Mr. Pincher

Out with the amphibians and in with the crustaceans. Our froggy friends (2 fresh water frogs) called the Kern house home for eight months (hand me down frogs from Kyle's Kindergarten class)--these were great pets, that is until one died. We had a floater. We cried, we said our goodbyes and we bought a new little pal for Kyle to adore. The joy soon ended as replacement froggy died quickly, and now froggy friend 2 was also looking sickly. We cried. Mommy promised new frogs and a surgical cleaning of the tank.

Promises can be a tough to keep when both Pet stores in Roseville are out of fresh water frogs. They are also compromised when you are told that frogs aren't doing so well this time of year and that even the frogs coming soon might not be in great health. We don't want to say goodbye to any more froggy friends.

So what does a mother do? She buys a Hermit Crab.
I knew a little boy was coming home to an empty aquarium and I bought the easiest small critter I could. Then we spent two hours this afternoon setting up his environment (might I add his little environment cost more than the $10 I thought I'd be spending on a couple of frogs). Hermit Crabs are not as easy as fresh water frogs, but my son couldn't be happier! He loves Mr. Pincher and it's fun that he's a pet Kyle can hold and care for.

Welcome Mr. Pincher...........and do LIVE long!

She's eight--she's amazing!

Can't believe she's eight. Where does the time go? Eight years of joy with our Karly! Just this week we found ourselves again pondering her unique spirit. A constant happy, smell the roses kind of kid. I honestly can't think of anyone else I've ever known with a similar spirit for life. She brings something to the table that would be hard to duplicate. Her flavor is indescribable, unmatched. What a gift this child is! Her contribution to our family and the lessons I have learned from her life story are abundant. God's plan was so much bigger and better than mine! She's eight and truly --she's amazing!

Surreal Life

Well it's time to say goodbye to the surreal life and hello reality. With Christmas and the New Year I get spoiled with Kent and the kids home and tomorrow all will be back in full swing.

We had a busy few weeks, but fun ones--here are a few highlights...

* Karly sang with amazing presence at Grandma and Grandpa's Christmas program. Stoic and assured, yet sweet and peaceful.

* Kyle especially adored playing with cousins Zach and Reagan. He's got such a heart for little ones. Such a handsome one he is too!




* Kent's parents retired. We attended a sweet dinner for them and enjoyed their smiles as the thankyou's were lavished on.

* New Years at Almanor meant snow for the kids. They played outdoors for hours, literally--so nice that they are old enough to make good choices!

* Both Kent and I managed to injure ourselves while playing "superparent". Kent fell trying to help Kyle and split his head open requiring an emergency trip and six staples in his head, and I jammed my middle finger (yes, the middle one--just lovely) so badly sledding with Karly (I was trying to slow us down) that I ripped a tendon and broke a bone. Six weeks in a plastic mold. Gee, we couldn't be getting that old could we?

* Time for us! Kent and I enjoyed three days together as the kids went back to school and Kent still had time off. We had lunch together, went shopping, and took our time at the gym. Yeah!

Tomorrow is another day. A new year. Another adventure is just ahead! We're ready!

Ah, the magic!

Due to popular demand the Kern team took their traditional walk through the Christmas lights last night. You name the character we saw them--from Santa to the baby Jesus and then from Charlie Brown to Pokemon they were all there in their full glow glory. Before leaving we took a moment to brainstorm what new characters were out this year and sure enough Karly won with her prediction of "Charlotte's Web" and "Happy Feet". Who did we forget? CARS. Lightning McQueen himself was there along with his pals.

When the kids were little we'd bundle them up and take them by wagon, stopping every 10 steps to gather someones dropped blanket, pass the cocoa, or settle the forever space dispute over who had more room in the wagon than the other. Wow is it ever nice to have everyone walking and yet still young enough to enjoy the magic of the Christmas lights! I had a few flashback moments at some of the homes that have maintained their original decor through the years. I could see the kids peering through the same windows, standing in the same positions, as they did many years ago--little tots then. Wow, time goes fast! I am thankful that it's still a big event for Karly and Kyle. Something they look forward to; the lights, the cocoa, the yummy treats along the way. Ah...the magic of Christmas!

Santa's Plunge

Not even a blustery day could keep Santa from making his round! Kent kept his yearly commitment by running the Roseville Polar Bear 5K and then swirling down the slide into the unheated pool. Sure there were a few in antlers and jingle bell hats, but only one Santa made this early morning plunge. Brrr... While he knows he might find a better time running without the red suit, it's become tradition and the honking of the cars passing by keep him smiling.

Back to the Caribbean--ya mon!

Well it's official. Kent and I have been long time warm water travelers, and we just can't get enough of the Caribbean. So we're headed back, this time with the kids! We will be cruising next July out of Ft. Lauderdale to great ports of call: San Juan--Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, Antigua, Tortola, and Nassau. A few of these ports are islands that we first visited on our honeymoon which will then be 14 years previous. The kids are very excited and we have put together a "cruise fun" money jar that everyone is contributing to. This will be our excursion money--because this family plans to not only see paradise but also find some adventure along the way. Some of our ideas include: a Spanish fort, kayak and snorkeling eco tours, catamarans, 4x4 adventures and a pirate museum. The best part is we have seven months to research, plan and anticipate our schedule! Half the trip is just looking forward to it.

The kids will be at great ages, 7 & 8. Old enough to enjoy the water slides on board while Mom & Dad relax poolside, cute enough to dress up and have fancy dinners at the grown up table, and young enough to find magic in shoreline shells, and gentle waves via our ports of call. We hope it will be a memorable time for us all--building that Team Kern concept and sharing lots of joys and experiences together.

Gil-i-Monster

Gil-i-Monster is our new nickname for Gilligan. While he is absolutely won our hearts he can be quite the tyrant on occasion. He's the lap dog of a life time (all 35+ pounds of him), he's so mild in temper, full of personality, but he's chewing on everything. About a month ago the chewing slowed. Many of his baby teeth had fallen out and the new ones came in--so we thought we were done with this phase. At almost six months, this puppy has now ruined two of my nice pairs of shoes, a few articles of clothing he's then thrown-up--yuck, my mouth pieces I wear at night (got fitted for new ones today), a library book, our kitchen chairs, a few my little ponies, my children, and more. It's not that he doesn't have his own things to chew. This dog has a dozen toys! It's not that he's dumb. He's smart--he can "sit", "come" and "lay down", plus he runs to the car if I ask him "Do you want to go get the kids?" Not bad for a preschool Bully. In dog years I figure he's about three and a half. That makes sense with his naughty behavior! Three was a tough age for the kids, looks like Gilligan will hold fast to the Kern tradition. Nonetheless, I doubt we'll ever have any other dog but a Bully. His nature is great! He's just our speed and style. He's been a great addition and we have no regrets!