Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

Today is my last day at work, I cannot guarantee that I'll write while on vacation at home. I hoped to be more productive than sitting in front of the computer and if I find myself doing so; it's more likely that I'll be on bigfishgames.com - I really like that site, lots of free on line games. Check it out, you'll soon be addicted too.

Last night I FINISHED Christmas shopping and wrapping all the presents I had. I hope to get the last one in the mail today.

I haven't even started wrting out my Christmas cards. I feel awful about that since I've received some pretty cool ones. Even one spelled with an 'i'! ; )

If you find yourself on vacation from now and untill the 4th, give me a call and let's do something together! ; )

Love you all!
Peace

How can a short order cook mess up a grilled cheese?

I have had it to my wits end with the cafeteria at work. So much I was lead to write this today to the manager...

I have ordered grilled cheese for some time now and have always enjoyed the sandwich. It used to be the best. Until the dark hair kid came along and got in a hurry. He likes to serve cheese sandwiches. I have asked him politely time and time again to put it back on the grill. Once he talked back to me with attitude, "Just how done do you want it?" I didn't appreciate it at all. Today I ordered again the grilled cheese requesting it be 'extra done'. I get back to my desk only to find the top was descent but the bottom... The butter wasn't even brown or toasty. It was soft. I pay too much money for my lunches for them to be like this. Please, please, please teach the boy to make a proper grilled cheese. I know for a fact I am not a solitary case , I have had many discussions with people in line and at work he does the same thing to. I would love to be able to come down, order a grilled cheese and it be perfect as they once were. Thank you for your assistance in resolving this matter. Best regards.

May all your grilled cheese sandwiches be grilled!
Peace

It's beginning to "feel" like Christmas...

Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful. ~Norman Vincent Peale

Except for the driving and parking at Summit Woods shopping center, I found a lot of scrooges there! This weekend, knowing full good and well NOT to go, I went at the prime time of 12:30p on Saturday. I should have just waited - but I didn't. With the winds bustling at 35+ mph it knocked down a temporary stop sign and people were just driving on through the intersection. After making my stop, I dared someone to come on through and hit me! Before that I had a parking spot stolen, that hasn't happened to me in ages. I was sitting patiently with my turn signal on and from the other side a gal(on her phone no less) whipped right in! ERR!!! I honked to let her know she infuriated me! She probably didn't see me since she was too busy talking on the phone and had a friend and a car load of kids with her. I felt somewhat embarrassed as I drove a few feet further to see all kinds of parking to the right on me. Still she took my spot! I did glare at her and the car load letting her know I knew! Oh well, a few extra steps didn't kill me. Then I had to wait in line so a gal could do seven different transactions for her one purchase. I 'mall walked' to Chipotle got lunch for us all and headed home so that we could eat and rush on to Ty's BB game.

Now that I got my rant out of the way, it never fails that we find ourselves with a busy weekend! Friday night the neighborhood had their first annual Christmas open houses. It was small but successful for the first time doing it and in addition we met some really nice neighbors & extended families. We toured 3 homes having food and fellowship at each of the homes and it lasted over 3 hours.

Saturday I had errands to run in the morning then headed to Ty's game. That evening we went to Sheffield Family Life Center to see Tribulation Christmas. This was the first time I saw this even though it's been around for years and many of my friends have seen it. It's not your typical heart warming story but rather a powerful, strong message of what happens after the rapture (when Jesus returns). And with my anxiety - its makes me uncomfortable... but with God all things are possible!!! ; ) Aside from this years production being long and drawn out (from what I am told) it was so moving, it really opens the eyes of people if not plants the seed for things to come.

Sunday was the busiest day of all. When we left for church it 60 degrees, I knew a cold front was coming but I thought it would happen late afternoon/ early evening. When church let out it was 33 degrees! Brr - We had lunch with our friends at Chili's and the husband got called into work (works for the city) so he'd be ready to plow when the storm hit. After lunch I made a mad dash to the store where everyone else had the same idea. I loaded up for this week - lots of comfort food on the menu. (Chicken Parmesan, tacos, Mexican Chicken, homemade potato soup, breakfast pizza) Once I got home we had minutes to put the refrigerated and frozen food up before we left to see First Baptist of Raytown's Christmas program, "A Shepard's Story". It would be the last time they'd show it for the season so I didn't think it would be too packed... I had us leaving an hour before the show and I'm glad we did! At 40 mins before show time we had trouble finding seats. It too was a good play, told the story of Jesus's like in 90 mins. I looked over to the family of the right of me - they enjoyed it so much they all were sleeping! I so wished I could have gotten a picture! Dad was slouched down, moms head on his shoulder and the kids got his head cocked back with his mouth open! WHAT A SIGHT! The ride home was cold - temp plummeted to 18 degrees! Got home, got dinner made in the nick of time to see Survivor's season finale. I was happy with the winner - they were my favorite! I scanned the Sunday paper while watching too. At 9:30p I was up stairs cleaning the kitchen and making egg salad for this week's lunches while fretting about the drive in Monday morning.

Had a weird dream - dreamt I was living with a straight and narrow family who did no wrong - I was scarred I'd screw up some how - but I was there to learn about their ways....

I think it might have had to been since I was JESUS'FIED this weekend! ; )

Peace!

A must see at 75th & Falmouth

My mom told me about this house a few years back and have tried to make the visit each year since then. The gentleman who puts the display together each year does it because he loves to visit with the people that come to see it. Tyler really gets a kick out of it - probably more so than the neighbors do. It's a neighborhood street with not a lot of parking. It is worth the trip - hope you can make it - you've never seen anything like it. :)



Peace

Grandpa Wayne

A child needs a grandparent, any body's grandparent, to grow a little more securely into an unfamiliar world. ~Charles and Ann Morse

My grandpa is back in the hospital, this is his second trip there this year. He's unstable on his feet and a little disoriented. I went to see him on Monday night and hope to see visit him again tonight. As I have made a tradition from this past spring, I bring him a shake whether strawberry or vanilla and in cold or warm weather. It's my treat for him!

My grandpa is 89, in my mind I've always imagined him to live well past 100. Because well, because that's just the way I saw him. He's strong, active, smart, caring... But a stroke stole from him a few years back. I have over 30 years of memories to cherish about him.

Such as his Iced Tea with Country Time Lemonade drinks, his garden, his tomato and cheese sandwiches he'd eat while at home for lunch from working at Rent All. His time volunteering with me and Linds on field trips at school. Or that he volunteered in the classrooms in junior high long after we were gone. Picking us up for church on Sunday mornings. The way his 'trucker' hat sat on his head just so. Or the first time he brought home his new mini van and we took it to the Royals game! I could go on and on and on.

My wish this year is for him to be home at Christmas time, because this year we talked about getting the photo slides out and walking down memory lane. :)

Peace

Migraine, Migraine go away...

It gives me a headache to think about that stuff. I'm just a kid. I don't need that kind of trouble. ~Kenny, age 7

Well this weekend really didn't go as planned. Thanks to the wonderful migraine headache I endured Saturday afternoon. Normally I can pop 2 migraine Excedrin's and within 20 mins, it will be alright. This time is went to a dull pain until I awoke early Sunday morning to a full on throbbing pain. And that's how it pretty much stayed the entire day. So I didn't even changes out of my jams nor take a shower and stayed put in my chair almost the entire day.

We did watch the season finale of Amazing Race and the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie
"Front of the Class". I was amazed Brian and Ty watched it with me. It was a good movie about a gentlemen with Tourettes never giving up his dream of becoming a teacher.

Again, I am here early at work so that I can be home with Ty when he gets off the bus. Not much else to report.

Take care and have a good day.

Peace!

Happy 100th Post

It isn't the size of the gift that matters, but the size of the heart that gives it. ~Quoted in The Angels' Little Instruction Book by Eileen Elias Freeman, 1994

Yesterday evening I was wrapping gifts and Ty asked that I wrap his too. So while he stayed away I wrapped a few of his gifts and then called him into the room so that he could work on his Itunes account. Once he came into the room and looked around he said, "You did get me what I asked for, right?" ; ) I only wrapped the "not-so-fun" gifts. You know, like the dreadful clothes and socks. The good stuff hasn't arrived yet.

I enjoy wrapping gifts. I was short on boxes this year so I cleaned out the supply cabinet here at work. People will think they are getting file folders, printer paper and hanging folders for Christmas. Gotta use your resources. I even went as far as contemplating using FedEx boxes in the mail room.

While I continued to wrap Brian and Tyler were creating an Itune account. With that Tyler also created his own e-mail account. I cringed, my baby is growing up! While he doesn't understand now we had to tell him "BigT69" wasn't a good address to use. Big T is his nick name in baseball and 69 is his number in football. I forget exactly what he choose.

We have another busy weekend ahead of us. Besides the normal ball game it's also picture day. Then we have a friends get together Saturday night. Then Sunday I'm hoping to make the play at First Baptist Church of Raytown called A Shepard's Story. A gal at work was kind enough to give me tickets.

I've changed my work schedule for the sake of Ty. Working 7-3:30p so that I can be home with him after he gets out of school. Since it's becoming darker earlier his imagination runs wild when we are not there.

I'll leave you with this, we were reminiscing this morning about Sesame Street and how I loved the pinball clip. So much that I wanted to "ride" the pinball ride!


Then while watching that clip I saw these off to the side and watched them and instantly remembered these as well.




Peace

Jesus is the reason for the season

Perhaps the best Yuletide decoration is being wreathed in smiles. ~Author Unknown

My most fondest memory of a outdoor Nativity scene is the one of a house nearby my childhood church. There was nothing special about it per say. It was one of those 2-3 foot tall hard plastic groupings made up of lighted figurines. Just that for years and years and time after time they would display it each Christmas season. I would look forward to seeing it and it had definitely shown its wear over the years.

Many years had past since I had attended that church. We started attending again when Ty was almost 2. That Christmas season I was floored to see that same house had the same Nativity set! I was so touched that I wrote an anonymous letter to the owners of the home letting them know how much I enjoyed seeing it every year. I think the owners have since moved on as I don't see it any more, I would have loved to have bought the set from them so that I could have displayed it as proudly as they once had.


For several years I have wanted an outdoor nativity scene at Christmas time. I have always been on the look out for one I liked. I searched stores and on-line, but nothing I liked was in my budget. Anymore, like anything, it's all massed produced without care and quality. Sad to say that I called a store to inquire if they carried Nativity scenes and the kid on the other end didn't know what I was talking about!!! I said, "A Nativity Scene - like as in baby Jesus???" It took him a second to realize what I was talking about. I knew Seasonal Concepts was too expensive but I called them anyway... They had a set for $600!!! If that just isn't a high ransom for trying to spread the word of Jesus! Goodness, I asked them what the thought Jesus would think of them selling it for such top dollar! So I have been on the look out ever since.

Until this past weekend, Tyler and I stopped at a local hardware store. Again, we found the cheaply made and poorly painted hard plastic set for too much money. And I am not crazy about the inflatable decors that have been populating all over the place. BUT, Tyler and I spied one that we liked... I stood there a moment and pondered. I said, "OK let's get it." Tyler was instantly elated.

So much that he bugged and bugged to put it up. Against my better parenting, I went out fuming during Sunday's blustering cold weather to set this bad boy up! The winds were high therefore this thing wasn't setting up with a darn. Brian came out sick and in a bad mood trying to help... By the time it was all done and said with - I felt terrible. I felt terrible about the way I handled the situation. :( I apologized to Ty about stealing his thunder.

It's still not sitting pretty in the yard and needs to be adjusted some. And not to mention replace a light bulb already. So this weekend, if it's 'nice' plan to work out the kinks and also add lights to our 2 trees in front. I know it will look good once we're done.

Oh yes, I wanted to share a picture with you of what we got - listed below is a picture I found on the Internet. Hopefully ours will set this pretty too. : )



Peace

Turkey Wrap Up

We give thanks for unknown blessings already on their way. ~Author Unknown

Only 17 more days until my next vacation and I came back from this one shaking my head, "What was I thinking?" I spent the last 5 days cooped up with my rambunctious son that had a goal to drive me nuts! I am about to endure 17 more days with this child!!! - I still wouldn't trade him for the world! : )

I chuckled for as Sunday night I went to use the restroom and what do I see? Except for the same picture I described to you last week!!!

Highlights from the past Thanksgiving holiday...

Made my pumpkin pies and Watergate salad Wednesday and cleaned the rest of the house. Brian was a doll and did the vacuuming. We've made a tradition of going to see Christmas in the Sky presented by KUDL at Longview Lake. This is our 10th year! We went to Subway grabbed sandwiches and then to QT for coffee & cocoa. We headed to 'our spot' to nestle in and wait for the show to begin. Even though it wasn't their best show, the fireworks were still nice. They also have been using more contemporary music in their show for the last few years and I don't like it as much as I did when they played the traditional music.

Thursday we had my mom & step daddy, sister, & Bri's folks out to our house. SO MUCH FOOD, I would have loved to have been able to eat more. Everything was delicious! All my 'homemades' came out perfect - even the 'Susan' rolls. :D My mom even surprised the boys with a peanut butter pie! After dinner we played games - Mad Gab (in which Wanda was the pro), then Loaded Questions followed by Scene It. After everyone left we headed to Sr. Snyder's to do it all over again with his side.

Dylan really disappointed me. I cannot believe he had the audacity to call his pregnant girlfriend a B in front of everyone. I spoke up and got onto him, then everyone else chimed in. I told him to apologize although I don't think he ever did. I apologized to her, I felt so bad for her.

Friday we put the tree up, it was almost an all day chore. And a chore it was. Why did I let Bri talk me into a 9 foot tree, I'll never know. It's pretty, it truly is - but goodness. Tyler did most of the decorating - he loved it. He even put on his Christmas CD while we worked on it. Tyler also hung the stockings on the mantle. They and the holders fell nicking the mantle with "history".

Saturday we went and saw A Christmas Carol. Surprising to me, I enjoyed it but not to the extent I was hoping for. And I don't know why. Some people, I heard, see it yearly to kick off there Christmas season. - That would be way too much for me. Afterwards we drove around the Plaza looking at the lights. Well, I didn't so much as I was driving. Apparently, I've lost the thrill of that too. Seeing the plaza lights that is.

I've gotten out some more recipe cards, have been making new things. I tried a new potato cheese soup - it was OK. Served it with homemade rolls. And I also made a turkey cranberry ring - that too was OK with me - not a huge hit. It's turkey, dried cranberries, celery, walnuts in a mayo/ Dijon mustard sauce wrapped in crescent rolls. The first time I had it was years ago and remembering it was really rich.

I'm craving Brian's cashew chicken. I'm laying out chicken tonight so that we can have it soon! :) I told him this morning, I'll wait till he feels better. He's been down sick for a few days. He told me he appreciated that.

Peace

Riddle

How many males does it take to change a T.P. toll in my house?

Who knows, it's never been done. I wished I would have taken a picture of what I found in our hall bathroom last night. Let me share... an empty T.P. roll on the holder, wrapper from the new roll in the trash and yet the new roll was sitting on the vanity top close to the T.P. holder.

Reminds me of how dishes are done in my house too. I cannot complain too loudly because they are at least rinsed off sitting in the sink. In which the dishwasher is not even 12 inches away.

(Shaking my head)

I finished dusting the down stairs and vacuumed the floors. I didn't get the bathroom done but instead unloaded and reloaded the dishwasher. (cross my fingers) I told Ty this morning if he helped me clean tonight I would take him to see Bolt tomorrow. He wasn't moved with enthusiasm. I know if I ask nice enough Brian will push the vacuum around for me. So hopefully it will be a family affair tonight! ; )

I doubt I check in tomorrow so HAPPY THANKSGIVING!


Peace

Merry Christmas to me!!!

People are so worried about what they eat between Christmas and the New Year, but they really should be worried about what they eat between the New Year and Christmas. ~Author Unknown

So as I told you, I've lost 20 pounds. I went to church solo yesterday and took the opportunity to go Christmas shopping afterwards. And while singing The First Noel, I decided since I was half way to Raytown maybe I should take some time out for me and shop for a new sweater. Well, didn't I find the sweater along with a pair of jeans, 2 work pants, and 6 other shirts! What fun it is to loose weight and buy clothes smaller!!

I headed to Kohl's to buy for a few others on my list. It was a successful trip. I wished I could go into detail but I'm afraid I'd spill the beans for the recipients who maybe reading my nonsense of ramblings.

As I told the cashier, I now how to go home to clean. At least I saved my energy to shop first! ; ) I loath cleaning... I wished I could find the joy in it that Stac does!!! After hiding my sacks of presents, I s...l...o...w...l...y put up the Halloween decorations and the dusted the downstairs. I've got till Thursday. I try to divide up the time and do a little cleaning here and there. But what normally happens is I wait till the very last possible moment. But I am going to try and do a little each night.

With that, let's hold me accountable. Tonight, let's say I'll finish dusting the bar area, clean the bathroom and vacuum the floors. That's not too bad, huh? Who knows - maybe I can surprise you tomorrow by listing a few extra duties! ; )

Peace!

Have I ever mentioned I like theatre?

Theatre is life. Cinema is art. Television is furniture. ~Author Unknown

I week from tomorrow, I will be enjoying myself at the Mo. Rep. losing myself in A Christmas Carol. I have never seen this production and I'm so excited to attend. I'm taking Tyler and going with a friend and her daughter. I wanted prime seats but have to settle for what they had left. I hope there isn't a bad seat in the house.

We've also made tentative plans to see A Tuna Christmas at the American Heartland Theatre in Crown Center. I'm holding out for half price tickets. "It's Christmas time in Tuna...Texas, that is! Tuna is the third smallest town in Texas, where the Lion's Club is too liberal and Patsy Cline never dies. With only 24 hours before Christmas, all comic hell is about to break loose. Witness the delightfully eccentric citizens of Tuna attempt to cope with seasonal traumas such as a disaster-prone little theatre production of A Christmas Carol and the 15th annual lawn display contest that is being sabotaged by a mysterious Christmas phantom! Bring the whole family and spend the holidays with all your favorite citizens of Tuna. It's a Texas sized serving of laughter that has wowed critics from coast to coast."

Amongst the others I would also like to see is The Nutcracker and Phantom of the Opera. But goodness gracious, by the time services charges and fees are added it's the same price as the ticket! OK, not that bad but almost.

***
Something to cheer about: I went shopping last night and was able to wear a size smaller in jeans. WooHoo! I've lost 20.5 pounds, slowly but surly. I wished it was going faster, but those who encourage me tell me at least I am going in the right direction...

Peace

Albino Twin Deer- Grayling Michigan

An animal's eyes have the power to speak a great language. ~Martin Buber

Too beautiful not to share; received this in an e-mail this morning from my second cousin in Michigan...

Behind the Gray Rock Cafe in Grayling, Michigan
These twin albinos have been coming into the back of Gray Rock Cafe since they were fawns in 2006. We have been trying to capture a digital pic of them for awhile, but they arrive at dusk or even later and the pics don't turn out. On Friday about 10 am they arrived. It was a beautiful morning and they came for their photo op.

The Shack - Controversial

As Paul described in his Q&A session, most people who don't approve of the book hasn't even read it. One gentleman wrote/told many people of his disapproval and then read it and took back his statement. He went to see Paul and apologized. Paul was more than fine with it. He told the man, it was a more powerful statement of reconsidering his approval than had he approved it the first time.

"I think it opens people to the fact that there's a God out there that loves you more than you ever knew," said reader Dan Dickinson. - I cannot agree more with this statement. As for me, I knew there was God, but to have a relationship was very difficult. And as far as God being portrayed as a black women, why not? It very much parallels with the saying, "Live in such a way that those who know you but don't know God, will come to know God because they know you..." So that means God can be black, white, man or woman. Catch what I am saying? God can show us himself in any person.

And with Paul choosing to have God be a big black woman... Have you ever been comforted by such a person? I totally got it! There has been a couple of times in my life that I felt so scared and alone. And the only person there was to comfort me at those times were black women. (I'm getting sappy on you...) Me being held in their arms I felt immediate comfort and peace. I knew it would be OK. When I read the passage, I knew immediately how my relationship with God should feel.

Paul is asked about his book, "Is it real?". His reply is yes, it's real, it's just not true as it is fiction.

Read it and then you decide. I believe the main part of the story regards God's love, how can it be controversial?

Peace

"I'm Especially Fond of You” - Papa

I told you I can't get enough of this amazing person/story. I'm intrigued to the absolute fullest that I can be. I mostly listened and partly watched the Q&A segment of Paul Young speaking of THE SHACK.(93 min) I am just in awe...rendered speechless.

My eyes have been opened to 2 Corinthians 5:19 and what it means.

And the name Sophia means Wisdom. Sophia in the story isn't a part of the Holy Trinity but is God's Voice of Wisdom to Mack. Which is found in Proverbs 8.

What gave me chills was how Paul named a character in the book. He named the Holy Spirit, Sarayu. (pronounced SAW-{roll the 'r'}RA-U) He consulted his friend, get-it-ka (no idea how to spell that) looking for a word in their language for 'wind'. Several were suggested and then sarayu came about. Paul really liked that one. He asked would you name your child this? "Oh no, but there is a river named after it." Paul liked the idea even more that sarayu was not only wind but water. Then he got to thinking and asking what kind of wind is sarayu? He was hoping it didn't mean tornado, hurricane, etc. kinds of winds. And the "other" kind of wind! He was taken back when 'get-it-ka' said, "It's a common wind that catches you by surprise..." How awesome is that?! How else could you describe the Holy Spirit more perfectly?!

Paul Young has also spoke about someone making an observation but he would hear a value statement. Something I could relate to.

And the most astonishing story he told was about his friend, Scott Mitchell. How great is God? :) I don't want to re-tell the story because I cannot do it justice. It just proves to me, things happen for a reason - just believe. If you don't have the time to listen in its entirety. Listen to just the last half hour. His prayer at the end is exceptional.

***
Last nights' soup was good. Needs a little more of this and that. The guys liked it and said they would like to have it again. So it's something to work with.

***
Here's a Ty funny for you... This weekend as we drove to his football team party I let him listen to Christmas music on the radio. (I feel it's still way too early for it - so it was a treat to him.) We were singing away with a song and I was off. I said, "Oops, wrong verse!" Tyler stunned asked, "You mean this is in the Bible?" : ) I had to explain to him that songs had verses as well as the Bible! ; )

Peace!

Paul Young Speaks About The Shack

I do not have the words to describe to you about this book, it has really touched my heart. I keep thinking about it over and over and I'm sad I've finished it. I miss Mack and Papa! I would like to have the audio book so that I could have it to listen to over and over again and allow Brian and Tyler to hear it. Because I know they wouldn't pick it up to read.

If you have some time, 73 mins to be exact, please watch Paul talk about his personal life regarding the shack. Click here. Oh my goodness, I knew he had some troubles but never imagine nothing like he talked about. A very, very touching journey.

I've only watched the first video, I plan on watching the rest as I am so intrigue and desire more. I hope that if you decide to pick it up and read it, it will reach you as it has me. : )

Peace

With Cooler Weather Comes Comfort Food!

There is no sight on earth more appealing than the sight of a woman making dinner for someone she loves. ~Thomas Wolfe

After Brian left Saturday morning for the weekend, I asked Ty what he wanted for breakfast. "We have Cookie Crisp, Count Chocula, Lucky Charms, oatmeal..." But he responds back with, "How about pancakes and bacon?" Serious? This isn't what I wanted to do. I don't like making a batch of pancakes only to let half of them go bad so I countered with, "Waffles and bacon?" We got a taker! Then he can have them for breakfast this week. Waffles are easier in the toaster than pancakes. So we had waffles and bacon. Ty was super excited to get extra pieces of bacon since there wasn't anyone there to share with!

*side note, when at the grocery store last night I wanted to pick up more bacon to have on hand at home. OK - so I like my bacon PREMIUM - center cut and it's not even a full pound it's 12 oz. I could not believe the price - $5.09!!! Ain't buying bacon til it's on sale. I think I mentioned in a comment on Dom's blog when I bought bacon last I got a heck of a deal at Hy-Vee. It was 2 for $5 and they offered $1 off coupons per pkg. on the shelf! What a steal! ; )

We did our fair share of eating out this weekend too. I was ready to cook at home. Last night, I suggested to Ty that we have breakfast pizza for dinner and then a ham, corn and potato soup on Monday night. He wasn't too sure of the soup until I showed him the picture but it didn't take him long to be convinced either.

Breakfast for dinner is a favorite of mine. Last nights dinner was so good. Tyler even had 2 pieces. My breakfast pizza is a crescent roll crust with sausage, hash browns, cheese then coated with an egg and milk mixture. Rachel would say, "YUM-O"!

Tonight's soup is new, I had cut it from the newspaper so I'll have to let you know how it turns out and if it's a keeper.

I made egg salad again yesterday. Got a little too much of the ground mustard. I thought it was going to be heavy in salt but it's definitely the ground mustard. Has a horseradish flavor to it, and I'm not one for that.

Next week I'll be hosting Thanksgiving at the Snyder home. I'm going to try an make a Turducken. Ever heard of it? It's a chicken inside of a duck inside of a turkey. Looks a little complicated, but what the heck! I can do it.

I'm pulling your wishbone. ; ) We'll have the usual 'too much carb' dinner. Turkey with cranberry sauce, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, homemade rolls, pumpkin pie and apple cake and whatever else we desire. I would like to try something new but don't want to miss out on all the traditional dishes either!!! Please share with me your ideas of what you like to bring to the table for your Thanksgiving meals.

And after the meal I have suggested we take in "Four Christmases" for our annual movie.



Peace

Today is a sad day...

The cat could very well be man's best friend but would never stoop to admitting it. ~Doug Larson

I called my step mom this morning only to find out she's putting Little Kitty to sleep. It was a tough choice but an inevitable one. Some time ago Little Kitty's health had taken a decline.

Some time ago, 17 years ago, Little Kitty came to live with us. If I remember right, Susan brought her home. She came home nameless. And because all four of us (Dad, Susan, Linds & I) have very creative minds we came up with - nothing. It might have been the fact that dad & I weren't too fond of having a cat either. But at 16 I was sure fond of volunteering to go get the supplies needed!!! Anything to drive even if it was dad's '82 S-10 stick shift truck that I was unsure of driving.

Little Kitty came to be Little Kitty because her momma's name was Miss Kitty! Ah, ha! How's that for creativity! I'll take the credit for suggesting that! ; ) I think we thought of that all in a few minutes time.

Now that she had a name, she needed supplies. Linds, Mikey and I all piled in and we headed to Venture's. I remember being disappointed with the selection to choose from with the amount of money I was sent with. For the feeding dishes, I think my choices were white and pink. I wanted something more livelier than white - but I wasn't a fan of pink. - We came home with pink.

I've grown up with dogs - never cats. I suspected this cat to be like any dog I have ever had. Fun, playful and above all - lovable. Gee, that didn't take long to figure out...

As every cat owner knows, nobody owns a cat. ~Ellen Perry Berkeley

I can't say I ever made friends with Little Kitty. I tried and tried. But it was always on her terms. After I moved out I became extremely allergic to her and would only torment her in passing. OK maybe not all the time. But sometimes I would feel the need to be tested for rejection so I would try to stick out my hand so that I could pet her. Yep - still not good enough for her! ; )

As all pets, she leaves paw prints on the heart (and some scratches and bite marks on the hands) I leave you with this today...

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

Peace

We got an A!

I like a teacher who gives you something to take home to think about besides homework. ~Lily Tomlin as "Edith Ann"

The night before Halloween Tyler tells me he has a science project due - "... but not till next Friday." OK, sure, no problem as we'll have plenty of time. But as our schedule goes (that includes football playoffs, Boy Scouts, basketball practice, and me playing beauty shop Tuesday night coloring, cutting and waxing) it's not till Tuesday night that Tyler gets his kit from Hobby Lobby to make his model of a "pool in a steam'. (Sounded a little backwards to me - but whatever - it's Tyler's project and he knows what he's talking about.)

And before I go any further - I am well aware school work comes before any of the stuff I listed above!!! But I'm a person who works backwards and marches to the beat of MY drum! ; )

Tuesday evening Ty comes home with his project and Brian informs me that since he went and got it - it was up to me to help Ty put it together. Sure, no problem, I like arts and crafts.... It was too late to start that night so it left us only Wednesday and Thursday night to complete this project. Where did that week go???

Side note again. Click here to see the product used. I wanted to take a picture and share it with you but I forgot to take the picture. So this is an example...


Long story short & will spare you the finer details of the project - Wednesday night 'we' made the form and Thursday night 'we' painted it and added the accessories. While Tyler was at basketball practice on Thursday night not evening but NIGHT {8:30 - 9:30p} I touched up a few things and when he got home he was so excited. "We're going to get an A!!!" Tyler also re-read his instructions and found out we needed to display the vocabulary word too!!! Ugh, oh boy - I put him to bed and got on the computer to do work my magic... At 11:30p I was using card stock, glue stick, tape, straws, scissors, and etc. Friday morning we were still adding to it. Luckily, Friday was "Donuts with Dads" so Brian was able to get the project safely to school. Class ran out of time on Friday so that meant Tyler would present his - excuse me - our project on Tuesday. Once he got home he called me to tell me, "I think we got an A but don't be mad if we didn't. There is scribbling on the bottom of the sheet that looks like 40 out of 40 & 100%"

I can't wait for the next one - bring it on! ; )

Peace

The Shack - the book

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love.
But the greatest of these is love.

I've been reading those book for some time now and not only because I left it behind on accident at the orthodontist office either. (It was absent for a week and I was really lost without being about to read the book, it had become a page turner!) The book isn't a quick, light hearted read. As a matter of fact, some parts get very deep in not only emotion but thoughts.

Reading the book has helped me to try and see the 'good' in people and situations. Something that was easy for me to do even became easier. It's shown me how I can relate to not only Jesus, but to 'Papa' God and the Holy Spirit. The latter two is something I don't grasp as well.

I'm almost done with the book. I might have already finished it had I not picked up "Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing" with Tyler again. That too is a good book and we share some laughs together.

So if you're looking for a book to pick up and read - try THE SHACK. I know it gets mixed reviews from the Christian realm, some feel it's too new aged where others find it to their portion. For my belief, I think its something between your personal relationship with the Holy Trinity.



Peace

I can't like the malls

We used to build civilizations. Now we build shopping malls. ~Bill Bryson

Yesterday we had the day off and went to the Independence Center. We walked both levels. I came out of the building remembering why I go only once a year. Of all the stores we walked into 99% of the employees didn't acknowledge our existence! I'm not about to drop a dime in your store if you cannot say anything to me. And why is it these trendy stores pump out scented air to get you on come into their stores? Tyler and I were chocking at times because it was so THICK. Bottom line...I'm not trendy. I'll stick to Kohl's, Target and other stand alone shops!

However, I received an e-mail today telling about Sears and how they treat their military employees. I might have to add this to my list of places to shop! And we actually made a purchase their yesterday!

The day before we were out at Cabela's, sure I like to look around as the much as the next person. But now I know how a 'man' feels waiting on his 'woman' to finish her shopping. We toured the entire place and by the time we were done - mom and I were DONE. I was trying to find a bench to sit on while Ty and Brian finished looking at the guns. They had a lot of pretty ones! But it was so congested back there at the gun counter I had to get out. Now in the gun library they had a couple of plush leather seats but those were occupied. One, I wished I could of got a picture, was of a lady ALL SPRAWLED out! It was too funny - gave mom and I a good laugh. She was sleeping cockeyed with one arm behind her, her mouth gaped opened and one leg bent up slightly on the arm of the chair! Her man must of been serious about buying a gun for her to fall asleep like that! Later after we approached the front of the store after making our round mom said to me, "Oh, look who decided to wake up!?" LOL!

Tyler didn't have school yesterday and I told you already we took the day off. Well, Tyler also had his braces put on yesterday and does he look handsome!!! He also decided to have blue and white bands put on to match his football teams colors. Well, it also matches his basketball and baseball teams colors as well. He looks so grown up with them. After getting those put on we went and saw Madagascar 2. We were all over joyed with the choice. not. But it was the only thing out that didn't have an R rating that he was interested in seeing. Brian and I really wanted to see Role Models, but I was told it was strictly not a kids movie. We're lenient but not that lenient! What we really wanted to see, Appaloosa, was only playing at theatres at least 45 mins away - we can wait for DVD.

According to John Rivers of K-Loves morning show - only 44 more days till Christmas!

Peace

Blast From the Past

What you need to know about the past is that no matter what has happened, it has all worked together to bring you to this very moment. And this is the moment you can choose to make everything new. Right now. ~Author Unknown

How I love my catalogs let me count the ways... About 12 years ago I looked forward to babysitting my cousin, Kara, as Aunt Jean always had the coolest catalogs to look at. Since then, I have acquired my own collection and given it's the holiday season, I'm seeing more and more. This morning we stopped by the mail box; we hadn't checked it for a couple of days and low and be hold there was at least a half of dozen catalogs of different sorts. One I had never heard of called Bits and Pieces. As I started thumbing through a certain item immediately caught my eye!


It's called THE TIME MACHINE - Time will literally roll by with this amazing clock. Every 60 seconds, a chrome ball comes onto the minute track and takes its place in line. Then, once an hour, all 59 minute balls roll down the track and out of sight. H.G. Wells would have loved the reliability of this time machine. A fascinating classic for all time.

About 29 years ago give or take - I remember going to Dr. Ferrell's office with my dad and being fascinated with this clock that entertained the waiting room. I intently watched the balls shift, only I wanted to make the balls go faster. I liked it so much that I told my dad we should get one for mom for a present. He asked if I thought she'd like it and immediately returned with a 'YES' thinking I WOULD LIKE IT! : ) She never got the clock.

I'll leave you with this - this too was waiting for me in my inbox this morning. Can't say I don't blame the dog! ; )



Peace

I made that!

When baking, follow directions. When cooking, go by your own taste. ~Laiko Bahrs

Sunday I marinated some chicken breast for dinner last night using Dom's Garlic and Soy concoction.

Brian was gifted a wok last year for Christmas from my mom. Thus making Brian - KING WOK - he KNOWS it ALL!!! For a long while he made us dinner out of that. My favorite is his cashew chicken. A while back I was making stir fry for dinner but I had KING WOK standing over me critiquing and criticizing my every move to the point I walked away and let him finish it. Little did he listen to me; I tried to convey to him I DID used to make stir fry quite frequently when I was younger and still living with my parents.

Last night Bri's at the dentist and I'm clear to get the Wok out and start cooking. I cut up my chicken and put it back in the marinade so that it would soak up some more flavor. As stir fry doesn't take long at all, I waited till I heard the garage door open to start cooking. My rice is done (I love my Pampered Chef rice cooker!), oil is hot and he's home. Luckily the neighbors grab him to chat a while so I was able to finish cooking in peace. Tyler called out for him once telling him dinner was done but he didn't listen so I called for him once more giving him THE LOOK. Plates were prepared and dinner was blessed. As we began to eat, both Tyler and Brian complimented my meal. It was a little on the spicy side due to the extra dash of crushed red pepper. Brian kept trying to guess what I used but he couldn't nail it! Some KING WOK he is!!! : )

Later after dinner he was still asking; I told him it was Dom's recipe. And as I began to tell him what that was - he said, "Fine, you and Dom can go run off into the sunset together." Surprised at his remark I shot back, "Well if Dom and I are going to run off anywhere together it's going to be Italy!"

How you like 'em apples! ; )

Peace

It's Over; It's Starts

We didn't lose the game; we just ran out of time. ~Vince Lombardi

Let's start with Halloween. What a great, great night for trick or treating; the weather was fabulous. And how come today's kids get tired too easily? We were only out about an hour and a half!!! We had quite the house full. Beth, Tim and Kyle, Dad and Susan, the Wilson's, and Lindsay and Dave all came over for the evening. I made a HUGE pot of chili and every one brought something to go with. We ate and then we hit the streets!!! I laughed because Brian and I along with Tim, Beth and Susan took the kiddos out. Kind of like, "Come on over. See you later!" We are such nice hosts that we'll leave you! :) Later did I learn that my dad would motion a trick or treater into the house to get his own candy! Way to man the door dad! : ) There is this house in our neighborhood that REALLY, REALLY gets into Halloween. At one point, I kid you not, there were 100+ people in a small area in front of this house. They put a sheet up on their 3rd car garage door and normally will play faces of a mad man, goblin, devil, what have you with scary sounds and voices. This year by the time we made it over there they were playing Micheal Jackson's Thriller movie. Lots of people crowded in the drive way to take part in the famous thriller dance - it was too cool!

Saturday morning it was terribly foggy, I had to take dOg to get groomed. His appt was 7a and the Petco people were about 15 mins late getting there. Err! After I dropped him of I headed to Starbucks for a Iced Skinny Hazelnut Latte. (yum, sounds good now.) Then over to Kohl's to start Christmas shopping as they had early bird specials and I had an additional 20% off. I did real good! I knocked 4 people of my list AND didn't even shop for me. All in under an hour. Thank you, thank you very much!

I headed home so that we could get going to Ty's football game. It was still very foggy out, I was making a left hand turn into our subdivision when a car comes haulin by and blairs their horn at me! EXCUSE ME, 1 - you shouldn't be driving like a bat out of hell when it's foggy like that and 2 you should have your stinking lights on so that I can see you! SHAME ON YOU! No sooner are we leaving LS Petco calls and lets us know dOg is ready. Gee, thanks. Shouldn't have been 15 mins late - could have picked him up BEFORE the game!

So the game - how so you sum up 'we lost'? Yes, we lost. No Truman Bowl no Chicago - no nothing. We played Kearney and knew it was going to be tough. We were 0-0 getting ready to go into overtime. (Petco calls again to tell us {with attitude} to pick dOg up ASAP as they are running out of kennels - gee, should have been on time this morning!) BUT then - Kearney pulled out a T.D. and it was over just like that. No time left to try and tie the score. As bittersweet as it was; it was nice to see Kearney rejoicing as they did. Cow bells and air horns going off, coaches leaping down the field jumping high in the air, fans racing to the fence to cheer louder... it was a long time coming. I felt bad for our boys, after exchanging hand shakes with the other team and having their team meeting they walked off the field all with red eyes and sniffing. It was a tough loss for them, the Titans had always made it to the Truman Bowl...So there you have it - football is done for this year.

Just in time for basketball to start! I was freaking; had we won out game - our night would look something like this.

5:30-7p football practice
7-8:30p Boy Scouts
8:30 - 9:30p basketball practice

Goodness!

Saturday evening we went and celebrated Mel's birthday by going out to eat at Cinzetti's YUM! Then bowling. It was Jeff, Mel, Bonnie, Bob, Andrew, Bri & I. I met 2 more lesbians friends of gay Bob's, real sweet gals. He informed me they are trying to have a baby. I had to inform him back that wasn't going to work. ; ) I needed Dom to give me some bowling pointers - I did AWFUL! I didn't even break a hundred!

Time change couldn't have came at a better time. I was tired. I was up and down and by 10a (old time) Brian felt the need to call the house phone to wake me. WHAT A FLIPPIN' PUNK! When he's up - he feels like everyone else needs to be up too. Then he didn't want to share the Sunday paper. What's that all about? And he wanted to know why I was giving attitude!?! hmm, it doesn't take a genius to figure that one out. Karma baby karma!

Peace

Nie Nie & Mr. Nielson

If God brings you to it - He'll see you through it!

Stac, my blog surfing sister, shared with me - the nie nie dialogues. And like Stac - I too feel in love with her. To me, she portrays the word PERFECT. I love her sense of old fashion romance, artistic ways, her photography, the love among her children and family, and with her husband whom she calls Mr. Nielson. (Reminds me of the time after my grandma Rose's past away we found her Jones Store credit card. Listed as Mrs. Wayne Welsh, I thought that was so neat!) Somewhere in Mesa, Arizona is a slice of heaven. : )

Tragedy struck this family a couple months ago. Nie Nie and Mr. Nielson were in a airplane crash. The couple suffered severe burns and were listed in critical condition...

On Oct 28th Nie Nie's sister wrote, "She's out of the woods." according to the Dr. Thank you God for answered prayers. She's waking up out of a medical induced coma and breathing on her own. Mr. Nielson also has been recovering nicely. He's staying with his parents and have been able to play with his children.

Anyway, I too put a button on my blog - "I read Nie Nie". Please click on the button to follow their stories - it's a little ray of sunshine on any day.

Peace

The Last Romance

Bellissimo! Bellissimo! - Ralph Bellini

Last night we attended the dinner theatre with the Snyder clan. Wayne and Wanda shared a table with Darren and Alaina while Brian and I accompanied Jeff and Mel. The dinner was a grand as the play! If you've never been, I suggest you try it at least once. I don't think you'll be sorry. I have always enjoyed going and wished I went more often.

Dinner starts with a salad with homemade buttermilk ranch (my favorite) or poppy seed vinaigrette dressing and warm garlic bread. With each play, they change the menu up a little. Last night, with pleasure, they served sugar snap peas, sweet pea melange, fried cauliflower, smoked mushroom pasta, roasted garlic potatoes, peasant polenta, slow smoked pit ham with peach-cranberry walnut conserve, blackened basa with ancho-lime aioli sauce, cashew chicken & oyster sauce, beef tenderloin with brown sugar & red current scented veal demi-glace, and creole stew. AND for dessert I had the classic Creme Brulee and Brian had the feature dessert of GONE BANANAS which was moist banana cake divided by a layer of banana cream cheese and encased in chocolate ganache. Finished with fresh bananas sauteed in amaretto-carmel sauce. How do you spell hog heaven? Oink-oink! At least dessert is served at intermission. :)

Oh, you probably are interested in the story too...

THE LAST ROMANCE is a heartwarming boy-meets-girl comedy. What makes this one unique is that the boy and the girl are senior citizens! Love, like aging, they discover, is not for the weak or those without a lively sense of humor. Paul Michael plays Ralph Bellini, a vigorous, full of life octogenarian with an eye for the ladies. Ralph has had a few years to hone his best jokes and pick up lines. Marion Ross is Carol Reynolds, an attractive, very well dressed woman of a certain age who never expected another chance at love and had no defenses against Ralph.

Such a good, good show with a nice little life lesson. I found it ironic in the sense of some of the story line pertains to Italy and our friend Dom is there now. Last I heard - he was on a beach. Dom - this is for you... BAH! ; )

Peace

The Bridge

Where did it go?

Change is inevitable - except from a vending machine. ~Robert C. Gallagher

After lunch today I splurged on a treat from the vending machine, something I don't do often because of the highway robbery that happens inside that little machine. But that's not my point today.

I choose Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, an old time favorite. I get back to my desk, unwrap the package and slowly peel the brown paper cup away from the chocolaty edge ensuring not to lose any chocolate to the paper. Almost done... peel back the bottom... oh no...oh wait... nooo. The chocolate bottom of the cup sticks to the paper, this never used to happen! I eat it. Bite by bite. OK, one more chance, I try to unwrap the second one in perfection. No luck. I am left with no choice but to suck off the goody contents from the wrapper. I was disappointed - the candy didn't even taste as good and I hoped for. Come to think of it, I don't think they taste as good as they used to.

Have they changed the way they make Reese's cups? They seem a lot drier...not as creamy as I once remembered. My MOST favorite Reese's candy is the Easter Egg, that thing is LOADED with peanut butter! That was something I always looked forward to receiving in my Easter Basket. Then someone got smart and 'invented' Reese's Halloween pumpkins and Christmas trees! Oh the joys to look forward to several months of the year!!! But then again, they are not as good as they once were. :(

I long for the simple pleasures of my favorite childhood candy taste. They've taken it away. Along with the way McDonald's Happy Meal Cheeseburgers once tasted. They were so good... and now? I cannot stand a McD's burger - puke. Or MY Sesame Street sugar cookies - I haven't tasted a sugar cookie that good since I was 5.

This year for Christmas I vouch to attempt to make a better peanut butter cup/ball and aim to make a sugar cookie I once loved!

My name's Kelly and I approve this message. ; )

Did I just feel that?

Families with babies and families without babies are sorry for each other. ~Ed Howe

BABIES, BABIES, BABIES... They are everywhere - and in my opinion - places they shouldn't be.

This weekend was baby news overload. My 16 yr old nephew and girlfriend are expecting (it looks a lot sooner than they have told people too). My brother-in-law and his girlfriend as well (I stuck my wide foot in my mouth asking if it was actually his without judging my audience first). And to top that off, we found out Brian's cousin's daughter is pregnant with her FOURTH (she's 23) and her brother's girlfriend in due as well. I was scared to go to sleep that evening - afraid of all the nightmares that may occur. Then yesterday, I saw a commercial for Fischer-Price for some new toy. "Play, Laugh, Grow" In the pit of my stomach I had this split second feeling of sadness that I wouldn't be interacting like that with a toddler for years. - I'm done having kids and Ty - well - grand kids are far down the trail! ; ) It was just a weird feeling that I never felt before.

With that I am doing a public service announcement I feel is VERY IMPORTANT...

Obituary for Common Sense - One of my favorite 'forwards'

I was told about Mr. Common Sense early in my life
and I would do well to call on him when making
decisions. It seems he was always around in my early
years but less and less as time passed by. Today I
found out he died. Below is his obituary. Please join
me in a moment of silence in remembrance, for Mr.
Common Sense had served us all so well for so many
generations.


Today, we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend,
Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No
one knows for sure how old he was since his birth
records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape.
He will be remembered as having cultivated such
valuable lessons as knowing when to come in out of the
rain, why the early bird gets the worm, life isn't
always fair, and maybe it was my fault.

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies
(don't spend more than you earn) and reliable
parenting strategies (adults, not children are
in charge).

His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well
intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in
place. Reports of a six-year-old boy charged with
sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens
suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch;
and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly
student, only worsened his condition.

Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked
teachers for doing the job they themselves failed to
do in disciplining their unruly children. It declined
even further when schools were required to get
parental consent to administer Aspirin, sun lotion or
a sticky plaster to a student, but could not inform
the parents when a student became pregnant and wanted
to have an abortion.

Common Sense lost the will to live as the Ten
Commandments became contraband; churches became
businesses; and criminals received better treatment
than their victims. Common Sense took a beating when
you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your
own home and the burglar can sue you for assault.

Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after
a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of
coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and
was promptly awarded a huge settlement.

Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents,
Truth and Trust; his wife, Discretion; his daughter,
Responsibility; and his son, Reason. He is survived by
three stepbrothers; I Know my Rights, Someone Else is
to Blame, and I'm a Victim.

Not many attended his funeral because so few realized
he was gone.

Author unknown

Sick AGAIN!?! Ugh.

Red meat is not bad for you. Now blue-green meat, that's bad for you! ~Tommy Smothers

I was looking for a quote on Health to correspond with today's thought and I had read this one before and it made me laugh and I hope you get a chuckle out of it too!

So how did this happen? I'm sick again with an upper respiratory infection. Either I took too good of care with Tyler (in which I would do again in a heart beat) or it could have been the weekend's activities outside. Friday night I dinner in a smoky bar with our friends. Then Saturday I worked the Scout's popcorn sales outside at Hy-Vee from 9-noon getting a lot of interaction with people. On to the football game that afternoon and then back to our friend's house for more home improvement projects that included saw dust among sitting outside to sit a spell. IF THAT WASN'T ENOUGH, Sunday we headed to the farm (by this time I was already feeling bad)in which I spent most of my time sitting by the fire we built and shooting guns. Every time the smoke came my way, I yelled out 'Jackrabbit' and it chases the smoke away. Nobody else thought it worked - but it did.

When I was up doing something I was shooting a 9mm, 12 gauge and a 22. I bruised my arm shooting the 12 gauge. Brian failed to mention to me not all 12 gauges are created equal! Thanks Bri! Ty also shot the 12 gauge only one though - but his shot was dandy! OK Stac - here's how Rednecks do it! We hung an empty beer can off a small tree limb. With one shot, Ty blew that thing to pieces! It hurt him too bad to shoot again. I didn't blame him either. I also shot a bulls eye with I think it was the 9mm or maybe the 22 but definitely not the 12 gauge, but for my dad to tell the story, he'd say I tripped and closed my eyes! I find a real joy in shooting guns that I never knew before... I wished my sister would have tried it. But for what ever her reason, I'll respect that.

When we left, I was chilling again. I had the heat cranked and the bun warmers on full too. Never got warm though so I went immediately to the showers leaving everyone else to put things away. (I did do a little, I felt bad not doing my share though.)

As I wrote to my mom in an e-mail..."After getting out of a hot, hot shower I laid in bed shivering under the sheet and comforter. Ty comes in with HIS Texas blanket and puts it on me. It doesn’t stop there… He goes to the closet and gets Bri’s Harley blanket and then my Mickey blankey. NOW, he made sure the black side was faced down so that the heat would be trapped in for the night.

Then along comes Papa Bear – “WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH ALL THESE BLANKETS ON YOU?” Near unconscious state, I murmured to him, “Ty did it.” I asked him kindly to take Ty’s Texas blanket back to him as I knew all the blankets weren’t a good idea. During the night I kicked them all off as my fever broke.

Ty was some what disappointed that Texas was back on him that morning until I told him I told dad to put it back on him.

Ty is a wonderful care giver, and has been since 1 ½ yrs old. I had a migraine and he had me laying on the couch and blocked me in with all his large toys so that I wouldn’t get up!"

So there you have it. I was sick before AND after Ty. I hope this is the end of it. I did go to the Dr. yesterday, I wasn't going to wait this out especially after Ty having pneumonia. I wasn't taking the chance. I am doped up on 3 different drugs and feeling better than yesterday. Hoping to feel better this evening that I can clean the house, it needs ATTENTION!

Peace

Halloween Costumes

When witches go riding,
and black cats are seen,
the moon laughs and whispers,
‘tis near Halloween.
~Author Unknown



Guess who? That was 25 years ago. No, it wasn't my Halloween costume. I was playing at my grandma Helen's duplex off of S Claremont Ave. I was dressed as Raggedy Ann. I'll save the famous Christmas story taken place at her house for another post. But a lot of memories were made there. She lived right next to and I mean right on top of some train tracks. I liked spending the night and feeling the vibrations from the train rattle through the house and shake the bed. I loved getting up in the morning and greeting her in the quaint kitchen with the sunlight spilling through the windows spotlighting her cigarette smoke lingering in the air. She would be sitting at the table playing solitaire with her worn deck of cards. I loved the sound the cards made with she'd shuffle them and 'flick' them down for a play. The sound of Big Band Music would be playing on her portable radio in the background. And then there was her smell of strong coffee.... Ahhh, those were the days!

So, I didn't really know what to write about today. I was looking through old e-mails and I cam across this one Woo had sent to me 8 years ago. I looked at it and thought - I could write about past Halloween Costumes! I'm not sure I can remember many - but I'll try and I'm not sure that I could remember the order either.

The earliest ones I can remember is a purple velour and pink clown outfit my mom has sewn for me. I remember being very excited to wear it. Another one was a vinyl Snoopy costume. I was mad because my parents wanted me to wear a coat and I didn't want to because nobody would know who I was!!! I wanted everyone to know I was SNOOPY! Those are the only 2 that stick out in my memory. I also remember my mom and I thought of the idea of me going as a gypsy - only it stayed an idea. My grandma Helen made me a monkey costume. Although I wanted to be a 'cute' monkey, she got me a gorilla mask instead, I don't think she ever knew otherwise though. HA! But I remember riding in the car with that mask on and 'scaring' people in other cars! Others included being a 'teenager' and a 'baby'. Later on I was another clown using my gymnastics recital costume. But then there was my most favorite... in 6th grade my step-mom made me a Donald Duck costume!!! IT WAS AWESOME!!! That was also the first year I was able to trick or treat by myself - with friends of course. A.D.D. - I remember trick or treating at a house on E 37th Terr. St. (Martin's, Bush's & Mile's street) AND I think it was the year I was Snoopy. There was a small group of us we rang the doorbell and waited. I think there was a party in side as someone answered and said while looking over their shoulder, "Oh it's for you." Next thing I know a WEREWOLF jumps at us with a loud growl! I RAN for my LIFE! I remember trying to be coaxed back up to the door for some candy - but I wasn't getting any where near! I wasn't a dummy!!!

A.D.D. struck again, seems I was going to write something else but Brian called and interrupted my thought! Oh well - till next time.

Peace

Ah, Fall

Everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn. ~Elizabeth Lawrence

Yesterday I walked out of work and could actually smell fall. I loved it. The air was crisp, the leaves were falling and all the pungent scents were abound. I became excited as I want to take a trip to the country side and see the trees changing into their beautiful arrays of purple, red, orange, yellow and brown. I want to visit a pumpkin patch and pick out that perfect one. I want to take a hayride pulled by a tractor and sip apple cider. I want to sit around a campfire and listen to old ghost stories...

Unlike my faithful friend, Stac, I do enjoy the fall and the winter. Each season has their remarkable beauty. Living in the Mid-West I am blessed enough to see that throughout all seasons. I am not so sure I would take pleasure in celebrating Christmas wearing shorts & sandals - that's just not right for this girl.

This weekend I plan to put the rest of our Halloween decorations up. We visited Spirit last night. Saw all kinds of creepy decorations. I think I even saw Brian's lip curl like the Grinch's with a sly smile. - NOT until Tyler no longer Tricks or Treats!


Stac, we do not do crafts on girl's weekend. I think I said crafting and what I meant by that was shopping for crafts.

Peace

Update on the past few days...

The most pleasant and useful persons are those who leave some of the problems of the universe for God to worry about. ~Don Marquis

I have a minute or a day since our system is down here at work. You never know how long it's going to be.

I had a rocky start of my girl's weekend. With my hormones already out of whack (thanks to Eve for sinning against God), I cried a lot because I left Ty still ill. I was second guessing myself if I should even go. Brian reassured me it would be OK, but still...I wanted to be at home with Ty. When I had talked to Ty he said, "Oh Mom, thanks for taking care of me. Sorry I didn't tell you before you left." Oh goodness, if that didn't burst the pipes again! (He's the bestest!) Brian & Susan took him to the Dr. again Friday morning to get something stronger and thankfully Tyler was able to get better faster.

We had a really great time this past weekend. For our fall retreat it was more laid back than normal. Remember, not all the girls were going to be together this year? Well here's another girls' weekend miracle for you: We saw the other half of our group in Lawrence by coincidence! We were just walking down the sidewalk as the others were crossing the street and wa la! What a sight we were to onlookers, shrieking and hugging one another. So happy to see each other. We had a mini reunion right there on the corner of the sidewalk. One street vendor asked if it was a class reunion - Uh, yes it is. I did in fact graduate with my mom!!! Hello! Am I really looking that old!? Just this year, I've been my co-worker's & Brian's momma. NOW graduating with MY momma!? As I've said before - I'm growing old gracefully - BUT NOT THIS FAST!!!

So girls weekend - we shopped all day in Lawrence and made it to the cabin Friday night in time to enjoy a campfire. Saturday we shopped the Sugar Mound Craft Festival. We TRIED to stay together. At lunch we had a little mishaps and ended up with 'one pissed bitch'! Oops. We lost her but found her. Beth, I LOVED how you told the story, it was PRICELESS!!! :) We talked about either going to Ft. Scott or Louisburg after the Festival; but we all were too pooped to even entertain the idea. Needless to say, we headed back to the cabin for some R&R. We did take a walk; it was so pleasant walking in the park and next to the lake. We joked about all the people that live there year round in their campers probably don't worry about the economy! They get by for very cheap; not that it looks appealing to everyone. So after the walk, we light the fire for some hot dogs and sit a spell and sip our suds. Pretty soon some of us are feeling better than others and even make a prank call. WE were rolling with laughter, some of us were being too goofy! (Forgive me Father for I have sinned) Eventually it was time to go to bed as we had to be out early. We love our girls weekends - each one has their own eventful memories. ; )

Tyler should have gone back to school on Monday but was still feeling lethargic. I didn't push it only he had the understanding that he would be back on Tuesday with no questions. Wanda sat with him for the day and they watched Nim's Island. I was banking on watching that with him that night since Brian would be gone. But instead we watched Baby Mama. What a hoot! I wasn't expecting it to be all that great, but it was funny & cute and even OK for Ty to watch! "You have baby mama drama!"

So, this is the part I get irked! I can't like Ty's teacher right now. So much, that I am marking her off my Christmas list. My son has been out of school for 6 days straight. Never once did she call or e-mail to check on him. And what about the class making get well cards for him? I guess that's too old fashion these days. BUT A BIG THANK YOU TO STAC & FAMILY FOR THEIR CARD - TY LIKED IT A LOT! I planned on Ty having tons of homework and makeup work. Stupid me to think something so silly. Apparently they have 'room buddies' that mark on these daily 'we missed you' papers what assignments were done for that day. Only 2 of the 6 days were filled out. And of those 2 days we did have something written down - details were lacking. Such as, "Communication Arts: rough draft" Uh, rough draft of what!?!? "Memorize song" Sure, what song? Row, row, row your boat?!?! Not only did I send back those papers with my comments on them, I am going to have to write her an e-mail. It's as if they don't care anymore. I understand 6th graders have and or need to learn responsibilities but come on. 6 days of missing assignments and homework needs to be handled by the teacher!!! Just like they want me to vote YES on proposition A. Gee, why give them more money when I'm not seeing results now? Don't even going to get started on politics.

Still reading The Shack as time allows.

OK, systems are back up and I probably should do some work. Only 16 more days till we find out our fate. Meaning will I make this round of layoffs? Trick or Treat!

Oh and yesterday, I gave blood. I am excited as I am 1 more unit away to my gallon!!! It's been a goal of mine. I've come along way. It used to entail ice packs and smelling salts but not anymore! I can walk away from the table no problem! ; )

Peace

do not disturb

Children have neither past nor future; they enjoy the present, which very few of us do. ~Jean de la Bruyere

Ah, at last! see you in a few days!

Poor Guy...

The father is always a Republican toward his son, and his mother's always a Democrat. ~Robert Frost

Oh how I love interrupted sleep let me count the ways. First let me tell you Tyler called me at work yesterday asking when I was coming home. He prefers me over his father who doesn't show sympathy quite the way I do. For instance, last night as I tucked Ty into bed I told him, "Call me if you need anything, OK?" After reading a few pages of THE SHACK and turning off the light because my eyes grew heavy I hear -
Mom...
Yes...
Mom, I'm thirsty.

So as I roll out of bed, I mumble, "I have to get out of bed, walk across the hall, into his bedroom and hand him his glass of water that is two feet from him on his 'alarm clock desk'." About the time I put the straw to his lips it looks like he's choking. Only he ain't choking; he exploded. As he asked, "Did it look like a volcano?" I could see it coming and I'm yelling for Brian to grab .... but couldn't finish my sentence. Tyler is laying there paralyzed as it just keeps coming and coming. The staunch was almost getting to me, we had him strip his clothes off and have him take a shower (then he took a bath for awhile). Nothing like stripping a bed and doing laundry late at night. We can't give him any more meds till 1:30a and the poor kiddo's temp was back at 104.4. So Bri moves to sleep down stairs because HE ain't sleeping with Ty. Ty and I are in my bed and I'm trying to prepare myself to wake at 1:30a only I over sleep till 3a. Give the child medicine, break out the ice pack and put it on his forehead and stroke his arm so he can fall back to sleep. Occasionally throughout the rest of the early morning I would reach over and feel if he was hot or not. As the alarm went off I laid there listening to the music with a headache and feeling sinus pressure and drainage. I DON'T WANT TO GET UP. I laid around for an hour or so. Got up to take Ty's temp again. Finally, it reached normal. Thank you Jesus! Tyler is happy and told Bri they could go to Spirit to get his Halloween costume today. Not so fast son...your still sick. I managed to get up and around but got to work late. I SO need a neck and head massage right about now.

I would love to put my head on my desk but know that's not possible. So I should just push through what I have to do today. Tomorrow is my day to work from home. And after that - HELLO girl's weekend!

Peace

Update on Tyler

Pneumonia - he's on best rest for the rest of the week. :(

How do you spell busy? H-E-C-T-I-C

How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard. ~From the movie Annie

Tyler has been ill with a fever since Sunday. As high as 104.4 and nothing lower than 101. Until today when Brian took him to the Dr. it was 99.7. Why is that? It happens to me every time I visit the Dr's office. I run a nasty fever all the day long until I see the Dr. then it's near normal if not normal! Brian called the nurse hot line last night at 10:30p; he was told it was likely a bacterial infection since his temp was so high. This morning the Dr office sent Ty off to get chest x-rays so we should know something soon. Please send a pray to the big man upstairs.

I stayed home with Ty yesterday; that baby slept most of the day. I feel bad that I didn't take him to the Dr. yesterday. But I thought it could have been a 24 hour bug. Or just that his body had taken a toll on how busy we were this weekend. I'm damn if I do or damned if I don't. I tried to wait it out and caught hell for doing so. But if I took him and they found nothing; I would have caught hell for jumping the gun. Who says marriage is bliss? I think its more like a second job! And the pay is caca!

So this weekend was a real head spinner, I'm so looking forward to this weekend. Friday night we sat tight since Ty had an early game. He wanted so badly to go to the high school game since ALL of the others on his football team would be there. (It was Homecoming and NOT everyone went!) Saturday morning it started- we were at the fields at 7:40am dressed in ready to go. Ty's team, Titans, defeated the Gators 32-0. I notice Tyler plays more aggressive when he has his own entourage! ; ) Not only did Bri's parents show up but his aunt Brenda too. And my dad and Susan were there along with my cousin, Melissa. Tyler took out the QB a couple of times. Oh and for the record he has 23 bruises on his arms from the game! Pretty impressive, you know!

From the game we went home, he cleaned up and we headed out to Hy-Vee to sell popcorn from 12-4. People were in much better spirits at Hy-Vee than they were at Wal-Mart last weekend. While there we saw a mom from a football team that one of Ty's friends plays for. Ty inquired about the game and found out his friend whet to the hospital with a knee injury. Tyler wanted to stop selling popcorn and go inside and get his friend a get well card. (I LOVE my son, he's so compassionate! He must have a awesome mom!)

After selling popcorn we tried to go home and rest as Ty would then attend a baseball fundraiser with some of his football teammates from 7-10p at a local gym. While the boys were there some parents got together for dinner and the MU game. It was a nice time to get to know some of the other parents better.

We've missed church a couple weeks in a row so I told Ty we would be attending this week. Up early Sunday morning to attend church. Brian was supposed to be going riding with some of his buddies but that fell through. Came home for enough time to read the paper caught a little football and then headed to a neighbors house to make Christmas cards. I had planned to be there for a few hours but turned into all day and then dinner. I could tell then Ty was tired but had no idea that it would turn out like this. Poor guy.

So that's it. I need to clean up my inbox. Ick.

Peace!

Girl's Weekend

To poke a wood fire is more solid enjoyment than almost anything else in the world. ~Charles Dudley Warner

I got a bittersweet message this morning; some of the girls that meet for fall Girl's Weekend are heading to Topeka for a 'haunting' good time. We did something of the sort a few years back in Atchison, KS. Our cabin group declined the offer as a lot of us are looking forward to the Sugar Mound Craft Festival. We make mental notes of what we saw from previous years that we want to go back for. Such as this lady paints exquisite designs on gourds. Mom got one last year; I had already ran out of my funds to get one so that's what I'm getting this time around! For lunch we look for the 'walking tacos'. Which is an open snack size bag of Frito's topped with a chili, lettuce, cheese, & sour cream. Served with a fork so you can 'walk' while you eat! Pretty ingenious I think; and most others do too as the line is always long.

We stay in La Cygne, KS at the lake in a cabin. The cabins are very bare. It's four plywood walls with 2 wooden platforms that stand about 2.5 tall topped with a 3" foam mattresses. A picnic table, sink, midget fridge, shower, & toilet. Yours for the price of $30 a night. We sleep 6-7 gals. You do the math, cheap!

Since the other girls aren't going we will not be invading the small bar in town like we normally do. That's all I can say about that. Because what happens at girl's weekend - stays at girl's weekend. Rather sitting my the campfire all evening long. Beth and I like to stoke the fire more than others. Beth, don't forget your poker! ; ) And if the weather is too cold; we may go inside and play a little round of bull caca or if we're feeling lucky maybe LRC with some quarters!

Looking forward to it! :)

Peace

Men, you can have them!

Sometimes I wonder if men and women really suit each other. Perhaps they should live next door and just visit now and then. ~Katharine Hepburn

My friend and I are talking about the woes of husbands. I welcomed her to my house to stay over and refused because I have a husband there too! She wants to go to the casino and spend the night taking along his money of course! I told her I wanted a massage. She agreed that was good too. Then I thought about it a little deeper, as I could picture it more clearer... I want to sleep in a blue room in a comfy soft bed with crisp white sheets and a down comforter all by myself. With lots of white pillar candles burning in various hurricane lamps. A slight cool breeze blowing through the open window as the long sheer white curtains sway. And Yanni playing ever so soft in the background.

WAKE UP! Ain't gonna happen.

My annual fall Girl's weekend is only 9 days away, woo hoo!

Has anyone watched the NEW 90210? Some of that content is RISKY! Holy cow, but do I dare look away? Heck no, I've watched all the episodes today. It's too young for me to get involved with. But I like the fact they're using old characters and story lines. I knew Dylan was the father of Kelly's son! (I'd have his baby too) The new 'Walsh' kids are too cute; always doing the right thing. Should have been more like them in H.S.

I've had a craving for egg salad sandwiches like I used to eat in H.S. lately. My lunches either consisted of an egg salad sandwich or celery and P.B. & an ice tea. I made some killer egg salad for work this week; has satisfied my craving! Mom will tell you I make a great egg salad. I always felt it needed some tweaking. I tend to get it too runny with mayo or too much mustard... And tweaking I found this time around! First I grated the eggs vs. using an egg slicer. Next I only used spoonfuls of mayo rather than heaping mounds at a time. Ground mustard and not prepared. A pinch of sugar and a dash of pepper & salt. Too bad the bread was stale.

Peace!

Hi, my name is Kelly and I'm a coffee whore

Caffeine isn't a drug, it's a vitamin! ~Author Unknown

Wow! Friday afternoon I slammed 2 coffee drinks from QT and went from 'Kelly' normal to unwarranted in less than 15 minutes. Mom and I were headed to meet Lisa to see NIGHTS IN RODANTHE, mom is freaking out how I am swerving in and out of traffic. I'm playing around at a stop light by inching up & breaking every 2 seconds as she tries to apply her lipstick. I damn near took her hand off as she ask if I had a napkin, I flipped open the middle console to show her. (She didn't say she wanted one; just if I had one. I wasn't paying full attention to her and she went to grab for one the same time I let go of the compartment lid to shut!) Oops! Sorry!!! In the parking lot I almost lost it and fell out while attempting to exit my truck. My shoe had caught but luckily I caught myself too! Mom wanted to pay for the movie and Lisa was already in line so when I entered the building I yelled out, "Lee la!". Everyone looked at me then her. Sorry girl; didn't mean to do that to you but mom wanted you out of line. Desperate times calls for desperate measures. By the snack bar they have DDR (dance dance revolution); while Lisa was in line for popcorn I challenged mom to a dance off. Of course she didn't accept. So I walk over and start "dancing" as fast as I could!!! (Yes, people were probably pitting the 2 ladies with the slow kid)

I'm a back seat sitter when it comes to movie theatres, no - not for THAT reason. I like it cause its darker, more room and no ones behind me kicking my seat. The movie was late and in that little window box where the movie comes out of had a light on and shining right into my face. Rather than moving as mom and Lisa suggested I wanted to stand in the seat, knock on the glass and ask the person to "shut the light off- it's shining right into my eyes" As I was about to stand in the seat; the picture of me losing my balance and causing a horrible scene flashed in front of me. Or it was mom's threat. Either way, I calmly remained in my seat to see if the light would be turned off - and it was.

GREAT MOVIE. Although it veered from the book. It's expected right?

After the movie there was a line in the little girls room. Lots of eyes all red and puffy from the movie. One gal behind me was still crying, I unloaded a bunch of tissues out of my purse for her. Told her I stocked up because I knew it was coming!!!

(HOLY SHIT SOMEONE HERE AT WORK HAS JUST UNLOADED IN THEIR PANTS!!! THAT'S PHUCKING RANCID!)

(A.D.D. back on track) While washing my hands I noticed a soap dispenser had fallen from the mirror. Looked like an old Polaroid camera, I picked it up and waited. Mom came out of her stall and I told her 'smile' and released the soap button. I thought foam would then dispense from the front of the camera but it was broke. ; ) We cracked up. Even had to go out in the hall and get Lisa to show her.

So then we're having dinner at Cracker Barrel. They have this picture of their new dessert - Coke cake on each table. I told mom is was a scratch N sniff. Although, she'd spent enough time with me that evening to know better!!! Dinner was awesome we laughed and laughed and laughed. Making jokes one right after another. I just hope mom and Lisa don't decide to go out without me!

And damn if I didn't come down as fast as I went up and hit hard.

Saturday was HOT. Sold popcorn in from of Wal-Mart from 9-noon. Ty and the other boys worked so hard only to be turned down time and time again. Then Ty had a football game at 2:30p. Saw Stac and coach on their way to see Fire Proof, honked at em and talked a quick sec. Stac - I was looking for a movie review today!!!

Sunday we helped Lisa and Mark sand down their cabinets. They are over hauling their kitchen. What was only going to be re-tiling a back splash has ended up re-finishing cabinets, replacing counter top and tiling! It's going to look great when it's completed.

Peace

All blunders don't end in tragedy

Never say, "oops." Always say, "Ah, interesting." ~Author Unknown

Last night I was fixing dinner, homemade burritos. I've been making my own re-fried beans too. So I dump my pintos into the bowl and reach into the cabinet for my ground cumin and heavily start sprinkling it over the beans. 'Gee, this has a cinnamon hint to it' - I look at the label and 'Oh, caca!!! IT IS CINNAMON' So I search the cabinet for ground cumin and douse the beans with it hoping to hide the cinnamon. Normally I keep the cinnamon on my 'baking' shelf but I've been using both quite frequently that they were on the first shelf right in front. The beans turned out great! As a matter of fact, I might just start putting a little cinnamon in there from now on.

Today at 5p! Nights in Rodanthe!!! Wahoo! I wasn't more excited to see movie reviews than this morning, interesting because I normally care less what others think (on anything for that matter). But they gave it 3 out of 5 not popcorn bags but Kleenex boxes! : ) One of the critics even manned up to state he shed a 'man tear'! They said it was a really good chic flick. And gave it only 3 since it was a predictable love story, ain't nothing wrong with that!

One more thing, all I am going to say is Ty had another math paper for homework last night. Brian was helping him and Ty was getting frustrated. He got to the point he was crying and cried, "I want my momma!" I was in the bed room getting ready for bed and heard that... Ahh! I haven't heard him cry like that since he was 3! 'I want my momma!' - He's definitely a mommas boy and I could careless! He even talked my into giving his feet and legs a massage before bed! Anything for my boy! ; )

Have a great weekend.

Peace

I'm bored with my blog

If nothing ever changed, there'd be no butterflies. ~Author Unknown

So Stacey is out trying to perfect her blog and I want to change up too! She's much more experienced in these blogs than I. She's migrated through the blog world and has found some really interesting places. To me, I just sit and type out whats on my mind. The other day, I ventured out to see what I could find, I too found really cute blog sites. These people are still way more advance than I. I did want to change the background of mine to something else I found but gave up rather quickly as I just didn't have the time to dicker with it. But I did manage to put that cute little sign up. (If it required some nails and a hammer, it would be no problem at all) So anyway, you'll see I did change it up. I'm not sure if I'll ever get to where I'm a 'follower' of other blogs or have my own little posse of people but that's OK with me. Just as long as I have a place to reflect, vent or be what may.

Good news, I lost 4 pounds. I hope I don't find them. My mom has told me about this Wii fitness test on Wii Sports. It has you do 3 different events daily AND ONLY daily. You cannot retry. On my first attempt I scored the ripe ol age of 77. And my mom is flaunting a 30 something score. I wouldn't put a long of credit into those numbers, it's just like that stupid simulator in drivers ed. That stupid thing would irk me to no end. Here I thought I was doing well and always scored low. HEY! STOP THAT! I know what your saying right now and NO, IT'S NOT THE END USER! ; ) I drive perfectly well thank you very much.

Wasn't learning to drive fun? I learned down on the farm in Warrensburg. Learned to drive a stick shift. Got stuck in a corn field. It was just dad and I, had to wait on a farmer to pass by for help. Spent countless hours at Santa Fe park with my grandpa. He taught me to parallel park. (That's a breeze!) Then I got to drive the country road to my grandma's house. In mom's new Ford Probe. I'd be laughing so hard I could barely see the road! Mom would freak as I got too close to the mail boxes. When I was 14 my step dad let me drive his (then in the works & now a really nice show truck) old pick up truck down to Oswego, KS. Mom you can comment and state what the truck actually is. That's a few hours south from here. I did real good all the way down there until I saw a cop and had to my a right hand turn. Took it almost on two wheels too! Steve almost soiled himself when mentioned I was only 14! Then on my 16th birthday mom took me to get my permit, I was so excited when she handed me the keys. I was driving us to Crackerneck pool to spend the day soaking up the sun. Gone are the days and gone is the pool. The days are numbered when it will be me handing over the keys to Ty. Wow! Just calculated that one - 1,566 days!

Peace