Still Daytona

I never thought I would ever be ready to go home form Florida. This time vacation has been a bit too long for even me. Of Course, Andrew would stay the summer if we would let him. And you thought he was tan before he left. His trunks cover his legs to the knees and that area is tan. Don't ask me how. My Dad has been great. he has taken Andrew almost everyday for several hours. Duke and I have had a lot of quality time. We have really been relaxing, going to the pool, watching videos, and of course eating. We went to a restaurant called Crabby Joe's that was on a pier in the ocean. Andrew had to buy a t-shirt from there. I went shopping at the outlet mall and will probably have to buy a new suitcase in order to get everything home. I only bought clothes, but lots of them. And believe it or not, most of them were for me. Mainly work clothes, but some summer clothes. Hopefully when we get home, we can get DSL and then I can show you some pics. Andrew has net several kids and they all seem to get along. Most of them are older than him, but he fits right in. He did meet a boy his age named Ian. I think Ian thinks they are m oer friends than Andrew does. His grandmother says he is always asking about Andrew. Andrew walks around this place as if he owned it. I think that has to do with my Dad being on the board and knowing everyone here (he actually writes their checks), so of course they like Andrew. We will be leaving early Monday morning. I think the flight leaves at 7;00. We will have to be there at least 90 minutes early and it is over an hour drive. i do not want to do the math. Good thing Duke will be driving or would I would have to depend on auto-pilot.

Daytona

We are here and I am looking out onto the beach as I write this. They weather has been pretty good, there were some afternoon storms yesterday and chance of rain for the rest of the week, but i do not think the rain lasts as long here as home. I came down to find a church this morning, boy has it been tough. Some churches are over 3000 with 1800 attending a service (too big for our taste). There are many churches of different nationalities. I finally found one that has about 200 members. I think we will try that one. We usually go to huge church of Pastor Black(I think). the church that started FAITH. It is nice, but once again too big. I went to the flea market yesterday. Didn't find much: a new Wii game, a shirt for Jessica, and a camo tank for Andrew. He absolutely loved it. My dad kept Andrew for the day and wanted him to spend the night, but around 9:30 he called and said he was coming home because he had not seen us all day. So we rented Shrek 3 and then went to bed. I have no idea what we have in store for today and I sure that at some point we will be at the beach, pool, beach, pool. You get the picture. Everyone have a great day. I will keep you posted. I still have not figured out how to attach pix. I tried at home, but I think it did not work because of dial-up. I do not think I can send pix from here since it is a public computer.

Tiko has a new home

Yesterday was a very difficult day. I talked to over 25 families about Tiko, met 7 of them and then had to decide the best family for him. We chose a family with 7 kids, a dog, and they home school. The fact that someone was home most of the time was a big factor, but the main factor was when everyone was here, they offered to leave to while we made the decision. they live in Fishers, so they just went and got a bite to eat. I know that had to be expensive with 9 people. 2 families would not leave, they just kept hanging around. So I had to go into the garage and call Duke to bounce ideas off him. I thought this was really rude. the other 2 families that left, worked and I thought that someone being home was best. I hope he had a good night. I know we did not. Andrew cried and I could not sleep. Snickers had an accident. I do not think it affected Duke (or at least it did not show). I tried adding an image, but it would not work with dial-up. Hopefully, we will get dsl when we return from vacation. Evidently there is a hub built, but not running yet.

My Dogs

It saddens me to say, but I am going to have to get rid of my dogs. Tiko keeps getting out and Snickers follows when she can. Snickers has been deamed potentially dangerous and I am afraid that if they get out too many more times, animal control will force us to put them (at least Snickers) to sleep. This is not fair to them. So Diane suggested that I put a post on freecycle.org. I also posted on Craig's List. I have had 12 people respond since 7:30 this evening. When I wrote the post, I did not think it would bother me, but then I got an e-mail from a lady who has an aussie (the first dog I had as an adult that we had to put to sleep because he lunged at Andrew when he was 6 months old). I was crying because I missed Hamilton. I pray that I will not grieve for these 2 dogs like I have Hamilton. I know I will find them a good home. Everyone pray that I make the right decision in this matter. Duke does not care either way. He will be in Champaigne tomorrow and we are leaving Thursday for vacation, so time is of the essence.

God, please guide me in choosing the right parents for Tiko and Snickers. I love them both so dearly and want what's best for them. Talk to me as I meet with these families, so I can make a wise decesion and not let my emotions get in the way.

After Math

My Garage Sale is over. I was supposed to set up in Thornburg today, but my stuff got soaked. I did not want to have to load, unload, reload, unload, reload, and then unload just to set up at Darla Hayes's house this morning. So I got the brilliant idea to leave the stuff in the truck and put tarps over it. well, evidently my tarps were not so good, everything, I mean everything was soaked. So I threw in th towel and cut my losses. I will dry the clothes, give the Christmas items to the AWANA store, and donate the rest to Amvets (they p/u). The sale went pretty good. We sold about 325.00 Andrew made 75.00. He is saving it for vacation. I will have to break the knews to him that he needs to tithe on this (second thought, I will let Duke do). The rest he is taking with him to Florida. I think he will have more m oney then us when we go. He has been saving since we left at Christmas time.

I want to thank all of you who showed up to support (Heidi, that is). The rest of you showed put your head in the sand and at least act ashamed. I thought all of you loved a good Garage Sale. Well, your loss. I sold tons of Andrews clothes and many of you could have gotten them at below cost (ask Heidi). Anyway, I am no longer hurt. I just cried myself to sleep (not really, just trying to make you feel bad). I know many of you have been real busy, so since I am such a good Christian, I forgive you.

Garage Sale

Hey, everyone! I am having a hum dinger of a garage sale tomorrow. It will be at Suzy's on 267 (more traffic, less advertising). I am not sure what all I have but here are some of the things I know that I have: boys clothes (mostly 4-6), household items, 3 6 foot bookcases (2 white, 1 maple), 1 short video cabinet, longaberger baskets, large square coffee table (holds videos, dvd's and has 2 drawers), books, Star Trek videos and DVD's (yes, PJ Duke is parting with them--it only took me 13 years). Several dvd's of complete seasons of TV shows, guinea pig cage and food and bedding (Sarah this is a just for you), an old make-up dresser ( where you sit and put on make up, the mirror is gone, Trevor broke it), motorized race car and hummer (hopefully, I get Andrew to part with it), small bikes (Andrew out grew), toys, ceiling fan that has never been used, outdoor Little Tykes play thing (slide with a fort and small play area). That is all I can think of for now. If there is anything you want before tomorrow, call me. I will be setting up this afternoon and this evening, stop on by.

El Cinco has been very very busy

Friday was pretty laid back with the rain and all. He did however make it to the block party training and thought the Evangecube was the greatest thing since grass. He also helped Duke pick up all of the grills in the neighborhood. And boy was Duke glad for the help. He did not realize how strong El Cinco was. Saturday was another thing. We started out at church. We made it there just before the rain started. We were supposed to help with registration but they needed someone who was a good talker. Well, El Cinco knew there was no better talker than himself. So he volunteered. He got a hold of 3 radio stations and he even thinks he might have been on the radio, but he thinks his voice was a little feminine. He made it through the block Party and only ate 3 sticks of cotton candy. He had the best time. he really wanted to try the bounce house, but was afraid he would bounce to the moon. He went home and thought he would get some rest, but instead he went swimming with Andrew and his friends. Then El Cinco was ready for a nap, but his good friends the Hackney's came by for a swim and he had a lot more fun swimming with them. They are a blast. Rachel loves the water and boy can Aaron swim. Now all of the fun was over and El Cinco was ready to vegetate. No not eat, just rest. Sunday was just a normal day. And after Saturday El Cinco needed normal. He loves being with the Tetrick's. They keep him busy, but not as busy as the Archers. You know they have 6 kids and all. There is never a dull moment at there house.