And how does your garden grow??

The Irises have started blooming. I always love them because they look so beautiful. We have both purple and yellow ones. Spring is here, although late it is here!!










The Tomatoes are finally growing and just waiting to get bigger to go in the garden!!

Christopher's 2 week check-up

Thursday, May 3, 2007, Christopher had his 2 week check up with the Asthma doctor. We saw the Nurse Practitioner since the Dr was running way behind. She was wonderful. Christopher sounded wonderful and clear. They have backed off on his meds.
2 puffs of Qvar once a day (same as before)
3 puffs of Atrovent once a day (down from three times a day)

Respi-Tann, Nasonex only as needed if congested sounding.

The Albuterol and Presnisolone only when needed for sever wheezing (we have not used them at all up to this point).

So he does not go back for 1 month...so we shall see how we do.

Today (Friday) was the first day on the lower meds and so far so good!

Garden is started!!

We finally got our garden all in! This year we planted
Spinach
Lettuce
Broccoli
Carrots
Green Beans
Egg Plant
Regular Cucumbers
Pickling Cucumbers
Pumpkins



Waiting till Mothers day to plant is:
Cherry Tomatoes
Roma Tomatoes
Beefsteak Tomatoes
Green Peppers
They are all started in plant starts on the deck, once Mother's Day gets here they will get transplanted into the garden.

CCVI Trolley Run

Today was the annual CCVI Trolley Run. CCVI is the Children's Center for the Visualy Impaired. The Trolley Run is their biggest fund raiser for the school. Adults run a 4 mile run and the kids have a fun run. Each year the Rainbow Girls work the fun run. Our job is to pass out ribbons to all the kids who run that say "I am a winner!" We figured it up, this is about the 8th year we have done this project. The reason for starting this project was because of Brenda Munden, a majorty Rainbow Girl from NKC and Past Grand Worthy Advisory. Her oldest son was born with vision problems, has since lost one eye, and went to CCVI for school. Currently his Grandma works at CCVI.


This year both Catheine and Anna ran. They did a great job. Although it is hard to get pics of them running, but we tried. We got a pictures of them and Sadie and Corban (who are kids of people in Rainbow) together with their ribbons.

This year also the 501st joined the CCVI Trolley run as part of the pre-kids run entertainment. So Tony was there in his officer costume along with other members of the group.

Following the run some of them went up to church to suprise our minster who is a BIG star wars fan.

Over all it was a great day!

Great Strides Charity Walk for Cystic Fribrosis Foundation

Today we loaded up the kids, along with Ronda and Trenten and went to Columbia, Missouri. Today the 501st worked the Great Strides Charity Walk to benifit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. It was a great time. Catherine was in her Jawa costume and she was a hit with the other kids. She was running around chasing them and when she would catch them she would put her arms around them and say "I gottcha." It was too funny.

Tony was in his Tuskin Rader costume.

I think the best part was watching the Troopers doign the YMCA. It was even funnier that they only knew how to do the letters and not the rest of the dance...so I was standing their leading them in the rest of the dance. Thank you to being a Rainbow Girl I know how to dance!!

Here are a few pics:

Tony and Christopher's Dr. Visit

OH what a day

Tony and Christopher had their visits with the Adult/Pediatric Allergy, Asthma and Immunology doctor. First they test both of them for Allergies, they both have zero. Tony was told his sinus issues are not allergy related they are just sinus issues that can be brought on my pressure changes, weather, etc. So he was given a nasal spray to try and see if that helps.

Then we moved on to Christopher. They tested him for 9 allergies and he has no, which most were food related so I could have answered that one for them, but now we have documentation proving it. So then they moved on to his congestion and constant colds and ear infections. He has been diagnosed with Asthma. At first they were surprised till I explained to them that my father has severe asthma. The Doctor said that statistically they find 1 in 3 grandkids will have asthma. So we now have a whole ton of meds to work with. So now he has to use Nasonex in each nostril every morning for nose congestion, ½ tsp Respi-Tann (if congested sounding), 2 puffs of Qvar (an inhaler) 1 time a day, 3 puffs of Atrovent 3 times a day. If he is having breathing trouble is to have Albuterol (inhaler or nebulizer). If the Albuterol does not help within 4 tries we are to give him ¾ tsp Presnisolone. We go back on May 3, 2007 for a follow up and to start to adjust the meds. They are basically going to clean out his lungs big time then begin to back off on meds to find the level that will maintain them nice and clear.

Needless to say I have been a basic case on the phone trying to understand how much and when to give each med. When we left we had all this paperwork that was confusing to understand. But I think I finally have it all down straight.

How Old is your Inner Child??

How Old is Your Inner Child?

My inner child is sixteen years old!

Life's not fair! It's never been fair, but while adults might just accept that, I know something's gotta change. And it's gonna change, just as soon as I become an adult and get some power of my own.
Take this quiz!

Catherine's Surgery

Well we are home and I have to say Catherine is the biggest trooper. So here is what all happened.

We got to Children's Mercy South at 8:15 am and checked in. By 8:45 am we were in the pre-op area, this area reminded me of an ER, they had bed separated by walls. We met our Pre-op nurse and she weighed Catherine (40 lbs) and measured her (44 inches tall), she also checked her heart, blood pressure, and oxygenation. She then gave Catherine her ID bracelet (on her ankle) and a bracelet for me. She then put a bracelet on Catherine's Duck even writing "Emma belongs to the Catherine P." (Emma is the name she gave her Easter duck last night. Then she gave Catherine a Disney Princess game machine to play on. So we went back to our bed area and we played on the machine and walked around and such. Kids were riding in little tyke cars all around, it was soo cool. Then a lady came and let Catherine smell the different scents of smelly air so she could see which one she wanted, bubble gum of course. Then we met the anesthesiologist who went over everything. Finally the Dr. came and we talked and then it was time to head back. My dad and I walked with her till we met the double doors, she went to the left and we went to the right, after many hugs and kisses.

30 minutes later the Dr. came out and said everything went well and she was in recovery. Told us it would be 30 to 45 minutes before we would be ready to meet up and go up to our room. So my dad and I ran down to the cafe and grabbed a bite to eat. We got back up to the waiting room (30 minutes later) sat down only to hear "Catherine's family". So there was my girl, sitting up in her bed and talking away. Telling me that the bubble gum air made her cough some. So we went up to our room. Catherine's nurse, who was named Catherine and spelled the same, came in and got her all situated. They had slushies ready for her. Catherine sat up said she felt fine, took her first dose of pain meds (hydrocodone) and drank her orange slushie right up.

We played 4 rounds of Candy Land, played with play dough, colored in a coloring book, and watched a movie. They were always coming by asking if she wanted anything else to do.

At 2:31 pm they said since she went potty we could leave. Catherine received her "My surgery was Bearable at Children's Mercy" T-shirt and a Lamb Stuffed animal. She even rode in a wagon out to the car. When we got in the car, she realized she left her slushie in the room so she asked if we could get something. So we went and picked up a chocolate milk shake for her. Then to the Pharmacy to pick up Hydrocodone and Amoxicillin.

We got home at 3:39 pm and all has gone well. She had eaten 2 pudding cups, drank 2 yogurts and juice and water.

I will say when I had this done I was in so much pain, I can not believe she is doing so well.

The only issue we have had is with Anna, who seems to be jealous of Catherine.

Oh well it is 9 pm I am tired and we are getting ready to make Catherine go to bed, since she has not taken a nap or anything since her surgery. Silly girl.

Well that is our update. Thank you for all the prayers, I know God is watching over us.

Christopher's 18 month Check up

Well it was good and bad I guess. The Dr. was nice.

Christopher weighed in at 20 pounds 11 oz (so he is up, but still below the growth chart). He is 31 inches long and his head messured 19 1/4 inches. Once again he has an ear infections, which makes the 3rd once since December of 2006.

I called the Allergist and got both Christopher and Tony an appointment for April 19th at 2 pm!!!

Happy Easter!

Yes it is Easter again. And what a great Easter it was!

We started off the day getting ready for church and the kids clothes fit great on them!!

Then we headed to church, the morning started off with the kids having their egg hunt at church. The kids had a great time, and Christopher kinda got the hang of hunting Easter Eggs.

Then we had our worship service and the Catherine's kids choir sang.

Then it was off to breakfast at Mimi's! The food was wonderful. The kids loved their ducks I made them for Easter and my mom loved her singing Hallmark bunny (we both have them now!) I got a spaghetti squash for Easter, since I told my mom the last time I was at the store I could not find any, so she found one for me!!

Yes it was a great day!

DeMolay Knights Dance

Let us Dance Let us Dance Let us Dance. Tonight was the DeMolay Knights Dance. Each year the DeMolay Knights host a dance to honor the Grand Officer's of the Masonic Youth Groups. This is the second year Catherine has attened and she had a blast. I was even getting my grove on! I even had my mom doing the Cha Cha Slide!!! It was a great night and I think Catherine enjoyed herself very much.

Rainbow Girl's Walk-a-thon

Today was the Walk-A-Thon for the Missouri Rainbow Girl's Scholarship fund. Each year District #4 holds a walk-a-thon to raise our state assessment for the fund. Each Assembly in the state is required to give $200 for the scholarships.

Catherine again this year participated. She raised $100. So she raised 1/2 of what NKC needed.

The weather was COLD and COLD and COLD.

At least the whole thing started and ended fast. Does not take people long time to walk two laps around the park when you are that cold, just because you want to get done!

Easter Egg Time

Today we worked on dying our Easter Eggs. First time for Christopher. Over all it went great!

Peabody, you will be missed

We have known this day was coming, but no matter how much you prepare yourself you are never really ready. Today was the day, it was the day that Peabody was called to heaven. Peabody passed away in his sleep while on my mom's chest, just like the day we brought him home.

Peabody came to live with us June 1989. My mom promised me if we moved to Missouri we could get a dog. The only rule was short haired, small dog. So we looked and looked and came across a lady who had a litter of miniature dachshunds. So my mom and I went to look at them. The litter was 3 boys and 3 girls. We went into her house and the puppies were in her kitchen so into the kitchen we went. I sat on the floor and all the puppies were running around, except one of them. He came over and crawled into my lap and started playing with my shoe laces. We learned that he was the runt of the litter and was brought back to life after being born with no heart beat, the lady explained how she massaged his chest and he came to life. So did we pick this dog, nope he picked us. We took him and named him Peabody. The name I always said I wanted for a dog, it was the name the girl, Jennifer, who got me into Rainbow, had for her poodle. So Peabody came home with us.

My mom said a dog had to sleep in the kitchen, and we tried but he cried and cried, so that night I laid on the couch with him on my chest and we slept. I think it is interesting his first night in our house he slept on my chest and his last night in our house she slept on my mom's chest.

Peabody was ornery at first, eating up phone cords and tinkling on the white shaggy rug in the family room.

Peabody made many moves from Willow Drive, to North Troost and finally to Kearney.

Peabody was funny, he was a boy dog but tinkled like a girl dog. He was full of energy and spunk.

When we lived on North Troost someone tried to poison him and I remember sitting on the kitchen floor cuddling him as he shook violently and was throwing up. He survived.

Peabody even had the joy of having Catherine paint his toes nails one time with nail polish.

He was my first baby and I will never forget him. He was the runt of the litter and he out lived all of his brothers and sisters. He lived for 17 years and 10 months.

Thank you God for letting Peabody pick me to be his Mommy and thank you for the joy he brought to my family.

Peabody you will be missed.

Shake those Palms!

Today is Palm Sunday and the kids at our church bring in the palms. Anna and Catherine had a blast. Anna sat with me during part of church and needless to say my face took a beating from the palm branches.

Our trip to Iowa

Friday we met my parents and headed to Iowa. Bright and early we were on I-35 north bound. We stopped in Osceola for breakfast. This is a norm for us and we had a great meal. It was funny to watch Catherine's eyes when she saw someone get a cinnamon roll. The cinnamon rolls at this restaurant are the size of a dinner plate. We then drove on to Williamsburg, Iowa to the outlet and bought some shoes, dishes, and clothes for the kids. We hit Davenport at 3 pm and went straight to the cemetery. The girls helped me make the arraignment for my Grandparents. We even had Anna read the name of my Grandma, the person whom she is named after. Then we walked over and put flowers at my Grand Aunt and Uncle and my Cousins headstones. Then it was time to meet everyone for dinner. So 20 of us met at Hickory Gardens for dinner. It was a great meal and a wonderful time with family. I even called Tony at home so my Cousin Sally could see that he is a real person. Next trip Tony is going with us, since most of my family has never met him.

We finally arrived back at our house at 2 am. A long day but a great day!!!

KC Zoo

Today my mom came over and we went to the KC Zoo. The kids were wonderful!! They had so much fun. We met Stacey and her son, Anne and her son, and Anne's Sister-in-law and her son. We did the front of the zoo and ALL of Africa. Then we just ran out of time as it was 4:30 pm and the zoo closes at 4 pm. I think the highlights were the new baby baboon and the hippos. The male hippo was so cool, he was playing with a white barrel and needless to say he was going crazy.

R2D2 has landed in KC

Well KC along with the rest of the US has been invaded by R2D2. The United States Postal Service has cover over 400 mailboxes to make them look like R2D2. Last night, the Heart of the Allience Star Wars club met on the plaza with Fox 4 news for a new story. Catherine wore her Jawa costume and Tony wore his tuskin rader. They had a blast.

Here is the fox news story: http://piercefamily.dyndns.org/picture/photo2007/03_26_07_R2_Mailbox_Event/r2d2.wmv

Here are some pictures

Catherine was interviewed by Fox 4:

Marching to the R2D2:

It is starting to show!

Well for just over a year now I have been working out and improving my eatting habits and today I can say it is showing!!

The first picture is me, taken at a Grand Cross Confering on April 8, 2006

This is me today:

The best part was putting on a pair of my pants today to see this:

Catherine's Pre-Op Check-up

Well today was Catherine’s Pre-Op check. So my parents came over my house, my mom stayed with Anna and Christopher, while Pop’s and I took Catherine to the Dr. The nurse is who we saw. She talked to us more about the surgery and what to expect. She then checked Catherine’s ears, nose, and throat. She also listened to her heart, lungs and pushed on her tummy and that was it. We were done. So Catherine picked out some stickers and we headed home. It was short and sweat and she did great. They said the week before surgery they will call with times and any last minute info. So now the count down begins, my baby will have surgery in little over 2 weeks.

I remember when I had Catherine, and my mom stood by my bed crying because I was going into surgery to for my c-section and I asked her way she was crying and her response was “My baby is having surgery to have a baby”. I kinda thought at the time my mom was foolish, it was no big deal. Well as these two weeks tick by I am starting to understand more and more how she felt. My baby is going to have surgery.

Happy St. Pat's Day!!

Happy St. Pat's Day! I hope and pray people are having a great Green day and are safe. We talked last week about going to the Downtown St. Pat's Parade but after Snake Saturday and how the kids got tired of the parade part way through we decided not to try.
So we have spent the day doing home repairs and such. Tried to fix the drain line going down the wall from the washer, but to no luck. Tony put Liquid Plummer down the line, then he tried running a garden hose down the line (water does fine). So then we tried to run the washer. As soon as it hits cycle when it empties out the machine water backs up the drain line and comes spilling out over the wall. So on Monday I will call a plummer, I just feel so bad for Tony he is trying so hard to make it work. Then there is the dryer. It is taking on average of 4 hours to dry a load of laundry. We have cleaned it out of all lent, under the machine and in the vents, we have checked that the gas kicks on. So that leaves the thermostat or main board acting up. So I guess once I have my washer draining correctly that will be the next project. It seems like it never ends.

Oh well off to sew Easter stuff.

Bye Bye Colds!!!

Well this last bought of colds seems to have come and gone in about a week!!! I am soo happy. It is great that we all seemed to get better faster.

Weight loss is going good.....1 more pound and I will have lost 10 pounds in the past month. I am soo happy!! Just 50 someodd more to go.

Cold Stikes again!

Well it looks like a cold bug is stiking our house yet again. Started off with Anna and Catherine coughing. Then Anna ran a fever for about 48 hours and Catherine sounds croupy. Now I am getting a head cold. Arrgg I thought we were done with sickness in this house....guess I was wrong.

Anna's first swimming lessons

Well Wednesday was Anna's first night of swimming lessons. She LOVED it! Christopher and I came alone too so I could take pictures. Other then the water being cold she was in heaven. Her and daddy has soo much fun. They splashed, kicked, floated, and jumped. I hope she keeps enjoying every moment of it.

Catherine's ENT appointment

Well Catherine had her ENT appointment today. We did it because of snoring and she like chokes when she is sleeping. Well her tonsils are big and so on April 10th she is going to have her tonsils and adenoids removed.

Christopher's 15 month check up

Well it was nothing but bad news.

Christopher gained 7 oz in the past 3 months so he is complete dropped off the growth chart (he weighed in at 19 pounds 3 oz). His height did not grow at all. She was nice and just said "your kids do not follow normal growth patterns. At least she did not ask me about walking, since he will not walk unless he is holding on to something. He was wheezing so bad this morning that she made him take a breathing treatment right then and there and we have to continue them ever 4 hours from this point on. She then said it would be touch and go as to how long we have to keep going and how often. His ear infection is either back or never went away so he is now on amoxicillen. She does not know why the other doctor did not just put us on it before since it worked before.

So we are waiting for home health to bring us a nebulizer and then the meds to be ready to pick up at the pharmacy (said it would take at least an hour). We go back on 26th to get rechecked and then if all is well we do shots.

Needless to say I am a mess today.

Nation Says "Good-Bye"

Today the Nation said Good-Bye to Garold Ford, the 38th president of the United State. Present Ford was the president when I was born, although only for a short time. I do not remember ever really learning anything about President Ford in school. I will say the news has done a great job educating me on President Garold R. Ford.

He was a man of his word, something you don't hear much in politics anymore. He was a Master Mason and a DeMolay. He was a Father, Grand Father and Great-Grand Father.

Happy New Year!

Happy 2007

I pray that God Blesses the world

I pray that God will protect the world

I pray that life can be happy and be as stressfree as possible

5....4.....3.....2.....1..........end of 2006

Wow 2006 came and is about to leave us. I always heard the years fly by the older you get and boy is that TRUE! This year has been a great year over all. Like with all years there has been ups and downs but over all the year has been great.

A Nettie year in review:
January - Christopher was baptized, and my father took him around and introduced him to the soon to be "brothers" (Masons) in the church. Anna turned 18 months old.

February - Anna got her first hair cut.

March - We took all three kids to the Snake Saturday parade and the girls road on their first carnival rides.

April - Catherine served as an officer at our official visit and attended her first DeMolay Knights dance as a "big girl". Christopher turned 6 months old. Christopher went to the Precious Moments Temple. Bill and Dottie (Tony's Dad and Step Mom) came to KC to visit for Easter. Catherine ran in the CCVI Trolley Run (for the 3rd time).

May - Kids danced and learned a lot at the Greek Festival. We took the kids to the Kansas City Zoo. Catherine graduated from Kindergarten.

June - The girls went to Vacation Bible School. I went to Grand Assembly and served as State Rainbow Flag Bearer.

July - We took a road trip to Florida. Stopped in Tennessee and went to the Aquarium with Cathy and Bruce (Tony's Mom and Step Dad). Went to Gator Land, Magic Kingdom, and Daytona Beach. We saw lots of family and it was a great trip. We celebrated Anna's 2nd birthday and Pop's Birthday. Catherine went to Colorado with my parents.

August - Catherine started 1st Grade. Catherine lost her first tooth.

September - Fred and Jenny Pierce came through KC and stopped for a visit. I had my gall bladder removed!!

October - Christopher turned 1. Christopher had his first hair cut. Heather and her family came for a visit (been at least 10 years since we last saw each other). Of course there was Halloween.

November - Went to Tennessee for Thanksgiving. Catherine turned 6! Pop's and Catherine skated in the "Family Spotlight" at the KC Fall Fling and took 1st Place!

December - Went to visit family (including Minnie) in Iowa. Had been 15 years since some of us have seen each other. Minnie went to be with God. Christmas was wonderful.

Tonight we are celebrating the end of 2006 and the beginning of 2007. I pray that 2007 brings all those in the world much joy, happiness and peace.

Christmas 2006

Well Christmas has come and gone. Well that is unless you are Catherine, she is into celebrating Christmas for the 12 days following, like the song says.

Christmas was pretty good around here. Other then people getting over being sick and such.

Christmas Eve was spent at church, A LOT. We went to Sunday school, then to regular 10:30 am service. Came home and did lunch and such. Then we went back for the 7 pm service. Then came home and hosted Christmas Eve dinner, which was wonderful. Then I went back for the 11 pm service to run sound. So the day was long, wonderful and very tiring.

Christmas day we woke up and has bagels and lox. Then it was present time at our house. The kids had a blast opening up presents. I think they loved what they received. Then we got ready and headed up to my parents for Christmas dinner. We had a great time and I think everyone enjoyed themselves.

The ending of a generation.

Minnie M. Rosenboom

Funeral services for Minnie M. Rosenboom, 97, of Davenport, will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Cunnick-Collins Mortuary. Family will receive friends on Saturday from 1 p.m. to service time at the mortuary. Burial will be at Davenport Memorial Park Cemetery.Minnie died on Thursday, December 21, 2006, at Genesis Medical Center-West Campus, Davenport.Minnie Mae Brewer was born July 29, 1909, in Montrose, Iowa, the daughter of Leonard and Annie Brewer. She married Fred Rosenboom on October 16, 1929, in Keokuk, Iowa. He preceded her in death in 1977.Minnie worked as a clerk for M.L. Parker Co. She was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church. In her younger years, she was active in Tri-L, Hannah's Circle, she taught Sunday school and sang in the choir. She enjoyed traveling, fishing, reading, sewing and watching the 6 and 10 o'clock news.Survivors include her daughters, Dorita Eckman, and her husband, Paul, of Davenport, and Marjorie Behncke, and her husband, Larry, of Blue Grass; five grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, a daughter, Dolores Rosenboom, two sisters, one half sister, two half brothers, one grandchild, Danny, and a great-great-grandaughter, Lillian Rose.Memorials may be made to Grace Lutheran Church or Good Samaritian Care Center, Davenport.The family would like to express their gratitude for the care given by Dr. Sorenson, Dr. Cecil, the Pulmonary Department at Genesis West and to her caregivers at the Good Samaritian Care Center.
Published in the Quad-City Times on 12/22/2006.

*personal note:
I loved Minnie so much, she was the last living person in my Grandparents generation. I am so thankful that on the 8th of December she got to meet the kids and we got to see her for one last time.*

One tooth down....more to go.

Well Catherine's mouth was hurting so bad I called the dentist and they said they could get her in today. So my dad took her to the dentist and they pull her 1 year molar on the left side. She now has a spacer in its place. She loved the fact that they gave her "apple" air. She did so wonderful and is now pain free!!!

After going to the dentist she went ice skating and then went to work on finding a Christmas Tree with Grampy

Cooking 101

Today Catherine took a kids cooking class. It was great! We learned how to make fudge, cookies, and all kinds of holiday goodies. I think Catherine really enjoyed the class and the treats we brought home tasted wonderful!

Iowa in one day!

Today we sent out for Iowa. We met my parents at 5 am and were on the road. We made a stop in Osceola Iowa for Breakfast. Catherine had the neatest pancake, it was a M&M pancake. I am going to have to try this at home sometime.

We went to the outlet mall in Iowa and did lots of Christmas Shopping.

First stop in Davenport was the cemetery. We put out flowers on Grandma and Grandpa Walters headstones and on Fred Rosenboom's head stone.

Then we went to visit my Great Aunt Minnie. She looked wonderful and we must have sat and talked for over an hour with her:

Finally we met up with other family members for dinner. Some of them we figured I had not seen in 15 years. So it was like a mini family Reunion.

Although it was a long drive home it was sooo worth it!!

Happy December!

Happy December…I still can’t believe December is here already! Today was another day of sick people. Anna is soo clingy when she does not feel well, which I love the cuddling but at the same time I can’t even do dishes with her like that. In attempts of making the house as germ free as possible I bleached the house from top to bottom, I hope it helps.

Catherine’s mouth is better; the swelling is all down on the inside of her mouth and is coming down on the outside. She says it does not hurt at all. So we might be able to handle waiting till her appointment after all!! She is such a trooper through all this. I did lots of research about dental insurance and comparing prices and I think when our insurance kicks in, it will be good. Both the dentist that saw Catherine (my denstist from when I was teaching) and the Pediatric Dentist are on the insurance!

Catherine and I baked her cake for her birthday party. First one cracked bad so we baked another one (it is still in the oven). Since we wants a Barbie Birthday party I am making her a 3d Barbie cake. My mom and dad found a cake shop by their house that rents out cake pans and so they picked up the cake pan for me and brought it by the house on there way to look for stuff for their house.

Tomorrow is Tony’s office Christmas party, it is down on the Plaza and I am excited to go. I have not has a single drink of alcohol in 3 years and so I am looking forward to not having to pump milk as we drive and being able to have a drink or two. My mom is coming over to watch the kids while we go. At first she was going to take them up to her house but with them all getting over being sick she is going to watch them at our house. She is just a great mom.

My poor Catherine

Last night I am putting Catherine to bed and notice her cheek is swollen, look in her mouth and her gum around her 1 year molar is HUGE. She ended up getting up out of bed about 30 minutes later and I had her rinse her mouth out with salt water.

So this morning I got her a dentist appointment, of course we are without dental insurance. Needless to say I feel like a terrible mother, I know both her 1 year molars (bottom) look funny to me, they each have dark spot on them, but I was trying to wait till the new year when we will have dental coverage to get her in to see the dentist, now I feel like I have hurt my baby by waiting too long. Her appointment was at 10:30 am and my dad came and took her for me, since both Christopher and Anna are sick. Can't understand why he would not want to stay at the house with two sick kids. (LOL).

So I sat and wait to see what was going to become of all of this. I feel like I let my baby girl down.

Catherine made it through her first visit to the dentist. She has two cavities (which I figured, just was waiting for insurance to kick in) and one has become infected but has not abscessed yet. The dentist will not treat her because of her age and the amount of work that will be required; therefore he is referring us on to a pediatric dentist. So he gave her a script for antibiotics (this time they did chewable instead of liquid and she took it great!). So I called the pediatric dentist and the soonest they can get her in is next Thursday, December 7th.

I can honestly say I feel like a terrible mother today.

And now she is 6

Tuesday, November 28, 2000 Catherine Rose came into the world and look at her now. She is growing up. We celebrated her birthday all day Tuesday the 28th. We began the day with breakfast of her choice, cinnamon rolls, complete with a candle. We played games and had fun all day. For lunch she wanted a cheese burger from McDonald's again complete with a candle. Then that evening my parents came over for fun. We ate pizza (her choice) and then she opened up her presents. She is crazy about Barbie so she received lots of Barbie stuff (shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, and two barbie dolls). She also received her 6 yer Precious Moment and some clothes. Since her party with her Friends is on Sunday we did Hot Fudge Sundaes for dessert, again complete with candles (only this time there were 6 candles). Over all I think she had a great birthday.

What happen to RSVPing?

RSVPing seems to have become a foreign concept in today's culture. I find that really sad. So I set out to get an official answer to what RSVP means:

R.S.V.P. stands for a French phrase, "répondez, s'il vous plaît," which means "please reply." The person sending the invitation would like you to tell him or her whether you accept or decline the invitation. That is, will you be coming to the event or not? Etiquette rules followed in most Western cultures require that if you receive a formal, written invitation, you should reply promptly, perhaps that same day. For hosts who are planning a dinner party, a wedding or a reception, this is important from a practical point of view, because they need to know how many people to count on and how much food and drink to buy. More important, though, is the simple courtesy of responding to someone who was nice enough to invite you, even if it is to say that you regret that you will not be able to attend. (From: http://people.howstuffworks.com/question450.htm)

Ok so I don't get it. We gave out Catherine's Birthday party invitation back on November 5th) Since then I have had 2 people, yes only 2 people RSVP. That is 2 out of 12 that have been invited. The rule is you are suppose to RSVP saying "yes or no" to if you are attending the function. So do I assume those who have not RSVPed are not attending? Or do I assume they are lazy (yes I think it is being lazy) and just not being respectful enough to make a 1 minute phone call.

So last night I went out and bought all the stuff for party. The hard part is how much do you buy??? I mean we are doing crafts at this party and how much supplies to I purchase??? So I bought enough for the entire group and am keeping my receipts so I can return what we don't use.

Why can't people just be polite and RSVP....who knows. Probably the same reason people don't send Thank you notes anymore. Oh well Catherine has her Thank you notes ready to write and put in the mail for after her party. At least my girl knows what it means to be polite.

We need to get back to the point of teaching young people to be have respect and manners. Something people use to always have!

What A Thankgiving!

Oh my gosh what a Thanksgiving we had! We packed up the van and left Tuesday, November 21st at 7 pm for Tennessee. Tony and I decided to drive through the night to make life easier. We made it to Onieda in 11 hours! It was the fast trip I think we have ever made, no traffic, no issues. We got in on Wednesday morning and Cathy and Bruce (Tony's parents) took the girls to sing with them at the nursing home. Every Wednesday they go to the local nursing home to sing gospel to the residence. They left Tony and I home to rest up after being up all night. The girls had a blast and I guess were the hit of the place.

Thursday of course was Turkey Day and Cathy as normal fixed TONS of food. We had Ham, Turkey, Salad, Dressing, Sweet potatoes, Mash potatoes, Green Beans, Gravy, Rolls, homemade pickles, Jello Salad, 2 types of cheese cake, fruit cake, carrot cake, pumpkin pies (we made those), and of course Cathy's famous fudge! (Yes Kristin I have fudge for you!!). About 20 people were there in and out. Cathy and Bruce have kids on their street who even came by that night for food and fudge! It was wonderful. The best part is Tony's brother Paul and his girlfriend came up from Florida...so mom and both boys were together for Thanksgiving! 1998 was the last time all three were together.

Friday is when sickness broke out. Catherine, Christopher and Tony all got a cold flu bug. By Saturday I had it and so did Calab (one of Bruce's Grandsons). Fun stuff I tell you.

Saturday we all relaxed and Bruce put up his Christmas lights.

Sunday we left at 7 am and headed home. Took us 14 1/2 hours to get home because of wrecks on I-70. But we made it home safe and sound.

Another run in with Toys For Tots....so sad.

Last night on my way to Rainbow I went to Deals (it is a dollar type store down the road from me). So I go in to get my tissue paper for Christmas Presents. Then I go to the check out and this is the conversation:
Clerk: Hello, did you find everything OK? Me: Yes I did thank you Clerk: Would you like to donate a $1 to Toys for Tots.

Me: No thanks, I have issues with them right now.

Clerk: Yes, you are not the only one, a lady was in here just before you saying the same thing, and I understand.

Me: Yeah, to say you can't do stuff because it might offend people at Christmas, but if you go to their web site it talks all about Christmas. I just don't get it, make up your mind and take a stance and stick with it.

Clerk: Yeah the Marine Corp rep for us called this past week and said they will not accept our donations, because they won't accept any dollar store type toys. So we are going to give our stuff to the church right there (points to the Methodist Church that is next to the strip mall), they are going to us the stuff for the Northland Christmas Store Program (this is a program for low income families to get toys and clothes for kids for Christmas free).

Me: That is great idea...I might have to look into making a donation to the church...thanks for the info.

We went on to talk about how kids love all toys regardless of where they come from and such. I was just floored by this conversation.

I could not believe that the Toys for Tots program would do this. What scares me even more is this program, which I believe was started in good intention is becoming very messed up. And even sadder is I believe many people have no clue what is going on. The other scary part is the Toys for Tots program said their donations were down this year and it is things like this that are going to make it worse for them.

City of Fountains Fall Fling

Look at them....what more can be said, they did it!! This year Catherine competed again in the "City of Fountains Fall Fling" which is the ice skating compition at the ice areana were Catherine and my Dad practice. This year they entered in the "Family Spotlite" catigory. This is a pairs skate, but all persons must be related. They skated to the song "Me and My Shadow." And they took 1st PLACE!

They have been working so hard, and their hard work paid off. Catherine and my Dad are both on cloude 9.

My thoughts on what is going on.

I ended up loosing it Saturday when I was with my mom. I just started bawling my eyes out and telling her how sick I am of the church treating my family like crap. I also told her that I have, at least at this moment, made up my mind I am not doing another thing for a group of people who treat my family like this. As long as Catherine wants to keep going down to the church, she has so many friends down there, we will keep going. But I am not going to join any new groups, volunteer do to anything new. I have already made a commitment to the Craft Group (known as the Bazaar group) to help make stuff for the 2007 Bazaar and I will not go back on my word to these old ladies. It is not their fault the leadership of the church is being so crappy. Heck the leadership of the church is treating them like crap too. So I will keep working on craft projects at home for them.

I have always enjoyed Rainbow and have always been active with the Rainbow girls, but I have always tried to divide my time between them and church, not anymore. I am going to put more of my time and energy into the Rainbow girls. At least with them you know you are appreciated for what you do. Plus in my own way it is a form of ministry as I have been working with one of the 18 year olds one on one since she is trying to stay off of drugs and her boyfriend is in prison right now, so we have talked a lot about life and goals and the future.

OK I got your message!

Ok I might be hard headed and slow at times but I can honestly say "I GOT THE MESSAGE." Only took me several years to get the message but I have it loud and clear. The message I have gotten and I am finally accepting is I am not wanted at my church. OK Pastor and others, you got your message across just fine.

Now you may ask...woooo what is this about. We have to roll back the clock several several years. All the way back to high school when I first started going to this church. I was a part of the youth group, but after going to Tennessee and being told by the other girls in youth that they wished I had never come and would have stayed in Maryland. That should have been the end, I should have moved on..but did I...No. I joined a different youth group at a friends church, a much better one at that. Then I was asked to help with Sunday School on Sunday's with the little kids. So I did that...till the Pastor at the time said I could not volunteer any more. So I started finding other things for my time on Sundays. Then I was asked to work in the Nursery as the assistant...did that till the Pastor at the time (same one as before) told me I could not do that because I was in Rainbow (what the two have to do with each other is beyond me). So I left the church for about 5 years. I worked on Sundays so I made money, then I started going to a church in Downtown KC.

Finally graduated College and was asked to take the youth to YOUTH99. So I did, then I started volunteering as a youth sponsor. Finally I got the job of youth director. Did that for little over 3 years, till the Pastor and others wanted me out so they made it so I would quiet, again I let them win.

Then I was asked to be a part of the Church Board, since I love to help the church. I did that for this year.

This brings us to last night....our Charge Conference. I get there to find I am no longer on the Board, since the board is no more. My mom has been removed from the job she asked to do. The response that was given to us "we took people who said they wanted to do stuff." Ummm did I say "put me on something..." no because I thought I was still doing something. On the other hand my mom did asked to be on something, was told she would be and then was not put on it.

Ok we got the point...you don't like me...you don't like my family. I got it loud and clear. The only reason I still am going to be there is because of my daughter, she loves you guys (why I still am not sure, because I know one day you are going to hate her too, after all you seem to hate my entire family). I just pray you will be honest and tell her to leave instead of slamming doors in her face like you do the rest of my family.

And to think this church says this as their slogan: "A Friendly Smile, A Warm Embrace, A Spiritual Home" what a crock....I will say I think they are perfect example of a dysfunctional family there is, one who takes pride in hurting their family members.

Toys for Tots

Yesterday this news was released:

Tuesday , November 14, 2006 LOS ANGELES — A company that sells Bible-quoting Jesus dolls said it was surprised and disappointed that the Marine Reserves' Toys for Tots program turned down its offer to donate 4,000 of the talking dolls.

"I believe as a churchgoing person, anyone can benefit from hearing the words of the Bible," said Michael La Roe, director of business development for Valencia-based Beverly Hills Teddy Bear Co. and its one2believe division, which makes the line of Bible character dolls.

Bill Grein, vice president of Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, in Quantico, Va., said the offer was turned down because Toys for Tots doesn't know anything about the religious affiliations of the children who receive its gifts.

"We can't take a chance on sending a talking Jesus doll to a Jewish family or a Muslim family," Grein said Tuesday. "Kids want a gift for the holiday season that is fun."

According to one2believe's Web site, the button-activated, bearded Jesus doll recites Scripture such as "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again" and "Love your neighbor as yourself."

Toys for Tots distributed 18 million stuffed animals, games, toy trucks and other gifts to children based on financial need in 2005.

Funny how they say they don't want the Toys becuase they are Christian....but the offical Toys For Tots web site reads:

U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program

MISSION: The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.

GOAL: The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a shiny new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to needy youngsters that will motivate them to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of Toys for Tots are to help needy children throughout the United States experience the joy of Christmas; to play an active role in the development of one of our nation's most valuable natural resources - our children; to unite all members of local communities in a common cause for three months each year during the annual toy collection and distribution campaign; and to contribute to better communities in the future.

ACTIVITIES: The principal Toys for Tots activities which take place each year are the collection and distribution of toys in the communities in which a Marine Corps Reserve Unit is located and in communities without a Reserve Unit that has a Marine Corps League Detachment or group of men and women, generally veteran Marines, authorized by Marine Toys for Tots Foundation to conduct a local Toys for Tots campaign. Local Toys for Tots Campaign Coordinators conduct an array of activities throughout the year, which include golf tournaments, foot races, bicycle races and other purely voluntary events designed to increase interest in Toys for Tots, and concurrently generate toy and monetary donations.

So it is for Christmas but we can't have Christ???? Am I missing something??? Oh yah we live

in America were Christ and Christmas are not supose to go hand and hand.

Here is the link to the Toys For Tots web site: http://www.toysfortots.org/default.asp
Here is the link with the orginzations goals and objectives and mission and such: http://www.toysfortots.org/about_toys_for_tots/toys_for_tots_program/default.asp

Argg why Math!!

Why oh why does math have to be soo boarding for Catherine. I like the curriculum we use but when it come to Math, Catherine gets it so fast that she hates having to just "practice" her problems over and over. Like today we are doing three number addition. She was just introduced to the concept yesterday and caught on by the second problem. So today is just practicing what we learned. It is like pulling teeth to get her to finish the problems. She even says over and over "this is so boring". She knows if she does her work without issues she earns computer time as well as her "Cinderella Buck." Heck she wants to help me make my deviled eggs and so that is being held over her head to get the math done.

Arrggg I know I should be happy she is bright and loves to do school, but at the same time I want to scream when she does this.

YAh for Poop

We have been potty training Anna for about 3 months now....working each day on it. Well today she pooped in the potty, on her own!! So needless to say we had a potty party for her!

Painting FUN!!

Well today Kristin came over and we painted and painted and painted. We are working on painted stuff and making stuff for the church bazaar. I refuse to let these ladies be beaten down and shut down. They are the nicest bunch of ladies you have ever met and to let "people" cause them not to do the wonderful thing they do and cause them to give up on a program that they have is WRONG! So I have been building a group of people to help make stuff to show them that they are loved and supported!

So we painted. We are almost done with all our Halloween stuff which is good. Then we will move on to Thanksgiving and Christmas items to make.

Terrific Tuesday

Yes you read that right it is a Terrific Tuesday!! I woke up this morning with the idea it will be a terrific day and no matter how stressful it gets I won't let the day be anything other then Terrific!

Wow what a Monday

Oh my what a Monday....busy but good.

A month ago I made appointments for family pictures and Catherine's 6 year pics. Not giving it much thought I set Catherine's for today, with just me going. So I woke up kinda fearing today. But you know what??? It went great! She did so good and Anna and Christopher did good to. I was going to run into Walmart but I decided not to push my luck so we came home.

We stopped at McDonald's on the way home and I treated the kids to happy meals because they had been so wonderful.

Catherine is now in unit 5 of school, which is the half way point! Dang the school year is going fast.

The story of the Gall Bladder from Hell

Well it all started back on Monday, August 7th when I started getting sick. On the 14th I went to my regular doctor who said nothing was wrong with me, must be a virus (that has lasted over a week - I DON'T THINK SO). On the 15th I ended up in the ER because I was in so much pain. They did a CAT scan and said "You have gall stones but it is not related" and sent me home. Found a Gastrologist to see, but the soonest they could get me in was Monday, September 11th. Got in on Monday, he said it is your gall bladder....had a sonogram done on Tuesday....met with the surgen on Wednesday and that brought is to Friday, September 15th:

Well all is done and all is well. I am a little sore but nothing compared to my 3 c-sections! Heck I never even took any pain meds at the hospital.

My parents were nice enough to take the Girls to their house Thursday night so the only one Tony had to worry about was Christopher. So we all got up at 5:30 am on Friday and began to get ready.

We got to the hospital about 6:30 am and signed in and waited. Finally they called me over to the desk to check in and get my wristband. Then we waited again. Our friend, Judy, whose dad as been in the hospital for almost 4 weeks now, came and found us before going to check on her dad.

Finally about 7 am they took me back to the pre-op area and had me change into one of those stylish hospital gowns. The funny part was the sleeve seem was gone in it so I was a flasher. LOL The nurse came back and said “I don’t think that is going to work” and I said “Oh I thought I would go for the flasher look”. She busted up laughing. So we changed again. They came and drew blood for blood work and then got my IV started. Then the anesthesiology came in to make sure he had his notes right and go over rules for nursing (which he said there were none, my surgeon and the nurses all said wait 24 hours and just pump). Then they let Tony and Christopher come back. So we sat and watch TV and I nursed Christopher and we waited….and waited…and waited.

Finally they came to get me and pushed me back to the surgery room. To be honest they put something in my IV right before they started pushing me out of the pre-op area and I don’t remember much pass them pushing the button to get out of the pre-op area.

The next thing I remember is being in recovery and not being able to see (they made Tony take my glasses). So the nurse said she would got them for me. Took till I was in my observation room before I could see completely though, it was like my eyes could not focus.
We were put into the new observations rooms at the hospital. They are these little like holding rooms for 24 hour holds after surgery to make sure you are ok. It is nothing like the maternity rooms (which are the only rooms I have ever been in).

Remember my friend, Judy, I mentioned, her dad was on the same floor as me, just on the other side of the walls on the outer rooms. So when we went walking we would go visit them.
The surgeon said they removed my gall bladder which had one stone, the size of a jaw breaker, said it was between 1 and 1 ½ inches in diameter, it had caused my bail duct to get twisted and the my gall bladder was not even draining correctly. They did everything laparoscopicly, so I have 4 little incision. To me it feels like I have been doing crunches.

So we are home and we are doing good.
Thanks for all the prayers.

She wanted a bath....

THis morning Anna came in my bathroom while I was going potty and said "shower" and kept trying to get get into my shower. I told her later we would take a shower. So we went about our day doing our normal (playing, picking up, chores, etc.). Well I fixed her lunch and while I was doing so Christopher woke up. I was standing at the skin washing an Apple for Anna and she kept saying "water, me want bath". I told her no she could not take a bath in my soapy dish water. So I got Anna all taken care of with lunch and went to get Christopher. I was sitting on the couch nursing Christopher and Anna said she was "done" so she got out of her chair and came out to the living room. Then she went back into the kitchen and I hear a chair moving. I figured she was moving her chair back to the table. I kepted feeding Christopher and asking Anna what she was doing. Finally Christopher takes a break so I get up to see what Anna is into and she is naked and in the sink. I said to her "And just what do you think you are doing?" She tells me "I take bath"........so I guess the mornal of the story is...when Anna says she wants a bath she wants a bath and she wants it now.

Needless to say I busted up laughing and we drainned the sink, rinsed it out and put clean water in it and Anna got a sink bath.

She is growing up

Well I returned from Springfield to find that Catherine has her first loose tooth. She is soo proude of the fact that it is loose. She keeps telling me "Now people won't make fun of me" although I did not know people were making fun of her. She tells me the other kids at church have been teasing her since she has not lost any teeth yet, but she is not the only one who has not lost any so who knows.

About 2 years ago I bought a tooth fairy box for her and put it away till she lost her first tooth...so I guess I need to go down in the basement and get it out so we have it ready.

Gosh she is becoming such a big girl.

Another Grand Has Come and Gone

Another Grand Assembly has come and gone and what a great and tiring time it was.

My mom and I left Thursday night at about 7:20 pm. We made one stop on the way down to get gas. As we pulled into Springfield we had to stop at Braum’s and get some ice cream! We went to the hotel to check in…and well you should have seen the look on the face of the man at the front desk…he informs us they have over booked the hotel and they have no rooms left with two double beds. He said he could give us a king room and not charge us for the increase. We told him that was fine until Saturday night, because the third person in our room would be arriving then. So we decided to take only the minimum amount of stuff up to our room since we would be moving rooms anyway. Needless to say we crashed.

We got up Friday morning and everyone got a shower and got dressed and off we were to the convention center to help set up for Grand. When we arrived 99% of the stuff was ready, some of the people decided to set up Thursday night, because they had nothing better to do. So we got the bow put up and the ribbons measured and attached. Once we were done in the Grand Assembly room we headed back to the front desk and received our new room. So Mommy and I moved all of our stuff to the new room and finished unloading the van. Then it was finally off to breakfast! Of course we had to go to the Mud Hut (a coffee house in Springfield in walking distance from the hotel that we discovered about 5 years ago). We got our Puddles (there version of a frapichino) and I got a peach scone. Then we returned to the hotel to get our stuff organized in our room and then it was time for the Grand/State Officer’s luncheon. So I headed down to the banquet room. It was a very nice lunch and a really sweet girl from Columbia was the chairman and did an excellent job! We had a spokes person from Domesta-Pups and she talked about service Dogs and brought her dog with her.

I then returned to the room where Mommy had Christopher sound asleep! We let him rest then we were off to run errands and have some fun. First stop was Wal-Mart to pick up a birthday cake for one of the girls in our assembly. We dropped the cake off at the hotel and headed to Battlefield Mall. I found a pair of multi colored Crocks (well Payless version) and Christopher got a pair of shoes to wear with his suit and such at Grand. Then we went and got manicures. Oh did that feel good. I don’t think I have had my nails done for at least a year if not longer now.

Then it was off to dinner! There is a wonderful Japanese Sushi restaurant a few blocks from the hotel and that is were dinner was to be! Oh the food was wonderful. I had Squid Salad for the first time and it was out of this world. Even Christopher liked sushi!!

We then returned to the hotel and enjoyed the hot tub. It was Christopher’s first time swimming and he liked it very much.

Then it was Saturday. I had State Officer’s practice at 9 am….not to bad of a start time. So I went down to practice and us Flag Bearers did our thing and we rocked! Practice was under an hour long. While at practice my mom went to the Mud Hut and got us drinks. Then it was back up to the room to get ready for Banquet and get in my formal. So I went back up and redid my hair, oh my gosh I tried something new…it worked…and I loved it. So with my hair done, my make up on it was time to try the formal on. This formal I bought about a month ago and it fit good…well let’s just say now it fit WONDERFULLY!! I felt like a million bucks. Normally I don’t care for the way I looked but I will say I felt so Pretty. We went down to Grand Cross Banquet and I sat that cross table with the other State Officer’s while my mom and Christopher sat with our preceptory. Lunch was very good for a banquet meal. The funny part was, the hotel staff was not bring around tea, water or coffee so another lady and I went and got the pitchers and started refilling glasses at our table. It was great. We had our Mystic Ceremony and it went perfect. Then it was off for the real Grand Cross Session.
I carried my flag with grace and beauty…LOL there is not much to carrying a flag but I did it the best I could. The Conferring went great, they conferred 9 girls and 3 adults. Then it was election time. The weirdest and neatest thing happened. Keep in mind, I am a nobody when it comes to the State stuff. Well I actually received votes at Grand Assembly. Not enough to win or anything but people actually voted for little me. It just blew my mind.

Grand Cross ended with The State Dean giving her farewell and we received our gifts, these cute little wooden church ordainments that she made.

We all returned to our rooms while they set up for the Grand Cross installation and once the installation was over began getting ready for our Assembly party. This year our Assembly planned a Super Hero party. I was the “Super Sleeper” complete in PJ’s, and bathrobe cape. The party was very nice. Needless to say we crashed Saturday night…well everyone but Christopher he did not care for sleeping any night we were there. 3 hours was the longest he would sleep.

Sunday morning we got up and got dresses. The girls all went to the Church Service while I was at the practice for the Pledge’s. This year NKC was honored to have the State Pledge Sister and State Pledge Chaplain from our group. These girls have worked VERY hard and it showed. They did wonderful at Practice. Once practice was over it was time for Rainbow to open and do their thing. So they did opening and balloting and then it was Initiation time. This year another one of our Pledge’s was becoming a Rainbow Girl. She looks so beautiful. The Grand Officer’s did a wonderful job and Christopher was so good so I could stay and watch her become a “Big bad Rainbow Girl” as I had been telling her all day. We then broke for lunch and Mommy and I walked back to the Mud Hut for a Strawberry Field Salad!! It was fresh Spinach with mandarin oranges, strawberries, and Feta Chesse. Then we returned to the convention center for the official Grand Opening. This was the times for everyone to be all in formals, Christopher was in his suite and all was great. The Grand Officers, Grand Reps and Grand Pages did a wonderful job. The State Pledge officer’s did their Pledge Ceremony and were prefect! Then came some of the awards. NKC was named Assembly of the year!! As soon as the Supreme Deputy began reading the essay that was submitted about the Assembly I knew it was NKC…how did I know, because I wrote the essay. Two of our girls won recognition with Youth Leadership awards. We then headed to the Grand Banguet. Being the home of the Grand Worthy Advisory gave us the front tables and this year we all had little clickers to make noise with! It was a blast. This year for now the 7th time we won for most Ad Sales. Our scrapbook did not win, but I will say this year the girls had the best time making the book.

Monday came and the day began with the Mother Advisors Breakfast. It was a very nice time and we learned a lot. This year Missouri Rainbow is putting into place a Youth Protection program to make things as safe as possible for both the girls and the adults. That was a good thing!

We went over to the convention center for the Memorial Service, Greetings and Elections. Then we broke for a short lunch and returned for Appointments and Pam’s outgoing. After a small break it was time for the installation. Sam’s Installation was beautiful and we then tore everything down and head home. Of course we could not leave Springfield without another stop at Braum’s for Ice Cream to go. We drove non-stop home and arrived home about 11 pm.

So over all Grand Assembly was great this year. NKC received two Grand Appointments, both Grand Reps. After having the Grand Worthy Advisor for the past two years it was not a surprise that we would not receive any floor offices, it is time for other Assemblies to be honored and recognized with floor officers. NKC Preceptory did not receive any State Offices, again the past two years we have had a State Officer so this year it was time for others to have that honor. To be honest, I think it is great we did not receive much, I think it will be wonderful to have a quiet down year after 2 years of nonstop for NKC.