God is soo good!

I was dreading paying sales tax for the new car...but since we traded in two the cost was under $300.

Plus I just found out that this is a 3 paycheck month for me...and I have extra cash from my health insurance not being withheld from the 1st.

Adam and I have been pricing childcare for summer, and yes it's astronomical for three kids. At least we have a CD with $ that was going to be for our grand trip in 09' but will be using it for the boys summer childcare. That's life, at least we had saved it and have it to use for such a good cause. Can't wait til age 12.

Louise McCollum is done with Chemo and we are singing Gods praise in this situation. I am so happy for Steph and their entire family.

Prayer request we have the Alston family with a baby Corbin @ children's (Heart murmur) and mommy at Baptist recovering.

And Nancy's mom Mrs. Carol hasn't been well.

Please keep them in your prayers.

It is proven that God works in amazing ways.

Gone and past

Christmas has gone and past.  The decorations are down and this year we didn't take a camera anywhere...including our own home.  We decided to just sit down and enjoy each and every moment.  We didn't set out the presents from under the tree; All organized and anal and in a row by size of course.  We let the boys go under the tree in the morning and hand them out one at a time.  All 5 of us sat on the floor and laughed and jumped with glee.  It was a GREAT Christmas.  Then of course follows the traditions of every Grandparent over here at our home for Christmas Breakfast.  Then off to Granny C's (which she's in LA) Adam and I cooked burgers for all.  Then off to Papaw & Nanos to have "Clean out the fridge".  Everyone gets what they want over there.  A little bit of this a little bit of that.  

On the gifts of course they were all small...the boys received NEW BEDS for Christmas early.  The screams for Axe body spray was hilarious and that sound will ring with me for a while.  My favorite gifts would be the bamboo sheets (oh yes!) and the new warm up suit.   

The day after Christmas Dylan & I stayed in our Jammie's took a shower and got in a different set.  We didn't leave the house!  It was great.  

The next day we got out and went for Breakfast at Cracker Barrell and had a day full of shopping.  When we sat down to eat our server asked the boys, "Did santa bring you good stuff", the boys sat their puzzled staring at Adam and I, like (What do we say?) they just nodded and giggled.  

I hope each of you had time to sit and enjoy the laughter with your families for Christmas and slow down as much as possible.  

new cars

So we bought a new car this weekend. We traded our two little cars on a new civic. Yes we still have two cars...we kept the suburban. But now just one car payment and two insurance payments.

I turned the finances over to Adam to review for the upcoming years budget. This is a BIG step for those of you who don't know me that well. He came up with the idea of doing this car swap...I felt lead to agree and we are saving over $200 / month...say bye bye medical bills.

We are also getting better gas mileage than the VW rabbit or the Hyundai...36 mpg on the HWY. WOOO! and there is more leg room in the back for our ever growing boys.

This is a drastic step to debt reduction. I feel the weight lifted off and can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I'm ready to snowball as Crown puts it.

Dads vs. Lads

Today was our first experience in the "dads vs. lads" soccer game. Jacobs classic soccer team players charged the field. The dads stormed on afterwards. It was the best laughter I've had in a long time. Old men falling on their rears, fat men trying to run, the best for me was the many toe balls. Plus all the dads are involved in their sons lives and each family hasn't been separated by divorce. A rare thing now days.

Of course the lads won...it's rigged, BUT there were 3 dad's who wanted to win. A game is just a game. It's for the boys confidence. One tackled a kid and sent him to the bench. One kicked the ball so hard it swooshed past my boys head and one of the other dad's said, "hey man, that's too hard". The other man just was pure annoying telling the ref that the calls were wrong (which they were, it's rigged, get over it).

It ended in a Penalty kick game; each child was to score on his father and then the father score on the child. Adam kicked HARD. It hit Jacob's foot and Jacob and the ball went into the goal. Gary, another Dad said, "that's borderline child abuse" we all just laughed, of course Jacob was not hurt, other than his feelings. Only two dad's score during the PK's. Adam and Gary. We told Jacob how cool is it that your dad kicks butt!

Adam did a scissor kick and one of the kids said "that was wicked!" We had snacks at half time and the end...chips, sandwiches, fruit, cupcakes, brownies, gummies (fruit snacks), etc...it was good fun!

We ended today as we do most every Sunday night, quick dinners, extreme home makeover, spending time together laughing, just us 5. We all were piled in our bed (a full). Yes Adam, me, all three boys, a golden retriever, a cocker spaniel...and we were quite warm and cozy and Dylan won some reindeer ears from church this morning and put them on the dog. I thought it was too cute. Dylan lost one of his big front teeth tonight the other is a wiggling, will be singing "all I want for Christmas is my two front teeth." Soon we will have three boys with big teeth. Babies goodbye, tweens hello.

Pictures are all the dads with their sons including coach and refs. and a great shot of Adam in pursuit of Jacob and the girls and boys.

Jacob's Thankful

Okay, so I know I'm a poor mom because I went through my kids backpacks this morning instead of Tuesday :). Kobie had a homework sheet that we did very quickly before school. The rest of the graded papers I left to sort through later.

I'm sitting at home and going through the papers and this was the sweetest thing.

Jacob wrote a Thank you note to tell people that he's thankful for them.
Here are his words:

I am thankful for my friends. My best friend is Tyree Madison. He helps me do math problems and I help him too. We do everything together.

I am thankful for my mom and dad. They help me with my homework. My dad plays with me a lot. When my mom is sick she still works as hard as she can.

I am also thankful for my soccer coaches. If I did not have soccer coaches I would not be such a good soccer player. Soccer coaches take out my anger because soccer is fun and they help you so you can play better.

I am thankful for God because he made me and he made my brothers, mom, and dad and every one else. God also made the earth and everything else, just like soccer.

Kobie wrote:
I'm thankful for football and family.

I haven't seen in anything in D's bag.

Dog Found

Found the dog! So excited.

A neighbor, Rusty, just four houses down picked her up and took her to his friends house (who has a yard). His neighbor, Mary, called us tonight during Rex's 40th Surprise party and said, she saw our sign and might know where our dog is. We get her info. Call her back when we leave the restaurant. She gives me more detail.

On our way home, I have Adam go up to Rusty's house ring the door bell. He can see their Dalmatian...but no Cali. We head back to the house and I see the back driveway with some open car doors. We drive up to the SUV (which doesn't belong at that house) and I say, "um do you live here?" He looks at me strange and says, "yes". "um is your name Rusty?", he says "yes" and walks towards our vehicle. I said, "I have lost a dog and heard you might know where she is." He did we followed him to get her.

I am very thankful for these men who took care of her...Apparently she was WELL taken care of - since she ate at their thanksgiving dinner table, she is a little chubbier. Kobie hugged her when we got home and said, "Cali you are a little plumper, you'll run it off". She was able to go inside and have another dog to play with.

My four girls are now home safe and sound. I will rest easy tonight.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is one of favorite times of the year. It's a yearly reflection for me (more so than new years which is more for fun- yeah we made it through another one). What are you truely thankful for in your life?

I am recently disturbed by all these shopping stores that are big on Halloween and then run right into Christmas, skipping Thanksgiving all together...(maybe a few turkey hand towels).

Our family went to Nancy & David's Saturday. I stayed home in bed recovering from surgery.

Thanksgiving day we went to Granny C's for lunch as we always do. It is great, my mom and the rest of Adam's family are there and we have a fun time. We have this huge house to be together in...and yet we ended up in the smallest room in the house...All surrounded by love in this tiny room. Laughter roared and old stories to reminisce on.

This year, Aunt Pooh, Adam's aunt, JoBeth's sister, and her family from Hammond Louisiana did not come up so they could spend longer here during Christmas. Well Aunt Pooh was thrown from a horse on Thanksgiving day, broke 8 ribs, a Vertebrate in her neck, and her hip. She has surgery on Monday.

We got home and let the dogs out in the back yard, WHOOPS the gate was opened and Cali ran away (sometime between 5-6pm Thanksgiving night). We have called everywhere. Funny thing is, the last time I had surgery, she got out and some one kept her for almost a week (she couldn't stand the dogs crying at night, b/c Cali wanted to sleep inside). She finally called one of our Lost dog signs. I surely hope this is the case again. She had no tags on, but she did have a collar.

This year, I had to get out for Black Friday. It was fun. Kobie and I got up at 5:45 and got to Walgreen's by 6:40 for opening at 7. Yes, we stood in line in the drizzle and cold.

Crystal (Jeff's wife) and I went to Walgreen's on Thanksgiving to check out where these topiary trees were. We found them across from the milk and drinks. That Friday morning, there the shoppers were two by two. They were all talking about their plans to get these awesome potted, pre-lit, topiary, 4 foot tall trees two for $19.99. They were saying "Go straight to the Christmas isle". Of course Crystal's shopping savvy was great, b/c we already knew they weren't in the Christmas Isle. I had told Kobie in the car, "here is the plan, go straight to the photo lab take a left and get four trees."

So while we stood there in the cold, this man named CHAD! Was getting a royal treatment from his wife. She complained about the cold, he went to the car to get her hat and scarf. She complained about being thirsty, he went to the car to get her a drink (some smart water). She complained about the drink being her "cold" drink and that she wanted her "hot" coffee. He then ran back to the car to get her the coffee. She drank a sip and then said, I'm done, can you go put this back now. He ran back to the car again.

Goodness!

Now with everyone making their plans about where they would go when the entered the store. Chad's wife was of course listening to where the trees were. She of course said, "forget about the buggy go straight to the Holiday isle." I turned around minutes before the door opened and said, "Chad, follow me, I can't tell you why, just do it". He smiled, the doors opened, he followed me, his wife struggling to get a buggy at the front door. She rounded the corner, "Chad you weren't on the Holiday isle, you didn't stick to the plan, they are completely out of trees. Why are you over here in foods." He just looked at her and she paused a moment and said, "Oh Thank you Chad, how did you know they were here." She gave him a kiss and they went off happy.

I'm sure WE women are guilty at times for being obnoxious, bossy, female dogs...but you know in the end, our men still love us. So WE should love our husbands, even when they want to be lazy and don't LOOK for things. It's the same thing isn't it? I felt like I helped this man named Chad. I don't have a clue who he is and will probably never see him again.

Waffle Cone Wednesdays

Waffle Cone Wednesday's @ TCBY

A family of 5 can get out the door of TCBY for under $7 who knew it. The Jr. Sized waffle cones are only .99 cents. No toppings, of course, but who really cares. Just thought I'd pass on the word.

Fabulous

So Surgery went well on Friday afternoon. Dr. Shaw removed two gallstones, larger than a marble a little smaller than a golf ball. I kept one. For those of you who want to see, ask me...some however are a little more grossed out so I'm not posting a picture.

I hurt much worse than I was expecting to after my first anesthesia experience. My calves were in major pain.

This surgery pain however is much much better than a c-section was. I was up and moving well Saturday. Monday I even went pain med free and visited the grocery store to get a few more things. Then I came home and crashed for two hours.

I feel great! Saturday morning was the first time in about 6 years I woke up without nausea. Which is fabulous, I thought that was just the way I would be forever.

I planed to go to work all day today (Tuesday). I left early and will not be in tomorrow. To much movement is not good right now.

Thanks for all the prayers and words of well wishes.

On a funny note...Adam and I had thought for our 10th anniversary we might get matching tattoo's...well God provided them, we have matching stomach scars (4 of them) how sweet.

Off To Surgery

I have this certain fear of not being able to take care of my family. Mom out of commission is a bad scenario in my mind. Not because Adam cannot handle everything...just because I like to control what I can.


This year I have had pneumonia, tick fever, and now gallstones. It has just been a bad year.


I went to see Dr. Shaw today and now have surgery tomorrow around 11am.

Ready for the world to slow down a bit and let me have a moment of peace and clarity. Your prayer are appreciated.

Traveling & Soccer

For those of you who think I am the most rigid person, you would be surprised to know that Adam has turned me into a "fly by the seat of my pants" gal. We can get up and go out of town in less than 1 hour. I now have a travel kit which includes all of our toiletry and personal care items...So we don't have to rummage through the bathrooms packing away. We have a travel set and a home set. All you have to do is pack your clothes. The boys are older which means they do their own clothes packing and can get their own drinks and snacks and go to the potty before we leave without me having to remind them. This is the best part of kids aging...you see them being productive for themselves.



This past weekend we were in Jackson, MS that's 2 1/2 days and 700 miles. We had a great time. The competition was fierce and Jacob preformed well against these guys. The younger two boys were FABULOUS.

Bouts of Greatness:

It was Saturday morning, the first game was at 8:45 which meant we had to be at the fields by 7:45am...and we had gotten into the hotel at 10:15pm and unpacked and then the next door neighbors were just terrible, repacked and switched rooms, we lied down in bed about 11:30pm. So the team was sitting down eating breakfast and they were missing one player. All the boys got up to go rush off to wake this kid up...and I said firmly, "My Holsted boys stay". THEY DID...All the parents said, "can you get mine to obey like that". I reassured them, my boys do not always act like angels. Later when we went up to the room to get Adam up...I promised them desert for dinner to thank them for their great obedience...I don't usually get all three together on anything. Now off to games, Jacob had a great opportunity to score with his head off of a corner kick and it was so sweet, I stood up and squealed! It was pro skillz, but it didn't go in, it hit the post.

This weekend we were at a soccer tournament here at home. Jacob scored twice (so I think that makes 7 for the year). He played against a kid, NO LIE, 5'3"+...he was elbowed in the head, headbutted in the stomach, killed royally by a large team. We were playing 12 year olds (who had apparently hit puberty). Jacob held his own, he fought back and he committed plenty of retaliation fouls. He is a tough kid...

This morning we went for our last game and won 2-0.

Adams soccer game this evening. He completed a bicycle kick and it was so awesome. It made me rekindle why I first sought him out. I feel like a gitty girl again.

Fun Fun!

Don't forget to vote on Tuesday!

-C

Sports- be the best at being YOU

I have been thinking about sports lately. I LOVE SPORTS! I could sit at the soccer fields for an entire day (not even watching my own kids - or even anyone I knew) I enjoy the skill, the teamwork, and the vitality each player posesses.

Most people have started asking how we picked what each boy would play when they got older.
So here was our RULE...when the boys turned age 5 for the entire year (until they were 6) they could try any sport they wanted to (basketball, baseball, soccer, hockey, gymnastics, etc.) After that we asked that they pick their favorite sport, NOT what they were good at.

Jacob as we all know was great at soccer and he picked that...now he still sulks when it's basketball season and he's not playing anything...but oh well (he'll get over it) He is now in classic soccer playing kids 4 years older.

Kobie picked basketball...he was GREAT at baseball...moving up in one season from tee ball to pitching machine when he was 5/6 b/c he was cracking them to the fence...problem with baseball...the child cannot stay up past 7:30pm. He wants to try Gymnastics so we were going to try that. Kobie doesn't really like competitive sports, and he asked to play bass guitar, so now we are going that direction.

Dylan has played primarly soccer and basketball. He is really a loner. He is great at everything he does...But he's just not motivated. So will see in a few years how he develops. He is sitting out this season of soccer for two reasons.
1.) to let Adam and I get used to traveling with Jacob's soccer team and
2.) b/c Adam & I were taking a break from 6 years of coaching soccer (which we had decided on years ago-when the kids were done with micro we would take a break) I know some of you are looking at 6 years...and thinking Jacob is just 9 and micro doesn't start until 4/5...well we coached a LW U14 team...YES, I had three babies to care for...but I told you we loved to watch soccer and to teach it (for those who are willing to learn- some of those kids weren't- and some were, we still go try and watch them play now at the HS level and admire how far they've come)

All of our boys picked their favorite. It was their choice and we support them. These sports are what they do individually, but when we go to the park we play all kinds of sports, not being limited to just one. Injuries are a very constant thought in our minds as my husband and I played many sports growing up and then we were set on soccer and track during HS...we have both had broken ankles and have knee problems. I still run 5k's to 1/2 marathon's and he still is in a mens soccer league...

Showing our kids how to live a healthy lifestyle with balance is all that should matter... we should show them how to work well with others and have relationships with people. That's the true meaning of sports for me...not to be the best at everything, but be the best at being YOU!
As Adam says, "I don't care what you want to become when you grow up...be the best Garbage man, be the best Dad, be the best Lawyer, whatever you want to do, give it your all!"

Celebrity

The Holsted's have a new celebrity in the house...

Mind you our 8 year old Kobie has earned his first paycheck. $35 for his voiceover in the new AR Kids 1st radio ad. He is very excited and proud of himself.

Our good family friend owns The Works (http://www.gimmetheworks.com/).

She had an ad to do for Ar Kids 1st and they wanted a boy ages 6-8 to do a part. Immediately she called my mom (as she had no young boys in her catalog to choose from). I arranged with Mammy secretly to pick him up and take him to the studio at lunch time, buy him a "spicy taco" from taco bell and get back to school before the end of lunch time. All this being kept from the other boys so we didn't have complaining (including Kobie- he didn't know).

WELL> Complaining started when we had the lovely "muffins for mom's, donuts for dad's" function at school. At 7am...we get to school to eat breakfast with our boys. They are only allowed one donut OR one muffin. We all know this doesn't feed my boys. So I gave Dylan my Orange Juice, Mrs. Kim so graciously gave them an extra donut/muffin each, but Jacob was still hungry...so off to the cafeteria school breakfast. Jacob ate an additional bowl of cereal and piece of toast and drank down 2 cartons of milk. We are telling the boys goodbye and we are heading out the door to go to work....When...

Kobie turns around and says, "why don't I have a lunch? You made Jacob a lunch (mandatory b/c he went to some leadership conference - more to come later after I read his *Notes*) and Dad and You! We all know D likes school lunch, why me! Why did you forget me?! You know I HATE their spaghetti." Thank goodness for the drowning sound of all the other families chatting. I looked at Kobie and said, "Buddy I'm sorry I forgot". He looked pissed and walked away.

I knew all this time what he was going to do, his "secret" . After he left the studio he called me and said, "Sorry for yelling mom".

If you hear an AR kids first on the radio he's at the end the middle child (of course) on the Thank you's. If you want me to...I can send you a sound clip...Can't figure out how to work it on here.

Pray?

We prayed with our boys when they were little at night...and now that they are older - they choose to pray by themselves...and every night we go into the bedroom to cover them back up and kiss their little foreheads.

Every Night there is Dylan lying sweetly in his bed with his hands in the "praying" position.

It was too cute for me not to share with you.

It took me 3 nights to get the picture without making him move when we turn on the lights.

Tax Man

I have worked for 4 days now...Your tax dollars at work are allowing me to read manuels and take tests all day. My brian is on overload and I haven't even gotten into the states accounting software. I'm ready to start typing away and be the little worker bee that I am.

The boys are adjusting well to me not being there after school...I have still gotten in 5 miles of running in 4 days...even with getting off at 4:30...

I did my meal planning and coupon cutting during lunch, so I'm still doing my "wifely" duties (honestly, I like doing it) and being able to provide great benefits for my family.

Community Group starts back up next week which will give Adam and I more time together and more discussion questions to learn about each other.

All is well in the Holsted house.

Women & Children 1st

We had a very busy day today with Jacob's soccer practice. While he was on the field the four of us ran 3 miles. Complete with both Kobie & D bleeding. We came home washed up, ate lunch, and headed back out again.

Our sista to sister group had decided to do our (church is leaving the building) project at Women and Children 1st.

http://www.wcfarkansas.org/

We are preparing food for the 25 kids during the mom's support group meeting Monday night.

*Larronda is also in our group, but she was out of town. Drew and her went to visit Tim.

But today was all about the kitchen for those at this specific safe house (top secret location). We worked for a little over an hour cleaning out the entire kitchen cabinets, wiping down everything, trashing the old expired items, moping the floors, organizing the cabinets with the "in-date" food items. The kids enjoyed and I think when they left they were happy that their daddy's were good dad's.

Here are some pics from today.

Fun from Rachael

Got an email tonight with pictures from Rachael and Andrew's wedding...back at the end of May. The boys wore their suits (2 we had purchased from savers)...and the a/c was not cranking on that hot and humid day.

When they let us eat, my boys rushed to the buffet table...there was a grand display of all kinds of food. My little veggie boy...took an entire BUNCH of grapes...there were cute little tongs to pull them off one at a time, but D wasn't wasting his energy. We all laughed at him when he returned to the table with his bunch...and then comes uncle Jay, moments later...and he had a bunch of grapes on his plate too...in this picture D has his grapes with him and all their red punch lips to boot.. He carried the grapes around the wedding party as a snack to go meal. When Adam and I saw the picture tonight we died in laughter. here is a cute picture of us and the humidity loved my hair that day.

J O B

Okay well I passed my drug test...and am going back to work full time (35 hrs / wk) with Department of Human Services (DHS) in the administration branch, accounting department, doing A/P.

I'm very excited about having a job with great health insurance...this past summer I've wracked up a good $3K worth of medical bills from the Er visits, illnesses, etc. (and still paying on last years)

So...I'm looking at the positive; I get a retirement account, great insurance, 24 sick and vacation days / year PLUS Holidays. And a job that I don't have to take home...no more cell phone calls to ask me about a client...no more working till 11pm and then starting at 7am the next morning. I'm assigned a portion of the alphabet and I enter those vendor invoices and set up for payment...how easy..a boring data entry job will suit me to a T. I get an hour for lunch?! That's awesome, I've always had to eat at my desk, while I worked.

This is a great blessing for my family...as we all know I am a young chicken and I'll be able to retire in 30 years...making me 58. And I'll be able to help give my kids more opportunities (Jacob's soccer and Kobie will soon start Bass guitar lessons- he doesn't want gymnastics and who knows what D wants to perssue).
I get off at 4:30...so I'll still be able to help with homework, cook dinner, do the laundry, etc. And w/ Jacob practicing 3 days / week I can still get in my exercise.

I will still work for mom's clients the 1st two weeks of the month for extra $ to pay off these bills.

Now the downside...SUMMER (If you have any ideas for summer let me know.), and I know I'm going to be shell shocked b/c I haven't worked F/T in over 6 years. I won't spend as much time with the boys as I have been, but I'm hoping the future time is more Quality time.
If I look down remind me to look on the positive side, there are far more greater things this job offers than the downside.

I'm excited about the future and what it holds...this is a new chapter in our lives.

**I've spent this week doing all the odd chores around the house to get myself reorganized and ready to start work...I was very organized before I stayed home ...I've repaired the mortar in the brick, re-screened the screens in the window that have holes in them, re glued the boys car board, liquid nailed the crawl space screen shut, etc. I've got one more day to get this stuff done before "the church leaves the building".

Shin Dig

Well the older two boys have made it through the first part of school without bad behavior and terrible grades. They were awarded their Shin Dig, Carnival Themed, Kobie's first. All the kids had fun.

Here are their silly face paints.

Dylan has made every fun Friday. I do not think he has gotten a card pulled. He is very quiet in school and out around everyone, but don't let him fool you, he talks NON STOP.

Dinner & Update

So I had another interview today with DHS...will know something by Monday evening.

Tonight I made dinner after soccer practice; we ate a dozen eggs, 1 lb. of bacon and 1 1/2 lbs of hash browns.

We all had fun at dinner complete with my jiggy dance after I named all thirteen colonies which led the boys onto a roaring laughter.

The evening would not be complete without some mishap or something out of the norm. We finished with Dylan spraying Lysol into his eyes and mouth...Lovely.

Off to the debate

Weekend Fun

This weekend was jammed pack with fun and excitement all around.

Saturday morning I got up around 5:30am (the dog had gotten sick on the bottom of our sheets) Cleaned that up. Packed sack lunches and snacks for the road, loaded up the car with travel items for the younger two. I cooked eggs,biscuits, and gravy for breakfast and we left the house around 7:30. We stopped @ Morgan/Maumelle Exit to drop off a car and then off to Conway for soccer games. The first game was good, we won. The 2nd game was even BETTER! Jacob not only scored his second goal of the season he also was awarded a P.K. which is taken from twelve yards (approximately eleven metres) out from goal and with only the goalkeeper of the defending team between the penalty taker (Jacob) and the goal. I buried my face in my hands I was so nervous for the little guy...and I peeked in between my fingers to watch the ball hit the crossbar and go in. It was great. Jacob jumped like a little leprechaun, he was so pumped. My dad jumped up and screamed, "that's my grandbabby" and we all just laughed, he was so excited. So that's three points for the year.

(trying to work on his Meridana??? while warming up for the game)

When the games were all done, we left Conway a little after 1pm. We got to Morgan/Maumelle exit and dropped Adam off at his car. The boys and I carried on to Lake Willastine where our sista to sister group was meeting for lunch with all our boys. They played on the playground and we sat on a bench and went over our material. Those boys played so well together.

From there I got back on Maumelle Blvd. and was stuck behind the last two women racing in the big damn bridge race. I got home by 4pm. Got everyone washed up and dusted off and then back in the car and off to Camp Aldersgate. The Methodist Church has a fundraiser there with catfish and kid fun, plus all the Aldersgate campers are there too. For me it's good for my boys to see the handicapped kids playing along side of them. We left and got home by 7pm. I crashed, we were in the sun from 8am-6pm. That's a LONG time. I was supposed to go out with ALL the Holsted Women...but that didn't happen (sorry guys)...but what did happen was a day filled with family fun and we all enjoyed the weather together.

I slept so hard that we went to 2nd service on Sunday morning. Which was very interesting to see all the different people and hear some man screaming out loud to our preacher. It was odd. But relaxing with my family on Sunday morning was great! We weren't rushed and that was a blessing after the hurried day yesterday.

Then off to game number three of the weekend. Jacob played the #1 team in the state (Ft. Smith) @ 3pm and we lost by 1, which isn't bad. Then after that hop in the car and go to Daddy's game (Adam) @ 5pm. I love watching these older guys play...they really love the game and are passionate to stay in shape and maintain their soccer skills. We left BP and then meet up with Mammy (my mom) to go eat at Sr. T's. It was a great evening.

During Adam's 1/2 time...I went to take J to the restroom (as our fields were locked)...and checked my phone and I had a text that read, "It's official this fat guy just got engaged". It was from my brother Sean. I am so happy for him and Angie and Vivian (aka Shorty- Angie's 4yr old). He is happy and I am thrilled to have her as a sister in law.

Vivian, Angie, Sean, Mammy

Ever want to know what a Holsted boy eats in a day...here is what Kobie ate this past Saturday...

YES IN ONE DAY!

2 Eggs

1 Biscuits w/ Jelly

2 Toaster Strudels

Slice of Watermellon

Breakfast Burrito from Hardee's (Papaw Balls)

Flaming hot Cheetos

Peanut butter crackers

a kids meal at Denny's (with DoDo in Conway)

Extra food (off Choo Choo's plate)

peanut butter and jelly sandwich

handful of carrots

sliced apples

handful of red grapes

2 pieces of sausage pizza

package of ritz bitz peanut butter crackers

3 pieces of catfish

2 hush puppies

handful of fries

biscuit

coleslaw

bowl of cereal

brownies

cookies

Drinks included: water, water, water, gatorade, and sierra mist...

If you see Kobie 4 inches taller in the next week, this is probably why!

My grocery bill has risen $200 extra a month (not to mention the auto gas). I've gone from cooking a serving for 6-8, to making a meal for 12...and we barely have left overs...these boys can eat! I meal plan and use all of my coupons and save probably $100+ / month. But it's only going to get worse...I know! When Adam and I got married I only knew how to cook for 12...cooking for my brothers and all their friends that were at the house. I would make huge meals for just the two of us and we would eat it for a week...I had to learn how to scale down. But now my training has come into good use. The boys will eat 2 1/2 grilled cheese sandwhiches with their soup...that's just craziness.

Off to interviews...I hope everyone has a great week!

Job hunt

Little Rock glass is out right now replacing my TWO window panes that "were" broken. One by a golf ball and the other a baseball...of course boys will be boys. So now is a good time for me to stop calling, emailing, applying for jobs...take a break!

September 30th will be two weeks with no job...not to mention, the illness I had that meant no income for almost the past month.

Thank God for Adam, he is working his rear off, but he has a large burden to carry right now. I know he is mentally & physically exhausted.

I've applied for dozens of jobs and have three interviews on Monday. I get my Postal Exam material in the mail next week and surely something will turn up.

Please pray that we can weather this storm together and that the bickering be kept to a minimum during this time. I know I'm irritable right now.

C

The Little Things

The power of positive thinking is an awesome tool!

This past week I tried to focus on the positive. Here is what happened.

We were driving downtown together, while Jacob was at soccer practice, and Kobie said, "you know mom, I don't like that house (now an office bldg). I asked why. He said, "it reminds me of a witches house, all pointy". Now where has he ever seen a witches house? Probably these Halloween decorations everywhere.

While eating lunch together, I was in the kitchen making my plate...the boys were chowing down in the dining room and then screamed, "OHHH Gross man, mom, Kobie pulled a slug out of his ear". I asked for proof and here is what they gave me.

We had Andrew over Friday and around 3 I made them hot chocolate chip cookies. When they were done I said, "come and get it". Of course my boys come running in, and Kobie says, "hot cookies, Andrew, Come on!"...Andrew says, "What do you mean hot cookies? Hot like spicy hot?", Kobie looked at him and without missing a beat said, "no silly, hot like woman hot!"...and my comment is? Silence.

When getting ready to leave the house Saturday morning. I was still in my jammies after making breakfast, doing 3 loads of laundry, etc...the "usual". And all my guys were ready to go, I said give me 5 min. and I'll be outside...3 min. later I popped out the front door ready to go. Kobie said, "you know why you can get ready so quick, you don't wear makeup and you dress in athletic clothes"...Then Jacob commented on how as he puts it, "most girls take 2 hours to get ready, they have to look pretty and can't smell.". So I sit there and think to myself, Jacob thinks I'm not pretty and smell bad. :) I let it go!

We head to my mom's house to see Logan (my 2yr old Nephew) Saturday morning. I turn up the tunes. Kobie takes his straw and turns it into the shape of a triangle. He says, "mom look here's my instrument" complete with some silly dance and finger tapping the "triangle".

Kobie is my comedic relief during the day!

Jacob on the other hand has his point of view and interesting thoughts about things.

We went to Target to buy cat food and cereal...Jacob's turn to push the buggy. I let them all take turns (D can't see over the handle), but I hold onto the end of the cart, guiding it along. They think they are big stuff. This Friday, Jacob decides that he can do it all by himself. He tells me "mom, I got it, I am aware of my surroundings" and did a great BIG circle with his arms. I tell this to the boys all the time...my usual reiterative before we go out in public, "You are not the only one here, be aware of others and your surroundings, and pay attention to your volume level". It was odd hearing my instructions from my child.

Jacob was on the way home from his friends soccer game. Adam took a Sharp turn. Jacob was just sitting there eating his candy bar and his body slid into the door. Jacob says to Adam, "man I didn't see that one coming". Adam was telling me about it, laughing, b/c Jacob is so "matter of fact" kind of person.

Or the time we were all driving...he saw a Jeep Cherokee that looked just like Adam's old one. He screamed, "mom, there's a CHERRY - O - KEY, just like dads"...we all died laughing and Kobie just said, "dude, that's what you do when you see the words on the screen and sing" (Karaoke).

Dylan is just an observer. He is starting to get competitive on us and loves to beat us at card games, with his sheepish grin. He doesn't say much to us, but sings to himself from the time he gets home from school till the time he goes to bed. I have no clue what words are coming out of his mouth, but he's just bee-bopping along to the beat of his own drum.

Surround Sound

So, I have had a rocky few days...
Tuesday, I got the boys from school and we came home. They had snacks outside and played while I went through back-packs, lunch boxes, etc. I sat down on the couch with my snack and smelt a funny smell...thinking it was the neighbors painting / something. A few minutes later it got stronger and I saw the boys come inside to throw away their trash. Paint was on two of the three shirts. I was very loud to say the least and said, "Take your shirts off and get in the bed, think about what you did wrong and I'll come back and ask you what you did wrong".

So I immediately scrub the RED SPRAY PAINT off of the WHITE UNIFORMS. Put them in the wash with a ton of bleach and then proceed to their bedroom. I asked them, "Do you know what you did wrong?"...
Dylan's reply, "I used spray paint". NO Try again.
Kobie's reply, "I didn't have on the right clothes".
Jacob's reply, "I didn't ask permission".

Okay two out of three got it right. The only two things they did wrong is not ask permission and not dress appropriately...and if they would've asked permission I would've reminded them about the clothes...(we had just painted their skate park this past weekend with crappy clothes- so it's not like this is a new concept). And I welcome free time to paint and be creative, no matter the mess (as long as it's outside, with a plastic sheet).

We get ready to head across the river for soccer practice and I go to open the fridge to get out water. Well my fridge won't open...Seriously...Jacob kicked in the bottom drawer (when he got out his snack of yogurt) and it apparently didn't shut. This made the door attachment get stuck on the drawer and was crammed tightly. I got it open about 1", enough to get my fingers inside and slowly pulled the door and then pushed the door attachment and in 5 minutes. I was dancing in the kitchen saying, "I'm the great fixer momma", and my boys just laugh at me.

So we get to soccer practice, Jacob goes to play and the younger two do homework in the car...I decide to read. I looked down and I had spilt the bleach all over my favorite cargo pants...5 dots ranging from pea size to half dollar size. I am sad...but when I got home to switch over the laundry 1 of the 2 shirts was completely clean...Dylan's was just too hard to get out. So 2 of them owe me $3 for half the shirt. :)

Wednesday we left school, got our snacks and back on the road to Kobie's ear Dr. We had our annual hearing test. He has lost a little bit of hearing, in the ear that has had 2 surgeries. The plan is to wait 6 months test hearing again. He could’ve had an off day, no need to panic. The plan: If it is worse in 6 months will go down the road of CT scan, and possible surgery. But right now I’m just praying that he will have a better test in 6 months and we can go back to the annual checkups.

We went to church last night. And let me tell you something, worship was the best Rx anyone could ask for...good food, good friends, great songs, and no expectations. We all got to worship how we felt (differently); some at tables, some in rows, some standing, some clapping. It was real...I felt moved by the volume of love and the awesome display of community.

I keep getting asked this one question for the ones who dare to come and ask me...the others stare as if I have lost my mind having three kids so close in age. I get asked this question sometimes daily and for sure once a week (I may know them / I may not) and they say,
"I don't know how you do it, how old are they all"

I tell all these people the same answer...
"Oh they are 9, 8 & 6 – it’s like having surround sound."

Our Holsted world is crammed with excitement, entertainment, disagreements, and love. It is very loud in this household, every boy fighting and getting louder for attention to tell me about a good grade, grasshoppers he caught, this cool new trick he did on a skateboard, something a friend said that was funny, showing me love notes from a girl (that’s crazy). I do NOT want to stop this line of communication, as I feel it will be very important, come Jr. & Sr. High. This life is fun and crazy, sometimes frustrating and full of laundry and food. But in the end I wouldn't trade it for anything else.

Nancy (Mom-in-law) gave me this painted canvas; it states our life as a family... (Melany did you ever get around to painting one? U took a picture after I first got it)

In this home...

we do second chances.

we do grace.

we do real.

we do mistakes.

we do I'm sorrys.

we do loud really well.

we do hugs.

we do family.

we do love.

Trust

You know we say it a lot "trust in God" but what does that really mean?

To me it means to rely fully on God, that he will take care of my needs (not necessarily my wants- those are extra).

Today I walked into the office after being gone for almost two weeks and was laid off (I still had to write up all my policies and procedures for my client list). I texted Adam and let him know and asked him not to call me, as I was afraid I would loose it and start crying at the office.

20 minutes after my lay off, my mother called. She asked if we could go to lunch. We RARELY go to lunch / anywhere just the two of us. So I walk down the stairs and get in her car. I looked straight at her and said, "did Adam call you?". She said, "no why". I then told her what had happened.

God shut the door and immediately opened another one. My mother wanted to take me to lunch to ask me to help her business out more...This is a complete miracle! Not only will our financial needs still be meet but I won't waste near as much gas and I'll be able to talk to my mom on a daily basis. What is better than that? God is so Good! - Trusting and seeing miracles.

Sister 2 Sister

I am in a great sister to sister group. It's a group of ladies that get together to support each other...we do a religious study together. We started meeting again last Friday, I was so excited to see everyone and talk about "real-life issues". My "Sisters" are Larronda & Stephanie.
This fall we decided it's time to work on us as wives, not as moms. We are studying
What a Husband Needs from His Wife: by Melanie Chitwood.

In chapter two we are asked to list our top 5 priorities in order. Well...apparently I failed at this; because in all honesty, I put my kids before my husband. I spend more time with them, I interact more with them. So this is something I am addressing.


I was confronted with my husbands job. I feel like I get put on the back burner when a client / boss calls...but in the big scheme of things; I do know that Adam is just providing for his family, for me. I am making an effort to end our phone conversations on a high note rather than something negative about the kids (which is often) or just a bad tone of voice on my part.


Today I was leaving soccer practice when the phone rang...it was Adam. Time to show my effort. To set the scene for you: my boys are talking so loud I can't hear. They knew the phone had rang (when Adam's phone rings it's silence, when mine rings - they could care less). So Kobie is loudly asking me a question (What's for dinner?)

and I looked at him and said, "Kobie, I am talking to your father, and I cannot hear him, he is my priority right now, NOT your question." Kobie looked at me quite shocked and nodded and just gazed out the window. Adam laughed and said, "where did that come from"...I replied, "I read my book during practice". When I put my husband first. I think it empowers him and makes him feel loved and admired. Isn't that what we all want to feel?

I'm pondering the many nights when Adam and I used to sit down and talk about anything. Now with the stresses of "real-life" I have to make an effort to get the budget and kids and schedule and chore list out of my brain, unwind and just enjoy my husband.

I am really LOVING this book right now. It's nothing I haven't heard before. But it's a refresher course. We can all do better, especially towards the one person we vowed to spend the rest of our lives with.

My List (One I'm working on)

1. God
   
2. Adam
   
3. Boys
   
4. Health / Fitness
   
5. Community Involvement

Yo!

So Dr's called! They sent off labs for the tick tests Monday...to test for all forms of tick related diseases (not just one like the last test- that came back negative). I will wait up to 10 days...So by Sept 22nd I should know something.

Blood Culture prelims came back great! No growths and they'll keep it for a while to see if anything grows over the course of 30 days.

Now I am feeling fabulous. No symptoms are left that hinder my functioning skills.

Worst case scenario...I finish this round of antibiotics, and Monday afternoon my symptoms return. We will then go see an internist and figure out what exactly is wrong with me.

OR...my life returns to normal, running its usual course. The tick test comes back negative and the blood culture negative. Then will just say I had some mystery bacterial illness and leave it at that.

All that matters currently is I feel great and my the meds are working. :) Thank you all for your prayers and concern.

Girls gone QUIET

So this past weekend we hit the road...Shana, Steph, Erica and myself...we all know I was ill...but not contagious so we were ready for a relaxfull time. The trip usually takes my family and I about 2 hours to get there; That's including our usual potty break(s).

Erica and I left the house at 5:20pm to pick up Steph. I was greeted warmly with three large birthday balloons and some great cookies.



We then went to get Shana...then after that we went to get Mandy...but she had a tummy bug :( Sad she couldn't go...So we were on the interstate by 6:15...wait NO ONE followed my rule (except Erica) to eat before you leave...even I didn't follow it. So we stopped in Cabot / Beebe...and ate...Then back on the road. Potty break in Brinkley.

All this time Steph couldn't open her door from the back seat, but we could open it from the outside (child lock?). So I said why don't you hit that button, that looks like the child lock switch...WRONG...the door would NOT SHUT! I call Adam in distress...of course he cannot help me. So we all scour the car for tools...NONE!

MacGyver Crystal to the rescue...

A KEY....A TIRE GAUGE...A PEN

These three magic jewels and 20 minutes later, we giggled and we had shut the door...I was thrilled to get back on the road; by now it's dark, dark on I-40.

We get to the lake at 9:15 call all of our husbands and chit chat with each other until 11:30. We all go to sleep; wake up refreshed, read, watch the fish jumping from the dock, knit, sleep, scrapbook. We didn't turn on that TV until we watched a movie to wrap up the evening "College road trip" we all laughed at Steph for picking out the movie, but it was quite a tear jerker at the end (for me at least). We woke up Sunday morning ate breakfast, cleaned, packed up, and were ready to see our families. It was a quiet weekend not wild and crazy. No "Drink" involved. Just 4 girls renewing their spirits, minds, and bodies. I hope this happens often...







Here are my bday flowers from my mommie and Nano & David.

Updates all around

So we are in full swing here at the Holsted House...Lots of things up in the air. At church on Sunday our pastor Harold talked about sacrifices and sufferings and trials that a Christian would go through. I am feeling heavy with all that is rotating in my world...so I'd thought I'd update you and have some prayer warriors helping me...the more the better.

Jacob is busy 4-5 days / week with soccer.

Kobie will start gymnastics in October (after his foot completely heals).

Dylan is trying hard to learn spelling words for the first time.

I am taking a girls retreat next weekend to rejuvenate for the rest of fall and am looking forward to it. Currently working 2 days / week and keeping this house in order while the boys are at school. I am sick with allergies and am slowly loosing my voice (I guess I should stop yelling!).

Adam is working hard for our family and I am so proud of all that he has accomplished. He is a great man and I love him for all that he stands for.

Bob / Choo Choo is in CVICU he is stable and they are slowly nurturing him back to normal. He's off the breathing tube. It will take some time to get the old Choo Choo back...but we are all hopeful.

Aaron needs prayers to stay strong during this crazy time in his life...

Pray for Logan that he will be effected as little as possible by what is going on right now.

Jon & Celeste need prayers for 10 days that God's WILL will prevail in this adoption.

Gerald & Sonya need prayers for everything to go well in the upcoming weeks.

Kerri needs prayers to stay strong for her boys during this trial.

Kobie Update

We saw Dr. J this afternoon and he is 90% better. We stopped crutches Wednesday evening. No need for a boot now! He is still black and purple and pretty swollen but has a good range of motion. Thanks for the prayers.

-C

Goals!

I've decided my goals for this year (we do June to June) and they were to spend time with Crystal (#1 / my sister in law- Crys) once a quarter...and to get on a bike again...I haven't done either.

But I've already decided and am very excited about my next years goals June 09-June 2010.

1. To take an 8 week quilting class and actually make my own quilt. That sounds like so much fun to me. Crafty, meeting new people, and coming out with a finished project.
2. Start a group meeting once, every other month for Moms of boys...I have been presented this before by research online to have my own chapter, to join them for happy hour in TEXAS...but I want to start my own Chapter here. They have them all over in 12 states and Australia. It’s Good To Be The Queen is an international party of moms – who only have boys - who celebrate being the only source of estrogen in their castle and support each other as we face the challenges of raising responsible, respectful men. www.itsgoodtobethequeen.com/. I need inspiration from other moms of boys. We are out numbered and sometimes deal with disgusting situations (Daily). Spread the word on, because next June I'm going to need a list of names- so if you're interested or know anyone who qualifies send me their name(s).

Passing on the good news...now I've got to get started on this years goals.

mmmm...biking...yeah...ok...I crack like a one man band...Maybe Sarah's bike will fit just right...And as for the other one with Crystal...that is going to happen (the 1st of 4) shortly after she gets back from Hotter than Hell.

Back to School...with injury

I am SOOOOO Glad school is back in session. I have loved experiencing new things and teaching my kids over the summer...but now the familiar schedule comes through.

The understatement of the year: I LOVE schedules...I have something to look forward to; I can keep up with exercise, work, meals, etc. Now don't get me wrong, in my life, schedules are meant to be broken. And when that happens I say, "whoops", and go to plan B...C...D...and so forth. I tell people all the time, I plan to visit the ER everyday and if it doesn't happen then it's a great day. They just laugh at me. That happened yesterday. Adam was on the back deck giving the boys a hair cut, the plan was they would come in one at a time after they were done, hand me their dirty clothes and take a shower, get dressed for church and set out their clothes for school.

PLAN A : go to church and listen to upcoming new things & take communion.

And so the routine begins...Dylan was in the shower, I was finishing the dishes, and the other two + dad were outside. Jacob comes in a few minutes later saying, "uh, mom...dad needs you...like now". So I get on my sandals and head out the back door. Kobie is screaming on the trampoline. FILTHY! So I told him, let's take a bath and then we can check out the injury. He is in hysterics. Screaming, "I don't want the stinky gas, I don't want the stinky gas, I don't want surgery"

I told him it wasn't his fault, "it was an accident".

He then proceeded to say, "It wasn't an accident, no one else did this to me, I did it to myself."

I said, "Kobie, mom runs into the wall and that's an accident, I didn't mean to run into the wall, but it was still an accident."

Kobie replies back, "but mom, your accidents don't cause you to go to the hospital".

I said, "not now, but they used to when I was younger...you are not in trouble, no one is angry with you, we are happy to live where we do and we have medical help less than 5 miles away, they can fix you and take away your pain."

What is Stinky gas? Stinky gas is what they gave Kobie during his long sedated surgeries, he hated it. We could hear him screaming from the waiting room, about 4walls deep, when they administered the "stinky gas". According to Kobie, stinky gas gives you a major headache, not to mention the intense nausea. The smell stays in your nose and mouth for up to a week (even I could smell it) no amount of teeth brushing, scope swigging would get that smell out. It's Gross.

PLAN B: call JoBeth & See if she can come over to sit with the other two at our house while we

take Kobie to the ER. uh...she's already at the ER with Bob...okay

PLAN C: call Mammy, she's supposed to be returning from Oklahoma today...Yes! She was getting off at Sherwood exit so she was able to turn around. I packed a grocery bag full of snacks, hoddies, water, etc...I had no clue how long we were going to be there.

THE INJURY:
The kids use the plastic toddler slide (left) to sit on while they wait their turn for the tramp. Kobie decides to go from the trampoline and try to do a handstand on this plastic structure (like the Olympians) and over-rotates and flips over and lands on his foot. It doesn't look purple and his ankle isn't puffy. So I thought no big deal. After examining his feet side by side their was something sticking outside of his right foot. Close to the middle and no larger than a nickle size bump. If I touched it he screamed in agony, plus he could not pull his toes to his shin. Adam and I decided to go to the Hospital. We were in and out in under an hour and 1/2...Yes, we were rushed back since he couldn't move his foot. I was curious how a kid could break a little bone in his foot...Apparently in adults, bones are stronger than ligaments (which connect bones to other bones) and tendons (which connect bones to muscles). But in children, ligaments and tendons are relatively stronger than bone or cartilage. As a result, injuries that may only cause a sprain in an adult may cause a broken bone in a child. Kobie will be in a walking cast for 1-3 weeks and non-weight baring until he can apply pressure without pain. HE DID GO TO SCHOOL TODAY!

Banking with the Holsted's

I asked the kids to load up in the rain and off we went to the bank. We pulled up to the "money launcher" and my kids burst into hysteric laughter. This sound of their laughter was so funny, even I laughed. The tellers all were laughing as well. The kids laughed the entire time we sat at the launcher. Finally, I get my receipt and I tell the man, "this is a great sound, much better than crying or complaining". He agreed. I turned around and they were playing with the bike air pump. Jacob would pump it and Kobie had the nozzle thing on his skin. It made a hilarious FART sound. Silly boys!

The Laughter Roar...Jacob sounds like a hyena...Kobie has this bubbly "goofy-character" laugh...and Dylan just smiles and goes "huh huh"...To hear all three in unison was something any mom would wish for...excluding the fart sounds.

Have a great weekend!

AT LAST!

Well over this past week I have missed my boys to the point of crying. Yes crying. Adam asked if I wanted to go up and pick them up from the train stop in Memphis. I said, "yes", doubting my decision. Like, I thought I was going to get shunned from them or something. That they wouldn't be themselves.

We left NLR around 7pm and got to the train stop by 9:30. They arrived shortly after 10...Dylan saw us and lept into my arms a big bear hug. Holding onto me with only his arms around my necks and his legs wrapped around my waist if I let go of him, he would've still be hanging on. Then he went to Adam and did the same thing...but hung on a little longer.

Kobie just gave us a quick hug and that was it...but later that night as we tucked him bed (at the lake house). Our normal routine is Kiss, Hug, and High Fives. Adam leaned down to do our usual routine and Kobie started crying and said, "I missed that daddy". It was sweet.

We woke up and were out the door by 7am. My mood in the car changed drastically. I had all my chickens in view. Was I concerned about Adam's driving in the rain? NO...Was I nervous or anxious about anything? NO...I was at peace; able to sing and dance silly in the car. Listening to Kobie's laughter and Jacob talking to someone else for a change. Dylan slept on the way home.

My life IS Stressful, Challenging, and Chaotic, yes...but it's SO MUCH FUN!

Olympics / SYTYCDance?

I love watching "so you think you can dance" and finally the person I voted for won. I'm so happy for Joshua. If you haven't watched it, you should check out videos online http://www.fox.com/dance/.

I love watching athletics on tv. We spend many evenings sitting around the tv watching English Premier League soccer. I enjoy showing my kids more culture than "pop culture". I do not enjoy the "teen shows"that reflect poor child-parent relationships and portray bad friendships.

Now that the Olympics are on I'm obsessed with this swimming and diving...I'm even liking the weight lifting events and cheering on the USA. That opening ceremony was crazy. The men who were doing tai chi and then moved their circle lines by just a few inches and ran at full speed. That made me scream with delight. Plus to see the men moving those blocks in unison was an amazing act.

I hope you are watching and cheering the USA from your couches with friends and family.

What is in a name?

So my two younger boys are gone with DoDo and Choo Choo to Louisiana to spend a week together with Adam's family. They are riding the rain down from Memphis to New Orleans. Kobie has called 3 times to talk with Jacob! They are missing each other.

So I've been thinking about my kids growing up so quickly and thought about what their names meant. The name they will be called for the rest of their lives. It's a daunting task for any parent. Lots of thought and conversation are put into what the final name will be. Most mom's and dad's put a lot of thought into their children's names. They don't want kids to be teased and they might want a family traditional name, etc. My standard for naming kids was way crazy. 5 letters for the first name (they learned their names to "B-I-N-G-O" song)...and it HAD to sound good, strong, and flow effortlessly into the last name.

JACOB KYLE
Jacob was a girl after 3 ultrasounds. When he arrived a boy, the Doc said, "she's a he". I had no clue for a boy name. So I named him after my 15 year old cat "Jacob" and his middle name after the pediatrician that was on his little bassinet cart, Joan "Kyle". I was heavily medicated, stressed and that's the best I could come up with in 2 days.

Jacob - Supplanter
Kyle - Narrow (Jacob has the narrowest feet - like his Dad - it's fitting)

KOBIE JAY
Kobie was much harder. I had time to ponder names. Adam came to Christ through his Uncle Jay's mentoring, he really wanted to name a kid after him. We both love Cobi Jones, a soccer player. But I wanted the 5 letters and not colby (Jack cheese)...So we decided to flip flop Jacob's initials (jk to kj) and add an E to cobi- we made up our own spelling.

Kobie - Supplanter (Diminutive of JACOB, alternate form of COBY)
Jay- A Bird In The Crow Family (Kobie loves all animals- even birds)

DYLAN JAMES
With Dylan, we kept our minds open to any one's ideas on what to name a child. Another Boy...I couldn't flip flop initials. I had no clue. Again, Adam wanted a family name and what better name than James (his Grandpa, Uncle Jimmy, Uncle "Big" Jim). We covered three family members. Nancy came up with Dylan. It sounded good so it stuck. (Mandy had the same great idea a year later naming her son).

Dylan - Son Of The Sea (Dylan loves the water- NOT the lake)
James- Supplanter (Originally an English version of Jacob)

So yes all three of our kids names mean the same with one different meaning attached. Kinda weird. I miss my boys being little. I want them home with me. Camps and college are going to be very hard on me in years to come. I know it's good for both them and me to feel separation and for them to become more independent. I just wish it didn't happen so quickly.

***PS, IF we ever would've had a girl we set aside a name for her the first day Adam and I started discussing names- all rules aside. Her name would've been Frankie Noel Holsted. Just a family name. Adam's Grandma; Frankie Warden Holsted and his Grandpa Leon Holsted (Spelt backwards is Noel). Frankie is Free Or Truthful & Noel is Born On Christmas Day (to us a gift from God).

Interstate Truckers / Lake

Saturday morning Jacob and I walked to get donuts and brought them back to the rest of the family. It was a good 2 mile walk.

We ate and then headed to the lake and were joined by the Clouser Klan. We had a mini weekend filled with fishing, swimming, and games. The Clouser kids arrived with no clothes, swim suits, etc. We put Alexis and Ethan in Adam's great looking 80's neon shorts* (Pict). Alexis also got a swim shirt from one of our boys to complete her Neon green / pink / black ensemble. It all worked out great, no money was spent.

Sunday afternoon we decided to head back home. After we get close to the interstate, the boys requested MORE snacks, so we pull off the road I get the snacks out of the back of the car. Adam wanted a coke too. Well, we only had the antique bottled cokes...and I usually have a bottle opener attached to the picnic tote I carry around, but of course I wasn't prepared (SHOCKER- I know). We were both looking around for something to open the bottle with so I handed him the charcoal starter. It's a large round metal thing used to start coals without using lighter fluid. It worked but also broke the top of the bottle.

Back in the car and down the road LITERALLY 5 feet and I make him pull off the road again. His hand is bleeding. He must have gotten glass in it from the bottle breaking. Adam puts the car in park and sits there I get out of the car go around to the back...AND...of course the medical kit is in the very bottom and the furthest away from me. So my rear end is sticking up in the air and I scream at Adam, "Please come over here and stand behind me to hide my big tuckus". He laughs and obliges. Just about that time a big rig pulls up behind our car about 40 feet away. My butt is still in the air, sticking out of the suburban and Kobie says, "mom the trucker pulled over to watch the show". SERIOUSLY!!!

I didn't react or say anything. I got Adam patched up and shut the doors. I dare not to turn around and face the trucker. We got in the car Adam and I looking at each other in shock that our sweet child would say such a thing. I then asked him after I got back in the car and settled, "What kind of show would he be watching", Kobie said, "your booty show". Goodness gracious...

We finally got onto the interstate and Adam was trying to teach the kids how to pull your arm and the truckers would pull their horns. The boys didn't believe us they kept trying, but the tint was too dark. So I looked at Adam and put my arm up to the window and they saw me and tooted their horn. The boys giggled with delight. It is a LOT of FUN teaching the boys interesting things that we take for granted. Even a trucker pulling his horn can be entertainment.

My Girls get along!

Can you believe that we have 4 girls in our house?

Cali - 7 years (Golden Retriever)

Kayde- 3 years old (Cocker Spaniel)

Boots-2 years old (Mixed 1/2 Siamese 1/2 mutt)

Sasha-3 months old (pure Siamese)

Due to this hot weather we have had a zoo inside our 1400 sq. ft. house. Along with 5 people - it is a little cramped, but we love it. Adam finally talked me into shaving the golden retriever and now I'm not vacuuming near as often. I LOVE THAT! We recently went and got a kitten and our larger cat didn't like her at all. I went into the boys room after the house was empty of people this morning. And their the two girls lie together in harmony in Dylan's bed *(Pict). This is a pure example of how when you don't like someone you can always work things out if you learn to live with it and just try to get along.

*For those of you who wonder how all three boys fit in one bedroom, you can kinda see the bed layout, they all have a different level. It is not mandatory to make your bed in the morning (for those of you who are looking at that mess). Jacob is on the lower level, he wanted all black sheets and we settled for black and white. Dylan is in the middle (where the cats are) and he has about 20 stuffed animals...Plus he hung a blanket over the window, because I make them get in bed at 7pm when it's still light out. Kobie is up top and refuses to put sheets on his bed. He sleeps in his comforter like a cocoon, he has all of his personal treasures in his bed; in boxes and he also has a sheet hanging from the ceiling to block out the light from the other window in the room. We have tried to separate them and believe it or not even if they have their own room, they sneak back in and all sleep with each other. It's precious to me, they love each other but they can still fight.

Reunion

So we attended Adam's 10th High School Reunion. We didn't attend mine, held the previous weekend. We had a lot of fun and it was terribly hot.

The first night was at a bar...Let me tell you, me and bars, NO thank you. I can NOT handle all that contained smoke and loud music...I think I'm really 40.

The next day we had a family get together at LPOA...It was HOT and the kids bounced on a blowup thing and had a lot of fun. We left it early to hit up Senior Tequilla's with my family for A.P.'s bday.

Then that evening we had the semi-formal get together OUTSIDE* (picture above-courtsey of Mrs. James). It was so dang hot Adam and I hit up Bosco's to test some beers and sit at the bar in the A/C. We ended up sitting across the bar from some coaches from Ohio State. That was pretty cool to me...Kinda like seeing a rock/ movie star to the rest of the world. The Drew family spotted us and we sat down at their table and had some good conversation. We finally headed out to the river market pavilion for the awards ceremony. Our good friend Esther got hottest mom (she deserve it with the abs of steel).

I felt bad b/c the last night of the reunion, after the festivities were over, everyone decided to go to Sticky Fingers. Well WHOOPS! I didn't have my drivers license. I usually put it in Adam's wallet anytime we go out and I don't have my purse. I felt terrible not to let him go hang out longer with long lost buds. Then we got to the car...Adam had a parking ticket, he forgot to pay. So I laughed and said, "we all make mistakes, I forgot my license and you got a parking ticket, I think we are even." We ended the night earlier than most around 11pm. But that is still pretty late for me.

We decided since we didn't have children to wake up early- like 6:30 and catch a few games of the soccer national championships. It was great soccer! GREAT! A date at 7am is usually unheard of but we had a lot of fun. Then we went off to church to do our volunteering for the week. This weekend was jammed packed, but we had a lot of fun, I am still recouping my sleep deprivation.

07/25

After two days of intense work...I now have one sick child...I still have one on antibiotics from an ear infection last week. Life is crazy fast now days.

I have the school supplies all packed up and ready to go, my house is somewhat clean, the Laundry is done and put up (which is a major accomplishment).

Jacob's 4 week High School running camp is now finished and we can look onwards to another event coming next week.

Kobie is still going to a tutor and I'm now realizing will probably be continuing throughout the school year.

Dylan is rude lately. All I am doing lately is getting onto him. He is trying to push my buttons, but I can't show him that he's affecting me.