2011 Facebook Updates....

January 1, 2011 - Hickory is out of "intensive care" and downgraded to "hospitalization". Whoo-hoo!!! We MAY be able to get him tomorrow....if he keeps keeping his food down. Thank you all SO MUCH for the prayers for our little puppy!

January 2, 2011 - was wondering where all the 18 month jammies were when I went looking for them for Jadelyn to wear. I figured we just didn't have many, because Ruby and Isaac slept in onesies around that size. Well, I found out today where they are. Any guesses? Yup, Ruby's still wearing 'em. At age 4. Well, she's gonna have to start sharing with her baby sister...

January 3, 2011 - Hickory is HOME!!! And spunky as all get out. We are so very thankful. The kids have so far handled his energy with much more patience than the past. We'll see how long that lasts...

January 3, 2011 - today Ruby wanted to pray for Jadelyn after a hitting/screaming tantrum. The prayer went something like this (it's been a while, and it's been a rough day, so my brain is EXTRA fried), "Dear Jesus, Please help Jadelyn give her temper away. Help her to give it to you, 'cause you're the best one. We love you Jesus. Amen." May she give it away SOON, Ruby!

January 6, 2011 - just wonders is anyone else's four-year-olds ask you to read them nutritional information about what they are consuming. Lettuce, cauliflower, broccoli, sunflower seeds, rice, tomatoes, etc., etc., etc. My kids are turning out to be nerds like their Mom. =O RUN FOR THE HILLS!!!  We have a book with the nutritional information on many things, and the kids listen with rapt attention as I spout off what vitamins are in what. They LOVE their vitamins! (And this handy dandy book - along with a reminder that Uncle William eats spinach smoothies - has convinced Isaac (on one occasion, at least) to gobble down his spinach like a turkey. Get it? Turkey? Gobble, gobble? Oh, I digress...=P)

January 6, 2011 - has two happy as a lark four-year-olds cleaning mud from their boots with vinegar water and rags and a happy-as-a-lark 18-month-old who signs "eat" whenever she sees a picture of food. Guess I should have tried these entertainments this morning when they were anything BUT "happy-as-a-lark". 

January 6, 2011 - haircut notables by Isaac Dickerson: (kinda laughingly) "I shoulda been a girl, 'cause then I wouldn't have to get my hair cut as much" and he can tell his hair doesn't have a brain, 'cause it doesn't move. But he can move his hair. His hair just can't move itself. Or something like that. I mean, this happened like 10 minutes ago, and you expect me to remember?!?!?

January 6, 2011 - was listening to the youngest toilet seat up or down argument that I've ever heard. The battle apparently starts at 4 years-old. At least in this house.

January 7, 2011 - absolutely LOVES that Jadelyn learned to ask for kisses today. Gunk on the head? Walk to Mommy with funny fish puckers, and all the hurt goes away. I love being a hero. 

January 8, 2011 - Isaac apparently REALLY likes Jadelyn's hair in pigtails. The other day, he commented that it looked really nice, and today, he told her that she was "handsome". I love that little fella!

January 9, 2011 - is raising the youngest stalker ever. Isaac wants to go to the propane guys' house to ask them how they fill up their truck with propane. I said that I don't know where they live. Isaac's response? "We can follow them when they come to give us gas". Great.

January 10, 2011 - this morning, Isaac decided to get dressed in the living room instead of his bedroom because there was something "scary" in his room. Upon questioning, I learned that he did not see or hear anything scary. "I just felt it with my ears". Interesting. 

January 10, 2011 - Tonight, there was much loud, frantic screaming coming from the back bedroom. Culprit? Ruby Jean. Reason? Her nose was bleeding. Why? She ran into the wall, because she didn't "realize" it was there. Or didn't "realize" that her nose was bleeding. Or something. Is it bad that I had a hard time not laughing at my hysterical bloody-nosed daughter? Gotta watch out for them walls.  Don't worry, I asked her if she was crying because she was hurt or scared - when she first said she ran into the wall, I thought maybe she broke her nose or something. Nope. Just scared...

January 13, 2011 - had a cuddly naptime on the couch with Jadelyn this morning. Anyone want to guess what Jadelyn wanted to cuddle with? Cracked me up. - "The Desire of Ages"

January 14, 2011 - enjoyed the conversation between Ruby and Isaac about Isaac's baby's surgery. Apparently the little booger swallowed a bunny. Ruby was very thorough in her questioning, and it seems the baby has fur around it's mouth. Also, prayer was had about the baby. And Ruby and Isaac were holding hands while walking and talking animatedly about it. Love it! 

January 17, 2011 - this morning when getting the kids up, Isaac informed me that he had a "scary" dream. A chicken came and told him that a tornado storm was coming. Yeah, the talking chicken would scare me, too! =O Oh, and then the tornado took out the chicken shed, but the chickens were okay - they hid with us. 

January 17, 2011 - i miss Kim who must still be logged onto this work laptop of mine. Love you Buddy! -David

January 17, 2011 - had surgery done on myself tonight by Dr. "Clumsey" and Dr. "Clumsey". Doesn't do much to inspire the confidence of the patient, huh? =O Ruby says they're married, Isaac says they're twins. I certainly hope they're not BOTH...=O

January 18, 2011 - is KNOWING that David is thinking of her and hacking into her facebook again! now david will logout so he can make a facebook page for The Rock! Love you honey!!! -davidickerson

January 18, 2011 - really needs to find tights that will stay on Ruby. (She's super skinny and Wal-Mart is failing us - yes, I'm cheap). Any suggestions?

January 18, 2011 - is quite sure that I just heard a mouse scratching around - WHERE IS DAVID WHEN I NEED HIM?!?!?!?! Yikes. I'm such a wimp.  We had a mouse in our first house. David caught it with a live trap, and then when I went to work that evening, let it go to see if our new kitten would catch it - it didn't. =P Then, in our house in Arkansas, there was a mouse that ran through the kitchen while I was in there. I was sitting on the chair with my feet up screaming for David. =) THEN there as a mouse under the painting plastic the previous renters had there, and I left the house while David disposed of it by dropping a paint can on it. Yuck. Oh, and then he caught some in traps, too. When I heard the traps go off, I wouldn't go out in that part of the house until David took care of them (at least I would attempt not to...) Yeah. That house was a DUMP when we moved in. And OLD and yeah, apparently there was lots of ways for mice to get in. Or at least one good way that we didn't block up. =P Then there was the mouse in Cicero that scared Ruby so bad that she screamed and screamed and screamed about how there was something that looked like a dog, only it wasn't a dog and it was looking at her and moving it's head or something. Yeah. The people who lived HERE before us said there was no mice, but we shall see. =P What in the world is it about mice that's so scary, anyways? I don't know, but I have the fear!

January 18, 2011 - is exhausted and bummed that David won't be home tonight like we thought. Tracy, I just don't know how you do it. You are a much better woman than I! (And this is only the second day/night he's been gone...) 

January 20, 2011 - cannot believe how emotionally wiped I am after being at the doctor's office for over 2 hours this morning. Ruby's shots really hurt her, and she is having a hard time walking. Good thing the kids were champs, or I'd be MORE wiped! Now to go visit a "eye doctor" for Ruby and Isaac, a "foot doctor" for Isaac, a "hip doctor" for Ruby, and an "exercise doctor" for both. Moving stinks.

January 21, 2011 - loves days when the kids are friends. They've had a lot of those days this week. That is good.  Today, Isaac was helping Ruby out in any way he could - making her bed, putting her jammies in the dirty laundry, getting and putting away markers/crayons, helping her up on her bed when she needed to go for a "break", etc., etc., etc. because Ruby "hurts so bad" (Isaac's words, I believe) from her shots yesterday. That child is limping and grimacing and has a fever. =( Probably didn't help that she was trying to kick her SERIOUSLY SKINNY LEG when getting her shots. =P Crazy gal.  Oh! I forgot to mention that he drew her a sweet-lookin' "picture" (aka random colors spread around on a sheet of paper). Of course, she asked him to draw it because she felt bad. Ha. Guess she knows how to ask what she wants! =P

January 26, 2011 - spent some fun time outside today. Isaac's been wanting to build a snowman for MONTHS, but the snow is never right. Today, it was! So, we built that long-desired snowman. Let me rephrase. I built the snowman, while Isaac and Ruby rolled random snowballs and Jadelyn added strange tumor bumps to the snowman. Isaac did put on the nose and eyes, though, and with the strange tumor bumps...well, we can say it was a team project!!!  Oh, and a side note...we had to lock Hickory up while building the snowman, 'cause he was so excited he couldn't keep himself from biting. When we let him out again, he barked and barked and barked and barked and...well, you get the idea...at the snowman. Well, not directly AT it, but I'm pretty sure that's what was going on. Good thing he got over it. I thought for a while that I might have to knock the thing down so he would quit barking. =O And my snowpants need to be waterproofed. Yup.

January 27, 2011 - well, Isaac sure knows how to get out of having his immunizations! Last week he had a fever, and today we had to cancel the appointment 'cause he threw up last night. Sure hope he gets over this soon so we can ENJOY Florida!!! Poor fella...

January 28, 2011 - wonders where I have gone. You know, the perfectionistic clean-freak. I spent all morning cleaning (oh, guess I still AM a clean-freak), but then when Ruby and I were out hauling wood, Isaac and Jadelyn were in their snowsuits stomping through, and kneeling in, the big mud puddle in front of the house.  Then, it was time to go in (to eat lunch and wash those nasty snowsuits), and in a final moment of glory, Jadelyn fell down and couldn't get up. Gallant Isaac went to rescue her, but she fell down on her side. Oh, well. (That's the part of me that I'm not used to - the "oh, well Kim". I kinda like her. =D) So, does anyone know where mud suits are sold? I kinda need a few...

February 8, 2011 - has a crazy toddler who laid face-down in the snow today to eat it. She would sometimes get up for air, and then go right back at it. Happy all the time. Crazy kid.

February 9, 2011 - is glad that the kids all took a break from their incessant meltdowns today while at Wal-Mart. And PART of the doctor's visit. Oh, may they all take a nice, LONG nap...

February 10, 2011 - last night, David went to get the eggs from the chicken shed, and two dogs were in our yard. One has come by several times before, and seems like a nice dog. Anyways, they were about 30 feet or so away. Then, one of them started circling quietly behind David, and he thought, "that's like what wolves do". And when he turned around, the white dog was about 4 feet behind him baring his teeth and growling. Crazy David said he felt like it was as dream, but then realized it was real life and he should probably do something, so he yelled as loud as he could, and dog went away. Hope that dog

February 10, 2011 - really despises insurance. Well, I mean, I like it and all (so I don't go broke =P) but I wish that I didn't have to go broke if I went to an out-of-network provider. 2 of the 3 doctors I was referred to are out-of-network, so I gotta try to find ones that are IN network to get referred to and then wait and wait to get an appointment. Wish I would've checked on the "in-network" thing like a month ago...

February 11, 2011 - is this day over yet? 

February 13, 2011 - was helping David organize the barn tonight. It came to an end because it was too late. However, the nail poking through my shoe and the skeleton-still-covered-with-skin-RAT didn't help my desire to stay longer. Gross.

February 14, 2011 - legs were briefly turned into a slide much to the amusement of three little kiddos. Crazy kids.

February 15, 2011 - is SO glad that I don't have to bring the kids back to the opthamologist for another year. Don't need or want to repeat the day's drama for a long, LONG time...

February 23, 2011 - is taking a break from Facebook (can't tell, 'eh? =P), but thought I'd get on to post a quick update from our incredibly LONG doctor's visit today. Ruby's hips are a bit further out than they should be and have to continue to be monitored. The x-rays from last summer weren't at the new doctor's yet, but when they come in, they are going to compare them and see if things are looking worse or the same.

February 28, 2011 - no longer has a peaceful bubbling creek, but a mad torrent of a raging river. Good thing I slipped in yesterday when it was still a peaceful bubbling creek instead of today! =O

March 3, 2011 - WHY DOES THAT CRITTER INSIST ON SCRATCHING AROUND IN MY BEDROOM WALL/CEILING?!?!?! Kept me awake for about an hour in the middle of the night last night (Well, morning, but you get the idea...) and it's going at it already. RAHHHHHH!!!

March 8, 2011 - enjoyed listening to a conversation that Ruby was having with her Grandma today. My favorite part? When Grandma pointed out that Ruby had two nostrils and asked what she used them for. Ruby answered, "to get boogers out of my nose". Crazy gal.

March 14, 2011 - the other day while outside, I heard Isaac making a very displeased noise about the dog. Checking on him, I found Isaac trying to lick Hickory. Why? Because "HE licked ME!" Must admit, I've never had that urge.

March 14, 2011 - farewell, my beloved broom. Thank you for your long service. And thank you for your final sacrifice - saving me from that little, baby cricket.

March 22, 2011 - This morning, the kids were discussing tornados. Since it's spring, Isaac thinks we're going to get a tornado almost every day. Anyways, they have different concerns about a tornado. Ruby wanted to know how she could grow up and get married if she got crashed in a tornado storm, and Isaac? Well, he wanted to know how he could get food to eat.

March 24, 2011 - oh beloved naptime...thank you for finally coming today. And lasting long enough that my children woke up happy.

March 27, 2011 - has a new nephew as of Friday. Eric Walter Verbrigghe, and he's a cutie!!! Way to go, Mark and Aliya! (I figured I could finally post this since you put pictures up now....=D)

March 27, 2011 - Ruby: "where's my pencil?" David: "I don't know. Am I your pencil's keeper?" Ruby: "yeah". David gives Ruby the pencil. Push-over.

March 27, 2011 - finally finished making a bib for Jadelyn...her last bib was biting the dust. Never made one of these before. Hope this thing lasts - it took forever! (like 3 hours. Good grief.)

March 28, 2011 - everyone has a different motivation for hiking. You know...to see what's around the next bend, get exercise, etc. Isaac's? To get to the next bench so he could sit down. And later, so he could eat. See, everyone's motivation is different! 

March 29, 2011 - FINALLY has supplies for the greenhouse, which I was supposed to have planted in over a month ago. =O Oh, well. Watch out. This is gonna be one AWESOME greenhouse. 

March 30, 2011 - Ruby and Isaac are being "missionaries" today by singing in the bathroom. I'd like these missionaries to visit me every day! 

March 30, 2011 - doctor was finally able to compare Ruby's hip x-ray from last June with the one taken this February. There is not any change (which is good), but there is some "uncoverage of the femural head" which may require surgery sometime in the future (which is bad). Anyways, it's good to know what's up! We've been trying to get those x-rays compared for just over a month. Yikes.

March 30, 2011 - is VERY thankful for those who share their knowledge and TIME with a intimidated Mom. Thanks, Francie!!! (Hey, I'm all high-tech now...that's the first time I've put a hyperlink in. Is that called a hyperlink? =O)

March 31, 2011 - heard what I believe to be Jadelyn's first prayer by herself. She was sitting on the couch, folded her hands and said, "thank you today. Maymen." Precious!

April 1, 2011 - The kids and I were talking about what we were going to grow in our garden, and I mentioned "basil". Isaac said something like, "we need to grow bagels in our garden, 'cause Ruby and Isaac like bagels". So...any ideas where to get bagel seeds? 

April 2, 2011 - was visited by the Amish neighbor man a little bit ago. He apparently found a pile of mail in and around the creek near our house, and brought our water bill to us. Guess someone is stealing people's mail and looking for money or something. Wonder how many bills I've missed. Lovely. "No, honestly, I never got the bill!" Or "no, honestly, I've never had a credit card with your company". Yikes.

April 3, 2011 - has FINALLY completed phase 1 of operation Greenhouse. Hoping to complete phases 2, 3, and FINITO today.

April 4, 2011 - dog tore up one side of our greenhouse this morning. So today, we went and bought new plastic...and a chain for the dog. Why do I feel so guilty about putting him on a chain?

April 4, 2011 - dog escaped from his chain and eventually from his fence, too. (I chained him up inside his fenced enclosure for double security. Ha ha.) Where did I find him? Over by the recovered greenhouse! RAH! That dog is an escape ARTIST!!! In other news, I just about finished up getting my seeds ordered. Yee-haw! Bring on the garden season!!! 

April 4, 2011 - kids are terrified of tornado storms. Nearly every time they hear thunder, they want me to check the weather to see if there is a tornado. I told them that they were "storm watchers". Ruby said they weren't. They are "storm hearers". Ooooh.

April 5, 2011 - wants to know who can pony up $800 per week for Physical Therapy appointments? I've been on the phone and on the phone and on the phone and there appears to be no alternative in sight. Well...I can drive like 55 miles one way to therapy. Might have to do that. RATS!

April 7, 2011 - is lovin' this weather, and my kids are too...it's showing in their MUCH improved attitudes. Guess I should've moved further south so we could have nice weather even MORE often. Ha. 
April 13, 2011 - Ruby told me at supper tonight that I "hooked her up" because she liked the food. Too bad she hardly ate any. 

April 14, 2011 - asked Jadelyn the other day if she was "poopie". (Yeah, nice term, I know...) Her response? "No. [I] Lynnie".

April 15, 2011 - it's a pretty well-known fact that Isaac often "kisses the ground" that Ruby walks on, and at lunch today, he took that a bit further - kissing her actual feet. Gross.

April 15, 2011 - got a phone call from the CFO of the hospital we're trying to get Physical Therapy through in response to a letter I sent out 2 days ago. That's right, hospital, you've unleashed the Mama Bear! Watch out! Yeah, whatever...I'm just trying to act tough

April 17, 2011 - has a true country gal in Lynnie. Today, she was sitting sideways in the dog house, all decked out in her mud boots, with the dog climbing on her. Both were eating (or at least tasting) dog food. Then, when I made her stop that, she came and pretended to sleep in the straw that I'm mulching the strawberries with. I love that little gal!

 

April 18, 2011 - Jadelyn was trying to get by Hickory today, and instead of the usual "no!" or "down!"; today, it was "'scuse me!"

 

April 19, 2011 - can't decide if it's disturbing or a good thing that my kids are so into trapping mice in the chicken shed. Oh, and what is it that makes dog food so delicious? We had a picnic tonight, and when we were done (and therefore should be full), I'm pretty sure that Jadelyn helped herself to some dog food. (Was watching out the window. Daddy was on duty. =D)

April 20, 2011 - talked to Mr. CFO man. I don't think we'll be able to afford going there, still, but I'm glad to know they do have some programs (we just probably won't qualify) and that they were willing to talk to me. Now to find some AFFORDABLE Physical Therapy...

April 21, 2011 - was practicing piano this morning. My little fella climbed up next to me and was singing softly as I played. Then, he put the play stethoscope backwards on me, stood behind me, and sang into the stethoscope, so his sweet little voice was singing right into my ears. Must admit...I practiced extra long today...

April 22, 2011 - wonders if it's a bad thing that I was looking at the clock and counting down 'til I could go to bed. And it was only 9:20am. Oh, dear...

April 24, 2011 - yesterday, Isaac wanted up on the bed, but forgot to use the word "please" in his request. When reminded of this fact, Isaac replied, "what's please?" (or something to that effect) in a very innocent tone. Oh, boy....does he have amnesia or something? =O

April 24, 2011 - David came in from burying the dead mice collection (yes, we had one =P) with the kids and informed me that Ruby is his hero. She moved 10 decomposing mice by the tail into the hole dug for them (with plastic gloves, and held at arm's length because they stunk). Sure didn't get that ability or desire from me! =O

April 25, 2011 - took Ruby and Isaac to registration for HeadStart today in hopes they can get Physical Therapy through them. We sat down at the first table, and the lady said something like, "so, you're all 4?" To which Ruby replied that she and Isaac were, "but Jadelyn's 1, and Daddy's 33, and Mommy's 30". No, Daddy wasn't even present, and yes, the lady was surprised. 

April 25, 2011 - wonders what is so very therapeutic about mowing the lawn with ear protectors and no young children. Ahhhh........

April 26, 2011 - just finished copying and pasting 593 pages of my Facebook profile into word so I can actually save the memories I've written down over the past several years. Took a while, and now I have to clean it up, but we'll get there someday! 

April 28, 2011 - wonders what has gotten into Ruby's system in the past few months...and how to get it OUT of her system....sigh....

April 29, 2011 - My voice of authority is failing me. That or the neighborhood dog that has chosen to come visit today is DUMB or deaf. He better just stinkin' leave my clothes on the clothesline. Peein' in my flower garden, and wagging his tail at me when I'm talking authoritatively and passively swinging a mop at him? Go home, dog!

May 2, 2011 - was mowin' in the rain with my I-see. Our yard now looks like a mud pit, but oh well. Can't rain on our parade!

May 2, 2011 - ai yai, yai. I just did some math on PT costs. (Do I sound obsessed or what? =P) Anyways, they wanted to charge us $41,600 per year for Ruby and Isaac to have one hour-long PT session per week. I looked at the average pay of PT's around here, and if we were only to pay for the PT and not overhead and such, our cost would be $3679.52 based on the highest average salary I found...

May 3, 2011 - David was singing "all we need is love", and Ruby just came over and whispered to me, "Daddy's crazy. He said all we need is love, but we" need more than that. I asked her what else she needed, and she said "we need energy". True that.

May 3, 2011 -  we got down to only having to pay 15% of the PT bills...still at $60 per hour or $120 per week. Almost double the amount that a PT in our area makes. Well, at least I finally have my answer! And it's a lot less than $800 per week. 

May 5, 2011 - gave in and went ahead and started tilling the mud pit...hoping the air/sunshine mix will help it dry out. This tiller is quicker than the old one, but still HEAVY as all get-out. Where's my Dad's old Kubota when you need it, anyways? 

May 5, 2011 - : apparently Jadelyn talks in her sleep. I just heard "Mommy!" coming from her room two times (a few minutes apart), so went to get her. She is sound asleep. Crazy thing is we just found Isaac sleep-talking a couple nights ago. We couldn't tell what he was saying, but he was mighty cute! 

May 6, 2011 - was asked by a very insistent Ruby tonight where the dog's medicine is. When I said I didn't know, she, gesturing with her hands said, well, "you're the worker", so I must've put it somewhere. Well, at least I now know what my official title is. "The worker". That's me!

May 9, 2011 - just got off the phone with David...a vehicle's brakes weren't working, and they crashed into the side of the nursing home. Leaving a 3 ft x 18 inch hole, but a crack around 6 ft. David estimated that they were going between 30 and 40 mph and said they went through a parking lot on their way to hitting the building.

May 9, 2011 - on our way back from playing in the creek tonight, Jadelyn and Ruby's mud boots were full of sloshing creek water. (Isaac stopped to empty his out, and in the process got a rock in one of 'em, which he needed Mommy's help with. But I digress...) Ruby had a hand trowel stuck in her boot, and Jadelyn had her hands stuck in her boots - playing in the water, of course.

May 17, 2011 - is overwhelmed after the first PT appointment with the kid's new "exercise doctors". How am I supposed to find about 2 hours a day to exercise these munchkins? Of course, if I DID manage to find that time, well, they'd be lean, mean, tough machines! (They're already lean and mean, so we'd just be working on the "tough" part.)

May 18, 2011 - chuckled at the following conversation: David: "I want you to be nice and quiet..." Ruby: "What's that?" Oh, my.

May 18, 2011 - : tonight, David informed Isaac that he was going to have to have a consequence for not obeying. Isaac quickly replied that he was going to run away. (Who knew it started so young? =P) Ruby then piped in, "I betcha that they'll catch ya!"

May 19, 2011 - : 9 years ago, I was getting ready to walk down the aisle. Happy Anniversary to my lovely David! (Yeah, I bet he's THRILLED to be called "lovely", but he is! =D)

May 19, 2011 - : well, the kids had a ball with their babysitter, and we had a ball without the kids. Good thing that David didn't hit the vehicle behind us in the Dairy Queen drive thru when he put the car in reverse instead of going forward. He thought he might have hit them, but he got out and checked with them and he hadn't. Maybe I'll have to be the designated driver. =O

May 20, 2011 - "Mom, did you know I love you so much...I feel like crying". - Ruby
"Am I super strong?" - Isaac to Ruby while playing. Alas, there was no response. 

May 20, 2011 - : apparently Jadelyn's dare-devilness wasn't diminished at all after riding her tricycle down the 5 steps on the back porch. Soon after, what do I find her doing? Riding Pucka's rocking horse with no hands.

May 22, 2011 - found a tick in Jadelyn's crib on her blanket when doing the before-bed-straighten-up tonight. Now I have a minor case of the creepy-crawlies....

May 23, 2011 - is super disappointed after our first PT session since leaving Indiana. Super disappointed. 

May 26, 2011 - : tree fell down on our barn, and I don't even know when...we've only had a little wind, nothing real bad. Huh. David noticed it tonight, but the only damage we've found so far is just a little dent in the very edge of the tin roof. Good thing, 'cause the things so old it can't be insured. At least I think that's the story. =O

June 21, 2011 - Had a great few days in Kentucky with Kim and her family. Now we are back home safe and sound. (By Tracy)

June 22, 2011 - Hannah told me this morning that she wants to stay at your house forever, 10 days, til Jesus comes (By Tracy)

July 13, 2011 - Yay! Going to the park for a picnic with Kim and 3 pretty cool kiddos So glad it has cooled off since yesterday! (By Hughes)

July 16, 2011 - Andrew is the only one who caught any. (By Tracy)


September 15, 2011 - I request your prayers in behalf of Ruby and her worried Mommy and Daddy. We're back to the orthopaedic surgeon's AGAIN tomorrow (we were there 3 weeks ago, and then two weeks ago were at a geneticist's) for more x-rays and a video. It's looking like surgery for Ruby's hips is looming. I know God is in control, and I covet prayers to cover my little Ruby.

September 16, 2011 - Packing for camping at Turkey Run with Kim and family!! (By Tracy)

September 21, 2011 - in reply to Tracy asking what we did with our extra day of vacation: Well, we just went to a hotel with a pool and HOT TUB (kids' favorite). Swam a little on Sunday night, and then a little more on Monday before hitting the road. We were gonna go to the Children's Museum, but the kids were way too tired and cranky. We were tired too, but not so cranky. =) They slept most of the way to Louisville. Then we hung out on the skywalk thing in Louisville for a couple hours on Monday. The kids loved the "tunnels" over and next to the roads, escalators, and glass-elevators (in a hotel that we visited...David had been there for meetings before and wanted to show us it's awesomeness.). David? He loved the food court that had Subway (for me), Taco Bell/KFC, Taipei Taiwan or something (for him), and Wendy's (for Frosties). I think he has decided that that is the best place EVER for eating out. =) How's THAT for a long-winded reply, you Tilt-a-whirl-rocker, you? =) I'm IMPRESSED, by the way...I think I'd have gotten SICK. Can't handle spinning post-kids. Wimp, I know. =P Okay, I should go. Love you!

October 5, 2011 - : Ruby update - no surgery for now at least. Geneticist doesn't need to see us back but thinks the hip subluxation problem is related to hypotonia. Being referred to a neurologist to find out any underlying cause of the hypotonia. Maybe we can just exercise her hip area muscles like crazy and avoid surgery? Thank you all for your prayers!

November 7, 2011 - is SO VERY proud of my Ruby who had 6-7 (or so?) vials of blood drawn today with just the slightest whimper when the needle first went in. This from the child that usually screams BLOODY MURDER when she (or one of her siblings) gets a shot. She nearly passed out afterward, but we got her fixed up. GO RUBY!!!!!

November 29, 2011 - Another 9 vials of blood for Ruby. She declared that she "wasn't brave" this time 'cause she cried a bit at the beginning. But quieting down after two vials or so and staying still on her own....I'm still impressed. Now we're in wait mode. If her tests come back positive, she'll have surgery on one hip, followed by 6 weeks in a cast, then surgery on the other hip, followed by 6 weeks in a cast. If the tests are negative, then it's 6 months in a cast. Just want to get it over already. 

 

December 4, 2011 - Please pray for my amazing Grandma. She's been battling cancer for a long time, and it now appears that the end is very close. Please pray for her peace and comfort, and the same for her 7 kids. I am so very blessed to have her as my Grandma. I love you, Grandma!

December 4, 2011 - My kids with Grandma - she had such patience with them, even when she was so weak and they have boundless energy. What a wonderful, wonderful lady.


December 4, 2011 - Just another picture of my amazingly strong and wonderful Grandma.


December 5, 2011 - Today we lost our matriarch, an incredible lady who was very much loved and will be very much missed. I love you, Grandma! You are inspiring, and I am so grateful that I have had the privilege of being your granddaughter.

December 11, 2011 - : today I asked Jadelyn what her name was. "Jadelyn", she responded. (Not "Nini!" =O) Then, I asked what her middle name was...pause...."Jadelyn", she responded. So I then asked her what her last name was...."hmmm..........stinky poo!" Oh, dear. Guess I should be more careful with my nicknames. =O

December 12, 2011 - Cannot believe it, but I now have two 5 year-olds. Crazy!!! =O Happy birthday, Ruby and Isaac!!!!!! I love you!

December 18, 2011 - My kids are growing up. Sniff, sniff....Jadelyn is in a big kid bed for the second night (Isaac slept in her crib last night, and Ruby is tonight - we haven't got her own big kid bed put up, yet. =P) and tonight, Isaac is wearing underwear to bed for the first night. Crazy how fast time flies!

December 25, 2011 - I'm quite convinced that we have the sweetest neighbors in the world. So very blessed to have them!

December 27, 2011 - Finally got Ruby's surgery dates today: first surgery and cast is April 9, second surgery and cast is April 23, and cast comes off on May 30. Thankful that she'll be in a cast so much shorter than originally anticipated. Scared about the surgery, pain, recovery, and stuff. Thank you all for your prayers!

2013 and 2014 Facebook Updates....

January 6, 2013 - Paraphrased as best I can "(singing) I'm a MAN! I like scrubbing WALLS! I'm a MAN! I'm scrubbing WALLS! (muttered) 'cause that's what they do, Man." - David, who must love me very, very much. (the muttering has contined, "no, no, Charlotte, no, no..." Where is the closest institution that will take this guy, anyhow?

January 18, 2013 - Well, Hickory was just in the road and got hit. Luckily, we're back in Amish country, so it was "just" by a buggy. David said it rolled over him well, flipping him around...he has mud tracks on his back and leg from the wheels, but looks no worse for the wear. Hopefully there are no internal injuries AND he learns to stay out of the road!!! =O

January 22, 2013 - Paraphrased conversation with Isaac: Today, as we were outside in the freezing cold, Isaac told me he was glad we had moved back to "this house" in Kentucky. I asked why. "Because it's a farm, and I like the farm", he said. Why? "Because it's beautiful" here, and he likes the barn, and we can have animals..."and I want to get chickens so bad" (the "so bad" part I think came from a conversation inside like half an hour earlier). Love that boy. And the farm. It's good to be "home".

 January 25, 2013 - Love how Jadelyn calls her favorite doll of the moment her "cootie baby" (aka "cutie baby").

January 27, 2013 - Now this, my friends, is a well-loved dog....  January 28, 2013 - David is at the table with the kids as they finish eating supper. Just heard him asking Jadelyn how many she had had. Of what? He just noticed that she was holding the prune container, and her mouth was chuck full. As he said, well, we'll see how this goes....=O

February 5, 2103 - Was talking with the kids at lunch today about David's surgeries and sicknesses when he was little, and Ruby piped up that it was good that Daddy didn't die when he was little, "'cause then he wouldn't have all these wonderful children." True that, Rubes.

February 6, 2013 - Today at lunch, Jadelyn decided she needed water, so while I was up, I asked if Ruby or Isaac wanted any. Ruby didn't. Isaac said, "I already have something to drink." Thinking he meant that his orange had juice in it, I asked him about it. I was wrong. "He has his green sauce [packet from Taco Bell]", Ruby said, like it made all the sense in the world. And she was right. How do they read each other's minds?!?!?!?

February 14. 2013 -

February 22, 2013 - Was looking through some older pictures, and this just cracked me up. Yes, he did it ALL by himself.....silly boy!  

March 5, 2013 - "Mama, our chickens are precious..." - or so says little Jadelyn who also has questionned if we all love the chickens and if the chickens love us. 10 peepin' baby chicks in my laundry room for the last few days....the things I do for my kids....and David who lovingly peers at the chicks any chance he gets. 

March 5, 2013 - Just finished planting over 300 tomato plants for a church project...(we're seeing how we can "grow" the $6 that Ms. Hannah gave the kids at children's story). So, anyone around here want to buy tomato plants? We have Roma, Better Boy, and Grape tomatoes.....lots and lots and LOTS of Roma tomatoes.....

March 7, 2013 - At supper tonight, we heard a noise coming from the laundry room. Jadelyn was quick to assure us, "it's okay. It's just the chickens. Not a skunk." 'Cause those pesky skunks are ALWAYS sneaking into my laundry room....ha!

March 14, 2013 - Ruby had her check-up at the orthopaedic surgeon today...annnnddd.....she's cleared for running and jumping! (And galloping...that was super important to her.) So, we've witnessed Ruby back at her crazy running...and jumping in place...just 'cause she could - she hadn't been allowed to for most of a year (we didn't know she wasn't okayed for it for a while, so she did have a month or two in ther...e that she was running and jumping =O). She doesn't have to go back for a YEAR!!! We're super excited. I think Jadelyn is the most excited. She kept telling random strangers that her sister can run and jump now...and at her naptime prayer, she was telling Jesus how Ruby can run and jump. And gallop," 'cause that's kinda like running". So happy for good news!

March 16, 2013 - Tonight I was telling Jadelyn that Jesus made the outdoors. She asked, "how did He make the sky?" but before I got that answered, she figured it out herself, "oh, maybe He climbed a ladder."

Another question she answered herself a month or so ago: "Who am I gonna marry?" (pause) "oh, maybe my husband."

She's a smart one, that Lynnie! 

March 18, 2013 - Happy 40th anniversary to my Mom and Dad!!! I love you both!!! 

March 23, 2013 - Well, Ruby just got kicked down by a horse. That was scary. Ruby is tough as always...though she's not so sure she'll be trying to pet THAT horse again...=O

March 27, 2013 - We made use of our snow while it was here...had to work fast - snowmen were falling down left and right! I'd never had a snowman fall over before I could finish it before.....interesting experience. Isaac helped, too, but he wasn't outsid...e when we finished, and I had to take the picture fast - the small snowman on the right ("Jadelyn") had already fallen down and I needed to hurry up before more fell. Interestingly enough, they are still up...barely. Want me to write more about snowmen-building? ;P

 April 1, 2013 - "I like when Jadelyn sings. It feels good on my ears." - Isaac

April 2, 2013 - "Mom, I have a forehead-ache" says the little girl who we just found out has had a fractured bone in her foot for the past 3 weeks or so. =O No wonder she's been limping! Tha'd be my tough cookie, Lynnie.

April 3, 2013 - Just got back from the bone doctor - he said Jadelyn's foot is already healed and is fine. If she continues limping we'll have to go back, but for now we're in the clear! That's a relief...now I'm REALLY glad the bone was straight. =O

April 14, 2013 - Some things that made me laugh today:

Watching Isaac wrap a retractable dog leash around his head - over and over and over and over and.... He was just silently kneeling on the floor, with eyes closed and face scrunched up, wrapping the leash around and around and around. Cracked me up.

At lunch today, Ruby decided to bust out with a story: "One time, when I was driving a truck on Isaac's head..., he was like, "ow! OW!" and it wasn't me that was hurting him. He got stung by a bee." Just run-of-the-mill stuff like driving trucks on your brother's head occurring in the Dickerson household. ;P

Also at lunch today, there was grape throwing and trying to catch it in your mouth. (Started courtesy of David Dickerson. Shocking, I know....) Anyhow, Ruby threw up a grape from about 3 inches away from her face and nailed herself in the eye. I think you had to be there, but trust me...it was funny. She has the coordination of her mother. =O

April 15, 2013 - Today, Ruby and Isaac were reminiscing about way back when when I would give them zerberts on their bellies after lunchtime. Jadelyn wasn't sure what zerberts were. "I'll show you!" Ruby offered before giving Jadelyn one. Jadelyn then renamed them her very own moniker "belly button burps". Fitting, I thought...though I can't say I've ever heard them called THAT before.

In other news, I have a dead snake laying in my house that is about 4 feet long. "Homeschooling", David calls it. He'll have to ALWAYS cover that part of homeschooling...I'm grossed out. GET IT OUTTA MY HOUSE, David!!!!

April 16, 2013 - One year ago, Ruby was in for her 1st surgery. I'm happy to NOT be in a hospital today!

April 17, 2013 - Was taking a little walk down memory lane tonight...thought I'd share one of my all-time favorites...
http://youtu.be/HqObINg5KOw

April 18, 2013 - Any advice/insight/etc. is welcome. Isaac was acting fine today. Fine, fine. Getting in fights, teasing, giggling, playing kickball, running, etc., etc., etc. Then we came in for lunch. He laid down on the couch (not altogether uncommon, though, really). I made lunch. He told me he had a headache. I asked him to come to the table. He said he felt like he was going to throw up. He laid ba...ck down on the couch. Almost fell asleep. Perked up about an hour later and ate some applesauce and charcoal (Nurse Ruby's idea to add the charcoal. ;D). Took about a 3 hour nap (that happens sometimes). Woke up. Threw up about 30 minutes later. Felt better. Ate a little more applesauce and some saltines for supper. Played outside on the swings. Came in, and instantly felt sick again. Laid on the couch. Threw up about 30 minutes later. No fever. Just headache and sick tummy. He totally keeps his food/water down for hours and then loses it. Strange.

April 22, 2013 - Tonight at bedtime: “Dear Jesus, thank you for the opportunity to catch your butterfly. Thank you for the opportunity that you could die for our sins. Amen. What does opportunity mean? How does Jesus make bees without getting stung? What do baby birds say? What do ladybugs say? What do ants say? All the animals are Jesus’, but we take care of them…the nice ones, not the bees. If a Mommy a...nd Daddy bird died, we would try to catch the baby birds and bring them into our house and put them in a box. Then we would open up the box and feed them milk with a B.I.G bottle. Oh, we could cut up bugs and feed them to the birds. What do ants make?” (and a lot of other conversation filler) – Jadelyn. P.S. Conversation here is not verbatim, and may even be out of order. Shocking, I know. =O I had pretty much written the whole thing out, and then Facebook/Internet decided they hated me. =O

April 23, 2013 - Today the kids acquired a pet butterfly, which they named "Bubbles, we have bubbles". This name goes well with what Ruby named one of the horses in our pasture, "Horse who eats grass." And THAT folks, is why people have to grow up before they name their own children - who knows what names would be around otherwise?!?!?!?

April 24, 2013 - Ruby showed up at the front door today with a new pet.


April 25, 2013 - Monday's creature: Butterfly. Tuesday's creature(s): frogs. Today's creatures? Butterfly (again), and this bad boy. Excuse the dirt (I swept today's creature up in the dustpan with a bunch 'o filth of the floor) and the out-of-focusness. Ye...ah...I totally didn't know that scorpions lived in Kentucky. Or that they can somehow get into my house. Yikes. Luckily Ruby alerted me to it's presence WITHOUT picking it up, and I worked up the courage to squash it. Yikes. (We read tonight that scorpions around here don't sting, but that doesn't make me any more fond of today's creature. =O)


April 28, 2013 - Tick season is in full swing - at least two bigg'uns on Hickory and one little'un on Jadelyn. Yuck. 

May 2, 2013 - Had a lovely ride in the country in an Amish buggy this evening - the kids LOVED it. Okay, David, Uncle Darwin, and I did, too.... What a neat experience!

May 3, 2013 - Paraphrased prayer by Jadelyn, "My feet should not kick. My hands should not hit. My lips should be kind. My teeth should not bite. But sometimes I have a habit." Oh, boy...it's not good to giggle during prayer time, but I sure did. I like to imagine Jesus had a nice chuckle, too. That Lynnie cracks me up! Then at bedtime, she told me she didn't want me to sing to her at bedtime anymore. I've sang her the same song nearly every night her whole life. While I was tucking Ruby and Isaac in, I heard her in her room, so when I was done with them, I went back in to see what was up. She said she changed her mind and will still want me to sing to her. Good. I was planning on it anyway. 

May 19, 2013 - 11 years of wedded work today. Thanks for working with me, Buddy-o - there's nobody else I'd rather go through the ups and downs with. I love you, David! Happy anniversary!!!!

May 27, 2013 - I love watching my children when they're playing together NICELY. Three of today's favorite moments so far - watching Ruby and Isaac give Jadelyn a ride in the wheelbarrow - one of them pushing each handle; looking over at the swings after Ruby had fallen off hers to see sweet little Jadelyn hugging and kissing her sister AFTER she helped her sit up; and number three - having chalk-covered twins crawl out of the doghouse together when it was time for lunch. I sure love country living! AND when my kids remember that they like each other. 

May 27, 2013 - I asked Ruby to go get a cup of water to water this poor wilting plant that was doing fine until I weeded around it today.  =O  Anyhow, I looked over, and she was very intent on her work, but it wasn't until tonight that I saw how she watered it.  Ha!!!  Guess our gardening muscles have gotten weak in the past year!  Glad I didn't ask her to water a whole bunch of plants!!!  (Of course I couldn't do that, because my PLANTS DIDN'T GROW!!!  This was the only one of these (I can't remember if it's broccoli or cauliflower) that survived.  Did you notice that I used parentheses inside of parentheses?  Is that even how you spell "parentheses"?  Okay, I need to go to bed.)  Oh, Ruby gardener, you crack me up.  On a side note (another one), I think it HAS perked up some with her loving care...;D



 May 28, 2013 - You can tell a lot about what kind of day you have had by how much of a dirt ring there is in the bath after the kids' bathtime. Today was a good day. 

May 29, 2013 - Isaac just came in the house, shoved a closed hand up by my face and said, "here's the tail that fell off the lizard", as he opened his hand to reveal the tip of a blue tail. I got grossed out...hope he didn't notice my wrinkled nose too much....=O

June 2, 2013 - Enjoyed our family fishing trip tonight. Surprisingly we all escaped unscathed (all our eyeballs and skin are still intact), even with three kiddos on the loose and casting like wild people. =O Ruby even put on some of her own worms, and at least the girls threw their own fish back. Pucka would be proud! I sure was!!! They've exceeded my skills already

June 7, 2013 - I can't believe it, but Happy 4th birthday to my sweet little Lynnie-poo, who is walking around with a birthday bag on her head and playing a harmonica. Happy day already! I love you, Jadelyn Grace!!!

June 9, 2013 - "How do they GROW Marshmellows?" - Ruby, who apparently has never seen a marshmellow plant in the garden....

June 16, 2013 - Father's Day Flashback picture by Shelley:


July 10, 2013 - "What goes through my mind when I see guys with arms like that [big muscular arms, that is], is, 'boy, that would be a hassle to have to carry those around'." and "For an extra $.50 I could get egg whites, but then you have to ask, how am I supposed to gain weight?" - gems by David.  I love that guy.

July 11, 2013 - "I don't want to be a boss when I grow up" my little man told me. "I'd get too tired of bossing people around." "So, what do you want to do when you grow up?" I asked. "I want to be retired." Ha! Dream big my man, dream big!

July 18, 2013 - This morning, Isaac and Jadelyn were informing me that they did NOT want to be teachers when they grew up. Since I already know that Isaac wants to be retired when he grows up, I took this opportunity to ask Jadelyn what she wants to do when she grows up. "Live with you and eat dog food and cat food and chicken food!" Who knew that "retired" would be the best goal of these two jokers? =O On a side note, I was informed that she will buy her own dog, cat, and chicken food, so at least I won't be supporting her terrible dietary habits. 

July 22, 2013 - Just had an absolutely delightful nighttime conversation with my little twiniokies. Isaac says that when he gets married, his "Mama", his "Kim", his WIFE will go to work and he will stay home and play with the kids. And his wife will be off work on Sundays and Wednesdays and will bake bread and things on those days. I told him that if he's staying home, it's his job to cook and do laundry and we...ed the garden and keep up the lawn, etc. He said that's a lot of work. But it's MORE work to actually go to work. "'Cause you have to walk around and make copies, and I don't know how to do that. And you have to work on the computer, and I don't know how to do that. And you have to move heavy boxes and I can't do that." At some point, I asked what he was going to teach his kids. I don't remember if he had any answers to that one. But Ruby did - "the 10 commandments and about the Bible". "And to be kind and to honor and respect the Mommy and Dad", I said. "That's one of the 10 commandments!" she let me know.

July 25, 2013 - Was just putting the kids down for a nap. Isaac wanted a hug and kiss from Jadelyn who finally gave him a hug and a kiss. I finished putting Jadelyn to bed, and when I went in to say goodnight to Isaac, he was laying there with the biggest cheesy grin 'cause he was so happy about his hug and kiss from his little sister. Then in his prayer, he said, "thank you that Jadelyn gave me a hug and a kiss". Life is good for that little man!

July 25, 2013 - So, Jadelyn was accidentally given an adult dose of the chickenpox vaccine today. We were told that she may get some chickenpox near the immunization shot and that she shouldn't be around those with compromised immune systems. Any medical people have anything else that we should be keeping an eye out for?

August 7, 2013 - Since putting our house back on the market, we've had lots of phone calls, and one person look, but no offers....please pray with us that we'll sell QUICKLY! About a month and a half 'till the big move.....

August 8, 2013 - Just had 4 horses in my yard - 2 babies and 2 adults. Then they walked out on the road. Went to get the Amish neighbor to reclaim his horses. He wasn't concerned and ambled down the road to get 'em. I love the South - so much more laid back than this Northern gal! =O

August 11, 2013 - Redneck Sprinkler...

August 14, 2013 - The kids are preparing to play a game. I overhear Jadelyn: "Dear Jesus, please help us to have a good game." And then Ruby: "Dear Jesus, please do help us to have a good game and not to fight. Amen." AMEN - NO FIGHTING PLEASE!!! These last few mostly-inside days have about worn me OUT!!! 

August 18, 2013 - Enjoyed seeing two of my siblings and their families this weekend...as well as my wonderful in-laws, and I even got to meet my newest niece, finally - and she's a sweetie!!! Oh, and Happy Anniversary to Tracy and Darb!!!

August 22, 2013 - Appointments for showing our house tomorrow, Sunday, and Monday....this is wearing me out! ;P Prayers that we will sell this baby soon!!! (THEN I'll have time to cry about it....)

August 25, 2013 - Well, now we're showing the house 3 times today - 11, 12, and 1....thanks for the prayers!!! 

August 28, 2013 - Well, we're probably getting at least one offer on the house tomorrow, and maybe two, as well as probably closing on the house in AZ. Please pray for us - I really like both couples who are interested, and hate to hurt feelings/break hearts (sounds dramatic unless you know my "spread" ;D). Prayers that the right people end up here...and that the others will be okay....

September 2, 2013 - Had a wonderful time visiting Kim (and family) at their home in Kentucky....the last time we will only have to drive 3 hours instead of three days when they move to Arizona. Selah made the request that the next time we move (which I hope isn't too soon), that we move close to them. We will miss being on the same side of the continent, but it was nice for the year it lasted!

Getting ready for the water balloon fight.  Kim already has it in for David.

Selah just hit Aunt Kim in the head with a water balloon!

We went on a river walk behind Kim's House

September 12, 2013 - Got the U-Haul home and promptly locked ourselves out. Gotta LOVE movin'! 

September 14, 2013 - I could never be a full time tooth fairy. The job stress is WAY TOO HIGH. ("Oh, no, are they waking up? What if I wake them up? Oh no oh no oh no" are some of the thoughts that flit through this tooth fairy's mind. =P)

September 16, 2013 - Would you like to take WAY longer to move than it SHOULD take? Would you like to experience the thrill of only making it about 2.5 hours the first day of driving? This joy can be yours if you will only hire the Dickerson Moving Company - 8 moving experiences in 11 years. Call us today.

September 19, 2013 - WE MADE IT!!! Had a little scare yesterday when smoke started billowing out of the U-Haul engine, and then today when the canoe fell off to the side of the car (on the trailer behind the U-Haul), but other than that, we're good - Praise God! Also, the engine light that has been on in the van since last year went off sometime today, it seems - so this trip didn't break our van as I feared, it fixed it!!! Today's entertainment in the backseat of the van was Isaac and Jadelyn sniffing feet. Good times... And good night!!! I'm beat!!!

September 21, 2013 - This morning, we went on an adventure walk. Jadelyn presented me with a cool, round little stone she found. As I was examining it to find out if it was indeed a rock, or perhaps packed dirt, I discovered it was instead POOP. Clearly, I have a lot to learn about the wild west. Happy Sabbath!

September 22, 2103 - If you've never done yardwork in the midst of a wind/dust storm, you've never lived...in Holbrook, AZ at least. Also, during said wind/dust storms, it's best to not try to air out the house, no matter how nice of a breeze there is. There are now piles of dirt on my floor. See? I'm STILL learning, and we've been here for 75 hours or so. 

September 26, 2013 - Home improvement's not so bad when you have such a handsome, HANDY little helper! Love that kid.


Learning to tear out nasty 'ole trim

Love his ability to figure out the best way to get leverage!

September 26, 2013 - Just 'cause I love 'em.

September 30, 2013 - So, tonight I had a solo 1/4 mile run (okay, maybe "jog" would be a more accurate term) from the "new" house to the basement we're currently staying at, and I learned 2 things. First of all, the stars are BEAUTIFUL! Secondly, I am out of shape.

October 6, 2013 - Sleeping in the new house for the first time tonight. I've not lived in this much filth since....well, ever? Naw...maybe when we first moved into our Mena house...

October 7, 2013 - 37 degrees in sunny Arizona this morning. BRRRRR!!!!! Good thing the furnace works!

October 10, 2013 - 4 nights into our new house and the fun begins. BUNCH of knocking on the front door around 1:50am by someone we don't know. I slept through it, but David woke up and said the guy was leaning against the door as he knocked and that he "looked distraught", but from his description to me, it sounds like maybe he was drunk? A few minutes later, two police showed up and got the guy at our next door neighbors - apparently he did the same to them, and they called the cops. Trust me, it was scarier last night than now, but yai. This ain't no Crab Orchard!!!

October 10, 2013 - Today, while continuing my efforts to de-mold our house by tearing out drywall, I discovered 2 mummified mice. Lovely. David gets to clean out that tomb. And we're tearing down our first popcorn ceiling room tonight. Can life get any more fun?!?!?!? 

October 14, 2013 - After her nap today, Lynnie came for a little cuddle. When she was done, she announced, "that was a special treat, but now I'm going to go play with banure (that would be "manure" in Jadelyn language.)" And that, my friends, is the kid's newest favorite game that they are going to play "every day". I assure you, it involves no REAL banure. Just Arizona mud. ;P

October 15, 2013 - "I wonder what would happen if you took 2 hot wires and put one to each eyeball."..."Well, at this rate, should have the house rewired by Christmas of Jadelyn's 16th birthday." - night ramblings by none other than David Dickerson.  My thoughts? "Ai yai yai."

October 17, 2013 - Isaac told me this morning that he threw up before Ruby's first scheduled surgery and before David and I came out to the interview in Arizona because he was "nervous". I believe him, 'cause he didn't have any other symptoms. What a sweet fella. Ruby is feeling super loved to know her brother loves her so much. Aww...

October 17, 2013 - Ruby just got back from a special trip to town with Daddy, where she scored a sucker and a sticker...and a penny. She gave her sucker to Jadelyn, and her sticker to Isaac. And now there's talk about how they will all share the sucker at lunch. Makes this Mama's heart happy...who thought I'd ever be tempted to cry about suckers and stickers?!?!?! 

October 21, 2013 - At church on Sabbath got to see a BUNCH of students who don't have Bibles get their very own. As they were walking back to their seats, I saw several kids open up the Bibles to get a look at the inside. Shame on me for taking my Bible(S) for granted. Sometimes I forget that people right here in the good 'ole USA don't know Jesus...I'm so thankful I got to witness the Bible handout!!!

October 29, 2013 - Sold off a little piece of Kentucky heaven today. Made some other people happy, and maybe I'll cry myself to sleep tonight... But, good news! Now we can pay for all our crazy Arizona renovations!!! 

October 29, 2013 - "Why do you work Pucka like a slave?" - Jadelyn. Hmmm...wonder who put her up to that? 

November 22, 2013 - Verlie Young – 8? Are you crazy?!?!?! What did I ever do to you? I totally didn’t realize I was setting myself up for this by liking your status. But I’m obeying, so here it goes…
1. As a child I swore that I was adopted. Because I had brown hair (instead of being blonde like my siblings) AND because I was the only one of the siblings who had a book of baby pictures all my own. Guess I ...didn’t take into consideration that in all the pictures I was at home, and that there is a…ahem…strong family resemblance.
2. I put up about 150 pounds of drywall mud on our living room ceiling yesterday and in the process managed to get a chunk hardened in my outer ear. I found that out when I went to scratch my ear and couldn’t get to it. Yuck.
3. I am afraid of heights and get dizzy from swinging (or scraping out a drywall mud bucket…really), so it’s hard to believe I was on a gymnastics team for 3 years in high school. ;P
4. 8 years ago I was convinced that I was never going to be a mother. And then after one low dose treatment with a fertility medication I was a Mama to TWO!!! God’s double blessing! And then got a special surprise in Jadelyn Grace. God has a sense of humor…;)
5. Took a test as a senior in high school that said I should be a farmer or a plumber. I scoffed. Then I became a mental health therapist…and realized I SHOULD’VE become a farmer or a plumber – more visible outcomes!
6. I immediately fell for David at a young 11 years-old. He’s a little slower than me, though, and took about 6 years to come around. Silly guy. (He also wished that he never made fun of my nose when we were youngsters…;>) And we started dating about 8 years after we first met. Aww….
7. I’m a cheapo, and take GREAT delight when I realize that I paid 50 cents (or nothin’!) for an outfit I’m wearing.
8. I tried to graft a tree as a youngster out in my parent’s woods. I failed.

There, Verlie Young...just for you. Miss you guys!!!

November 26, 2013 - Today, Pucka offered the kids $1 if they could find the brush attachment for our shop vac. As they looked, Jadelyn remarked, "Pucka, you're a loser". HA!!! Good thing her meaning of a "loser" differs from the widely held one, or we would've had to have a serious chat about name calling. 

November 28, 2013 - Thankful for the very special time we've had these past 6 weeks with my parents. Mom and Dad, I love you! Thank you for your help. I'll be sad to see you go...more because I've gotten used to spending time with you than for your help, even.

December 4, 2013 - Oh, dear Kentucky Wood Stove and abundant supply of wood: Wherefore art thou? I'm freezin' over here!!!

December 12, 2013 - Happy, happy, happy birthday to my 7-year olds (=O) Ruby and Isaac!!! Weren't you just born last year?!??!?!? I love you loonies!

December 12, 2013 - 7th Birthday of the Crazies...

(Isaac's cake. A picture of him feeding a treat to Mom's Bonnie Verbrigghe dog Peanut. Note Peanut is dancing. And the words on the cake - of Isaac's choosing - "Isaac's cake and it's your birthday and cheer for Isaac." Oh, boy.  Ruby's cake...hard to tell, but that is a very detailed (and time consuming) picture of the 5 of us sitting around the table in our yellow kitchen...eating bananas. Where do they come up with these things?!?!?!)

December 15, 2013 - To anyone who thinks Isaac doesn't talk: I wish I had videoed him talking non-stop about his bow and arrow...to me...and then to David...for I have no idea how long. Complete with sound effects. He's teaching us how it works. Cracks me up. Literally...I'm laughing as I work...that kid. My brain is tired.

December 16, 2013 - Tonight I asked Ruby to go brush her teeth, but when I looked back towards the bathroom a few minutes later, I could see she hadn't started yet. So, I asked a reasonable question about what was taking her so long. She had a ready answer for me: "Sometimes I get confused and wash my hands". Ai.

December 17, 2013 - Jadelyn, immediately upon coming inside from digging in the dirt, informed me: "I did not eat any dirt. It just feels like I did." Okay, then!

December 17, 2013 - At supper tonight, Isaac was talking and talking and talking when he asked me a question about what he was talking about. I had to admit that "my brain was turned off". Isaac immediately exclaimed, "That's what I(!) do sometimes!" And now I know why nobody hears me...brains are all turned off...=O

December 25, 2013 - Ruby's Christmas Wish.... Honorable appearance by Isaac...Jadelyn tried, but she was too short. 

 

December 28, 2013 - Happy birthday to the studmuffin that is David Dickerson! You're my best friend and I love you VERY much. Now don't make me punch you in the nose! 

January 24, 2014 - Flashback - Ruby washing the sink....until she gets distracted. Enjoy!
http://youtu.be/mGAdCktnMxA

January 29, 2014 -  Tonight, while doing some home renovation, I managed to get a good sized sliver under my fingernail, and let out a....ahem....rather loud yowl. After all the kids checked on me and made sure I was okay, I apologized for the "loud yell". "That's okay", Ruby reassured me immediately, "we yell all the time." Sister speaks the truth.

January 30, 2014 - Enjoyed a picnic today - in January!!! Alas, the wind is whipping and we all got dirt in our food. Ah, well...extra nutrients and minerals, right? ;P

February 7, 2014 - The twin version of "All I Want for Christmas"...courtesy of two of my loonies.

 

February 13, 2014 - "One time when I was little, I put soap on my hands, but instead of scrubbing my hands, I licked it. And was like "YUCK!" so I spit it out" - non ver batim confession by Isaac Karl Dickerson. Crazy kid

March 6, 2014 - Love these goofballs.

 

March 8, 2014 - What started as a relaxing post-nap cuddle with Jadelyn turned into a torture session where she "combed" my hair with her fingers (also known as pulling my hair horribly while tearing out tangles), putting my hair in a ponytail (also continuing aforementioned torture, though not NEAR as bad), putting my EAR in a ponytail holder (one of the little kid kinds - yeah, that hurt), putting scarves on and under my neck, hats on my hands and attempting to put her little winter hat on my head (no, it didn’t fit), covering my eyes with gloves and then proceeding to do surgery on me (also known as BEATING me with her fist as hard as she could on my arm and hip – that’s why I needed my eyes covered with the gloves…)…but she did it all while whispering so sweetly, I actually fell asleep…only to be woken up by what I THOUGHT was Jadelyn and Ruby arguing about band-aids in the bathroom – but no, it was just Jadelyn arguing with HERSELF.  That was a fun hour…Crazy girl.