so easy and so fun.  Too bad I don't really have an excuse to make more... I guess I can become the crazy pillow lady, instead of the crazy cat lady.  Nick hates cats.  So pillows it is..

~Day 2• 80: I love 'no-plans' days.

Today was rare.  There was nothing planned.  Not a thing.  It was great.  I should have stayed home and caught up on the house, but I chose to spend the day with the girls.  Nick had Ashton, so it was natural I had the girls.  We started at Goodwill. (yes, I admit that I love that store) We were looking for pillows we can re-cover for a project. We got distracted after we found some and came across some roller blades.  Bought two pairs for $6.  Can't argue with that deal.  The pictures above are at a mall before we headed to the movie theater.  We went in search of a new hat for Cailee.  We found one, and it is pink.  Score.  Oh, and the girls LOVE the escalator.  Not sure what draws them to it... but they love it.

Nick had Ashton out helping kill weeds this morning.  Then they were off to redeem his bday gift.  He was a great helper today.

And my friend sent me a picture of Ashton getting his award yesterday.  Her son is best friends with Ashton and she was able to go to the award assembly.  So glad she sent me the pic!

Ashton received a GameWorks pass for his bday in January.  He and Nick went to use it today.  He said he had a lot of fun!  He also got to have spicy wings for lunch.  So he was a happy little man!

More mall fun.. I made the girls run around a pillar before we went to the movie.  They had some steam to run off, especially after we got off the elevator... goofs.

We decided to go see "Into The Woods" today.  It was a good movie!  Even Cailee liked it.  I think it was a little long for her, but she still enjoyed it.  There is a large fake turtle outside the theater, so of course I made the girls sit on it for a picture.

There is a cool fountain at the mall where the theater was.   The girls were excited when they saw a rainbow in the bottom middle picture.  The spray from the water felt really good.  There was also ramps and stairs.  The girls had fun running around a little.  Cailee stopped on the top ramp and asked for a photo shoot.  I obliged her.  Cute monkeys.

The first thing these kids wanted to do when we got home was put on the roller blades and try them out.  They are very new at this, but they did pretty well!  I think if they keep at it, they will get it down pretty quickly.

And Cailee was outfitted with Nick's sunglasses tonight.  She showed him her new hat, so he helped finish the look with his glasses.  She looks like a trucker... silly Beans.

I think we all had a good day today.  Everyone is worn out, including me.  Not sure I will make it much longer before I head to bed.  Love my little fam!

~Day 2• 79: Caught with character!

Today was award day at for the third quarter of school.  The girls each received a 'character counts' award because they were 'Caught with Character.'  Only one person from each class is nominated for this award per quarter.  There are six character traits the students can be singled out for: Trustworthiness, Respect, Fairness, Caring, Citizenship, and Responsibility.

Good job girls!

Beans received the 'Citizenship' award.  This is for being a good citizen and helping out in her classroom... I don't remember the whole definition, but she must have done a great job to be recognized out of the whole class.  Way to go Cailee!

Brookie received the 'Responsibility' award.  Not surprising!  She has been working hard to be responsible with her school work.  She had a rough start to the year.  I'm so glad to see her hard work has paid off!

Ashton received an award today, too.  He is on the Honor Roll again!  Good job bud!  I wasn't able to attend his assembly, but I went to the last one for his 2nd quarter Honor Roll award.  Good job Ashton! He is working hard!  I'm very proud of my little Scorpions!  Love these kiddos!

~Day 2• 78: I Really Don't Like...

...sponge bob. We had a free game rental from redbox yesterday. Ashton picked out a game that all three kids would enjoy. And they had fun! Cailee couldn't sit still. She was constantly jumping up and down because she was so excited. At least they were getting along. Five minutes earlier they were at each other's throats. 

~Day 2• 77: rainy day experiments

Brookie experienced the pastry cutter for the first time today.  We were making apple crisp and had to 'cut' the butter into the flour and sugar. She liked it I think. She also liked using the apple slicer. She was a good helper. 

And this little bean... Nick got home from work today and noticed the red cups set up around the yard. He knew right away it was Cailee.  When asked why she did it, she said she was catching rain. Because she wanted to. Most of the cups were full... We got quite a bit of rain today. It felt good and cool. Just the way it should be this time of year.  

These cuties sure are fun. 

~Day 2• 76: should have known better...

Green. Pancakes. Yeah... Not such a good idea. They were edible. The kids liked them. Not sure I did lol

And thanks Rina for the cookies. She wasn't  in the office today and someone left them on her desk. I let her know. Then basically told her I was taking them home to my kids. My kids thank her! It got me out of making green cookies myself. The box ones were at least edible. 

~Day 2• 75: Anniversary ice cream bribery

DQ had an Anniversary today. And they celebrated by giving away free ice cream cones. I told the kids we would go if they picked up their rooms before I got home from work. They did ok. So we went. Spoileds.

~Day 2• 74: That is NOT our garage...

Cailee is funny.  She likes to dress herself.  She received this cute dress yesterday and loved it.  So she put it on.  She also loved the new striped socks.  So she put those on, too.  She has new cute sandals now as well.  Of course those went on too.  She looks fabulous!  We will work on her matching... soon.

Today the girls said they just went outside in the front yard.  They don't play with friends on Sundays.  I'm sure they didn't think we would find out that they went across the street.  But they took my phone outside with them. Well, if you are going to sneak around, don't take pictures of yourselves in someone else's garage!  duh. I'm going to look on my phone and I'm going to see you are NOT in our garage.  Keep trying sneaky kids.  I'm not going to give you sneak lessons tho...

~Day 2• 73: Growing up

Six months old?  No way.  This cute little man is really that old.  He had a photo shoot with uncle Nick to celebrate.  JJ wasn't in the smiling mood tho... but it was sure fun to see him.  He started getting fussy and of course I had to pick him up.  I know, you aren't supposed to rush and pick up a fussy baby, but JJ needed some spoiling from his auntie.  Sure loved getting snuggles from this guy.

We tried taking him outside. Alissa and Nick were trying different angles to coax a smile out of him.

I haven't seen any of the finished pictures yet.  But I hope JJ's shots turn out better then his dad's shot...

Today was a beautiful day.  Nick went out golfing with Alissa and John, and Jim.  The girls spent most of the day outside.  Ashton was out for a bit, but I missed the photo opp.  Brookie was borrowing her friend's roller blades and informed me she wants her own.  Not sure how I feel about that... broken bones and BrookLynn don't mix.  She has found that out the hard way.  I can see roller blades helping her meet the concrete...

No, this isn't my laundry pile.  Well, yes it is.  My sweet friend completed her project today and just dropped of a bunch of hand-me-downs for the girls. She went through her daughter's clothes and delivered them to us.  Her daughter is growing out of some things.   I'm all for hand-me-downs!  And these clothes are very cute!  Now I have a project of my own: to go through the girls stuff and give someone else some hand-me-downs.  The girls' will be very excited when they wake up!  Thanks Lorelei!

~Day 2• 72: Oh crap! I lost a year...

Have you ever had yourself convinced of something, only to find out it was really, really wrong?  I discovered this today while I was at lunch with my coworker and friend, Janell.  We were at Paradise Bakery and somehow we got on the subject of age.  I kind of enjoy telling people I am getting close to 40.  They look shocked a lot of times; probably because I'm so mature and really act my age (not).  I have enjoyed it till now because I realized I have been telling people I am turning 37 this year... which is a lie.  I'm turning 38.  Happy day.  I just lost a year of my life.  I didn't feel old, but I think the senility is already setting in.  A whole year?!  I'm not blonde... at all...

Tonight I went for some pie with my friend Theresa.  It was yummy, but the company and conversation was much better!  I had a great time sitting and talking about anything and everything... Especially about the logic of some of our children.  We sure had some great stories to tell.  Then we sat out in front of my house for about and hour... still talking.  I so love these experiences.  I think it is therapeutic for both people.  Just relax and let whatever out that is bothering us, not bothering us... whatever.  It was a nice day today!

~Day 2• 71: I just don't know...

I don't know how that eyeliner pencil jumped into the sharpener. I don't know how it twisted and made those shavings. I don't know how that brown stuff got all over the counter or on the hair tie. I don't know how the tip broke. I don't know how the brown stuff got all down the one side of the lid. I just don't know. 

Oh... You figured out it was me? Yeah. I did that. I don't know why. I'm grounded from the iPad today? But mostly because you are upset that I lied to you? So next time I get into your makeup you won't be mad if I tell you about it? Ok... The rest of your makeup will be ruined tomorrow. You are welcome. 

Thank you. 

Love ,

Cailee. 

(If you need an explanation about what happened.... I'll tell you when I'm not so mad)

I  was hanging out at the stake family history center tonight. It was our ward's night to be there to help anyone who wanted to come in. One gentleman came in and was working on indexing names. He had some fun life stories to tell. I also found one person to do some deep research for. And I  found one lady named Nancy who did not have ANY predecessors. Her line was blank. I'm excited to research this line and find more ancestors. Family history is very fascinating. 

~Day 2• 70: relaxin'

Brookie was lounging after a hard day of playing.  Even after playing and acting tired, she still lies there and moves her legs up and down, side to side. Always moving.  Once she jumped into bed, she was out pretty fast. 

It's hard being a kid. 

~Day 2• 69: You had one job to do...Shar.

Great start to the day today.  The kids were playing quietly, and nicely, together.  They were playing Minecraft, of course.  Cailee had a doctor appointment today.  So she dressed herself.  I couldn't take the leopard pants and orange polka dot shirt.  So she came out in the pink skirt and orange polka dot shirt.  I couldn't handle that either, so I had her put on the blue shirt (since it looked very similar to orange polka dot shirt)  I could handle the blue and pink better.  So that's how we went to the doc.  We found the book "If you give a pig a pancake" in the doctor office. She was in 7th heaven, and it made the appointment easier.  Then we were off to north Phoenix to see my little brother, Loren!  I made the kids take a selfie in the back seat...the love it when I make them take pictures.

We met in north Phoenix at a Chick-fil-a.  (Phoenix is quite large, and it took us about an hour to get there) The kiddos were happy to get out of the car.  There was a wall in some shade and the kids had fun playing on it while we waited for Loren and Shireena to arrive.  The girls decided to use the tree as a kind of rope swing.  It was a little warm today... mid-80's.  ick.  the shade was nice.

Yay!!!  Loren and Shireena arrived safely from Alaska!!  They made a special trip in this direction to see me!  So privileged!  My grandpa's health is not too good right now.  They bought plane tickets that flew into Las Vegas.  They were heading up to Utah and Colorado, so they came my direction.  It was cheaper for them to fly to Vegas and rent a car, than to fly into one of the major cities where family lives.  So I benefited from a cheap flight!  I'm so glad.  I have not seen them for at least 2.5 years.  I drove north to them, trying to shave off 2 hours of drive time for them.  So worth it!  The kids had fun playing in the play area, eating ice cream, and talking to the aunt and uncle they rarely see.  We parked ourselves in there for about two hours. Shireena was great as she listened intently to Ashton's stories.  Brookie kept dancing in the window.  Cailee hid from the Chick-fil-a Cow mascot... It was nice to sit and talk!

After a late lunch, my job was to drive us to the Phoenix Temple, which was about 10 minutes away from the restaurant.  Yup.  I had one job to do.  I even had google maps on my phone telling me where to go.  I still made a few detours through a couple of neighborhoods.  Just trying to give the Alaskans a tour of beautiful Phoenix... holy crap.  It's kind of a joke in my family that we girls (3 of us...all natural blonds and proud of it) get lost.  Even with the most explicit directions.  We find a way to get lost.  Typical of me today.  I got lost, but made it look easy.  I didn't get stuck in one dead end. Yay me.

We had a nice time looking around and trying not to play in the fountains. This temple really is beautiful.

I have not been to the Phoenix Temple yet.  Each temple built has a specific theme that shows up in the architecture.  I didn't know this until the Gilbert Temple was built.  Each temple shows something of the native area.  Gilbert Temple is full of the Agave plant.  You can see it in the stained glass windows, the carpentry and all over the building.  The Phoenix Temple has what looks like a species of the Aloe Vera plant.  There is a red flower that is growing out of the center of the green stems.  (bottom left picture)  The plants around the temple really are lovely.  Shireena was trying to get a bug's view of the building.  I'm not sure how her shot turned out, but mine turned out nice haha

They were planning on driving 13 hours straight through to the Denver area tonight.  They were going to trade off driving.  That's why I drove to them, to save them some road time.  So we camped out at the church next door to the temple for a little while.  It gave me a chance to talk more with them and hear first hand how things were going.  I think it was a very selfish reason that I wanted them to stick around for awhile.  The kids had fun sitting with us for awhile.  I came prepared with a big blanket and snacks.  I made sure the kids brought some books and toys to keep them occupied because I didn't want to leave early because they were bored.  Shireena was great and was playing with the kids, too.  They had fun running around the parking lot and playing on actual soft, green grass. (we don't have grass at our house)

The longer we sat there, the more tired Loren and Shireena were looking.  They decided it would be safer if they slept for awhile and woke up early to drive.  So I held them hostage at my house.  We drove the hour to my house, kicked Ashton out of his bed, and put them up for the night.  I feel bad that we could have ended up here all afternoon instead of hanging out where we could find space up north, but I'm so glad I had so much time with them.

I'm sad that it will probably be another 2.5 years before I see them again.  But what a wonderful surprise I got yesterday when Loren said they were coming to see me.  I couldn't have asked for a better gift.  I sure love my 'spot.'  He's the only one who is allowed to call me 'Stubby' and get away with it  Anyone else would lose some kneecaps.  And I think he might cut out the tongue of anyone who calls him 'Spot,' besides me.  (a story for another time) I think I have a special bond with all my siblings.  Each one is different.  I'm the oldest of five, and at times I feel very protective of all of them, even though we are all adults now.  I sure love them all and miss them all the time.  It's hard living so far away from my family, so when I get to see them, I try to hog as much precious time as I can for purely selfish reasons.  I have one job to do when I'm around them: to get my fill of them until we meet again. I love you Madsen kids.