Junie-isms

I have recently discovered the Junie B Jones series, thanks to Ashley, and all I can think is why haven't I read these before! They are HILARIOUS!! I find myself having to pause and get control of my laughter as I read and frequently shake my head while saying, "Oh Junie!". Since reading them to Ashley at night "Junie-isms" have become a part of my vocabulary.

*Just then, I got up from my chair. And I skipped to my boyfriend named Ricardo. I tickled him under the chin with my softy hands of fur. "This is what fur hands look like when they're tickling you under your chin," I said. Then I grinned and grinned. 'Cause that boy brings out the best in me. That's why.

*When I first opened them, I got filled with glee. Glee is when you run. And jump. And skip. And laugh. And clap. And dance on top of the dining room table. Then your mother takes you down from the table. And she carries you to your room for a time-out. Time-outs kill the glee.

*I am a bachelorette. A bachelorette is when your boyfriend named Ricardo dumps you at recess. Only I wasn't actually expecting that terrible trouble. It happened today on the playground. First I was playing horses with my friends Lucille and Grace. Then, all of a sudden, my boyfriend named Ricardo runned right past me. And he was chasing a new girl named Thelma! "RICARDO!" I hollered real loud. "HEY! RICARDO! 'ZACTLY WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING, MISTER?" Then I zoomed right after that guy. And I tackled him on the grass. And we wrestled. And tangled. And rolled all around. Finally, I sat on his legs. And I smoothed my hair very attractive. "Hello, Ricardo," I said. "How are you today? I am fine. Only I just saw you chasing new Thelma. And so please knock it off. And I mean it." Ricardo raised his eyebrows very surprised. "Why? How come?" he said. I sucked in my cheeks at that guy. "Because, Ricardo. Because I am your girlfriend. And you are my boyfriend. And boyfriends and girlfriends are only allowed to chase each other. That's how come." Ricardo kept on looking at me. I shrugged my shoulders. "Sorry. Those are just the rules," I explained. Ricardo's face turned very glum. "But I like chasing new Thelma," He said kind of whiny. "It's fun." I patted his arm very understanding. "Yes, well, I don't make the rules, Rick. I just enforce them," I said. After that, I got off his legs. And I sat in the grass next to him. Ricardo didn't talk for a long time. Then finally, he stood up. And he shook my hand real nice. "Junie B., it's been fun being your boyfriend," he said. "But I think it's time we started chasing other people."

Those are just a few of my fave's. There are many more at a library near you! Highlighted parts are where I laugh hysterically. And if there are any other "glee-killers" out there reading this I wish you the very best day with that boy who brings out the best in you! And remember to let him know that you don't make the rules you just enforce them!!!!

My 5th Child

I know what your thinking..."What another kid?!" Not to worry, I'm not having a baby and I am not referring to Kelly either. I would like to introduce you to the newest member of our family...Winky! Mason keeps informing me that I have 5 kids. I suppose that is really how it has to be because I always swore that I would never have anything in my house that pooped besides my children and husband.

Winky is Ashley's pet. And in case you couldn't tell by the picture, Winky is a gerbil. Ashley has him because she has an adoring father that loves her so very much and he pled her case to me and although I also love her so very much, I am pretty stubborn about extra poop producing things in my house, but I gotta admit I love that big guy (I am referring to Kelly now) and I gave in and now I have a little furry black son that resides in a cage in Ashley's room. Don't tell anyone, he is beginning to grow on me. I secretly go in to watch him while the kids are at school and I admit I find myself talking to him too.

So, welcome little Winky to the Laing household. We "all" love you.

Ode to Nebraska

Once again it has been a very sad amount of time since I have posted anything, but here I am (Yay!) A lot has happended since my last post...like a summer and we are in a different state. You are probably thinking that is nothing new with us but I'd thought I would do a brief overview of the happy points of our new state of residence...Nebraska!

Here we have our home, which I love to live in for many different reasons but one being that we live on Kelly Dr. Yes, Kelly was so important they named a whole street after him. I mean really, we all knew it would happen sooner or later and now we can move on to having a large monument named after him, then here comes the holiday, although we don't expect it to be a federal holiday at first, maybe after a few years...

Downtown Omaha is a great place full of things to do and big building, it just has one of those good city feelings. We went to a great place called Old Market that has little shops and lots of charm. It made me think a little of down town Charleston.
And we cannot forget one of our most favorite place that we had never found in all our travels until we got here to Nebraska...Famous Dave's!!! Can I just say Mmmmmmm! So good! Lest you might judge us I will refrain from mentioning here how many times we have been in our 2+ months here. (Hee, Hee) Briskit, BBQ-ed pork, ribs, best fries ever, corn muffins, and last but definetely not least--Bread pudding. Sigh...
The kids started school and love it. Britton and Ashley are at Two Springs elementary and ride the bus together every morning. Britton is the best big brother and takes good care of his little sister.
Quincy is a 7th grader!!! Gasp!!! He goes to Lewis and Clark Middle School. He rides his bike to school and up one BIG hill. I rode it with him one morning and phew..owie legs!!! Must brag...he was put into Algebra and was chosen to take the ACT, SAT early. That's his Daddy's boy!!

Oh look...it's a beach!! Nope, it's a lake, much to Ashley's dismay since she does still question why there are no beaches in Nebraska. We did try to fool her with this one but it wasn't up to her specs.
We had a great visit with my family. Mom and Dad came with Lindsey and Rylee and Katie, Jonathon and kids were here for Jonathon's sister's wedding. All grandkids together...we had to get a picture.
This is the Winter Quarters Temple that we live only 20 minutes away from. So beautiful and so wonderful to have a live-in babysitter (Quincy) and time to go!
Air shows to watch right from our back porch! It was so awesome, we watched it all three day plus a practice day. The Blue Angels were performing this year. Go Navy!!! Here is a picture of them.
And a wonderful backyard right on the golf course to enjoy. So much family time and Kelly loves his job. I will never get to know what he does (if he tells me he'll have to kill me), but I am informed it's way cool!

This is only a little portion of the great time we are having. We feel so blessed to be here and have so much time together. As I type the wind is howling outside and I'm wearing a long sleeved shirt, pant and socks and my fingers are freezing. I think our Nebraska winter is beginning and I pray I will survive!! Wish me luck!