No No....

We have a Michael Jackson mask that Maddox calls "No No". We keep it in the coat closet and he has to check everyday to make sure it is still there and isn't on the loose somewhere. :) Tonight, Mike was torturing him as you can see. Maddox was peeking at No No through the bannister and would not go anywhere near it voluntarily. I can't say that I blame him. Look for yourself...

Makena, the Butterfly (aka Evilyn)

Maiki was not feeling well today, and Maddox was sleepy, so we went home after church and mom and dad took Makena to the home show in Lawrence all by herself. She enjoys getting time to herself these days. She has an alter ego named "Evilyn" that comes out pretty frequently. We aren't sure if it is jealousy, or just a stage, but it is a little hard to take. We are at a loss as to what to do with her.... what DO you do?! Anyway, she had her face painted at the home show and it was pretty awesome. Mike captured it despite the cruddy attitude. Cute Makenaism for the day.... I'm not sure I'll get this exactly right, but Mom told me that she and Makena were talking about a picture or something of a mommy in an apron, staying at home with her kids. Makena said, "Well, most of the time dads stay home with kids, unless the moms can't get a good job." Gotta love kids. :)

February??

We have been out enjoying this beautiful and crazy weather. It is February 7 - usually cold, snowy, icy and just plain miserable. But today, it is probably 60 already and it is only 10:45 a.m.! So, I looked at my computer, thought about working, and decided otherwise. Instead, we all got dressed and went outside to enjoy the day. The girls rode their scooters. Mad Man trampled through the rocks and dirt and tried to chase down our elusive cat, Manfred. It is a good day and one that makes it hard to remember that in just a couple days, our nightmare will be relived through Brian's trial. I have asked friends and family for support and prayers for Angie, dad, the girls, and even Brian. I know God has a plan for all of us, and this beautiful day is just a reminder of how good He is.

Thursday....I'm Thinking Too Much

It is Thursday. Nothing too eventful about that, but for some reason, I have been in one of my "moods" today - thinking too much about the what could have beens, what weres and what might be coming. I get in these moods on occasion. This one has been prompted by a new bible study we are doing on the book "Chasing Daylight". It is a book about seizing each moment and making them as memorable and important as you can. The smallest moment can be life changing. It is pretty interesting, and has stirred my thoughts. The sermon last Sunday was very poignant. Pastor Randy asked the question, "If you were feeling called to do something, and you had no fear, what would you do?" It is a question I have been unable to put out of my mind because I am in a bit of a lull in my life. I'm not unhappy, not overly happy. Not doing anything too extraordinary or too dull. It makes me wonder how many moments I might be missing. I know I missed one the other day. Maiki had made me a Valentimes (as she calls them) card and brought it to show me. Well, being my usual obsessive self, I was busy doing something. She left it in the bathroom for me. I failed to notice it, and instead noticed something (that I of course cannot now remember) that she had not picked up, or not done. I went down to her room set on discussing this with her. She asked me if I saw the card and instead, I was intent on being mad and I missed that moment with her. I went upstairs later and read the card. It was so sweet and she had obviously taken a great deal of time doing it. So, I went back down, woke her up, and told her I loved it. She appreciated the late effort, but I definitely screwed that one up. So, here I am in my lull, wondering what else I am missing. Everyday, I wonder what I am missing with my kids or in general. I like my job, but it is not my life and it never will be. Am I wasting time? Should I be doing something else? Anyway, it has been bothering me a LOT to say the least. Just thought I would share my thoughts with whoever is bored enough to read.

On another note, Brian's trial starts next week and we are all waiting to exhale from that whole ordeal. I know God has a plan for all of this and hopefully it will involve Angie finding happiness soon. She has seen so much sorrow lately.

Maddox, a.k.a., Madeline....

I had to post these just to torture my son in the future. He LOVES wearing Maiki's pink cowboy boots and puts them on every chance he gets. This time, he accessorized with one of her shirts as well, rhinestones and all. This outfit reminded me a little of Burt Reynolds in Striptease when he donned the baby oil and cowboy boots as he smelled Demi Moore's lint..... Those of you that have seen the movie know what I'm talking about..... Enjoy.