Sans Regret

Brendan's First Parent Teacher's Conference

2009-10-20T09:17:00.001-07:00

Brendan With Miss "O"

Excuse me while I take a minute to brag up my son. Brendan started Kindergarten this year, and we had his first Parent Teacher's Confrence last night. I was blown away! Burt and I always knew he was bright, but we were shocked by how much he is ahead. He finished his math test for the YEAR! He already mastered all he was supposed to have learned in math for the entire year. He also has been picked to be a peer tutor. He will be helping the other kids learn their letters and phonics. I was so impressed. His teacher is just the coolest. Miss "O" is a perfect fit for him, forever keeping him challenged. My son loves to learn, and is so inquisitive. His mind is a steel trap, and can remeber everything. He wants to be a Lego designer when he grows up. If he keeps going the way he is, I have no doubt he will reach that goal. So this was my moment to brag. Thanks for indulging me!

~Kathleen

Autumn in Our Woods

2009-10-11T01:59:00.000-07:00

"Fall, leaves, fall; die, flowers, away;
Lengthen night and shorten day;
Every leaf speaks bliss to me
Fluttering from the autumn tree."
~Emily Bronte

I am so happy that fall is here. It is my favorite time of year. We've been busy at our little Missouri cottage. The walnuts are starting to fall from the trees along with the leaves. We’ve been out to the orchard, and picked up some apples. I swear this year’s apples are some of the best apples I have EVER had. They are so sweet, so juicy, and just plain delicious. We have devoured a whole 10 lbs bag of them in a week. lol I had to pick up some more apples so we can make some caramel ones. Yum!

The woods are especially beautiful this fall. They not only are filled with the various colors of the leaves, but a multitude of purple, white, and yellow wildflowers still remain. (Although after this weekend’s freezing temps, I don’t think they will be around much longer.)

I have also managed to get the kids their costumes for Halloween already. McKenna is going as a 50’s girl, and Brendan as Mario from Super Mario Brothers. He is obsessed with Nintendo. Not quite as bad as his obsession with LEGOS, but still pretty bad. I feel way ahead of the game.

To The Garden

2009-09-25T07:52:00.000-07:00

"If I had a single flower for every time I think of you,

I could walk forever in my garden."

~Claudia A. Grandi

Thank You

2009-07-24T19:29:00.000-07:00

Thank you St. Jude. I have been pretty sick lately. Doing much better now. Just needed to post a thanks to St. Jude.

Alice 2010

2009-06-23T20:08:00.000-07:00

I am on pins and needles to see the melding of Lewis Carrol and Tim Burton. I will have to wait until March 5, 2010.

Johnny Depp~Mad Hatter

Helena Bonham Carter~The Red Queen

Mia Wasikowska~Alice

Anne Hathaway~The White Queen

Matt Lucas~Tweedledee and Tweedledum

Strawberry Festival

2009-06-15T20:37:00.000-07:00

We went to the Strawberry Festival at Vaile Mansion the other weekend. It was really a fun time for all of us. Vaile Mansion is an old Victorian mansion in Independence, Missouri. The house is stunning. McKenna and I went on a tour of the building while we were at the festival. McKenna was impressed with the beautiful paintings on the ceilings. She also fell in love with a Victorian wedding dress they had on display. It was gorgeous. The festival had music, performers, antique dealers, an antique car show, and of course STRAWBERRIES! lol The kids loved taking the carriage ride around the neighborhood. Good old fashioned fun!

Brendan's Favorite Car

McKenna Had Her Favorite

McKenna Making Friends

Going On The Carriage Ride

Dad and His Girl

The Kids Outside Vaile Mansion

Vaile Mansion

Inside Vaile Mansion

McKenna Whispered In My Ear If People Got Splinters LOL

The Gorgeous Wedding Dress

The Doll McKenna Made

My Son

McKenna Rose

Learning to Play the Banjo

Shave and A Haircut

2009-06-14T18:37:00.000-07:00

What a difference a shave and a haircut make.

Mom Perk

2009-06-14T12:39:00.000-07:00

One of the perks of being a Mom. Wildflower bouquets.

The Hailstorm

2009-06-09T20:42:00.000-07:00

Some of the huge hailstones that hit our house the other day. They were golf ball to tennis ball sized. Notice the car in the background that pulled into our yard to get under the trees. The guy was desperately trying to throw a blanket over his sunroof. It was the largest hail either Burt or I had ever seen in person. The pieces in the photo weren't the largest on the ground, they were just the closest to the door. Burt didn't want to risk a hailstone to the head to retrieve more. lol It sounded like someone was throwing rocks at our house.

It wasn't the largest hail that hit our area that day. Up north they had GRAPEFRUIT sized hailstones. However, our pic here was featured on our morning news all day! It was the largest hail in the actual metro area. McKenna was so proud that her hand is famous now. lol

Kansas City Market

2009-06-09T20:03:00.000-07:00

We recently went to the Kansas City Market down by the Riverfront. The Market is part farmer's market and part flea market. It also has several restaurants, which have some of the best international cuisine. When you spend time at the market be prepared to EAT. We started our day at Cascone's. Cascone's is an Italian restaurant that has an amazing breakfast. Their biscuits and gravy are some of the lightest, fluffiest biscuits I have ever eaten. We spent the next few hours exploring the different stands and shops. They have a new cupcake shop called Baby Cakes. They let you make your own custom cupcakes. Their cupcakes are to die for. We found our produce, the freshest and best in the KC area. There fruits and vegetables beat anything found at the grocery store. Much better and less expensive.

Our favorite place is the Italian market. We love to stock up on our deli meats and cheeses. Burt loves to visit their grill and score some sausages.

We really enjoy the Market, a truly unique experience in KC.
~K

The Hydrengeas Were Blooming All Over

The Mennonites Were Selling Delicious Baked Goods
The Kids Scored Some Giant Chocolate Chip Cookies
Morels Were Mushroom Gold At $25 A Pound

Who Invented This?

Fudge On Mini Cones

Their Produce Is The Best In The City

Brendan Loved The Smell Of The Cinnamon Sticks At The Spice Store
Burt Restocked His Pancetta and Prosciutto Supplies
Couldn't Convince The Kids To Try The Squid

They Opted For The Gellato
Mom And Dad Tried The Cannolis
Everyone Loves The Grilled Sausage

Burt Heaven

One Of My Favorite Stores

McKenna At Baby Cakes

The Cupcake She Made For Brendan

After All That Eating We Went For A Walk At The Park

Fancies

2009-05-25T15:23:00.000-07:00

My Father reunited with his birth mother's family this weekend, and it has been a very pleasant experience for him for which I am beyond happy. He has never met any of them for almost 68 years, as he was given up for adoption at a year old. I have been thinking lately about my long lost Grandma, and the things that must have been going through her mind. The more I learn about her, the more I understand what a heartbreaking decision it must have been for my Grandmother. I can't help but believe that she has had a hand in this long overdue reunion. Now my Father has what he has always wanted for his kids and grandkids. An ancestry.

Fancies
Surely the flowers of a hundred springs
Are simply the souls of beautiful things!

The poppies aflame with gold and red
Were the kisses of lovers in days that are fled.

The purple pansies with dew-drops pearled
Were the rainbow dreams of a youngling world.

The lily, white as a star apart,
Was the first pure prayer of a virgin heart.

The daisies that dance and twinkle so
Were the laughter of children in long ago.

The sweetness of all true friendship yet
Lives in the breath of the mignonette.

To the white narcissus there must belong
The very delight of a maiden's song.

And the rose, all flowers of the earth above,
Was a perfect, rapturous thought of love.

Oh! surely the blossoms of all the springs
Must be the souls of beautiful things.

~Lucy Maud Montgomery

Bunch of Bananas

2009-05-07T20:02:00.000-07:00

Brendan loves it when random things happen during our normal routine. They gave out balloons at the store today , and this Dole banana guy showed up. Pure bliss.

Two Bananas~

April Showers

2009-04-30T22:17:00.000-07:00

"April Showers bring May Flowers..."

We are just soaked here in Missouri. Rain just keeps coming and coming. Our pond and creek are just swollen.
McKenna and I had so much fun playing in the rain today. McKenna dubbed it the last of the April Showers.

Mrs. Robin

Her Babies

McKenna

Rain Clouds

Redbud Tree In The Rain

Flowers

Picking Flowers

Swinging In The Rain

For I'm Loved By A Pretty Wonderful Boy

2009-03-26T15:26:00.000-07:00

From one of my all time favorite movies. Just because. Enjoy!
~K

Easter Bunny Sighting

2009-03-25T22:49:00.001-07:00

"He's got jelly beans for Tommy
Colored eggs for sister Sue
There's an orchid for your mommy
And an Easter bonnet too."
~Gene Autry

The Easter Bunny was sighted one day! He is alive and well at the Home Depot. Just gaining his strength for the big event. The kids were delighted.

Boston Terriers 101

2009-03-23T11:28:00.000-07:00

All the reasons we own a Boston. After our experience with our beloved Gleska and now our Lilly, Bostons will always be apart of my family's life. My children talk about the day when they strike out on their own and get their own Bostons. They are hands down the best small breed for kids. They have become wildly popular since we got Gleska almost 17 years ago. There is a good reason for that! We love them, and always will.

Spring is in the Air

2009-03-22T21:23:00.000-07:00

"Spring is the Period Express from God."~Emily Dickinson

Spring is in the air, and we couldn't be more ready for it. The buds are popping up on all the trees. Our temps have been so nice, that we have been spending every moment we can outside before the evening chill comes. We've grilled out, gone on hikes, and visited our local nature center. The kids love wearing their tees, shorts, and flip~flops. I love spring in Missouri.

Fashion In 2000~ HaHa

2009-03-19T11:35:00.000-07:00

I love this, it is too funny! Love the outfit for men. lol
~K

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2009-03-17T17:50:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had a fun and safe St. Pat's. We didn't get to go to the parade today:( McKenna's book club had a field trip today to UCM. They participated in the Children's Literature Festival, and had a chance to meet several children's authors and illustrators. McKenna real did enjoy herself at the festival. The writers held sessions, where they discussed their work. This was a real thrill for McKenna. She real loves to read and write. One of her idols is Beatrix Potter. She always enjoyed her stories, but after seeing the movie based on her life, she truly became a fan. She will spend hours making her books, complete with illustrations. McKenna met Barbara Robinson, the author of "The Best Christmas Pagent Ever". She read one of McKenna's stories, and told her it was very good, and she should keep working on it and maybe have it published someday! What a thrill for Kenni! I hope she sticks with it.

In honor of St. Pat's I am including a cartoon from the 1940's about the Emerald Isle. Happy St. Patrick's Day!
~K

Power Tower~ by McKenna Rose

2009-03-13T22:38:00.000-07:00

The Power Tower

By McKenna Rose

Here we are on the Power Tower.

I can see everything, it's like I'm in Heaven.

I see the other Power Tower,

And everyone is screaming.

I see my sister holding my hand.

I squeeze her hand as I scream very loud.

Whoosh, down we go...

Whoosh, up we go.

I wanted to get off,

But when I got off,

I wanted to get back on again.

This is a little poem by my 9 year old daughter, McKenna Rose. It is so important to encourage young writers. Thanks so much indulging a proud Mama!

The Kids At Fritz's

2009-03-13T22:26:00.000-07:00

I'm back! Mea culpa, mea culpa. To say that I have been super busy would be an understatement. The good news is that I found my Dad's birth family after 67 years! I am going to write about it soon, I just need to wrap my head around the events of the past month first. I feel like I have been walking around in a dream this past month. lol In the meantime I thought I would get caught up on some of the things we have been doing at the end of this winter. Ughh! I can't wait for spring.

Burt, the kids, and I went to lunch at Fritz's recently. Fritz's is a restaurant at Crown Center in KC. It has a train theme, and the kids LOVE it there. There are all kinds of toy trains running throughout the restaurant. When you order your food you do so via a telephone at your table. The food is your typical burger joint type fair. Their onion rings are soooo yummy. They serve a variety of burgers, with just about anything you can imagine to dress them up. Really greasy, good, umm umm yum food. The part that the kids love best about the place is that your meal is delivered by train. It is a big thrill for the kiddies. Everytime one of the trains pass by, they hope that the flag will drop at our table, and lower our meal down to us. If you bring your young ones to KC, you have to stop in at Fritz's. It is a tradition for kids in the KC area.

The Train Outside of Fritz's

Some of Our Conductors

Brendan Opens Window During Car Wash

2009-02-06T18:41:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone~
Sorry I haven't been around much this past month. I have been helping my Dad with a few things. The little time I do get on the computer is being eaten up by research. I hope to be back at my blog, after things settle a bit.
In the meantime, I have been busy with the normal family stuff. Here is a crazy video of Brendan opening the car window during the car wash yesterday. I was going to film Andrew's reaction to the car wash, when all of a sudden McKenna starts screaming that Brendan had his window down. When I turned around he had managed to soak himself, and the inside of the car! Water was dripping from the ceiling like rain. Ashton and I were in shock. We were hollering and laughing at Brendan so much, that Andrew couldn't get away from us fast enough! lol
~K

Coco, Trains, and Santa

2008-12-23T06:07:00.000-08:00

We took the kids to the Kansas City Christmas Train. It is good free fun for the holidays. The Christmas Train is a holiday tradition in the KC area. Santa pulls in on the train, which is decorated for the holidays. Brendan loves the Christmas train because it has a face on it like Thomas the Tank Train. Inside the train they get to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus. The interior is decorated with a collection of Santas. There are also toy trains running throughout. Brendan's favorite is the the miniature version of the Christmas train. You have to wait in line to get on the train, but the town provides free hot coco and popcorn. The local band also provides music for entertainment while you wait. Brendan had a blast busting out all his dance moves, while waiting. Can't believe that Christmas is only a few days away!

Staying Warm With Some Coco

With One Of Santa's "Little" Helpers lol

Getting Ready To Board The Train

With The Big Guy

The Replica Of The Train

Brendan Dancing While Waiting To Get On The Train~

An 1855 Christmas

2008-12-14T07:38:00.000-08:00

We had a real fun day out at Missouri Town 1855's Christmas Celebration. It is sort of a family tradition for us to attend the event. Nothing puts us in the mood for Christmas more than a good old fashioned Christmas. Missouri Town 1855 is located at Lake Jacomo, Missouri. It is a living history museum, and they do a special reenactment of a Christmas past every year. There is so much to see and do there, and the kids love running from one building to the next to experience something new.

Naughty Trying To Blow Out the Candles

This year was different from past years, because it was slightly warmer than usual. We are having wacky weather here in Missouri. All the snow we got the other day is all but gone. Today is supposed to be 61 degrees, and tomorrow is supposed to be 16 with more snow. It is a weather roller coaster. It was also incredibly windy. I felt like I was back in South Dakota with all the wind!

The kids had a very Christmasy time despite the warmer weather. They got to string popcorn, sing carols, make a Chrsitmas sachet for the tree, eat cookies and pulled taffy, and listen to stories of Der Belsnickel. The Belsnickel is a German form of Santa. He is like a Santa helper, who carries goodies and a switch. He helps find the good kiddies (for the treats), and the bad kiddies (well for the switch). Brendan was all big eyed when he heard this Santa gave out "whoopins" to the naughty little boys and girls. I think he was a little nervous! lol However, he managed to skate by and receive a treat from the Belsnickel.

Der Belsnickel

Grateful For a Candy Cane Instead of the Switch

Stringing Popcorn

Decorating the Tree

The sights and smells of an old fashioned Christmas surround you at Missouri Town. The smell of pine, mixed with, oranges, spices, and the fireplace are just heavenly. We got to sample raisin bread, sugar cookies, a spiced warm tea, and pulled taffy. McKenna thought the old fashioned taffy tasted like candy corn. One house had a hanging Christmas tree. The lady of the house explained how all the homemade ornaments told the story of Christmas. How the animals represented Noah's ark, the star is obvious, the balls on the tree stood for the neverending cycle of Jesus, the garland represented the shroud of Jesus, and angel on the top for the angels that appeared to the shepherds. There was also a sponge on a stick next to the tree, which I had never seen before. Apparently it represents the sponge with vinegar that was place on Jesus lips, and also had a prctical purpose. If a spark flew from the candles on the tree, they would dip the sponge in a nearby bucket of water and snuff it out.

Pulling Taffy

Spiced Tea

The Original Stove Top Stuffing

We really had a great time at the Christmas Celebration. My crew even managed to find the last bit of snow, and have a snowball fight. Overall it was a real great family day.

Can't Keep My Monkeys Out Of The Trees

Snow Day

2008-12-10T18:31:00.000-08:00

"At Christmas, I no more desire a rose
Than wish a snow in May's new-fangled shows,
But like of each thing that in season grows."
~Shakespeare

Yay a snow day! The kids have just been going nuts waiting for a snow day, and they finally got one. My kids love the winter, and playing in the snow. We didn't get a great deal of snow, but school was closed anyway. The small town school, that McKenna attends, has alot of bus riders from the country. If the buses can't make it on the country roads to pick up the kids, well then they have no school. We had a lot of rain before it snowed, so there was a layer of ice on the country roads, and the buses can't drive on the ice. So the kids got their wish. The snow was too powdery to make a snow man, but they had fun tossing it around, and making snow angels. They also went on sleds being pulled by the quads. They had so much fun. I made a huge pot of stew to warm everyone up after all the outdoor fun. I love snow during the holiday season.

My Little Snow Bunny

My Little Snow Monkey

Playing in the Snow

My Snow Angels

My Little Snow Dog

Hitching A Ride

Away They Go

The snow put Brendan into the Holiday Spirit.<

It's Christmas Everywhere

2008-12-07T18:21:00.000-08:00

We went to McKenna's Christmas Program this week. This has been my 16th year attending one of my children's Christmas programs, and it never gets old. I always get butterflies in my stomach for them, because both Ashton and McKenna like to perform and get picked to play or sing extra parts. It always amazes me at how brave the girls are, and willing to lay it all out there on the stage. I always feel more anxious for them, than if I were about to perform. I don't know why, because they both always do an excellent job, leaving me full of pride.

You would have never have known that McKenna had a performance that evening she was so relaxed with her buddies.

Yapping About Clothes Before the Big Show

They All Looked So Cute

The theme of the program was "It's Christmas Everywhere!" The children performed Christmas songs from around the globe. Some of the songs they performed were "Kling, Glockchen, Kling" from Germany, "Kiyoshi Kono Yoru" from Japan, "La Nanita Nana" from Mexico, and many others. The song that McKenna had a part in was "D'ou Viens~Tu?" from Canada. I suppose this song was a little easier for her since part of it was in French, and McKenna attended a French immersion school her Kindergarten year. She did a real good job. Here is a small clip from the performance. There is the intro to the song, and then McKenna and two other girls approach the mike to sing their part. McKenna was the loudest. lol She did a real good job! We were all so proud of her.

So Proud Of Their Sister

Kiss GoodBye

Eloise at Christmas Time

2008-12-07T18:16:00.000-08:00

Going to post some of the kids' and my favorite Christmas shows during the holiday season. Here is Eloise at Christmas Time, McKenna loved Eloise a few years ago. Enjoy!

A Reservation Thanksgiving

2008-12-03T07:59:00.000-08:00

We loaded everyone up, and headed back home to Cheyenne River for Thanksgiving weekend. My mom was originally coming to Missouri, but we decided at the last minute to go up to South Dakota. At first the kids were disappointed that their Grandma was not coming, but soon perked up at the prospect of seeing all of their cousins. They also were jazzed up about getting to see some snow, since they just had a huge snow storm up that way. As we got closer they got more excited for the snow. Brendan had to stand on a lone snow patch he found in Iowa. What a disappointment when we arrived at Mom's, and the ground was just brown! It had warmed, and the snow they got melted. The trip up to SD is usually takes us about 12 hours, we did it in 10 1/2 hours. Burt is kind of the trip Nazi. lol He won't let us stop for anything, and this time he meant it. lol Actually, I was on board with him this time, because I just wanted the trip to be over. The kids were really good. Andrew was amazing~ sleeping a great deal, and rarely fussing. They are getting to be seasoned travelers.

My View for 10 1/2 Hours~

They Finally Found Some Snow in Iowa~

But It Was Just Brown at Grandma's~

We had a real good time seeing everyone. There were 25 of us at Thanksgiving dinner. My Mom had all of her kids there, along with all but one of her grandkids. My Aunt Karen and Uncle Elmer joined us for dinner. We had the dinner at my family's chapel. It has room for more people, and we could set up more tables. We cooked 4 turkeys. 2 were cooked traditionally, one upside down on a rack, and one was fried. It was my first time having a fried turkey, and it was really delicious. Kudos to DeLaine for a great fried turkey.

One Beautiful Lakota Girl Miss TC~

Two Beautiful Lakota Girls Miss TC and Ashton Christine~

Three Beautiful Lakota Girls~ McKenna, Sage, Keela

Fist Bump For Turkey~

My Beautiful Niece TC Entertaining Herself While Waiting~

Our Miracle David Paul, Such a Cutie~

Will 4 Turkeys Be Enough?~

Couldn't Wait For The Pumpkin Pie~

After we stuffed ourselves full of turkey, we retired back to Mom's house. We took family photos, played cards, and just hung out together. I think everyone had a great time. Especially the kids.

All of My Nieces and Nephews, Except One, With My Kids~

Playing Cards With Grandpa~

This Kid Is Too Cute~

Shia and Andrew Planning Their Escape~

Caught~

Mac and Mc~

My Mom's Dog Honey~

We stayed for three days leaving on Sunday. We got to visit Burt's family, and get into an amazing sweat. Brendan, Burt, and I went down below the bridge to find rocks for the sweat. It was really chilly, but worth it for the beautiful ceremony we had.

The Bridge~

Collecting River Rocks~

Stealing The Van~

We had such a blessed Thanksgiving, and were happy we made the trek. Seeing our family, and getting to sweat made the journey worthwhile. AND the kids finally got snow, on the morning we left. lol Hope you all had a safe and Happy Thanksgiving.

It Snowed So Much When We Left The Road Whited Out~

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-26T06:04:00.000-08:00

I am sitting here waiting for Burt to get off work so we can head home to South Dakota to spend Thanksgiving with my Mom. I am not looking foward to the 12 hour trip, but I am looking foward to the turkey:)

As I sit here I am thinking of what the day has meant to me throughout my life. There are many memories of Thanksgivings spent at my Aunt Terri's house in New Jersey. We would drive from NYC almost every Thanksgiving. She would cook a huge spread every year. It was the second time of the year when we saw her family, the other time being Christmas when they would come to the city. Thanksgiving always meant watching the Macy's parade, turkey, my Grandmother's green bean casserole, apple cider, and pie! It was always the same every year. One year was different, and it was probably my favorite. One year we didn't have a vehicle, so we were going to spend the day in NYC. My Dad was feeling really guilty. He knew he couldn't put on an elaborate spread, that was definately out of the realm of possibilities. So, he took us to The Old Forge restaurant. The food was soooo good, and I remember our server was super nice. After eating our turkey, we went to the matinee performance of Fiddler on the Roof, one of my all time favorite musicals. I remember the day being so calm and peaceful. It was funny that my father felt so guilty, when he was building one of my best memories. I tried to keep that in mind the year that I was so broke, when Ashton was about 4. I only had a little tiny table, no room to put a huge meal on it. Ashton, Burt, and I decided to have a Thanksgiving picnic. We laid a blanket on the floor and laid the spread out on it! It is one of Ashton's best Turkey Day memories, and mine. So, I guess even if you don't spend the day at a huge family affair, it still can be a day of celebration.

Warm wishes to all of you. I hope everyone gets their fill. Here is another T~day tradition: A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. Remember how disappointed you would be when you realized you missed a holiday special on TV? In this day of youtube, DVRs, and DVDs my kids just don't get that! lol

Happy Thanksgiving! Especially you, Daddy!

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

Peter Pan 1924

2008-11-25T12:57:00.000-08:00

I wish this would come to the KC area. I guess seeing little snippets will have to suffice for now.

Santa's Wonderland

2008-11-22T21:47:00.000-08:00

Burt and I took the kids to the Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shop in Independence. The Bass Pro Shop just opened up this past spring at Independence. I believe that it is the National Headquarters for Bass Pro. It really is quite a store. The place is just huge, and it has anything the outdoorsman could possibly want or need.

The store has two levels, with a variety of trophy animal displays. Brendan liked this pic because it looked like the deer was munching on his hair.

There are several things you can do at Bass Pro. There is a shooting gallery, and a rock climbing wall.

The kids love the glass elevator. They love to go up and down and wave to us through the glass. There are waterfalls, and even a water wheel. They also have an indoor aquarium with giant catfish. This guy was about 4ft long and a hundred pounds.

After looking at the fish, there is an amazing seafood restaurant on the lower level. The kids got mini pizza. I got some amazing fish with homemade chips, and Burt got a delicious buffalo burger.

When the weather is warm you can eat out on the patio, which overlooks the lake and Waterfall Park. The park is named because there is a waterfall. The kids LOVE Waterfall Park, but it was too cold to play there today. Instead they played at the checkers tables on the upper level, which are located by the Fudge Shop. Yum! I love all the old fashioned candies they sell there. After exploring the store, the kids went to the Santa Village they had set up there at the store. It was really cute, and the Santa was great! Brendan and McKenna both froze and forgot what they wanted to ask Santa for Christmas. lol It reminded me of the scene in A Christmas Story, when Ralphie freezes in front of Santa a blurted out that he wanted a football. They even had Red Riders for sale! Brendan told Santa he wanted a clubhouse, even though he has been begging us for a Batcave toy. lol Afterwards we asked him why he asked for the clubhouse. He said he panicked, and wanted to go back! lol I reassured him that he could write Santa and let him know that he changed his mind. The kids got to see Santa, eat cookies, see a cool toy train display, and play a variety of games. It was a cool way to start off the Holiday Season. A season that I am sure will be full of all sorts of fun times! Enjoy this little video I made of the day.

School Skate Party Nov. 08

2008-11-20T20:42:00.000-08:00

We went to McKenna's school skate party. The kids really enjoy the skating rink. The disco lights, music, and old fashioned skates always brings back a flood of childhood memories for me. I used to love to go to the skating rink when I was a kid. I could skate forever. lol I used to roller skate all around NYC with my sneaker skates and rainbow suspenders.lol Rainbow suspenders ah~la Mork from Ork. Nanu nanu. lol McKenna loves to skate too, and they made the night more fun with the Wackiest Hairdo Contest. We had fun fixing her hair up, but she didn't win. There were some pretty wild do's there, or should we say don't's. lol

We will be heading back to the Rez for Thanksgiving. I can't believe it is here already. Preety soon my gandson will be having his 1st birthday. Man where does the time go? Seems like yesterday I was the roller girl of the mean streets of New York. lol

Mary's Birthday (1951)

2008-11-15T08:57:00.000-08:00

So sweet. Love the garden fairies.

Trick or Treaters

2008-11-02T17:57:00.000-08:00

The Halloween Witch

Gathered Up Her Tricky Team

In Search Of Their Candy Booty

The Night Was Perfect For Autumn Fun

Perfect For Taking Advantage of Leaf Piles

They Encountered Spookies

And Sweeties

And Ghastly Treaties

They Taught The Youngest How To Collect His Loot

Now He Knows Just What To Do

2008-10-28T22:24:00.000-07:00

We let Miss McKenna have a Halloween party this past weekend, and boy did we have fun. The kids were just crazy. You couldn't have asked for a more enthusiastic bunch. We stuffed them full of pizza and treats, and played some really fun games. The favorite game of the evening was the Donut Game. My Dad used to take us to his friend's house every Halloween time for a Halloween party. Those parites are some of the best memories from my childhood. We used to play the Donut game. It is alot harder than it looks. You have to race to finish your donut tied to a string, with your hands behind your back. It was so funny when Jaycee's donut fell off the string and onto her nose. lol

I got a strobe light, and they had a blast dancing in front of the thing. Boy did they cut loose. They were not shy in the least bit. We also let the kids bob for apples. I always load the apples up with quarters. It makes the kids try real hard to score one. It really was a fun party. Adults and kids had equal fun. Put us in the perfect mood for Tricks and Treats this week.

We Decked The Halls,

And Set The Table With Fiendish Delights,

Put On Our Best Costumes and Waited For The Guests To Arrive!

Halloween Bat

And A Steely Batman

Can You Believe They Put Me In This Ridiculous Getup?

Yeah, Pup, I can believe it :0(

Our Lovely Witch Hostess With Her Pup

Party People In The House

Yummm...Pizzza!

Who Gave This Guy A Deadly Weapon?

Pinata Time

Candy Scramble

The Donut Game Was Hilarious

The Donut Fell On Jaycee's Nose LOL

Dance, Dance

Bust A Move

Doin' The Robot

Dance Till You Drop

Can't Have A Halloween Party Without AppleBobbing

Gardens, Pumpkins, and Scarecrows

2008-10-25T00:25:00.000-07:00

We recently went to Powell Gardens to their Jack-o-Lantern Walk at Dusk. The garden is such a different place in the fall. The annuals and perenials in bloom were just an autumn treasure. Gorgeous chrysanthemums, snapdragons, sunflowers, and mums were on display in an array of fall colors. That coupled with the gorgeous color of the changing leaves made for a picturesque scene. The garden at night seems to take on an almost dreamy like quality, a place where fairytales and haunting tales could come to life.

Everything was aglow at the gardens.

The statues in the pond took on an eerie glow.

When we arrived at the garden's visitor center a fairy princess directed us to take in all the pumpkins that were on display. She also informed us that there were scarecrows on display throughout the garden. We would have the opprotunity to vote on our favorite scarecrow at the end of the evening. We then left the visitor center and continued on to search the section of the gardens with the scarecrows for our favorite ones. The scarecrows were very creative. My favorite was one of a cat fishing for catfish.

Burt's was called Corn Field of Dreams, which had a scarecrow dining on corn.

McKenna's was called Stop and Smell the Roses.

Brendan loved them all. lol

After picking our favorites, we continued on to the Jack-o-Lantern trail. The pumpkins gave a delightful glow to the garden path. The bridges were also illuminated by string lights. The kids had so much fun roaming around and picking their favorite pumpkins. Here is a slide show of some of the pumpkins they saw at the garden, and some from a pumpkin carving display we went to this year.

When we finished the tour we boarded the trolley and headed back to the visitors center were the kids were given a candy treat. It really was a visual delight to be at the gardens at night in the fall.

Dining With Dinos

2008-10-20T22:36:00.000-07:00

The kids and I went to the coolest restaurant. It is located in the Legends Shopping Center. The name of the restaurant is T-Rex.

It is a dinosaur themed restaurant with animatronic dinos throughout the place.

It was so cool, and the food was just amazing. The dining experience includes a dino bone dig area, learning center, a mine filled with geodes, and a Build-A-Dino Workshop(the same as Build-A-Bear). Brendan and McKenna each made their own dinos. McKenna made one for Andrew, and Brendan made a t-rex. I had to giggle because he named the thing Pooney. He first went with Ballo, but decided Pooney was a much better fit. lol Makes me a little nervous over what my future grandkids will be called. I guess it will be ok, because Ashton used to want to name everything Jonkey. lol I have no idea (and I don't think she does either) were the hell Jonkey came from.

T-Rex was huge. The animated dinosaurs were really impressive. Andrew's eyes were like saucers when he saw them. There is an enormous Giant Squid hanging from the ceiling when you walk in, and a wall with the image of hot lava pouring down on one wall.

Upstairs is the Ice Crystal Cave. It was really pretty. There is also a dino dig area. Brendan was so funny when he laid in the sand flapping his arms and legs to make "sand angels". He also loved the beautiful geodes.

The Legends itself is a beautiful shopping center. It boasts some of the most interesting restaurants in the KC area. It also has a huge fountain area that the kids love.

We will definitely be making a trip back to T-Rex.

Kansas City Renfest '08

2008-10-19T08:15:00.000-07:00

The kids and I headed out to the last day of the Renaissance Festival in Bonner Springs this past Monday. We had so much fun. We had a perfect day. The final day was much less crowded than on the weekends. It was also cool and overcast, which made for a really pleasant day.
The Renfest is always a blast for the kids. It is like walking back into a fantasy realm. They love the costumes. They enjoy sharing time with fairies, ladies, knights, royalty, wizards, and pirates. This year they had a puppet show with a large dragon puppet. In the show the dragon is born from an egg. After he is born they ask for a name for the dragon. The fairy princess picked Brendan and asked him what his name was, and decided he and the dragon would share the same name. Brendan was thrilled that he and the dragon shared the same name. As the showed continued the fairy princess picked a “volunteer” to go on stage. That “volunteer” was none other than yours truly. As part of my public humiliation I was goosed by the dragon. The kids cracked up, thinking it was hysterical that someone was doing this to THEIR Mom. Brendan was also picked to go on stage and act out a skit with the Brendan the Dragon. He was so cute, especially when he peeked inside the “egg” to see what was behind the dragon. When we asked him what he saw he said he saw a hand. lol
They also added a Wizard’s wand school to the Children’s Enchanted Realm. The kids really liked making their own wands, and then took them to be “tested” by the Wizards. This was a thrill for two Harry Potter fans.
The Renfest is always a great time. If you have the chance to attend one you should. The jousting, food, music, and shows make it a really unique experience.

Fall Time in Missouri

2008-10-12T16:26:00.000-07:00

"Nature" is what we see—
The Hill—the Afternoon—
Squirrel—Eclipse—the Bumble bee—
Nay—Nature is Heaven—
Nature is what we hear—
The Bobolink—the Sea—
Thunder—the Cricket—
Nay—Nature is Harmony—
Nature is what we know—
Yet have no art to say—
So impotent Our Wisdom is
To her Simplicity."
~Emily Dickinson

One of the great things about living where we do is the COUNTRY!

Our house (actually it is more like a cottage) sits on 8 acres. To the south of our home is the pond. To the west is a huge corn field. Turning east is acres of woods leading up a hill. If you go north , you hit the creek. My family loves to explore the many areas surrounding our house. Nature and wildlife abound. From the deer that walks by our house, to the heron that fishes our pond. There are creatures and plants of all shape and form right out my front door. Some of the animals that I have encountered by just literally opening up my front door include rabbits, deer, snakes, groundhogs, and coyotes.

The woods provide endless hours of exploration for the kids. Our neighbors own over 60 acres, and we have access to most of the land. The woods leading up the hill is full of trails. The kids like to go quading on the trails. Our neighbors are moving their horses over soon. They want my husband to teach their daughter how to ride. He was raised on a ranch, and is proficient in riding. We will have access to the horses when they come over. Burt keeps threatening to get our own horse, but if we end up moving back to South Dakota he doesn't want to transport a horse. I guess it will be neat to have our neighbor's horses to ride. Actually, it might be better, all the fun without any of the expense or work! Can't wait until Mustang and Portia move over here.

Brendan and McKenna like to go on nature walks. Brendan likes to pick out walking sticks. This one might be a little too big.

His favorite thing to do down at the creek is to pitch rocks. The bigger the splash, the greater sense of satisfaction he gets.

Lilly is already 6 months. I can't believe how much time has gone, since we brought her home. She really is the sweetest pup. So good with the kids. Boston terriers really are the best dogs with kids. If you are looking for a small indoor dog for kids, you can't go wrong with a Boston. Lilly loves to go trailing with the kids. Sticking her nose into everything.

Lilly looks so stylish in her new dress.

McKenna's favorite thing to do at the creek is to find rocks. She is a rock hound.

She likes to find round rocks, which she uses in our ceremonies. The creek provides many rocks.

She also likes to pick wild flowers.

She managed to convince her brother that her flowers were mistletoe, and he owed her a kiss.

Fall here in Missouri is just truly beautiful. It is my favorite time of year, and I feel truly blessed.

The Halloween Hare

2008-10-06T14:15:00.000-07:00

The Halloween Hare

Gave the kiddies a scare

Late on a Hallow's Night.

Popping out of his hole

With a mask black as coal

Giving the Tricksters a fright.

Not a minute he wastes

Gobbling chocolates in haste

Left while taking their flight.

Louisburg Cider Mill

2008-10-05T18:13:00.000-07:00

Burt and I took the kids to the Louisburg Cider Mill in Louisburg, KS, this weekend. We really had a good time. The Louisburg Cider Mill makes the most delicious apple cider I have ever had. They have a 100 year old cider press that squeezes the fresh juice out of the apples. You can watch the cider being made from the apple washing to the bottling. The kids were really fascinated by the whole process. They were really impressed by the machine that screwed the caps on the jugs, and they liked the fact that they could then taste the final product. The mill also makes cider doughnuts, which are amazing. Brendan is a donught feind! He loved watch the batter drop and watch them sizzle down the conveyor belt. The donughts were as tasty as the cider.

This weekend was their fall festival. Crafts, music, and good food abound. There is also a corn maze and pumpkin patch. The kids loved picking out their pumpkins, taking great care to find the "perfect" one. We tried the corn maze, and boy was it tough. There is over 7 miles of maze. After awhile we were just beat, so we cheated lol. We cut through to get out.

It was the perfect place to get us in the mood for the fall season. Bring on Halloween.

Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Wild West Show

2008-09-29T09:16:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun this weekend! We went to the Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm for their Wild West Show. It really was a blast. The kids were transported in time by the sights and sounds of the Wild West. The Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop is located in Olathe, Kansas. The farmstead was an original stop on the Oregon and California trails. The farm was founded by James and Lucinda Mahaffie in 1858. It is currently a museum, often hosting reenactment events, such as the Wild West Show. Three of the original Mahaffie farm buildings still stand, and it is the only remaining stop on the Santa Fe Trail. It is a fun place to visit even when they aren’t hosting an event.
There was so much stuff to do at the farm. There were gunfights, Mariachi bands, dancers, craftsmen, and a Wild West Show. We got to take in the Wild West Show. The performances consisted of trick riders, trick shots, fire eaters, and so many others. One of our favorites was the woman who recreated Annie Oakley’s trick shot show. McKenna was real impressed with Miss Oakley. She and I went to visit “Miss Oakley” in her tent. Afterwards McKenna was inspired to do some shooting of her own. We took her to the shooting gallery. It was her first time shooting a rifle, and she hit the bullseye several times! She was a natural. The guys at the gallery were impressed, as were her Dad and I. We have dubbed her “Little Miss Sure Shot”.
Another person McKenna was excited to meet was the Teddy Roosevelt. McKenna is really fascinated by Presidents. She can tell you the name of every President, including which number they were President. She also knows facts about many of them. Her favorite President was Lincoln, followed by Teddy as a close second. She and the Teddy actor had fun swapping Roosevelt facts. As a reward for her knowledge on Roosevelt he gave her a Roosevelt campaign button. She was impressed with that.
The fair also had several performers. I enjoyed watching the Mexican dancers. The dancers represented different regions of Mexico. They were so cute. Burt enjoyed Charro Jerry Diaz. He had Mexican Dancing Horses. The horses were so beautiful, and it was really neat to watch them move in time to the music. Jerry’s wife and four year old son join him in the performance. His son, Nicholas, was so adorable. Below is a video of part of Charro Jerry’s act.

The kids got to participate in so many activities and events. Some of their favorites were riding the stagecoach, hitting the pinata, panning for gold, making wooly sheep, and leather stamping. They also got to ride horses and ponies. The kids also met other animal friends. They encountered sheep, goats, oxen, and bunnies. They even met a wolf.
There was so much to see and do that we didn’t even get through it all! If you ever get a chance to go to Olathe make sure and stop in at Mahaffie. The Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop will definitely be one of our regular stops now.

The Bore

2008-09-24T19:59:00.000-07:00

the bore

the rambling talk of a fool
so loud and verbose
whose words prattle on
disregarded by most
impatience is what
you have incurred
mocking a mind
with your bloated words
disteem your badge
earned with distinct
given to a bore
who's never succinct

I'm Lovin' It

2008-09-16T18:02:00.000-07:00

I really enjoy my son. He is just such an imaginative child. He kind of lives in his own world at times. A world of fantasy, where characters from stories come to life for him. That is a good thing I think, and I try to encourage it at every turn. He is probably one of the most imaginative people I have ever been around. So , when we went to McDonald's one day and the old clown himself showed up, he was just in awe. Brendan's enthusiasm for Ronald was felt by the whole crowd. When Ronald was looking for a volunteer to help with a magic trick, he naturally gravitated to my son. Brendan giggled with delight, and was so impressed with Ronald's "magic". I wish I had a video of it. Brendan always reminds me to take time to enjoy the simple things in life. He teaches me to enjoy the world around me, and to appreciate the magic that can be found in the most ordinary of place.

Who the heck is that??

It's Ronald!!

I hope he picks me!!!
Can you believe he picked ME??

Time for some magic!

Give my helper a hand.

Send in the clowns.

Ancestor Song

2008-09-08T18:28:00.000-07:00

Listen for the Prairie Song,It'll call to you all night long.

Whistling over blades of grass,carried by wind, voices from the past.

Echoing over distance and space.

The Plains version of Amazing Grace.

Let it wash the bitterness from your lips,That rushed from you like a Judas kiss.

Honor the ones that brought you forth,Give your ears to their ancient chorus.

Find respect with each refrain,So their sacrafices were not made in vain.

Monkeying Around

2008-09-07T19:18:00.000-07:00

Monkey See Monkey

Brendan and Nico Becoming Friends

Kindered Spirits

McKenna Meets Nico

Aww, Brendan He Is So Cute

Hey Nico, That Tickles

Hypocrite

2008-09-02T08:59:00.000-07:00

Hypocrite

Stamping down her feet, she balls her fists of fury.

Standing on her soapbox, becoming judge and jury.

Never letting go of any slights or injuries,

Holding tight to grudges, vengeance all she sees.

But her rants ring false, herself she's made a fool,

For she has forgotten the important Golden Rule.

Wrapped up in herself, her past her main concern.

Lessons that were taught, were never really learned.

How can you state the worst is yours alone to claim~

When those who care for you, receive nothing but the same?

Booms and Blooms

2008-07-11T23:42:00.000-07:00

We had an awesome 4th this year. Good times, good food, and big booms. We had an old fashioned 4th of July during the day. We visited Missouri Town, and enjoyed all the sights and sounds. The kids just love it there. They really enjoyed the firing squad. The gun fire was so loud, it made them jump every time. Brendan was so funny, his eyes would become enormous. He would laugh afterwards at himself for being so jumpy.

After Missouri Town, we came home and had a huge cookout. Burt made his famous grilled Italian sausages with peppers. YUM~ They were sooooo good! He is the best griller. McKenna contributed her famous fruit kabobs. She loves making them, and loves eating them more. Ashton went to St. Louis recently for her boyfriend's family reunion. She brought Brendan home this crazy potato head guy that grows grass for hair. Brendan loved it! He insisted on having him as part of our 4th of July tablescape. LoL He was so proud of his Super Grass Head Guy!

We then loaded up and headed to the fireworks up in town. Our little town was just a haze of smoke with all the people setting off their own fireworks. Some of them were really impressive. The city's fireworks were awesome. The kids loved them. We sat on a blanket at the park and watched the whole show. My baby grandson was in awe of the light show.

On the 5th we went to Powell Gardens for their Booms and Blooms. The Lee Summit Symphony played as the fireworks went off. It was an incredible display over the lake. We sat out on our blanket and enjoyed the good music and fun sights. Brendan was super impressed when the symphony played the Indiana Jones theme. lol

So between the quaint atmosphere of our town firework display, and the spectacular display at the gardens, we are good until next Fourth of July. Hope you all had a happy, safe, and fun 4th.

Our New Puppy Lilly

2008-06-10T17:42:00.000-07:00

We went and bought the kids a new Boston Terrier puppy. We are a Boston family, and really missed having one. Her name is Lilly Belle. The kids love her. She has melted everyone's heart, and is a wonderful addition to our family. Bostons make such great pets for kids. They really love children, and were bred solely to be companion animals. Since they were bred to be companions, their personalities are so great.

Into The Garden We Go

2008-06-01T17:35:00.000-07:00

All of us headed out to Powell Gardens this weekend. We had alot of fun. Lots of beautiful flowers. They were having an African statue exhibit. The display is called "Chapungu: Nature, Man & Myth". There were over 50 statues placed throughout the garden. McKenna and Brendan had a great deal of fun finding the statues. My favorite one was of the giraffes. I LOVE giraffes. If you ever go to Powell Gardens in Missouri, there is alot of ground to cover. They do offer a trolley, which Brendan loves to ride. By the time we reached the far end of the gardens, we all were ready to ride the trolley back. Powell Gardens is one of our favorite places. They have made it even better with the new Butterfly Garden and water fountain. The kids got to cool off with snow cones, and a run through the fountain. We can't wait to go back for the fourth for the fireworks.

Living in the Country

2008-05-29T13:18:00.001-07:00

One great thing about living in the country is having your own pond. Skating in the winter, and swimming in the summer.

Giggle for Today

2008-05-28T20:15:00.001-07:00

My Backyard

2008-04-29T13:12:00.000-07:00

The kids and Burt love hiking in the backyard. They have many adventures exploring the forest.

How did you get up there?

Waiting for a Prince's Kiss?

Tree Elf

Queen of Hearts

2008-02-15T23:21:00.000-08:00

Queen of Hearts

My blessings are not like that of a Queen's
they're made up of much more simpler things.
She may have treasures of great to behold~
of rubies and diamonds and jewlery of gold.
My blessings they come in everyday life~
the precious gems of mother and wife.
The kiss from a girl who's content to be
listening to stories of fairies from me.
The laugh of a boy who's amused it seems
by the curious things that little boys dream.
The glance from the man that I know I can trust
to protect our "Kingdom" from turning to dust.
No, my blessings are not like that of a Queen's~
they're greater and richer than rubies and rings.