Philip was called out yesterday to go up to Tulsa to help some of the 300,000 folks who are without power. We will miss him, but he loves adventures and he is well compensated for "Ice Storm 2007". We already miss him and he only left this morning. He called tonight to say that he is in a hotel WITH power.... a couple notches up from the army tent in South Louisiana. The news said it would take several days to get power restored...one more storm in the forecast.
Ardyn was able to travel to Abby's birthday party over the weekend. Those two are mutually convinced they will be best friends forever...despite the miles. You go girls! Then tonight Ardyn had her first basketball practice. Uncle James and Ashlin escorted her to the gym so the rest of us could go shopping for Ash's B-day present. When we came to pick Ardyn up, she ran to the car and exclaimed, "It was incredible! It was so fun....It was awesome....I just need to use the word 'incredible'!" I'm so happy for her.
Ashli is planning a girlie get-together Wednesday for her birthday. She is so excited. Kathy and Sean are coming this week for a visit as well. Tonight, she was trying to get the week's schedule all straight in her head. "So I'm having my friends over for cupcakes and Sean is coming to my house too? Wow! It IS my birthday! How many minutes until my birthday?"
A friend gave Mari some squeaker shoes. I've been in a fashion cave apparently, 'cause I've never even heard of them. They gather air in the soles and then squeak like a rubber duckie with each step. She is at the perfect age to enjoy such accessories. We put them on her, and at first, she was mildly alarmed. She kept looking down at the floor, as if to ask, "Who left all these ducks on the floor....Where ARE they? I keep stepping on them!" We were all giggling. Then she realized it was in fact her own footwear. She's already established herself as quite a dancer, but today she took it to an all new level. She stomped, and skipped, and double-stepped with glee. The kids and I were cracking up! At one point, she did an Elvis thing by bending her knees and raising up on her tip-toes. Then she just bobbed up and down on both heels in rhythm. Squeak. Grin. Squeak. Grin. Squeak.
"...down at the end of 'Lonely Street'..."
Yeah, I'm "so lonely, baby, I'm just so lonely, I could cry".
James predicts I'll be a blog-o-maniac this week. I did buy a Sudoku game. I'll divide my time wisely. Who are we kidding? There are still 7 folks all up in this house...and my number one helper is state-side. We'll see.
Dear Father, please keep Philip safe and alert. Thank You for NEVER leaving! Thank you for Your good and perfect gifts!
