Wall-E at the Dollar Movie

When you want to do something special and there are this many kids you have to look for the bargains. Jenni found the Disney Movie "Wall-E" at the dolloar show so needless to say that is the price everyone was looking for. Jenni with her four Kenzie, Morgan, Mason and Brayden; Robin with Emma and Alayna; Millie had Derrin (movie started at 5:00 his parents weren't out of work yet); Me with Demitrius, Kalee, Britenee and Gracie. So as you can probably tell the whole front line on the front stoop was all my group. I love having the opportunity to get all the kids together and allowing them to play and get to know each other. I only wish it was possible to have all the little ones get together just once in this lifetime to at least meet each other. Someday it will happen there are so many little ones that I still need to meet and get to know.

Trick-or-Treat

I really need to figure out how to put together a slideshow for the blog as I have sooooo many wonderful picture of getting everyone ready for their special day. There was so much fun in doing up each of the kids in their own unique way. Each one was I want this or I want that and getting all just the way they wanted was somewhat of a challenge. Included in the gang was Kalee, Britenee, Demitrius, Gracie, Emma, Alayna, Makiya, Derrin, Heather, Ashley, Robin, Scott, Julius, Dominic and of course ME. I usually don't take preference to my pictures as I love them all but Alayna has really got my heart with her JoJo The Clown and those eyes looking at me. Anyhow, lots of goodies were had by all.

Pumpkin Carving Time

Julius offered to take on the pumpkin carving responsibilities this year. There was quite a crew and lots of fun was had by all. They were all quite creative with the task at had. They really look great all lite up. Good job gang.

Feeding the Ducks

The kids have always enjoyed feeding the ducks and it was such a beautiful day that we took time out at the cementary after visiting "The Lady" and Norman's grave site to make sure the ducks had a good meal. Gracie, Britenee and Kalee as you can see started a little ways from the van but by the time the ducks were done coming up to them they were right at the door of the van to get away from them.

Soccer Time

Talk about keeping busy, we have been trying something new with the soccer thing and needless to say all four are participating. We do practice on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday after school and then on Sunday starting at 1:00 Britenee's game starts, Gracie and Demitrius both play on different teams with their games starting at 2:00 p.m. Then to bring up the end of the day is Kalee who either starts at 3:00 or 4:00 p.m. and a couple of times we have been blessed with a double header and have still been at the soccer field at 6:30 p.m. Makes for an extremely long day but the kids sleep well at night and have a blast playing the game.

150th Lucas County Fair

Not to slow down any, we headed out to the Lucas County Fair last night. I was really disappointed in what it has become. There are just not the fun things and the excitment that there was at one time to go to the fair. Ashley, Scott, Derrin, Makiya, Kalee, Demitrius, Bella and myself went. There were only about a half dozen rides that the kids could ride and the games were very expensive for really cheap items as prizes. There was a curb around everything that was set up so I was not able to get up to the rides or even the consession stands on my own. Anyhow, the kids enjoyed running between rides even though I was very uncomfortable with it as I could not be right there with them.

I am excited about the Wood County Fair and the Monroe County Fair on Monday for Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert. The Wood County Fair I have friends that show their horses there and they are going to let the Bella, Kalee and Britenee ride them. They are really excited about this.

Kalahari Visit

We headed off to Kalahari after our camping venture. Mike, Karen, Quentin, TJei, Mia, Heather, Julius, Demitrius, Bella, Lil Bert, Kalee, Britenee and myself had a wonderful trip. For some this was a first time visit to the resort and the room that we were given the outdoor part of the water park was right out the patio door!!! We had so much fun and the kids ran and ran. For the most part we did not see the older ones most of the time as they were off runing to the bigger rides. But TJei, Bella, Mia and Britenee had so much fun with the new opening of the larger area of the outdoor section and the new section on the inside. There is so much more for all the kids to do. I think that it was a first that when it was time for bed they all crashed without any hassles or anything.

The next day Heather, Julius, Lil Bert, Demitrius and Bella had to head back to Toledo as Julius had to be to work. There were a lot of sad little folks but everyone was soon out and about having a good time again. We were allowed to stay at Kalahari until 3:00 p.m. at which time we loaded up and went down the road a little ways to look for another place to stay for the evening so that we could get an early start the next day for Cedar Point. Everyone was quite disappointed that Heather and her family would not be able to join us at Cedar Point.

Everyone was settled in and about 12:30ish or so I got a phone call that Heather would be able to go to Cedar Point after all. Told her to come on over tonight so that everyone was ready in the morning to head out and they showed up about 2:00 a.m. I left the key to the room in the van so that they could just come in and go to bed so all was set for the next morning.

Visit with Aunt Catherine

Aunt Catherine was so surprised when I showed up with all the kids for an afternoon visit. She was patiently waiting by the door for me to show and her eyes just lite up when she seen all the kids with me. I was really surprised because she did remember "Gracie" from the last time we were able to visit. She also checked under my blanket for "Poppie" who she also has fallen in love with. She had so much to chat about and was so happy about sharing the few items that she had stored away in the little brown hand bag that is laying on my lap. She was telling me that just about everything she has left is in that little bag; marriage certificate, birth certificate, her parents death certificates, a few pictures and her proof of income!! Love ya Aunt Catherine

Hannah Montana Best of Both World's 3D

WOW Hannah Montana's "Best Of Both World's" 3D Sold out concert playing for one week only at local theaters. Only problem being all shows are sold out besides 11:00 p.m. on Friday night. One Hundred Seventy-Five tickets available and already have 140 sold.

We arrived at the theater early, as I do not fair well with large groups of strangers that are not real considerate to persons rolling around.


Heather has promised Gracie that she can go see it before she checks this out and Gracie has in turned shared with Kalee and Britenee that they are going to see this. Well as I said upon checking all shows for the week are completely sold out except for this 11:00 p.m. on Friday night. Most NORMAL kids are in bed at this time but not us. Nine of us ventured out in the blistering cold below zero weather, to enjoy good old Hannah oh wait she starts out as Miley. Demitrius was beside himself as he was the only little boy with the group of screaming girls!! He wasn't sure if he should sit back and watch the show or continue to have fun aggrevating the girls.


Well Kalee and Britenee had both brought their grades up from way down under to "Honor Roll" for one and just 2 points short of "Honor Roll" for the other. Therefore, I thought this was more then deserving of a reward of some sort since all this effort was displayed by both girls. Also, Britenee has been struggling for quite some time with behavior in the class room. Many times I just really felt bad for her because it didn't matter how hard she would try she just could not accomplish getting her behavior under control. Well, I am very pleased to say that after many family counseling sessions and finally someone listening that I didn't think it was an ADHD issue we have been put on the right road to recovery. Britenee is now able to maintain herself during school hours and life at home is remarkably improved. And to top this off she received "Student Character of the Month" which is a great accomplishment as I have said because she has worked so hard and was getting no where. We are there and we can do things together as a family again without all the turmoil. So this was another reason to celebrate.

Then there was Ashley with JL's girls Kenzy and Morgan who are totally in love with Miley/Hannah and were treated with us as it has been quite some time since all the girls were able to get together and just hang out. They enjoy doing this so much and they are all so close in age that it is a shame at times that this is not just a given to let the girls have play time.

Well, at 11:00 p.m. in the second from the front row we had our own little rebels displaying every action that Miley performed. I honestly don't think any of them from the youngest (Gracie~3) to the oldest (Kalee~10)missed even a half beat during the whole show. I really think that I enjoyed watching the girls more then I did the show as I know that my girls are the real thing and had not practiced for hours on in on one set. But they did do everything on cue. Then the scary thing was Demitrius was not too far off with his actions during the whole thing either.



After the show was over at about 1:00 a.m. yes in the morning and everyone of them stayed awake the entire time!! As we are going out the door to head to the vehicles there is another inch or so of beautiful white stuff all over. So then I had to be the bad guy and discourage any snowball throwing and keep the behavior in order as if they ended up getting wet it was going to be a very cold ride home for each and everyone of them. They did get a couple of good ones in before I was able to put a halt to it. After getting the vehicles loaded and Ashley and I were chatting as we were each headed home we were trying to determine who's vehicle would fall asleep first. Unfortunately, the two with her crashed first, I didn't think my group was going to give me any kind of break.

To put a happy ending on it we all did have a great time and have determined in the long run that life as we know it is "The Best of Both World's" No 3D about it though.

Happy 10th Birthday Britenee

All Britenee has talked about is having a Hannah Montana birthday party. Well unfortunately, I was not feeling well on her actual birthday so we just had pizza. Then she was surprised with a party for the weekend. There was cake and ice cream with lots of Hannah Montana, High School Musical and crafty gifts. After this we were off to Major Magic for some more fun. Happy Birthday Brit I love you!!

Happy New Year 2008

Demitrius is trying out the virgin strawberry drink. Gracie has him convinced that they are a little off the hook and believing they can fly. The two are singing "I Believe I Can Fly" Thank goodness it was only at the level off the couch that they were trying it at.

Lining up for their share of the drinks before the good stuff gets mixed in. That is why you don't see me in any of the pictures. I am patiently waiting for my turn with the real stuff. But I will let the little ones enjoy there fun first.

Looks like they got some sort of head start doesn't it? But really it is the first picture that Gracie has allowed to be taken with her and Grandma smiling together! It only took three years to get it!!

Here are the three looking like they have been caught with their hands in the cookie (spiked drink) jar. But in all reality it is the anticipation and build up to the ball dropping for the new year. Not that they have a clue what is going on it is just a reason to stay up late and have a good time.

Look even Poppie is getting in on the fun. He sits up to the table just like one of the little ones. A person really has to take a second look to realize that it is the puppy sitting there with Denise. Poppie is her side-kick.

Now that I think I have a better idea of what I am trying to do the rest of the New Year Party will follow shortly.

Pokemon Piachoo's Birthday Celebration

The celebration of Pokemon Piachoo's Birthday. Hosted by Demitrius and joined by Grandma, Kalee and Britenee. Demitrius took care of all the cupcakes, drinks and decorations. Boy was there a mess but it was so much fun watch how he handled the celebration! Kalee and Britenee decided to sprint their new look-a-like pjs. Hey Jake didn't you make some sort of like this for you and Maria? Not sure why there is not writing on the other side of the pictures but I guess I will learn this some where along the way. Any suggestions on how to get this to go all around the site. I also tried to insert a slideshow but guess what it didn't work!!!

More Bowling Fun

Britenee, Kalee, and Allie are checking out who is in the lead while Demitrius is trying to stay out of trouble waiting for his turn. He did end up winning the game which did not make the girls happy campers!!