Nate The Great, and I never thought I would have to practice the Army Low Crawl...

DAY 26-

I drove Josh's truck today, for the 2nd time, go me! I took the kids to school, so, it wasn't that far but far enough. And then I came home, washed some laundry, folded it put it away, and got online. That is until Johnathan's bus came back home.

When Johnathan got home we ran to the PX on post. I had to cash a check, and then we needed to run to the commissary to pick up a few groceries. We were only gone about an hour and a half, which was a good thing because we had a late start. Upon arriving home, it was time to clean up the house until Michael and Elizabeth got off the bus.

When they got off the bus, I started to make dinner. We were having breakfast for dinner, eggs, sausage, and hash browns. And the kids ate dinner in their pajamas because we were going to watch the Play "Nate The Great". I remember reading this story to the kids at the beginning of the year, so it was great having an idea of what was coming next.

We were given the opportunity by Imagination Celebration, which is one of our favorite places. We had an amazing time from beginning until the end. We arrived at 6 p.m for craft time. They had tables set up with crafts that the kids could do. It was fun. They also gave out a "play book" at the door with more information, and a place to get autographs.

During the time of doing the crafts at the table, the kids had to go to the bathroom, of course. So Michael went into the boys restroom because he is getting older, and I took Johnathan and Elizabeth into the handi-cap stall. I went in, closed and locked the door. Then she told me that she didn't have to go. At this time Johnathan was messing with the toilet paper, and Elizabeth was screaming because he was doing this. Not sure why, I just knew I wanted to get out of the bathroom as fast as possible. Problem was, that bathroom door was not going to un-lock, no matter what. Trust me I tried. So, I told Elizabeth to first climb under the door, and then Johnathan. Then I passed my purse and Johnathan's diaper bag to them. I was so embarrassed. Now, it was time for mommy to practice the Army Low Crawl. It was good thing I am not bigger then some children because there wasn't much room under that bathroom door and I had to low crawl under it. I was afraid that somebody would stand there laughing. But the lady standing outside 2 doors down didn't even seem to notice. I told another lady that was a worker there, and she laughed a little, and just said they should just leave it so no one else has that happen to them. I guess it was another thing to remember, and be embarrassed about tonight. I think I must have "please crazy situations happen to me" stamped on my forehead.

After that happened we went upstairs where they had some other stuff going on. Little Gym was there, and were letting the kids do a little tumbling with help. My kids also really enjoyed that, and did not want to leave. But then the lights started flashing off and on (at first I was thinking great, the power was going out) I found out that meant the show was about to start. The kids and I had to use the elevator and go back downstairs to our seats. We had really good seats. It was a great family show, and the kids were better behaved during the show then what I thought they would be. The 3 actors, and 2 actress are from New York, and did a great job with the play.

After the Play "Nate The Great" was over they had cookies and milk, or orange juice for all the kids. And an autograph session with the actors and actresses. We were in line for awhile to get autographs, but then I decided the younger two were not behaving so, we left. It was something Michael wanted to do though. Then we came home, and the kids went to bed.

It was an awesome, fun experience for the kids and I. They had never experienced anything like this before. We really appreciate Imagination Celebration for giving us the chance to experience it. What a wonderful way to help the day pass by in a great way, and here we are another day closer to seeing Josh.

flower pots, kites, and dragon flies, oh my!!!

DAY 9-
I was able to sleep in some today. I made the kids stay in their rooms. If you call sleeping in children screaming, and trying to sleep through that. I was so tired though. I always have tons of problems falling asleep at night, no matter how hard I try. And then when it is time to wake up in the morning, I find the most comfortable spot ever! Then I don't want to get up. But, I have to, I have 3 kids to take care, or 4, if you want to count the dog who acts like a 4th child. So, then it was time to get up, eat and get ready.

I took the kids back to the Citadel Mall today. To the Imagination Celebration place. Today it was Art time. They had stuff happening all week but we were only able to make it the other day and then today. They made, flower pots and dragon flies, but brought the stuff home to make the kite. Maybe tomorrow since it seems like we are going to be snowed in. Yuck! I just want this snow to go away, and bring nice sunny weather. Anyways, they made the flowerpots by cutting a little tiny cup down, and then adding clay to that. Then they used pipe cleaners, and cut out flowers to make the flower. They turned out really cute, and the kids really enjoyed making them. Then they also made the dragon flies out of clay also, and used ribbon to make the wings. I think Imagination Celebration is our new favorite place. These crafts today for us were free. And the mall is a new favorite of mine also. It reminds me a little of the Columbia Mall in Maryland. That was a nice, fancy mall.

I'm babysitting tonight. Elizabeth and I are outnumbered. Of course there is Michael, Johnathan, and Luke (the dog), and we have a little boy that will be 2 the same day Elizabeth will be 6, and then their dog. Then of course, Elizabeth and I. Full house today. Everybody is being good though. It is pajama/ movie night and they had pizza and tots for dinner. The only one that is complaining is Luke, and he has freedom of the house, he is whining. The other dog is in the kennel so they are not fighting, and he is being quiet. Speaking of being good, the kids actually had a good day today. I wish all days went like this one. A few small issues, but nothing compared to yesterday. I still have to think of what were doing tomorrow, seems like were going to be snowed in since it is snowing yet again. I think I will be busy cleaning house, but I still need to plan a fun activity for them. Maybe making the kites that they brought home all the stuff for. We will see.

I haven't talked to Josh today, I hold it in my heart for now, when I'm not able to talk to him, that he is in a safe place, at least for now.