In other news...

So, here is the post about Zac I promised. (I know, you've all been just dying!)

A month or so ago our transmission went out on the van. While we were getting it fixed a friend from Jim's work loaned us a car he doesn't drive. It was a giant Bronco!! After the van was fixed he said we could hang on to it and that Zac could use it. Well, one afternoon Kamrie was invited to a friends house, I was busy and asked Zac to drive her the .5 mile. A little while after he left my phone rang and it was Zac -

"Mom, I just got hit"

I made sure I understood him correctly, that he had been hit, not hit someone, and that he was alright. He was and so I jumped in the van and headed to the site.

As I came to the street I saw him standing there, and behind the bronco, was a TOW TRUCK!!! As Zac had been waiting to turn left, with his blinker on, the driver of the truck got distracted and by the time he saw it was too late. The tow truck actually looked worse than the bronco.

So the insurance, totaled out the bronco and paid our friend. I think he plans on fixing it any way.

Our Christmas!!

Merry Christmas

The Coontz Family wishes you all a very Merry Christmas! Take a minute, sit back, forget the stresses that the time brings and watch this beautiful video.
(Be sure to turn off the player at the bottom of the page first. But listen to the song after it is fabulous!)

My 100th Post

I have been waiting for something really great to report in my 100th post. Then last week Zac provided what I thought would be perfect, very blog-worthy. Then the other night I had a better idea. For my 100th post I want to honor my Husband. (I will put Zac's news for 101)

I truly have a wonderful man for my husband. I know there were many that questioned our decision to marry after just one month of dating! But now in my life, I know, with out question, that my Heavenly Father sent Jim to me. He was a very special gift! And now, going on 19 years of marriage, I will give him the credit he so greatly deserves.

This amazingly patient man put up with a lot from me, especially in our first few years. I always remind him, that I was just a child!! He has taught me to love unceasingly, and with out any expectations. He has loved me through many times that others would have left me in the dust. (4 of my 5 pregnancies, I would have left me.) He loves me even though our house is usually messy, his office is immaculate. He loves me and doesn't complain when I make pancakes for dinner. He likes to go grocery shopping with me. And last night, he folded and put away my laundry!!

I love to be with him when he watches silly movies. He laughs OUT LOUD! If you have ever experienced this you know what I am talking about. I love that he takes me on a date EVERY Friday. This started early in our marriage, when the kids were little, it was to keep me sane. Now it is because we love spending time together.

I wish that he could see what others see in him. He is an AMAZING worker, and has always provided so well for our family. He thinks anyone could do his job, he is wrong. I love that he likes to just be home with us.

When I was a little girl, I dreamed of being a wife and mother. It is all I ever really wanted. So, thank you Jim, you are my dream come true.

A few years ago, we were in Nashville for our anniversary. We were driving and a song came on that has always reminded me of US. That day I think it we both realized the truth in it. It is Shania Twain's song You're Still the One. I'm sure you have heard it. The first few lines describe my feelings for Jim so well -



(Jim does not like having his picture taken, so, in his honor, I will not put one. Trust me this post alone will be like punishment for him.)

She's Seven!!

I can hardly believe my "baby" is seven today!! It dawned on me last night while we were reading before she went to bed, that I will never have a six-year-old again. That every mile-stone she reaches will be the last time for me as a Mom!! It's bitter-sweet. When I told her this, she didn't offer to stay 6?

I am so glad that my Heavenly Father knew better than me, and sent me a fifth child. As my friend Patti told me after she was born, it's like the cherry on the sundae. And even though I don't like cherries, this one is a keeper!

She is always ready for conversation, loves to hang out with her BFF's, is sometimes VERY moody, needs to be tucked in every night, and loves her brothers!!

We were talking one morning while I was fixing her hair, well, mostly she was talking, and I was thinking of something else, but, it went like this!

Kamrie - It's really lucky you had a girl!
Me - You're right I am very lucky.
Kamrie - Yeah, because you wouldn't have anyone's hair to fix!
Me - !?!

So I will try to enjoy my Seven Year Old every day for the next 364 days!

And a Very Happy Birthday to the rest of the November Birthdays in my family!!

Yeah Me!!

I am sure most of you won't care about this, but I am so excited!! I had a Pampered Chef party last week, and it was a big success!! Some of you know that I used to be a "consutant" myself and I am a huge fan!! So let me just show you the fruits of my labors!!

Items I am getting for FREE!!!! $115 worth!!




And for half price!!




And finally for 60% off - regularly $65 for $26!!! She cooked a pork loin in this fabulous baker in my MICROWAVE! I know what you're thinking meat in the microwave, dry, chewy!! Not even, it was moist and delicious in 12 minutes!! I am most excited about this one.

I Loved It!!

I LOVED the Twilight movie. In fact when I woke up this morning, I was trying to think of a good reason to go again!!

HIghlights!!

No, this isn't a post about my new hair color. I thought I should blog about my trip to Utah!!

So here are few of the best parts -

An awesome Husband, that never questioned my leaving for 6 days!!

Meeting the man that has made my sister SO HAPPY!!!! Love ya Ralph!!

Seeing my nieces and nephews - Nicholas, Kali, Cassidy, Cooper, Kait, Wy, Bronson, Addi, Mia, Grace, Sam & Drew/Anakin!!

Seeing my brothers and their fabulous wives - Nathan and Jill, Matthew and Les, Peter and Elaine!!

Being with Carrie in the temple!! Helping her get ready for the MAIN EVENT!!
(Thank for the honor of being your escort)

Hearing all my talented family perform at the reception!

Seeing two of my "first-cousins once removed" You girls are so fabulous!!

Playing Guitar Hero with Nathan's Family and Nicholas! (Nicholas kicked our tails!)

Spending the day with the most amazing friend ever, love ya Soya!! (you to Lance)

Eating at Mandee's fav. places - Kneaders, and Flour Girl & Dough Boy - then getting to actually see her and meet some of her family!!

Getting texts from my big boys telling me the latest!! I love that!!

Coming home to my Family!!

TOO FUNNY!!

Pictures for Mom

(and anyone else interested)

Bye Bye!

I am off to Utah for Carrie's wedding. Be back Tuesday!!

Funny Tennessee

There are some things in all states that I am sure make you giggle. I was looking up the stipulations on Zac's driver's license. Here they use what they call a "Graduated Driver's License." It starts like most with a learner's permit -

Anyone under the age of 18 who has a learner permit will be
prohibited from driving between the hours of 10 p.m. and
6 a.m. When driving, permit holders must have a licensed driver
age 21 or older in the vehicle with them. Seatbelt use is mandatory
for everyone in the vehicle under the age of 18

Pretty normal.

Now he has an "Intermediate License" -

Those with an intermediate restricted license can only have one other passenger in he vehicle, UNLESS:

* One or more of the passengers is age 21 or older and has a valid, unrestricted license;
* The passengers are brothers and sisters, step-brothers or step-sisters, adopted or fostered children residing in the same house as the driver and going to and from school AND the intermediate license holder has in their possession written permission from their parent or guardian to transport their siblings.

Those with an intermediate restricted license are prohibited from driving between the hours of 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., UNLESS:

* They are accompanied by a parent or guardian;
* They are accompanied by a licensed driver 21 or older who has been designated by the parent or guardian. This designation must be in writing and be in the possession of the teen driver;
* They are driving to or from a specifically identified school sponsored activity or event and have in their possession written permission from a parent or guardian to do this;
* They are driving to or from work and have in their possession written permission from a parent or guardian identifying the place of employment and authorizing the driver to go to and from work;

And my personal favorite =)

* They are driving to or from hunting or fishing between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m. and have in their possession a valid hunting or fishing license.

So pretty much as long as he has a note, none of the above apply!! (which is really good for us!)

He did it!!

Congrats to my fabulous oldest son. He passed is driving test (I knew he would). I was a mess, he wasn't nervous at all, but when he left with the guy to take the test, I thought I would be sick!! I had to pull out Zac's fancy phone and play games on it to keep myself distracted.

But now I can send him to the store, to pick up and take his brothers to piano, or whatever!!!!

Just as soon as I call the insurance company, ouch!

Send him your congrats on his blog - Zac's Blog -!!

Pray for Us!

I am taking Zac for his driving test this morning. As it will be very nice to have him able to drive, especially with me going out of town next week. I am a little scared to just let him go and drive by himself. I do hope he passes though. (This all hinges on him getting a form from school this morning, you have to prove you are attending school to get your license. And he forgot to request it until yesterday!)

ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!!

I am not a fan of Howard Stern, but this will make you sick. And it should make you sick no matter who you are voting for.
(I do like his hair though)

Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad

47 Years

Need a Pick Me up?

This blog is seriously hilarious. The girl who writes it is amazingly funny. Please remember it is satire, she is not serious. (at least I don't think she is) Go and read this post.

Candice you could use this in Econ class for sure!!

Enjoy!!

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1.02.05

Look at Me!

Or, what I made. I saw it online and had to make one.
Super easy, but way cute!!
(one a day is the rule, in case you're wondering how I will keep it full!)

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1.02.05

This is when I hate living far away!!

As you know from my previous post, my nephew Jordan recently left to serve a mission. Well, the Sunday that he spoke, my Brothers, and nephews performed in Sacrament. I believe it was a song that my brother Peter wrote called My Mission Call. I just wish that my boys could have been in this photo!!

Unofficial

So as I was watching the debate I wondered...

When the Middle-class American family is sitting around the kitchen table discussing Johnny's tuition, or co-pays, or rising heating costs. Do we EVER say, I wonder how the government is going to help us with this problem.

So I added my on poll about it.

I won't share my views or feeling on the subject, so as not to sway answers.

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1.02.05

We'll Miss You

My fab. nephew Jordan is leaving for his mission tomorrow. And, even though we live very far away, and miss him all the time, we will miss him even more now.

Paraguay is lucky to have you.

Thanks for ALWAYS being an awesome example to my boys!!

Love ya!!

Congratulations!!

I just wanted to congratulate my niece Courtney on her engagement. I can't believe she will be getting married next summer!! I haven't had the privilege of meeting Brigham, but every one tells me he is great. Hope to meet you soon. If your interested you can read about the proposal here.

Do You Speak Memphian?

Sometimes in this city, you will over hear, or have a conversation that can be confusing. Confusing because you are fairly sure the language being spoken is English, but you are some how unable to understand. Here is a little video of an interview. The woman being interviewed was a witness to a murder, do you think they will have her testify in court?



In case you are wondering - Beer - that is what the shooting was about. Not a bureau.

What's your Song!

I got an e-mail with a fun link. It will tell you what song was #1 on the billboard charts the day that you were born. As you can guess by now(if you have your sound on), mine is Joy To the World by Three Dog Night. Appropriate, don't you think? (and I don't mean about the bull frog or drinking wine;)

Wanna know what "your" song is?

http://www.joshhosler.biz/NumberOneInHistory/SelectMonth.htm

Here are the rest of the fam, if you care:

Jim - The Ballad Of The Green Berets by SSgt. Barry Sadler
Zac - Save The Best For Last by Vanessa Williams
Tyler - Bump 'n Grind by R. Kelley (I didn't add this one to my play list)
Chad - Mo Money Mo Problems by Notorious B.I.G (didn't add this one either)
Scott - Livin' La Vida Loca by Ricky Martin
Kamrie - Family Affair by Mary J. Blige

C-H-A-D

For those that know Chad will love this. On Thursday night we were able to go to the "Meet the Teacher Night" at his school. As most of you know the teachers usually have the kids make some kind of project to display that night. Chad's teacher had them use the letters in their name to make words that describe them. This is what Chad's said:

C - CREATIVE

H - HYPER

A - ACTIVE

D- DISTRACTED

This boy knows himself well!!

Happy Birthday Linda

Had to wish my SIL a Happy Birthday!! Hope its a good one. If I was there I would take you to lunch!! And I hope you get a cute cake like this one!!

Love ya!!

Friday Nights are SO Exciting

Not usually, but last Friday was one to blog about. Jim and I were out on our usual date night with our friends the Thomas'. We went to our favorite sandwich shop (yes Dad, that one!) best Chinese Food/Sub Sandwich place, and the atmosphere is something else. Anyways. . . we stayed there talking long enough that we needed to go somewhere for dessert!! On the way back towards home I got a call that went like this:

Me: Hello (the caller ID said "Private Call", almost didn't answer)
Tyler: Mom?
Me: Tyler
Tyler: Um...Scott got hit in the head, and he's bleeding really bad.
Me: OK we'll be there in a minute.

When we got home, they all came walking around from the back yard. We had already discussed how we were going to crazy glue him back together, so we headed inside so I could see the damage. His big brothers had put their First Aid merit badges to good use with and ice pack and compression. They had managed to stop the bleeding, which had been profuse. So when I was able to move hair out of the way, it was the biggest gash I had seen. No crazy glue for this cut. So wer wrapped it up and headed for the ER. What a huge joke. I could not believe how many people go to the ER for non-emergency stuff. I wanted to ask them what was so bad they couldn't wait til morning, or even Monday to see their Dr. We only had to wait 5 HOURS!! And
then they put 4 staples in his head and sent us on our way. The pictures are kind of gross, so if you don't like bloody don't scroll down. I have some really good ones from when the Dr. was working on him, they are on Jim' phone and I still haven't retrieved them. Lucky for you!!

He was wearing his brand new Class T-shirt!! But Oxy-clean stain spray made like new again. The back was drenched!! I knew I would need to Blog this so I made him pose for a picture before we went to the ER.













You're probably wondering what happened? Well, Chad, Scott and our neighbor Jeremy were playing. I guess the new game was throwing bricks up in the air. This one came down right on the back of Scott's head. And yes that is a blood stain on the grass next to it.




Stapled Shut and ready to go!!

Happy B-Day to Chad

It was yesterday, but such is my life. I can't believe that my "little" Chad is 11!! He has been waiting all summer for this day to come. He was very excited when I picked him up because two of his classes sang to him. He got all the things he asked for, the coolest is Guitar Hero for the DS. Then he wanted steak for dinner!?! Jim and I took him to Outback, it was a rare occasion for the three of us to be alone together. If you know Chad at all you know that the conversation came easily.

Chad is such a great kid, and just about everyone that meets him loves him. (OK, maybe not the big brothers, all the time, but deep down I know they do!) As my Mom says he is endearing, and always has been. When he was really little and would be getting into trouble, he would cock his little head to the side and say "I sorry" and I couldn't be mad any more. He is SUPER smart, and a fantastic artist. He even had a couple drawings sent to decorate a bulletin board at the Board of Education office.

We Love our Chadderbox!!

Had to Share

Kamrie and I made a quick trip to the grocery store, and as usually she talked the entire way there! But when we got back in the van to go home I could not believe what she said.

Kamrie: "All the boys must like you"
Me: "What are you talking about?"
Kamrie: "I think all the boys like you except the little ones"
Me: "Why do you think that?"
Kamire: "Becuase every where we go all the boys look at you and say "WOW"
Me: "You're such a liar!"
Kamrie: "No I'm not, even that guy in the store was looking at you and said Wow"

It was flattering that she thinks there looking at me because I'm hot or something. He was probably wondering why I was spending $40 on junk food!!

A glimpse!

Every time I see this commercial, I feel like it is portraying my life. I LOVE my girl, but she can talk your ear off!! I don't know if they show it anywhere else, since it is for Cellular South.



She already told me, "When I get a cell phone, I am going to talk on it all the time!"

I have no doubts.

I Heart my Morning Commute!!

Having 5 kids is the greatest blessing of my life. I try really hard to not take for granted the amazingness of it.

There are down sides to having 5 kids - one is there isn't always enough of me to go around. I know that when I was growing, I was never aware, or felt slighted, and I am sure that my kids feel the same way. It is just the way it is.

So what does this have to do with the title of my post? Chad started middle school this year. He is in a school with an optional program for gifted kids. We are really proud of him for getting in. There are some stiff requirements when you don't live in the school's district. (I still haven't answered my own question have I?)

Since we don't live in the district, I have to drive Chad to school. So for about 10 minutes or so, it is just me and him, one on one. Does not happen very often for my darling patient middle child. So I am trying to make the most of it, no radio just some small talk. And if you know Chad you know that isn't hard.

Million Dollar Gold Medal Winner

Did you know that the United Sates Olympic Committee pays our athletes for winning medals at the Olympics? Michael Phelps for example made $200,000 this week for his 8 golds. Oh, and a MILLION DOLLAR bonus from Speedo. Just proving that hard work does pay off.

First day of School

Monday was our first day of school. We have done a good job getting into a routine. In fact as I type, it is 8 PM my 3 youngest have showered and are in the kitchen making their lunches.

Apparently once you're in high school you don't have to pose for the annual photo.

Chad - 5th Grade
(School uniform this year
another + of city living)
Scott - 4th Grade
Kamrie - 1st Grade

Now They'll Know

Where I live people do all they can to NOT live in the Memphis City Limits. Well, my neighborhood was annexed a year and a half ago. Unlike a lot of our neighbors we will not be moving. One nice thing about being city (maybe the only good thing) is we now have street lights.

So now my kids will know when its time to come in.

(And it's pretty too)

Peace and Quiet

Well, maybe not that peaceful. But the kids are back in school, the little ones I watch are napping, and my house is totally quiet!! (At least until my dryer starts buzzing at me!)

Hometown Shout Out!!

Did you see him? If your were watching America's Got talent you did. It's our old friend George "the giant" MacArthur!! I actually missed his originally audition, it aired during one of the worst weeks of my life, my dvr was not working!! (I know you can relate, if you have one) Anyways last night he made it on to Hollywood and the top 40!! Way to go George!! We'll be watching!!!

Happy Birthday

I just needed to wish my Mom a very Happy Birthday!! I feel guilty that I don't email her enough and let her now how much I miss her. It has been more than a year now since I have seen her, and I have another year to go. Next June can not come soon enough.

Hope you have a great day, and know that you are always in my thoughts!!

I love you!!

The Best Season Yet!!

For my fellow SYTYCD fans, is this not the BEST season yet. All top 8 dancers are so good. I am so sad to see any of them go. I wish they could all win. Here are my FAV. dances from the last couple weeks:

Twitch and Katee - Contemporary -Mercy


Joshua and Katee - Contemporary -All by Myself
(This one give me goose bumps every time!)


Joshua and Chelsie - Argentine Tango


Courthey and Will - Contemporary - Like You'll Never See Me Again

Winding Down!

Well, as our summer vacation is winding down, I thought I would let anyone who cares know what we are up to down south!!!

Kamrie seems to spend as much time away from home as possible. I try not to take it personally, I guess her brothers don't really like the same things she does. Oh, and her best friend Siage, has a pool and baby hamsters!! Yes, that's right she has a male and female hamster, and now three little teeny, tiny baby hamsters. How can I compete with that?

Scott & Chad think that if they are not sleeping at a friends or having a friend sleep over it is the end of the world. They have been in a little book club with some friends from church, they like the getting together part, but the actually reading of the book, not so much. They both had a really fun week at Cub Scout Day camp too.

Tyler has been busy reading the last couple of weeks, I think he is 1 1/2 books into the three he needs to read before school starts. He loves to have his friends over as much as possible too.

Zac has been working most of the summer. He babysits for a friend of mine, and gets paid more than me!! He has used the money to pay for club soccer, which just started, and he seems to be enjoying it. He also invested in a new Cell Phone. And I use the word invested because it wasn't cheap.

Jim has been working like crazy. They are VERY busy, he has had to work the last few Saturdays. Don't get excited, we are salary, so no overtime!! Rumor has it our Bishop will be getting released soon, and he is hoping to be out of the Bishopric, and maybe back with the Young Men!! A man can dream.

As for me, I have really been enjoying hanging out with my kids, and keeping busy with my vinyl business. I have started having a "Project Night" at my house once a month. I design a project send out an e-vite with a picture, and if it is something they want, they come over and put it together, and most important take it home FINISHED. It has been a lot of fun.

Thought I would show the rest of our trip to St Louis. On Saturday Morning we went to see the Arch.

Something Fun!

I wasn't sure about doing this, what if no one responds! That would be a major blow to my already fragile ego!!

Here are the directions:1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments. HAVE FUN

INTRODUCING......

My First Great-Nephew

Daniel Skeet Tristan Panero
(not so sure about the first middle name? Good thing he's stinking cute!)

Good work Nicole and Jacob!!

St Louis - Part Overdue!

So we got up on Friday and ate our Free Breakfast at the hotel, I always try to stay somewhere with free breakfast!! Then we packed up and headed off to Six Flags! Funny side note, I kept telling people we were going to Magic Mountain, and they would give a weird face, and ask what it was!!! Oh, I mean "Six Flags", I forget it isn't called that everywhere. I did say it to someone, and as I was about to correct myself, remembered she was from CA and knew exactly what I was talking about.

We started big, Jim, Zac, Tyler and I on Batman. Remember that one Linda! It was such a rush, but I am definitely getting old, my bearings were so off when it was over. The three little kids just went through the line and then just waited at the exit for us. We rode rides til lunch, when we ate our $50 pizza, drink, and bread sticks, then headed for the water park. It was very cool because at this Six Flags, Hurricane Harbor is included with your admission to the park.

The highlight of the water park was a slide with a huge round raft that held 5 people. It was a bit of a line, and quite a ways up to the top. We practically had to drag Scott and Kamrie. When it was our turn we pretty much threw Kamrie in the raft and dragged Scott on. Into the first turn Scott's screams of terror broke with a scream of "This is FUN!!" Kamrie unfortunately didn't enjoy it, but we did have good laugh when as she tried to give her best scream a huge wave washed right over her. That sounds really mean, but in the moment it was really funny. Earlier in the day we went on the rapids ride. We had drug her on that last year in Branson. By the time it was over this year she started to say it was fun, but quickly stopped herself.

The only ride Tyler didn't go on, but Jim and Zac did, was so scary to watch there was no way I was going on, and did not give Tyler any grief about not wanting to ride it. It is called Mr. Freeze and goes from 0 to70 MPH in about four seconds!!! Oh, and after you are shot out and twisted up, you get to drop down and do it all backwards!! No thanks! I was able to somehow convince Chad and Scott to go on a Tony Hawk ride. It wasn't too bad and they tried to enjoy it. Although after the first unexpected turn I looked across to Chad, and he had turned several shades of green.

We ended the day watching Jim, Zac and Tyler ride the Superman Tower of Power ride. It takes you up 23 stories and then drops you!! I got a few good shots of that one.

All in all we had a really great time, picked up some dinner from Del Taco (we don't have those in Memphis) And headed back to the hotel.

St Loius - Part One

I am going to do our vacation in three parts, that way I am not so overwhelmed.

Day One:
I had everything pretty much ready when Jim got home at 4. We loaded up the van and headed out.

Our first stop was a restaurant some of you may have heard of - Lambert's. If you watch the Food Network, it has been on there quite a bit. It is famous for it's "throwed rolls". Yes, they actually throw you a roll. The kids thought it was great. They also don't skimp on the servings. The orders are huge, and they have servers walking around with all kinds of side dishes that you can add to your already very full plate.

So if you ever in Sikeston, or Ozark, Missouri, or Foley, Alabama, I would suggest you stop in'



We arrived at our hotel around 9:30 and went right to bed. We wanted to be well rested for our big day at Six Flags.

WHAT!?!?!

That is what I said today while visiting my local Hobby Lobby store.

You know how we are always talking about living in the moment. Enjoying the present. Don't always think about what is happening tomorrow or next week.

I have figured out why this can be so difficult. It's the retail industry. My Hobby Lobby already has Christmas stuff out!!! Can you believe it, Chirstmas!!! They have fall stuff too, oh and the 4th of July stuff was 40% off. I've heard of Christmas in July but this is really ridiculous.

My Tyler

So, today I went out back to watch the little ones I tend play on the slip n slide. Tyler and his friend were out there but went in as I came out. A few seconds later, Tyler is coming back outside with a chair for me!!!!! I almost cried!! It was so thoughtful, one of those moments when you think it will all be ok.

Tyler, you're the best!!!

Where's the Post

I know I said I would be posting our St Louis trip, it really is out of my control. After hearing all the hoopla, I borrowed these
from a friend. Finished the first in about 24 hours. They really are good. This is why I rarely read!! Can't stop til it's done!!!

Congratulations Carrie!!

I just got home from St. Louis, more on that later, and found the best email I have received in a long time.

My Sister is engaged!!! I have not had the privilege of meeting her fiance, but everyone in the family assures me he is wonderful. Just from the way he proposed I would say he's a keeper! I am looking forward to meeting him at their wedding this fall.

And check out the ring!!!

Nothing to report!

So, really there is nothing to report!! I am just too cheap to go anywhere. My van mostly stays parked in my driveway!! I filled up a week ago, and I still have 3/4 of a tank!!!

My kids have been keeping busy with friends. It seems there is almost always an extra kid or two around here, or I am missing a few of mine. Like now, it is 9:30 AM - Zac has left for his babysitting job, Tyler and two friends are asleep in the other room(who know what time they finally went to bed), Chad and Scott spent the night with a friend, and Kamrie is patiently waiting for a friend to pick her up. (Only asking about every 10 mins. if it's 10:00 yet, gotta work on telling time on the "real" clock)

We are going to St. Louis this weekend, so I will have something to share when we get back.

I hope you are all having a relaxing summer!