McKeel Kids and snow

No new pictures from today. These were taken Friday and Saturday.

Isabella is really growing. It's fun watching her walk around. She's not real steady yet, and will still get down on her knees. She tries to keep up with her brother and sister though.

Lauren came to the door yesterday after playing in the snow. The first thing she said was "Grandma, will you wash my hair?". Her hair outside the toboggan was wet and pieces of sleet were frozen to it. She came on in, went to my bathroom and we pulled out the hair dryer. A couple of minutes later she was ready to go. Carter just wanted his hands warmed!

It's really having grand kids for neighbors!

Just a little snow

We woke up this morning to just a little snow. I think the top of James' house has more than anywhere. Poor Girl dog and Jack are having a tough time finding a place to take care of their business.

We will just be getting sleet all day. Oh well, at least we still have our electricity, phone and internet service. Wendy, how much did y'all get?

Update on Mandy

Well Mandy arrived back in Phoenix with some of her things last night. She will be making another trip back to Las Vegas for more of her stuff. Also Meghan let the hamster Robe out last night so we all say bye bye to that hamster. I think that's all from Mandy's world.

Message from the Jones'

Facebook never ceases to amaze me. I saw a post on there from Wendy and Cindy's Aunt Angie, Stephanie's mom. I have to repost it. I got a BIG laugh out of this! Sure hope it's not considered a terrorist threat.

Angie Hartley Jones Lord, the past year you took my favorite actor, Patrick Swayze; my favorite actress, Farrah Fawcett; my favorite musician, Michael Jackson; and my favorite salesman, Billy Mays. Lord, I just want you to know that my favorite president is Barack Obama.

No phone, No TV, No internet, NO SNOW ! ! !

This morinig about 10:00 AM the TV went black, along with the internet and digital phone. I gave Time Warner a call and the recording said it would be up in 90 minutes. About 4 hours later it all came back on. I recently changed over to digital phone, and realized that the absence of all three really messes up ones communication abilities.

The cell phones work, but you know how they are inside the house. So, if the power goes out, and the phone is out of service, we will have to depend on our cell phones. Just leave us a message if they are turned off.

Don't worry about us starving. The crock pot is full of chili and there is a pork roast cooking. And when that runs out, we ALWAYS have CHICKEN ! ! ! There are logs ready to be burned and a generator ready to crank. There are plenty of extra quilts for the beds. What more could we ask for? Let the snow begin! I'll be up all night watching for it.

Christy, Mandy's computer is still messed up, so you get to do the daily post. We want to see pictures when available. Kelli, you be sure to let us know what is going on in South Dakota.

Wendy, hope you are prepared. I am sure you will get more than we do. I'm just expecting a lot of ice.

Take care everyone! Mandy, good luck with the moving!

Snowy Day

Well you can see what my kids have been up to. They had so much fun. We got lots of snow and they made a snowman and a snow fort. The snow was so deep that Catherine had to be carried everywhere. When the boys laid in the snow to make snow angels they sank. Ha Ha they thought that was great. Wish you all were here to play.

Joe.....What's that noise?

Mom called Sunday night to tell me about their excitement. Saturday night mom was in bed talking to Aunt Jane on the phone (as usual) and dad was in the den watching TV. They both heard the alarm signal go off. Mom runs to the living room to see what's going on, and dad runs to the kitchen. Then mom sees dad head to the utility room, so she follows. When he opens the door a plume of black smoke and soot enters the kitchen. Mom is convinced the house is on fire. Dad calmly walks to the utility room, flips a switch, and after awhile the smoke subsides.

By this time mom has inhaled smoke and fumes that she said is irritating her lungs, so she had dad open the windows in the house.

So, this was Saturday night and they have been without heat every since. I haven't checked in with them today. I'll be sure to let you know if I hear anything.

I guess all those times Larry told us he had to crack the water in the toilet before he could flush, could just might become a reality!

Tuesday at the McEwan house

Well you can see what my kiddos were up to. They were attacking Kurt on the floor and goofing off. We had a busy day with school, dentist, speech therpy and dinner. Not all in that order. I am pleased to announce that Kenneth does not have any cavities. Catherine is talking more, and Luke made it through another day of school.
Of course Jacob is just an angel as usual.

That's all

No wrestling for a week

Chris went for x rays today. He's still sore. But he did get a pass for NO WRESTLING for a week. I guess this will give his body time ro rest before it gets pounded again. Why would ANYONE want to wrestle???

Mandy is packing. Kat is babysitting. Christy is....I don't know. And we don't see alot of the chicken man! I'm sure Wendy and Cindy are working alot. As for me, I spent the afternoon with Uncle Rudy. Hanging out with a 83 year old that knows everything will put a smile on anyone's face!

So now, what are all of you really doing?

15 Year Old Struck by car

For more info go to Kat's blog. Or better still, call Chris and let him tell you the story.

My poor little baby!

My Montage 1/23/10 at OneTrueMedia.com

Well we have a new member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Kenneth and his cousin Samara were baptised today and we went through the baptism without goggles and with out to much crying. ( Kenneth is tender hearted). So every one needs to say Hip Hip Horray for Kenneth. It has been a long 2 days.

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Cameron and Olivia

I stole another one. Randy just made a post on facebook, and this was his profile picture. I just HAD to steal it and repost. Olivia still looks like Cindy, and not her mom so much. Sorry Wendy!
Wish I could make it larger.

I need some pictures now of Tristen and Nate.

Weekend project

This is my next project. I am going to cut out each face and put a multicolored border around it. Then add in a few white blocks, and another border. I think I am making it for Isaac, but I will have to wait until I finish it to see if it is too girly. There is pink in it, and the backing will be purple. You know, I might be able to make two out of this one panel. The blue eyes, the upside down head, and the pacifier are definite favorites of Isaac

Class went GREAT. I love this stuff! Y'all need to start having babies so I can make blankets.

Seth is up to no good again

So Seth told me today that he was on green and had a good dau. After I put him in bed he came out and told me that he actually went to the office today for being bad and getting in trouble. Any suggestions on what to do about my little trouble maker? Oh, and also, we are moving to Phoenix within the next few weeks.

Aunt Astrid

Aunt Astrid is still in Germany. Her mom is still in the hospital running a fever. She has been there for over a week. Just thought you might like to know.

All About Kelli

Kelli hasn't posted any pictures, so I decided to grab a couple off her facebook page. That's a lot easier than going through all the photo albums. I'll wait until her birthday to do that, and post some really old ones.

Hey Kelli Belli...... are you still counting down the days? You better get after Chris and his school grades. He's being a slacker!

Triplets ? ? ?

Mom called tonight and said that Chris Evans and his wife Cherie are expecting triplets. Don't you wish it were you? I'm sure this will be exciting for Grandaddy Joe to count down. In the past he would say he had 13 and 1/2 or 13 and 3/4 great grand kids. Wonder how he going to count these three.

Today Uncle Rudy had two doctor appointments in Greenville, so I spent most of the day there. I had left Jack out on the patio in the fence, but forgot to remove his leash. Anyway, he got tangled around the chair and only had 2 to 3 feet to move. Sherrill DID NOT appreciate this.
He didn't fuss. Even if he had, I was just too tired to listen!

Have a good week everyone.

In The Zone

Well this was what my kids were up to this morning. As you can see they are all focused on one thing. SpongeBob Square Pants!! Yes as you can see even baby Jacob is in the zone. I was on the computer this morning and the kids were all in the living room. Then it got real quite and I look up and this is what I saw. It was bliss for about 5 mins. Aren't they just cutties

Now tomorrow is school and we are supposed to get snow tonight. Anyone want to shovel my driveway in the morning:)

Austin, Could It Be?

Here is a pic of Carter's birthday cake! He had a Backyardigan's Birthday Party; so here is, none other than...................AUSTIN! Carter's Favorite :) Carter can get real emotional sometimes. He will say "He's going to cry" referring to various objects like, bunny, blanket, the fox on "The Fox and the Hound" and Carter will cry. Yesterday morning before church at 1pm, I made the cake. Well, on the way to church, Carter's voice cracked and he said "Austin's going to cry"! Well, I wrapped him up with saran wrap and foil, so I told Carter that I wrapped Austin up in his blanket, that he's taking a nap, and that he will be okay till we get back. Carter wasn't convinced!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Carter's Birthday Party

Here are two pictures taken at Carter's party. Abby, I didn't do the cake.....I'll let you show that!

As I said in my previous post, the Zhu Zhu pets got the most attention.

Isabella is the little girl in the striped leggins. She's scooting around. Well actually she is walking around now, Finally!

Today's project

This has been my project today. This is the front. I am actually piecing the back now with scraps of fabric left over from the front. It's only 47" by 54" but is ideal to snuggle with by the fireplace.
If it will cover me, it should cover any of the grandkids.......Kelli and Chris will just have to scrunch up their legs! I think I will quilt this one by hand. I have to practice up on machine quilting.

Carter's birthday party was this afternoon. Lots of kids, lots of food, and lots of noise. The Zhu Zhu pets were the main attraction running around the maze on the coffee table. Little Carter 4 years old. Lauren will turn 5 the end of Feb. So, for now Abby has two 4 year olds in the house.

We will be gone tomorrow afternoon. Monday class again.

Take care!

Sto has skills

So here is the long video. You can go to my fb page and there is a link to the shorter 9 second video. You did a a great job today Sto. :)

Come on....Time to walk the dogs

Sherrill is getting ready to go walk Jack and Girl Dog. So, Carter goes home to get his dog to walk. Off they go, Sherrill, Lauren, Carter, Jack, Girl Dog, and the little dog on wheels! I wonder what all the neighbors thought.

Chris had his first wrestling match today. Mandy has a video I think she is going to try to post. If it's too large for here, she will give us the link to youtube. I can't wait to see my baby wrestling.

I talked to Christy a little while ago. Kurt's Grandma McEwan passed away. Just thought you might like to know.

Daniel's mom Debbie is spending the weekend with Mandy, Dan and the kids. Seth LOVES his Grandma Debbie. She doesn't spank!

Hope everyone is having a good weekend.

85 Days!!

ok family. now that 2nd semester has started, i am beginning to count down the days for real now! i have alot coming up in the next 4 months!! i have cindys birthday and valentines day with my love in february. i have my 18th bday, nates 8th bday, moms 39th bday in march. prom in april. and graduation in may!! soo excited.

Happy Birthday Carter ! ! !

Happy Birthday to you..........

Happy Birthday to you.........

Happy Birthday Dear Carter...........

We ALL LOVE YOU ! ! ! !

Carter turns 4 today. He's growing fast. A couple of nights ago he was helping Sherrill replace light bulbs. A couple of weeks ago Sherrill had him on top of James' house. Carter and his PAPA will try just about anything.

Hello people :)

Hi. I have Dan's computer so I can finally make a post. Sorry but I didn't take any pictures today. I had a guy come to inspect the house to make sure we aren't destroying it. We have decided that we are going to move to Phoenix so tomorrow we are going to look at a house. It's in the same part of the valley that we lived in before. I've also applied for a job at Wells Fargo again so hopefully I can get that just so I can get out of the house and be around adults. (I love you Kat)

I think that's about it for today. The kids are fine. Oh, Chris and Eli can over tonight for a couple of hours just to hang out. This is the second time this week that Sto has been to visit. They are going to miss us when we leave. :(

Our Night

Well now you can see our night. We went and got ice cream, the boys loved it. Cat fell asleep then woke up mad. Jake did the same.I gotta pepsi and Kurt got a milkshake. Sorry not much to report

Is ANYONE in school?

I thought the purpose of this blog was to keep each other posted on the kids and their progress.

Aren't you tired of hearing MOM stories? Mandy is still laughing when I call her about my remote control. By the way, here's two pictures she sent earlier. She tries to keep me up to date with things.

Chris was on facebook during school again today. And Eli told his teacher a very interesting story about video games and a "pee bottle". I'll save that story for Kat to tell.

Carter reports that his tongue still hurts and he will "Lick it out" for me to see when it feels better. Lauren's hair seemed a little shorter today while I was brushing it, and she said her mom cut it.

Luke is back in school, and no reports on Kenny. Christy thinks that Jacob is STARVING and wants to start feeding him. No reports on Catherine.

I still have plenty of different "families" of kids lined up on the couch. That will be an interesting project for another day.

Oh, every day when I talk to Kat Isaac is either asleep, or crying. She refuses to let him watch Yo Gabba Gabba all day. I think that he should be able to. So far the vote is

MOM 1

Kat 1

So, how do YOU vote? I think Mandy will agree with me. I know Grandma Cat will!

Oh, I think Brandon is scheduled to come home the 20 something of this month. Someone needs to email him for details!

Good night kids.........Good night world........Please watch over those in Haiti.

Mission Accomplished

Well, I got the W2's done. What a relief! Then I was working on the Income/Expense summary for dad, and when I got ready to fax it to him, the fax doesn't go through. So, does anyone know if faxes work with a digital phone? Boy do I have questions for the Time Warner man. I should have kept him here all day yesterday.

I've made another bowl today, a pink one. I haven't decided how to do the top though. Next project is a quick Christmas mini quilt. I got the fabric when it was on sale. Gotta hurry though because I have Church tomorrow and Carter's birthday party on Sunday, and Rudy's birthday on Saturday.

Please don't let me forget, Carter turns 4 on the 15th.

Bye for now. Gotta get busy!

Oh it's been a long day !

Christy calls the house today and what does she get, " Sorry the number you have dialed has been disconnected". So, she calls Sherrill on his cell phone to tell him. He tells her that he will run down and pay the phone bill and he will call her back. In the meantime, she calls Mandy to tell her about the problems mom and dad are having. Mandy goes on to tell Christy that dad has been out of work for a couple of months, and that she has been looking for jobs for him on the internet. I'm sure by now Christy is really concerned. Then Mandy breaks the real news to her...... mom is changing over t0 digital phone, that's probably why things are disconnected!

It doesn't end there. When they hook up the cable, they unhook my linksys. Now I can't get online on my laptop. Oh well...... that's another day!

Then, I spend the day getting tax stuff ready for Sherrill and for my dad. I get the W2's ready to print, and guess what, the printer won't feed them through. It only takes typing paper, not the carbon pages like the W-2's. Oh SHOOT!

Finally I go to sit down to watch TV, and I pick up the old remote by mistake. The TV goes dead.
I push all the buttons on the new remote, but to no avail. No problem, I'll call Mandy. She's the expert for this. No luck.......she hasn't a clue. She hears Sherrill in the background, "Well I guess we will just sit here and look at a black screen!" Then....what does SHE do. She calls Christy. They get another good laugh. I have to get the instruction manual out which plainly states....DO NOT CALL TIME WARNER BEFORE READING THIS. So, I sit and read while Sherrill and Jack
are fuming. There it is plain as day......TV must be on channel 3 or 4. What! That's simple.
I fixed it!

So I continue to watch tv, dad and Jack have gone to bed, and Sherrill is going tomorrow to get some W2 forms that the printer can print.

All is well in the world! The one highlight of the day was getting cards from Tristen and Nate.
Thanks kids!

Good night to all!

Mandy where are you?

Hey Mandy,
I didn't hear from you yesterday. Everything OK? Call when you can.

Another class today

I'll soon be off to another sewing class today. Today we start doing all the weird basic stitches. There's like 189 of them. Sherrill takes me to class, then he goes cruising around Fayetteville.
I guess I should be thankful that they cleaned up Hayes street. I'm sure he could have found alot of activity there!

No other news for now.

Hey....what's for dinner?

yay for moo moo

Meghan FINALLY went poopy in the potty!!!

Oh, and if you called and couldn't reach me this weekend, I have been popping vicodin for the past few days.

What did YOU do today

So, can you tell what I did today? I had started this quilt before Thanksgiving. I had to put it away when Mandy came. Most of the squares were made on my old machine, and some of them are off a quarter of an inch or so. That's okay though. Since Aurora came home with me, the seams are PERFECT! She has a special foot with a guide that makes the seams just right.

Now, this makes me with 4 quilt tops. Once I learn all the tricks Aurora can do, I'll start the quilting process. Mandy has already seen hers sitting on the chair. She won't get though until next Christmas or so.

Any suggestions for my next project? Oh, I still have to make some squirrel feeders!

Later gaiter!

Meghan at work

Mandy just sent this to me. I don't know how she ever got Meghan still long enough to work on a project. And this was out in public, at Lowe's. Go Meghan go!

Get "ON" your Butt

I subscribe to a newspaper from Lexington County, SC. It's editor is Jerry Bellune. I am always amazed with some of his writings. He often says the things I am too afraid to say in public.
I just pulled this off his blog.

http://jerrybellunesblog.blogspot.com/

Get 'on' your butt
Been told to get off your butt and do something?My advice: Get 'on' your butt and do something.Many of my friends are amazed that I write so much.Big surprise. That's what writers do. My advice:Park your butt in front of your computer and write.You don't need to be a brain surgeon.In fact, brilliance may hurt you.Business guru Peter Drucker discovered this. He wrote:“Brilliant men are often strikingly ineffectual."They think an idea by itself is an achievement.It's not. You must act on your insight.I've taught writers with far more talent than I. I taught them in newsrooms and college classrooms.How many of them have written even one book?I can count them on one hand.Do you have a book in you? Of course, you do.Will you ever write it? That's up to you.I write a minimum of three hours a day."I don't have time for that," you say.Nonsense. I'm as busy as you are. Just do it.Or admit that you don't have the will to do it.Enough ranting. I wish you a great 2010.Get off your butt or on it. Make it a great year.

So everyone..........Get ON YOUR BUTT and get to writing! ! ! !

Crazy Coupon trip

Well after talking to Mandy, I went to WalGreens and here is what I got:

8- 24 pack Aquafina water
6- Boxes of Electrol Tablets
12 Glade Candles

My total out of pocket was only $6.53 Can you believe it!! I was so excited with my deal I just had to tell you. I love coupon shopping It my preferred choice of crack:)

Plus while I was doing that Kurt stayed home to watch the kids. 2 hours later I came home and 2 were in time out and 1 was sleeping and 1 was playing on her bed when she was supposed to be sleeping. Kurt had 4 new grey hairs Poor Kurt!!!

TONGUE FRENECTOMY

Carter had a tongue frenectomy this morning. He is doing good! He disliked the numbness procedure more so than the actual clipping, go figure? He doesn't complain that it hurts, he doesn't want any medicine, and ate bbq sauce with nuggets at lunch!

Hope everyone has a good weekend :)

# 3 Munford Farm

#3 Munford Farm
Cranwich Road
Munford, England
1P265JJ

I just came across this address on a sheet of paper. Does it mean anything to anybody?
Christy, I think this was your address in England.

In my address book I have lots of addresses for all of you. So, think back. What was your first address AFTER you got married? If you can remember, post it in the comment section.

See how far you have come!

NO snow yet

Still no snow. I'm waiting though. Sherrill got the generator fired up today. That took alot of coaxing and some help from Jamie Batts. We have it ready just in case.

Carter was able to spend some MAN time with PAPA today while Lauren was at dance. Their idea of fun was hanging out at Food Lion and the dollar store. I was at church so they were on their own. They even had dinner fixed by the time I got home.

I got in about 300 pictures I had uploaded from Kat's camera last year to winkflash. I'll go through them and pick out some of the good ones.

Have a good night everyone and stay warm. As for me, I will be sitting in bed with the spot light looking outside, waiting for the snow!

Why do mom's never get sleep

Just a question Why do mom's never get sleep?? Once I get one to bed another wakes up, then there are those (Luke) that like to talk (scream) in there sleep and wake the other children up. I mean really why can't I take a nap? Once I get one down then Jake wakes up and then I get Jake down and then Cat's up. Can't they just help mommy out every once in awhile. Then I ask myself why did I marry a fireman, who is never home?? Then I ask my hubby can we get another husband to help out while he's gone you know just another fireman to work opposite shifts as him. I thought that sounded great. Kurt did not think so. So I tell him I want a nanny. He still has not responded to that one. My ad reads

Nanny Needed:
Take care of 4 children
a hampster, fish, and cat
Will need to cook all 3 meals
Wash Laundry, Fold and put away,
Clean house,
Help with homework
Take/Pick up Luke from school
Take to dentist and Doctor app.
and be gofer when needed
all for free
PS you can live in the RV

Any Takers????

I did it, I did it ! ! !

LOOK........LOOK......... I did it, all by myself. No instructions, just watching a video on youtube.

My first bowl ! It took about 25 feet of clothesline cord and about 1/2 yard of fabric. It worked, it really did. I just did the rim with the clothesline. I haven't decided if I am going to put little handles on it or not. Thank you Aurora for doing a great job! Two needles and two hours, and this is what I got!

BRRrrrrrr It's COLD! ! !

Man, it is COLD out there! I had to go out today to take Uncle Rudy to the doctor. It was freezing! I wish he was able to walk in the office. We are still lugging around the wheelchair.
It takes forever getting him in and out. Thank goodness his Thursday visit we can do from home...... a pacemaker check. That should be fun, hooking him up to the phone to check it.
What will they think of next?

Sherrill had to deal with the insurance auditor today for his workman's comp audit. I had everything out, ready to go. Wouldn't you know Sherrill got in an argument with him. I wish they had sent a woman!

I'm still waiting to see Christmas pictures. I have already had mine printed, and some even in photo albums already. I got mine from snapfish, but then winkflash had theirs for 5 cents, so I ended up ordering around 300 that I had on that site. I can't wait for them to get here.

Have a good day and stay warm!

Trading Aurora for another

I went to sewing class last night and carried along Aurora. I showed her off to everyone. I showed her nicks and scratches to the owner. She said she would take Aurora back next week and give me a brand spanking new one! I'm so excited!

Aren't you glad I didn't have this capability when you were growing up? Who would I have traded in for a new one? ? ? NO ONE. I'll bet that a couple of you would have carried me back though!

Have a good day everyone..........

By the way, where are the Christmas photo?

Me and Aurora

Aurora and I have our first outing tomorrow afternoon. We are going to the first day of class.

I have found out that I need to take classes to learn how to handle my new baby. Tomorrow class starts at 3: 00 PM in Fayetteville. I can't wait to see what my new baby can do. I saw where there was a new foot that can help me make these................ (see above) They are fabric bowls. I think they are so cute. I need one for my kitchen table, one for my desk, one for my bathroom. I think I want one for EVERYWHERE! You can also make purses using the same system.

Oh well, I'll be off to class tomorrow! Hope everyone has a great day!

Catherine and Judy

I just got a phone call from Grandma Cat. She was looking at the picture of Catherine and Jacob and was saying how much I looked like Catherine at that age. I had to pull out the old pictures and find one to compare. Then I had to print them out so I could send her.

So, here they are. The brown eyes are the same, and the blonde hair. Other than that, I don't see a resemblance. Any opinions? ? ?

new pictures

I can upload now

Happy New Year

Happy New Year ! ! ! !

Happy New Year everyone. This year I will try to be a little kinder, continue to help others, and not stress so much about the little things. I will LISTEN to my kids, and will try to keep my

overbearing opinion to myself.......well, I'll TRY! I will try to save more and spend less so my old man won't have to work as hard. (Don't tell him I said that)

Hope everyone has a great outlook for the future.