Burps From Kate, by Melissa

Kate doesn't get too many opportunities to sit down and write out a good article ... So I thought I’d cut her a break by giving her a helping hand. That's just what Moms do!

All three of the kids have been sick this week and have consequently missed the entire week of school. Wing's training in Rocklin, California with his new job and I'm the sole care taker this week which has not been super easy. Anyway, today I decided it was time to get out of the house and have some low intensity fun. I took the kids to Hallmark and the kids spent their allowance on some new Webkinz and Kate bought a doll with purple hair because "purpa" is her favorite color.

As we were leaving Hallmark, Kate clearly said, "Go Target?" It took me a moment to comprehend what she had just said, but when I clarified with Kate by asking, "You want to go to Target?" she yelled, "Yeah!" in a very enthusiastic hoarse sounding voice. Unfortunately for Kate, we were headed to Sweet Tomatoes for some cold fighting soup, but she was quite understanding and was willing to wait.

Sweet Tomatoes is Parker and Grace's favorite place to eat. Just smelling the yummy soups brought smiles to their pale faces. Kate was the happiest while eating blue Jell-O topped with a good helping of ranch salad dressing. Needless to say, Kate is very skilled at making fear factor type foods.

When we were all full and our colds were satisfied, it was time to saddle up the troops and head towards home. All was well with Kate until I pulled into the driveway. When she realized that we were at home and not at Target she was noticeably upset and made sure that I knew exactly how she felt. Whew... It was hard to calm her down. But, I am proud of Kate's shopping sense. After all, Target is one of my favorite places to shop!

Kate has also been very brave this week. In spite of her ear ache and croupy cough, she has managed to spread love and cheer throughout the house. She has a little dog that is a tad smaller than a fist. If you press the button on the little dogs belly its cheeks light up and the words, "I wuve you, woof-woof!" can be heard. She has named her dog, Puppy and carries it with her everywhere she goes. Kate and Puppy have many things in common. For example, they are both very sensitive. She only has to pat Puppy to make him tell her that he wuves her. Each time Puppy speaks Kate says, "I wub you too!" with added emphasis to the last syllables. Now we know where Kate is hiding because she is constantly telling her little Puppy that she wubes him!

This little puppy has been quite a blessing to us the week! Now Kate is repeatedly saying, “I wub you, Mommy” and expects to hear a, “I love you too, Kate” each time. It’s so fun to hear her say, “I wub you, Barker” and, “I wub you, Gacee” accompanied by little smiles and reciprocated words.

I guess that one week alone with three sick kids isn’t that bad after all.

This picture was taken by Grace. She's a great photographer. Kate's mimicking her Dad's funny faces! It also appears that she has been into Mommies lipstick again.

Amanda took this picture at Disneyland this past April of 2007. They were playing hide and seek and Kate just got busted. She has an adorable little half screaming laugh when she gets surprised. It's one of my favorite sounds!