We Had Ourselves a Merry Little Christmas

Christmas 2008 is one to remember for lots of reasons. It's the first year that Adam really "got"' Christmas. He learned Christmas carols, could tell (in his version) the Christmas story , and he thoroughly enjoyed the lights, the gifts, and the different aspects of Christmas. He made Christmas special for us.

We had a blast in Cynthiana. Adam received lots of clothes and toys. He got a bike with training wheels at Gran and Granddad's house. With the unseasonably warm weather on Saturday, he got to ride on thier sidewalk a whole bunch. He does really well. He amuses himself and gets this weird, silly grin of satisfaction on his face. I love watching him. It was wonderful to be with family and we enjoyed some great meals. Mom's pimiento cheese, noodles and dressing made the Walters' way, hashbrown casserole on Christmas morning, divine-tasting salmon, and the token Leono's meal, the list goes on and on. I enjoy eating way too much. Dad used to ask me if I live to eat or eat to live. Hmmm....

In saving the best for last, I'm sure you've noticed the three pictures on the side. These are Nana's, Gran's, and Granddad's reactions to the news that WE'RE EXPECTING A BABY! Our due date is July 23rd. I am a little over 10 weeks along. We are so pumped and can't wait for another little bundle of joy. Adam really doesn't know about this news yet. He's been oblivious to it, but we'll explain it at the right time. I think he'll make a great big brother. Keep us in your prayers as this little baby (named Peanut by Dr. Crosslin) continues to grow and develop and as we prepare for its arrival. Praise God!

Merry Christmas!

Highlights of the Day:

Adam and I made a birthday cake for Jesus. He's quite the mixer.

Mary came over and she got his a remote controlled Lightning McQueen that he drives like a maniac. Poor Callie!

Bucky is home! This is a picture of him and Boomer. Adam still can't grasp this whole hunting thing. This afternoon he said that Daddy and Dicky will get a basket and fill it FULL of ducks. I chose not to mention the gun and shooting part of the process.

We are relaxing tonight.

Christmas Break! It would be an understatement to say that I'm ready for a break from school. There's just so much a girl can take.

Bucky has been gone since Wednesday. He's gone to Mississippi to duck hunt with Dicky. Don't you love brother bonding? He took Adam to daycare on Wed. and then left. When I picked up Adam that day I asked him if he remembered where Daddy was. He couldn't. I told him he was hunting with Uncle Dicky. "For Easter eggs?" was his reply. I cackled!

We've been in bed by 9 all the nights he's been gone. Thankfully our schedules aren't as crazy what with Journey over and it's been nice to be at home, play, and relax. We've watched some of the Christmas shows. He loves Frosty and Mickey's Christmas Carol, which I know will please Kim. He keeps wanting to know, "Why doesn't Scrooge like Christmas?"

I don't know what we'll get into today. I think Mary is coming today to exchange gifts.

Higher Aim Christmas Program

Adam's program went very well. His group sang several songs and he knew the words. He was so proud! Near the end, the director of the daycare asked some of the kids what they would give to Jesus this Christmas. Adam's answer was, "A toy." Ms. Trina asked him what kind of toy and he answered, "Batman!" The blond in the picture with Adam is his teacher, Ms. Roxann. We love her!

Journey to Bethlehem was a success! Over 1200 people went through! God is good! Now I must get serious about planning the Christmas Eve service. I've got game plan, but nothing really set in stone. I'm behind with grading papers, but that had to wait tonight because we watched Survivor! We had recorded it. We were glad to see Bob win. Adam was hilarious--he knew all the people! We had planned to watch RCHS basketball but it was cancelled because of the threat of bad weather. We rode around for a bit and looked at Christmas lights and then came home. I keep looking out to see if it's snow/ice yet, but so far there's nothing.

Adam and Bucky are playing/wrestling on the bed and then it's time for bath.

Tomorrow is Adam's program at daycare. I'm hoping he does all right. I'm trying not to make a big deal about it. The good thing is that he stays at daycare until it starts. We just send his dress clothes. Ms. Roxanne says he's been doing great in practice and he's constantly singing here. I'll let you know how he does.

The health department will come any day to condemn our house. It is a mess. There is no time to do anything. I could not tell you the last night I cleaned our bathroom. Gross! We've had something every night, every minute it seems. Our Journey run through went well. There were a few things we discovered that need to be tweaked, but overall it was a success. Adam went to Roxann and Marketta's house. He had a great time.
Tonight I am leaving right after school to meet Mom and Dad at Hamburg. Adam will be in Cynthiana the whole weekend so we won't have to find sitters during Journey each night. I think we are going to eat at Logan's. A steak sure sounds great.
Better go. I'm up mega early so I can finish packing a few things for Adam and maybe run a Lysol wipe over the sick.
Running on fumes..........

Is this hilarious or what? Uncle Larry and Aunt Pam gave Adam this apron, chef's hat that says Santa's Little Helper. Megan put it on him when they were making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches today. She did some photoshopping to it.

Megan had Adam here at the house pretty much all day. We were at church at 7:15, home at 12:00, Megan was here at 12:15, and I left at 12:20 to go to JCC. It's 9:00 and I'm home finally. We did all kinds of things for JTB and then we had a meeting.

Adam did not nap today, so I'm hoping he goes down early. I'll be right behind him....as long as I can find some clean clothes to wear tomorrow!

Last night was wonderful. After a few errands and stops after school, all of us were HOME for the entire night. We ate supper, rested, relaxed, lit a fire, the whole bit. We were in bed pretty early (early compared to previous nights) and I slept in until 8:30. Adam and Bucky are still resting. This is good because this is certainly the calm before the storm.

Today we have the Gossett Family Christmas Party at Blue Licks. Adam and I are meeting Mom and Dad in Lexington and they'll take us to the party. Bucky will go to the UK game and then come to Blue Licks. Sunday we are on praise team, and then we'll spend the majority of the day setting up for Journey to Bethlehem and then it's costume pickup at 6:30. I have breakfast duty next week so that means EARLY mornings. Wednesday is the dress rehearsal for Journey and JCC people come through. Thursday I will meet Mom and Dad somewhere to pass off precious cargo. Adam will stay with them while we are doing Journey the 12th, 13th, and 14th. I don't know if he'll come back Sunday or if we'll get him Monday. We've not worked that out yet. This is such a busy, and yet rewarding, time of the year.

I hear little feet. Adam is up! Have a super weekend!

Here are some pictures from today's events. Adam and I went to the library today. He picked out five books--one of those being a dinosaur book. The man showed us where they were last time and he remembered of course. He seems to like dinosaurs pretty well. The lady at the library told me to bring in some pictures of Adam reading to add to their young reader pictures. Here are a couple.

Guild was at Mindi's tonight and Sharon and I were hostesses along with Mindi. She has a beautiful home full of neat things. The picture of us is in front of a gorgeous stone fireplace.

Tomorrow is Wednesday already!

Back to the daily grind today. Tomorrow we get to go see Madagascar 2 so that will be fun and have the kids excited. It snowed today and they loved it.

I went to Kroger after school today. Sharon, Mindi and I are hostesses for Guild tomorrow night and then the soup luncheon for Guild is Thursday so I had lots to get. We had breakfast for supper tonight. It was delicious. Adam ate and ate!

There's a lot going on but nothing really worth reporting...unless you want to hear how I'm up to my eyeballs (again) in laundry or how I mopped the floor tonight.

I will say that we had a ball at Tony and Nancy's last night with the staff of JCC. We did fondue and the food was delicious and the fellowship sweet. At one point I was crying I was laughing so hard.

I love Thanksgiving! We had two great turkey meals. On Thursday, we ate with Nana, Poppy, and KK and they invited my mom and dad. It was good to all be together. Then today we had a meal with Mom, Dad, Kim, Aunt Martha and Jim. I got to help and that was fun. We all took naps this afternoon and then we went out to Walmart to help Dad get Adam's bike for Christmas. Don't tell him they got it for him. :) This wasn't Bucky's first trip to Walmart. He and Karen ventured out this morning and were there at 5. He said it was pretty busy. He got a couple things.

Tonight we all put up Mom and Dad's tree. Dad said many hands make light work. This is one of the earliest times they've ever put up the tree. Adam has had fun playing with everyone. Tomorrow Arnett, Amber, and Andrew are coming here to eat lunch. We are having Leono's. After that we are going to shop. The Walters family Christmas is tomorrow evening. We will go back to Jamestown after it. We have a busy Sunday and then the WILD CHAOS of December will begin. I'm often tired just thinking about it. Since Journey is early this year (12th, 13th, and 14th) I'm hoping that maybe there will be some down time before we come home for Christmas.

We're in Cynthiana until Saturday for Thanksgiving. Adam rode the four wheeler, has made sugar cookies, and has looked through all of Nana and Poppy's toy catalogs and thinks he needs everthing! It's nice to sit back and relax. Not much to report.

My little fingers can't type as I need them to in order to tell all that's been going on. Here are the highlights:
I turned 31 on Sunday without a hitch. I made Bucky sing me Happy Birthday at 11:30 p.m. when I realized no one had done that.
The Community Thanksgiving program was great. There was not child care, but thankfully Allison was there and Adam sat with her.
Bucky and I left right after school to go to Lexington to watch the Cats. They won! More fun than the win though was seeing Chris McClure. We were heading to our seats and hear, "Hey Buck!" It was Chris and his dad. We ended up sitting by them since there wasn't a huge crowd. We had such a good time visiting with him. I have no recollection of any plays or even the cheers because I was focused on talking. Good times. Afterwards we saw Bradley Dennis. His wife is pregnant and in the hospital on bedrest. Her water broke at 17 weeks. She will be at Central Baptist the way he talked until the baby comes in February.
We got home a little after 10. Adam was up. He and Mary had a big time. He went to bed fairly easy.
Today is the last day of school this week. Sweet Sugar.
Tonight is the major building effort for Journey to Bethelehem.

It's been a busy and fun weekend. We left out yesterday afternoon to go to Mammoth Cave for a leadership retreat. Adam got to go as well. Allison and Peggy (Ma Peg) went along for child care. Adam had a ball. They watched a movie last night and then today a park ranger took them out and about and they rode the ferry. Our sessions went fine. After we left MC we went to Glasgow to eat with Buddy, Sharon, Alan, and Darren. Adam as asleep. It felt like old times because he was so conked out we just laid him on two chairs and he slept while we ate. We hit Glasgow and Columbia Walmart to get rope lighting for Journey to Bethlehem. I picked up the potatoes I should have bought the other night. We got home going up for 4 and I cleaned house like a madwoman. Things had been wild Wednesday and Thursday. Bucky napped and Adam watched some TV. We ate potato soup and (gulp) put up our Christmas decorations. I don't think I've ever had the tree up in time for my birthday. Usually we wait until the Saturday after Thankgiving but the Walters extended family is that day so we thought we'd go ahead. Everything looks great. Bucky said he loves Christmas in this house, but really loved Christmas in the old house. Sweet.

On a hilarious note, I had my own personal paparazzi yesterday. Elio from WKU and a native of Peru is a friend of Roxann's. She asked me Monday if he could spend the day in my room. Sure. I figured he was an education major. Instead he majors in photojournalism and wanted to do a "piece" on me. This involved him interviewing me, photographing me, going to JCC, the daycare, and our home. Of all times the house to be a mess. I'm convinced that my house is always clean when no one is coming. Anyway, I can't wait to see the final project and I'll try to share it. A special shout out to Amy and Audra for watching my kids so I could leave early, pose for all of Elio's pictures, pack, and still make it to JCC on time.

White Boy CAN Jump

We had the bean bag out the other night and Adam went to town! Here's a picture we took. I told him I cut his head off like Gran does (no offense, Gran). I took the next one and he said, "Did you get my head back?"

Believe it or not, I wrapped some Christmas gifts today. The thought is to take some of them to Cynthiana when we go home for Thanksgiving. We'll see how that goes.

We've had a busy evening. Adam and I had supper at McD's, went to Kroger, and then we both had haircuts. I didn't get Adam's as short this time with all the holiday pictures and cold weather. It looks great! Mine is the same cut only with a trim.

We leave tomorrow afternoon for a JCC Leadership Retreat at Mammoth Cave. Adam gets to go. They are providing child care. We will get back early Saturday afternooon. Sunday is church and then the community T-giving program. Monday night is a UK ballgame that we have tickets for. Wonderful Mary is coming here to watch Adam.

Here's today's sure sign that I'm losing it: Today at Kroger I bought ingredients for potato soup only to discover when I got home that I hadn't bought the potatoes.

It's snowing here! Woo Hoo!

Adam is home! We played lots last night. I guess he had missed his toys. Callie smells like death warmed over...literarally. I don't know what she got into.

Supper's almost ready.

Adam answered the phone today when I called to check on him. It's fun to talk to him.

After church today we had Bucky's small group over for lunch. We had chicken, homestyle mac and cheese, peas and rolls. I made cookies for dessert.

I have been napping most of the afternoon. I had a few phone calls in between but went back to sleep each time.

We have practice for the community Thanksgiving service tonight.

Adam will come home tomorrow. Bucky will pick him up in Danville and then I'll get him at JCC after school. I'll be glad to see him. I know he'll have tons to tell.

Happy Saturday!

We have a ball last night. We shopped at Rivergate Mall. We'd actually been there before when we'd come to the NCAA tournament. I got some things at New York and Company. We used a gift card and ate at Chili's. We both had ribs. We did a little shopping at Target. Adam needed winter pajamas and we bought him two pair. We went and saw Fireproof after that. It's a Christian movie starring Kirk Cameron who has an uncanny resemblance to our friend Ben that I never realized. I cried through practically half of it. It's about a struggling marriage. I was very touching. After that we went to see the lights at Opryland. Breathtaking. The trees are covered in lights.

We are headed out for breakfast and then to Opry Mills.

Happy 1st birthday to Kendall!

Nashville!

We are here! Bucky has brought me to Nashville for the weekend. I was surprised since I didn't know our destination until we were only the parkway. We've checked into our room and are using the computers in the lobby. We're leaving after this to go and shop. We will go to the Opryland Hotel to see the lights and decorations sometime and will go to OpryMills mall.

Adam was excited to go with Nana and Poppy. "Only I to go," he told me.

We love Adam!

Quick Tidbits from Adam's Checkup

Weight: 35 pounds (85-90th percentile)
Height: 40 inches (95th percentile)

For Adam's bowels. Dr Johnson (who is great) recommended lots of water, apple juice, and pear juice, which we do already except for the pear. We told him Adam eats healthy and that we'd cut out cheese, yogurt, and other dairy stuff. He told us to keep with the yogurt. It turns out that applesauce (Adam's staple) has an ingredient called pectin which may cause constipation. Apple juice doesn't have this. Eureka! We are going to drastically cut back on his applesauce consumption and see how things go. They took some blood from Adam (he'd never had this done) to check for lead, any thyroid issues, etc. This did not go too well. Adam moved when she was about to stick his left arm and then she had to do his right. They both may bruise. She said he had excellent veins, but he just couldn't stay still. By Bucky's order we went to KMart to get a toy for all the trauma.

Adam is a happy, healthy, and growing boy!

Today's service went well. After church was the football game. It was frigid! Thought I'd share a picture of me and Sharon. Only Sharon can pull off earmuffs like that! Adam and I didn't stay long. Instead we came home and took naps. I had practice for the community Thanksgiving program tonight. Adam went to Teresa's. Tomorrow is Adam's 3 year checkup. Hopefully we can figure out some things to help with his crazy bowel situation.

Bucky has gone to the UK game with Heath and some other guys today. He left early, but says he'll be home for supper. Adam and I went out and about this morning. We hit the library, post office, Mighty Dollar, McD's for breakfast, KMart and Kroger. We were busy! The Jeep was brimming with stuff. I took it since Buck had the Trailblazer.

I got stuff at Kroger to make for tomorrow's meal before the flag football game between the Visionaries and the youth. I also got things for supper tonight. We're having "that Oriental salad" that Nora makes. It is divine. I've got chicken marinating too. Yum!

The three of us went to see Madagascar 2 last night. This was the first movie that we'd taken Adam to see. He'd seen one with KK last year I think. He enjoyed it. I know this because he wouldn't eat his popcorn and the kid LOVES popcorn or p-0-p corn as we call it.

Adam's napping now. I'm trying to get laundry done, church clothes ready, and make sure I'm read to lead worship tomorrow. Maybe I'll have time to read. I picked up three books at the library. Adam wanted dinosaur books today.

Rainy Friday

Last night we had an abbreviated praise team practice. Heath and Cody were at the visitation so we went through everything with Billy and Cody W. and said we'd hit it hard Sunday. Adam went to Mary and Gary's house. He was there for quite a while because Bucky and I went to the visitation. We arrived at RCHS at 7:30 and we did not get to see Royce and Erica until almost 9:30. The outpouring of support has been amazing. Iwas fine waiting until we got into the gym. There was a video of pictures and they had music and that's a combination that always speaks to me. I just had to quit watching the pictures. When we got to Royce and Erica, Royce hugged me and said, "Hey Mrs. Bucky." I told him that's what I wanted him to say. I couldn't think of much to say except we're thinking of you and then Bucky and Royce hugged. Royce is a man of small stature and it looked like Goliath hugging David. Bucky was very emotional which in turn makes me that way. Erica looked like any mother who just lost her 16 year old would look. Praise God they are Christians and have a hope and will find strength to get through this hard time. Anyway, it was 10 before I got to Mary's and then Adam was "wilder than a wood guinea" to use an RC term. It was 11 before he fell asleep. Bucky is doing opening prayer at the funeral. He said he was honored. In other news, it's raining today. Appropriate, I think.

It's been a different couple of days. Luke Burton, 17 year old at RCHS and football player died from injuries due to a wreck yesterday morning. Obviously this affects our whole community, but especially since both his parents work for the school system. His visitation is tomorrow night and his funeral is at 2:3o on Friday at RCHS. School is dismissing at 11:30 on Friday to allow for everyone to go to the funeral.
Bucky did a different type service for Quench tonight in light of everything going on. It was very moving. He's gone with all the football coaches to see Royce and Erica tonight. He said it would be late.
Times like this remind me that life is fragile.

Megan had Adam today from after Sunday School until about 3. I had a Worship Team meeting and Bucky had paintball. Megan had a small group lunch at Giovanni's so she took Adam. He ate cake that Nora had made and was still up when I got home. I decided not to let him take a nap today and let him go to bed early. So I took him to the waterfall at Woolen Mill. It's a beautiful place. We got in the water a little bit and he threw rocks. However, all this came to an ABRUPT halt when two ENORMOUS dogs came our way barking. There is a house down by the waterfall and the dogs belonged to its owner. She assured us we were fine to be down there but we pretty much made an exit. I mean, these dogs were HUGE and I didn't want any part of them. We are now back home. Bucky will be home in a bit and he'll change clothes and grab a bite before he leaves for Quench praise team practice. I'm not making much--some spinach and artichoke dip and maybe some chicken. Adam is wanting fish sticks he got at the new Columbia Super Walmart last night. Enough for now.....

I had to see if I could post pictures like Sherry! It looks like I can! Here's yet another one of Adam--this time with his helmet.

Halloween was awesome! Adam was too cute in his costume. I could have posted every picture we took but I kept it to a minimum. Here's how our night went.

I put Adam in his costume about 4:30. He went outside and played like a madman. We kicked, tackled, ran, and he tried to catch. I was already in my cheerleader outfit from school. Bucky came home close to five and got on his coach clothes. He even put on a whistle to complete the outfit which I thought was a nice touch.

First we went to Mary and Gary's. Gary snapped some photos of us (he is AWESOME at this and the top two on the blog are his work) and then Adam and Mary played footbal. She had a huge pumpkin full of stuff for him. Then we went the Emerson's house. Teresa had dressed up their dog Scooby Doo like a pirate. Some of her family was there too. There were a set of 2o month old twins and a 3 year old. They were the Doodle-Bops. Next we went to JCC for Trunk or Treat. Adam did great there and said Trick or Treat at every car. Finally we ended up at Buddy and Sharon's. Sharon was on the front porch dressed as Granny Clampett of the Beverly Hillbillies. Her office always dresses up in a theme. We visited there for awhile and the headed for the Lakers game. This was particularly embarassing considering I had my hair in pigtails and wearing a cheer outfit. I'm hoping all eyes were on Adam. He really hammed it up I thought. He was so proud of his cleats (compliments of one of his heroes Henry Bertram) and I think they may him kind of swagger. Plus, the outfit fit snug, probably because of the ever lingering diaper (another story) and so you could really watch him move. We didn't stay long at the game because we were all starving. We went to The Cove. Adam got fish bites and ate pretty much all of them. We came on home and started winding down. It didn't take Adam long to go to bed and he's not up yet this morning. As a bonus, I slept until 7:30. Sweet sugar!

Bucky is doing something with the sixth grade traveling football team. He knew about this yesterday. This means he'll be gone all day. Yuck! I was hoping to head over to Columbia's new Super Walmart. He and I may go. We may have to eat Halloween candy for lunch if we don't.

On another note, Happy Birthday to Megan Walters!

Thursday Already

It's date night with a few extra guests! I don't know if you can tell how happy Adam is by the picture, but he was in seventh heaven with all the boys over. They played and we ate supper. The steak was delicious! It had been a while since I had a steak and it hit the spot. You know how they say habit is a great thing? Well, tonight when we all sat down for supper Adam said, "Time to pray. Let's hold hands." We always hold hands around the supper table. The boys all gave each other a look and Bucky told them sorry but they all held hands. Priceless.

It's Halloween tomorrow. I am excited and so is Adam. He's wearing pj's to daycare and then he'll suit for tomorrow night. I hope things go smoothly at school. I tied up some loose ends today because I figure the kids won't be worth much tomorrow.

Adam got his flu mist today. I don't think he enjoyed it according to Bucky. When I asked him about it this afternoon he said, "They put this thing up my nose so I won't get sick." I had my flu shot today at 2. My arm is sore. The training at JES went well. Not as many people were there as Tonya had said, but that's okay.

After daycare we went to get pumpkins. We usually go to Bearwallow but it just didn't happen this fall. Adam picked out two small pumpkins, and then the lady there gave Adam one that had a painted face for free. It was funny because on the way to get pumpkins Adam said that when we got the pumpkins home he wanted to put them in front of the fireplace. What a random thought! That's where they are though and they look great.

We've all been home tonight. We've just hung out and played. Tomorrow is church and then Thursday morning Adam is getting the flu mist. I'm getting a flu shot Thursday afternoon and then I'm doing another training at Jamestown Elementary. After that Bucky's small group is coming over for supper. We're going all out and having steak and all the sides. Yum! Adam will love that Ben, Nick, Lucas, and Travis are coming over.

School is going okay, but it's kind of stressful. There are some new programs this year to keep up with, and I've got a few boys that try my patience. We are writing persuasive letters in fourth grade and then personal narratives in third grade. I hope they will turn out okay.

Adam's had an early bath and I'd like to get in bed early. It's been late the last couple of nights.

Gran sent Adam a letter last week. He's had me read it every day since he got it. He thinks he's big stuff. Speaking of big stuff, Adam looked like big stuff today He usually wears a polo and khakis to church but today he wore a button up shirt, khakis, and a belt. Cutie!

The hayride and bonfire went well. The weather was great. We only had to wear hoodies. This is MUCH better than last year. Adam could not even hardly take a nap because he was so excited for the hayride. I did not get a nap because by the time he went down and I did a few things, it was time for me to get ready to go. I am dragging and it's only 7:30.

I have received several Christmas lists from family members. This excites me! It's fun to know what everyone wants and hopefully we can find some good deals. It seems like I say this near the end of every month, but can you believe it's almost November.

I love Saturday!

It's been a productive and nice Saturday. One of the first things we did was switch out our clothes and brought in the fall and winter stuff. It's amazing what you forget you have. Of course, we have our bags to give to the Catholic church's store. Speaking of clothes, I bought some things for Adam this morning from Children's Place-my fave for him--and then Bucky ordered some things for himself this afternoon from Old Navy. We remembered he had gotten rid of some, actually most, of his jeans last year because they had seen better days. I picked out a few things for Adam there, too. My guys will be stylin' and profilin'.

I bought a bread mix for our bread machine last night at Walmart and so Bucky made that today. We had it with our vegetable soup for lunch. It was delicious! Bucky was gone this afternoon playing golf. I made Corn Flake chews for tomorrow night's hayride and bonfire and took a nap. We are having manicotti for supper. This is a first for us. I just used the filling from my spinach lasagna recipe to fill the shells. I hope it's good. We don't have much planned for tonight. I wish you could see the living room. It is a total disaster area. Adam has played with every toy I think he owns. I guess that's what the toys are for.

Adam and I were outside for over an hour today. We found all kinds of things to put in this container Nancy had given us. It came complete with magnifiying glass. We found one HUGE grasshopper, another BIG grasshopper, and four small grasshoppers. We also found one feather and some neat grass (go figure) that Adam wanted to put in the container. He thought all this was so cool. After we would put something in the container he'd say, "Come on, Mom, we've got work to do."

Bucky is running sound for Gail's praise team and tonight is practice. It will be a later date night. I think he's bringing home pizza so I'll try not to snack until it's here. We have yet to watch last week's CSI: but I can't wait for Survivor or "big kids" as Adam calls it. Jon and Kate Plus 8 is watching "little kids."



Tomorrow is Friday. Woo Hoo!

I got my hair cut today. It is shorter than normal. I think it looks pretty good. It's a cross between Kate Gosselin (of Jon and Kate Plus 8 fame) and Joy Shearer. We'll see how it looks in the morning.

Here's a conversation I had with Adam today on the way to church.

Adam: There's the bank. Bank starts with B.
Susan: What else starts with B?
Adam: Bank! (The two are side by side and we've discussed their beginning sound)
Susan: That's right.
Adam. Daddy starts with B.
Susan: Are you sure? I thought it was with D.
Adam: Yeah. Bucky!
Susan: Correct again!

Time for Adam's bath. Better go.

Wish You Were Here

Currently Bucky is playing on the piano that Mary and Gary got Adam for Christmas. He's doing some sort of rap and Adam is dancing--breakdancing I think. He's got his lips stuck out real big and he waves his hands around. Wait, he just started clapping. The music sounds like Billie Jean and Adam is our own Michael Jackson. Worth the price of admission.

We have all been home tonight. We ate supper and have done not much of anything other than build train tracks and I've been the laundry queen.

I've got it all planned for Halloween--Adam's a football player, Buck's the coach, I'm a cheerleader and Calllie's the mascot. Photo op! Adam's costume should be here tomorrow.

It's been a wild couple of days. We had our sleepover at school on Friday night, the RCMS Lakers won the conference championship on Saturday, and then Bucky went to the Bengals game on Sunday and we had church and then a worship team gathering at night. It's been a whirlwind. It's been a slower night tonight. Adam and I have done some crafts and also worked on our Christmas lists. Nana and KK are doing some early shopping. It will be time for all of us to shop soon. Adam poured water on the bathroom floor last night after I had just been in to check on him. He did this a few weeks ago and we made it clear that he could not do this. As punishment, he had to take a quick bath tonight. This sounds like nothing, but to Adam it was cruel and unusual. He LOVES bathtime and so he cried after I washed him and then emptied the water. I think he got the point.
Adam and I went to Story Hour at the library today. They read two books, learned a pumpkin song, and then did some crafts. The highlight of the afternoon was the filmstrip (yep, I said FILMSTRIP) of the Berestain Bears and the Detectives. It was like I was at Eastside Elementary School all over again. To beat all, when it was over, she unwound the filmstrip and let the kids make shadow puppets. Small town USA at its best.

We got our picture CD today. I posted a few random shots, and for you OCD people (Amy) they are in no certain order as far as color and black and white. Sorry.

It's Date Night! We had meatloaf, potatoes, green beans, corn, deviled eggs, and biscuits. We had dessert that we still have from what Jean sent back with us from the weekend. This was the first meal together we'd had since we'd been back. We will watch Survivor tonight. I need to do some things around the house, too.

I've changed up the color of the blog. I was inspired by all the leaf colors we saw coming home yesterday. We are back in Jamestown. It was a busy day yesterday what with UCC's revival and potluck, coming home and doing things to get back to normal, and then Bucky's small group met here at 6:30. After that we watched CSI before going to bed. I think Bucky stayed up and watched Amazing Race. Not me! I didn't get a nap and I was exhausted. We have school today, but no kids. We are analyzing test scores.
Here are some other highlights from our trip home:
Gossett family pictures
JCC's One Purpose coming to UCC to sing
Adam went fishing with Poppy
Cheesecake brownies--you know me and brownies
Marshmallow guns
Mom's pimiento cheese

We had a ball being home. It's a crazy week this week complete with a sleepover at school on Friday night for testing reward.
Bucky is going to Atlanta today with a group to pick our church's new mini-bus. Sharon and I are taking food to the Charltons tomorrow and then working on Journey to Bethlehem on Tuesday. Wednesday is church, Thursday is "date night" and then Friday is the sleepover. Whew! I'm tired already.

All of us went to the Newport Aquarium today. It was awesome and Adam thought it was very cool. He buzzed from one thing to the next. I'm not sure what his favorite was, but I know he did like the sharks and all the fish. We saw everything from alligators to penguins. We stopped at Applebee's on the way home for lunch. Adam took a nap on the way home. He didn't stay asleep when we got home. He was too excited to play with his new toys and he also wanted to ride the four wheeler. KK bought these marshmallow shooting guns at the Wool Festival. They are loads of fun. I'll post pictures when I get a chance. Supper is in the works and I guess we'll all watch Survivor tonight. I'll be anxious to watch CSI but it's not for little eyes so we'll have to watch it at home on DVR.

The weather here is bee-yoo-tee-ful! Good job, God!

We are in Cynthiana for the rest of the week. We ate a delicious lunch with Mom and Dad and then came to Berry. We wanted Adam to fall asleep on the way here, but he talked nonstop the whole way. He ended up taking a late nap and was not in a very happy mood when it was time to go to Unity. We ate potato soup there and then had Bible study. Nana watched Adam in the toddler room. We are back home and just hanging out. Life is good.

Welcome Kaelyn Charlton, Ken and Erica's baby, and Kaleb's sister.

Something to ponder...
The times have changed, but the standards have not. ~Bobby Walters

We are back from our trip to White Mills. It was a very great couple of days. The kids were challenged, we had lots of fun, and it was fun to visit with Emily and Aaron. Bucky and I both are getting ready for naps. We were up LATE both nights.

Adam is enjoying Cynthiana. He is into all kinds of things with Gran and Granddad-the park, the backyard, reading, etc. Bucky is counting down until we see him.

Need to go rest.

Can you say Fall Break?

It's Fall Break! We've got a busy week planned, and all the excitment started today. Adam and I went to Lex. to meet up with Mom and Dad. He is staying with them until Wednesday. Bucky and I are taking twelve of the JCC youth to White Mills Christian Camp for a leadership retreat. Aaron and Emily Pelsue are coming to lead worship. Sweet sugar! Aaron can sing like nobody's business! We come back to RC on Tuesday to do laundry and pack since we are leaving Wed. for the booming metropolis of Cynthiana. Bucky is doing a revival at Unity. I am very excited about this for him. "One Purpose" from JCC is coming on Sat. to lead worship and Doug and I are doing a (funny) drama I wrote a couple years ago. We will stay in Berry from Wed. to Sun. I know that at the end of this week we will be dead, but it will be good to be with family.

Also, I think Sarah Smith (forget her married name) is doing a Gossett family photo session on Saturday morning. We've done this with the Walters, but this will be our maiden voyage. I'll let you know how this goes!

In addition, here's something for your brain. Buck and I had a ball the other night trying to think of all the songs we knew with the word RUN in them, or any variation of the word. I am ashamed to say that I lost (horror of horrors!) to Bucky in this venture, but it was good for the brain and the laughter. Just to get you started: Ready to Run by Dixie Chicks, and Run It by Chris Brown. Let me know what you come up with.

Ah, another week. It's been a pretty good one. I had field trips at school on Thursday and Friday. This week coming up is the last one before Fall Break. This time of year always goes so fast. We all three went to Homecoming last night. It wasn't as cool as we expected it to be. Afterwards, we went to McD's for a snack and Adam's friend Eli was there and they got to play. It is so funny to watch them.

Bucky is playing golf in Columbia today in a scramble. There's a 24 hour prayer effort at JCC. Bucky went today at 5 am and I went at 6 am. We are going as a family tonight at 5:45. Bucky says we need to go to the grocery and stock up. I'm hoping to maybe eat Mexican before. Yum! I did good on the weight loss thing for two weeks, and now I'm not doing so well.

Better go do some things before Adam gets up. I will definitely nap when he does today.

Adam is home! I picked him up today and he was asleep and he slept the whole way home. He and Kim went to church today. Kim said Adam went fine into his class. They learned about Adam and Eve. After that they went to see an IMAX dinosaur movie. She said he liked it, but used her hand to cover his eyes two times.

Anyway, we are home and I am zapped. No nap on a Sunday afternoon. :( Bucky has Quench practice so it will be late.

We had a lovely retreat at Gail's house yesterday. We talked and visited and planned for the worship team for the rest of this year and also 2009. Bucky played golf in the outing at Lakewood. We met up about 5:30 and had a nice meal. After that, we had to go by the Coe's to get a fence that Buddy made to be used in today's drama. We went and got it and then stayed until 10:30 visiting. Buddy, Nick, and Megan had been to the Ryder Cup and had lots to tell. I think I could live at their house. I always have so much fun!

I've heard a little from Kim. She and Adam went to the zoo yesterday. The elephants were his favorite. They are going to see an Imax movie today. I will meet them in Etown around 3 I think. She said she'd call.

On another note, we watched a movie! I didn't get home until later from Etown on Friday, but we watched ALL of the movie 21. I don't think it was over until almost midnight. I could feel myself turning into a pumpkin!

We have a different sort of weekend coming up. Tomorrow I'm leaving school early and Adam and I are going to E-town to meet Aunt Kim. He will spend Friday and Saturday night with her. I think she's got some things planned like the zoo. While he's gone, I have a worship retreat from 10-4 Saturday and Bucky has Family Fun Day at the country club. There's a meal in the evening for the fun day and so I'll take food and go to that. I'm leading a skit that Bucky's in on Sunday morning so we'll both be at church by 7:30. Bucky has been invited to a dove shoot on Sunday afternoon and I'll head back to E-town and pick up Adam.

Adam and I have haircuts today. Adam is wearing new shoes today--size 9.

Better go.

It seems I don't have any time to blog these days. Adam's party seems so long ago, and it was just last week! Bucky has not been home any this week--he officially ate no meals here. Fall schedule is wild--Monday night football, elder's meeting, church, praise team practice, the list goes on. Adam and I have a ball here at home though and he got to go to Teresa's on Thursdays and he really likes it there. She had him birthday presents so between those and the creek he was set. School is going well although the moon must be changing because my kids have been VERY energetic. Today Bucky is going to Cynthiana to dove hunt with family and Adam and I are staying here. We have a party at 5 and it's a fish fry. Adam will be so happy! He's eating a waffle this morning.

Also, I've really done well on my eating/exercising this week. No pop, low calories, and I've really felt good about it. In fact, I walked 1.5 miles this morning. Callie had to go out at 6 and so I thought why not? Jean season is coming....

Adam: I see the moon, Mama!
Susan: Who made the moon?
Adam: God. And Jesus. I think he painted it white. I like white. It's my favorite.

Hey! This afternoon has been fun. Adam and I have done some arts and crafts type things. We also played an intense game of "balloon" and went outside. He would get on his tricycle by the side door. He would pedal all the way down the sidewalk and keep going. Once he pedaled all the way to the gravel. He had a ball.

He is eating fish sticks for supper. I had a salad with some grilled chicken. Bucky is at church for Monday Night Football.

Party Time!

Adam had a fun time at his party. We had a great turnout and he received lots of nice things. He was hilarious at the beginning of the party. I had blown up some balloons so the kids could play with them. All the kids liked that, and Adam would just run around the fellowship hall while all this was going on. His face was beet red by 12:10. I didn't think he would stop running to eat!
We planned food and cake just about right. After the party, several members of my family came back to the house. Many of Adam's toys he opened and played with. I've kept some things back for a rainy day as they say. He's been up since 8:30 and I'm going to try to keep him up and make it an early night. Right now he's watching Jungle Book 2 that his friend Clay got him. He seems to like it. Better go pick up!

Whew!

Where has the week gone? It's Friday already! We've been busy this week with lots of things. We met Bob, Jean, and Karen in Lexington Monday. I had Ladies Guild meeting in Somerset on Tuesday. Church was Wednesday. Adam and I had company on Thursday and also went to the grocery and to the Mexican restaurant while Bucky played in the golf scramble. Tonight we went to The Porch and then to RC's football game. They were leading when we left at the fourth quarter. Adam had a good time. He loved it when the Lakers got a touchdown because there was fireworks. On a side note, we got Adam a Lakers t-shirt to wear to the game and it's his first shirt that has WALTERS on the back. The guy at the store took a liking to Adam and he put the letters on there for free. Wow! We are at home now. Bucky and Heath are leading worship somewhere in Columbia at a Fifth Quarter event. Tomorrow is Adam's party! He is pumped.

Little known fact: The hardest I think I've ever heard Adam cry was tonight when I trimmed his (way too long and exceptionally gross) fingernails. I'm sure you could here him at the square. It had to be done, but it was like torture for both him and me.

Widely known fact: Bucky is featured this week as a Russell County Hero in the weekend paper here in Russell County. It's a series they've been doing. There is a gigantic picture of him on the front page and a really nice article inside. I told him I was very proud....and insanely jealous. Break out the Sharpies! It'll be autograph time for him. Behind every man........

Happy Labor Day

We went to Lexington today after Bucky arrived home from playing golf at Lakewood. We met up with Bobby, Jean, and Karen at Barnes and Noble. Adam loves playing with their Thomas playset there and I picked up a couple (okay a few more than that) books for him. We ate at Culver's. This was a first for us. They serve burgers and are famous for their frozen custard. Our food was tasty, and we had a good visit. Adam was well rested and in rare form. Not bad, but very active and so he put on a show.

After we parted ways, we did a little shopping. Then we went to Jacobson Park. They have a huge playground area and also a large pond that has tons of noisy ducks. Adam was sweating by the time we left. He napped on the way home, so it may be a late night.

We had a good time in Bowling Green. We ate at ShoGun--it's a Japanese restaurant where they cook the food in front of you. It's always fun because each chef puts his own little spin on things. Our meal was delicious.

Adam got his toy (a pack of motorcycles) for filling up his potty chart at Toys R Us and then without him knowing it, we put a few things in the cart for his birthday. I found a polo for him to wear at his party at Children's Place and we bought him some things there for his birthday, too. We buzzed into the party store and got some party favors. Can you tell this was a birthday trip.
We went to Walmart and got a few other things. We ended the night at Baskin-Robbins. It was after 11 before we got home. Adam fell asleep on the way home, but then got up soon after I had put him in his bed. He was thirsty.

Today we are doing things around the house. Bucky will go into church to work on his sermon. He likes to go over it in the sanctuary a few times to really get the feel for things.

Busy day. Better go.

It's Friday! WooHoo! The three of us are going to Bowling Green this afternoon. We are going to eat (of course) and do some shopping for Adam's birthday. I am looking forward to it. It's a long weekend and I'm pumped. Better go. Bucky should be home any minute and then we'll get Adam and be on our way. Toodle-loo, kangaroo!

Bucky has been going to the Crusade every night and so it's been just us as home at night since Saturday. I am ready to have Bucky at home. It makes for a long night when he's not here, and there's not been much to do and I think we are having Olympic withdrawal. We've played just about everything you can play. We got library books on Tuesday and we've read and read and read. I need some sort of project to start, but just about the time I start something, life will be too busy to do it.

Our refrigerator is gone off our back porch. Someone came this afternoon to get it thanks to the Trading Post on the radio.

Not much to report here. Can you believe it's almost September?

It's been a good night. Chance and Corey Melton came home with me after school and we went to pick up Adam and grabbed a snack at Sonic. They were only at the house for a little bit before Amy came and got them. Adam liked playing with them, even though he wasn't quite sure about when they were in the car at daycare.

Adam had pottied twice in the potty tonight. We have celebrated! I hope this continues. It seems like we take two steps forward and then two giant steps back when it comes to ditching diapers.

It's time to start winding down. Adam had really been enjoying reading at night lately. Here are his current top three favorite books:
Go Dog, Go
Are You My Mother?
The Animal Book (six Golden Books about animals put into hardback form. Mary, Adam practically knows every page by heart. Thanks!)

Bucky didn't play golf today, but he did go and help unload things for the GoTell Crusade that's this week at night at RCHS. After that, we just hang out here. At 1, we went over to Phelps Estates to look at this house that's for sale. We really weren't interested, but wanted to see it. I love the Phelps location and there are three lots for sale next Saturday at an auction in addition to this house. I LOVE the lots, but I doubt we could afford it, not to mention the house we'd have to build on the lot. If I had to live somewhere else in J-town, it would be on this lot in a bigger house (basement, please) or over in Phelps. Wishful thinking...

Bucky is at the GoTell Crusade tonight. It's a youth kickoff rally. Adam and I went to get some Mederma and Vitamin E oil because the SCAB HAS COME OFF. It had been flirting with coming off for a few days, but it is gone. It looks so much better. As far as what you can see, he has his Harry Potter (lightning bolt) cut that is pink in color. I am going to be the Mederma and Vitamin E oil Nazi for the next couple of months so it won't scar. The pictures I posted today are from this morning, so the scab is still on.

After our shopping trip, we went to the playground at Jamestown Elementary for about a half hour. We were both sweating by the time we were done. I was wearing white capris--not the best choice for sliding.

Bucky is in charge of the church service at the state park tomorrow morning. He does this once a year. He is taking Heath with him to play his guitar and help with worship. We have a Journey to Bethlehem meeting after lunch. We are having lunch so we'll take Adam with us and then he can play with any other kids that are there.

It's Friday! The three of us went out to eat at Guthrie's tonight. After that, Adam and Buck went to the RCHS football scrimmage. I went to Kmart and Kroger. Wonder who had more fun? I went on a quick, I mean quick, walk when I got home before it got dark. I've done a few things around the house waiting for my fellows to get home. Nothing much to report here.

God loves each of us as if there were only one of us. ~St. Augustine

Adam has been singing "You Never Let Go." It is precious. In fact, I had to tear up last night as Bucky and I were listening to him sing in the bathtub. Here are the lyrics:

(The colored lines are what Adam sings best.)

Oh, no, you never let go,
Through the calm and through the strorm
Oh, no, you never let go,
Every high and every low,
Oh, no, you never let go,
Lord, you never let go of me.

Fitness Family

We've just returned from playing nine holes at Lakewood. Well, Bucky and Adam play and I enjoy the breezes and do some walking. Adam picked up apples from the trees along the way and we threw them in the lake before we left.

Last night we walked over in Phelps Estates. It's a great place to walk and we all like it. We walked at a brisker pace than last time.

We had spaghetti tonight. It was delicious! I don't know if I got carried away, but there was plenty for us and then a heaping helping for me to take to lunch tomorrow.

As I speak Bucky is picking at Adam's scab. I think it looks like he's waxing his eyebrows. His cut is healing really well, but there's skin/glue that's beginning to peel. It's just a matter of time before the whole thing comes off. I am nervous about this. It will be two weeks this coming Thursday.

It's bath time. Adam is filthy.

I moved the picture of Adam playing so you could see his tongue sticking out. This is a trademark for sure.

The Back to School picnic was nice. Adam enjoyed throwing rocks in the water and really liked the playgroud. He is filthy, but I'm letting him play some while I get things ready for tomorrow. I'll take him to "school" in the morning since Bucky will be in Cynthiana.

Hola! We are home from a trip to Columbia to eat Mexican. We have been going to Russell Springs to get our Mexican fix, but we went over there tonight. I'm so glad because while we were there we got a call from our friend Adam Capps. He moved into Lindsey Wilson College this weekend and wanted to show off his new "pad." Going in that dorm brought back so many memories. Adam seemed very pleased with all that has gone on so far in his college life. Classes begin Wednesday.

We are hoping to see Michael Phelps get his eigth gold medal. Michael is on the cover of Sports Illustrated and when Adam saw it he said, "There's Michael. He's my friend." Can you tell we've been tuning in to the Olympics?

Tomorrow is church day. We are on praise team and then we have a picnic tomorrow night. After that, Bucky is going to Cynthiana to take Karen to the doctor on Monday for her procedure. Nana is doing better in Oxford. They are going to try and figure out with her back. Both her spirit and appetite are good. Yeah!

Catching You Up

Here's what's going on...
Nana is in the hospital in Oxford. Please pray for her.
Adam's boo-boo looks better.
Praise Team practice went well. Adam went to Teresa's and threw tons of rocks in their creek.
Tomorrow is Friday. Woo Hoo!
'Nuff said.

We are officially rednecks. We have a refrigetor on our back deck. I guess it would be worse if it were on the front porch. Aside from that, the new fridge is very nice. All our things are loaded and the QUIET is exhilarating! I think we'll enjoy it. My only worry is having enough freezer room. It seems much smaller than our old freezer. I guess we'll get used to it.

Bucky is dealing with a painful sty in his eye. He's had it since Saturday. He's been putting hot compresses on it and also using some over the counter meds. He came home early today with a headache from it. I hope it gets better soon.

Bucky's eye felt some better after supper so the four of us (Callie makes four, you know) went on a walk over in Phelps Acres. We were gone for over an hour. It was nice to be out. The weather was just perfect.

It's been a nice Sunday. Bucky played golf this afternoon after church and Adam and I played and then both took naps. Adam came into the living room from taking his nap holding his Thomas train tracks. We had put the track away for awhile. Our house is too small to keep all his toys out. Anyway, we had a train revival this afternoon. Several trains needed new batteries and he's had a ball playing with them. I ordered invitations and some other things for Adam's birthday party yesterday. We are having a Thomas the Tank Engine theme. Fun!

We are headed to the church tonight for visitation. The picnic was cancelled so the church family can support Tony and Nancy. I've tried to do some things around the house so we can relax tonight. Tomorrow is Monday all over again and I have breakfast duty this week. I have to be there at 7:10, much later than the old 6:40. On another note, our new refrigerator comes tomorrow. No more annoying noises!

Little WILDcat

I didn't share this about Adam the other night. I made him look at his cut in the mirror so he could see what he looked like. He was stoic for a good while and then smiled and said, "I like my boo boo." He certainly does. It's not slowed him down one bit. He and Mary had so much fun yesterday that he didn't even nap. I've been calling him a "little wildcat" with heavy emphasis on wild. He is all boy! I don't guess I'd want it any other way.

He is down for a nap right now and should wake up any minute. We've beend doing sponge baths, but it's time for a real bath tonight. We'll just be careful not to get his cut wet, or at least soaked. I think it's healing well. It looks gross with some dried blood but I'm not sure what's the cut and what's not so I think I may leave well enough alone.

We are going to eat Mexican tonight. We are (hopefully) going to begin dieting/healthy eating on Monday so we better live it up now. Tomorrow night we have a picnic with the church. I'm guessing this is still on--Thruston Antle, Nancy's dad, died yesterday and visitiation is tomorrow after 5. I'd hate for people not to go support the family .... Thruston was a dear man. So talented and always funny. He told me once I had pretty feet. Quite a compliment from an 80-something year old man who's seen lots of feet in his time. He'll be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

ER Visit

You never know what's in store for you each day. Today Bucky called me at school telling me to head to the emergency room because Adam had a cut above his eye and that he would probably need stitches. Ms. Janet drove me there and I found Adam in Bucky's arms. He had a cut above his right eye. The bottom of the cut is in his eyebrow. They didn't have to put in stitches. Instead they used DermaBond. It's like super glue for skin. The cut looks worse than it actually is I think. We have to keep it dry for three days. For the next 24 hours he can't do any strenuous physical activity. I'd like to keep him indoors for the most part since it's so hot.

He is up from his nap in a good mood. He was hungry and thirsty and he wanted to watch Cars. This is treat for him. He's in his recliner and looks very content. I guess he's bouncing back from all this. I hope things go well tonight and tomorrow. Praise the Lord that it isn't worse....but it still breaks a mama's heart.

I survived the first day. Everything went smooth. We went outside for recess and it was HOT! Nothing much more than that to report. I'm spent.....

Adam is in a new room at daycare with Miss Roxanne as his teacher. We love her! She has a gentle way about her. She bragged on Adam today--said he knew the letter of the day (A) and that he was great at knowing his colors. Woo Hoo! This class is a bit more structured. They do carpet time/circle time and more arts and crafts, especially painting. I have to send an old shirt for him to use as a smock. They drink from big boy cups at lunch, the whole bit. She said they would really work on potty training. Maybe getting him into a routine will be the trick this time. This is a "3 year old" class as best I can tell, or at least "3 and almost 3" class.

I am ready for the first day of school. This year I don't have to be at school until 7:30 with our new schedule. This will be strange, since last year by that time the kids were working on Spelling. We get out at 2:48. I know I'll be worn out tomorrow afternoon. It's the Amazing Race finale tomorrow night on top of first day of school.

Adam is home and we've enjoyed playing tonight. He and Bucky have been "'playing rough." They didn't do this on vacation and then he's been gone so they were making up for lost time. The rougher Bucky got, the more Adam would laugh. Then, I was flipping through channels and found Alan Jackson's "Good Time" on GAC so we danced. We watched it over and over. Adam is really developing a love for music and lyrics. He is so much fun!

One to go! Tomorrow I'm doing the last training in the morning and then attending a training in the afternoon. To beat all, I have a training to attend on Monday morning. Guess I'll have to START school to slow down.
Things went well today. It was more formal having the training at the church but it was fine--just a ton of information for one day.
Bucky is at praise team practice. I have gone over my things for tomorrow and have done some planning for school. I told Mom I was going to rest, but I may wait until Bucky gets home.
Adam is having a good time in Cynthiana. He is at the Walters tonight.
Later.....

There is simply no time to write much about the trip. The cottage was nice. We ate lots and lots. Adam enjoyed himself. I'll try to do some more pictures soon.

I am overwhelmed with trainings. I got an email yesterday telling me that I have a training on Friday--the same time I am delivering a training. If I don't go to UC's, I maybe can go to Salem's on Monday. This would mean I would have training from 8-11, 12:30-3:30 and then Open House from 5-7. Is this crazy or what?

Adam is in Cynthiana for the rest of the week. I will get him on Friday, considering I am still sane.

Today we're at home for most of the day getting ready to go on vacation. This is the Gossett family vacation to Pine Mountain State Park. We're staying in a cabin like we did last year.

We went to Bowling Green last night. We didn't buy much at the mall, but Bucky did use a gift card to buy a new cd player for the Jeep at Best Buy. We ate at Moe's and it was very good. I cleaned by plate! I got Fajitas which they call Fat Sam....this may lead to Fat Susan.

We stopped at Glasgow to go to their WalMart. It's a nice one. We spent some major cash there! We are all splitting the food for vacation and so we had to get all that. Add in some basics and a gift card we bought to use for gas and it doesn't take long to add up.

Bucky is playing his usual Sat. morning round of golf and Adam is still asleep. Better go start on my to do list.

Great news! We found our camera. I'd thought I'd lost it after I couldn't find it on Tuesday and still hadn't found it yet. The last time I had it was on Sun. at the pool party. Come to find out, I had stuck it in one of Bucky's golf shoes. Please don't ask me my train of thought on this.

Somersplash was great. We had the perfect day. In fact, it was a little cool when you got out of the water. Adam had a blast. He spent most of his time in the lazy river and the wave pool. I think he would like the ocean. We got home a little after 4. Bucky is playing golf in a scramble tonight. I'm toying with going out to school and then I can do nothing tomorrow.

Hot News on the Homefront

I am no longer going to be responsible for 2nd grade Language Arts. Music to my ears. Audra now has a third grade homeroom and so we can keep a third and fourth grade switch. An added bonus is that Mrs Hollie will be with us. Sweet sugar!

I am responsible for another training. If I knew this, I forgot. I am training 6th grade teachers who missed a training early in the year or now. It is three hours, but it takes away the last "real"' day of summer vacation for me. Bummer. Hopefully I can have it from 12-3 and enjoy the morning at home.

Adam is getting really good at baseball. He loves for me to pitch the ball to him. Today he hit me HARD in the leg with one of his pitches. Left a mark! I quickly taught the word "accident" and gave the caution to aim not at me. So when he missed the next pitch he told me it was an accident. Hilarious.

We are headed to Somersplash tomorrow. I'll have to be like Kim and put on my SPF 50 since we'll be there most of the day.

One down, three to go! The CAT team trained Kindergarten teachers today, and then we'll do first tomorrow. Second, Third, and Fourth are next week. Whew! The training went well, but it makes for a long day.

Adam spent the day with Mary and Gary. "He's got so much energy!" she said. I agree. He and Gary were big buddies today. They took him to McD's for lunch and to play. Mary said he played with two little girls. They were playing some sort of hide and seek. She said that when the girls left he said it was time to put on shoes and go. What a ladies' man! Adam did not nap today so I'm hoping he'll have an early night tonight.

We're all three home tonight with nowhere to go. I'm making burgers the way Megan did for us on vacation--with sauteed onions, mushrooms, and A1. I can't wait. Sherry, we had tilapia last night, too. Great minds think alike.

Adam and I get our hair cut tomorrow afternoon when I pick him up from daycare.

Janette, hope the labor comes as soon as you want it. :)

I wish you could see Adam playing basketball right now. He is dreaming up these crazy shots. I had just cleaned up the living room and less than fifteen minutes later, he has our EVERY ball playing with them. It's like he couldn't stand everything put away.

We have worked hard today. We cleaned the garage (it looks great), I had Bucky pull out the fridge so I could clean under and behind it (gross) and we've done other odds and ends that would remind you of spring cleaning. Bucky is gone to help Ken with something. When he gets back Bucky and Adam are going to get a treat since Adam has used his potty today. He and I talked this morning and I pretty much told him that he would be pottied trained by his birthday. He can do it, but sometimes he won't and then there's those times, which are many, where we are on the go and not on any type schedule that probably causes him setbacks. I'm only putting him in pull-ups now anyway, so that is helpful but still expensive.

We are having teriaki chicken tonight. We bought some eggrolls and rice on our last WalMart trip and so it should all go together well. I think we have some of those Betty Crocker warm delights for dessert. Can life get any better?

It's Friday and Bucky, Buddy, Alan, and Brent are playing golf ALL DAY. Buck left the house at 5:30 and it's about 1:30 now and they've played three rounds at Lakewood and are on their way to play a round at Burnside in Somerset. After that, they'll come home and we'll all meet up at the Mexican restaurant to eat. Their final destination is Lakewood so they can play night golf. How crazy is that?

Adam and I went to the pool today. We both had a good time. Yesterday we went to school to do a few things and then had praise team practice. He went to Teresa's again. Practice went awesome and Bucky is singing with us which is fun for me.

It will be naptime in a little bit, and then I don't know what we'll do. Relax hopefully!

Bucky and I had a hot date last night. After our Journey to Bethlehem planning meeting, we ate at Guthrie's and then went to see Hancock. The movie was good--the first I'd seen in ages--but it lost me in some parts. Will Smith can sell a movie though for sure. We were home by 10:45. Megan had watched Adam.

I worked ALL DAY at the Board yesterday getting ready for trainings. It was getting close to 5 when we left. I was worn out.

Today I don't have much going on. I've been up since 6 working on things for school and CAT team. I've now developed a stress knot in my left shoulder. Yuck! I may lie on the couch until Bucky and Adam get up.

It's official. We're going to have to take cheese and any other item in Adam's current diet that causes constipation OUT! Hello high fiber! He hasn't been to the bathroom since Wednesday and he needs to. Today he was in tears. It breaks my heart. I'm going to see how this diet (especially no cheese) works and then we'll have to see a doctor. There's just no sense in all this. By the way, no cheese will absolutely kill him because it's one of his favorites.

Also, I'm pretty certain that in this coming year I'll be teaching 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade Language Arts. Ah, the perks of small school. :( I've never taught 2nd grade curriculum before so this should be interesting. I'll be a jack of all grades. I went to school today. I laminated some things and have cut until I can't cut out any more here at home. I will want to go back to school soon to do some things. On a sad note, I was working on this awesome document that had everying for 4th Grade Language mapped out on it and the computer totally would not let me save it and it exited the program. I have no idea why. I did not cry but I did bite the workbook I was holding at the time.

The three of us are going to play golf tonight after supper. Hope I can make it. I am so tired right now. Wish I was back in Cynthiana so I could take a nap and let Gran and Granddad play with Adam.

Back in Russell County. Adam napped the whole way and then some in Bucky's arms when we got home. Bucky took a long nap. He was zapped from Kings Island. Tonight we'll go up to Sonic to eat supper with Bucky and the kids. Allison Grider is watching Adam for us tomorrow while I go to school. He'll be excited. Better go get a couple things done to get things back to normal.

Adam had a great time at the Walters' house. The funniest story was KK talking about filling up Adam's belly button during his bath. She said he laughed and laughed.

This afternoon Bob and Linda came to Mom and Dad's. We visited and then went to Bianke's to eat. After that we went to Martha and Jim's. We got to see Mary Jane and Leon and Barbara and Luke and Ellie and Mason, too. Good times.

Tomorrow we'll go to church at Unity and then head to Jamestown. Bucky will be home when we get there. Yes! Maybe he can be home for the rest of the summer. I'm meeting with Amy and Audra on Monday (anyone wanna baby-sit?) for a little bit on Monday about schedules and then I'll take him to daycare on Tuesday because of a CAT team meeting. Summer is slipping away and I hope we can enjoy every last minute of it.

Adam and I had such a fun day yesterday. On our way into Cynthiana, we stopped in Lexington and got to see the Kenney family. Carter is a cutie! Adam did a number on Carter's playroom trying to check out all the toys. They have a beautiful home full of Larry Tuttle handiwork. I'm jealous of the cabinets for sure. After visiting at Sherry's, we went to Crossroads to see Kerry. We toured the facility and found some exercise equipment that the boys played with while we visited.

When we got to Cynthiana, Mom had fixed taco salad. Yum! Then we all went outside. Dad has added an "Adam sized" basketball goal underneath the standard height. It suits him perfectly. Dad and Adam were outside for a LONG time. Mom and I hung out on the front porch. This morning Adam has about seven mosquito bites in his diaper area. If he scratches today it's not bad manners, just necesssary!

We are headed to Lexington today. I want to hit Parent Teacher Store and then Fayette Mall. Tonight is Relay for Life and we'll go to that. KK is going to take Adam to Berry tonight so he'll get in some time with that side of the family. I'm going to meet up with Mollie after Relay.

On another note, Buck and the kids are having a good time at Spirit Song. Their seats are like 15 rows back. To take good pictures, they don't even have to use zoom on their cameras. They saw Newsboys last night. I'm not sure who is on tonight.

Better go check on Granddad and Adam.

Well, our presentation went great! Cindy and I were very pleased and everyone was complimentary. I hope the rest go as well!

Adam had a ball at Mary and Gary's. Mary is keeping her daughters two cats and Adam fell in love with them. They played outside and had a ball. She sent home a book and the cutest pair of Thomas pajamas among other things. Christmas in July.

Adam has not had a nap today. At this point, I don't want him to so I'm trying to keep him occupied. He's playing right now by himself. Maybe he can stay up and go to bed early.

Another PD tomorrow. Amazing Race resumes tomorrow night as well.

Adam and I went to the pool today. We didn't stay too long since it was clouding up and looking like rain, but he had a ball. I had a relaxing time. Bucky joined us for lunch. I had taken sandwiches.

Tomorrow is the first training of the summer. I am going to the Board tonight to set up with the other lady, Cindy, who is doing this with me. The training is only 1/2 day, from 12-3. I thought this would be the day for Adam to go to daycare. However, I got an email today about a PD on Wednesday that I have to go to from 8-3. This was unexpected. Luckily, Mary can watch Adam tomorrow and then Adam can go to daycare on Wednesday. The bad thing is I had to turn down a date with Bucky. He'd asked me (so romantic) if I'd go to the late movie with him on Tuesday to see Hancock. It was the late movie because he has a board meeting. He even had a sitter. However, with the training the next morning early I told him I really didn't want to be out until 11. Unless he can change my mind, I don't think we'll go. Bummer.

I cross-stitched during Adam's nap. We are trying to shorten his naps so he'll sleep better at night. He sleeps pretty good, but I have to start out in his room with him. I would like to solve this by school starting. I'd also like for him to be all the way potty trained by August. Goals, goals!

Yesterday helped us get back to normal. I got all our clothes washed and we also made a trip to Wal*Mart for food and other things we were out of. We had our 4th of July meal of burgers last night before heading to Lakefest. There was a really good crowd in town. Confederate Railroad put on a nice concert. I think we knew eight of their songs and they did some cover songs that we knew too. While there we picked up lung cancer for free. I've never seen so much smoke in one place. That's probably not true, but it was fierce. Anyway, after the concert there was a fireworks show that Bucky said was lame but Adam enjoyed it. We came home, took showers, and watched some Deadliest Catch. Adam fell asleep in my lap before I could hardly realize it. I guess he'd had a big day!

Church today and then I have a worship team meeting. Bucky is speaking at an event tonight. The first of my trainings is on Tuesday so I thought I would look over some of the material today. Otherwise, we'll relax.

Home Sweet Home

We are back in the Bluegrass state! We had a wonderful trip to PickWick Lake. It's right on the Tennessee/Mississippi line. We boated every day, ate great food, and had fun visiting. The water was nice and Adam enjoyed swimming. I could go on and on about the great time we had, but hopefully the pictures will give you a taste.

We left out from our cabin on Thursday. We drove to Nashville. We did some shopping at Opry Mills and Adam got to ride their train which thrilled him. Then we went to the Ramada. We had planned to go with Nana and Poppy and KK, but KK had some unexplained back pain and they went back to Cynthiana. The three of us had fun walking around downtown. We ate at Hard Rock Cafe. Adam liked the music. We went back to the hotel and swam in the guitar shaped pool. What was awesome is that we had it to ourself.

We left out Friday (today) and went to see Alicia and Cameron who live in Mt. Juliet, TN. We got to hold both Kate and Carly. Adam kissed their little heads. I'm SO glad we got to stop.

We got home about 3 and I've done laundry and Adam has played. Buck has watched TV--he's really not watched any for three weeks with all his trips.

Nothing planned much for tomorrow although we probably will go to Lakefest. Confederate Railroad is playing and there's a special place in Bucky's heart for "Trashy Women."

Hope your withdrawal symptoms are better after reading this blog.

I feel like a kid at Christmas. I was up from 12 to 3 last night/morning. I guess I am excited about our trip. I feel pretty good this morning. I hope I don't crash this afternoon. At 2:15 I was at the computer actually writing down some ideas for a book I hope to publish between now and the time I die. Honestly, I am the strangest person sometimes!

Bucky is back! We are very glad! We took the van back to Enterprise last night and then ate at King Buffet. We ran into WalMart really quick and then came back home. Adam and I will go to Sunday School and second service. Bucky has an Elder's meeting and when it's over, we will leave! WooHoo! We're going to have the best time!

Better go hope in the shower before the little man wakes up. Happy vacation to us!

Hungry Boy

I know I've already written today, but I can't resist telling fun things about Adam.

Today we've been outside playing. About 10:3o Adam said he was hungry. He didn't have much breakfast so I thought we'd have an early lunch. I decided to grill out hamburgers and then have some baked beans and some leftover broccoli and cauliflower too. We played kickball while the burgers cooked. When they were done, I asked Adam if he'd like to eat outside, like a picnic. He agreed. We covered the table on the deck with a tablecloth and set down with our spread. It was hot and he was hot already. We ate about half our food and then he said he was too hot and wanted to go inside. In we went. Inside, he proceeded to eat all his hamburger and his broccoli and left a little of his baked beans. Here's what he said next.

Adam: I want some more chicken.
Susan: Honey, it's hamburger and it's all gone.
Adam: (with frown) I want some more burger.
Susan: We don't have any. How about some applesauce or yogurt?
Adam: I want both.
Susan: You have to decide. Which one?
Adam: Yogurt.

He ate the whole thing of yogurt and pretty much finished off his beans and drained his cup dry. Just try to tell me he's not a growing boy!

Adam has really been into Matchbox cars lately. He bought some with money that Nana had sent, and he's added some more that he had around the house. He lines them up, races them, crashes them, and does whatever else he can think of with them. This morning he found a box top out in the laundry room. He proceeded to put the cars in it like a racetrack and then he got in it himself! Too funny!

We don't have anything until the pool party tonight. I've started lists of things to take and have piles of clean clothes that we need to take with us on our trip on the spare bed. It's going to be wonderful to get away!

VBS was fun again tonight. The kids got to walk on "water"--a mixture of corn starch and water that looks like a liquid but acts like a solid. Very cool. A big thanks goes out to Buddy who helped me mix it up.

I cleaned the inside of the car today getting ready for vacation. While I was doing that, Adam was playing in the car pretending and all that fun stuff. That being said, tonight when I left for church the Trailblazer didn't sound right. Then, when I was going to leave church, it still didn't sound right--especially when I turned left. I turned back into church looking for a man to help. Chris Back was there and I told him the ordeal and asked him to see what he thought. He got in and I thought he would drive it. To my surprise, he got out a few seconds later. The culprit--I had the 4 wheel drive on. Make that, ADAM had the four wheel drive on. Life is good!

Tomorrow is our last lesson night of Bible School. Friday is a pool party.

More later.

It's our annivesary! 8 years! This morning I woke up early and the very first thing I did was text Happy Annivesary to Bucky. At the exact time I hit the send button, my phone vibrated with a new message. It was a message from Bucky saying Happy Anniversary. Weird, huh? He sent me flowers today. They are beautiful. Adam thought it was cool that they were delivered to the house. Me too!

A busy Monday! I had a CAT team meeting and Adam went to daycare. I think Adam will sleep in tomorrow. He's had several early mornings and it's catching up with him. We have left the house by 7:30 the last three days in a row. Anyway, by the time I left the meeting and ran to KMart for some more supplies, it was time to go to Bible School. Adam and I didn't even come home.

VBS went well. The Bible Blast (the drama part that I do)was fun. The kids had "leprosy" and had to be "quarantined." Tonight's theme was Jesus gives us the power to be thankful and we learned about how Jesus healed the 10 lepers but only one came to thank him. Adam had a big time in his class. His good buddy Jayson is in his group and they are funny together.

It's been an eventful day. Adam and I were at church at 7:15 since I was on praise team. He put about three miles in before 8:00 I think. He played and played in the sanctuary. Both services went well and there was a good crowd.

Tonight I went to church to help Sharon work on decorating the sanctuary for VBS and then put the final touches on my room. I knew I couldn't really take Adam with me because I'd spend all my time on him. However, I didn't know who to call. Most of the kids that usually watch Adam are on the mission trip and so is Nora. I tried April Emerson, another girl from our church. She wasn't at home, but her mom, my friend Teresa, said she wouldn't mind watching him sometime. "Can I take you up on that offer tonight?" She said yes. They live right down the road from us in a BEAUTIFUL home. They have the perfect setting to play, including a creek with plenty of rocks to throw which is pretty much like heaven on earth for Adam. They were outside the whole time I was gone. They played with their dogs Dusty and Midnight--two black labs--waded in the creek, threw rocks, rode the golf cart and when I got there he was eating a snack and wouldn't even say hi because he was guzzling down juice. He had played hard. During supper he said he wanted to go see her again. Teresa told me to come back anytime. It would be the perfect place for a little family picnic. She also said they'd like to take us out on the lake. Can the day get any better?

We played outside here until it got dark. We tried unsuccessfully to catch lighting bugs, but we did play on the hay some.

Better go. Busy day tomorrow.

Adam had a blast at Aunt Kim's! They did all kinds of fun things! He especially loved her cats Conan and Baxter.

Wilderness Camp was fun for me on Thursday and today. I got to know the kids pretty well and I had fun visiting with Glenna, Sam, and Wendall. Not to mention Bucky! I'm so glad I went because, if not, we wouldn't see each other for pretty much two weeks straight. He leaves in the morning for the mission trip. My praise team is on Sunday and then VBS is Monday through Friday.

I'm in the middle of laundry. Those STINKY clothes had to be washed!

Best wishes to Karen as she heals from gallbladder surgery.

We've had a nice Tuesday. Adam went to daycare. I had a meeting and then did some things for VBS next week. Adam and I have been outside most of the night. It's a beautiful day and they mowed the hay today so it really changed our surroundings. We went walking through the field. We'll have to do a tick check tonight! Enjoy the pictures of Adam and Callie. They play until Callie can play no more!

On a funny note, Adam was throwing the ball on the roof tonight and trying to catch it. For those of you who know Adam well, you know he didn't catch it! What did happen though is that the ball got stuck in the gutter. He said, "Daddy get a BIG ladder and get that out!" He's a problem solver I guess!

T-A-C-K-Y

Adam and I went to the pool today after church. I thought it opened at 12 so we traipsed out there at 12:15 only to find out it opens at 1. So we came home for a little bit. Anyway, we were practically the first ones in and then some others came. I was talking to this mom--nice with three kids--and then one of her friends came in . Lovely, nice, country-club afternoon. All is well. Then, to my amazement, bothtof them light up their cigarettes. Right there! Cancer sticks! I couldn't believe it. True, Lakewood is not like those country clubs you see on TV, but I thought they shouldn't have lit up there, especially in the KIDDIE pool area. Yuck! I asked the lifeguard later if there was a policy on this and she was unsure. I'm voting that they're should be. It's 2008. There's my rant for the day and according to my friend Hollie, everyone is allowed one "ugly" moment a day. Nuff said.

I feel like a broken record, but it was another late night for us. We left out for Louisville about 1:30. This gave us time to shop and eat before the plane came in. We actually got to see Kim for a few minutes. She came by J. Alexander's where we were eating.

Adam was excited about seeing the airport and airplanes. He enjoyed it so much. It was almost time for the guys to be there when we saw Danny Miller, an elder in our church. He works at Fruit of the Loom and had been in Honduras for the week. After talking to him, we found out that the guys from 3-2-1 Improv were on the same flight as him! We waited a while and then Bucky went downstairs with Adam to the luggage in case we had missed them. We didn't think we had, but you never know. This left me to wait at the top. I remembered the one guy from when I saw them at KCC, when the group was called CPR. Sure enough, here came three guys and I walked up and asked if they were 3-2-1 Improv. They said they were and I replied, "Sweet sugar!" which they thought was hilarious! We all gave high fives like we were best friends. We had such a good time with them. They wanted to eat so we took them to Texas Roadhouse in E-town. The three of us just got dessert while they had supper. Long story short, it was almost 11:30 before we got to the house. Adam fell asleep at about Columbia and fell asleep. He didn't get up until after 7.

We've been out and about today--library, Kroger, Kmart, post office. We have a birthday party at 4. It's supposed to be a pool party. Hope the weather cooperates.

We have lots to do this afternoon when Bucky gets home from the Dad's dad event. He leaves for camp after first service tomorrow.

I won't make you read about our life anymore. I know you're exhausted. :)