Mary Anne

Her hair is the most unusual torment for a mother, It is a long, thin, mess of curls that stick to her cheeks and she screams like she is in pain when I squirt her head with detangler. Neither that or washing it (which she also hates) makes it any better. It has caused me so much grief.

I used to tell her messy hair was normal and ok. cause I thought it would be like Brooksie's. Difference is the length. I am starting to think (though I still am upset that it was done to me) that cutting it will be the only solution. I have started feeling envy when I see other littl girl's hair pulled neatly into a ponytail or something. Yesterday, she ripped out every item (called pretties) that I put in her hair. It must have hurt because she also renoved big chunks of hair. Last week, she had perfectly crusted curls. Somehow her dumdum crusted her hair in place perfectly but was nearly impossible to get out. But, I did it, after church.

I seriously see no other way. Even Brandall complains about his lack of success with Brooksie's mane, I also recall my mom trying everything,in the hospital to get the snarls out of my hair, I am so sorry kids, I guess it is just our lot in life to have "boy hair". ha ha ha one time Lena cut her own hair and then cried and refused to beseen cause she said that she looked like a boy. But her grandmother told her that she just looked like an iceskater! She liked that.

Joseph

Ok, yesterday, I didn't ever have anyone to tell the funny story about what Joseph did, so here it goes.

Yesterday was peculiar, Joseph was choosing the oddest playthings, but the oddest was when he came up.and asked me to hold still for 14 seconds so he could measure my butt. He was determined to get a little didgital thermometer to stay on my butt, it started beeping and he said "Thank you! You did it!" He said " Do you feel better?" I explained that I never felt bad, he only heard bad and said, "Do you want me to kiss it? Now, you feel better." It was much funnier when it happened, and I really don't know how this will translate.

Then today, I recorded it on video he kept calling out to the tow truck guys and was saying, "Hey, Guy. What did you say?" They just ignored him thank heaven, but he was sure that he was actually telling them what to do and helping.

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This morning he saw that I waa busy and so he took care of his dishes, but not only that. He came and took care of my dishes, too. I thanked him and he beamed and really,meant it when he said, "you are welcome."

Charles or whatever you prefer today...

Ok, Gavin, I know you get jealous that I,never tell great stories about you. Really, your story is the best though, and most "life changing" and miraculous.

I have so many stories to tell you from playing pop goes the weasel and my mom commenting how regardless of what we went through, you still recognized your mother, no doubt or then how you tried to leave with any cute chick at the beach at Bay Springs calling them mommy. But I have another story pecking at my skull today.

I was very sick, I had just had two miscarriages but figured still being alive was good enough. I would get better and have more children, dad gum it! Well, Dad took me to a Cracker Barrel one evening, and I got so sick, I had to excuse myself. I felt better after I threw up. A few women were in the rest room, talking about what was good or bad to order. As I approached the sink, one asked,me what I had, they would be sure not to get it. I laughed but explained that I was sick, and it was neither the food or contageous.

I told this story to Jackie who was watching the babies for us. I knew that she did not approve of my getting pregnant all of the time, anyway, but when I told her that I threw up she asked if I was pregnant again. I told her no. Personally, I thought it proposterous and impossible to even consider, but eventually the ultrasound said differently. I was due on July 25th.

I do not remember so many things and that is why I do not tell you. I do recall sitting on the back patio in Gallatin with Leah Burns and Cricket Reifschneider we had moved there to be closer to a hospital. We had a Barbecue and were just lounging or rather dodging mosquitos. I remember someone saying that it was the 29th and I freaked out and told Brandall that I was due on the 25th. Well, turns out it wasn't the right month even. Plus, you were born a month early anyway.

Brooksie

Lena