Top 10.

Things here are busy as ever. So busy in fact, that I haven't had time to post thoughts or feelings for a while so I thought I'd write a top 10 list of things that have taken place over the last little bit to cover for lost time. These are not put in any particular order -unless you consider the way my brain works as "order" .....ahem.....never mind.

10. Tarryn and Makade plot now on how to torture their unborn offspring by swearing they will put them in Kumon. Just so they can have the satisfaction of correcting their own kids' packets (which I'm told is the only reason why Brandon and I have them in Kumon).

9. Tarryn, Makade, and Corban have their first sleep-over with their Grandma Herrick. They enjoy watching movies, and getting to eat with "old people", and get to spend some long deserved time with their Grandma. Tarryn ends up having a deeper appreciation of ME as she comes home worn out from having to take care of Corban since Grandma is unable to manage such tasks at this time. I bring the kids home with a tug in my heart for how worn out Tarryn is, and how happy I am the kids got to have Grandma participate a little in their life.

8. Makade makes an impression in our wall that won't be forgotten for a while. *We call it his bum-hole since that is just what it was, as he went down the stairs at such a speed that when his tush met the wall it left a gaping cavity. Talk about 'buns-of-steel'. He was the brunt of many jokes as the repairman fixed the abyss.

7. Javen is bilingual, even if we don't understand what he's saying in either language we know it to be true. Of course we're sure that his first and foremost verbal communication is good ol' baby talk that will undoubtedly turn into English. But there is a distinct noise Javen makes that we're guessing is Dolphinese. What else could the clamor be that resembles the distinct dialect that dolphins speak? ....or should I say shriek?

6. I wake from the land of denial. During the month of May it's like I awoke from a dream of clouded bliss as I realized how truly overwhelmed I am playing the roll of mother of 5, housekeeper, wife, sister, sister-in-law, daughter, daughter-in-law, etc., etc., etc. I find I have to fight to add the title of just-plain-Summer to the mix of the rest of these. But its a contest worth battling as I go from the belief system of "I'm not worth my own time" to "I am of worth to have time to myself." May was definitely a month full of tears, and strength building.

5. Tarryn takes a trip. To D.C. ....without her parents. Don't worry though, she enjoyed the trip with her grandparents and saw all sorts of things that make the USA what we are. or what we should be. Tarryn would call each night exhausted and tell us about her daily events. Always ending in swimming. We're told that her favorite place to visit was the Ford's Theater where Lincoln was shot. Not only did she come home with a lot of souvenirs, she also came home a bit more mature, *sniff* and possibly a bit taller.

4. Potty training goes down the toilet as Kellan gets sick with a fever and a wicked virus. We're having a hard time starting up again after I plunged Kellan and the family in a potty training experience Boot Camp style. We have to work up the will power for such things.

3. Corban was the Captain of the Ship in his school's spring sing as he introduced himself in a booming voice for the entire school to hear, "Ahoy matey! My name is Corban!" then when the crowd chuckled at his enthusiasm he stood there and blinked away tears. He pulled it together though, and put on an a amazing performance that we were all so proud of!

2. Makade basically tells Grandpa Fuller he's old. So the story goes, Makade was giving Grandpa instructions on where to go in Grandpa's own town. Grandpa compliments Makade on his skill of direction by stating he'll do great when he has his own driving licence and can't wait to see when he can drive. Makade responds by saying, "Grandpa, you'll be dead by the time I can drive." (Note: this is only 7 years away!!!!)

1. Kellan is learning how to forgive. ....sort of. Anytime one of the kids (or on rare occasion), Brandon, or I end up hurting Kellan. Be it physical or emotionally, if an "I'm sorry" is said, Kellan will respond with a "That's Okay!" in a screech so loud and fast that you're sure the windows are going to break and car alarms around the block are going to go off. It leaves you feeling more like you were hit by a truck than it does warm and fuzzy. And it makes saying those 2 apologetic words even more difficult to say when you know you've done wrong. :) Good thing Kellan doesn't know how to hold a grudge! I can't imagine what that would sound like!