Porter and the people

Porter told me that he knows Jesus is very happy with him, because he has been taking care of Jesus' people. I said, "Hunh?!" He informed me that he takes care of those who are sad, lonely, or don't have friends and those people are Jesus' people. Wow. I've got nothing to say...except maybe he's not really my kid. Where did he come from? Okay, so I do have something to say...just a little stunned at his non-stop compassion for people. I admire it.

Madison and the friend-boy

Madi and Porter have been such a joy to watch as they go through the routine of kindergarten. They really think they have a "job." They say they have the day off on Saturday and Sunday. For some reason they are very concerned about who their best friends are. Apparently, you can have more than one best friend.

Madison is enamored with a boy named Xander. He started school with a 4-inch mohawk and sits at her table. She has said for some time that they are best friends. She was very upset one day when Xander told her he didn't want to be her best friend anymore because she didn't color very well. And, to put more salt in the wound, he added that he was now going to be best friends with Amy because she colors better than Madison.

I thought, well it won't change much when you get older. The boys will want to be "best friends" with the girls that do something better than you. Rejection should be embraced early in life. I did kinda feel bad for her as this was her first "dump." I tried to talk to her about to see how she was feeling. Apparently, she wasn't upset that Xander wasn't her best friend anymore. She was upset because she KNOWS she colors better than Amy. That's my girl--forget the boy--be right and know you color better.

Needless to say, the next day Porter had a talk with Xander and told him he had hurt his sister's feelings, he needed to quit teasing her, and apologize. Xander apologized and he and Madison are best friends again. Aaah....the trials of young love. (We can't call him boyfriend or Madison gets really upset.)

Catching the last days of summer

The kids have been itching to go outside and do something. We just want to come home and relax and lay in bed after our day. Brant was working a gun show a couple weeks ago and I was off. So I took them to the water park since we were still having 100 degree weather. We ended up be surrounded by a group displaying a banner that read, "St. Padua Parrish Welcomes You." The more the merrier, right?

They were very friendly and the group soon surrounded the small table I had staked out earlier in the day. Someone came and offered us extra corn on the cob; a boy invited the kids to play soccer; and from there they were pulled into the cotton candy line.
I couldn't get them to want to leave. If we ever decide to leave our church, I think we will visit the St. Padua Parrish. Nice group of people.

Madi....my Mini-me

Madison is so much like me...it is frustrating at times. She will argue with you over anything. Loves to prove that she is right...and she usually is. Thinks SHE is the boss of the family. Corrects Brant and I if we do things wrong. Tells me to keep two hands on the wheel while driving. Tells me that drinking soda is likely contributing to my weight problem. Asks questions about serious things--wanted to know the difference between a vaginal delivery and a c-section. Also, asked why people drink alcohol; why people drink and drive; and what a field sobriety test is. Also...loves to read on the toilet.

Cleaning maniacs

Hope this keeps up for the next 15 years...

More on the road trip

Lane had so much fun in just the few hours he got to spend on the farm. Funny, the Mount Pleasanters think they live in the city as they consider the people on the outskirts of town out in the country. I think if you can see a cow from your front porch, you're in the country.

Lane loved his horse ride with Lynsey more than anything. He tromped around with Grandma Mimi and Aunt Dona feeding animals and milking goats.

He had a hard time holding still while we listened to Grandpa Lane practice his speech for his Silver Star Ceremony.

We went to eat at the local Horse Shoe Restaurant. I don't know what the name of it is--it's a new restaurant every time I come to town. It was a Mexican theme this time. Of course, Lane opted for mini-corndogs instead of Mexican food. He invited Lynsey to play with his super heroes. I think he felt an attachment to her after their horse ride.

When we went to bed, he noticed a crib in the corner. It's an old one Mom has has for years. He said, "Grandma got me my own little bed to sleep in." I thought he would change his mind after we went to sleep. But he insisted on nesting in it. It was right by the window and he could see the stars.

I was so tired after getting up early and traveling all day. He had slept a little in the car and would not go to sleep. I could hear him in the crib saying, "I wish upon a star." He kept asking a million questions and I kept falling asleep. Finally, I gave him my phone and told him to play games on it.

We had to get up at 3:30 (my time) to make it to Salt Lake. On the way there, he said the days of the week, the months of the year, and the alphabet for Grandpa Lane. (They were sharing the back seat. Grandpa kept telling him he was so smart and he would respond, "No, I'm just a wittle bit smart."

I tried to sneak a bag of Cheetos and opened them quietly. I was driving and stashed them on my side. Grandpa started to notice a smell and thought my car was burning something. Lane said, "No, it's Mom's Cheetos." I was ratted out.

Lane was so much fun to travel with even though it was a quick trip and a lot of time in the car. He would slide my credit card every time we stopped somewhere. One lady said, "You are really good at spending Mom's money." He said, "Yes, I am!"

He enjoyed seeing all of his cousins, but kept saying he wished Madison and Porter were there.

Road Trip with Lane

I have had no time to write so I am throwing these pictures on just to document our trip. I went to see my Dad's Silver Star Ceremony in Salt Lake. Brant stayed due to financial constraints and the twins were in school. So, it was just me and Lane. An average of 8 hours in the car per day--and all on my only two days off--Monday and Tuesday. I needed a vacation from the trip. Poor Lane was sick of being in the car, but I think all of the fun stuff he did in Mount Pleasant was worth it. The pictures tell it all. I'll have to fill in more later.