Kenzie and Dylan on the slip n slide....

So, I got out the slip n slide for Dylan and Kenzie. As you can see from the pics, they had a blast.
"Your turn Kenzie"
Look at them crazy kids.
"Run Kenzie Run!"
"Look Mom I can scoot down on my belly!"

So, the kids had fun today and I just kind of hung out. That was about the extent of it. Maddie didn't get on the slide because she is obviously too young. After the slip n slide, Kenzie went to Debbie and Bill's and got in the pool with Dylan and Mario. She was in the water from the time she got up today until about 9pm. She loved it! Can't wait to take her to the beach and see what she does.

I knew there was a reason I loved Maxx!

Ok, so Maxx didn't help me, but just the fact that he is married to his wife is enough of a reason to love him. I went to see Cathy today because my asthma has been getting worse. I left the office with 3 scripts and a hurting rear! She put me on 2 different inhalers and a pill (singulair) in addition to the serroid (sp?) injection in the rear. Kenzie went out of the room while she gave me the shot. She said, "Cathy, don't hurt my mommy" such a sweet little girl. So in a couple of weeks I should start feeling better. I have taken a couple of vacation days to allow the new medicine time to start working for me. I will keep you all pdated. Later this afternoon, we are taking the girls outside to play with Andrew on the slip n slide. It should be fun and hopefully I can get lots of pics for you all. Anyway, I am gonna go and I will post more when I am feeling better.

babysitting

so, today at 630 andrew came over to the house. he had come to his nana's house last night and I told her I would watch him for a few hours this morning so she could go in to work early and then I am dropping him off to her at about 9. Kenzie has been crazy all morning. she is so excited that there is someone new in the house. andrew is 8 and totally into the xbox, so i unpacked it for him and he is in kenzie's room having a blast with it right now. kenzie is working on driving me nuts today! maddie is being jst as goofy as ever. ryan is working and i have to go in at 6pm tonight. other than that we are :
STICKING TO THE STATUS QUO (yes, I had to pull high school musical in here somewhere)!
Dawn

Kenzie isn't a plumber (for now)

So, many of you know that we have had an ongoing battle with Kenzie's pants, shorts, skirts, and skorts wanting to "fall down" just enough to make her look like a plumber from the rear. So I did what I had thought might work from the beginning. I bought her a size bigger. So instead of buying her a 5 plus, I went with a 6/6x. It did the trick. Her bottoms stay up. They aren't tight on her. The button/snap/zip easily. She doesn't complain because of the fit. Sure many people are out there saying "There's no way she can be wearing a 6/6x because she is only 5" but let me say this, all kids are made different, they develop different, and well, my kid has a broader bone base (like me) and I think that is where the issue of finding the right size for her was at. I just needed to go a little bigger, and now we have cute clothes that fit her. I did go with a M for a top just for comfort because the S was getting a little more snug on her. It also worked out well for her. By the way, she loves her new clothes and flip flops. Maddie is doing well. She is upstairs having a nap right now and that is where I am heading. Have a great day.

saturday

So, today we got up and called Mom since the girls were supposed to go to her house. Got them ready and met her in Jeffersonville with them. Put the seats in her car and they were off. We went to Applebees for lunch and then to the mall. I picked up a pair of flip flops (a size bigger) for Kenzie and Mom told her. Then Ryan had to take them to her. When he returned, we had Kenzie again. I asked her why she didn't stay with Mom and could only get a "I'm never going back to Nana's house!" out of her. So, I don't know what I am going to do with her. But that has been her day. Maddie stayed with Mom and we just hung out.

How many real friends are out there?

FAKE FRIENDS: Never ask for food.

REAL FRIENDS: Are the reason you have no food.

FAKE FRIENDS: Call your parents Mr / Mrs

REAL FRIENDS: Call your parents DAD/MOM

FAKE FRIENDS: Never seen you cry

REAL FRIENDS: Cry with you

FAKE FRIENDS: Borrow your stuff for a few days then give it back

REAL FRIENDS: Keep your stuff so long they forget it's yours

FAKE FRIENDS: Know a few things about you

REAL FRIENDS: Could write a book about you with direct quotes from you

FAKE FRIENDS: Will leave you behind if that is what the crowd is doing

REAL FRIENDS: Will kick the whole crowds butt that left you

FAKE FRIENDS: Would knock on your front door

REAL FRIENDS: Walk right in and say 'I'M HOME!'

FAKE FRIENDS: Are for awhile

REAL FRIENDS: Are for life

FAKE FRIENDS: Will talk bad to the person who talks bad about you.

REAL FRIENDS: Will knock the person out that talked bad about you

FAKE FRIENDS: Would ignore this

REAL FRIENDS: Will send this to all their real friends and hope to get it back!

oh no mom... not more storms

well, as many of you know there have been a sloo of storms in the area in the last few days, and today at about 1, the thunder rolled, kenzie said "maddie time for a nap so mommy can cuddle kenzie! KENZIE SCARED!" so, maddie walked right to her room and said "mommy, in" pointing to her crib. It was quite cute. so maddie took a nap and i cuddled kenzie (within seconds kenzie was sleeping as well) she woke up around 5. so all is well. ryan worked. i played with the kids inside today since there was wet grass. no fun. they love going outside. and i guess that does it for the update for now.

Hugs, Kisses and TICKLES for Pappy and Yaya

Hey all! Got an e-mail last night from Pappy. He was requesting that I hug and kiss, and tickle the girls! It was so funny when I did it . They just kept comming back for more! So they send their tickles to everyone they love.
Ryan had a good time in Cincinnatti yesterday. He forgot to take the digital, so he finished off the throw away camera I had in the van from the birthday party, so maybe soon I can get those put on cd so that I can share them with all of you.
Kenzie has been busy doing "homework" today. She is still loving that.
Maddie has been busy helping me "do laundry" and "pack" she is too funny!
I have finished most of my homework for the week. I can't believe only one more week til I have my final grades for this term. I will update you on that when I get them, but for now, I am doing pretty good in both classes.
I have to work tonight, so have a great night!
Dawn

what planet aare you from?

You Are From Saturn

You're steady, organizes, and determined to achieve your dreams. You tend to play it conservative, going by the rules (at least the practical ones). You'll likely reach the top. And when you do, you'll be honorable and responsible. Focus on happiness. Don't let your goals distract you from fun! Don't be too set in your ways, and you'll be more of a success than you ever dreamed of.

What Planet Are You From?

this week....

so far this week, it has been action packed... we have taken the girls to the playground at JJ 3 out of 4 nights... i have written 4 3pg papers for school... we have continued working on getting rid of some of our stuff we aren't taking to florida with us... kenzie has been looking on gymboree and childrens place websites (she needed some new clothes, so we looked at the sales they have going on and well, you will see in a few days what she picked out)... ryan is off again today.... i like the week that he is off for 3 days in a row.... it really helps me out here with the kids... i have to go to work tonight.... but that is that... maddie is doing great... she is talking more and more every day... kenzie is still having issues with sharing with her sister, but we are working through it... ryan is doing good... maxx got tickets to a cincinatti game, so tomorrow he is going and I am hoping that he will take the camera so he can get some pics of him and maxx there.... i am status quo. and if anything changes, you know it will be blogged!
Dawn

A trip to the playground

For the first time in a while, we all took a trip to the playground. And I do have to say that JJ has a nice big playground. We all loved it! I got plenty of pics today for all of you. The girls had Ryan trapped in the monkey bar gym thing. They had all of us swinging and sliding. It was so much fun to just see the girls havin a good time. So without further ado, here was our trip to the park:

Maddie loved playing at the playground outside of CIC on Wednesday!

"But Daddy I thought the slide was for kids!"

"Someone please help me up here so I can swing too!""LOOK MOM, WE TRAPPED HIM!"Now, the above picture is Maddie's reaction to the sprinkler. My neighbor got it out for her grandson and asked if the girls wanted to play in it with him after we got home from the playground. I am assuming from the look on her face that she wasn't very thrilled. She never really took up to it either!

Hope you are all having a great day!

He (Chris Birke) has a name now!

Kenzie came up to me this morning and asked me "Mommy, can we go see Megan and Chris tonight at church?" So, I am proud to report that he finally has a name and is no longer "the boy"! She has been too funny about it! She is always talking about wanting to go see Megan (because Megan is her best friend she says) and "the boy". She has now converted and understands that You have a name :-) . So, on to other things, I am working like a dawg on my homework this week. I have 3 papers comming due and all I have to do for two of them is type them. The third one is the BIG one and I have to do a little more research before I can start putting that one together, so it will take another week or so to complete, but it isn't due yet for 2.5 weeks. Ryan has been doing fine. He has been really good about getting up at 4am to bring the girls to me at work (which sucks for the kids having to get up that early, but then they go right back to sleep to allow me a couple of hours of sleep). Maddie has been being a terriffic two year old. She gets into her fair share of mishaps (I will choose that word instead of the t word) but all in all she is a great child. The other day, Ryan said that Kenzie was being mean to Maddie and Maddie took the cordless phone and hit Kenzie in the head with it! He said they both got in trouble and then they were fine. I just think it is crazy that Maddie is taking up for herself because Kenzie at that age didn't do that. I don't approve of Maddie hitting her sister with the phone, but don't get me wrong, Kenzie needs to know her limitations with Maddie. It is a catch 22 I guess. Kenzie is getting excited about moving to Florida. I can't wait either. I can't wait to get out of the Ohio River Valley because it is known for allergens and "THE OHIO VALLEY FUNK" or atleast that is what we call it at work. All right, off to get things done so we can go to CIC tonight. I am hoping that Ryan can just meet us there when he gets off of work. See ya later!
Dawn

What do you get when you cross a hugging monster with a chatterbox?

Give up? MADDIE! You got it, she has transformed into a hugging (and kissing) monster. She loves to give up the huggies and kissies..... And she is talking like you wouldn't believe. She talks and talks and talks. I know it is good for her, but geez sometimes I just wanna plug my ears with two of them going. So, Maddie is doing very well. Kenzie is being a bit difficult, but that is the age I guess. Ryan is still working and so am I. I will be having grades in here in about 2-3 weeks for all of you. (Terminology is going great! Health Care Delivery on the other hand... is just going ok.). I will be satisfied with the latter of the two with a C. It is a very hard course and the teacher isn't really being very fair adding 3 page papers to the assignment the day before they are due... Doesn't really seem fair, but who said life is fair. Anyway, I will keep you updated on that. And I guess that is all for now... (other than my getting jealous of all of you having date nights!) I don't have that luxury right now, so I guess I just have to settle for wresteling with the family on Monday nights. Talk to you soon!
Dawn

Just 19 Words

GOD, OUR FATHER

WALK THROUGH MY HOUSE

AND TAKE AWAY ALL MY

WORRIES AND ILLNESSES;

IN JESUS NAME

AMEN

I got this in my e mail and wanted to share it with all of my friends and loved ones! Hope you get as much benefit out of it as I have! I pray this when life gets too much for me!

Love,

Dawn

the day

not a lot to blog today. the kids go to mom tomorrow. she decided not to pick them up today. so i will drop them to her in the morning. other than that no new news. so i added a couple of the blogthings here

what holiday are you

You Are Thanksgiving

You are a bit of a homebody who enjoys being in the company of people you love. It doesn't take a lot to make you happy. You're enjoying life as it is. You have many blessings in your life, and you are grateful for each one. You believe that life is about what you *do* have. You feel like you have enough of the good stuff. What makes you celebrate: Family, friends, and the changing of the seasons. At holiday get togethers, you do best as: The host of the party On a holiday, you're the one most likely to: Spend so much energy preparing that it's a full time job

What Holiday Are You?

2004 hit song

This Love by Maroon 5

"I was so high I did not recognize The fire burning in her eyes The chaos that controlled my mind" You were so great in 2004 that you make everyone a little bit sick!

What 2004 Hit Song Are You?

Wednesday.... what happened to the day???

I got off of work, and Ryan and the girls met me at Jerry's in Jeffersonville for breakfast. Might I add that we love Jerry's for breakfast, then it was off to Walmart to get pull ups for Maddie, race home, Dawn shower, Ryan drop off your car. Off to New Albany by 9 for an errand. Dawn drops Ryan off at Maxx's house, then takes the girls to Save A Lot. Back home now... Bring in the groceries, put away the cold stuff. Put Maddie down for a nap, Kenzie and Mommy cuddle (with hopes of a short nap) NOPE NOT HAPPENING. Maddie is awake again... Ryan gets home shortly after and sends me downstairs to the toy room (we moved the mattress and boxspring there since it is cooler there yay) and I get a 3 hour nap while: RYAN DOES LAUNDRY AND TAKES THE KIDS TO THE PARK! Wow thanks a bunch! Kenzie had been wanting him to do that and he did! Then 8 pm comes and Ryan wakes me up with the fear that if I didn't wake up I wouldn't sleep tonight.... Well quite opposite, I would have slept all night, but now that he woke me up, it's ok, I have done homework for both classes and 4 loads of laundry... I have 2 hours now until Ryan has to be up for work, so I will stay up til then and then I will sleep from about 4 to 8 when kenzie gets up (sometimes 9), then have breakfast with the girls, and do some work around the house, then at 12 when Maddie takes her nap, Kenzie and I will too, so I will be ok on sleep for work tomorrow, but then I will not have to worry about the napping thing for 2 days because I don't go back for another night shift until Sunday. So in the mean time, Friday, we will drop the girls off to Mom so she can have them for the weekend, and that will allow for some down time and packing time for me.... I will also have some much needed scrapbooking time! Yay! I love scrapbooking.... Anyway, off to change out the laundry, and fold what Ryan did earlier...

as you can see

i fell asleep too early, so woke up at 1am and couldn't go back to sleep. instead i started playing on the computer so I wouldn't wake the house up. so now, with it being 5 am, i am going to try to go back to sleep... we will see what happens....

purple says

What Your Favorite Color Purple Says About You:

Intuitive --- Seeking --- Creative Kind --- Self-Sacrificing --- Growth Oriented Strong --- Very Wise --- Rare

What Does Your Favorite Color Say About You?

where should you spend your summer???

You Should Spend Your Summer at the Beach

You're a free spirit who is always thinking of new ways to have fun. And you don't just love summer... you live for it. So, you really should blow off your responsibilities and head to the beach!

Where Should You Spend Your Summer?

WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WASN'T LOOKING
children are watching and doing as you do, not as you say.



When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another.



When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you feed a stray cat, and learned it was good to be kind to animals.



When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make my favorite cake, and learned little things can be the special things in life.



When you thought I wasn't looking I heard you say a prayer, and knew there is a God I could always talk to, and I learned to trust Him.



When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make a meal and take it to a sick friend, and learned we all must help take care of each other.



When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had little, and learned that those who have something should give to those who don't.



When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it, and learned we have to take care of what we're given.



When you thought I wasn't looking I saw how you handled responsibilities, even when you didn't feel good, and learned I would have to be responsible when I grow up.



When you thought I wasn't looking I saw tears come from your eyes, and learned sometimes things hurt, and it's all right to cry.



When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be.



When you thought I wasn't looking I learned most of life's lessons I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up.



When you thought I wasn't looking I looked at you and wanted to say,'Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking.'



I received this in my e mail and thought I would share it because it is so true. Children do watch everything we do. Enjoy!

crabby old man

Crabby Old Man
What do you see nurses? . . What do you see?
What are you thinking . . . . . When you're looking at me?
A crabby old man, . . . Not very wise,
Uncertain of habit . . . . . . . With faraway eyes?
Who dribbles his food . . . . . . And makes no reply .
When you say in a loud voice . . . . "I do wish you'd try!"
Who seems not to notice . . . The things that you do .
And forever is losing . . . . . . . . . . A sock or shoe?
Who, resisting or not . . . . . . . . . . Lets you do as you will,
With bathing and feeding The long day to fill?
Is that what you're thinking? Is that wh at you see?
Then open your eyes, nurse . . . . . . You're not looking at me .
I'll tell you who I am . As I sit here so still,
As I do at your bidding, . . . . . . As I eat at your will .
I'm a small child of Ten . . . . . . . With a father and mother,
Brothers and sisters . . . . . . . . . Who love one another
A young boy of Sixteen . . With wings on his feet
Dreaming that soon now . . . . . . . A lover he'll meet .
A groom soon at Twenty . My heart gives a leap .
Remembering, the vows . . . . . . That I promised to keep .
At Twenty-Five, now . . . . . . . . . I have young of my own .
Who need me to guide . . . . And a secure happy home .
A man of Thirty . . . . . . . . My young now grown fast,
Bound to each other . . . . . . . With ties that should last .
At Forty, my young sons . . Have grown and are gone,
But my woman's beside me . . . . . . . To see I don't mourn .
At Fifty, once more, . Babies play 'round my knee,
Again, we know children . . . . . . . My loved one and me
Dark days are upon me . . My wife is now dead .
I look at the future . . . . . . . . . . . . . I shudder with dread .
For my young are all rearing . . . . . Young of their own .
And I think of the years . . . . . . And the love that I've known .I
'm now an old man . . . . . . . . . And nature is cruel .
Tis jest to make old age . Look like a fool .
The body, it crumbles . . . . . . . . . Grace and vigor, depart .
There is now a stone . . . . . . . Where I once had a heart .
But inside this old carcass . . A young guy still dwells,
And now and again . . . . . . . My battered heart swells
I remember the joys . . . . . . . . . . . I remember the pain .
And I'm loving and living . . . . . . . . . . . . . Life over again .
I think of the years . All too few . . . . . . Gone too fast .
And accept the stark fact . . . . . . . . That nothing can last .
So open your eyes, people . . . . . . . . Open and see..
Not a crabby old man
Look closer . . . . See . . . . . . . . ME!!
Remember this poem when you next meet an older person who you might brush aside without looking at the young soul within . . . . . we will all, one day, be there, too!

spare an angel

I found her staring at the rain

And asking why it has to hurt so bad

Where's the limit to the pain

Her heart can take before it breaks in half?

I wanted to be strong enough to hold her

And show her the way

But she's so far out of reach

And now all I can do is pray...

Can You spare an angel tonight

Send a little help from Your side

'Cause somebody's lost down here

Let him wing his way through the dark

Carry some of Your love into her heart

Can You spare an angel

Spare an angel

Spare an angel

She wanders further in the dark

Feels the cold, hears the thunder cry

While the rain keeps pouring down

Her only answer from the lonely sky

And she has no idea how much You love her

Or how much You care

So would You choose one of Your best

To be the answer to my prayer?

Can You spare an angel tonight

Send a little help from Your side

'Cause somebody's lost down here

Let him wing his way through the dark

Carry some of Your love into her heart

Can You spare an angel

Spare an angel

Spare an angel

Oh, I don't know what else to pray this time

Maybe an angel can lead her lonesome heart away to Jesus side

I just found this song, and I love it. There are so many lost and this is just what we all need to pray for. A spare angel to help us save the lost that we havent' been able to reach. Chris Rice is the artist, and I am adding it to my play list as well. Enjoy!

FOR THE TIBBS FAMILY

Brian and Maria, (and the rest of the family)
Upon reading Maria's blog, I felt compelled by one of my favorite artists (Third Day) to dedicate this song to your family. I know it goes on about more than just loosing someone, but I felt like you might need this song to see you through this tough time in your life right now. I know it isn't easy (afterall I did loose my biological mom to cancer when I was nine), but know that Jesus is always there for you to lean on! I know that with Brian being a preacher you all know that, but sometimes it doesn't hurt for a friend to remind us that Jesus is just a thought away. Hope this helps and know that we are praying for your whole family in this time of need.

Love,
The Cox Family

To everyone who's lost someone they love
Long before it was their time
You feel like the days you had were not enough when you said goodbye
And to all of the people with burdens and pains
Keeping you back from your life
You believe that there's nothing and there is no one
Who can make it right

Chorus:
There is hope for the helpless
Rest for the weary
And love for the broken heart
There is grace and forgiveness
Mercy and healing
He'll meet you wherever you are
Cry out to Jesus,
Cry out to Jesus

For the marriage that's struggling just to hang on
They've lost all of their faith in love
And they've done all they can to make it right again
Still it's not enough
For the ones who can't break the addictions and chains
You try to give up but you come back again
Just remember that you're not alone in your shame
And your suffering
Chorus:

When your lonely
And it feels like the whole world is falling on you
You just reach out, you just
Cry out to Jesus
Cry to Jesus
To the widow who suffers with being alone
Wiping the tears from her eyes
For the children around the world without a home
Say a prayer tonight
Chorus:

Sunday.... Church.... The girls.... NO SLEEP

Hey all,
Just getting ready for a nap before going to work. HAPPY SUNDAY ALL! Thank God for all you have! For it may be taken from you at any point. I went to church this morning since after all I had to get the kids from Mom. I really would rather go to CIC, but since that is where Mom goes, I have to go there to get the kids, so I guess that is just what I have to do for now until I find a true home church. Church was good except, MADDIE decided to throw a terriffic tantrum! I am borrowing Beth's philosophy on the terriffic two's! I am trying to be optimistic. So, off to the nursery for some calm down time with her. She was fussy almost the whole service, so I had to stay in the nursery. Kenzie sat with Mom and Pop. When we were getting the carseats in my van from Mom's little DEER DAMAGED Kia, Kenzie started crying "I WANT MY NANA" which is wierd because we had to bribe her to go to Nana's house in the first place! Now she just wants Nana! How strange these 5 year olds can be! I came on home and made lunch, and now I will be heading to the couch for a nap before going to work since I started out in my bed, then the couch, then the other end of the couch, back to my bed, and needless to say, I couldn't sleep! I tossed and turned all night. I don't know what has happened to my sleep. I used to could sleep at night, now I can't sleep during the day or at night. I think that it might be due to the schedule I work, but hey, maybe I should take Aaron's advice and try some physical exercise before retiring, no reading in bed, no tv, lots of water not coffee or caffiene. Etc. Who knows what will end up happening if I have NO CAFFEINE! I have to have coffee to keep me awake at night sometimes. Anyway, I will try and have that all figured out soon. Now, have a happy Memorial Day!
The Cox Family

what color girl are you

You Are A Blue Girl

Relationships and feelings are the most important things to you. You are empathetic and accepting - and good at avoiding conflict. If someone close to you is in pain, it makes you hurt as well. You try to heal the ones you love with your kind and open heart.

What Color Girl Are You?

1996 theme song LOL!

Your 1996 Theme Song Is: Macarena by Los Del Rio

When I dance they call me macarena And the boys, they say that I'm buena They all want me, they can't have me So they all come and dance beside me

What's" Your 1996 Theme Song?

What do you think?

Hey guys. As you can see below here, I did a look a like meter for both of my girls. Please let me know what you think..... I don't agree with Kenzie's results! We have all always thought that she looks just like me.... Maddie on the other hand we have never been able to decide who she looks more like. I just thought it would be fun to see what you all think.. Just leave a comment and we will post the results later this week or next week!

In other things....THE HOUSE IS STILL QUIET! The girls are still at Mom's house. I will pick them up at church tomorrow morning. I can't wait to see them. It has been a while since they have gone and well, I MISS THEM! I can't believe with as much as they try to get on my last nerve (mainly Kenzie) sometimes, I actually miss being bugged like that! Amazing isn't it? Ryan worked today and since the house was so quiet, I did housework and home work to keep me busy. I just needed to keep myself busy. I actually got a lot done! I haven't done anything else that is blog worthy, so enjoy the other blogs and I am getting ready for some blogthings.... LOL! Need something different in here for once!

Dawn

Offering

Magnificent, holy father

I stand in awe of all i see

Of all the things you have created

Still you choose to think of me

And who am I that you should suffer

your very life to set me free

the only thing that i can give you

is the life you gave to me

Chorus

This is my offering, dear Lord

this is my offering to you, God

I will give you my life

for its all i have to give

because you gave your life to me

I stand before you at this altar

so many have given you more

i may not have much i can offer

Yet what i have is truly yours

Chorus

This is my offering

This is my offering, dear Lord

This is my offering to you, God

Well i will give you my life

For its all i have to give

Because you gave your life for me

This is my offering to you, God

well i will give you my life

For its all i have to give

Because you gave your life for me

Because you gave your life for me

My good friend Aaron turned me on to Third Day and Newsboys about 10 years ago, and I to this day enjoy listening to them. I recently came across these lyrics and decided to put them in here because they speak volumes of what we have that we can give back to the Father who gave so much for each of us. I thank God daily for each and everyone I am in contact with because he has put them in my life for a reason. I believe that I am here for a purpose, what that purpose is, I don't know and I won't know until God decides to reveal that to me. I do thank Aaron for allowing me the chance to love a music I never thought I would and I hope that I will be able to go see Third Day this fall with you. I don't know with the move, but it would be nice! I will go for now. Keep our move in all of your prayers!

Love,

Ryan, Dawn, Kenzie and Maddie Cox

Kenzie looks like....

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Geneology - Family tree layout

Maddie looks like...

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Genelogy - Geneology

A few new pics

My pretty lil princess. She was so not wanting pics done, so I did what I do best, take pics while they are playing and you get better more natural pics that way anyway.
Here is little Gabe. It is Maddie's best friend. He lives next door and she absolutely loves it when he is able to come out and play with her.
I thought it was about time for an updated pic of her eyes! I love those baby blues!!!
"Hey Mom, take a pic I dare you!" they didn't even know what I had planned there!
Baby girls and green fondant don't really go well together! Although this is a favorite pic of mine!

Hope you enjoyed them all!
Dawn

What's this??? It's quiet here!!!

Today, Ryan attempted to allow me some sleeping time, but Maddie and Kenzie kept comming in our room saying, "Mommy!" so I eventually gave up knowing that we were going to try and get Kenzie to stay with Nana. It worked! Mommy and Daddy have a quiet house! YAY! I will get caught up on some much needed rest. I am also copying all of my pics to cd's as we speak. I wanted to have back up copies of all of my cd's and decided putting them on cd would be the best idea. I may even make the different events into slide shows. I will just have to see how creative I want to get with it. I do know that in addition to that I am uploading them all to my Kodak Gallery, so that I can order prints when we get settled in Florida so I can work on scrapbooking some of the things that have happened. I will be uploading some pics here too. So look for the post titled Pictures and more Pictures! Other than that not much here to report other than that I talked to Heather, and we are totally going to work for her again when we get back to Florida. We can't wait! Anyway, that is all I have for now. Talk to you all soon!
Ryan, Dawn, Kenzie and Maddie Cox

Happenings

Kenzie is finished with school! Yay Kenzie. Maddie is great. Ryan is fine. And I am on my way out the door. More to blog later!

Dawn

Potty and slideshow

Mrs. Brittany sent a cd with this slideshow on it home with Kenzie the other day, and here it is for you all to enjoy. This was played at the preschool celebration. I loved it because it allowed us to get a good look at what our kids were doing at school this year. Be ware: THERE IS AUDIO, so turn off my playlist and turn up the speakers! And: IT TAKES ABOUT 20 MINUTES TO SEE THE WHOLE THING! In addition to that, Roy and Carol, Nana and Papa, and Angel, I am making copies for you, if you want one, please e mail me Amanda and Candy.

Also, big news

MADDIE WENT PEE PEE ON THE POTTY ALL BY HERSELF YESTERDAY! I was so excited for her because she did it all by herself! LOVE IT! I worked again last night, and they wanted me to work tonight. I declined because I need a day off! Ryan is on his way home from work now, so I am gonna go work on finishing doing these cd's for everyone!

Love,

The Cox family

ps. ok so i have been trying for more than 2 hours to get the slideshow to upload, I will continue working on it but i wanted to post this anyway!

Shox

So, I have found my next pair of running shoes! Here they are:




My friend Kimmy at work had a pair on last night, and well, I put them on and fell instantly in love with them. I always say that I won't pay more than 30 on shoes, but these are totally worth the 100! I have never had a pair of tennis shoes that offer such good support! Like I said I fell in love! I will look around for the color that I want, but all in all that is the shoe I am looking for!

Kenzie went to school this morning. Her last day is Thursday.
Maddie has been continuing to blossom.
Ryan's schedule has changed, so now I can't remember what it is like!
I am just trying to rest up for work tonight.
And there you have it!
Love,
THE COX FAMILY

Workin' Lady

Hey there! I am just getting ready to settle down into some homework, but wanted to blog so that my fans don't miss out. I worked last night and was supposed to be with the alzheimers patients but ended up on the brain injury unit, so needless to say, I am tired.... And now, Kenzie is lining up boxes and packing up her most valuables (hannah montanna and high school musical garb!) so funny. I guess she is trying to tell me to get off my duff and come help her out. talk to you later!

The Cox Clan!!!!

Here Goes....

I am starting the second half of a long week tonight. I work tonight, tomorrow, Monday, and Tuesday night. Alternating 8, 12, 8, 12 hour shifts. Anyway, I should be ok by the end of my last shift. Maddie is doing so much more these days. She is saying so many more words. Among those is her favorite one: BABY! she also loves to say water! It sounds like "waer" and that is that. Kenzie has just been hanging out. She was a really good girl today. I have just been doing what I can to get through today since Kenzie had a rough night and I think I may have gotten 2 hours of sleep, but then again, Ryan will have a rough night with her if we get the bad weather that we are expecting. Anyway, I better get going so I can get ready for work. I hope you all enjoyed the video that I put on here the other day!
Love
Dawn

My little girl is going to Kindergarten! *tear*

Hey guys, great news! Not only is Kenzie going to kindergarten, but I took a video with my camera, thinking I wouldn't have audio, but I was wrong. I put it on here and played it, boom there was sound! It was great. Here are some of the pics I took from the "Preschool Celebration":

Although Maddie doesn't look happy, and Kenzie is off in no man's land, this was the only picture we could get of the three of us. So, I posted it here for everyone. Kenzie had such a great time at the party! How cool is that?"Ok, Mom, I'm ready to go to sissy's school!" with her shoes, cup and hair done, she was completely ready for the trip to New Washington (with the detour, I got lost! Cell phone didn't work up there until I got so far in the boone docks that I wasn't sure what I was going to do!)

Kenzie with her class and Mrs Brittany. There were a couple that I couldn't get in the picture, but most of them are here. Pretty little Kenzie!

The graduating gal!



And that is that!
Love,
Dawn

ONE LAST PHOTO! AND THE CAPTION SHOULD READ "WORK DEM SHOES BABY GIRL"

Maddie turns 2!!!

Well, Maddie is turning 2 on Thursday. She is such the big girl and her speech is really picking up. She repeats us all the time now. She is a MONKEY! I can't keep her down! It is typical of my children at the age of 2. Kenzie did the same thing. Her party went well. She got to play with Uncle Roger, Aunt Paula, Aunt Anne, Cody, Jenna, Steve, Grant, Gabe, Dianne, Grayson, Marley, Nana, Papa, Nana Red, Grandpappy, etc. She had a good time. The jumper was a huge success! Thank you Amanda! Although one note, the opening in the one we got wasn't near as big as the ones in Florida! It was very hard for the one adult who got in it to get in. Steve got in and allowed the kids to attack him. It was quite the sight. As soon as I get the pics on here and edited I will post them. Hope you are all having a good day. I am going to put Maddie down for a nap, and then Kenzie and I are going to go have a nap before I have to go to work.
Love
The Cox Family

sleep, what is that

Well, I was sleeping really good and so was Maddie. We always go back to bed after Kenzie gets on the bus. Anyway, we were doing great and then the phone rang and woke her up. Ryan called yet again 45 minutes before I was supposed to wake up. So, now, after Kenzie gets off of the bus, I will have to feed the kids and try to get in a couple hours in the afternoon. I hate it when he does that to me because I feel all groggy all day. Nothing really new here other than working like you wouldn't believe. I will try and update you again tomorrow.
dawn

my schedule

This week my schedule is crazy. See the following, and know that I will blog as I can.

Sunday 6p-6a (last night)
Monday 10p-6a
Tuesday 6p-6a
Thursday 6p-6a
Saturday 10p-6a
Sunday 6p-6a
Monday 10p-6a
Tuesday 6p-6a

so with that said, if I am home, I will probably be sleeping... Anyway, I am off to bed since I have to work later.
Love,
Dawn

MEMORY FULL....

So,after not falling asleep until well after 2am this morning, I got up at 8, and got the kids ready, packed the van and we were off to Mom's for Maddie's party.... So, I made sure I didn't forget my camera. That was a major thing... so, we get there and the castle jump was already there. The girls went and got in it right away, I started taking pics. After just 5 pictures, a screen says, Memory Full. I had forgotten my memory card. And since I had to go to walmart for mom anyway, I got a disposable camera to do the party with. So, no pics til I get them developed and then I have to scan them to the desktop so I can then download them here... Long process but you will like the pics (i think). Anyway, I am off. TTYL!
Dawn

Happy Birthday Maddie, Love, Yaya and Pappy

Maddie having fun with the play table
My favorite pic of kenzie.

the water wind mill

cute kiddy hands playing in the water

the table

"Dawn, I'm gonna call my mom." says Ryan

And I look at him with a look of concern. "Hi Mom." he says (or something like that). And then comes the shocker.... "Mom, we sold the house and are moving back to Florida" and from what I understand her response was a very loud "WHAT!!!!" in the middle of Lowes! How interesting. So a few minutes later I hear, "If you don't believe me, let Dawn tell you the truth." You see, Ryan does things like this to her all the time, so she has a tendency not to believe him. I have to do damage control. So here is the damage control,

*We are SELLING our house to an investor.
*I have had a job offer for both of us to work for Heather again.
*She will work with our schedules where the current place of employment doesn't.
*we have found a few different places that we may be interested in renting in Pasco County.
*my allergies have really driven me to this decision. I am tired of being sick and I have been battling this stuff for about 2 months now.

So, with that said, I am expecting the phone to ring anytime! We have been thinking about this for a while, and things just kind of fell into place this week, so we will do what we have to to get it done. We are moving back to Florida, and we are doing it by the end of the summer. (Ryan says, the sooner the better). I think I am gonna leave it at that so I can start scooping everyone's bottom lips up off of the computer desks now!
Love,
The Cox Family

Long Night!

Last night at work, it was the longest night I have had in a long time. I attribute this to the fact that I have finally gotten used to being up all night, so I brought Maddie (who woke up when Kenzie did for school) to bed with me when Kenzie got on the bus and we went back to sleep. We got up at 10, so since we got a morning nap, I didn't go back to sleep before going to work. I then stayed up all day, and all night. I was 3 hours shy of being up for 24 hours by the time I got home from work, settled down and then the head hit the pillow, the eyes hit the back of the head, and the dreams hit the brain! What felt like minutes later, I hear, "*gasp* MOMMY" and the pitter patter of little feet comming to find me. The time was 12 noon. I went on and got up since I had Maddie's cake to do for her birthday. With that now being done, I am sitting here blogging about to get up and go get things packed so I can take the girls up to Mom's house for her birthday party. I have to hang streamers, and then other than that, we are pretty settled for the party. Mom is having the jump delivered tomorrow. I will let Maddie have the table and package from Roy and Carol once we get home tomorrow, and then I will also let her have the grocery cart that Amanda and Derrick sent to her at the same time. I just don't want to put it all in the van, drag it up there, give it to her, then not set it up for her to play with because we will just be bringing it back home in a couple of hours. I will be getting pictures though, so look for some of those. Anyway, I better go.

Interesting....

Well, I don't have long, but, Kenzie is continuing her stance! "COME ON MOM LET'S PACK! I WANNA MOVE TO FLORIDA" she says. In addition to that I spoke with my friend Aaron, who is looking for a concert buddy! Yeah! I did enjoy going to concerts with him and the gang around the age of 18-19. Not to mention that Mom may be having some employment difficulties developing and she is talking of moving to Florida herself. Who knows what will happen. I mean, my allergies are driving me nuts. I have been sick for like 2 months with them. And yes, Roy, you were right, cost of living up here is crazy different. I have looked at our finances and agree with you! there I said it. I was wrong, you were right. And, Heather wants us back as her employees, so I dont' know what we will do. I will be sure to keep you posted though.
Lots of love,
Dawn

*ring* *ring* "Hello," "Mrs Cox are you comming...."

AHHHH! I got the days mixed up and thought Kenzie's case conference was friday! Nope, It was today. Not a very good start to a horrible day. I got the paperwork home and she doesn't qualify for any additional services. She will continue getting speech therapy, but that is all she will be getting next year. I am pretty bummed about that. So, when Kenzie got home she had the driver yell for me to close my eyes. So I did. She popped off of the bus yelling "HAPPY MOTHER DAY MOMMY!" holding two plants. One in full bloom and one just popped up. I will have to upload pics soon. A little later, she came up to me out of no where and said, "Come on Mom" I said "Where?" she said "Let's pack up" I said "where we going" she said, "TO FLORIDA" Oh man would I love to do that. I totally miss it down there and the best part of Florida was that I didn't have the allergies that I have now. So we just stayed home and talked about when we lived in florida and how much Kenzie loves Yaya and Pappy and how much she wanted to go back to be with them. I just don't know what to do. We would totally love to move back, but then we have so much going on right now, so we will pray about it and God will lead us where he wants us to be at that time. Anyway, she went to bed around 7 tonight, so it has been a quiet night. There haven't been many of those with 2 kids in the house. So anyway, I better go.
Dawn

Some Pics

"Look at this!"
Such a big girl!
Pretty girl!
Love this pose
Is that yummy Kenzie?

Not much going on here

Well, there isn't much going on here to blog about today, but I hear that some people look here every day, so figured that Amanda and Carol would want something to read at some point today! :-) Maddie has been a little doll today. She is such a good girl here lately. I just hope the terriffic two's (in the words of Beth) don't hit her hard! Kenzie went to school. I got home just in time to put her on the bus today.. Then Mr. Deaton (the bus driver) said, now go in there and get some sleep! How sweet was that. He knows that I am now working night shift and was concerned that I wouldn't get any sleep. Ryan has been a huge help with me working night shift. He gets up with Maddie and watches to make sure that she doesn't wake me (most of the time) she got away from him this morning and came in my room threw a cup and hit me in the mouth with it saying "MIL" "MIL" she wanted milk. I grabbed the cup and handed it back to her and said, "TAKE IT TO DADDY!" he then was able to catch up with her and got her out of my room so I could go back to sleep, then Carol called and Ryan woke me p instead of taking a message! He just wasn't thinking, so I got on up and called it a day. I am in the middle of working on my homework for the week, so I won't keep you any longer. Have a great Day!

Derby, BBQ, school, kenzie, maddie, astma, and gardening among other things

Derby-- Yes, I watched the race. I wasn't originally going to watch, but since I decided that I would root for Eight Belles, I watched it. Very sad ending. Eight Belles broke both of her front ankles, and had to be euthanized immediately. I know that she isn't suffering, but it is still sad to see your horse come in 2nd place and then have to go down like that. I can't even begin to imagine what the jockey is going through right now.

BBQ-- we went to Nana and Pappy's for a barbecue yesterday. I got home in plenty of time to watch the derby. Food was great! It was even better seeing Aunt Charlotte, Aunt Sharon, Uncle Roger, Aunt Paula, Uncle Ivan and Sharon (different one). I hadn't seen Aunt Charlotte since I was under 2 years old, so you can imagine the shock on her face when I was "all growd up"! Anyway, we had a great time and ate, then sent candy home with Uncle Ivan since he was so nice to ask if I had some I could put in a baggie for him. I had made chocolate brittle surprise for it and it was a huge success! You can find that recipe in an eariler post. I think I posted it in April.

school-- is going well. I finally got my books in and now it's on! I am working on the homework assignment for week 2 now in the medical terminology class. There is a lot of reading, but I can do it! I will keep you updated on how that goes.

kenzie-- has been quite interesting lately. One day she wants to be a good girl and help us and the next, she is so rebellious, but hey, she's just being a typical 5 year old. She is doing great in school. I have her case conference this week, so I will update you on that on Friday after I get home from it.

maddie-- is learning so many new things and among them are putting sentences together. I am so happy that she is progressing like she should be. She will be having her birthday party this week, and I can't wait to see her face when they deliver the castle jump thing we are renting. It should be interesting since she is the one who loves to jump so much!

asthma-- acts up now and then

gardening-- is comming along

I will have to be going soon. I have to get some sleep so I can go to work. Hope you all have a great day!
Love,
The Cox Family

A somewhat peaceful morning....

This morning, we took Ryan to work and Kenzie was such an angel. She didn't fight or anything when getting ready for school. She was so peaceful. Maddie was a good girl too. We have officially converted her bed to a toddler bed because she is getting old enough to have a toddler bed, so Ryan is going to get the side rail after work today and she will start the transition to her big girl bed tonight. Kenzie brought home a letter for me to sign and return to school. Her case conference is comming up, so I will let you all know how that goes. Maddie has started some new things and among those are wispering. She will walk up to me and wisper "Nana, here. Nana, here. Mommy, Nana Here!" It is so cute. I got all the decorations for Maddie's birthday party so, I am pretty well set for that. I am making her a lemonade pie for her birthday. I don't know if I will do cake or not. Anyway, I will just have to keep you all posted on that. I made some brittle for her party as well. We are doing the cook out thing next Saturday for it. We shall just have to wait and see how that all pans out. Anyway, I am outty!
Dawn