Pictures from Chicago

Pictures are from Hancock Observatory, Field Museum and Hyatt Regency Chicago

It was an interesting trip.

I'm Soooooo Excited

We are spending part of the 4th of July weekend in Chicago. I've never been there before. I can't wait !!

Family Field Trip (Part 2)

After visiting Hocking Hills we drove a few miles down the road to Lake Logan State Park. We had a cookout and the kids rode around the lake on paddle boats

It was nice watching a group of city kids having fun without a video game or tv in sight.

There were a few squabbles among the 10 year old girls. They all wanted to be in charge. (Lots of chiefs...no Indians)

Then we rented a Pontoon boat. It was my first time on a boat. I have to admit I was leery at first, but then I relaxed and enjoyed the ride around the lake.

Family Field Trip (Part 1)

Sunday we spent the day with my sister Judy, her grandkids, boyfriend and his son at the lovely Hocking Hills State Park.

I have always wanted to go there and we could not have picked a lovelier day. The only down side was the amount of walking we had to do to get from Point a to Point b, but truthfully, the work was well worth the reward.

Awe-inspiring does not do justice to the beauty of the area.

I feel blessed to have been able to experience such a lovely place. Even though there were lots of people touring the area, you could still pause and be surrounded by the greatness of it all.

Henry David Thoreau once said "Heaven is under our feet as well as over our heads. " No truer words have been spoken.

Mother's Day 2009

It actually turned out pretty good. Pickles and 'Cole helped me make a huge breakfast. We had Pancakes, bacon, sausage, eggs and toast.

I mostly just sat around and tried to relax.

I did want to go to the zoo, but I didn't feel like spending money on people who steal.

I love love LOVE the card that 'Cole gave me, which said :

"Sometimes I look at everything
That's going on in this world
and I thank the Lord for the mama he gave me.
A loving mama to hold me in her arms,
but a strong mama who knows
when to let me go...

A hardworking mama
to teach me diligence
but a joyous mama
who knows how to cut loose.
A brave mama to discipline me,
but a wise mama
who knows the difference
between being trifling and just being a kid.

On Mother's Day and always,
I'm so thankful that the Lord chose me
for that very wonderful mama He made.
And for the very wonderful love we share."

I love that kid. She certainly has a way of saying exactly what I need to hear, when I need to hear it.

I NEVER Imagined I'd I'd Have To

I just finished installing a lockset on my bedroom door. It appears I have people in my home that I cannot trust.

Every year right before school starts I shop all the back-to-school sales and buy tons of school supplies on sale. I buy so much it usually last longer than one school year.

I keep all these items in a file cabinet in my room.

You can see where I'm going with this.

I checked the file cabinet the other day and found it almost empty.

There's been other incidents over the past few months that led up to this. :

• Someone tried to use my computer (But couldn't because it is password protected)
• Letters have been rifled through.
• A credit card was stolen and taken to school.
• Candy was stolen.
• And numerous things have been used and/or removed without my permission.

I'm tired. The school supplies are the last straw. I never imagined I'd have to put a lock on my bedroom door. I've been in other adoptive parents' homes where they had locked rooms.... but I never in all my imaginings thought I would have to do it.

It's not a totally rotten weekend though. 'Cole bought me a Mother's Day Card and some AquaGlobes for my houseplants. Pickles planted the Hydrangeas I bought at work yesterday. I started my container garden with some Bachelor Buttons and Dwarf Asters.

We might take a nice trip to the Columbus Zoo tomorrow. That's one of my favorite places and I know it'll help relax me.

Happy Mother's Day to All my favorite Moms !!

Pickles Suspended

Pickles got suspended for missing an after-school detention two weeks in a row.
I reminded him the night before about it. (both times)
I should have written it on the back of his hand in permanent marker. I wasn't going to let him stay home so he had to go to work with me. He sat in my office all day and worked in a workbbok. I tried to make it as boring as possible.

Sigh.... I'm so glad school is almost over.