The Puddles

this was a gorgeous place to go to the restroom and then play for a little bit.

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Madie dropped her iPod in the toilet. The iPod is in a bag of rice to try to soak the water out of the iPod. If we weren’t leaving tomorrow for a road trip, I wouldn’t worry about it. But . . . We are leaving so I have an appointment at the Genius bar to beg for help . I hope they can help us!

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It is 12:30am and I had grand plans to get to bed earlier.  But we had a  delightful evening at church with the younger youth group’s first Bible Study.  There was a good size group there.  The kids all seem to have a great time.  The former youth guy was there to help and cheer on the newest youth guy!  Now that’s support!  All three kids went but Madie only helped.  Her youth group is tomorrow night.  After youth group, we went to the store to try to buy Ben new shoes.  He tried on several pair and we were ready to get one of them when he decided that he probably would never wear them because they had velcro on them.  So we put them back and headed home.  Bummer. I tried to get one chore off my list, but it didn’t happen. Since we are leaving on a trip in only a few days (don’t worry will-be robbers. . . my husband will still be here!), I still had laundry to wash and put away.  Since the kids smelled from their activities, they needed baths which means no bed until 10pm for them.  Ugh!  So I get a major late start on my own chores.

But in the end I will get it done.  I will clean the house, wash the clothes, and pack for our journey.  All of this will be done by Saturday at 8am.  Which is when, Grandma and Papa Grace will be here at the Lake house to meet the kids and I for our journey to Kansas to visit the old homestead and various dead people.  I am really looking forward to all of it.  I know it sounds weird but we all are.  Even Madie was pumped when I said we were going to cemeteries (and she is getting more like a teenager every day).

So it is time to get my head on straight.  I told the kids this evening that the neighborhood kids would have to play somewhere else for a few days, while I gathered my wits about me.  We are spending so much time dealing with the mess that other children bring that it needs to stop! My neighbors are great, but I need a break.  I need to get organized!  I need to get my work done. I need keep my sanity!  The last one will only happen if the kids are really good for the next few days. And of course, if I get enough sleep!  I will only make it if I get out my “A” game!  So I’m ready for it! Game On!

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It was a busy day on Sunday!  A FULL house in church! Hardly any where to sit at the luncheon because so many people came!!  And a water slide after lunch.  So cool!

All three  had the best time and they practically had to throw us off!  We stayed until the very end.  Look at those smiles!

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Madie’s troop had a great ceremony.  They earned tons of patches this year.  Even more exciting was all of the cookie awards that were handed out.  Our cookie mom gave out awards using a raffle system for camping equipment gift certificates and cash.  The more involved they were with cookies the more tickets they could enter for the raffle!  What a great idea! I loved all of it!  Madie won a gift certificate to Walmart.  I even won some great smelling lotion!

Now I just have to sew on all of those patches!!

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Mrs. Bales and Madie – May 2012

Mr. Peterson and Madie – May 2012

Madie and Mrs. Vaughn (the librarian) – May 2012

Madie and Mrs. Bales – August 2011

Madie and Mr. Peterson – August 2011

Mrs. Ferrari and Ben – August 2011

Mrs. Horton and Ainsley – August 2011

Ben and Mrs. Ferrari – May 2012

Ben (Lake) and Ben (Averrette) – his favorite buddy

It’s a huge hug pile with Ainsley in the middle. So sweet.

Even Mrs. Horton is ambushed with a hug.

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There is a tradition at Wilkinson that all 4th graders on the last day of school walk through the halls while the entire school applauds their achievements and final day at elementary school. It is very sweet! Of course, the mammas are also lined up in the hallway bawling like little babies. Even Madie was upset and sad! She really doesn’t want to leave elementary. Even Daddy came and brought his guitar and sang with the 4th graders during their last AR party. It was a good day, but really sad!

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I have finally taken Madie’s troop on a camping weekend! It was so much fun!! We ate musical fruit, of course! A fine tradition passed on from mother to daughter over the generations in the Grace household.

It was hot, but fun! The girls were thrilled! I had the best time with Madie. The other leaders in this troop are such wonderful role models for her. She is blessed.

We managed to eat well and to stay on schedule. A true achievement in the camping world. I can’t wait to post some pictures of the weekend! Hopefully when I get settled at home, whenever that may be.

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