Candlelight Service

Wildcat and Kapooka ready to go to our candlelight service at church. They take my breath away!

She loves getting her picture taken. I think she is gorgeous!

What a sweetie pie!

Wichita Christmas

Kapooka's Cousin H. Such a beautiful young lady.

Someone really liked their present from Aunt Kari. I LOVE Christmas, and giving presents, so this hug made my day!

Here is the present that earned the hug!

Cousin L, Cousin M, Kapooka, Cousin B. They all had a great time playing in the afternoon and then opening presents in the evening. It is a blessing to get to see all of them more.

Kapooka was really excited to get this handmade doll quilt and pillow set from Cousin H.

I have lots more pictures, and this is just a sampling. But it was a very jolly day!

Silver Dollar City Fun

Who is that crazy, but stunningly handsome guy? We were really cold and a little slap happy by this time of the night.

Kapooka had no fear on any of the rides. She even wanted to ride the big scary ones. Thankfully, she wasn't tall enough, so she had to stick with the kiddie rides.

Wildcat and his friend were barely still all day. Since we went with a group from church, I was with the little kids most of the day. This is one of the few pictures I got of the "big" kids. They came to ride some rides with the little ones.

This is Kapooka and her friend Miss B. They rode this ride together all by themselves twice. They thought they were big girls.

We had a fantastic time. The lights were beautiful. The company was fantastic. We hope to do it again next year.

Wildcat Brag!

He has earned over 100 AR points. We are really proud of him. That puts him as the #2 reader in the 4th grade and #6 in the whole school. At 100 points you earn the T-shirt. Way to go Wildcat!

On a skunk update, the van is almost completely odor free. If it is a really hot day and the van bakes in the sun a faint whiff can be caught. I still hate skunks!

I haven't taken pictures of the living room yet because the curtains are still on order from Lowes.

Life is continuing on with the usual routine. We love it!

Kapooka's Room

Wildcat's Room

I'm Back and I've Been Skunked!

We've been in our new place, in our new town, in our new state for a little over a month. Things have finally settled down (and I unpacked the camera) that I hope to get back to blogging again. I will hopefully soon tell you all the wonderful things about our new life, and it is GREAT, but first I must ask you this. Why do these....

HATE ME!!!!

Seriously, I have a long history with skunks. Way back before wildcat was born I used to take my class on a campout to Mammoth Cave. My co-teacher and I got treed in my station wagon for hours by several of these bad boys in the middle of the night. Now, you may ask why were we up in the middle of the night? Tending a child that was so homesick that she threw up in the tent from her crying so hard. Again, why walking across the campsite? Her dad was sleeping with the boys 20 feet away. So, we dealth with hysterical pre-teen girl, cleaned up puke with no running water and only port-o-potties, delivered her to her father, and then got treed by skunks. All that to only have to get up early and have to hike for miles the next day.

I have long since given up camping. I was scarred for life. What can I say? Those memories were safely tucked away never to bother me again until last night.

Paul and Kapooka walk in from Wal-Mart and the SMELL fills the air. A skunk attacked the car with them in it. My poor van. My poor family! The stink washed off them just fine, but the van still reeks. Paul is going to try taking it to the car wash and use the undercarriage wash, and someone else has offered to let us use tomato juice and his power washer.

The skunks of the world have a vendetta I tell you!

101 Things About Our Family

1. We own three cats and 1 dog.
2. The dog lets one of the cats clean her ears.
3. We were given a pool this summer, and the kids swim almost every day.
4. Kapooka and I like dill pickles, the rest of the family likes sweet pickles.
5. Wildcat would exist entirely on carbs, preferably cereal, if he could.
6. Kapooka eats almost anthing but does not like lettuce, asapargus, brocolli, or cauliflower.
7. Skye loves to eat fresh fruit.
8. Our living room now is painted the same color as our living room in KY. We loved the color that much.
9. I don't think our next living room will be this color. I am getting tired of it.
10. Kapooka and Wildcat have 1 tea party together every day.
11. Kapooka asks for girl time and to get her toes painted. She especially likes me to use the hairdryer on her toes to dry them.
12. Wildcat and Paul are counting down the days until football season.
13. When I won a trip to Disney, we all decided to pick an age and pretend to be kids. Wildcat picked the oldest age, so he enjoyed pretending to "boss" us around while we were there.
14. Wildcat, Paul, and I love grilled asaparagus.
15. Everyone in the family loves homegrown tomatoes. Paul only loves them if they are processed into salsa.
16. I am not allergic to the penicillin class of antibiotics, but am allergic to most others. Paul and the kids are allergic to the penicillin class but not any others.
17. We all love to read.
18. Wildcat is loving the Hardy Boys series right now.
19. Kapooka is loving her Goodnight Beach book right now.
20. We went to Dauphin Island, AL 2 weeks before the oil spill.
21. We took a friend from church with us.
22. That vacation was really fun and really relaxing. We laughed a lot as a family.
23. The best restaurant on the island was The Common Loon. Our whole family agreed on that!
24. When we went to Disney, we did 1 character meal. Skye liked the kids food and wildcat liked the expensive adult food.
25. Wildcat still loves expensive sea food, especially shrimp and salmon.
26. Wildcat only has 2 1/2 more inches to grown until he reaches 5 feet.
27. We have family movie night almost every weekend.
28. Both Wildcat and Kapook love to snuggle under soft blankets.
29. We love Flapjack Friday in our house!
30. Wildcat is learning to make scrambled eggs as good as his mom's.
31. Kapooka is saying more words every day. It is hilarious to hear her say "almost". It is her all purpose word.
32. Paul know more about OB procedures than most husbands. He can give progesterone shots, change IV bags, and do medication dosages.
33. We love our Kia Sedona.
34. Mosquitoes love Kapooka and I but pretty much leave Wildcat and Paul alone.
35. The kids got their Dad's complexion.
36. Kapooka worships her cousin Hannah.
37. Kapooka loves to go shopping.
38. She loves the grocery store for the free cookies.
39. She loves to look at pretty clothes at the mall and get good smelling lotion to try.
40. She is all girl.
41. That being said, she is very coordinated, and I think she will be a great athlete.
42. Wildcat wants to be a missionary and a football player.
43. Wildcat wants to re-decorate his room in a Colts/UK theme.
44. Kapooka wants to get a new house so she can have a room that is pink with Elmo curtains and she can sleep in "cousin Shelby's bed."
45. When my brother and his family moved to Memphis they gave us their daughter's old bed for Kapooka to use once she gets her own room.
46. The waiting and the transition has been hardest on Wildcat.
47. It is our prayer that Paul would have a job and Wildcat could get settled in towards the start of the school year.
48. Kapooka loves to take walks with Skye.
49. Wildcat loves rootbeer.
50. He thinks Mug rootbeer is the best.
51. After all these years, Paul has finally found a drink at Starbucks that he likes.
52. Kapooka loves chocolate milk.
53. She also like Capri sun pouches.
54. Kapooka likes me to talk to her about how I got my rings.
55. Kapooka likes to pack her purse to go on dates with her daddy.
56. Skye loves iced tea.
57. Skye loves iced tea more than chocolate.
58. I hate tea.
59. I love chocolate.
60. If you want to know more about Kari, you can see her 101 things about me on her Facebook page.
61. Skye and I disagree on what kind of cats are cute.
62. My son would love to have a rodent as a pet.
63. I am a pretty laid back mom, but I draw the line at rodents and reptiles.
64. Amphibians and fish are a possibility if you take care of them totally by yourself.
65. If you even mention a snake, it is grounds for being grounded.
66. My son and I both have clothing texture issues.
67. Paul loves clocks.
68. Paul and Wildcat built his bed together.
69. They forgot to paint part of the bed.
70. One weekend we re-did Skye's room while she was gone.
71. She screamed when she saw it. She liked it.
72. Our washing machine flooded several years ago.
73. We thought we would save money and have Paul re-attach the carpet because we were going to get new flooring soon.
74. We got pregnant with Kapooka and didn't get the flooring, so decided to wait until she was potty trained to get new flooring.
75. She is doing well with potty training.
76. We are probably moving soon.
77. The next owners will get a flooring allowance.
78. We like our neighbors a lot!
79. We think Holiday World is the best amusement park ever.
80. We went last summer to a retreat center called The King's Ranch. Everyone in the family loved it.
81. Skye and Wildcat make up songs and plays just for fun.
82. Skye has already finished her first college class.
83. Her second college class is how to use computers.
84. Wildcat and I both have a big space between our big toes and our next toe.
85. I rocked my kids in the rocking chair my mom rocked me in.
86. Paul and I got married at 21.
87. We look at 21 year olds now and think they are kids.
88. We were married for 5 years before we had Wildcat.
89. We were married 12 years before we had Kapooka.
90. That spread was not in our plan, but it is working really well.
91. Wildcat is a terrific big brother. He goes well above and beyond the call of duty. We are proud of him.
92. Kapooka plays the role of little sister well.
93. Kapooka loves babies.
94. Kapooka loves to look at pictures of herself as a baby.
95. Kapooka loves to play baby dolls with her cousin Shelby.
96. We may homeschool this fall if Paul does not have a job soon.
97. I would be a little more excited about that if we were using my favorite curriculum.
98. I am thankful that we can get the curriculum we will use for free, and it is the best decision for possibly transitioning back to traditional schooling later.
99. Kapooka is outgrowing all of her shorts.
100. Wildcat is an excellent quesadilla chef.
101. We are thankful for all that God has done and is doing for us.

The Call

I remember distinctly when my husband was called to ministry. We weren't married then. We were just dating. It was a Sunday in a small, now defunct church in Grinnell, IA. The story is Paul's, but the confirmation of the call was supernatural.

So, after my blog post last night Paul called this morning. He was getting ready to work on his resume for the job we were excited about. It was for a job at an AG university. He checked the website and the job was no longer available. I feel a little disappointed, but a little bit resigned. I mostly feel like it was a clear answer. We've tried to see if we can bend the call to fit a different type of ministry...I wonder if sometime in the future God might bring some of those hopes to fruition, but for now...I don't think so. It is too much like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole.

We can't get away from the call. I have a feeling that at least at this point in our lives the Lord wants us to be in ministry in a church. I can kick all I want (and I don't really want to), but Paul's calling is real and true and that is what the Lord wants. Now, the Lord will just have to open the right door to the right church (we did send 15 church resumes yesterday).

In kid news...

Kapooka is wearing a "pretty dress" today. She is doing this because Skye has on a dress. Skye has an interview for a job.

Wildcat has his last day of VBS. For the last 4 years he and Paul have a secret activity that they do before VBS. They went this morning and did it. I believe it involves football in a park and then pop from McDonalds at an obscenely early hour in the morning. However, it is a boy secret, and I'm not totally privileged to the details. I do know that they had to say goodbye to all of their favorite spots today, and they took pictures.

Thankful

Last night as I was trying to go to sleep, I used an old trick of mine. I listed all of my blessings until I fell asleep. Since I have been battling insomnia, I created quite a long list. I woke up this morning feeling so refreshed. It was good to re-focus and thank God for all the good that He does and the good that He is.

I am also thankful for friends. Several have been over this week, and we've just had fun. Family are calling just to check in and encourage us. One friend sent me such a thoughtful e-mail that I am still digesting it before I write her back but it is helping me wrap my brain a little more productively around some of these transition issues. Another friend pointed out a position that Paul could apply for. I have to say...I would like most of the jobs that Paul has applied for, and probably even end up loving them (being a pastor's wife it is sort of my job too), but this one I am excited about the possibility. It is in a location that we had originally said "NO WAY" to, but it is intriguing enough and has so many positive options for our whole family that I think Paul is going to apply. Even if he doesn't get it, I feel fantastic that I am dreaming a little again, and I don't think I will be crushed.

I just think it is neat that the e-mail from my friend prepared me to even consider the job opportunity possibility from the other friend. The body of Christ is a marvelous thing.

Oh, and the family went swimming today before massive thunderstorms. I took a nap. The mosquitos are so bad that if I even step out the back door I get about 4 bites instantly and look like a chicken pox patient after about 15 minutes. Guess I'm just too sweet, and bug spray doesn't work in the pool. What a blessing that pool has been (again given by another member of the body of Christ). I like naps better than "gator" bites. That is what Kapooka calls mosquito bites.

Transition Time Ramblings...

Some days it is nice...we have a lot of family time. We get to play in the pool. We are re-connecting in a way that is fantastic.

Some days it is stressful... can we pay the bills? When will Paul get a job? What is the right kind of job? When or should we put the house on the market? Why am I not sleeping? How are the kids doing/adjusting?

Some days are just scary...will we be moved (if we are moving) before school starts? What is God calling us to? Is there a job out there that will provide for our needs without me working? What will life be like living away from my parents?

Other days are filled with more existential questions...have I been so caught up with life and ministry that I have forgotten the character and nature of God? Do I know that He is good? Do I trust Him and trust that He wants good for me? What do I need to learn? What bad habits have developed? What have a I learned? Why do I no longer dream big dreams but instead am just tired of scraping by and want to earn a living wage? How can I "do" ministry in that state?

Paul asked me if I could write my dream scenario of a new job for him, what would it look like? All I could come up with was being independently wealthy and living on a beach. Since that can't happen, I don't even know what I would like or want. That is a strange place to be for this gal who usually has a plan and then 3-4 back up plans for the future.

God is Good and so is my hubby

So I was a little whiny in my last post. I guess I have been a little grumpy around the house too. I am an introvert and I live in a family of extroverts. Normally I could find some alone time somewhere, but since Kapooka shares our room and everyone is home for the summer, there is really nowhere for me to go. Paul in a kind way pointed out my grumpiness and "kicked" me out of the house for the afternoon. I asked if he had read the blog and he said no, but these were the things he asked for me to accomplish....

1. Get a girly magazine or take the book I was reading and sit at my favorite coffee store and get my favorite beverage.
2. He handed me a coupon for a haircut and told me to go get that done while I was out.
3. He even said I should go window shopping (I tried on some great summer skirts, and got the thrill of trying something new without spending anything right now).

When I got home he even gave me a foot rub (even better than a pedicure if you ask me).

If you look at my list from my previous post, almost all of my wants were taken care of.

Oh, and the job for Paul...nothing yet, but while I was out and about a dear friend just called to chat and check in and see how I was doing emotionally with the job search. That was the next best thing to getting the right job offer. It just encouraged me that the right job is coming, and I just need to wait on the Lord's timing.

Feeling really loved tonight!

Totally Self Focused Ramblings

We have been on summer break for a month now. I have really enjoyed the trips to the park, the extra time with my son, seeing all of the kids play together, and many other family memories. Today however...well let's just say I am ready for a mommy grown up day. No one slept well last night and it shows in the grumpies today. So, I thought I would make a quick list of things that I would love to do/have.

1. A job for my husband and any potential move done.
2. A spa day...mainly a massage (which I've had before) and a pedicure (which I've never had but could use right now)
3. My favorite frozen coffee drink from Borders, a new book, a comfy chair, and 3 non-stop hours to read (without anyone saying mama, but yet I knew all of my precious little ones were safe and cared for).
4. A haircut and maybe a color (that is really a dream since I am allergic to most hair color). However the latest haircolor trend of "bronde" really appeals to me for summer. What I really want is my long hair back for summer so that I can pull it back in a curly pony tail.
5. A cute new summer dress to go with the new summer hair.


Ahhhh... that was a nice mental vacation. Now back to reality. Laundry calls.

A Reflection

Skye graduated this weekend. I have spent a lot of time reflecting on how many prayers God has answered, and answered generously for that young woman. I am so incredibly thankful for all that He has done in her life. She's had to work hard to obey him too!

I am very tired and it is late, but I thought I would share a tool that I use to pray for my kids. Paul printed it out and had it framed for me many years ago. I have it in the hallway by the kids' rooms. That way, as I walk by, I look for the number corresponding to the day's date and pray for that virtue. I pray at other times too (like when I fold each child's laundry I pray for them, and bedtime prayers, and my own prayer time), but this is such a neat way to have a regular program of prayer, I thought I would share. So.... here it is...
From http://www.reviveourhearts.com/downloads/index.php?id=9479

31 Biblical Virtues to Pray for Your Children

by Bob Hostetler

1. Salvation—"Lord, let salvation spring up within my children, that they may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory." (Isa. 45:8; 2 Tim. 2:10)
2. Growth in Grace—"I pray that my children may grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." (2 Pet. 3:18)
3. Love—"Grant, Lord, that my children may learn to live a life of love, through the Spirit who dwells in them." (Gal. 5:25; Eph. 5:2)
4. Honesty and Integrity—"May integrity and honesty be their virtue and their protection." (Ps. 25:21)
5. Self-Control—"Father, help my children not to be like many others around them, but let them be alert and self-controlled in all they do." (1 Thess. 5:6)
6. Love for God's Word—"May my children grow to find Your Word more precious than much pure gold and sweeter than honey from the comb." (Ps. 19:10)
7. Justice—"God, help my children to love justice as You do and act justly in all they do." (Ps. 11:7; Mic. 6:8)
8. Mercy—"May my children always be merciful, just as their Father is merciful." (Luke 6:36)
9. Respect (for self, others, and authority)—"Father, grant that my children may show proper respect to everyone, as Your Word commands." (1 Pet. 2:17)
10. Biblical Self-Esteem—"Help my children develop a strong self-esteem that is rooted in the realization that they are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus." (Eph. 2:10)
11. Faithfulness—"Let love and faithfulness never leave my children, but bind these twin virtues around their necks and write them on the tablet of their hearts." (Prov. 3:3)
12. Courage—"May my children always be strong and courageous in their character and in their actions." (Deut. 31:6)
13. Purity—"Create in them a pure heart, O God, and let that purity of heart be shown in their actions." (Ps. 51:10)
14. Kindness—"Lord, may my children always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else." (1 Thess. 5:15)
15. Generosity—"Grant that my children may be generous and willing to share, and so lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age." (1 Tim. 6:18-19)
16. Peace-Loving—"Father, let my children make every effort to do what leads to peace." (Rom. 14:19)
17. Joy—"May my children be filled with the joy given by the Holy Spirit." (1 Thess. 1:6)
18. Perseverance—"Lord, teach my children perseverance in all they do, and help them especially to run with perseverance the race marked out for them." (Heb. 12:1)
19. Humility—"God, please cultivate in my children the ability to show true humility toward all." (Titus 3:2)
20. Compassion—"Lord, please clothe my children with the virtue of compassion." (Col. 3:12)
21. Responsibility—"Grant that my children may learn responsibility, for each one should carry his own load." (Gal. 6:5)
22. Contentment—"Father, teach my children the secret of being content in any and every situation, through Him who gives them strength." (Phil. 4:12-13)
23. Faith—"I pray that faith will find root and grow in my children's hearts, that by faith they may gain what has been promised to them." (Luke 17:5-6; Heb. 11:1-40)
24. A Servant's Heart—"God, please help my children develop servant's hearts, that they may serve wholeheartedly, as if they were serving the Lord, not men." (Eph. 6:7)

25. Hope—"May the God of hope grant that my children may overflow with hope and hopefulness by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Rom. 15:13)
26. Willingness and Ability to Work—"Teach my children, Lord, to value work and to work at it with all their heart, as working for the Lord and not for men." (Col. 3:23)
27. Passion for God—"Lord, please instill in my children a soul that 'followeth hard after thee,' one that clings passionately to You." (Ps. 63:8)
28. Self-Discipline—"Father, I pray that my children may acquire a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair." (Prov. 1:3)
29. Prayerfulness—"Grant, Lord, that my children's lives may be marked by prayerfulness, that they may learn to pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers." (1 Thess. 5:17)
30. Gratitude—"Help my children to live lives that are always overflowing with thankfulness and always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Eph. 5:20; Col. 2:7)
31. A Heart for Missions—"Lord, please help my children to develop a desire to see Your glory declared among the nations, Your marvelous deeds among the peoples." (Ps. 96:3)

For another great prayer idea (that admittedly takes a little more time investment) check out...
http://www.granolamom4god.com/2010/05/what-bible-will-i-purchase.html

Strep Round # ???

The kids have had strep so many times this winter and spring so many times that I have lost count.

Wildcat has it and is on antibiotics. Today Kapooka was diagnosed again with strep and a double ear infection.

I am tired from caring for ill children. It is my privilege to do so, I just hurt when they hurt. Kapooka isn't sleeping well either.

I'm not sleeping well with all of the other transition going on in our lives.

Paul has resigned from our church. I love the people dearly, but the church can no longer pay Paul. We've missed paychecks before and done so gladly but our budget just can't squeeze anymore. It is time to let someone else try and build this body of believers.

Since the church is 1/3 of our income we need to replace that. Paul is just exhausted in all areas. He is especially exhausted from being pulled in 2 directions all of the time. After much prayer, the Lord is leading us to seek 1 job for him that would better use all of his gifts and talents. This week he told his school he is resigning.

We are so thankful for both our church and school. We truly love the people and the opportunities. However, when it is time to move on, the Lord makes it clear. We are doing our best to follow His direction. I am doing my best (which is not very good) to trust that the Lord has a plan to provide for all of our financial needs as well as give Paul a job where the stress will be less and he can work on a team.

Oh, and did I mention my throat hurts but my supposed primary care physician won't accept me as a patient. The insurance company says that she is my doctor and I can't go anywhere else.

Oh and did I mention that while I was in the bathroom today Kapooka dumped laundry detergent all over clean laundry that she pulled from the dryer. In the process the detergent got all over her, the washer and the floor too? And yes, the detergent was up high, she is just a monkey. Next time I will have to do my business much more quickly if she leaves the room that I am in. Sigh...it has just been one of those days. At least I caught her before she put the first address label on the wall (she climbed to get those while I was getting the detergent somewhat cleaned up).

Skye's Banquet

She got a new haircut the day of banquet. It is much shorter, but she really likes it. Her boyfriend brought the flowers for her.

Here they are...the lovely couple!

Kapooka got dressed up to get pictures taken with Nana too!

We loved the back of the dress! Pretty good for getting in on clearance at the end of last year. She was told over and over that she had the prettiest dress at the banquet (and the most modest too). My heart was really happy for my girl Skye.

Raising Girls

I really loved Dr. Dobson's book Bringing Up Boys. I am ridiculously excited to read his newly released Raising Girls.

In the latest Focus on the Family magazine, they printed this article. I have not found one with which I agree more. Check it out!

http://www.thrivingfamily.com/Family/Media/2010/may/girl-power.aspx

Final Vacation Post

The kids spent a lot of time looking like this during the week. They had wet hair, a little sun-color on their cheeks, and big smiles on their faces.

We stopped to take this picture as we left the island. We wouldn't mind coming back again!

When we went to the outlet mall, they had a great outdoor play area that included the typical slides and climbers. There was also a carousel, and this water area. Kapooka loved it, and Wildcat had a good time too. The older girls liked shopping. Paul was worn out from watching the young ones on the play area.

The Estuarium

Kapooka loves this picture. She loves to say turtle!

Wildcat trying on an oldfashioned diving helmet!

The esturarium had an awesome touch and feel area. All of the kids enjoyed touching this whelk. They said it was soft.

The Estuarium had a nice quiet little area for kids Kapooka's age. The older kids got in on the act. Here they are pretending to drive a boat.

Dauphin Island is a barrier island, so it plays a pretty important environmental role. There is a lot of wildlife both birds and sea life. The estuarium is an aquarium on Dauphin Island that explains the island's unique role in the environment. Of course, the aquarium didn't talk about God's creation, but we talked with the kids about how neat it was that God had put the island where it was, sort of like a gatekeeper. Today, I have been praying for Dauphin Island. The oil spill is due to hit their shores today. This isn't a political post at all (because I am not sure if an occassional oil spill is just the price we have to pay, or if more should be done). The Alabama coast region has many employed in the oil industry as well as commercial fishing and tourism. All of those industries are suffering currently as well as God's natural world.

A couple of interesting facts we learned at the Estuarium....

1. An octupus' ink is toxic even to itself, so an octopus needs to swim away after it expels its ink.

2. There are small shells that are often found with holes in the top that look like they are ready to put on a necklace. There is one type of marine animal that has a sharp snout that drills that hole and eats what is inside the shell. God's creation is amazing!

Fort Morgan

Paul worked some might computer mojo, so I am back in the blogging "business" with pictures. I really love that guy, and not just for his computer skills either!

One afternoon, Kapooka really needed a long nap since she hadn't napped for 3 days. I volunteered to stay at the condo and nap with her. Everyone else went to Fort Morgan. This fort was key in the Battle of Mobile Bay. They all had a really good time, but were glad a toddler wasn't along. She would have been bored.
Here you can see one of the cannons that looks out onto Mobile Bay. It was neat to see a fort right on the water. That was something I had never seen before. Later in the week, we all went to the aquarium, so I did get to see some of the outside of the fort. Aquarium pictures will be the next post.

On Wednesdays a blacksmith demonstrates his craft. Evidently it was fascinating to watch.

In all honestly, this particular sight was one of Wildcat's favorites on our whole trip. He still talks about the gigantic potty that the soldiers had to use at the fort. The tides came in twice a day to clean it out. All that is missing to make this picture complete is reading material.

I just love this picture! It is at the entrance of the fort.

Blogging Frustrations

For close to a week now when I click on the upload pictures button in Blogger, nothing happens. We think this may be a mouse problem. Hopefully this weekend, Paul will get a chance to figure it out. Until then, posting will just have to wait.

Alligator Alley

Alligator Alley is a place where alligators that are dangerous to humans or have been injured can go and live instead of being killed. The owners have built raised boardwalks through the swamps so visitors can safely observe and feed the alligators. The alligator food looks like big chunks of charcoal or dog food.

Near the entrance of Alligator Alley they have built a viewing station. The owners feed the alligators deer and pork several times a day. This is just one of several pictures we got of the alligators eating.

We thought even alligators like pillows?

The kids all got to hold or touch a year old alligator. The alligator had his mouth taped shut with electrical tape. Even at that age he/she had a lot of sharp teeth!

The kids were more brave than mama. No way was I going to touch an alligator. I had the willies the whole time we were there. However, we had a great time. None of us had seen an alligator before, and we got to see them as up close and personal as you would want to.

Water Fun

The kids found this little and very fast crab when they were digging a deep hole on the beach.

This is Kapooka putting her toes in the ocean for the very first time. She wasn't too sure at first.

But, she got used to it quickly. She really enjoyed having Daddy take her out and she would kick the "wawa". The older kids really like swimming too. It turns out I didn't get a good picture of Wildcat in the ocean, but I love Skye's face here!

Kapooka spent close to an hour just sitting at the edge of the surf. She would just pick up handfuls of wet sand and throw them in the water. She would laugh when they would make a plopping sound. She would also laugh when a wave came up and got her. The older kids and Paul would go out and swim deeply or build sand castles while I did this with her. Sometimes, Wildcat and I looked for shells and built sandcastles while Daddy took Kapooka into the deep water. I thought the water was pretty cold. I went out chest deep once then just waded the rest of the time. Even then, it took me hours to warm up. I really just enjoyed being at the beach and looking at the water and playing with the kids on the WARM sand.

Next up...alligator pictures.

Playing in the Sand

Dad was a good sport and got buried. All of the kids got in on the action. They even found a crab as they were digging the hole.

Notice how pleased Skye is to be taller than Paul.

Wildcat and his sandcastle!

Kapooka sitting in a little hole just like Daddy!

Easter

My dad substitute taught a few days this year. He wanted to buy all of his girls a new Easter outfit. I love mine, and am going to wear it to Skye's open house too! Thanks Dad! My husband looks pretty sharp too.

The girls in their new Easter outfits. Wildcat, let's just be happy that his hair is combed. He is a 9 year old boy.

Kapooka, and I and Ma (Grandma) went to Build a Bear. This is Hoppy. Pooka loves Hoppy. Hoppy has bows that matched Kapooka's Easter dress. Hoppy was dressed for Easter too, so Hoppy had to come to church. Pooka was really pleased about all of that.

Kapooka in her new outfit. Notice the purse. She requested that Ma buy her that purse. Of course there was a white one too. She requested both, but Ma drew the line at one. The purse had chapstick and money for the offering. She was quite the little lady!

Right after church we went home and changed and started driving for vacation....those pictures will be up next!