tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38003453334225222062024-03-12T20:42:08.501-04:00Curiously KayleaWelcome to the crazy little blog that we so endearingly call "Curiously Kaylea." You see, Kaylea is our very loving and often quirky 13 year old daughter. These pages are filled with her funny little stories and wacky sayings, we so kindly refer to as "Kaylea-isms." They keep us laughing and we hope you enjoy them, too.Jenniluhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489729996806198486noreply@blogger.comBlogger96125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800345333422522206.post-62162396981862147312010-02-06T09:47:00.003-05:002010-02-06T10:17:05.856-05:00Growing UpOur "little" Kaylea isn't so little anymore. She is blossoming into a beautiful young lady with a pretty good head on her shoulders. She loves to read (and currently has the most AR points at her school), loves fashion (which is hampered by a school dress-code), and loves her friends (girls and B-O-Y-S, alike). And yes, there is a "boyfriend" in her life.<br /><br />When I began this blog, I titled it "Curiosly Kaylea" because of the funny things that she would say. We were always so curious about how, exactly, it was that her brain worked. Also, she just said the darnedest things and I wanted to put them in writing so we could remember them for years to come.<br /><br />Don't worry, I am not thinking it is time to retitle the Blog or shut it down. I am sure as Kaylea enters her teenage years, we will remain curious about how, exactly, it is that her brain works; however, I am not so confident that she will continue to give us the "kayleaisms and DOINK(ers) that so freely flew from her mouth before. I guess I am just realizing that the whole premise of the Blog is changing. You are welcome to stick around and make the journey with us. Who knows what puberty, dating, middle school, etc. has in store for us.<br /><br />Oh, and as a side note, I am happy to report that Bub and I have finally reaped the rewards of this little Blog. This morning we have sat and read through some old posts and laughed, and laughed, and laughed...... <br /><br /><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435148757237326306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 275px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZ4UtJcFmgYsds5K7K0TE1-n6U0ga4F0dBjfeIwn-ltgAEcReSXQPPrTfquVUyUYqa5-4LlWNTx8vKOTOGdRChfDND-gSa_fd4g12FwEMGlZkcBtLW5TX4cUW9lHBN0uR9bxhBIY4izk/s320/christmas+2009+012.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center">Our "Not So Little" Kaylea<br /></p>Jenniluhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489729996806198486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800345333422522206.post-27782982662749782522009-08-28T10:18:00.003-04:002009-08-28T11:01:16.219-04:00Magna Cum GrocerWith our move to Florida, many important decisions have been necessary. You know the ones I speak of:<br /><ul><li>What Doctor should we use?</li><li>What Dentist is kind and gentle?</li><li>Where should I get my hair done?</li></ul><p>BUT, one of the most important questions was:</p><ul><li>What school should we send Kaylea to?</li></ul><p>In Tennessee, this wasn't really an issue because there was only one school in our small town; therefore, the county pretty much made the decision for us. But, down here it is totally different. We could send her to the nice little neighborhood school, for which we are zoned. We could choose to send her to one of the many magnet schools that cater to your child's academic interests. We could send her to one of the private schools. Or we could send her to an open enrollment, "school of choice."</p><p>All of these choices were quite mind numbing. We carefully weighed each option and tried to determine the best school for Kaylea. The neighborhood school, Dixieland Elementary, would normally be a very viable option, but we don't anticipate staying in this school district for the entire school year; therefore, Kaylea would have to change schools again mid-year. The magnet schools are fabulous, but we would have to apply for Kaylea to attend them, and people have been on waiting lists for 2 - 3 years to get in. The private schools are a nice option, also, but unfortunately we don't have an extra 7k to spend on tuition. So, we opted for the "school of choice." We feel we made the right decision because regardless of where we eventually buy a house, Kaylea will be able to remain at the same school.</p><p>One of the catches to sending her to the "school of choice" is that the school buses only pick up children that are zoned for the school. So, I am traveling 20 miles round trip, twice a day to take Kaylea to school and then pick her up. I don't really mind the drive because it gives Kaylea and me a little bit of time to talk and share all the important things that are going on.</p><p>I do have to say, living in a town with so many schools is hard for Kaylea to grasp. In the morning and afternoon when we are making our voyage across town, she sees many different school buses and always asks me, "Which school do those kids go to?" Of course there is no way of knowing, so I can only guess depending on which school we are close to. One morning as we were pulling out of our neighborhood, she saw a school bus and asked, "Mom, do those kids go to that Winn Dixie School that I was supposed to go to?" I was a little confused at first and then I realized, she meant <em>Dixieland School</em>. I couldn't help but laugh. I guess she was probably glad that we didn't send her there; after all, she wants to grow up and be a doctor not a grocer.</p>Jenniluhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489729996806198486noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800345333422522206.post-2194337694720777902009-08-22T19:15:00.004-04:002009-08-22T19:41:39.485-04:00Daddy's Birthday DinnerTonight, Kaylea was finally able to make a birthday dinner for her Daddy. She had studied the latest edition of Taste of Home's Fun Food Magazine, and dog eared numerous pages, just trying to find the perfect meal. There were so many choices and she really had trouble deciding. She even gave the magazine to Bub, and had him look through it. After all, it was his birthday and she was going to allow him to have some say in his meal. After much contemplation, she decided to prepare the <a href="http://inthekitchenwithkaylea.blogspot.com/2009/08/meatball-pizza.html">Meatball Pizza </a>and <a href="http://inthekitchenwithkaylea.blogspot.com/2009/08/chocolate-chip-peanut-butter-cup-smores.html">Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cup S'mores.</a><br /><br />Of course, I had to lend a hand with the oven, but other than that she made the entire meal all by herself. It was very tasty and she and I had a nice time in the kitchen. When I was growing up, these were the things I had always imagined doing with my daughter. So, I guess Bub wasn't the only one that received a gift from Kaylea this evening.Jenniluhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489729996806198486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800345333422522206.post-86859343202688993402009-05-16T12:52:00.003-04:002009-05-16T13:25:13.764-04:00Moths and Balls and Other Stuff......Yes, I am still here. I know I haven't posted anything in several months, but life has gotten in the way. For some reason, I just haven't had the time or inclination to write anything. I'm sure it is just a phase that will pass. Maybe when life settles down and things return to normal (or as normal as they can be at our house) my focus and creativity will return. For now though, I guess the entries will be as sporadic as the thoughts that run through my head. <br /><br />I will stop with <strong>my</strong> excuses now, because as you all know, this blog isn't about <strong>me</strong>, this blog is about <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Kaylea</span>. I will, however, say that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Kaylea</span> is growing up and hasn't been giving me as much material as she did in the past. But, it just so happens that we had two hum-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">dingers</span> that came out this past week. Since I found myself saying repeatedly that these have to go on "The Blog", I decided to put them in print. So here they are (for all two of our readers that have hung around).<br /><br />First, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Kaylea's</span> Grammy told a story the other night that I had never heard before. She said several years ago, she and Pappy took <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Kaylea</span> to our local <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">KFC</span> for dinner. They walked up to the counter to place their order and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Kaylea</span> studied the menu very carefully. While <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Kaylea</span> was trying to decide on her menu selection, Grammy ordered the "Sr. Buffet." Then Pappy stepped forward and ordered the "Sr. Buffet" also. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Kaylea</span> was still having a hard time making up her mind. Grammy tried to help her out by suggesting the chicken strip dinner. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Kaylea</span> shook her head, no. Then <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Kaylea</span> stepped up to the register and told the clerk, "I'll have the Sr. Buffet, also." Grammy said the man behind the counter bent over to hide his laughter, but then regained his composure and quickly apologized for his rudeness. Grammy told him, "It's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">ok</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Kaylea</span> makes us laugh all the time."<br /><br />Next, this past week, Auntie M and I were unloading more yard sale items into the garage. The items had been in Auntie's attic and basement and smelled a bit musty. During all of the unpacking I commented, "I keep smelling moth balls," to which Auntie replied, "well, I don't know why." Then <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Kaylea</span> pipes up and says, "<em><strong>WELL</strong></em>, I did see a big moth in here a few minutes ago." <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">DOINK</span>!!! I thought Auntie and I were both going to wet our pants. Bless her little heart!Jenniluhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489729996806198486noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800345333422522206.post-24531145060976029732009-01-19T16:25:00.002-05:002009-01-19T17:29:05.288-05:00I have a gripeI know that I am not a teacher; I never have been. But, I went to college and got the degree needed to be a teacher; therefore, I feel a kinship with the educators I encounter in my day to day life. Due in part to my educational background, I have always supported Kaylea's teachers and tried to back them in their efforts to educate my daughter. I have always been a very "involved" parent. You know the kind. I was a full-time volunteer in Kaylea's classroom; the first to put my name on the party sign-up sheet (heck, most of the time I was the one that made the party sign-up sheet); always present at class parties; never missed an opportunity to chaperon a field trip; and basically, rallied all the other parents together for various classroom projects and causes.<br /><br />This year, however, things have been different. Basically, I am a lot less involved than in years past. I began the year by volunteering one afternoon a week, but I just got the feeling that I was not wanted/needed/welcome. For whatever reason, Kaylea's teacher and I just haven't warmed up to each other.<br /><br />Now that you know a little history, I will explain my gripe. And yes, I felt giving a little history lesson was important so that you wouldn't think I was "one of <em><strong>THOSE</strong></em> parents." (The kind of parent that is never happy with their child's teacher.)<br /><br />First, all of the students in 4th grade are required to become 4-H members. I don't have anything against 4-H as a club. But I think it should be treated as that, "a club" and all participation should be voluntary. I don't understand, however, how membership and participation in a club can be mandatory. If participation is mandatory, it is no longer a club; it is a class. Which brings me to my second gripe, there are many 4-H activities that Kaylea has been required to do, for which she was graded on. The most current activity (assignment) from 4-H is to write a 200-400 word essay on the 75th Anniversary of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. When this activity (assignment) was sent home, Kaylea's teacher notified us that the students would be graded on their essay. Then she asked us to help them with this paper. Well, naturally, I asked Kaylea if she had been told how to write an essay? Guess what? NO! The kids had not been given any direction on how to even begin to write an essay. Oh, and let me remind you, these are 4TH GRADERS. (I don't think I learned how to write an essay until I was in 8th or 9th grade.) So, here I sat trying to explain the mere basics of essay writing to my daughter and "helping" her organize her thoughts so that she can turn them into a somewhat coherent 200-400 word essay. Well, <s>we</s> Kaylea finished the thing today, and I must say I am proud of her for the effort she put into the assignment. But, if Kaylea's teacher thinks that all of these children produced these great literary pieces as a result of what they have learned in school, then she is sadly mistaken. I just hope that <s>we</s> she gets a good grade on the damn thing!<br /><br />Don't get me wrong; I expect to help my child with various assignments. I am very involved in her education. I just feel that I should not be expected to teach my child how to complete a task for which she is receiving a grade. That is the teachers' responsibility. What if I were a parent that didn't go to college, or didn't even finish high school. Odds are I probably couldn't give the best guidance to my child when it comes to constructing an essay. Should the child be punished for that? I think not!Jenniluhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489729996806198486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800345333422522206.post-6143565260948589102008-12-23T23:35:00.005-05:002008-12-24T01:21:46.033-05:00The end of an era...<div align="left"><br /><br /></div><div align="left"><br /><br /><br /> </div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">I am a little sad today. It seems my little girl isn't so little anymore. This is becoming more abundantly clear with each passing day. And now, because she has entered "young adult-hood" Christmas will forever be changed in her life and ours.</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">As you all know, Kaylea is 10 now. For the last 2 Christmases we have fully expected the BIG question to come from her lips. You all know the question I am referring to; it is the question that every parent of every young child dreads at Christmastime. I'm sure each of you are wondering when your little one will ask it, also. I always swore that I would not lie to Kaylea when she directly asked the question. Only she never did.</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Finally, this year for many reasons we decided the truth needed to come out. I have received several e-mails over the past few weeks about the "spirit" of Christmas. I would share these with Kaylea hoping it would encourage her to ask me, but no luck. Every opportunity I was given, I would try to ease her into the subject, but she wasn't taking the bait. Then yesterday, she had a friend over to play and they were chatting up a storm. Suddenly, Kaylea looks at her friend and says, "Did you know that there is someone in our class that doesn't believe in Santa Clause?" Kaylea's friend gave her a puzzled and amused look and replied, "yes, like me and a whole bunch more." Then her friend looked at me and said, "Ms. Jennifer, you mean you haven't told Kaylea the truth about Santa Clause, yet? My mom told me the truth 2 years ago."</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">I guess the thing that rang in ears was her friends use of the word "truth." I know I haven't boldface lied to Kaylea. I would just dance around the subject. She would tell me about a child that didn't believe and I would respond, "oh no, Santa won't come see them if they don't believe." I guess I was so convincing with that argument that Kaylea decided she would believe for life. Even after her friend called me out, Kaylea didn't even ask a single question.<br /></div><div align="left">Once her friend went home, I sat her down and talked to her. I told her the truth, but I also explained to her the history of Saint Nicholas and how the modern day Santa Clause came about. I explained that all of us have a little portion of Santa Clause inside us because we share in the magic of Christmas. We give gifts from the heart to our family and complete strangers while expecting nothing in return. That is the true spirit of Christmas. But most importantly, we talked about the true reason for celebrating Christmas. I reminded her that Christmas is the celebration of Christ's birth. This is a time to honor Him and celebrate Him.</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">After our talk I looked at her and said, "Kaylea, why haven't you asked me if Santa is real?" She replied, "Well, I guess I just believed it so much, I didn't think I had to ask." I wonder how long she would have kept believing, had we not had our talk? I guess I'll never know, but I feel good knowing that she heard the truth from me. I am also so proud of my child for sticking to her beliefs. For several years, kids have told her Santa isn't real, but she never wavered in her belief. I know that her love and commitment to the Lord will stay with her throughout her life and I know she will have the same unshakable faith in Him.</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">As Kaylea went to bed last night she asked me one final question, "Mom, can I still leave cookies our for Santa, I mean you, on Christmas Eve?" And of course, I told her she could do anything she wanted to. We will carry on all of our Christmas traditions as long as she wants.</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Now, here are Kaylea's years with Santa for all of us to enjoy............</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283229070667726370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 205px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL9w27sosIT7s3pylGFZGeSrBlLLrebo9fFJ9DVUPKSIoC-41UedkTk9NYOSJlLk-x9z4XsKlW39SHuCtkmSn3llxQtxIETzxYfHfywWQ_gB_PmwMxzELhKK90QExb2SwcaC9t_q3_8ac/s320/Kaylea+with+Santa+001.jpg" border="0" /> </p><p align="center">Kaylea's 1st Christmas - 1998<br /><br /><br /><br /></p><p align="center"> </p><p align="center"><br /><br /><br /> </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283229077575808658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 226px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtXJAurdbQWT0JYuFPXdbCaa1T9Yere1TEK9oPJaadrsEY8Z_C4Mc8sG7cpzBG9geh7Xz622LqwcFWXxOGYSuTMZGlywwj06UmmVdB6yV96RKpVg01SBZ0VngzuM9_D3FJGm4zFGOQ-Y4/s320/Kaylea+with+Santa+002.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center">She was never afraid of Santa<br /></p><p></p><p><br /> </p><p><br /><br /><br /><br /> </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283229078549378402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 242px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgElS3t8gVMumhgjseOG1O-Yo0Ig2_If1-21Z9DFeEvU0vG-DrbpUUwYhr5tlDKJJZXDne8YfhhuAO2rwAwqUEAWZuiY4Y-USfjaOKr8H_Bzi7ykA4KsJNus0x_nAfAc7gE354QYBJxap0/s320/Kaylea+with+Santa+003.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center">Ah, those were the days - 2000<br /></p><p></p><p> </p><p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283229086039205922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 232px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhCeun-bpyJHvX0sd5aAFS2ijM2j2BDZHiHHaN2LI05aWdGAfx_TrOLKtX9sfxWVp9B-34ynfg71H9GEQou0NrCOPgrFgoC3XmTHVU9ZuEEYZJ-2dOI1DZwLqP04IQIMAXiXP2_gPXgmA/s320/Kaylea+with+Santa+004.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center">I think she was a little star struck</p><p> </p><p> </p><p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283229085859334306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 231px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhQe2h3vmBfBp2OgWE_799UJcLyv_904TIS8Zx89mLea8Yjf0d9CzyYF3Cozr9Mj8K-giUsGbwyFywZgLzGzXXa957w0Z-G2cW3hzBjBiiQqG-MZHKENvG9QY8wqD7QyHtSOqJ0dJz6Vg/s320/Kaylea+with+Santa+005.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center">What a cutie pie.<br /></p><p></p><p><br /> </p><p><br /><br /><br /><br /> </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283230224957732338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 210px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoPWbOOPEd6x_avS9Unhd9PovbQvLFfpZqrjyFGwAc19hT5JIbFWhvM-TCd7AWXUJsXMJjlrNS1W3m61P7uJwjdOOBmkV77esi-9VHJrzXD9AyzTiTK4w37CQE9moK0wXcM_opZ6664rY/s320/Kaylea+with+Santa+006.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center">Kaylea getting a great BIG Santa hug.</p><p> </p><p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p></p><p></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283230222950845506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 307px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFOZdQfWph8UPHQNfIo5Rqw-MiN3hT7PzSZifALfhnGK5XJ2t_LkrA_LtxgqaIbbkRaRn2M30GohunmTSEVM5Yxnlp_5GLGC3bvDgjcpWnxgcmnJwvDZhqqD5G4U-AzjreSWJ0sFSxkz0/s320/Kaylea+with+Santa+007.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center">She just asked Santa for a puppy and he said o.k. (after asking Dad and Mom).<br /></p><p></p><p><br /> </p><p><br /><br /><br /><br /> </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283230228510216722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 225px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8W93GLBKCFYJYVL4PyoqUkMx6TuGQfkdqDrUk8qCuPs7jWgT5ehUm8iokIDfI0SyJhH2sMlUqqzPSs8S0Z-heKkMgphAU96jnC2m0Lmo9cJtXotKTnU7NZzxauROoJyl3bmvj9R6NuZc/s320/Kaylea+with+Santa+008.jpg" border="0" /></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p align="center"> They were having a very deep conversation. </p><p align="center">She was probably doin' some splainin'</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></p><p> </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283230239369420130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 212px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXToWY2sxvkhThCjo1MD5qOAi9Gm7xIDHF4S6m0mGs1zvW_LZLuzmNuPhCFsuTbijqlAiophKJX9vVrgsl6FEGLB2IgNzoL2Ds3kgwGuTV98bQxWKrPkJPxvBK0VvoYc64uJyzqeWg91w/s320/Kaylea+with+Santa+009.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center">The last picture of Kaylea with Santa. </p><p align="center">We never got her to see him last year (kick, kick!!!!)</p><p> </p>Jenniluhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489729996806198486noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800345333422522206.post-39934081453068349752008-12-12T13:04:00.002-05:002008-12-12T13:11:47.791-05:00Childhood MemoriesAs <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Kaybug</span> drug her lifeless and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">disappointed</span> (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">ie</span> suppose to snow, but didn't) body from bed this morning I had to tell her that we received a phone call last night and her great-great aunt passed away. She just sat there looking at me with such bewilderment and sadness. Then she opened her mouth and this is what came out:<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Kaylea</span>: "Let me guess, I have to go to another funeral?"<br />Me: "Well, yes. We will go the the visitation tomorrow evening."<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Kaylea</span>: "This is NOT how I want to remember my childhood!"<br /><br /><br />Poor thing, I think she has lost more loved ones than any other child her age. I know she has suffered more loss than I had at age 10.Jenniluhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489729996806198486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800345333422522206.post-45335873204658893122008-12-10T16:21:00.002-05:002008-12-10T16:32:42.711-05:00Christmas ListNo one can ever say that my daughter doesn't have good taste. She is a girl that know what she wants. This years Christmas list is proof of this. Let's see the list is something like this:<br /><br /><ol><li><div align="left">Laptop (she can keep dreaming)</div></li><li><div align="left"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Wii</span> Fit and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Wii</span> Fit Game</div></li><li><div align="left"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Wii</span> Ski</div></li></ol><p align="left"> </p><p align="left">In addition to the items above, we are in the process of re-doing her room. Her loft bed has gone bye-bye and a new day bed / trundle bed has been ordered. She is of the opinion that a new bed constitutes getting new bedding and totally changing the theme of her room. I have to agree that the tangerine walls and the luau theme has grown tiresome, but she just might have to wait a little while before we do the total makeover. </p><p align="left">Oh and just a little FYI for all of you parents out there with kids that about to enter the tween/teen years. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Kaylea</span> and I found a pretty cool website that has the neatest bedding. Now, remember, these are for the tween/teen crowd; <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">definitely</span> not suitable for children. Check the stuff out at <a href="http://www.wakeupfrankie.com/">Wake Up Frankie</a>!</p><p align="left"> </p>Jenniluhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489729996806198486noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800345333422522206.post-22142226168996694552008-12-10T16:15:00.002-05:002008-12-10T16:19:56.056-05:00Favorite Christmas Song For 2008Here it is<br /><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/PQy2fHR7JHk&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/PQy2fHR7JHk&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Jenniluhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489729996806198486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800345333422522206.post-83161162619321763672008-11-09T10:56:00.005-05:002008-11-09T11:09:54.317-05:00A post for all of the non-believers (and believers) out there....."Is There a Santa Claus?" reprinted from the September 21, 1897, number of The New York Sun.<br /><br /><br /><em>"Dear Editor,<br /><br />I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, 'If you see it in The Sun, it's so.' Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus?<br /><br />Virginia <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">O'Hanlon</span><br />115 West Ninety Fifth Street"</em><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The Editor's response:<br /><br /><em>"Virginia,<br /><br />Your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men's or children's, are little. In this great universe of ours, man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.<br /><br />Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! It would be as dreary as if there were no <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Virginias</span>. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence.<br />We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The external light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.<br /><br />Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies. You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if you did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that's no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">unseeable</span> in the world.<br /><br />You tear apart the baby's rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived could tear apart. Only faith, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.<br /><br />No Santa Claus? .... He lives and lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay 10 times 10,000 years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood."</em><br /><br />_________________________________<br /><br /><br />......and to quote <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Kaylea's</span> Mr. Jimmy, "A very smart friend of mine says, to make a point, 'I also do not believe in electricity, because I have never seen any!' "Jenniluhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489729996806198486noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800345333422522206.post-75053689369632694272008-10-31T13:56:00.003-04:002008-10-31T14:20:57.117-04:00Halloween 2008Tonight will be a Halloween to remember. Kaylea has always loved this night so much, just like her Mom. She has always been one to start planning her costume during summer vacation, just like her Mom. She loves to pull the big boxes of Halloween decorations down from the attic and "haunt" the house up real good, just like her Mom.<br /><br />Yes, this year is no different with only one exception. No, it's not the pumpkins; they (both of them) are carved and sitting on the porch. No, it's not the candy; it has been bought and is sitting in it's Frankenstein basket. No, it's not the dog's costume; Angel has been outfitted with an Underdog shirt and cape so that she can save the day. No, it's not Kaylea's costume; the scarecrow's overalls, shirt, boots and bandanas were bought weeks ago.<br /><br />So, how is this year so different you ask? Well, this is the year that Kaylea will remember for a lifetime, because this is the year that Halloween will pass her by without her being able to partake. You see, Kaylea decided she would roll the dice and gamble on getting caught when she told Bub and me a BIG 'ol whopper of a fib. Well, let's just say that Lady Luck wasn't Kaylea's friend and she got busted!<br /><br />So, tonight will not be one of candy collecting , fun and frolick. Oh no, tonight will be one spent at home reading or maybe doing some laundry. I'm sure Kaylea will be doing a lot of whining, complaining, moaning and groaning, just like her Mom! And not even Under<del>dog</del>Angel will be able to save us!<span style="font-size:78%;">(ya know, this parenting and teaching lessons stuff really sucks sometimes, but a Mom's gotta do what a Mom's gotta do.)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">P.S. I'm really trying to be strong and stick to my guns on this one, but it's hard!</span>Jenniluhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489729996806198486noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800345333422522206.post-76253458395628619852008-10-23T21:39:00.003-04:002008-10-23T22:19:25.001-04:00The "F" word - Now and Then<strong><em>~~~NOW~~~</em></strong><br /><br />Yesterday Bub and I received quite a shock when we opened Kaylea's school agenda and found this note from her teacher, "Kaylea said the 'F' word 'f_ _k' today. A student heard her say it and then started telling the other students in the class. I asked Kaylea if she said it and she said, 'yes.' She said that her aunt and dad say this word a lot"<br /><br />Bub and I were quite stunned and confused after reading the note. But before I go any further I must say that I am the last parent you will ever hear saying, "NOT MY CHILD -- SHE WOULD NEVER DO THAT!" There have been very few things that Kaylea has done in her life that have truly shocked me, but I have to say, this was SO NOT Kaylea. She has always instictively known which words were "bad" and has never spoke one. Second, Bub does NOT say this word either. It is one that we do not use. Now Auntie, yes she has been known to drop the "F-Bomb" when she gets a little over passionate about her topic. But, Kaylea has always known that this word was totally inappropriate. Needless to say, we wanted to find out exactly what happened; what was said; when it was said; etc.<br /><br />I immediately drove to the church and got Kaylea and brought her home for the formal inquisition. Upon receiving the third degree, this was Kaylea's side of the story, "The word was written in K's (her friend) locker. K pointed it out to me and I only read the word out loud. I didn't say it; I only READ it, and you know I always read out loud, Mom! Then when Mrs. T. asked me about it, she didn't let me explain. She even shushed K when she tried to explain. Then she asked me who in my family says this word."<br /><br />Obviously, we had a pretty legitimate explanation from Kaylea, so I wrote a note to her teacher explaining Kaylea's side of the story (since, obviously she hadn't been given that opportunity yesterday). In my letter I asked Mrs. T to verify that the word was in fact written in K's locker because Bub and I wanted to make sure Kaylea was being honest before we decided what type of punishment would be appropriate. I, also, went on to explain that contrary to what Kaylea said yesterday, this word is not one that we use freely in our home.<br /><br />When I picked up Kaylea from school today, I immediately asked her what happened when Mrs. T. read my letter. Kaylea said that Mrs. T. asked her and K if the word was written in K's locker. Both girls said, "yes!" Then Mrs. T. took the girls to K's locker and looked for herself. Of course there is was staring back at her, blinding her with its vulgarity. Mrs. T.'s only response was, "Well, I will notify the office and have this removed from your locker." Nothing else was said or done. I didn't get a response to my letter, nothing! I can't believe that she would take the time, as the kids were getting packed to go home yesterday, to write this note letting me know that my child dropped the "F-Bomb" and corrupted all of the kids in the class, yet she can't find the time in a whole entire school day to write me a quick note to let me know that my child was being honest in her explanation about what happened. <br /><br />To say that I am a little miffed would be quite an understatement. For some reason I am thinking that this is going to be a LONG year.<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong><em>~~~THEN~~~</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br />Kaylea was in Kindergarten and her class was lining up for lunch. A little boy came running up to me and said, "Ms. J., Kaylea said the "F" word." Again, I was in shock, but the wide eyed little boy had me convinced that my little Kbug had spent one too many days with her Auntie. I immediately went up to Kaylea and asked, "What did you just say?" To which I got the typical 6 year old response, "Hugh? Idunno?" I got eye to eye with her and said, "Brady said you just said the 'F' word. What did you say?!?" Kaylea got a real confused look on her face and said, "Fart?" I swear I almost lost it and ya know I remember thinking at that moment, if "fart" is the worse "F" word that my child ever says, I will be pretty lucky!<br /><br />Man, I wish we could go back to Kindergarten.Jenniluhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489729996806198486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800345333422522206.post-17597418438995385692008-10-13T21:18:00.003-04:002008-10-13T21:26:00.180-04:00Futon, Tufon or Tofu???? Kaylea Was ConfusedWe decided to buy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Kaylea</span> a new bed with out BIG yard sale earnings. After much deliberation we decided that a trundle daybed would be the ideal bed for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Kaylea's</span> room. When she has friends over, she can wheel out the trundle and both girls will have a nice cozy bed of their own. When only <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Kaylea</span> is sleeping in the room (which is how it is most of the time) the trundle will be out of sight and out of the way.<br /><br />Today, we began our search and while we were browsing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Kaylea</span> pointed to a Futon and said, "Oh, that's one of those Tofu beds! I really like them!"<br /><br />I swear I almost peed myself I laughed so hard.Jenniluhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489729996806198486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800345333422522206.post-2109330231219328572008-10-13T21:03:00.002-04:002008-10-13T21:18:34.437-04:00Kaylea took a ride on the turnip truck and obviously fell off.Saturday morning we were getting ready to open up the Yard Sale for the day and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Kaylea</span> was helping out. She told us she would carry the phone out to the garage and begin organizing a few things. When she came back inside she announced, "Grammy called and asked if I wanted breakfast from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">McDonalds</span>." Bub and I just looked at each other rather perplexed because we had not heard the phone ring. When we questioned <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Kaylea</span> she insisted that her grandmother had just called a few moments ago. We then asked her, "Are you sure you didn't call Grammy and ask her to go to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">McDonald's</span> for you?" <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Kaylea</span> again insisted, "No, Grammy called me." So, I simply walked to the phone and checked Caller ID where I found NO call from Grammy. When confronted with this information, the child confessed to calling her Grandmother and asking for a breakfast delivery from McDonald's.<br /><br />Bub and I just looked at each other dumbfounded. First, why would she just make up a story out of the blue like that? Second, does she really think we are that stupid? We came to the conclusion that either <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Kaylea</span> thinks we just fell off the turnip truck or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Kaylea</span> just fell off the turnip truck. I tend to believe it is the latter of the two.<br /><br />Let's just hope that her <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">lying </span>doesn't get any better when she is a teenager. She is just ditsy enough for me to stay one step ahead of her.Jenniluhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489729996806198486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800345333422522206.post-61966133397083424992008-09-20T11:53:00.003-04:002008-09-20T12:11:23.053-04:00A Couple of Classic Kaylea MomentsFirst, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Kaylea</span> has been suffering from the normal fall allergy symptoms. Snot, runny nose, snot, cough, snot, stuffy head and most of all SNOT. You get the picture ;0)<br /><br />To treat her allergies we started with children's Zyrtec, but that didn't do anything to relieve her symptoms. So I returned to the pharmacy in search of a better remedy. I decided to try the Children's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Dimetapp</span> which came in a combo package with a bottle of nighttime medicine and a bottle of non-drowsy daytime medicine. I have to say, it has been working pretty good. Until last night, that is.<br /><br />I had gone out with friends and Bub and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Kaylea</span> were home alone. It was time for bed and Bub gave <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Kaylea</span> her medicine. Then this morning she when she woke up she was complaining that the medicine didn't work last night. She began examining the bottles and quipped at her father, "Well, Dad, no wonder my medicine didn't work last night. You didn't give me the nighttime medicine!" <br /><br />Bless her heart ;0)<br /><br /><br />Second, in an effort to show her BIG ORANGE spirit <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Kaylea</span> emerged from her bathroom decked out in her UT shirt, her UT <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">hairbow</span>, and power Ts on each cheek. When we asked her what she used to make the power Ts, she replied, "marker!" It took some scrubbing, but we finally got it off. I guess I should be glad she didn't use a Sharpie.Jenniluhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489729996806198486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800345333422522206.post-72929762253802430112008-09-17T15:49:00.003-04:002008-09-17T15:58:28.033-04:00Kaylea? Rude? I Think NOT!!!!!Yesterday, I surprised <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Kaylea</span> by joining her at school for lunch and staying to volunteer in her classroom. As I was leaving the cafeteria a little boy that was in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Kaylea's</span> class last year approached me. He looked at me with his beautiful blue eyes sparkling and his gorgeous smile and said, "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Kaylea</span> was rude to me today!" I wasn't really shocked, because she can be a little "spunky" at times. I asked him what she did that was so rude. Well, he proceeds to tell me that he called her over to his locker to show her his new hat -- it says, "I'm Irish Want To Get Lucky?" then...........................she kicked him!<br /><br />My only reply was, "and who was it that was being rude?"<br /><br /><br />You GO baby girl! Don't take anything off of those little boys!Jenniluhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489729996806198486noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800345333422522206.post-26624961621745671502008-08-14T07:15:00.004-04:002008-08-14T08:00:17.571-04:00Everything Is Golden<div align="left">Our little girl has mastered the Martial Arts. OK, so Mastery might be a little bit of an exageration. But she has mastered all of the skills necessary to be promoted from a white belt to a gold belt. The promotion was a surprise for her and I will say, she was beaming with pride.<br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234336180848480450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTFVrbZyWWavntxl14y-jDmXkIBgeO6NreQ2gETBOJM186xwhCviyNJRRgLEM0NmkMwWb9EwHFVRxTqoQnuvp7YuadDYTgvHVEL5CySGfn652FGSt3wSNB8FM9jcj7AOYMbe_71jD0_a8/s320/043.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234336183094441010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5d-yCyJnt15VOrK6xDgYneQ3CxV_g_0FOLBfbI9d_-MF5UsqPEaNX1rQ9w47xMHEVKLCix4yLddlJdf9zf3kmt71uJxXqZJ7xulcs84hjACBBPzFUj2keSjcuY_2rU2yfwwt-BisED2w/s320/045.JPG" border="0" /> </p><p align="center"> </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234338505571339490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEhFFcCufpOrm0aU0fEKfeaLs5XG3NHJqb_igNMYXed8rNwAsGi8CzmXhqzs_-htYgm0xD5AVAsKwXVpWFGVk3SvWz2IpLfmTVA1N0zrVF0VEahyphenhyphengXNFlhMu23qdXRNL_81dS1V2E7Tmo/s320/Gold+Belt+Certificate.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br />I am so grateful that she wanted to take Karate. It teaches and reinforces so much more than just the physical action of the sport. But, the physical activity is a plus for sure.<br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234336173390154626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqrttk9OtxVxihyDheMbdjXu_ZHCcF5kVDLmykKiNHYFt8DXG7dYMLTB7xwg6x4g3D_vA67pvEfBiLzSk0bnkoR-n2kpYgKqB8aCQYlv3b6KS4Z52sLkS4_tCWMU12LXTYu51YuoTIGhA/s320/028.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /></p><p></p><p><br /></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234336176366944146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlh59krEfkBfbCmuR-klKUzNyypVQRxS0eKR6LRgU6VqsWZ-VgdrjM6Eyw_K0JnaPI34vWY6p9Yo3C-hYw7SXLttChmRjpA4a6E-SWtifvZYY4no4eTjEfo8z92nKuDsZwjPfr1gpTk0k/s320/032.JPG" border="0" /> </p><p> </p><p><br />Once again, we are so proud of Kaylea. Wow, twice in one week. You might start thinking that we are gushing a little bit.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234336186105309314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy0nzwNPV6RILVHapddxXKPMCWytFTCUUfrvl7wrfqkhq-khiHvIEV-_rda8Lzi3DfuodHRghCnyFw8HavMzUG9bFAzc8jN-QQRjK_kSrnY6IX_C2Leoyc58J8pz-bVuXaodCXK2PRHMg/s320/048.JPG" border="0" /><br /></p>Jenniluhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489729996806198486noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800345333422522206.post-74482540526097850112008-08-13T01:09:00.004-04:002008-08-13T01:31:47.511-04:00Kaylea at the KMA<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRHsOJsq8NlaVEr3xNIjgQSZCgdkv-TKz0Qvjd7F00K0Ch0nUfLiwAlUmbpW-eVrUuDIQ1MKatufTjXwmZgAqmlPN9zWt_kg5Ywp9M1EFsxYW6uMpSijApjIgnYkfnkk15nJXMmbc9QIs/s1600-h/082.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233869325251035938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRHsOJsq8NlaVEr3xNIjgQSZCgdkv-TKz0Qvjd7F00K0Ch0nUfLiwAlUmbpW-eVrUuDIQ1MKatufTjXwmZgAqmlPN9zWt_kg5Ywp9M1EFsxYW6uMpSijApjIgnYkfnkk15nJXMmbc9QIs/s320/082.JPG" border="0" /></a> Kaylea's Mini Monet</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9zWqHbLIueQT0r_Gb5KBh30lXLb-63yOkX-o5USWXUsarZrE1TkafK40dC5qxkCTnnttCLYem9Tm_z65RutSbLCBBBtYdoF9IMqYcX01LZAEgoa-G8bpvVwX2ayxNW0RRy61fkuvHVQA/s1600-h/083.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233869325097459314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9zWqHbLIueQT0r_Gb5KBh30lXLb-63yOkX-o5USWXUsarZrE1TkafK40dC5qxkCTnnttCLYem9Tm_z65RutSbLCBBBtYdoF9IMqYcX01LZAEgoa-G8bpvVwX2ayxNW0RRy61fkuvHVQA/s320/083.JPG" border="0" /></a> Kaylea's Still Life on canvas</p><p align="center"> </p><p align="center"><br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3tQC2N2JamBHN0Uk85mYMPxLSunsJoy6EqSDeJGxM-_svMua9FuuGIJPG-D4lanivaHgblLcPgbDtt3MmEwYpeDzuFk4bSxgnhgsy0_kU6uTnIbnjEjVmLGikKQwchQRA1OSoBHzfBxM/s1600-h/084.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233869327982936082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3tQC2N2JamBHN0Uk85mYMPxLSunsJoy6EqSDeJGxM-_svMua9FuuGIJPG-D4lanivaHgblLcPgbDtt3MmEwYpeDzuFk4bSxgnhgsy0_kU6uTnIbnjEjVmLGikKQwchQRA1OSoBHzfBxM/s320/084.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"></a> Kaylea's Wire Sculpture ~ Girl Dancing<br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi0qnscWNkIoKUDfuHDyguzd0FGPY_iQ0bxXCb63EaNB-Xg_RmZHiuE2HEXIbOZZ08qnUZj0YVaOQW_FFaOgomlWs_IMbk4nSkEG7nHgQ3m7dYQ6LnVQBByqWEjYI8Sl8M33F4FUgETTc/s1600-h/082.JPG"></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#cc33cc;">We are <strong><em>SO</em></strong> proud of our girl!</span> </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEx1YbY6vOhBor8yD8cAJMmfQoPqe_-FqfDlhAA99HrF40TMeuSJulQJqGanpC4nr2uztVL95cZA1nST1B4iq08OKQ6DiT08ICqG7d8-59LTIJNSvZFyW3nrnvWZnhPOYoLP7WsAIjisk/s1600-h/084.JPG"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeh5QrsyMX412azHCx12T3Pbu0qFIjgoKdtgkgGFjofboF_tAfvGQv35WPA66aoYq28pEhh9ER6weM4LuWSCUZDINQAeiwa_f3O6h3CyBMFApzl2JJDyrGBGdYozS33ixKA179JH7wN4g/s1600-h/083.JPG"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhisc52E0pEUeXfWAnMU1yJ-rRGnAIo5IGfcKgyyx3t2vmYlIA5tkgcKlveYI-r9olNk8nvieHRAZ_k-A4PIqeJ2Lzsf8RbWpIDl9DGh_oqASx03CNLcb86sXsO7N4tjCkmlSi__Ii2UMs/s1600-h/081.JPG"></a><br /><br /><div></div>Jenniluhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489729996806198486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800345333422522206.post-57016131414157653312008-08-08T08:52:00.003-04:002008-08-08T09:05:37.051-04:00Check Her Out.........as you all know, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Kaylea</span> is our little budding artist. I have mentioned before that she takes art classes after school during the school year. Then over the summer she attended two art camps that her instructor offered. Well, here is the really cool part. Some of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Kaylea's</span> art work (and other kids from the class and camp) is being exhibited at the <a href="http://www.knoxart.org/">Knoxville Museum of Art</a>. You really need to go and check it out. The kids have done some phenomenal pieces.<br /><br />The art work will be on display the entire month of August and the museum's hours are as follows:<br /><br />Tuesday-Thursday: 10am- 5pm<br />Friday: 10am-8pm<br />Saturday: 10am-5pm<br />Sunday: 1pm- 5pm<br />Monday: CLOSED<br /><br />Also, if you live in the South Knoxville, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Sevierville</span>, Kodak or surrounding areas and you are interested in signing your child up for Art Classes, contact Jackie Wright @ <a href="mailto:j4wright@charter.net">j4wright@charter.net</a> . I can speak from experience that Jackie is wonderful with the kids and she introduced <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Kaylea</span> to talents she didn't know she had. Thank you Jackie, your the best!!!!!<br /><br />P.S. I will be adding photos to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Kaylea's</span> online Art Gallery in the next few days, so keep an eye on it. Very pretty stuff to come.Jenniluhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489729996806198486noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800345333422522206.post-23123698762750724912008-08-07T16:23:00.002-04:002008-08-07T16:27:02.694-04:00Why Oh Why......is it that the one child in the entire 4th grade that I didn't want in Kaylea's class is listed on the class roster? <br /><br />We will say a little prayer and keep our fingers crossed! --Think positive! Think positive!Jenniluhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489729996806198486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800345333422522206.post-40194184740201321752008-08-07T10:23:00.002-04:002008-08-07T11:01:20.559-04:00The New Class List Is Here, The New Class List Is Here!<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Kaylea</span> is all sorts of excited. As of today, the new class lists have been hung outside the school. She jumped out of bed this morning and that was the first thing out of her mouth. We already know who her teacher is, which was the important thing for <strong><em>me</em></strong> to find out. But, now she gets to find out if any of her friends will be in her class, which is the important thing for <strong><em>her</em></strong> to find out. Since I know most of the kids through subbing and volunteering, I will have a pretty good idea of how the year will go as soon as I see the list. Hopefully, we will win the sweet children lottery for classmates this year. Last year was pretty good, but we did have a few problems here and there - and of course <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Kaylea</span> was right in the middle of them, as usual. <br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Kaylea</span> tends to want to be friends with everyone and have everyone be friends with her <strong><em>and</em></strong> each other. Unfortunately though, some kids just don't get along (personalities don't jive, which is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">ok</span>; more than one "queen bee" in class; etc.) <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Kaylea</span> tries to play the role of NATO but ends up just being stuck in the middle being pulled both ways. I guess you could say that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Kaylea</span> is the Canada of the 4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">th</span> grade. (Why can't we all just get along?) Oh, don't think that I am under the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">misperception</span> that my daughter is not playing some role in all of the drama. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">After all</span>, she is a <strong><em>girl</em></strong> and she is <strong><em>9</em></strong>. To use a Dr. Phil(ism) I am trying to figure out what her "payoff" is for being in the middle. She definitely has one, otherwise she wouldn't continually put herself there. Maybe this will be the year that all of this changes - I sure hope so. I don't think I can take another year of <em>girl drama</em>. There are so many sweet little girls at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Kaylea's</span> school that I know would be a true "best friend" for her. She just needs to find that little girl and stick by her, no matter what!Jenniluhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489729996806198486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800345333422522206.post-37993860070365494702008-08-06T09:41:00.002-04:002008-08-06T10:05:54.266-04:00Now Back To Your Regularly Scheduled BloggingIt would appear that Curiously Kaylea is back from its summer reprieve. Honestly, I have been a total slacker with all of the Blogs. I don't know why, but I just can't seem to get the story-telling juices flowing. I think I am cracking under the pressure - ha ha.<br /><br />Kaylea and I were out of town last week and it was pretty much an uneventful week. Well, with the exception of Kaylea getting her first ever UTI. Boy, that was fun. I took her to a walk-in clinic on Monday afternoon and they gave her a prescription for antibiotics. I figured the symptoms would be easing off by Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday, at the latest. Afterall, that is how fast the antibiotics work when she has strep throat. But, oh no, we were still contending with the symptoms on Thursday when we were returning home. Yes, having a child with a UTI on a 5 hour car ride is more fun than humans should be allowed to have. All I can say is, thank goodness for AZO. It was a life saver. Had we not used the AZO, we would probably still be stuck in a bathroom somewhere in Georgia, right now.<br /><br />This week we both are being a little lazy. Seeing as we only have two weeks until school starts, we better get the lazies out of our systems. We won't have time for nonsense such as this much longer.Jenniluhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489729996806198486noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800345333422522206.post-12545468824526268212008-07-18T09:49:00.003-04:002008-07-18T10:26:58.147-04:00Kaylea is a Martha Stewart in the making...Yes, I have a mini-Martha at my house. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Kaylea</span> loves to cook; I can't get her out of the kitchen when I am preparing a meal. She, also, loves to decorate; she is constantly rearranging the items in her room or the pictures in the living room (and of course I am <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">OCD</span> enough that I have to change them back). And now she has developed a love for Crafts and Crafting. She is attending an Arts and Crafts camp this week at one of our local churches and they have the kids doing all kinds of crafts. She has learned how to weave; she made an ink stamp by carving a block of wood; she made sun art; and the list goes on and on.<br /><br />I am very excited about <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Kaylea's</span> latest love because I, too, love to make crafts. I lack the creativity to come up with ideas on my own, but I can copy almost anything (with the exception of knitting/crocheting).<br /><br />Next week, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Kaylea</span> will return for the second session of Mrs. Jackie's Art Camp. She is really excited about that one, as well. Not too much crafting going on there, but <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">definitely</span> a lot of art mediums being used.<br /><br />I suppose I need to close for now. Mini-Martha and I have to get ready for our dinner party.<br /><br /><u>To Do List:</u><br /><ol><li>Pick cotton to weave for table linens</li><li>Gather bees wax to make our candles</li><li>Kill and clean the chicken for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Coq</span> Au Vin</li><li>Pick and stomp the grapes to make the wine</li><li>Gather fresh vegetables from the garden</li><li>Pick apples for the pie</li><li>Milk the cow to make whipped cream and butter</li></ol>Jenniluhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489729996806198486noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800345333422522206.post-10651380189827941892008-07-12T11:33:00.003-04:002008-07-12T12:05:53.911-04:00Welcome to Skid Row*****Warning, if you don't want to read about laundry, husbands, kids and skids, this isn't the post for you*****<br /><br />Several weeks ago as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Kaylea</span> and I were doing laundry we stumbled upon a pair of Bub's <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">underwear</span> that had a lot of brownish black marks all over them. I mean ALL OVER THEM (they were more brown than white). At first glance, it looked like there had been some sort of explosion in or around them. But, I was quite sure if he had made a mess of that nature in his drawers there would have been a wrecked car, paramedics, savage animals, paranormal experiences, crazed psychopaths or something of the sort involved. So, since I had not heard him speak of any of the above mentioned horrific events, I assumed the stains were not what was originally suspected.<br /><br />When he got home from work that evening, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Kaylea</span> was quick to give him the inquisition about his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">underoos</span>. She was just certain that her daddy had skids and she was ready to tease him unmercifully. Unfortunately, Bub explained away the stains by telling us that he had used the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">underwear</span> to clean his work boots. (He is frequently on construction sites and his boots are always covered in dust and dirt). Too bad for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Kaylea</span>, she wasn't going to get the opportunity to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">razz</span> her Daddy.<br /><br />Now, let's fast forward to last night. I was doing laundry, AGAIN! As I was folding the white cloths I found a pair of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Kaylea's</span> panties that were a little (how should I say this?) streaked inside. I took them to her and asked, "Um hum, was there a problem?" Without skipping a beat she looked up at me and said, "No, I used them to clean my boots!"<br /><br />I thought I would fall over I laughed so hard.Jenniluhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489729996806198486noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3800345333422522206.post-59965956520299449592008-07-09T13:42:00.004-04:002008-07-09T14:15:08.322-04:0020/25 - Hey We'll Take It<div>As I have <a href="http://curiously-kaylea.blogspot.com/2008/01/coping-with-amblyopia-otherwise-known.html">written before</a>, Kaylea suffers from Amblyopia. Her left eye decided it wanted to get "lazy" and left all of the work to be done by the right eye. Since 2006, we have been working with a phenomenal Pediatric Ophthalmologist trying to improve the vision in her left eye, before she reaches Visual Maturity ("VM") and her visual acuity becomes 'locked-in'. When we began this process, Kaylea's visual acuity in her left eye was 20/200 (she was legally blind in that eye). As of her check-up yesterday, her visual acuity in her left eye is 20/25. Just to give you perspective on how much of an improvement that is, here is an eye chart:</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221078104076319266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUaGkkHYbpu5RtoSJC2DcXqSCTdULFPr1p7DZwbANoKPdIS6Y58ox8tiOcDKt5GHmgKa4IeRqHUiUkAQE6uFqDQO_UdU0WXrIwnYWL7-w80QWJxLSjH2LTFNbCszgay_U3Sf7zYOcFjJ0/s320/481px-Snellen_chart_svg.png" border="0" /><br /><div></div><br /><div>Now, we are trying to get one more line of improvement before she reaches VM, which normally happens sometime before a child reaches 10 years old. Seeing as Kaylea's 10th birthday is in September, we really have our backs against the wall. Hopefully, she hasn't reached VM, yet. But if she has, we will be pleased the progress she made.</div><div></div><div><br />As for Kaylea, she is just happy that the patching process is almost over and that she will be able to say goodbye to her glasses, very soon.</div>Jenniluhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17489729996806198486noreply@blogger.com2