Happy Mother's Day

Just a few thoughts for my friends and family about upcoming Mother's Day.


The older I get the more I realize that we (moms ourselves) are much the way we are because of who our mothers are/were. We either try to do things just the way they did, exactly opposite of them, or a mixture of the two.


We are also molded into the mothers we are by searching, learning and watching others....that is why I wanted to write these thoughts here.


See, I have learned so much from so many of you. I love you all for the things you've taught me. My mom, of course, I appreciate for being my mom. It would take me pages to say all that I've learned from her...some things I want to do just like...others a little differently. I think she was amazing as a young mother and I can't imagine giving my child the opportunities she did with so little experience herself. She always expected much and gave me good moral guidance. Her determination allowed me to grow and have many opportunities that children around me did not have. I know there were sacrifices on her part and I appreciate all of them.


My sister----you let me practice for so long! Thank you. And now, Happy 1st Mother's Day to you. Now, you know why and how you were so very loved. Even though I didn't give birth to you, I've known you since your very first day and I'm thankful for all days since. Mira is now teaching you the wonder of motherhood that only comes from your own child. I wish you joy always as you grow as a mom.


To my friends--Shawnna, Sherry, Pat--Thank you for your friendship. There are very few people on Earth I can trust to care for my own children...you guys are about it outside immediate family. I appreciate each time I've leaned on you for child care, but more than that I appreciate you being my "friend"....that I can be myself and share thoughts, trials and triumphs. I see love, compassion, dependability, sincerity, strength and trust in each of you and I've learned by watching you apply those characteristics in your own lives. Thanks!
(--My kids & Shawnna's kids playing)

To my "old" friend--Teresa--(Happy B-day May7...by the way) Thank you for being my friend through my teenage years. I often think back on things we did and what we thought. That gives me insight into Madison's mind....so I can say..."I was once your age, I used the same tactics, I can see through them, better go try to come up with something better than that!!!!" HA. I do share lots of examples of what friendship is and how meaningful it is...lessons learned, the good times, the disappointments...how important it is to learn life's teen lessons with a friend. Good friends are like stars...you don't always see them, but you always know they are there! Thank you

(Above--Madison & Sherry's Chelsy & other teens)

To other relatives and friends....old and new...you have and are shaping me as a person and as a mom. Thanks for sharing love, time, memories, conversation, etc. I think of all of you more often than you know.

To my hubby who helps me figure out how to balance being mom! And...without whom I wouldn't have birthed my three girls. Even thoug I joke about it alot, I really wouldn't know what to do without any of you. I love you.


To God....what a blessing it is to be a mom...thank you for allowing me to know!


Happy Mothers Day.


Kim

Spring (It's About Time!!!) Update

Hello all!

I am so sorry.

It seems each time I post a new entry I have to start by apologizing...

I really am sorry but my life is a whirlwind.

As the girls get older, they are involved in more and more activities and that translates into less time for me.

Let's see, since my last post, we've had some amazing happenings....

My baby sister, Misty, gave birth to a beautiful baby GIRL (who would have thought?).
Mira Julienne Ojure arrived December 10, 2007 and we think she is very special.

McKenzie and McKayla attended their very first concert! The Best of Both Worlds Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus was, of course, the "had to be there" event of the year. After fitfully acquiring tickets, we loaded up just after noon on December 12th, traveled to Lexington to the swanky, overdone Libby Lu salon for girls for hairdos, nails and makeup for the concert. We went downtown for dinner at Victorian Square and then on in to Rupp for the show. We finished the night at Starbuck's for McKenzie and McKayla's first real "growing up" girls night! They had a great time but were a bit overwhelmed at everything!!

We continued to live happily in our two-bedroom condo as our new home was being built. Everyone learned to love the togetherness and it will provide lasting memories I am sure....especially when Santa brought the Barbie 3 story Dream House to McKenzie....it was almost as big as the living room! It was an experience, but no-one ever complained (much). It taught all of us that being together is the most important thing and that we are very blessed to be able to move into a new custom home (it just always takes longer than expected).

The saddest thing is that we lost Riley during the move. He did not do well emotionally at the condo and he despised the neighbor girl. When he bit her a second time, we found a new home for Riley where he is the center of attention for a retired couple in Clinton county. His groomer still sees him regularly and reports that he is doing well and is happy. We all still miss him terribly though.

In December (we always heard that was the best time to buy a boat) we bought a pontoon boat. Randy and I test rode it in the SLEET....yes, it was COLD! It's a used boat, but in great condition and we think it is really swell. We stored it the rest of the winter and just docked it at Conley Bottom this past weekend!! It hold 17 passengers, so everyone's invited....come on over!

At the end of January, we moved into our new home. Everything on the inside is complete, but the outside finish work is being determined by weather. Fortunately, we just finished the stonework last week. Now it's time to stain the concrete and install porch railings. The topsoil and yardwork are supposed to arrive/begin this Thursday. Hopefully, we will have something green growing sometime soon!

This house is more about detail (maybe that means I am older). I took great pains in finding wrought iron faucets, old fashioned victorian crystal door knobs, southern shutter hinges and window boxes....and perhaps those are my favorite parts. Actually, Randy and I both love this house as it is more "us" than any we have built/bought before. The girls like it too....they each chose their own color schemes...one ocean blue, one pepto pink, and one mint chiffon. Their bathroom is purple to round out the rainbow upstairs!!!!

Here's a few photos....M & M standing in the place where the cooktop/oven/micro go....chandlier (put up to the ceiling so workers don't hit...it actually hangs lower)....and my glass doorknobs!!

You'll have to come visit to see it, or wait for new photos....

Just after the move, on February 9, Randy and I took off to Kauai to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary. As with every marriage, there are ebbs, flows and unexpected waterfalls and so it has been with ours. Looking back on 20 years is bittersweet but comforting to know that after so long and after so much...we still CHOOSE each other....and after 20 years, we've learned that loving another is a choice we make...it's not a feeling that just allows us to float along in bliss...it's a choice to protect another above ourselves and learning to care for that person the way God planned through His grace and example.

I have to thank my husband for planning this trip. I am the ultraconservative one in our family and although I have ALWAYS wanted to go there, I might not ever have allowed myself the privilege. So I am thankful for the day (nearly two years ago), he just up and said, "We are going to Hawaii for our 20th anniversary"....and just like that we began to plan and purchased tickets a year in advance!!! He chose the absolute MOST PERFECT place in the world to stay, Halai Makai beachfront cottages on the North Shore of Kauai. We had the most awesome 10 days ever and I know we will never forget them. You can check out all of our photos at Walmart.com....just send me your e-mail and I will link you to them....here's just a taste of the 500 0r so....

As spring arrives, we are enjoying the girls laughter and frolics outdoors. They love the woods and the open space the new place provides them. It's fun to see them outside playing so much.

McKenzie just finished up playing 4th grade Jr. Pro basketball. She liked learning that new skill.

She still talks about a horse but doesn't want to show...just wants one for a pet.

McKayla is still outgoing and artsy. She had friends over the past two weekends and is begging for an art kit with more than 3000 beads!!!! She was the only one in her class to make 100% on a science exam, so she is using that for leverage!!

Madison continues to play saxophone in concert band and will play at the Kentucky State Music Fest next week and in Gatlinburg the next week. She also just got evaluated and named Drum Major for the 2008-09 marching season. She is excited to play that role again.

In her spare time, she takes piano and plays all the time. She plays at church and is very active with her youth group there.

We are very proud of all our girls.

Love and blessings to all of you.

I know I will be seeing some of you real soon....over Mother's Day weekend, Memorial Day, and on the west coast....I am looking forward to it. To the rest, I hope our paths cross in the near future...you are always welcome here.

Love,

Kim

Autumn Activities

We have been super busy with all our activities...band, horse riding/care, choir, church, housebuilding, work, school and holidays!!!

* McKenzie finally has a (leased) horse. Her name is Kay. She loves her, of course, and we are experimenting to see how long McKenzie doesn't mind picking the stall!

* Madison recently took her final salute of the 2007 marching season as the band competed at Marshall University in Huntington, WV.

* Below are some "at that moment" shots that show the pure joy of her winning 1st place in the Drum Major competion. We are so proud of her.

On the way out to get the trophy.....
and on the way back to the line-up with it!








Halloween 2007 -- McKenzie as a cowgirl, then as a bunny.












McKayla as Hanna Montana--where she won 2nd place in a costume contest.
Then, McKayla as a bunny.

Hope you are all well. I miss you and hope to cross paths with you very soon.

Love you.

Kim

End of Summer Update

Madison and the Wayne County Marching Band continue to compete most every Saturday. They are doing well and improving each time out. Maddie looks beautiful (we think) and does a fabulous job. This is her dream come true and she absolutely loves it! Her sisters think her outfit and ponytail are so cool, but are a bit bored with the activity so they opt for staying with Nana and Papa when possible!











Other recent happenings...Randy, Madison, Jordan, Daniel and I went whitewater rafting to celebrate my and Randy's recent birthdays and the fact that Jordan and Daniel helped us move all our furniture in July!












All the family attended ShoutFest with our youth from church (we switched to First Christian recently). Jeremy Camp was the headliner concert (below).










Our house continues to develop. People are scurrying around there diligently, doing a good job and keeping us busy making decisions about everything from switches, toilets, cabinets, lights, etc. It is often exciting but stressful.









I hope you are all fine. I miss all my friends and family far away. Love to hear from you all from time to time and please know that we think of you often.
Can't wait to see Mimi (& pouch) & Abe and in a couple of weeks.
Love,
Kim

Summer 2007 Update

We have been SUPER busy this summer!

• Madison and I went to New Orleans on a mission trip. We helped rebuild a house and a church. It was a great, yet humbling experience.
  

• Madison competed for the position of drum major for the band and won handily, which led us into DM camp, band camps, practices, etc. They are almost ready now for their first public performance in uniform (8/25/07)!!











• We sold our house, moved to a condo and have started building on a new home!!!!



• We managed to spend a week together (and Jordan too) at Gulf Shores. We did the beach, pool, waterpark, zoo and lots of good food!

• Mom and I visited the Biltmore House, finally. We had a good time but were disappointed in the rose gardens. Mom has a greener thumb!



• McKenzie & McKayla turned nine and had a small celebration at Finley's Fun Center.

Mom, McKenzie, McKayla and I visited My Old Kentucky Home and watched the Stephen Foster Story. This time (last year it rained on me and mom) it was a perfect evening!


• Tori got married. Yes, Tori. I can't believe how grown up she is and that she is 22! The girls were in the wedding and it was lovely.



• School is back in session and we are trying to get back into a routine!

I hope everyone who is seeing this is doing well and is as blessed as we have been as a family. I thank God every day for my countless blessings and I pray that each of you can count the blessings in your life today too!

Love, Kim

Trophy Turkey

Randy brought home a trophy from his evening hunt on Friday, April 20, 2007. The bird was a nice take and Randy was pleased.


The girls were fascinated....so was the dog!

Sleepover Fun

McKenzie and McKayla had friends over on Spring Break. They enjoyed sharing Papa's new puppies, movies, junkfood, karaoke and fun....not sure why these events are called "sleep"overs.

Easter

Hello All. Time to catch up a bit.

Easter is always a special time in Kentucky. Signs of spring appear and little southern girls are required by tradition to don a new "frock" for Sunday service. I tried to keep up the tradition of patent shoes and "banana curls" for a few years, but have since decided to allow the girls to choose their own "frocks"..... Notice how they reflect their individual personalities!