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Who are all these kids, and why are they following me?

This was the question I asked myself as I drove away from church Sunday morning with a van full of four little girls. When I arrived at church, I had a 9-year-old boy and an 8-year old girl, both mine. Somehow I got suckered in to being the nice mommy and letting my daughter invite three girls home for the afternoon. The exchange was that I sent my son home to another friend's house. I realized quickly that my Berkshire friend, who took my son and hers got the better end of the bargain!

The afternoon was spent watching all the giggling, dancing, gymnastics, changing clothes and other previews from tween-dom that will be coming before long. John earned Brownie points by freezing his butt off taking them each for a spin on the ATV in the 20-degree weather. The girls didn't come in afterward either. They spent about an hour jumping on our trampoline in full winter regalia-snowpants, boots, hats, mittens and coats.

I unloaded 2 of the girls around 4pm and took mine and another one back to church for the kids Praise & Talent night. Caroline was able to wow the audience with her rendition of "Amazing Grace" set to country-style music. She might be heading to Nashville rather than Hollywood if she sticks to her current life's goal.

Today, I'm putting the finishing touches on my Valentine's plans and I even picked up 2 heart-shaped boxes of chocolates for the kids. They just don't buy the story that Valentine's is only for sweethearts. They think they've gotten ripped off if there isn't some little token on the breakfast counter when they wake up. They won't be disappointed though--even Grammy left them each a little treat for the day.

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