Fixer!

Context: in the middle of a message series on saving money; no debt other than the house; saving for a newer car when this one really dies (at 10 years 140,000+ miles - it's coming); frugal family

Problem: while loading the dryer, I notice the clothes are unusually wet; after next load, washer will not drain or spin

Solution: #1 - call dad, the man Jen & H have labeled "The Fixer" (I have many times been asked if I can be a fixer, and many times been told I am not "The Fixer"); #2 - order part from Sears online, do a little research

Quest: make sure I need this part, so, using fixitnow.com, the Samurai Appliance Repair Man, I set out to confirm what I need to order; save $450 on a new washer by buying either a $110 or $26 part to fix the existing washer




Pictures: washer after I took it apart (really just the outside cover), the broken switch (there should be a part in the middle so the hole doesn't show), the piece that's missing (I found in the next load of laundry), the solution until the part arrives (Yes, it's an odd sock)
Not only did I figure out the problem, take the washer apart, and reassemble to make sure of my diagnosis before ordering the part, BUT I found the part (26.99 + shipping at sears.com) on ebay for just 17.98 shipping included.

And, H has told me, "Mommy, you're a fixer!" Yes, I am.

Rebound

Maybe Jeremy shouldn't have kissed me the other night. Three of the four members of the White family are down with the "stuff" that is going around. I think I'm on the other side of the worst, Jeremy seems to be climbing up the hill, and Hudson seems to just be stuck in the middle.

We did all get a good nap today - over three hours. This means it's 10:04 and no one is tired, but we all feel better, so God used the rest to heal our bodies, and we are thankful for that. I have plenty of work to do, but I'm enjoying reading photography blogs and playing with the camera. It does some amazing things. It's a good thing the kids LOVE to be my subjects!

I am LOVING my Sheltered English class. I think at first they couldn't figure out if I wanted to be with them or just 'got stuck' with them, and now they know I'm into doing this. I also admitted I don't completely know what I'm doing, but I'm studying and expecting us to all work together to get better at English. I did quite well on my first quiz (they gave me a Spanish vocab quiz on the words they had to learn in English). When they say something in Spanish, I ask them to tell me what they said, and I try to repeat it. I butcher it, usually, and they are very patient to repeat with me. The situation ends up with me getting close and having to explain that I'm white and that's as close as it's going to get! They think it's funny. So, I'm dusting off some teaching strategies and programs that I've never 'been allowed' to use because it didn't fit current district curriculum and running with it. It's good, solid stuff, and I think it's going great so far!

"I think they're going to kiss..."

Jenna has just taken a notice to Jeremy and I showing affection to each other. Maybe it's because we realized we go for long stretches and the kids don't see us be affectionate. We realized they need to see love and affection and understand how much we really do love each other beyond being Mom and Dad. So, we were hugging in the kitchen, and we overhead Jenna, "Oh no, Hudson, I think they're going to kiss." We did, just for effect for her.

Hudson and I are fighting a little cold - runny/stuffy nose, cough, sore throat, tired. Yucky, but not seriously ill. It's going around and it's frequently getting ugly and turning into bronchitis. We're tough. We're also hoping for a delayed start to school tomorrow for a little extra rest. Evidently it's already sleeting in Stephenville, just down the road, so it's looking good! I just don't want to miss completely, I HATE making up school!

It's a cozy evening with some homemade chili, homemade bread (kind of - breadmaker), snuggles, and a movie.

The best news: I got to see and visit with Michael! It was SOOOOO good to see him, hug him, and talk to him in person. He looks good, a little tired and definitely skinny (lost 20 lbs.), but healthy overall. He was in some pretty hairy stuff from the comments I've gotten, and my prayer, if you will join me, is that God would heal him emotionally & psychologically.

Happy Winter!

Uncle Mike's Home!

That's my brother - ON US SOIL AGAIN! I can't express how happy that makes me. God delivered him home, safe & sound. I'll get to see him tomorrow or Tuesday. This was the penacle of the week.

Friday I had one of "those" days. A parent tore into me for her child not doing well on the research paper. What I got from her questions and demeanor was that I didn't do enough and set her up for failure. What I couldn't get across to her was that I poured my life out and have worked for 10 years to make it as simple a process as possible if the student works in class. No one was happy; I cried after she left; she went all the way to the principal. In the grand scheme of things, it was not that big a deal; I just work so HARD to help these kids, and yet it's my fault when they fail. My principal and department head completely had my back.

To happier news: Jenna & Hudson are amazing. My babies have such wonderful little helper hearts. Today they helped me clean house - willingly and without complaining. We went to see "The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything" and got tacos as a treat.

Cute Kids

How did we produce such cute kids? God's grace is good!

Tomorrow is the last day of the semester - praise & glory! We're looking forward to a great weekend.

Happy New Year!

Okay, okay, it's 16 days in, but I haven't said it here yet. We've settled back in to school and work routines quite nicely since the holidays, and it was a little doubtful as to whether or not that would happen. I have also been living up to my "resolution" to not work so hard, really. So, in the absence of grading papers and such mess, I have had time to actually finish the "Christmas" cards which may lead some of you back here. I also managed to complete baby shower invitations for a friend, connect the new camera (alluded to on the Christmas Eve post) to the computer and find it works marvellously, and look at a lot of photography web sites. I have not practiced with the camera as much as I would like, but I am the envy of some of my friends who dabble in photography ;). I would attach a picture for you to enjoy, but it seems I need to rename some 195 images from the holidays. When you have a fast camera, you take a lot of pictures - I don't think I missed a thing this year! So, as soon as I sit down to do that, and figure out how to shrink the file size in the new program, you'll be the first to see some work. Really, you saw the first printed picture from the camera, which isn't that great because I didn't take the time to calibrate the printer - the picture looks much better on the LCD screen of my camera!

I have not heard anything on the job share other than "I know the issue is not dead" from my principal, so Jacqui and I are staying positive. As Jacqui pointed out, "God tells us to ask the desires of our hearts, and we've asked, so now we have to believe and it will be given to us." She's such a rock in my sandy world of the school! I do love teaching, really, I do, it's all the "other" stuff.

The kids are awesome. Jenna began dance on Monday, and I think it will be her favorite yet. Soccer was cold or requires sweating. Gymnastics was better, but she yearned for more time on the trampoline. Dance meant new shoes (tap & ballet) and the cutest little costumes you can imagine. She's so prissy, this just might be her thing. Yes, I know, she's only 5, trust me - we're not pushing her to make a decision any time soon. Our family rule is - try one thing at a time and find the one or two things you like to do and go for it. It worked for me, and families are just too crazy running around from activity to activity. Speak of the princess...she just woke up, so I'm off to make breakfast. She wants to add, "Dance is fun."

Christmas Eve

Sounds heard around the White House (ours) on Christmas Eve:
"I can't get it to take the picture" Misti with new camera.
"I'll be glad when you figure that thing out" Jeremy to Misti regarding above.
"Is that IT?" Jenna regarding toy she didn't think she wanted; she later loved it.
"What if Santa takes my toy?" Hudson regarding new toy which was placed in his room.

Basically, after Christmas Eve service we had dinner at Pastafina with the Whites, made Happy Birthday Jesus cupcakes, went to see Christmas lights while they cooled, came home & iced, and then opened one gift. It was the "big" present they chose, of course. Jenna was less than pleased at first, obviously she wanted something else. She came around. Hudson was immediately enthralled, hence his apprehension that Santa might take it when he came tonight. We've decided we might have issues when the kid doesn't trust Santa. Now nestled in bed, convinced (hopefully) that they have to stay in bed until the sun is up or they might scare Santa, Santa & Mrs. Clause better get to work.

What did we ever do before kids? I love this stuff!

Humility of Motherhood

These are pictures of Jenna's new bicycle and Hudson's new gun. Friday we went to Red Lobster and to Academy. While at Academy, Jenna tried new bikes. She was really in desperate need, her knees hit the handle bars of her old bicycle. During her experiments with Dad, Hudson and I perused the toys. One after another, "Mommy, I want this," until "the gun." When he spied the gun in the picture, complete with sound and real bullets, his voice and tempo changed. "Wow, Mommy." It was love at first sight. After I became "the best mommy in the whole world," Jenna and Daddy had selected the perfect bike. Jer took off to look around, and so did Hudson and I. As I was looking at a shirt, I heard a sound that was like regurgitation. It was. I took off running for the bathroom, at the back far corner from where I was - and we left a trail the whole way. After cleaning him up, I went in search of workers to tell them what happened, and started trying clean what I could, despite the lack of paper towels in the restroom. It took 6 workers to quarrentine our area - our trail. As soon as Jer found us, he thought quickly - he paid, and H and I went to the truck. So embarassing!

But - we have a new bicycle and a new gun. We're working on wearing the both out!

That's why...

Jenna has never had one of her molars come in. Last August our dentist thought he saw a calcium deposit blocking the tooth. Today we made the leap to the oral surgeon. It seems that baby tooth never developed and just stayed right under the gum. All of her teeth under the gum, her future adult teeth, look great. But, the underdeveloped baby tooth is blocking her 6 year molar. It's gotta go. Sigh. My baby girl will have to be sedated and have that cut out. He assured me she'll bounce back faster than I would, but it's still scary. The other scary thing was I saw two big wisdom teeth in her lower jaw, so this probably isn't our last oral surgeon visit. Better keep that dental insurance when she's a teen and college age.

Hudson is a model. Really. A friend of ours is starting a photography business and needed a cute little boy for her samples. Ours is that cute little boy. I just had to brag about that. He doesn't have professional head shots or anything, but visit around Granbury, and you just might see his smiling face. He did well, too. I was worried, because anytime we step into a studio, he goes limp, covers his face, and screams. She took us to the park and just snapped away. She even got hime to pose. I can't wait to see them, and when I do, you will too!

StoneWater will have our first staff retreat this weekend. The staff leaves Sunday, the spouses follow on Monday. Big fun! We love our staff. Currently we have Jeremy and Joey, children's coordinator - Kendra, children/finance - Suzanne, Executive Pastor - Dave, Video/Tech/Youth - Jason, office director - Rebecca, worship leader - Eric. It's a fun group!

Loss

I think I've wanted to express my grief over the loss of Chas, knowing it would be therapeudic and a way to share how much he really did mean to me and to my family, but doing so just makes it so final. So real. It's easier living in the shock and immediate sadness than the long term. But, here it is another Sunday morning, and I find myself grieving all over again. Loss is hard. Yesterday was the first time that it hit Hudson. Of course we sat the kids down and talked to them about it, but Hudson is just 2. Jeremy was watching some PBS special on guitarists and it showed a bass player. Hudson said, "Daddy, where is Chas?" I had been waiting on this question on a Sunday or Saturday. Jeremy explain that Chas was with God. Hudson asked, "When he gonna come back?" Jeremy explained that he wasn't, but one day we would see him again, in heaven. Hudson hugged Jeremy really tightly and said, "I'm sad, Daddy. I love Chas."

Later I was giving Eric a hard time about the candy machine that's STILL in my garage, a year after he and Chas purchased it to make some money. In a way I want it out, but, then again, it's just a part of Chas and Eric that remains in my garage and I see multiple times a day. Silly, huh?

Long Time Gone

I have neglected this blog for far long enough. Some quick updates - I am still running. Not as hard as I had been, but I'm working on getting my mileage back up to 20 miles per week. I am also working on those abs an arms - a cute, but strapless bridesmaid dress is my main motivation for the arms. I am working on my National Board Certification, lots of work, and going to DC for a school conference in June/July. Jeremy will be coming along at our own expense; we figure it's worth it. One of us is going free - she'll have to work, of course, but we'll get to visit in the late afternoons and evenings.

Jeremy is still reveling in church stuff. He's meeting with a new coach/mentor and likes implementing those ideas. The church continues to grow - getting close to a regular number of 700 a week. Crazy. The church is currently looking for land, a tough road in Granbury.

Jenna is growing. I cut her hair a little shorter, getting rid of the stringy stuff, and she looks more grown up and more like a child at the same time. She's absolutely beautiful and delightful.

Hudson is all boy. He likes super heroes, tractors, and running. Stubborn boy, but sweet and cuddly too.

Michael, my brother, is in town. It's good to see him. He looks tired, of course he had just been in transit for two days last time I saw him. It's also a little bittersweet, knowing that he has to go back in a couple of weeks. But, my principal gave me the day off tomorrow to hang with him - so I"ll make the most of it and try not to think too far into the future!

Just 7 1/2 more days of school (minus 1 day with Michael, and 1 day writing scope and sequence), so, 5 1/2 more days - but who's counting? ME!

Oops

I obviously forgot about this for a little while, but I'm working on getting back in the habit for our friends who are away from us, and for my brother who will soon be leaving for Iraq again. Please pray for his safety and security while he is there.

We're doing well. Schools is good as there are only 5 more weeks of the trimester left, and then I'm back to juniors. I have enjoyed seniors, but they require a lot of 'babying' and cajoling. Hudson is fighting some bug - he has a fever and has asked to go to bed twice today - once this morning and promptly at 7:50 this evening. I get to stay home with him tomorrow, and I'm looking forward to it. I've had a sore throat & ear ache for 3 weeks now - really, so that gives me the chance to go back to the doctor tomorrow. I have a fever now, so maybe they'll take some action. Jeremy is having a grand time doing all of his normal 'stuff.' Jenna is still our princess and is getting smarter all the time. Jeremy gave both of the kids brownies this weekend and gave Jenna 4 and Hudson 3 (I was gone, and he has assured me that they were small). Jenna said, "I have 4." Hudson said, "I have 4, too." Jenna looked in his bowl and then at Jeremy and said, "Daddy, Hudson can't count." He said he cracked up, it hadn't occurred to her that Hudson doesn't know everything she does. So, later, when they went to Nana's, Jenna told Nana that Hudson isn't very smart. Thank you, Nana, for explaining that he's just younger! Too funny.

Got shot.

I finally broke down and went to the doctor today after I thought my head might explode and all my teeth might fall out. I've been fighting this for two weeks (actually, more), and I gave in. I was expecting the antibiotic and decongestant mix, but when she said 'shot,' I felt a little like Jenna. NO! Steroid shots hurt, but it did give me some relief within a few hours. I'm hoping that soon everything else will kick in and I'll feel like living again (or at least keeping the house clean and clothes on the kids).

Running is good - I finished a 'measly' 10 on Saturday (probably didn't help the illness), but since then, I've been off on 'healing' break. I miss it terribly, and, although I'm scared, I'm ready for a good long one again. I really miss my running buddies, we haven't run together much lately.

The kids are great. They are both almost over this 'stuff' that has gone around. Hudson popped out of bed last night because, "Daddy, I need to tell you something." This is a trick he learned from his sister. Sister is usually swift enough to work in a "Daddy, I love you." But, Hudson, didn't really know what to say when Jeremy answered, "Okay, what?" He stammered and then kissed his knee and wandered back to bed. He's a sweetie. He is in a depth of whining and temper tantrums. We're working on him. Jenna is the ultimate big sister. She knows everything, which is bad and good. She's growing like and weed, and it's impossible to keep her in clothes that fit and match our Texas weather. We enjoyed the 'snow' last week. The kids didn't want to come in, despite 'burning' fingers (frostbite?). They want more, of course.

We're all looking forward to Christmas break. Jer and I will be heading to the ski slopes, and then we'll have some great family time!

Wow, a little time away

Has it really been that long?

Cold has hit, as I know you are aware. A solid 23 degrees this morning as I ran my laps of my neighborhood. I shed more clothes than I have in my closet, I think! I learned I don't need that many clothes to run in the cold. Yep, I'm still running - my longest run now is up to 18 miles. I completed the Half in my goal time of under 2.10 - 2:09:50, officially. It felt GREAT. However, after the 18 miles, in 3.13, I did not feel great. It hurt. But, I've recovered, mentally and physically, and I'm looking 'forward' to 20 in December. I've really enjoyed my buddies from the running ministry...and missed them since the Half. We've kind of fallen apart, I feel like, but I'm trying to resurrect.

The kids have been busy with so much, I don't know where to begin. We have adjusted completely to our new pre-school. Jenna is learning so much about God and the Bible, I just love it. She has friends now, that was rough at first. Hudson is just happy wherever he is (except he's sick now, and quite a whiner). He's getting big - even going on the potty some. Speaking of...here he comes, so it's time to start breakfast...

Late Night

Tonight was Fantasy Football draft for the men, and pool night for the women, complete with child care at another local house. Terrific!

I just had one of those blissful moments when you put the children to bed, and no one argues because they're exhausted. Then, I couldn't resist picking Jenna up and cradling her in my arms. I just rocked her and gazed at her precious little face, remarking on how I can't believe she is so big, she used to be so tiny and dependent. I was reveling in the moment, thinking she had actually gone to sleep since her face had relaxed and her breathing was even. One eye opened up and she said, "My head is tired of this, are you finished?" I laughed and laid her on her pillow - ah the days of yesteryear!

Survivor!

We have survived the first week of school!

Let me actually begin with a cute story from last weekend. After setting up at the school for the first time, we arrived home around 1:15. By the time we ate lunch, it was 1:45. As Jeremy and I were finishing, Jenna came in and ask us, "Why is Hudson alseep." I told her he wasn't, but it was almost nap time. She said, "Yes, he is. In bed." Jeremy and I looked at each other, walked to Hudson's room, and found him fast asleep in his crib, blanket in his arm, paci in his mouth. His foot stool was pushed up against the crib, evidently it was just too much for him and he put himself to bed! How sweet!

The first day of school was Tuesday, and Jenna woke at 6:45, ready to get dressed. She dressed and ate breakfast. Jeremy has offered to let them watch Clifford, which comes on from 8:00 to 8:30. Nope, Jenna was ready to go. So, the went. According to Jeremy, Jenna entered, ready as can be. Hudson was a little hesitant, but Jenna took him and told him she would take care of him. Of course, Hudson came home the first day at 3:30 with a 101 fever. Future signs? He was fine by Friday, and able to return.

My classes are great. This trimester I have all Junior classes - 2 AP and 2 on level. I'm behind on organization and grading (already), but once again I remember how much I love this and the opportunites to minister to those kids. So many of them have no clue about God or even someone who will love and respect them while holding them accountable. I have already had my first parent come after me - at 4:30 on Friday, no less - but my Assistant Principal backed me, so all is well. Deadlines are deadlines, after all.

Our first week at Brawner Intermediate was wonderful. I was in charge of overseeing Camp SteppingStone since our children's coordinator was out of town, and I expected one of those 'drop back and punt' moments. But, everything was very smooth. I sweated for about 15 minutes while I waited to see if my workers would all show up, but it was great. The kids were happy with the new facilities, as were the teachers. The band sounded great, the chairs were comfortable (but not as good as the theater), and we even had to put out more chairs for the second service. We began the new StoneWater tradition of stacking your chairs after church, and the move was complete.

Visit Home

We returned to Lake Highlands Baptist Church on Sunday for a StoneWater report. It was exciting to be heading back, and I think Jeremy hit the nail on the head when he described it as going back to see your parents after you had been away at college. There was so much to share, so much excitement, and so many people to see. Unfortunately we couldn't catch up with everyone, between the kids dashing here, there, and yonder, and so many people we loved so dearly, we just didn't get to everyone in as much depth as we wanted. To those of you who read this, I apologize for that.

The night was exciting and ended with a bang as Hudson vomited on me three, yes three, times in the Fellowship Hall. Right on the nice carpet. The second time covered me, and the third time we made it to a trash can. (Sorry, guys.) I guess it was all the running and playing. Then, in the middle of the night Jenna wet her bed (the Dzina's air bed), and, in an effort looking for us, ended up in Paige's room, causing Paige to enter a screaming fit, which, in turn caused Jenna to scream. Funny at 4:50am - nope. Poor David, he stayed up visiting until after midnight, had a 4:50 screaming daughter (and carried our daughter to us, pantiless) and then met a friend at 6:00 am for breakfast.

Now I find myself in the precarious position of returning to work tomorrow. We've had a great week of "living it up." We've swam every day and today (after we've already played with Play-Doh and painted) we're heading to a movie, get some fast food, and out to Uncle Ronnie's pool with the Karnes'. Go out with a bang, right?

Running is good. I got some new running shoes, it was time. The last pair I got was about three months after Hudson was born, so they're almost two years old, and combine that with some running puts them in the replacement category. Now I have that pair (which I dearly love) and my new pair to break in. I've been buying good running clothes over ebay - good deals - because I've discovered that good running clothes really do make a difference (and I thought Jeremy just wanted to look good when he trained for those marathons). I broke down and joined the tech world and my running buddies by buying an IPod, so now I'm learning the ropes of my little Nano, and I do like her company on runs! The first run I wasn't so sure, but after my 4 mile today, I'm in love. The idea was to share with Jeremy, but I sure do like it all to myself. We're looking at investing in a mountain bike. Jer would love to go bike with the StoneWater Outdoors group that goes, and I would love to ride it to work - gas, you know. If gas really spikes like they're saying, a bicycle and motorcycle may be our primary modes of transport, and the bike would be paid of quickly in offset fuel cost. The kids' daycare is just a half mile away, so the jogging stroller would continue to be put to good use, too! Just call us thrifty, in a backward sort of way - spend money to save money!

The picture, by they way, is the kids on the StoneWater float for the 4th of July parade this year.

Catching up

Did I say I was going to be better since summer was more relaxed? Well, it has been a great summer. It's almost over, and I have that sad, but kind of excited thing going on.

Half-marathon training is underway and going well. Jennifer and I did a 6.5 mile run last week, and this week I just did a 5 mile. I got new shoes on Wednesday, and today was the day to start breaking them in. They felt good, just a little stiff, nothing that a couple dozen miles won't fix. I'm really feeling good, and love how much energy I have and how some of my old clothes are fitting (like that denim skirt I haven't worn since I found out I was having Hudson)! Most of it is outdated now, but my favorite denim skirt, favorite black pants, and favorite grey skirt can all come out from the back of the closet! Woo hoo.

My new passion is ebay for running clothes. When you run that far and that often, I have discovered that clothes really do make a difference. I have a couple of outfits that are cute, but a little tight in the shirt, and I just feel stressed out in them, so I've decided that it's worth my mental anguish to rid myself of them. It's fun.

Church is going well, we are about to move to a new location - Brawner Intermediate - and that is exciting simply for the extra room and better kids' facilities.

Hudson and Jenna are amazing. I can't believe I am actually a mother of two awesome kids (I almost said perfect, but, I just can't go there). Jenna is so smart and caring. She comforts her brother and shares compassionately with her friends. Hudson is adorable, and 100% cute or 100% unbearable right now. We've got to break that temper without breaking the sweet spirit behind it! We made our first birthday party list tonight. Jer and I have agonized over who to invite with all of our church friends, so we let Jenna make the list. It was a lot of fun to hear her list people and give her reasons (Abby, Howdy, and Rem (the family dogs) made the list). Hudson added Rusty, Pa White's longhorn, that he is in love with. This year Little Mermaid will meet with Curious George...it should be fun!

Sleepover

I have the pleasure of having one of my nephews, Carson, over to spend the night with Jenna tonight. I have now given the 15th warning of 'go to bed' and I don't think it is going to work, either.

Jeremy has been on the mission trip since Saturday, and boy do we all miss him. Jenna asks each morning, "Is Daddy coming home today?" She was quite glad to hear that tomorrow is the day this morning.

Jenna did an excellent job as flower girl in Cynthia's wedding. The wedding was beautiful. Jen very dutifully spread 3 to 4 petals every 4 steps. It was very methodical. She squirmed until Nana saved us with a LifeSaver (how appropriate), and then recessed out with the ring bearer with perfection. The cutest was the reception where she danced with the ring bearer. It made all the other dancing stop as everyone stopped to take pictures and video the cute little duo. He even spun her and tried to dip her, but she wasn't going for a dip.

Hudson had the pleasure of staying with Nana and Pawpaw White while we were doing the wedding. He still smiles and tells me about the "big cow" complete with arms spread apart to indicate big.

Yesterday I took the kids to Mom and Dad's to spend the night so she could keep them while I worked today. They were so ready to go! So, I had a restful, relaxing evening on my hands until 9:30 when my neighbor called. She suspected she had a dead chihuahua in her closet, and I assured her I would come to check. She was gone, alright. So, I stayed to let her break the news to the teenage girls, and then returned to help dig the burial plot. It was odd, but emotionless.

Well, it is time for warning #16, which will result in the end of Sleeping Beauty and the removal of flashlights. I'm glad they're having so much fun.

Squirrels Beware!

I took the kids to the park yesterday for our outing, and rather than play on a single piece of park equipment, they chased squirrels. I think the game was mutual, and the squirrels had a good time too. Jenna was the pointer; she would yell, "Squirrel!" and off they would run. They actually got close a couple of times, which made me nervous since I've seen what one of those cute little critters did to Gig'em when she caught one.

We have busied ourselves with too much fun. I experienced finger painting with Hudson for the first time - he was a mosaic of color and quite proud of himself. Jenna loves photography, with my digital camera, so it stays put up very high out of reach. Hudson continues to prove himself to be technology saavy (he dipped Jer's cell phone in a glass of water today). Hopefully quick action by me (pulling the battery off and slinging the water out) will save it. Otherwise, our bill for replacing church electronics will continue to mount (we'll add this to the cost of replacing the screen to the laptop after he dropped it).

Well, we haven't gone swimming yet today, and we're off to the resort next door. After all, we can't go a whole day without a swim!