Tuesday, August 19, 2014

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!  
Kim Dickerson's photo.Kim Dickerson's photo.



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.
Kim Dickerson's photo.Kim Dickerson's photo.Kim Dickerson's photo.

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)
Photo: 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. Yeah...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. =P (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:
Photo: Happy Father's Day to our wonderful Daddy!

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 Dickerson's house
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....
Learning to tear out nasty 'ole trim
Love his ability to figure out the best way to get leverage!  =)
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.
Photo: 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!
Crazy Ruby's birth minute...on the wrong time zone.  Somehow ruined it for us.  Time to move back to Kentucky, I guess!  ;)COME AND EAT CAKE!!!  I'VE HAD ENOUGH SUGAR TO LAST ME A YEAR!!!  =O
December 12, 2013 - 7th Birthday of the Crazies...
Watching Ruby's tie-dye cake bake...Awwww....forced hug.  ;)Looney bin #2 turns 7.  (Okay, he really did 2 hours earlier on the other time zone, but you know...I was sleeping then.  ;D)Kim Dickerson's photo.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.
(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.

Friday, August 8, 2014

Snippets....

Yesterday, Isaac informed me of who he planned to marry.  Can't share it here, 'cause that would be classified information, right?  He also told me that he will not stand up in front of people when he gets married, 'cause he'd be too embarrassed, so he's planning a drive-thru wedding.  I told him that I would be sad to miss out on his wedding.  But Isaac wouldn't make his Mommy sad, would he?  Why, no!  He has a plan - "you and Daddy can sit in the back seat of the van."  Well, thanks for thinking of us, little man.  =)

Yesterday, Jadelyn had come inside from trips for poor behavior, and calmly informed me that she thinks that she saw a rattlesnake come out of some hole in our backyard, so she just stayed close by the house when she was doing her trips.  Naturally she happened to mention this to me right in front of Ruby, who was herself about to go do trips.  At hearing Jadelyn's news, Ruby fell apart.  She finally went outside, but just sat and cried.  After a while, Jadelyn got her boots on, went outside, and held Ruby's hand on her trips.  Isaac soon joined.  Lynnie Loofah, I sure love your caring heart!!!

Today, Ruby is dressed in appropriate Ruby attire.  Cracks me up.  I should get a picture, 'cause this outfit is just a GEM....

Adios!

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Musical Talent.

http://youtu.be/F8mg-vwatXc

I mean, that is talent.  Have you ever tried this?  Didn't think so!  ;)

...Okay, so clearly Ruby is more talented than her mother, since I can't get the video to play here.  Just follow the link.  Trust me.  You'll enjoy it.



Tuesday, July 29, 2014

A Few Ruby Gems.

We recently got back from a 2 week long vacation of driving and driving and visiting people and driving and visiting people and driving and driving and....well, you get the idea.  It was a good trip, but wore me out!  I'm so old.

Well, our last Sabbath on vacation, we visited our old church family in Kentucky.  Ruby rode to church with Mr. Gary and Ms. Marcey, and afterwards, they told us that Ruby spent a chunk of the ride telling her about her "plans" when she grows up.  She is going to have 3 kids, aged 0, 1, and 2.  And her husband will go to work.  And while he's at work she will make her kids do all the work and then 2 minutes before he gets home, she will jump up and start working so that her husband will think that she did all the work.  WHAT?  Luckily for me, they asked if that's how it is at our home, and Ruby told them no, her Mommy works a lot.  Thank you, Ruby.  Thanks for noticing.  Ai yai yai.  Well, her plan continues.  She will kick her kids out of the house when they are 2 1/2.  Mr. Gary and Ms. Marcey pointed out that that would be neglect and she could go to jail.  But never fear, Ruby has ANOTHER plan.  She will blame the kick-out on her husband.  Am I raising a psychopath?!?!?!  =O 

Then, another church lady told me that Ruby told her, "yeah, we see lots of wildlife (in Arizona).  Mostly ants."  Ha!

And with that, the girls are arguing.  Lovely.  Adios!

Thursday, July 3, 2014

Ruby, Ruby.

Today I was pointing out to Ruby that I was a bit worried that her continued thumb sucking (yup, she's still at it!  =P) is possibly pushing her new front tooth forward.  She stopped sucking her thumb as she thought about it.  A little later, I noticed that she was sucking her thumb again.  "Ruby, your poor teeth!" I said, expecting that she'd pull that thumb out right away.  But no.  Instead, she gritted her teeth around her thumb, exposing a bit of her thumb to show that no longer was she sucking it in the FRONT of her mouth, but on the SIDE.  Yes.  What should I do when my kids are smarter than me?!?!?!  =O

Tonight, I kidnapped Ruby for a little sunset watching date outside.  She seemed to be getting bored, but when I asked if she wanted to go inside, she said she wanted to stay outside.  Then she asked where the sun was rising now.  She said that when she gets old enough, she'll type in "where does the sun go when it leaves Arizona, Holbrook" in the computer.  Then she realized her mistake and giggled, "oh, Holbrook, Arizona!"  So, when we got inside we had a little science class with Daddy about what makes the seasons and day and night and such.  I just liked her wording about the sun leaving one place and going to another.  ;)

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Crazy kids...they just keep the crazy comin'!

This morning at breakfast, Jadelyn suddenly looked at Ruby and announced in surprised wonder, "you're tooth is coming through!!!"  Ruby asked, "which one?  This one?" while pointing to her front tooth.  Yes, that's the one Jadelyn was talking about.  The tooth that's been coming through for the past month or so.  Gave us all a good giggle.  That crazy gal.

Tonight I told David I wanted him to come sit on the couch so we could talk.  Ruby hopped up too, joking around that "I'm obedient!"  I told her that she needed to "get lost".  Right away she threw back at me, "I'm lost.  I don't know where my home is!" before removing herself from the couch.  Crazy kid.

Speaking of that crazy kid, the other day at lunch she fell out of her chair.  (When does that stop, by the way?  It's crazy!  I don't remember EVER falling out of my chair!!!  =P)  Anyways, I peeked around the table to see what remained of my daughter, and there she lay on the floor, stretched out, head propped up on her arm, still holding and eating her bread.  Yeah, totally normal - fall out of chair, lay on floor and continue eating.  These kids!!!

Sunday, June 29, 2014

Jadelyn the Crazy Graceful....

This morning, I got up and got to work outside before it was too hot.  Then, it was in for breakfast and worship.  After worship, I was having a little talk and cuddle with Jadelyn.  All of the sudden she asked me, "Did you take a shower?" I informed her I hadn't yet.  "I could tell because you stink", she told me.  Lovely.

Today, Jadelyn didn't do her job of putting silverware away...NEATLY, anyhow.  When I opened the drawer, I found everything thrown in there in no order at all.  So, Jadelyn got to do it again.  While she was doing it, David was pointing out to her the different sizes of spoons and where they go.  Jadelyn then pointed at the serving spoons..."one of those could be for Goliath", she said, "and the other one could be for pastor (who is likely the tallest person she knows)."  Ha!