TGIF

I have been a slacker this week as well. I guess I haven't had all that much going on to tell about. I've been really sleep at night all week long so I haven't even really done homework. I had class Tuesday night, but it was the first one he let us out early from. I got out about 8:30.

Kyle was over at Nate and Jessica's house to spend time with them while they are still mourning, so I went over to hang out with them too. Nate is as always very quiet about everything that has happened. Jessica's mom was in town from Ohio to be here for her. Jessica, her mom, and I played different online games on my aol account to keep her busy. Kyle and Nate had the xbox on the big screen so we had to come up with something else to do. We played some Family Feud, Jeopardy, and other puzzles. We eventually were guessing the pictographs on the Mickey's website. That was a lot of fun. Some of them were stupid, but we had a fun time trying to guess. I want to create my own one day.

Jessica tried to stay occupied with the games, but if we ever stopped for a minute she would get sad. She would start talking about the baby, which I was ok with because she needs to talk about it. I was able to see his picture and hand/feet prints. He had the cutest, smallest little hands and feet, but what do you expect for a baby that premature. His little hands and feet prints were about as big as a quarter. He didn't even weigh a full pound. I think he was .7 ounces. He looked a lot like Nate. At that point in time, they didn't know what they were having yet or if they did they hadn't told us. It is usually at 5 months when you find out, and I don't think she had "that" appointment yet. So, they weren't really prepared with a name. Since it looked so much like Nate, they named him after him. The nurses were very good to her and gave her a box with some stuff in it that had the pictures of him and them holding him. This was her second stillborn and even that still can't prepare you for what you will go through. I can't even begin to imagine. It was nice to meet Jess's mom. She was just as wild as her. She was so sweet and nice. I like to listen to their accents, because I am not used to that. I stayed pretty late and went home for the night.

I got my hair done last night and absolutely love getting it done. I got it lightened a little more and just trimmed up again. I'm trying to get a nice shape to my eyebrows as well. I had to let them grow for 7 weeks so that she could make a shape out of them. It about drove me nuts! I was able to leave most of them though without plucking. I hate the part of getting my eyebrows waxed, but I love them afterwards. They always look so smooth. After about 2 hours of getting my hair done, I went to Heather and Derek's where Kyle was at watching basketball. Heather and I hung out and watched some American Idol and did a little myspace stalking. haha That is always fun.

I am not sure what we have in store for the weekend besides the super bowl. I haven't heard many plans for what all is going on for that. I am sure we won't decide until last minute anyway. I have my first Procution & Operations Management test this weekend to do before Sunday midnight. I also have to practice some more rehearsal rounds and really study this Business Policy Capsim stuff before our first real Round 1. If you have had this class you know what I am talking about. We have a simulation company that we have to run that sales electronic sensors. We have to make up everything about them: size, performance, price, marketing, sales, etc. You have to really know what you are trying to do in order to keep customers buying your product instead of the other groups you are competing against. I have to sit down and go through our manual to make sure I have all the points down to know how we should pick all of our items. I think we will do fine, but I don't know!! We were one of the top groups in the first practice round, but we did horribly in the second practice round with like a $14,000,000 emergency loan that we didn't realize we had gotten. We over spent our money! oops! hahaha So, I need to pratice some more and hope my group does the same.

Have a good weekend and be safe celebrating for the super bowl!

Michael "Keegan" Malone

Michael “Keegan” was born Sunday, January 25th at 9:08 pm. He was 8lbs 6oz and 21 inches long. Abbi checked into the hospital around 7 am on Sunday. They got her into a room around 8. It was not much longer after that they went ahead and broke her water to start inducing her. She had to get them at some point to pump in more medicine for the epidural because she said she could tell it may have been wearing off some. Mike was pushing her legs back so far that the doc had to get onto him because he could break her leg/hip and she wouldn’t even know it. ha! Every contraction she had during the day, the baby’s heart rate dropped. So, they had her lie on her right side. He originally was face down like he was supposed to be, but she wondered if lying on her side for so long made him fall to the side. If you will notice, his little arm is safety pinned to his shirt. He broke his collar bone in the delivery. He was turned on his side inside of facing down. He was not coming out so they even had to vacuum him out. You can’t tell here, but he has a little red spot on the back of his head from it. He was so cute and precious. I held him for a while until he started dreaming. I was the first friend to visit outside of family. I finally gave him up because more of their friends from work were coming in. Abbi and Mike will go home tomorrow. She looked great as well and was up and moving around.

Welcome to the world Keegan!

Bitter-sweet

I had somewhat of an eventful weekend. We had a good time overall, but we also got some bad news from one of our friends.

Friday – A girl that I work with and am on the DEMA committee with found out Friday that her father passwed away. He lost his battle with cancer. I can't even imagine how she must feel. I believe the last I asked about him last week, he had decided to stop taking his chemo. I hate that for Jeana. Kristen and I started our weekend off with a yummy lunch at Cantina Laredo – her favorite place. It was only my second time eating there. If you know me, I am such a picky plain eater. I wasn’t that impressed the first time I went for it to be so expensive. However, this time it was actually pretty good. I think since I knew what to expect this time it was better. It is a little different from any other Mexican Restaurant that I go to. It has two kinds of salsas – one that is temperature cold and one temperature warm. I ate the cold one, and I think Kristen ate the warm one. I normally get cheese quesadillas at other Mexican places, but I guess CL is so fancy they don’t even have those on the menu. I ended up ordering the lunch special that had a beef fajita soft taco, a cheese enchilada, rice, and beans. The price of that was not too bad at around $9. Not any worse that Rosie’s. However, I guess it doesn’t really matter how much it cost, because Kristen and I got our lunches for free. It’s good to know people in high places! ha ha We went to Lucky so that I could try to find these jeans that I want oh so bad! Heather has some and they are so freaking cute. They are the Lola jeans I believe. They are 50% off, but they don’t have them in my large size! ha ha The guy said um, we don’t have any denim in a size 29. Wow, thanks buddy. ha! How about get some fat girl jeans in so that I can buy them! I guess I didn’t need to spend the money on them anyway.

Our friend Matt invited us to eat dinner in Bridgestreet, so we decided on Conner’s. What a lucky girl I am to eat twice in one day in Bridgestreet. We invited some of our friends as well to eat with us. Conner’s is one of my favorite places to eat – them and Bonefish Grill. They have the best steaks. I eat the Boursin Filet at Conner’s and had garlic mashed potatoes with a house salad with Thousand Island dressing. They even have really good salads. I am not a big salad eater, but theirs is yummy! I stole a little of Heather and Derek’s lobster dip as an appetizer. I got a full tummy and drank two pomegranate martinis. They were delicious as well. Very nice dinner time. We walked down to The Scene Lounge and hung out for a little while on the patio by the fireplaces. It started to mist a little, so I went inside. It was a Friday night where I had been up early, so I never can stay out too late on those nights. I was ready to crash by midnight.

Also Friday during the day, we received a call from our friend Nate that his girlfriend’s water broke. She was only 5 months pregnant. They rushed her to the hospital to try to get more fluid in her to keep the baby in and safe. They were originally going to keep her for two weeks. We were very sad to hear that and hopeful that everything would work out.

Saturday – It was my good friend Tiffany’s 25th birthday. She invited us out to eat at Friday’s at 7:00. Of course, she was late and we were the first of the party there – and we were 15 minutes late! Kyle and I just got spinach dip because we had already snacked during the day. I had a cosmo to go with my food. It was ok. I don’t drink those very much, but I was tired of the appletinis. Our friend’s Angie and Josh asked us to hang out with them later that night, so we left Friday’s to head to their house in Riverton. Their house is so amazing. It is so big and beautiful. It was a two story open floor plan. I was so excited that this would be where were spending the night at after we went out. We decided earlier in the day that we would like to go to the Horse to do something different. Angie and I also like to shake a tail feather. Angie and I danced the night away after that. My legs are still sore today from all the dancing. I love it so much! I always have a great time when I can shake a leg. ha ha! We stayed the night with them and stayed up well into Sunday morning. I was exhausted.

While we were eating dinner, we received a text from Nate that said Jessica was going to have to deliver her baby anyway and that the baby wouldn’t be ok. Therefore, they lost their baby boy on Saturday. It is extremely sad. Jessica had already miscarried once before and had a still born before she met Nate. She was a high risk patient and just couldn’t have this one either. It is so sad to imagine how they are feeling right now.

Sunday - Since we didn’t go to bed until 5 or 6, we slept until around 11. We jumped up quickly to get home, because our doggies hadn’t been let out since we left for dinner the night before. They were actually very good puppies and didn’t have any accidents or terrorize anything in their path. We lounged around the rest of the day. I finished up some homework that I had to do before tonight and hit the sack around 11:30. I received a text message from Abbi at 10:30 that said she had baby Keegan at 9:08 pm and he weighed 8lbs 6oz and was 21 inches long. I knew that she was getting induced that morning at 7 am. I was worried because I hadn’t heard from her all day until then. I am glad everything went well. Boy he is a big baby. I haven’t gotten to see him just yet. Hopefully I will in the next few days.

That was pretty much my eventful weekend. We went from dinner with friends, to celebrating a birthday, to mourning the death of an innocent baby, and then to excitement for the birth of a healthy baby boy. Wow, it has been a roller coaster.

Behind These Hazel Eyes!

CoverGirl Exact Eyelights Eye Brightening Mascara!

I bought some new mascara at Wal-Mart last night and wanted to share. This is the first morning I have used it. I am not really sure if I can tell a difference yet or not, but that little Lissy on my shoulder always talks me into buying new products - especially that it was for MY eye color! haha Anyway, it is by Cover Girl, and they make a different color for every eye color. It is supposed to really brighten your eyes. We will see! If not, oh well I needed new mascara anyway.

Black Sapphire = Blue eyes
Black Pearl = Brown eyes
Black Ruby = Green eyes
Black Gold = Hazel eyes

You can purchase your own for about $7.50-8.50.

It's Time for a Change!

It is late, and I should be in bed. But - I had to write about this special day in history. Today our country inaugurated the first African-American President as the 44th President of the United States of America. How great does that sound and feel to say. No, I am not African-American, but I have very strong feelings on what is happening today. Whether you voted for Barack Obama or not, I would hope you could put all politcal views aside and say that you are happy to see America change the way it views the people within it.


Every time I hear him speak, I almost get tears in my eyes. If you know me and my politics, you would know I hate them and don't really pay much attention to them. I am just so proud for him, his wife, my husband and his family, and all other families. I have witnessed first hand unfair treatment of certain people. I want this to give them hope that things can change. We may all look different on the outside, but we all bleed red!


Obama and his wife are extremely smart. Mr. and Mrs. Obama make me smile. Looks can be deceiving, but if so they sure do have me fooled. But - to me, they look so in love. They have a beautiful family and appear to be the true White Picket fence family. Even with all they have been through as a family throughout this campaign, he can still shine that smile and give everything he can to even those who went against him.

Again, putting all politcal views aside, I think we have an intelligent, caring, family-oriented, REAL President. I am hopeful for what he can bring to this country. Whether the country gets better or worse while he is in office, I truly feel that I can trust that he tried his best. I hope he proves to everyone that you really can be the best you can be no matter what color your skin is.

Here's to change within the years to come and hope that my children will grow up in a world that they are accepted as an Amercian although they have a white mother and a black father.

Yes we can! It's a new day!

Presley G turned 29 on the 17th

Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday dear PJ! Happy Birthday to you!







PJ turned 29 years old this past weekend. Kyle drove down Friday night to hang out with some old friends at PJ's. I had a long busy day at work and didn't feel like going Friday night pretty late. I got up early Saturday morning and headed down there. I got there around 1 pm. PJ's uncle died earlier in the week, so he was attending a funeral at that time. Kyle, Douggie, and I ran to get me something to eat. Kyle let Douggie drive his car (6-spd), which was an interesting ride. Douggie just turned 21 and learned to drive a stick at 16 in a truck. He was shifting like he was driving his truck, and you could feel every gear. Kyle had to coach him that an A-4 is a little different than his truck. He was like a kid in a candy store driving Kyle's car. He said that he needed one of those, but he thought he would get too many speeding tickets. I can see why since at one straight shot he thought it was be fun to go about 100 mph. He looked in the mirror at me in the back seat for that motherly shaking of my head, like you had better stop. I know he enjoyed himself. I love driving my car even though it is not a 6 spd like Kyle's. Our cars hug every curve and have the ability to take off pretty fast. They can be fun, but I don't push my limits. I like to drive safe. Douggie said I needed to give him my car because I don't drive it fast enough. Even on the way home, Kyle and I left Birmingham at the same time. We at one point called one another, and he was 5 miles ahead of me. What the heck happened there? Obviously, I was doing the speed limit or within 5-10 over. I am safe!




Back to Saturday night. PJ had a lot of friends over to his house in Alabaster. I only knew a few of the people that came over, so I tried to hang close to Kyle aka my comfort zone. So, I ended up playing Tonk and Spades. I actually did pretty good. I played on Kyle's team for two rounds until we lost. We were playing to 5 points - 7 books = 1, 8 books = 2, 9 books = 3. After Kyle and I lost, we let others play. No one else wanted to play, so I teamed up with another guy and played 2 rounds with him before losing. We had a good time. I probably went to bed around 1 or so.

Sunday, we all got up and ready to head up to Buffalo Wild Wings to watch Sunday football - Cardinals vs. Eagles. I can't tell you much of what happened in the game, because I was playing the Texas Hold 'Em on the TV. I was in the top 5 for a minute. Then, how about when we are leaving I went all in to get rid of my money and won the round! Oh well though, it was time to head home. Although Nate and Dad came to let the puppies out while we were gone, they sure were happy to be out and with their mommy and daddy.











Luckily, I was off Monday to get to sleep in one more day. Kyle and I went to Movie Gallery to grab some newly released movies (don't tell Netflix). We ended up choosing 4 movies, and I wanted 2 things of candy - Sno Caps and Gobstoppers! Kyle went to the truck before I was done paying for everything. And here comes the decisions! If you know me, you know I am not good at those. She says to me that my current total is $22 and they have a $24 party pack. I looked hoping Kyle just so happened to come back inside, but he hadn't. Oh no, this meant a decision on my own. Ha! If you know me, you now that is me. I am going back and forth with the little me on one shoulder and the little Kyle on my other. I was saying do it! That is only $2 more. The deal was 4 movies, 4 candies, 4 popcorns, and 4 drinks. That is a lot for $2 more. The little Kyle on my shoulder was laughing at me that I couldn't decide and that I am always talked into paying more money for something just to get a perk. I always do that! I walk to the car with a, I forgot to mention, free tote full of stuff. He is looking out the window with his jaw dropped. I opened the truck door and said hush! He says, I have never come out of movie gallery with a big blue tote full of stuff. I just busted out laughing and told him that he shouldn't have left me alone to make a decision. He did finally agree though that it was a good deal for all of that stuff and that I made good choices on the candy. Yah! I did it all on my own. I had to decide what other two candies, 4 drinks, and between absolutely butter and butter popcorn. So, my final decision were - 2 Sprite, 2 Dr. Pepper, Sno Caps, Gobstoppers, Strawberry Sour straws, Milk Duds, 2 Absolutely butter popcorns, and 2 butter popcorns. I think I did an excellent job! Baby steps, baby steps.

Precious Moments

I love my dogs! They know how to make me feel so loved. I have 3 pitbulls, and they are all big babies – especially when it comes to their mommy! I spoil them so bad! Each one of them has a special ritual or thing they do with me at different times of the day.

Jigga is my morning baby. Not because he is the only one up with me, because the others are up too playing around. He just likes to do the morning rituals with me. He sits in the corner of my room by the bathroom door until I am ready to get in the shower. When I go to close the door, he refuses to be shut out. He jumps right up and squeezes in the door before it shuts. He then will curl up on one of the two rugs in the floor. For a while, I laid a towel down for him because he likes to bunch the rugs up into a bed and I hate fixing them all the time. This morning there was no towel. This morning Jigga was extra needy. He went from rug to rug and wouldn’t lie down. When I took my pajama pants off, he rammed his head into them. I was holding them in my hands and he rubbed his head on them again and looked at me. I knew exactly what he wanted. I normally put them on the counter, but this morning I laid them in the floor. He immediately lied down and put his head and front two paws on top of my pile of pants. I guess this is a like a security blanket for him. Not only are they probably warm from me wearing them, but he has comfort in knowing those are his mommy’s pants! I just thought it was the sweetest thing…call me stupid. haha He waits until I get out of the shower and head for the door before he stands up. Then, he will go out somewhere else in the house for a while. Yesterday morning, he wanted to put makeup on with me. He especially likes or maybe it is that he hates my makeup brushes. I pick at him with them and brush his nose or whiskers and he will slowly bite at them. So, yesterday, he got his little nose powdered. He sits there and leans his head all the way back and just watches me put my make up on, so what am I to assume besides that he wants some too! haha

Serenity, aka Licky Floy aka Penny, is Jigga’s mom and my oldest of the three. She will be 8 years old this July. She is getting a little grouchy in her old age. Her ritual with me is at night. She loves to be under the covers by my legs. She jumps up on the couch and stares at me. If I ignore her, she rams her head into me and leaves it there. She is telling me to lift up the covers, please. If I don’t, she will literally stand there forever with her head pressed against me. So, I lift up the covers and under she goes. She’s one happy puppy then. She will sleep forever under there and even sometimes dream. She will eventually get hot and start panting so I have to make her get down. We really have tried to stop them from getting on our couch, so she doesn’t get to do this often any more. They have their own bedroom with their own sectional couch. They all have their own blanket in there. So, when I put them to bed at night I usually cover her up and she is set for the night.

Beyonce aka Be is a special dog. She is so different that I don’t even know how to explain her. I think she is very needy because she is the third and youngest dog. She fights for attention really bad with the others. She likes to hit me if I am not paying her any attention. She really hates when I get on the laptop, so she will sit and stare at me. If I ignore her long enough she will do this talking growl thing. It is so funny, but sometimes so annoying. I have to make her lie down to stop starring at me. I can’t really think of a ritual with her unless you count the bathroom. She likes to go in the bathroom with me. I will kind of push the door to as I am walking in and half the time it shuts on her because she is trying to squeeze in before it closes. I know this is probably not the best to talk about on here, but it is funny. While I am sitting, she will come up and put her paw on my leg. I don’t know what her deal is with that. I push it down and she puts it right back up there. I guess she thinks I am sitting to pet her or something. She is so funny. She is a totally different dog than my other two. You just have to know her. I guess I could say another thing with her and me is that she wants to lay right on top of me. I held her almost the entire time she was a puppy. I was the one who rushed her to the hospital and babied her when she was bitten as a puppy. I guess we just have that special lap dog relationship. So, she never gets to get on the couch with me because she suffocates me. She no longer is a puppy and is now like 60-70 lbs. She wants to pile up in a ball on my chest. The more I tell her to get down, the more she inches up closer to my face. She is special to say the least. haha

So, those are my precious moments with my furry children. They are something else. They know how to pick me up when I am down, love me unconditionally, and they need their mommy’s love!

I like to read, maybe?

Ok - So, I thought I hated to read. During the process of Heather's wedding back in August, Jessica told me about this book she had been reading that was about a love story of vampires. She said trust me, I know it sounds so stupid, but I hate to read and I love it. I just kind of brushed it off until one day Jessi said she started reading it too. I was like ok - I hate to read, but what is the title again and I will go buy it. TWILIGHT!! By Stephanie Meyer.

OMG! I was amazed. I read the first book Twilight in no time, and for me that is amazing. I fell in love with Edward and kind of had a secret crush on him. ha! I then rushed out to buy the second book as soon as I could - New Moon.

I think I read a couple hundred pages of it on one Sunday. Kyle and I hardly spoke a word to one another that day, which I think he was ok with. He played xbox all day while I read my book. I rushed out to get the third one - Eclipse so that I would have it on my trip to Orlando for the Shuttle Launch.

I started reading it and have only gotten into the first couple of chapters. I have put it down for about a month or more now. NOT because it is not a wonderful book, because it is...but just because I don't want it to be over. I really still have a whole other book after this one, but I can't make myself pick it up again. Jessi, Momma Jernigan, Mrs. Paula, and I all went to see the movie when it came out. We FELL IN LOVE! The movie doesn't fully do the book justice like they never really do. If you have never read the book, you would think they were really bad actors. They are not! They are acting how their characters are portrayed in the book. Did I mention how hot Edward is in the movie too?? Some things from the book were changed around for the movie, but it was still awesome and anyone who loves Twilight should agree. Anyway, I guess I filled you in on what happened a few months ago to tell you that I just saw this bulletin on a website! I am so excited that the DVD is coming out.

I will buy it so that I can see my Edward whenever I want! haha I am sure you are wondering what Kyle thinks about this, but Bella is one of his favorite actresses - so its all good. Just can't wait for New Moon to come out this November. It has a new director this time with a new Jacob playing the part. That's ok though because the first Jacob looked like an American Indian with the baby face and long hair. The new Jacob is pretty good looking I believe if I remember correctly. So, that is totally fine with me. I can't wait for the rest of the movies! Jessi, Momma Jerni, and I all giggle like school girls over it. So much fun!! You should definitely read these books if you haven't already.

Fanny & The Hendersons!

Last week was awesome!! I got to spend time with my brother/sister-in-law and of course their three sweet children - our nieces and nephew. I was so excited to see them. It was the first time I had seen them since our wedding two years ago, and only the second time I have met them. My in law family consists of Kyle's mom Barbara, Kyle's brother Kacy, his wife Fanny, Javier, Elena, and Tatiana. We are all one big melting pot! Of course, I am Caucasian/American Indian, Kyle is African American/American Indian<--(I think), Kacy...duh, the same as Kyle, and Fanny is Panamanian/Mexican/Chinese (Fanny - correct me if I am wrong). How awesome is that! So, I have to brag that they make one beautiful family.

**Kacy/Barbara/Kyle**

I am known to them as Aunt Melissa (Or as Elena spells it - Ant Melissa - so precious). I don't think they completely understand how special they make me feel. I am one of two sisters, and as of yet she has no children. I am sure one day she will, but so far Kyle's are my only nieces and nephew. They make you feel important just to be called Aunt Melissa. It makes my heart melt. Just ask Kacy and Fanny how much those babies had me wrapped around their fingers. I couldn't put them down or stop hugging on them. They are the three sweetest kids ever. I took off last week, all but Monday, to spend time with them. I am so glad that I did. I don't think I mentioned yet that they live in Killeen, Texas, where Kacy is stationed, so it has been few and far between that they have been to visit. I have been with Kyle for 5 years in April, and like I said this is only the second time I have seen them. After this past week though, we promise to try to get together more often.

We all met up in Montevallo on the Sunday after xmas for Kyle and Kacy's granddaddy's 90th birthday! **Happy Birthday Granddaddy!**

He is one man you can learn a lot from. He is full of advice and funny sayings. We celebrated with him, the family, and many of his church members and friends at Shiloh church. Anyone who wanted could get up and tell how they felt about granddaddy aka Mr. Acie/Mr. Brantley. It was wonderful to hear all the great things about him. I learned a lot that I didn't know about Kyle's family. They almost brought tears to my eyes. They even read his life story to everyone. I never knew granddaddy had accomplished all of those things. He has definitely lived a fulfilled 90 years. After that shindig was over, we all went back to Aunt Freddy's house to finish up the fellowship. We finally left around almost 7 to head back home to Huntsville/Athens. I had to work the following Monday morning, so I didn't last long.

**Pictures drawn on the ride home - Tati**

**Elena - Reads: To: Ant Mlissa From: Elena


Dear Ant Mlissa, I love you your the best. Thank you for invite us over. Love, Elena


OMG - Melt my heart!

**Javy got a NDS Spiderman game**

**Elena got Snap and Pop Polly Pocket**

**Tati got Bratz Lil' Angelz Bath Time**



Monday - Kacy and Kyle got up with me for work, except they went fishing on his NEW BOAT from Kacy. After work, I met up with Kyle to head to his mom's house to open gifts with her. The kids were already playing with their gifts from Grandma Barbara.

Tuesday - Of course Kyle and Kacy went fishing again while Fanny, the kids, and I went to CHUCK-E-CHEESE!!! I swear I believe I was more excited than they were. I had a few left over tickets that I had found in my purse after Tripp's 5th birthday party. Tati and Elena kept riding the tricycle thing that goes up high and back down. Of course, those don't give you any tickets. They loved it though. Javy was playing other games all over. After ordering pizza for lunch, Fanny and I decided we had better win the kids some tickets. We played the game that you try to stop the light on the certain spot to hit the jackpot of tickets. Well, we never hit the jackpot, but we won a good bit of tickets. We then both won 60 tickets a piece by rolling a token straight up and down through one little bitty slot on this one game. We are pros! We turned the tickets in for an amount of 700 something. All 3 kiddies got a handful of fun toys to take home. It was great. I treated them to ice cream cones at Marble Slab Creamery. It was something they never had. They really wanted Dairy Queen, but we pushed them to try something new. I want to say Javy got Cotton Candy, Elena & Tati - I forget their flavors, but I remember it had gum on top!! Fanny got cheesecake and coffee with some sprinkles I think. I got cheesecake with lots of chocolate syrup and sprinkles. Yummy!! Are you hungry yet??

Wednesday - Fanny and I took the kids to Sci-Quest in Huntsville. They had a blast. There was so much stuff there that I can't even explain it all. I was most amazed at the magnetic sand. It was literally sand that was magnetic. You could sculpt the sand in the section between the two magnets. They kept drifting back to it after a while. We were in a simulated earthquake, and Javy/Elena were in a tornado. We got to play the floor piano like on the movie Big. It was so cool! Of course, Wednesday was also NYE. You probably have already read that blog. I left Fanny and the kids around 3 to get to the salon by 4 or so.

^v^v^EARTHQUAKE^v^v^

~~TORNADO~~

*Life size Operation - how cool - bbbzzzzz, bbbzzzzzzz*

*Can you hear me now?*

*The coolest black magnetic sand*

Thursday - In my last blog, you saw where we stopped by his mom's to visit them all. The whole family went up to the mall to eat in the food court where everyone had a choice. The kids can't go to the mall and leave without getting a Great American Cookie!!! Then, we went bowling!! You would think that would be extra hard for a hung over person after NYE and little sleep, but we actually had a lot of fun. The kiddies had their own lane with bumpers, and Kyle, Kacy, Barbara, Fanny, and I all had the other. The girls needed help most of the time rolling the ball. I think they may have all gotten a strike at least once, but I am not sure. Elena's ball would go .0000005 miles per hour and finally make it to the pins. It was so cute. Kacy won our first game, and I won the second. Whoop! Whoop! I think we came home and crashed after that.

Friday - We spent the majority of our day in the bank getting the loan for the boat. It took FOREVER! Fanny, Kacy, Kyle, and I all had lunch at Casa Blanca afterwords. They took the kids some McDonald's and Fanny stayed with them. Kacy came back home with us for the Alabama vs. Utah game at our house...Roll Tide - except we sucked badly that night!

Saturday - This was the day they were supposed to drive back to Killeen. They stopped by to let the kids tell us good bye, and they just couldn't leave Alabama. They decided it was too late to leave and stayed another day. Kyle and I took them to my parent's house to experience where I grew up. They got to walk through cow poop filled pastures, dig for worms, try to fish for brim, run around the screened in porch, and of course play Guitar Hero! Ok, so I didn't have that growing up, but we bought that for mom this xmas. I know that sounds stupid, but my mom really does play PS2. She loves music, so I thought what better than that. I beat my song on Medium without getting booed completely off the stage. Kacy was booed off and so was Javy. I win again! haha

Sunday - They really did leave, and I missed them already. I went to bed thinking of those sweet kids and how I wish we lived closer to Fanny and Kacy.

It was an action packed week. We got a taste of what is it like to have 3 kids running around. They are old enough though that they were very well behaved. It is something though to go from nothing - to two sisters arguing in the back seat because the other one touched her. I just kept laughing because it was funny to me. I loved every second of it to see each of their little personalities come out.