Keech Update

Well, I did it again (and proably not the last time)...It's been forever since I put out an update. Since all of our extended family lives far away, I guess it would be good for me to post some pictures & info. on the grandkids. Normally, I am ALL about chronology, but I decided to do an individual update for each family member. Here we go...

ALLISON

Well, Allison got a haircut. Usually, I end up cutting the girls' hair after some sort of scissor mishap. Not this time. She's just not a baby anymore & even though I loved how her long hair curled @ the bottom, it was time for something new. I love how it turned out!

Now...YOU tell me this style doesn't suit her sassy little attitude & independence. What a CUTIE! She's turning into her own person with opinions & ideas. She loves to play pretend with the dollhouse (or ANY & ALL little people-shaped toys), play barbies and dress-up. In fact, we're having a hard time keeping clothes on her. Aaahhh! Allison turned 3 on Valentine's day, so I will start potty training her soon. Hopefully, she's more-than-ready & will catch on quickly.Valentine's weekend was a busy one. Since V-Day (and Allison's B-Day) was on Sunday this year [and because we live in a college town], Bryan & I postponed our date night. When asked what kind of cake she wanted, Allison said, "Kitty Cake." Well, I decided to attempt to bake & piece a cake myself. The girls LOVED watching me cut up the 2 rounds I had baked earlier in the day. They kept asking how it would be a kitty & telling me that it didn't. They were amazed (actually so was I), when it was done. Since we missed our date night, I made Bryan a special dinner (which the kids got to enjoy too). He requested steak, potatoes and asparagus. I also surprised him with a crumb cake that he really likes with a little heavy cream poured over. It was a nice fun evening with the family.Sunday morning, we had Butterscotch Rolls for breakfast. Mmmm...they're yummy & gooey. All the kids eat them too.Allison got this cool pink motorcycle for her birthday. Bryan assembled it the night before, and we left it on the table for the kids to find in the morning. What a hit!After church, we had mac & cheese...then CAKE! I just love her expression here - SO CUTE!
The kids were horrified that I cut off the Kitty's face. I know...I need help.

ADELAIDE

What can I say? She's definitely a MIDDLE child. She is caught between Amelia & Allison, trying to hold her own in the process. She's the perpetual victim, but then turns around to be the sacrificing peacemaker. Adelaide loves going to preschool and can't wait until she starts kindergarten. We're talking a lot lately about going to the doctor & getting her shots, because it's coming up next week. Adelaide is stubborn & has VERY strong opinions about EVERYTHING. She has spent several days wearing PJ's out-and-about. She's crazy, but I love her & wouldn't trade her for anything. She always says things that crack me up. The latest of which, was telling daddy & my friend that "Mommy had to go see the judge at the Big House." OR, yelling "Garden of Dead People!" when we drive by the cemetary on the way to church. Silly girl.

AMELIA

Our ward had a Daddy Daughter dance for Valentine's day (Friday). I had been meaning to make some dresses for the girls, so this was a GREAT chance to complete them. The girls were SO excited to wear their new dresses & go to the dance with daddy (While Adam & I went to see Lightning Thief).Cute Bunch!Amelia has a special place in our family, but she's going through a phase right now. I think she may be 5 going on 15.Seriously though, Amelia LOVES kindergarten & her teacher. She has friends and loves learning. She is reading well & progressing quickly. She's unsure, but I think she just needs a little more encouragement. She's definitely got the bossy personality of an older sister, but she loves her sisters & brother. I guess they don't ALWAYS fight & argue.

ADAM

Adam participated in the Pinewood Derby for his last time this year. Bryan helped him cut & sand the car. I helped him with his paint job.
Pre-RACE picturesAdam also received his Weblos badge at this pack meeting, along with a ton of pins. He's on-track to get his Arrow of Light at his last pack meeting in March (before he turns 11 & moves on to Boy Scouts). He's VERY excited, because he'll get to shoot an actual flaming arrow as part of the ceremony. Anyway, Pinewood Derby was fun with hot dogs and nachos.This year, we had a new track that averaged the times by computer to get a winner. Adam raced his car 4 or 5 times. He didn't win or come in last, but didn't end up placing. I think he was 16th (or something) out of 24+ boys. He had fun & was happy because he got his award for "Most Colorful" that he was shooting for.

Can you say, "I'm 10 and I don't have no attitude..."?For the Blue & Gold Banquet in February, all the scouts had to make a cake. Adam decided he wanted to make a scout shirt. Well, it was quite a feat. I got the idea to use graham crakers to make individual patches, so we could have multiple chances to get one that looked good.Weblos, Bears, Wolves...Oh My!This is our finished attempt. Let's just say...I used a whole small container of blue gel for the frosting. Oh, and it turns anything it touches BLUE...fingers, lips, hands, hair...KIM

I feel like I have been busy, but mostly with mundane everyday stuff. I love serving in Young Women's and working with the Beehives. I now have 9 girls in my class, and will be getting several more in the next couple of months. I've also been going to the gym, and usually I have fun doing it. I have been doing a little sewing (as mentioned before), and reading the Leven Thumps series. It's pretty good, and Adam likes it too. I just finished #3 & started #4. Adam is on #2.

The only other interesting thing that stands out, is that I had to go to Traffic Court yesterday. I was driving & got pulled over for speeding. When all was said & done, I ended up with 3 tickets...speeding, no valid insurance (had the wrong card in my wallet), and invalid driver's license (driving on my AZ license). All worked out OK. I have another court date to fight the speeding ticket & the other 2 were dismissed. Whew...

BRYAN

Bryan has been pluggin' along trying to finishe the basement. He's making TONS of progress, and definitely come a long way since he started. Progress is sometimes slow, but he works down there several times a week & several hours on Saturdays.

Things are messy, but the work is coming along. I'll confess...I try NOT to go down there unless I HAVE to. There's just so musch dust EVERYWHERE.

The bathroom is drywalled & the tub is installed. We bought a sink/vanity & a mirror a long time ago, so they are just waiting for their time. We also got a toilet last weekend, so that's waiting too. First, we need to tile...the time is soon I'm sure.

This is the other end of the big-room. Not much left to drywall...the east wall...the dividing wall...closet...under the stairs (for another storage closet)...

As I mentioned, my complaint lately is all the drywall dust...This is how Bryan keeps from tracking it into the house...

Busy...busy...busy...Gotta get back to life!