Kel-Koo

14 Ways to Save Money on Groceries

2011-02-08T10:38:00.003-06:00

Just information I wanted to pass on - good stuff! (I'm always a sucker for list!)

1. Line the bottom of your refrigerator’s crisper drawer with paper towels. They’ll absorb the excess moisture that causes vegetables to rot.

2. To keep herbs tasting fresh for up to a month, store whole bunches, washed and sealed in plastic bags, in the freezer. When you need them, they’ll be easier to chop, and they’ll defrost the minute they hit a hot pan.

3. A bay leaf slipped into a container of flour, pasta, or rice will help repel bugs.

4. Stop cheese from drying out by spreading butter or margarine on the cut sides to seal in moisture. This is most effective with hard cheeses sealed in wax.

5. When radishes, celery, or carrots have lost their crunch, simply pop them in a bowl of iced water along with a slice of raw potato and watch the limp vegetables freshen up right before your eyes.

6. Avoid separating bananas until you plan to eat them – they spoil less quickly in a bunch.

7. Put rice in your saltshaker to stop the salt from hardening. The rice absorbs condensation that can cause clumps.

8. Stock up on butter when it’s on sale – you can store it in the freezer for up to six months. Pack the butter in an airtight container, so it doesn’t take on the flavor of whatever else you’re freezing.

9. In order to make cottage cheese or sour cream last longer, place the container upside down in the fridge. Inverting the tub creates a vacuum that inhibits the growth of bacteria that causes food to spoil.

10. Believe it or not, honey is the only nonperishable food substance, so don’t get rid of the stuff if it crystallizes or becomes cloudy. Microwave on medium heat, in 30-second increments, to make honey clear again.

11. Prevent extra cooked pasta from hardening by stashing it in a sealed plastic bag and refrigerating. When you’re ready to serve, throw the pasta in boiling water for a few seconds to heat and restore moisture.

12. Keeping brown sugar in the freezer will stop it from hardening. But if you already have hardened sugar on your shelf, soften it by sealing in a bag with a slice of bread – or by microwaving on high for 30 seconds.

13. If you only need a few drops of lemon juice, avoid cutting the lemon in half – it will dry out quickly. Instead, puncture the fruit with a metal skewer and squeeze out exactly what you require.

14. If you’re unsure of an egg’s freshness, see how it behaves in a cup of water: Fresh eggs sink; bad ones float.

BLIZZARD 2011

2011-02-03T11:02:00.003-06:00

What's all the hype? SNOWNAMI or SNOWMAGEDON!!!

So we got a lot of snow... Am I under estimating this? Of course the 'white out' was impressive Tuesday late afternoon on the drive home. And this last storm I refused to go out and shovel. Although I feel awful Brian fell on his back and hurt himself pretty bad.

The snow drifts are sure pretty to look at. I like the fact Brian drove in this morning so it gave me a chance to look at all them on the way to work. I find them fascinating...the way the wind blows the snow around some obstacles and makes works of art!

Ultimate Cinnamon Buns

2011-01-28T09:13:00.002-06:00

They came to my rescue! While watching PBS at my 91 yr old gpa's house a couple of weeks ago we caught Cook's Country. (Without cable you learn to appreciate PBS.)They were making the Ultimate Cinnamon Buns. Ooo, Ahhh...

As you may know, I like to be in the kitchen and wanted to get that recipe. Well my A.D.D. is so bad that I tend to forget what I wanted to do 2 seconds ago and had forgotten until they repeated the show again this last Sat and happened to catch it again! Oh yea - note to self, look up recipe on line. And well here it is almost a week later and guess what I FINALLY remembered to do!? Search for the recipe!

So I get online and Cook's wants you to pay for their recipes. I just wanted this ONE lone recipe... :( With all the free recipes and blogs out there today I was shocked. So I searched on... and there it was on a blog - the recipe! (Insert golden harps and a choir of HALLELUJAH) Yippee!!! Thank you "the 12 Year Plan" you made this girl happy today!

I looked around the blog, looks like a keeper so I've added it to my list - check it out!

So Long Jack

2011-01-25T13:41:00.003-06:00

I recently read Jack Lalanne (96) died on Sunday. While reading the article it made me chuckle as he said this, "I can't afford to die. It would wreck my image." - God love him.

Well is hasn't been a quite year -

2011-01-24T13:45:00.002-06:00

But it sure feels like it. Thinking about coming back to blogging and maybe devoting a particular theme to it too. Or just shoot from the hip - I think that's what I'm best at anyways... Do you have any suggestions? Themes could be cooking (which I haven't done in a long while.) Or movies - state my take on them. Exercise and how its completely diminished from my life all together... Well see. Maybe I'll just check in weekly and see how that goes for now... See you around.

Oh where, oh where is my little lost badge...

2010-03-09T12:32:00.003-06:00

...oh where, oh where can it be??? Things were fine this morning until I parked my truck and grabbed for my badge only for it not to be there. When I misplace something it kills me to no end until I find it. I called the two places I was at last night and of course it wasn't at either place. I looked in my truck already but I'll need to look again and then throughout the house too. It cannot be far!

On top of that I changed health care providers and tried to get a refill today on my script through mail order ONLY to find out that they cannot accept my current script BUT have my Dr fill out a whole new one to fax into them. So I get to pay another $80 plus bucks for another 30 day supply until I can get mail order established. (sigh)

So this is why I want to call a "DO OVER!!" on my day. Oh yes, the headache has been hanging around today.

Tonight its a stay at home night. Gonna do some laundry and watch Biggest Loser and Parenthood (which is a really cute show I think) The premier was last week. It has some story lines from the movie PARENTHOOD a few years back. Opie (Ron Howard) has a hand in both projects. Both are on NBC. If you aint got anything better to do - watch it!

And to top it off - Dr called - cholesterol is bad and so is my Vitamin D level. :( Just let me go back to bed...

Is there anyone out there that may still check in?

2010-03-08T13:57:00.004-06:00

I've really let my blog slip ever since I learned not to be afraid of Face Book. I'm thinking about coming back to write again. We'll just see about that!

Life changes and so do our interest. Such as my little guy is taking a brake from baseball this year. He wants to do other things like be a kid! Hopefully this will allow us more time for family, the farm, the lake and working in the yard at home.

I've really been on a cooking and baking kick. And I've still got my list of movies to watch. I've knocked out several but the list still maintains lengthy. I've also hve been reading - I wished I was a faster reader as my list of books are lengthy too. Maybe with spring break coming I can focus on that.

Not too many plans made for spring break. I want to visit my sister, an Amish community, a dairy farm... And I don't know what else to do. Any ideas?

Take care!

Wow, I've let a month go by?!?

2009-06-02T13:09:00.002-05:00

OK, I'll be the first to admit Face Book has been an addiction for me. The nosy little girl I am, I cannot help but search and see what and who I might find out there.

For all you readers that don't know in the past month this is what's happened.

-I've found out I have my job, I'm good till the next round - who knows when that will be.

-We've moved offices, this is my second day in my new home. I have a fun bunch to sit by, about time!

-Ty is almost done with baseball and I'm happy! And yes, there is all ready meetings for football.

-He's also done with elementary school and headed to junior high next year! Attended his D.A.R.E. and 6th grade graduations.

-Tomorrow we (mom, Ty & I) for Florida - we're heading to Clearwater for my cousin's graduation.

-Brian still has his nose in the books and is working right along with his school work. Already time to sign up for fall classes.

-Finished my book 'The Parting' from the Courtship of Nellie Mae Fisher series. Good read cannot wait till the next book in line.

-But I started on a quick read for my trip 'Redneck Cinderella', reviews said it was funny. I hope I am not disappointed as the same author does smut romance, something I am not into.

Well, that's about it. I'm sure you already know about me getting ejected out of Ty's baseball game and how Ty mowed the yard when no one was home!!! If not, look me up - we'll have lunch and laugh so hard we'll have water spewing out our noeses!

: ) Peace

M.I.A.

2009-05-07T11:25:00.002-05:00

I've been sucked into Face Book lately, that's were you'll find me hanging out. I've been busy keeping up with My Farm and playing Mafia Wars all while being entertained with Stacey and Tina posting past photos of us as kids and sharing memories.

I think all of you that read this knows of my ejection from last Friday night's game. Well, there was a close call last night again. Our poor catcher took a hard hit in the head from a baseball thrown from right field. He had his helmet off while trying to make the play, runner didn't slide and it knocked him to the ground in an instant. There was immediate attention to him. HOWEVER, one assistant coach and ump wanted to argue the play that the runner should have been out since he didn't slide. (This is normally the rule - when there is a play at home runner should slide or it's an out) I spoke up and asked if the game could be forgotten for a minute and the attention be on the poor kid.

F.Y.I. - There's a FULL MOON and people are nuts! Myself included.

We received word that K Gray has suffered a minor concussion and the CT scan was good. Thank you Jesus!

Following up on my movie post - I was very disappointed in The Boy in the Stripped Pajamas. Flash of Genius was good. And Ghost of Girlfriends Past was also good.

Peace

NOW SHOWING

2009-04-28T10:36:00.002-05:00

I've got an itch for movies lately.
I REALLY enjoyed our "BBs" movie night, as mentioned here's a group of women watching a movie and you would think it would be a chic flick, instead we are gathered around watching "Slumdog Millionaire" - it's a VERY good movie.

Dom recommended "The Tiger and the Snow" which is a foreign film thus - subtitles.
No one wanted to 'read' a movie with me, so I watched it this weekend all by my lonesome. It was a good love story... (Since Dom doesn't read this anymore, I bet I am safe to tell you... no, I cannot do that to him.)

I also started watching "The Lucky Ones" last night. It didn't do well at the movies, not a lot of action, but thus far I have enjoyed it and Brian got a couple of loud chuckles out of it... I just picked it up for Rachel McAdams - I really like her.

The other two left to watch is "Flash of Genius" & "The Boy in Striped Pyjamas"

Peace!

Goodbye Dust Bunnies!

2009-04-23T10:37:00.002-05:00

Today I finally remembered to bring in the Lysol wipes to clean my desk. This place is very filthy. They've cut back the cleaning crew and they've also cut back on our supplies budget (I NEED canned air.) They just replaced the air filters in the ceiling too. I think this has been my dustiest desk yet!

While cleaning I opted to get rid a a few things. I figured the less 'stuff' the better. Downsized my pen, highlighter, pencil collection to just 1 mug. got rid of a candy dish another co-worker had made and left behind when she was RIF'd a couple years ago. I think I made the mistake of taking my laptop 'table' away. My computer was at eye level and now I look down a bit. - Betcha, it will be back very soon. I also got rid of a dry erase board and markers. Down sized my step files to 1 and replaced my 'in' box for post mail.

Next I think I want to de-clutter my walls. I already started doing that when I wrote my post about the messages I had hanging on my wall. The only personal things left are a bible verse - Gal 5:22-23, a work prayer, and my "Hannah's Hero" pin along with a post card. That recognizes when I concurred my fear of giving blood. : ) Other things posted are work notes, map of the world, calendar, and a Hodgepodge of items I got when I went to D.C. and met with carriers.

I joked as I'd get my desk cleaned today and they would lay me off tomorrow. Oh well, I DID tell my manager I was trying to clean up my desk for the next person! ; )

You know, they told us the next expected date to hear something would be tomorrow. I am not putting too much stock in it. I did do some digging and have speculated some ideas. I'm not going to discuss them at this time. BUT it's calmed me down just a bit.

Today is bring your child to work day. Ty opted for the day with his gpa. They are going to tour the KC SCOUT office. (It would be interesting to him only he's already seen it with Cub Scouts) There are a few more activities only I cannot remember them but do remember they are going to the sign shop to make a sign. That would be the BIG highway and street signs! : ) He was going to go with gma who works for the government, but he's already done that once. Heck, she sent me the schedule and I told her forget Ty - take me! They were going to have a mock trial, see the S.W.A.T. team, FBI, K-9 unit, and etc!!! She said the men in uniform were easy on the eye! Oh la la!!! Unfortunately, I'm here today.

I'm going back for my laptop stand, my neck already hurts!

Peace.

Shh, don't tell on me...

2009-04-21T09:12:00.002-05:00

Brian surprised me yesterday afternoon with lunch at Cactus Grill and a movie, "State of Play" for our anniversary - just what this girl needed!

Gotta keep your thinking caps on for this movie! ; )

Peace

'memba me?

2009-04-20T08:18:00.003-05:00

Hi! Aside from being ill with the flare of sinuses I am battling a demon regarding work. I hesitate to ask for prayer when I don't even take time to pray for myself like I should. I was supposed to know back on March 20th if I still had a job... we still do not know. At first I was fine with it. My attitude was 'continue to work until they tell me different'. Little did I know the effects of the unknowing would have on me. :( I no longer enjoy the job I once loved. I constantly feel we are fighting an uphill battle for nothing.

I have inspirational quotes posted around my cube that I should revisit and reflect upon, I'd like to share some with you.

"Don't waste a thousand dollars of emotions on a ten cent irritation"

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

"Never be afraid to try something new. Remember that a lone amateur built the Ark. A large group of professionals built the Titanic."

"There are many things to think about but nothing to worry about" - Matt Keopke

"Be committed, do what it takes, and you will have what you want." - Dr. Phil

"Get up off your knowledge and do something different with your life" - Dr. Phil

"If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you always gotten."

"Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God.
Painful moments, trust God.
Every moment, thank God."

"Never look down on someone unless you are helping them up!"

"Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle."

Peace

Did you know I'm an honorary Catholic?

2009-04-09T09:43:00.002-05:00

Only when I am with my B's on girl's weekend and we attend mass or when we can't eat meat on Fridays or else we'll burn in hell. However, I did eat a guber burger last Friday, I think God is OK with that. I did take shrimp down with us for my Catholic B's and veggies and dip for my skinny B's and for my fat B's I took Oatmeal Scotties. :)

Also, each year I try my hand at lent and give up something. I cannot say past years have been good. But I am VERY proud to say this year I have succeed! I gave up my Skinny Hazelnut Latte and haven't touched one the entire term! I know I still have 4 days to go, but I haven't had one in almost 40 days. And I can tell you that I haven't missed it as much as I thought I would have. I have turned to stopping at McD's for a small 90 cent coffee, but nothing foo foo just a simple cup of joe.

Peace!

I'll be ok...

2009-04-08T10:55:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to let you know that I'm ok, and that I will work through this. It's happened to me before, I'm sure in the long run everyone will accept it.

Last Night

2009-04-07T08:11:00.002-05:00

I took Ty to ball practice, thankfully they were indoors! After that I ran him to Scouts where he's almost at his next rank advancement! (Second class) I just wished he'd see the importance of it. I was really excited for him since he's a little behind his friends (working towards Star) as all his sports have been in the way. His eye is on Eagle and he feels that's the only thing that matters. But I had to explain to him you cannot get to Eagle until you reach each advancement which are equally as important. For those of you who are Scout challenged it goes like this: Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life then Eagle. And while it looks like Eagle can be reached quick, it takes normally an average of 4 years to get it! A lot of us parents have said, "No driver license until you reach Eagle." I had a fellow mom come up to me and told me she was excited that I was going to camp. She told me to be sure and get a good mattress for the cot and a fleece liner for my bag. I was happy to hear another mom in our patrol (smaller group) was going for the last 5 days of camp! Woot, woot! We bunked together at Nash, the short summer camp of 3 days 2 nights.
While Ty was at Scouts Brian treated me to Ciao! Bella for dinner. I just wanted to skip to dessert. :) I tried something new of theirs, Ravioli Florentine. I always get the petite serving, which is plenty. But this dish had only 3 ravioli in a swamp of sauce. The taste was superb. The server thought I was unhappy with it and didn't charge me for it. That was super nice of him. Little did he know I was saving room for my dessert. My 'whore of all desserts' as Dom calls it. My Tiramisu! Oh, I so could go for another one now.... Just thinking of it made me smile for the day!

Peace.

I apologize to my loyal readers...

2009-04-06T11:59:00.002-05:00

...that I haven't been writing as much lately.

I would like to share with you a fabulous recipe that Beth made this past weekend. What's it even called Beth?
* block of cream cheese
* 1 can of drained and rinsed black beans
* 1 can of drained ro-tel
* 1 cup of shredded Mexican cheese

the directions say to layer but it's better mixed all together. And its SO GOOD!!! You eat them with tortilla chips or veggies.

Our girls weekend was good. Rose and Laura were missed horribly. :( Good times and great laughs!!!

I watched the Country Music Awards last night, it was fun. I cannot tell you the last time I sat down to watch an awards show in its entirety. And I got to do it in peace and quiet too!

We lose cable today but bought a TV antenna as I think we are looking to go with Digital T.V. or HD T.V. - heck I do not know what its called. But I know we'll have no more cable and I'm not doing satelite either. If it were up to me, there wouldn't be T.V. at all.

OK, that's it. Just a nibble of info today. I'll be back tomorrow.

Peace

I cannot wait till I am in a good mood again...

2009-03-31T15:18:00.001-05:00

I had to write yet another nasty gram to the cafeteria,

Today I ordered a pizza but didn't order the attitude that came with it. My pizza was dressed with 5 black olives, a few pieces of pepperoni and a sneeze of cheese. I asked for additional cheese and for it to be cooked longer, that’s when your employee got attitude. (Oh, and when adding wood to the fire, wouldn't you do this while there aren't any pizzas in the oven? I just wouldn’t think it’s sanitary to throw pieces of wood over pizzas while cooking) Once my pizza was heated a little more he asked me, "Is this black enough for you?" I mentioned to him it was fine and it was for here. He then plated it and proceeded to throw my slip on top of my pizza all without a thank you. Gee thanks. That was very unprofessional and uncalled for and I wasn't appreciative of the attitude at all! You’re prices are high and I expect nothing less than satisfaction of my lunch.

Oh behalf of my friend, I’ll mention that the dark headed kid isn’t grilling his sandwiches again. His grilled cheese is nothing more than a cheese sandwich.

Thank you for addressing our concerns. Best regards, Kelly

Peace!

I'm not sure what to talk about...

2009-03-30T09:47:00.002-05:00

... I still don't know about my job. My nails are gone and my finger tips hurt. I have restless nights, tense neck & shoulders and lovely headaches.

It's not that I am worried about my job. Because I know there's life after this place and God will take care of us. It's just the anticipation of not knowing.

If I'm without a job - I have a summer to plan! ; )

On a brighter note... 3 more days till Girl's Weekend! We're scoping out Cole Camp, Mo hoping to find treasures. And we'll be bowling at a friend's bowling alley in Windsor. Cannot wait. I hope we have great weather.

Tyler was supposed to go on a camp out this weekend, but with the weather, I let him stay home. I am anxious to find out how many actually went.

I'm sure I've told you all that I am heading to scout camp this year with Ty. A whole 10 days in a canvas tent on a canvas cot. I'm sure there was sometime in my life where I would have thought for this to be fun. But now is NOT the time.

I got a haircut last week so that I can grow it out to put it up in a ponytail. I also have a goal to lose 20 more pounds by camp.

My total weight loss is 43.5lbs. I bought my swimsuit snug in hopes that it fits perfect by camp. Wouldn't it be a shame if it was too big by then and would have to find something different?!?!

Also, today I am doing Meals on Wheels. I am excited for that. OK, I'll check in later.

Peace.

We went to CC not CB

2009-03-25T10:27:00.002-05:00

Lisa and I meet for dinner occasionally. Just the girls! No kids or husbands allowed!
We normally meet at Cracker Barrel (CB) but last night went to Corner Cafe (CC) for a change of pace. Lisa commented the only thing CC was lacking were the rocking chairs out front, how were we to 'rock' off the food we just ate?!

At CB we meet early enough that our fellow patrons are the average age of 70 plus! Oh we laugh and have a good time with it. We're the youngest there! At CC there is a wide range of folk and even at 5:30p there was a wait time of 5-10 minutes. (If you haven't tried it, you should as you are missing out!)

BUT don't order the Homemade Chicken & Noodle Dinner and I'll tell you why. This is how the description reads: "Real comfort food! Hand-rolled noodles,hunks of chicken in a rich creamy broth makes this a true delight!" And it has the little icon next to it to show it's a favorite. I ordered this as I wanted to try something different from what I usually order like breakfast or the tenderloin. And this MUST be good as it had the icon! I am thinking its BIG chucks of chicken with LOTS of noodles in a CREAMY broth. I saw our waitress heading to our table with our food and I start to salivate! She brought me a bowl of chicken noodle soup... I thought, "Wow, this is nothing as I expected." Disappointment big time. I had broth but their definition of 'creamy' is sure different than mine. I may of had a whole 3 noodles and a few shreds of chicken. It was good for SOUP but that's not what I ordered. Then our waitress wasn't any thing of average. I think she was just dumped off in front of the restaurant doors that night from the turnip truck! "Doot Dah Do"

Happens every time. I should just stick to what I know as Lisa did. She had the opened face chicken fried chicken sandwich and ooh did it look good. She offered half but I declined. I know what to order next time!

After dinner we headed to Dress Barn and K & G Fashions to find her daughter a communion dress. Dress Barn had some really nice clothes on the skinny side. Makes me want to lose weight even faster. We looked on the women's side too but that style was 'grandma' old. We lucked out at K & G. While there we looked at the purses in which we rolled laughing as they had a purse with brass knuckle handles. I put it on and told Lisa I was going to beat her down with my purse! LOL! It was only 9.99 and came in gold! Should have picked it up!

OK, well, just found out that out layoff announcements have been put on hold for another week. Lucky me. Guess I should do some work! :)

Peace

What's to eat?

2009-03-24T12:23:00.002-05:00

During spring break I treated Ty to several of his favorite places to eat for lunch. Lu's Kitchen, Chipotle, Jose Pepper's, and one of my favorites Big Boy's. I know that's a lot of eating out but I fixed dinner at night! Plus I'm just doing my part to save this economy.

Last week I went to the store and stocked up on Lean Cuisine since they were on special for half off. Brian can eat those things no problem but I would rather take homemade leftovers for lunch instead. Although I did take a Swedish Meatball dinner yesterday for lunch and today I am eating the last of the Mexican Chicken I made last week.

Speaking of last week, one night I had made Southwest Chicken salad. I was short on a few of the ingredients but normally it consist of a bed of spinach, black beans, corn, black olives, green onions, sun dried tomatoes, chicken, pepper jack cheese, southwest ranch dressing, and tortilla strips. Well we had left over Chicken, corn, black olives and black beans. So last night I went to the store for more torts and cheese. I cut the chicken into small pieces and mixed in the corn, beans, olives and cheese and made quesadillas. Served with sour cream and salsa. Oh they were so good! And there's enough for more tonight. That is if Brian and Ty will eat them as I am heading to Corner Cafe to meet a friend. Girls Only!!! :)

Peace

I haven't abandoned ship...

2009-03-18T20:08:00.002-05:00

... I've only been enjoying Spring Break. Tyler and I have been sticking close to home. While he's been out exploring the neighborhood sewer system armed with his pocket knife and flashlight (we did it too growing up) with the boys I've been watching some movies I my list. Such as Role Models - not a kids movie but funny in a very raunchy way, Fireproof - I found the acting to be terrible but a good story line, The Secret Life of Bees - cute, and The Express - about the first black man to win the Heisman Trophy (if that doesn't ring a bell to you its about football.)

I have also been suffering with my sinus and allergy headaches with the weather changing therefore I have been sleeping in late (9:30a) and taking naps. While its much needed it makes me feel so L A Z Y.

Saw Gpa Wayne and spent time with him and Uncle Gary. Good time spent although Tyler gets bored easily. I still make him suffer. :) He'll appreciate it all in time.

I was HIGHLY honored last night. Grant passed up Chipotle for my Mexican Chicken!!! I'm not sure I'd pass up Chipotle for my cooking. Grant's dad cannot believe I cook during the week as his wife does not.

I have a new niece, Evelynn Lenann Ariana Snyder. But you can call her Evie. This is Brian's brother's, Darren, baby. She was full term weighing 4lbs 8oz and 18" long.

Brian had a successful fishing trip. He caught the most fish and feed his friends on what he caught.

I'm going to get back to my book, Front of the Class, I'll see you on the flip side.

Peace

Eating High on the Hog!

2009-03-09T13:39:00.002-05:00

I'm a stuffed piggy!

It all started Friday night meeting girlfriends at Grand Street Cafe for dinner. I had their seasonal signature drink called a 'Black & Blue' - but it came out a pretty pink. So cute, I wanted to not drink it but just take it home with me. It had a BLACKberry vodka, BLUEberry vodka, raspberry liquor, simple syrup, fresh sage leaves and (I think) lemon or lime juice. Man O man it was good! Then we started with an appetizer of white cheddar fondue with Granny Smith apples and Bavarian style pretzels. For dinner I started with a Spinach salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette, toasted pecorino Romano cheese, and brandied figs. For the main course, I took Ed's (our waiter) recommendation of Pan Roasted East Coast Cod with Crispy potato-bacon cake, mushroom ragout,and tomato-caper butter sauce. YUM-O! Katie ordered the Double Cur Pork Chop - Grilled 14 oz Alma Farms center cut chop,
herbed potato puree, apple cider jus,grilled cinnamon apple,sautéed spinach with
toasted almonds and onion. (I would love to take Brian back as I think he'd really like that plate.) And Sharon had their evening special which was beef medallions in pasta. It wasn't that great. Of course we all had to polish off dinner with dessert. I ordered the creme brulee, Katie their coconut spice cake with bananas and pineapple with coconut sorbet and Sharon their 'brownie' that was chocolate ganache in Phyllo dough with Raspberry sauce and chopped Hazelnuts. We were lucky enough to share and try all! And if that wasn't enough...

We had Dom, Kathy and Jerry over Saturday night and Dom treated us to his fine culinary skills. He spoiled us with the following...
Chicago 'Italian' Dog Salad
Adobe Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp in a Jack Daniels glaze
Chicken Dijon w/ red & green grapes - who would of thought grapes? I DO now!
Tiramisu - his first attempt and it was DELICIOUS!!!

It was too funny with the shrimp,(Dom was a gentleman by asking if it was ok to light it on fire in the house first) Dom thought Ty could do the honors of setting it on fire - he handed Ty the lighter and Ty lit it under the pan rather than lighting the Jack Daniels glaze on fire! :) After seeing the fire Ty and his buddy, Tyler, took out and went down to his house - didn't want to be there when the house would catch fire! ; ) Jerry thinks he left the house weighing 400+ is was that good! Move over Bobby Flay, Dom's in the house!

So with the culinary creativity still in the house Brian made pan seared KC strip, baked potatoes and roasted asparagus with Parmesan last night. Lisa and the kids came over, we told them the asparagus was green beans until after they ate them did we tell them the truth! ; ) And you know what? They actually liked it!

Wasn't the weather beautiful this weekend? I loved that I was able to open up the house and air it out!!!

Now wear are my walking shoes?

Peace.

What else have I been up to?

2009-03-06T09:25:00.002-06:00

Created a FACEBOOK account.

Last Friday I went to see TAKEN, very good movie despite the poor reviews.

Shopped ALL the Fashionbugs in the metro area to get some new spring shirts in my
size.

With momma's help rearranged the living room and family room.

Bought a couple clearance plants for the house.

Down 40 pounds, woot woot!

Re potted Brian's plant into 3 planters, I hope they live.

Enjoyed the outdoors last night with conversations with the neighbors. Nice to see everyone again.

Brian and I gave an outgrown baseball glove to the neighbor's son. When the kids came over to their dad as we were talking, I told them we traded the ball glove for their dog (they just got this winter). And the kid straight told his dad, "Trade back!" I said their weren't any trade backs. He told me he didn't want the glove!!! Bless their hearts, they were in a panic for a moment. What's the matter with me? I cannot help but be ornery!

Tyler is still begging me to go to camp with him this summer. Do I do it?! I have to pay $275 to sleep in a canvas tent on a canvas cot w/o A/C. I think I'm going to crack under pressure and give in.

I hope everyone stays well - this mean you!

Peace!

Reply to my wonderful friend who ask, "Post Much?"

2009-03-05T14:45:00.003-06:00

Darling, darling, darling.... : )

Do I have a story for you! But before that I do apologize for being absent. I've been busy at work and also had to APPLY, yes apply, for my OWN job. (crazier things have happened I guess) We are in another round of wonderful layoffs - when does it end? - It doesn't.

OK, so Monday was an OK day or so I thought. Woke up fine, went to work fine, treated Brian to lunch since he saved me last week, came back to work fine. Then all the sudden - it erupted my stomach. I was sitting here at my desk working and had to make a mad dash to the restroom. I didn't even have time to latch the door. Over and over and more violently it came up. At this point it was more dry heaves than anything else. Once I thought I was OK, I washed my hands... - Oops there it goes again - running back to the stall. At this point I was sweating profusely, had my sweater off and about to pass out on the floor. Once again I gathered myself and made it back to my cube. I called Melanie (co-worker) over to help me. Help me how? I don't know - maybe just to hold my hand? I started getting sick all over again in my trash can, I couldn't make it back to the restroom as I felt terribly faint. Melanie, an Angel, went and got me ice to put on my neck and then more for my forehead. I called Bri and told him he HAD TO TAKE ME HOME NOW. I remember Melanie rubbing my back. I know we had conversation - but I don't remember what I said. I'm sure I wasn't making any sense. She walked me to the car, making sure I had my legs that I wasn't going to pass out. She and Bri poured me in and that's all she wrote. Until about half way home. I woke up out of a dead sleep to puke in a HY-VEE bag. I laugh now because Brian was having a conniption fit as I was getting sick in his vehicle. Once home I unloaded the bags to him and headed straight for bed. I didn't wake till that next morning!

Tyler pulled one over on me, I let him stay home. He complained of his stomach hurting and because I didn't have my truck (still left at work) I had no way to get him. It was at lunch time & between my several naps that he asked if we could have Chinese for lunch. UM, no - you're home sick! Then that afternoon after school was out he wanted to play with friends - no, you're sick. That night - video games - no, you're sick. He did miss a food fight at school, THANK GOODNESS he was home as I am sure he would have thrown a grape! ; )

OK, well hope I didn't gross you out too bad. That's pretty much been it for the week.

Peace!

Thank you to my one and only sister from JoCo

2009-02-25T09:56:00.005-06:00

I have a built in barometer in my head, when the weather changes - I get killer headaches. Yesterday afternoon I was suffering, I just wanted to go home and take some meds that I needed and didn't have on me. I left work here at 3:45p and I'm heading south on Nall when all of the sudden my truck dies.

"Oh man!" I thought has I had to get out of the fast lane and try to make it to a side street. So I am coasting downhill and have enough 'umph' to turn off to 123rd St. I called Bri a couple of times who put me on 'ignore' so I texted him "Call me please it is urgent" and "Please call!" I was about to text "911" but then he called. I told him my truck quit on me and I was stranded at the side of the road. He was in the middle of something but he'd be there as soon as he could.

Time went by and so did the big luxury SUVs, cars and minivans. All the Johnson county housewives with a phone stuck to their ears. Along with those masses were older ladies in their Buick's and business men in their BMWs & Mercedes. Never once did someone bat an eye at me. Now I believe if I were somewhere else in a less 'la tee da' area - I would have been approached by good Samaritans. After I sat there a while I tried to start my truck and IT STARTED! Good, so I continued on my way only to get a block further and it died once more.

I called Brian again to let him know I had moved and not far. Ty who was now home from school called and checked on my whereabouts (I always try to make it home before he does). I was stranded at the entrance to a youth center where there was lots of traffic coming and going. Yes, I know I was in an inconvenient spot - but I tried as best as I could to get out of the way. Only one lady asked if I was OK and had help. She had offered me a ride to where ever I needed to go. I declined politely and thank her for her concern. Only 1 asked within the 45 mins I sat there.

Brian finally got there picked me up and we headed to get gas. That was the culprit - no gas. For sometime now I speculated my gas gauge didn't work properly this was just the proof! When I left work it read a quarter of a tank.

Brian ran me to QT on Roe & 435. Where Jordan S, the assistant manager, was VERY helpful (I'll be writing a letter of compliment to QT). Then ran me back to my truck still sitting with the flashers on. Wouldn't you know, my battery had died at that point. I wanted to cry like Lucille Ball cries to Ricky! My knight in shining armor pulled jumper cables from him car and jump started me.

The nicest part about all this is that my headache did finally go away and I was able to enjoy the nice weather waiting for Brian. God gave us a beautiful sunset last night and I got to enjoy it. :)

WOW, I was exhausted. After returning QT's gas can and filling up myself, I headed to Price Chopper for some Chopper Chicken. I didn't make it home until 6:30p! I had planned on making a nice meal for the family and even making something to bring in for snack day today. But I opted out. I'll put the meal off till Thursday - Brian will be done with his class tonight an we'll celebrate him finishing his first three classes! :)

Ty came home from playing at his friends house and ran over to me with his arms open wide and then giving me love asked me how I was. :) That just made it ALL better!

May you always have a tank full of gas!
Peace!

Tyler's First Taste of Salsa

2009-02-24T13:49:00.005-06:00

They are requesting baby pictures of our sixth graders for their graduation exercise. I came across these, my favorite, and submitted them for the slide show. Tyler and I laughed and laughed over these last night. :)

Peace

Two For One Day...

2009-02-23T14:58:00.002-06:00

Or rather an afterthought. Yesterday between camping and ball practice I kept Ty down so that he could get a little rest and ordered up a movie on On Demand: Breakin' 2 Electric Boogaloo. I told Ty that this was a popular way of dancing when I was his age. A little while into the movie he mention that back then they really liked color. All the colors were bright and had all the neons. Then he ask me,"Are all those people still alive?" (Blank stare) I let it roll by with a simple response of, "Oh yea, they're still around." Sorry to my parents who are still young! Now I know how you felt when I was that age asking those ridiculous questions!

Thanks for the memories...

2009-02-23T11:02:00.000-06:00

I heard some disturbing news this weekend - 3 eighth graders went to school drunk last week and there is one girl pregnant. Ready or not: here comes junior high!

Tyler and other fellow scouts and parents were abruptly awakened at midnight to exploding tires of the truck which hauled the troop’s trailer to this weekend’s campout. (The cause was believed be an electrical short) Very scary as there were tents as close as five feet from the trailer that stores propane. At Sunday’s church service all boy lead, taps was played and a moment of silence was observed for the truck. I wasn’t there but at Saturday night’s campfire, I understand there was a song made of about the truck to the tune of “Burning Ring of Fire”. The blessing is that the truck caught on fire away from home as he parks his truck close to his kid’s bedrooms. I am thankful no one was hurt.

2009 basketball season ended this Saturday with second place. The boys played hard and never gave up, it just wasn’t in our favor this year to place first. I am really going to miss the company on Monday & Thursday nights. We had a great group of boys and hope to see them next year. A boy on the other team was thrown out of the game because of unsportsmanlike conduct on Ty. The kid hit Ty in the face with the basketball and then shoved him. The other team was also given a technical foul. Tyler handled it very well, you could see the rage on his face but he never let into it.

It’s the end of February and we are already on baseball practice number three. Ty’s bat was looking hot yesterday. He was doing great with his pop flies and grounders too.

Brian is feverishly working on his school work although he’s upset with me because I won’t do his homework for him. ; ) I told him last night, “Just like I tell your son, I’ll HELP you but I’m not doing it for you!” He claims he has a hard time talking about himself. If you believe that, please raise your hands. (crickets chirp) I am super proud of him though, he’s a fabulous student.

Not sure what to update on me, I’m just the gal that hangs around the house to do laundry, cook, clean and provide taxi services. I was able to sort through Ty’s school work that I wanted to keep to scrapbook. What I thought would be a horrible task wasn’t that bad after all. I have kept a lot of papers from preschool to present and wasn’t sure how to downsize. I’ve attempted it many times before and not ever making headway. But the right feeling finally came and I was able to pitch most of it and only keep a few precious ones. I’m sure once I work on each grade I might be able to downsize further.

Peace!

I need to feel some love...

2009-02-19T08:17:00.003-06:00

Anyone out there?

With days like yesterday, I'm getting cabin fever!

2009-02-18T10:40:00.002-06:00

Ahh, the days are getting longer and the colder weather is fading away as buds are starting to appear on the trees. Only 30 more days till Spring is officially here!Yippee!

Brian and I took dOg for a walk in the neighborhood last night. And we got to talking about all that we want to accomplish this next spring/summer; I'm itching to get started too.

Paint the west side of the house where it had faded.
Stain the front railing.
Repaint the front entrance and add a storm door.
Replace all the mulch from the beds and trees.
Rearrange the flower beds.
Update the landscaping around the burning bushes.

And this is just a few of the ideas. I think I just found out what to do with myself over Spring Break! ; ) Now if the weather will just cooperate!

Peace!

One good book deserves another...

2009-02-17T08:57:00.003-06:00

On Sunday I finally finished The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks, I cannot get enough of his books, they all are such a sweet read. I only used one tissue at the end. I cannot tell you more, you'll just have to read it for yourself. :)

I desperately wanted to pick up another from my Christmas stack but Ty reminded me I needed to finish Marley so that he could return it to the library today at school. I have read Marley and Me once before but Marley is the juvenile version of the story. Tyler didn't know I had read it once before and was overjoyed to bring this book home for me to read. (He loves to bring home books for me to read that make me cry, he's got a knack for it.) I feverishly read through Marley and finished it last night while the boys were playing Call of Duty: World at War on Wii.

Picture it: I in my chair, Ty in the other and Brian on the sofa. Both are intently into this killing game giving each other pointers. I have my nose in this book sobbing quietly until I blow my nose. It takes a couple tissues before anyone notices me and ask, "What's wrong?" They LOVE doing this to me as if their oblivious to the effects of a sappy book or movie. Even though I had read the story once and seen the movie - I knew what happened at the end. I just couldn't help it. I used a total of four tissues! And that is Ty's reasoning for not reading the book - its sad.

After gaining composure, I went up stairs to select my next read. Tyler asked if he could choose it for me. It made it a lot easier as I was like a kid in a candy store - I couldn't choose just one. So he choose for me to read Front of the Class. This is a story of a young man who despite his tourettes syndrome becomes a teacher, a teacher like he never had. It was recently a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie. I think it will be a quick read.

One book down eleven to go! And I keep adding to my list! If I get laid off, I might have to work in a bookstore!

Peace!

Happy February 14th

2009-02-13T09:15:00.002-06:00

Why is there a certain day set aside to celebrate love that should be celebrated all year long? Surprise, surprise Brian and I do not exchange on Valentine's Day. Tyler wanted to get those chocolate roses for his teachers - the ones that are like 2.99 each. Heck no, I told him - your dad and I do not even get anything for one another.

Per Request-

ACTUAL POSTING FROM CRAIG'S LIST)
To the woman that crapped in my car... (NE Portland) We met on Craig's List so I am hoping that this post finds you. I know that it could quite possibly be the most humiliating first date that you have ever been on, but I am willing to look past that. I thought we had chemistry sitting at McMenamins sharing that basket of Cajun Tots while drinking the Terminator Stout. I really felt like there was a connection there. I found you to be intelligent and witty and looked forward to further conversation with you. At some point in life, everyone has gambled on a fart and lost. It just happened to be on a first date in the passenger seat of my car. Please don't feel bad. The package I sent you with Pepto the next day and the note that said "First dates are always a crap shoot. Call me" was meant to be funny, not offensive. I have gambled on a fart and lost on multiple occasions. The first time I did it was very memorable. It happened when I was five and sitting on my uncle's lap. I am lactose intolerant, but love cheese. I probably win 95% of the time, but I don't think anyone wins 100% of the time. That's why they call it "gambling". I'm the last person to judge you for crapping your pants. In fact, I am impressed by your boldness. The timing on the other hand, could have been a tad bit better...like when you're not sitting on a heated leather seat... What I am trying to say is that if you want to go out again, I would be more than happy to take you someplace where we can get a meal that is high in fiber and less taxing on the digestive tract. I await your call, Tad
P.S. - If you shat yourself on purpose to end the evening early...Touché...

Have a great weekend! And Happy Valentine's Day!

Peace.

Hi, I know it's been a couple of days.

2009-02-12T08:09:00.002-06:00

I've been busy here at work 'putting out the fires' that's been burning my desk for a while now. I have been told by CEOs and higher ups that we are supposed to be a company that's 'easy to do business with'. BUT there is so much internal red tape it lights my short fuse. I try to fight it and push back but it never works out nor do I get the immediate help I need from my manager. I'd gotten tired of it and finally pushed all that to the side. Well, times up. Something needs to be done with it and the time is now. That is before they lay me off. No, no, no - I'm not certain of that but that day will eventually come. There is life after this place!

I really don't have much else to say. Brian has been consumed with school and homework. Tyler is wrapped up in Call of Duty on the Wii Wi-fi. And I am mentally exhausted once I come home at night. And dOg is always there to welcome us home with his stinky breath and fur! :) My house is still screaming for a cleaning, I keep putting that at the bottom of the list. I'm thinking of taking dOg this weekend and treating him to a much needed bath. I like going to those self serve pet washes, I like that I can leave the mess behind! Many of times I thought about doing it at home but the thought of a water logged bathroom and a drain full of hair is not a pleasant one.

Thanks for letting me vent. I'll be here tomorrow.

Peace.

Happy Birthday Linny!

2009-02-09T08:10:00.005-06:00

Now that they beans are spilled I can tell you all. Lindsay is expecting! I freaked Brian out when I told him the news after I found out. I said, "I see a baby in the future." He quickly replied of course you do Darren's and Dylan's (his side). I told him, nope there's one more. He was quickly relieved when I said it was Lindsay's. "Why do you have to play like that - that's not nice", he says. Hee, hee, hee - anything to get a rise out of him. :D

She is also getting married soon. With her twisted warped mind, she would like it on this Friday the 13th! ; ) Funny how we are totally different she loves her horror and I my romance. So CONGRATULATIONS Lindsay and David!

Brownie B - you inspired me!!! This weekend I took my scissors to my own hair. I have cut my bangs before and a little around my face but never got in there and actually cut more than that. It actually turned out well! Holy cow it sure sprang up and I have a little natural curl to it.

It was a busy weekend and then have a busy week in front of us too. Brian is in school from Wednesday night to Saturday evening. :( I'm actually going to miss him. I'm proud of him; he's really been tackling his school work head on even being as sick as he has.

I went to an interesting baby shower this weekend of Darren's (Brian's brother) girlfriends. The girl was 30 mins late to her own shower. I was taken back by some of the blunt comments that were made by a few people! WOW! I kept thinking, "Really? She just said that out loud." She received duplicate gifts (one being ours {Mel and I went in together on one 'big' gift}) because other people didn't want to mess with the registry as it was 'too much of a hassle'. Maybe if you and I ever have one on one time, I can tell you the stories.

Today feels like Spring, I cannot wait for warmer days. This morning it was beautiful at 56 degrees. It's raining now and we have a possible chance of thundershowers this afternoon/evening!!! Yippee!

Watched Appaloosa this weekend, I bought it sight unseen but heard it was a good movie. Not bad. I'll need to watch it once more in peace and quite. Tyler was busy texting during the movie and I kept hearing his ringer "You've got mail." It gets so tiring...

Well I think I'm done here. Better get to work before the Latte wears off...

Peace.

The answer to your question is...

2009-02-06T10:02:00.002-06:00

...no, I haven't heard a reply from the job in which I submitted an application for. I also haven't answered your previous question re: if I would still be on campus. The answer to that would be no as it's with another company.

I do thank my lucky stars that I am employed. In a perfect world I would wish to be let go from my current company and collect on the severance package while taking on another job in the mean time and not missing a beat. I'll know more by March 15th re: my current job - meaning if I have one or not.

On a higher note: my weight loss to date is 36 pounds. Woohoo.:)

Peace

Just checking in...

2009-02-04T13:08:00.002-06:00

... Nothing new to report. I really, truly despise my job right now and want to be in my 'happy place". See you tomorrow.

Breakfast Burritos

2009-02-03T12:01:00.004-06:00

Last summer while on our annual lake trip Lisa M. introduced me to Chorizo, a Mexican sausage. We made breakfast burritos and they were super delicious. So on the next trip to the grocery store after getting back from the lake, I had purchased some and threw it in the freezer. (You need a nice size crowd to feed for what I bought.)

I had intended to take it out to mom's on New Year's Eve to make burritos for breakfast in the morning since they had never had it but plum forgot about it as it continued to occupy space in the freezer.

Then a couple of weeks ago after celebrating Brian's birthday my inebriated friend and I decided to cook breakfast the next morning so I threw the Chorizo in the fridge to thaw over night. I told her we were out of torts (tortillas) but Brian could run to the store and get them. And she offered up that we could make our own! THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN MY CLUE. I should have known better, that next morning when I got up our sobered friends had coats and shoes on bidding farewell. Wait! What about breakfast?! I should have known it was the alcohol talking when she suggested we make the torts from scratch. (However, I do have a recipe from the newspaper I want to try about making my own.)

So there you have it, I have been looking at this Chorizo staring me in the face waiting for me to do something with it since. Well last night was the night. I thought I could make my Mexican Chicken casserole with the Chorizo in place of the chicken. But my son warned me, "Do not waste a bag of Doritos!" and "I don't like to add anything to my Mexican Chicken." So I chickened out and made breakfast burritos instead.

I didn't make them the exact way we did at the lake so I called Lisa and inquired. "Lisa, it's your white friend. How do I know when the Chorizo is done?"

(At the lake we fried potatoes, then added the Choizo and finally scrambled the eggs with in it all. I don't know about you - but I don't like leftover and reheated eggs.)

Choizo is red and has an... oh an... unpleasant consistency right out of the package. If your familiar with the Bristol Stool Scale, it resembles type 4. Lisa informed me it only takes about 5 mins to cook. (with that info I thought it was best not to look at the ingredients listed on the package.) After cooking it takes shape of ground beef. I drained it on 4 paper towels on a plate (the fat content is unbelievable); there's a reason I'm giving you this information.... Then I fried the potatoes, which turned out VERY WELL!

At this point, I would then cook the burritos for one person at a time to ensure freshness. I threw back in the pan - sausage and potatoes to reheat a little. Trying to mash up the potatoes a little bit I broke a turner. Threw that away and got my eggs ready to scramble in. While that was taking form, I nuked the torts then plated Ty's 2 burritos and he said, "Oh yea, I remember these now - they are really good. Especially when you make them!" - I love my guy!!! I then made me one and boy - oh - boy was it spicy. Normally the hotter the better for me but I couldn't wait to coat my stomach with milk. Err - ok - a Latte! Cleaned up the dinner dishes and text Bri that he missed one heck of a dinner.

We were off to get Ty to Scouts. Brian picked Ty up from Scouts to head to bball practice so that I could go home. dOg was happy to see me, he came from upstairs to greet me. I let him out to potty while I fed and refreshed his water. I left him fully indulged in his dinner. Uhuh! I came upstairs to see he was busy with his evening's appetizer - 4 grease soaked paper towels!!! He had ate the middle and the only thing left was the whites of the edges where the grease didn't quite reach. dOg is 12.5 yrs old and knows better! Now trash day was yesterday so these paper towels were in the pit bottom of the can. I truly didn't think dOg would try to get to them. Prove me wrong one more time. He came upstairs - well to the front door landing, that's all the closer he wanted to be to me. I shamed him, he cowered and that was that. Except for the repercussions that might take effect on his stomach. Do I dare leave him in the house or do I confine him to the garage for the day? Do I go ahead and make rice to settle his stomach?

I didn't tell Brian what happened till this morning since I was asleep by the time they got home. Didn't even hear the garage door open - which is not normal for me, so I know I was super tired and needed it. I stayed behind this morning to make Brian a couple burritos so that he too could enjoy them. He did and then I told him to pop a couple of tums for insurance reasons. ; ) I hope there not as spicy going out as they were going in! ouch!

Peace!

Quick Weekend/ Monday Update

2009-02-02T12:57:00.004-06:00

I left early Friday due to a terrible, horrible, very bad, no good headache. It was still dull come Saturday morning till I took more drugs to knock it.

Ty's orienteering outing went longer than expected. Brian also went along with the group and found it very interesting. I on the other hand stayed behind in the truck to read The Lucky One and catch a quick snooze which did me good. They were supposed to be done by 12:30p but it was closer to 2p before we got out of there. So no time for extra events and had to move right along to the bball game.

Which was horrible. At half they were ahead by 9. It went into double overtime and they lost by one. If only our boys would slow down and take control.

After the game we headed home. I sent Brian out on his bike and Ty to play with friends while I worked on the laundry and ran to the grocery store for a few extra items.

Sunday was church then a quick trip to Target to get home in time to work on laundry before mom and Steve came for haircuts. After I was done spinning heads, mom and I took Tyler over to his friend's house for his birthday/Super Bowl party. I was jealous as we were due over at Jeff's (Bri's bro) at 6:30p for Dylan's 17th b-day. What red blooded American schedules a birthday party right in the middle of the Super Bowl?? We did get to see some of the commercials and the good plays. But it would have been nice to have been able to watch the entire thing. Oh well.

Today I did Meals On Wheels for the first time ever. I thoroughly enjoyed it! It was another 'feel good' opportunity and I know the recipients sure appreciate it. I've hooked up with a friend from Embarq whose done it for years. We're scheduled to go once a month. We first had to go to the community center to check in and pick up our route information and the coolers, one holds 'hot' and the other 'cold'. We pass out 10 meals (it was McRib today with baked beans, tator tots and a milk), everybody gets one hot and one cold. And you need to watch because some people have a 'diet' marked on the sheet therefore they get a 'diet' cold sack. Once the meal is delivered you have to mark off in pencil NOT pen. Once all are delivered you return to the center to drop off the cooler and turn in the packet so they can be used for the next day. Someone delivers a meal each day to these people. And on Friday's some receipents will get 2 frozen meals for the weekend. I told Lisa too bad they didn't include a bar a soap every once in a while for these poor folks. Made me sad for them. Hopefully my smile brightened their day as their smile did for me.

Peace.

Wow, what a week!

2009-01-30T10:08:00.002-06:00

Thank the good Lord above it's Friday!

I am mentally and physically exhausted. It started out Monday with an announcement of another round of layoffs as that never gets tiring to hear. (roll eyes) Then it was run here, run there until it snowballed into a big blur.

I want to sleep in this weekend but there is absolutely no way as Tyler is due to meet for Scouts at 9:30am sharp approx 15 miles from home tomorrow morning. Then church on Sunday. Last Sunday since Brian and I were tired from his birthday celebration the service seemed to go twice as long... Then there's the thought - no - the idea - not that either - the reality that my house needs a good scrubbing. I thought that I would/could work on it when I get home a night a little here and there. But I've been beat once I get home from work. Enough with the ho-hum.

Yesterday my group went to Harvester's for a team builder. We assembled Back snack Packs for the hungry youth in our community.
From the Harvester's website:

BackSnack
More than 101,000 children in Harvesters’ service area are enrolled in free and reduced-price school meals during the week, but what do they eat on the weekend?

Harvesters offers the BackSnack program, which provides backpacks of food to low-income children for the weekend, to combat weekend hunger. The program creates a partnership between Harvesters, a participating school and a local corporate, civic or religious organization.

Harvesters provides the food, and the partnering organization provides the backpacks and the volunteers to pick them up, clean them out and pack them with food. School staff picks up the backpacks and distributes them on Friday to the kids, who bring them back on Monday to start the whole process again.

So for 2 hours we worked an assembly line from the start of plastic bags we'd insert a tube of saltine crackers, individuals servings of white & chocolate milk, soup can, pop tart, juice, 2 cans of beanie weenies, a can of peaches and 2 servings of cereal. They would then be sealed shut and boxed up on a palate. We rocked as we completed 9 palates approx 6 feet high. Which equates to 1300 packs! I felt so good about what we were doing that I could have stayed longer to make more. My ultimate job would to be to help people. I would find such great satisfaction in that. God blesses a cheerful giver!

Peace.

Stop what you're doing...

2009-01-27T10:50:00.004-06:00

... and go see Gran Torino. I thought that was a fabulous movie, one to own. It's got some hefty duty language so it's not a kiddo friendly movie. I was stranded without tissues and so I had to leave the theatre with sunglasses on. I know I fooled everyone who saw me when I walked out as they didn't have a clue what I was hiding! ; )

Tyler was very successful on his camp out. The only thing that got cold was his nose. (His mom is awesome! She packed him right!) We made sure he took a pad to layer between the cold ground and his body. Then he doubled his sleeping bags (his into Brian's) since neither was rated below 22 degrees. Next he took some one time use foot warmers along with a bundle of several wool socks, hats and gloves. Come February - his camp out is 2 nights. He's not excited but I told him not to write it off quite yet.

However we did it, we found a slice of time for Tyler to finally buy Rock Band for the PS2. And because we were busy all weekend long last night was the first time we got to play it. Ty on drums, Brian on bass and myself on mic. SNYDERS can ROCK the house!!! Come on over and I'll perform "Wanted: Dead or Alive" for you. I'll have you to know I had the best percentage over all. This momma rocks! I would start out by dedicating the song to dOg who was our only fan. :)

Tonight: Sex education film preview. And I cannot understand why Ty wouldn't want to come with! ; )

Peace.

Happy Birthday Brian!

2009-01-23T13:48:00.002-06:00

I am only 1 year 6 months and 1 day older than Brian. And to celebrate his birthday I'm taking him to the Majestic Steak House for dinner and then see Grand Torino. I thought he wanted to see it and when I told him the plans he asked, "What's that about?" Oh well,I want to see it and I know he'll enjoy it anyways.

All the while we're doing that, Tyler has a camp out this weekend. And its going to get COLD at 15 degrees. I've been given a lot of ideas on what to pack so that he'll stay warm. Tomorrow they'll hit the rock climbing gym. Which we'll have to pick him up early for his basketball game then take him back afterwards. Once that's over - off to a friends house for a birthday/ slumber party. Sunday I'm off to cut grandpa Wayne's hair then over to the Sr. Snyder's for some Chicken and Dumplings finished off with carrot cake.

All I can say is I'm glad I've already got laundry done! Whew!

Peace

Today has been a success...

2009-01-21T13:36:00.005-06:00

... I applied for one of my 'fun' jobs. Cross your fingers. It's investigative work. I cannot help it, I'm nosy by nature and I think that's a true plus!

I also did some exercise last night. It wasn't my first choice but it worked. After dinner Brian and I along with dOg walked the block. It was a half mile that's all dOg and Brian could handle. dOg due to his hips and Bri due to the cold. If I am going to walk the block I need to go 2 rounds for the mile. 1/2 mile is better than no mile at all. I also got some walking in at work with Charlotte. So did about 25 mins in total. Again, was wanting more but it's better than none.

Brian starts another class tonight. I think I'm going to kick Ty off the video games so that I can do a work-out video. Or maybe we can do a whole night of Wii Sports!

Peace!

Who's the doctor here?

2009-01-20T13:41:00.002-06:00

Drugs are not always necessary. Belief in recovery always is. ~Norman Cousins

So I walk in this morning in a somewhat good mood - I have coffee in hand, no headache (yet), and a descent night sleep. The red light on my phone is lit to indicate I have a message waiting. I check it and it's my doctor's office with my lab results.

I call a little after 8am to find my levels of cholesterol are not exactly to ideal. Duh. Let me back up, they have always been high, it’s no secret – take a look at me, I’m not exactly the walk of health. But I have proactively been losing weight. That exercise is still not were it needs to be and I have cut way back on eating, maybe I … – NO - I know I need to be making better choices of what I consume. Anyway, that's another soap box speech.

My point here is that my doc was quick to prescribe a drug to help reduce my numbers. STOP THE TRUCK! My head was spinning with all the numbers and orders given to me that I failed to ask questions back. Such as, "Can't I try to control this with diet and exercise first?" I am not about to take a pill for something I know I can control. I'm the kind of person who hesitates to question authority. She's the doc and she knows best, right? But I am determined NOT to take this pill and control it 'all my by myself'! So I guess I should call her back and let her know my plans huh? It just really put a damper on my day.

And by the way, while they are high they're not that high.
251 Total (200 or below is normal)
49 HDL or good cholesterol (45 or above)
152 LDL or bad cholesterol (100 or below)
248 triglycerides (149 or below)

and my blood sugar level was at 92 or normal

I think doc is quick to prescribe something, and that ok when it's oh say something like Vicodin or Darvocet. :)

All kidding aside, thanks for the wake up call doc but I won't be needing anything else!

One other sideline comment.

- Paul Blart was actually not that bad. All the boys liked it real well. We got there about 25 mins to show time and the theatre was already a little packed (remember from previous postings - I like my back row). And as time went on I was glad to see we got there when we did as people were having trouble finding seats at 10 mins till movie time. This one lady comes up and ask if the seat next to me is taken (uh yes, for all the coats I'm carting.) and told her no and moved the coats to my lap. (no biggie, really) THEN she asked the people next to me if they can scoot down (basically putting them in the back corner of the theatre) so that she and her son can share popcorn.... KUDOS to the man as he said, "I do mind because we were here first, but I will." He said it a couple of times to make sure she heard it. She wasn't a claim to health either so it was a tight fit and she wasn't comfortable because she kept moving and re-situating herself. Then she spots two seats a couple rows down for her and her son to move into. She then turns to me and says, "here - you can have your seats back!" What did I do to get that kind of treatment!?! In the back of my mind, I was thinking I maybe on one of those shows "What Would You Do?" ABC News does so I was on my best behavior!

This is why I'm always on the fence - I can see both sides of it 1. Yes, I like my space so I wouldn't mind moving my coats. 2. I think its ballsy for someone to ask to move down, but in the end I would do it. 3. Yes, I got there early enough to pick my seat so I shouldn't have to move but I would feel guilty not moving.

Peace.

Have a good one...

2009-01-16T15:16:00.002-06:00

Not sure what to write since it's been a week long of puny, enjoy the video.

While I slept better last night...

2009-01-14T08:25:00.002-06:00

... I wished I had access to a chair massage. I would so utilize that for 60+ mins today. I could fall asleep and drool all over the chair it's not even funny. My neck is so tight and tense and my back is stiff. Shoot, I could use a foot rub too.

I think I might head over to the scrap booking store today at lunch, if I get what I want done here at work.

Tyler was too funny last night re: homework. It's been a true struggle for him lately and we end up in arguments. Yesterday he comes home and says, "I just want to get it done without any problems so I can play Wii." - Took me by surprise, a pretty grown-up thing to say! In which he did and soon was playing Wii on the Wifi setting.

I have taken 'homework' time to set at the table and hand write out collected recipes. I cherish my grandmas' hand written recipes and hope one day mine will be just as cherished too. BB, remember all that time I spent typing out those recipes and printing them??? Well, I am re-writing those and disposing of the printed copies. :)

Not much else going on. Shout out to Dom for pecking on the keys again. Woot, woot.

Peace.

Work is making me ill.

2009-01-13T11:18:00.002-06:00

Yesterday and today there has been something in the air here at work that makes my eyes water. (So long make-up, the little I did have on.) Maybe its a subconscious cry since the company is doing yet another round of layoffs. And my nights haven't been too restful. I wake up on the hour every hour. I even have a crick in my neck. But I'm not telling Bri - he'll want to get be back as I applied pressure to his pressure points last night. And if you've ever experienced it - you know it hurts! That is if you don't know how to do it properly and I do not.

Brian starts school this week. I might have some extra time to myself. Unless I am suckered into playing Madden 09 or Mario Kart. In my perfect world I'm thinking I might pick up scrap booking again but take a different approach. The first time I had a hay day of purchasing everything possible and then felt too overwhelmed to know where to start! I bought a lot of 'cute' stuff with no rhyme or reason. This time I am only going to work with a set amount of pictures and a theme. Such as School Days for either my pictures or Ty's depends on what I can find. Joann's has a great sale (40% off) but didn't find what I was looking for. I headed to Michael's and it too was a bust. Thought I'd head to Archiver's today at lunch but at a whopping 14 degrees - it can wait.

Peace

A couple of mile stones this week...

2009-01-09T08:18:00.002-06:00

... that I have to toot my horn about.

First, I have reached my 1st gallon of blood donations! Took some time to get there but I did it! And just think when I first started to donate, I was scared to death. And I had to make a production about it. I had to faint then have the smelling salts, the ice packs on the head & abdomen, I had to have all the attention! What would take the normal person 20 mins would take me 90 mins.
After a couple of times I thought I was getting better at the art of giving, I gave my pint and was at the table getting my reward of cookies & coke and in the middle of talking to my friend I suddenly turned white as a ghost and said, "I need to lay down." The newbie behind the table wasn't quick enough to act so I slumped out on my chair and laid on the ground with my feet up on the chair. Did I mention I was in a dress? And did I mention I didn't care? A time or two after that incident by trial and error I learned I have to lay completely flat while I give and I don't squeeze when they tell me to. (You know - squeeze for 5 release for 5) Since then it's become second nature to me and I don't even give it a second thought. I feel as if I am paying it forward.

Secondly, I have reached the 30 pound mark of weight loss - again. This time it's permanent. The main thing I am still doing cutting my portions way back. Brian and I always share when we go out to eat which has helped the pocketbook too. I am slowly getting back into exercise. I got a new phone for Christmas that I can download music to and I think that will help me when I go for walks. Gotta get those upbeat songs!

Peace.

Where has 12 years gone?

2009-01-08T08:25:00.002-06:00

Babies are always more trouble than you thought - and more wonderful. ~Charles Osgood

Guess what I was doing 12 years ago today? I was welcoming my Ty Guy into the world!!! Oh and what a ride it has been. Each January 8Th I when I wake up in the morning, I think back to the hospital visit. I smile as I recall each little detail of the day I can remember...

It started on Jan 6Th 1997, I had went for a check up and they had decided to induce me. That's when I decided I didn't want to do this anymore! I had gone by myself to the check up so I drove myself home. And since I was in a state of panic, I almost got into an accident on the on ramp to 71 highway!

Once in the room they sat we up with the belt that monitors the baby's heartbeat. When I laughed it sounded like I was 'rapping'!

When they first tried to induced me they called it a 'medicated tampon', in which later I didn't see the resemblance.

When that didn't take effect, they gave me the 'pit', but then decided to take me off because there was another lady having a complicated birth with her twins.

By this time my Doctor has left the building and enters Dr. Crab Apple who I had a run in with at the office once or twice. Great - I thought.

My sister and her then boyfriend have an accident on the way to see me. It was ice and snow out. My visitors in day 2 (that nothing happened) were Bri, mom, Linds, Stac. That evening Jerry came by he left after 'Roseanne'. But was there for my first contraction that 'kicked my butt'.

Later that night my water finally broke. (Now, I always mention that I never understood why woman couldn't tell if their water broke or not. As they say it's like peeing your pants. Duh! I would be able to tell that!!!) I'm here to tell you - I wasn't for sure... I had been poked and prodded so much that I thought I lost some use of muscles. The nurse tested it and sure enough here goes nothing...

It was a long, long night of pain. All in my back too. Let me stop here and give my applause to Bri for capturing it on tape - thanks dude. They administered the epidural which only numbed by boobs. No help whatsoever.

My mom, bless her heart, didn't realize my focal point was my water cup and was in the way of it. Then tried to hand it to me as I worked through a contraction.

Dr. Crab Apple, dressed in his nice street clothes, came to put in my catheter in. Guess who peed all over him!? ;D DON'T mess with me, I'll get you back!

Stac comes to visit again and hears, "You can start pushing anytime." as she rounds the corner to my room!

The baby (as we don't know the sex at this point) is stuck and doctors & nurses decide to do an emergency c-section.

I plead to put me under, I REALLY don't want to do this anymore.

I remember about 10 seconds of the operating room...

When I start to slowly wake up in recovery I hear my mom, whose holding my hand, tell me we had a little baby boy... I smiled real big as my eyes remained closed.

On the way back to the room, they asked me if I wanted to see him. He was in the nursery as he needed extra oxygen. I looked over and there he was with his head in what looked to be like a cake dome.

Later they brought him into me, I CANNOT BELIEVE HE IS MINE!!!

Dad, Susan and Mary come that night to see us or rather him. ; )

Sherry came and was there when I changed his first diaper, I was scared.

We had a lot of visitors.

I developed an infection so my visit was a week. Which was fine with me, I wanted all the pampering I could get because I knew it would soon be over! I didn't even feel bad when I had Ty sleep in the nursery.

I will never forget Martha, she was my first nurse and the BEST ever. She took such good care of me. I didn't want her to leave me and even wanted to take her home.

When we did get to go home, Wayne drove me and Ty and Brian followed. It was the coldest day yet of that winter. Wanda met us at home with a bunch of sleepers and a friend of theirs sent a bunch of clothes as well.

dOg took to Ty very well or as well as expected. There was the instance of chewing up the breast pump and eating a brownie. I joke now that he wanted a snack of milk & brownie! ; )

And there you have it - they start of a wonderful family. Oh we have had our ups and downs. Along with trials and errors - but its lessons learned that continues to make us wiser.

Peace.

What to read, want to see...

2009-01-07T08:28:00.002-06:00

You know you've read a good book when you turn the last page and feel a little as if you have lost a friend. ~Paul Sweeney

For Christmas I got a dozen books, that's right 12 books! I don't know where to begin as I want to read them all first! I received
The Christmas Sweater
The Courtship of Nelly Fisher (3 books in the series)
Front of the Class
A Smile as Big as the Moon
The Lucky One
Night Swimming
The Memory Keeper's Daughter
Tuesdays with Morrie
The Story of Edgar Sawtelle
If Life is a Game - These are the Rules
This should keep me busy for awhile. I did finally finish Behind the Scenes by Elizabeth Keckley. It was a very interesting book but not necessarily a page turner.

For my movie interest of the month of January I want to see the following...

Slumdog Millionaire

Bride Wars

Valkyrie

Seven Pounds

Defiance

New In Town

I will have the pleasure of seeing Paul Blart: Mall Cop on January 16th with Tyler and 2 of his friends for his birthday - woot, woot. I am afraid this movie has all the funny parts in the trailer. Afterwards will be dining at Culver's for a Butter Burger! yum, yum.

I haven't had the chance to see the following yet and will even have to catch some on DVD as I have already scoped out there 'release to DVD dates'...
Appaloosa (Western)
Igor (my movie star husband John Cusack)
The Lucky Ones (Rachel McAdams)
The Express (Football)
The Secret Life of Bees (book based - should probably read it instead)
Pride & Glory (Edward Norton)
The Boy in Stryped Pajamas (WWII)
Role Models (sick twisted humor)
Four Christmases (Reese & Vince - I love them!)

Peace

Where to go, where to go?

2009-01-06T08:56:00.003-06:00

The alternative to a vacation is to stay home and tip every third person you see. ~Author Unknown

With the new year comes a whole set of vacation days...

Bri and I have talked about going to D.C. - Holy Cow, have you seen the prices for airline tickets just to get our there? We might as well just continue to look at the picture books I bring back from my business trips. (Which has been nix to budget cuts this year.) We also talked about going back to Orlando to do the Universal Studios thing sometime. There is no way we are going to jump on a plane this year! And I don't think I am ready to spend four days in a car just to get down there and back. As I told mom I have an interest in going back to Lansing, MI to see the family. But if I do, I will be driving - even if it does take all day to get there.

I took a break yesterday to look on line for flying out to D.C. over Ty's Spring break but quickly remembered Bri has his annual fishing trip planned for that weekend.

Maybe this year we can look to the West and go somewhere that way. I haven't been to too many places out there. I would like to see Mt. Rushmore or maybe the Black Hills... Yellowstone - only that seems like a LONG drive. I miss not having out camper anymore, it would be great to take that along for those ideas. I should probably do some research soon so that we can find something to explore this year.

Have any ideas? Please share!

Peace

Here we go - another year!

2009-01-05T08:59:00.004-06:00

Youth is when you're allowed to stay up late on New Year's Eve. Middle age is when you're forced to. ~Bill Vaughn

We did something a little different this year for New Year's Eve. Tyler & I stayed the night at my mom & Steve's house while Brian was at home watching football. He was invited out but decided against it, which was OK with me. We had good intentions on spending a fun filled evening watching Hancock, playing the board game - Boxers or Briefs, and playing Mario's Kart and Sports on the WII. Ty even brought out his two bottles of Sparking Grape Juice - Red & White.

During Hancock - I was out like a light, but would wake every once and awhile. After Hancock Steve went to bed (he was on call all week and had made two trips out that day) as he was tired out. Tyler was determined to keep grandma Cindy up as he wouldn't let her fall asleep in her chair. Mind you - during the day we shopped (Mom, Linds, Ty & I) for approx. 10 hours! My dogs were barking! (feet ached) Ty's New Year's wasn't quite like he had planned but had an OK time. We did play Wii the next morning after breakfast and drank the Sparking Grape Juice - Welch's 2007 (good year) at breakfast.

Another good story I want to share (from my comment to Stac re: parking lots at a stand still)... "I too was in that parking lot mess near BEST BUY. GIRL- would you believe that I put my truck in 4 wheel drive and jumped the curb to avoid setting in that traffic!!! I sure did - my mom and Ty were cryin' in the back seat and jumped the curb in front of 2 cops directing traffic out of the Center! ;D"
Brian and I dropped Ty & mom off at Best Buy while we ATTEMPTED to go to the Sprint Store. It was nasty stop & go traffic inch by inch for AT LEAST 30 mins. I was at a quarter tank of gas and by the time we were done I was on fumes! And I would do it all over again! :)

Oh and how about this story - (I know it's my first day back from being out of the office for 17 days and should be focusing on that instead of this - but I have locked myself out of my system and waiting to regain access again. I could be cleaning my desk - dust bunnies have taken over since I left! YIKES!) OK - A.D.D. girl - focus here - So this morning I am sitting at 119th and Nall waiting on the light when I see bubbles floating through the intersection.... What?! Where on earth are these bubbles coming from? It takes no time to follow the trail and see it's coming from a car on the left side of the intersection from me. I'm thinking to myself is it the car making those? Is there a bubble blower attached to the car? Then I see it's coming from the driver's side window. So I think it's some girl on her way to school with some friends. My light turns green, I make my left hand turn I grab a glimpse of the driver and you'll never believe it was an elder man blowing the soap bubbles!!! It put the BIGGEST smile on my face! I would have never guessed! Good for him for keeping his youth!!! :)

Other things we did on vacation...
* Attended a Children's Christmas Program at church
* Lisa and I took the kiddos bowling
* Ty got his bottom braces
* Had a impromptu Nerf war with Ty, Bri & myself
* Saw Marley & Me
* Saw Bedtime Stories
* Saw The Women
* Watched Get Smart
* Watched The Dark Knight
* Bri & Ty went to snow creek from 7p - 2a
* Went to the Birmingham - Waggoners Estate in Independence
* Went to the Truman Home
* Shopped the Independence Square
* Ate ice cream at Clinton's Soda Fountain - BIG DISAPPOINTMENT! All the authenticity is gone!
* Ate lunch at Rhineland Restaurant (German)
* Ate dinner at Ciao Bella
* Went to Jean's house for our annual Game day
* Spent Christmas Eve with mom & Steve
* Spent Christmas Day with dad, Susan, gpa, U Gary, Linds & David
* Spent Christmas Evening with the Snyder clan
* Had our Warrensburg Christmas the following Saturday
* Took down the Christmas decorations
* Put up new curtains for the bedroom, something Bri doesn't understand as we already have blinds - it's a girl thing! ; )
* Attend a Mary Kay facial party

And that's pretty much everything I can think of at this moment in time. I'm sure there is much more... But right now I have a zit on the inside on my nose that's taking my concentration away on the account it hurts! You can say gross all you want and say you could have gone all day with out hearing it - BUT - you feel my pain as we all have had them! ; )

Blessings to you in 2009!

Ok, one more thing, I am a follower of Dennis and thought it was too cute not to share... (click to expand)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

2008-12-18T10:27:00.002-06:00

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?

2008-12-16T12:52:00.002-06:00

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...

2008-12-15T12:20:00.003-06:00

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

2008-12-12T10:51:00.003-06:00

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

2008-12-10T14:12:00.002-06:00

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...

2008-12-08T07:59:00.002-06:00

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

2008-12-05T07:38:00.002-06:00

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

2008-12-03T09:14:00.004-06:00

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

2008-12-02T10:25:00.002-06:00

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

2008-11-25T13:43:00.002-06:00

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!!!

2008-11-24T10:54:00.002-06:00

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?

2008-11-21T10:09:00.002-06:00

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

2008-11-20T08:31:00.005-06:00

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

2008-11-19T10:58:00.002-06:00

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

2008-11-18T13:25:00.002-06:00

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

2008-11-17T16:19:00.003-06:00

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!

2008-11-17T13:51:00.003-06:00

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...

2008-11-14T12:03:00.003-06:00

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!

2008-11-13T10:03:00.004-06:00

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

2008-11-12T10:45:00.002-06:00

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

2008-11-11T09:53:00.002-06:00

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

2008-11-06T10:21:00.002-06:00

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!

2008-11-04T11:44:00.003-06:00

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

2008-11-03T14:08:00.003-06:00

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

2008-10-31T13:37:00.003-05:00

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

2008-10-30T08:18:00.002-05:00

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

2008-10-29T09:09:00.002-05:00

Where did it go?

2008-10-28T13:24:00.002-05:00

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?

2008-10-27T09:23:00.003-05:00

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'

2008-10-22T14:15:00.003-05:00

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.

2008-10-21T12:16:00.003-05:00

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

2008-10-17T15:08:00.004-05:00

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

2008-10-16T11:33:00.003-05:00

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...

2008-10-15T09:21:00.003-05:00

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

2008-10-09T15:51:00.002-05:00

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...

2008-10-08T10:05:00.003-05:00

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

2008-10-07T15:31:00.001-05:00

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

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

2008-10-07T09:53:00.002-05:00

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

2008-10-01T10:26:00.003-05:00

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!

2008-09-30T14:46:00.002-05:00

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

2008-09-29T15:33:00.002-05:00

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

2008-09-26T08:18:00.004-05:00

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

2008-09-25T14:11:00.002-05:00

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

It's finally on its way out!

2008-09-24T09:26:00.002-05:00

Every day may not be good, but there's something good in every day. ~Author Unknown

Only 92 more days till Christmas! I have my alarm clock set to K-Love a 'positive and encouraging' Christan radio station. And every morning when it goes off the DJ announces (from 100) how many days till Christmas. Now you too are informed! ;)

Finally! I'm feeling better and better each day. Yesterday afternoon it was like a switch turned on. I immediately felt better. I'm not taking as many drugs and Brian is back to annoying me.

The last couple of nights I've sat out at football practice enjoying the evening air. Aside from visiting with the moms I've been trying to read a book, The Shack, the one my mom loaned me. I've just read to chapter 4, the great sadness, where Mack finds his daughter's blood soaked red dress. (How awful, these aren't the kind of books I read.) I've been keeping this book in the truck so if I have a moment I can pick it up and read. I'm still reading The Art of Racing In the Rain, this is my 'before I go to sleep book'. And too in this book, Denny's wife just died. His in-laws want custody of their granddaughter and slaps a bogus rape charge on Denny to try and insure custody. While sick I didn't pick it up to read much but last night it became a page turner for me. Remember, this one is told from the dog's perspective. I thought reading two books at once would be confusing for me, to my delight, it's not hard at all!

Only 2 more days to NIGHTS IN RODANTHE!!! Richard and Diane better not disappoint me. The Lucky Ones come out too. I wonder if they'll be having a Kelly 2 for 1 that day! ; )

Peace

Happy Fall

2008-09-22T10:39:00.002-05:00

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

I'm still under the weather; I'm sick of being sick. The weekend was busy with scout camping & football. We pulled out a win 7-6. And I've been around enough little boys to last me several weeks.

Short thought on mine...
Almost everyone has their favorite/ fantasy vehicle. Most people I talk to say - "Oh I would love to have a ..." or "My next car is going to be a ..." I've never been one to have a favorite car. I just want something dependable, nice looking and affordable. Then it occurred to me the other day - I was finally able to nail it! If someone asked me what my dream vehicle was, I would be able to reply, "A Jeep Wrangler Sport edition". Not one of those new ones either, maybe like a late 90s or early 2000s. When I was younger, I was told I didn't want one. It was hot in the summer, too cold in the winter and easy to break into. But I like the feeling of my hair to blowing in the wind and I love to play in the mud. Too bad I listened to the advice given; I think it would be perfect for me!

Peace

I feel like dog doo doo

2008-09-19T11:25:00.002-05:00

When an illness knocks you on your ass, you should stay down and relax for a while before trying to get back up. ~Candea Core-Starke

I left work yesterday because my sinuses have the better of me. While I enjoy the fall and spring; the allergies kill me!!! Come on hard frost!

Even though I felt horrible, I attended the Piccadilly Auction last night, it supports the vitalization of downtown Lee's Summit. I had already spent the $50 to go - so I doped up on meds and went. It's considered a formal affair; but you don't have to dress up. It is cool to see all the woman who do though! This years theme was Fire & Ice and the attire was black, red & white. I wore a black dress and the most sparkling jewelry I owned hoping it would out shine my undone hideous face. This year it was held a John Knox Village. It's a ladies event and all the volunteers are mainly men aka "Hot Guys". The took us by our arm and escorted us to our seats. Before dinner they had an cash bar, silent auction and appetizers. I wasn't going to pour any more money into this event so I wasn't going to look at the silent auction. HOWEVER, like last year, they had a puppy up for auction. A full bread miniature Beagle. She was only 6 weeks old, so I had to go see and pet her. While there, a women was in the circle around the dog and spoke up and asked us how we like her dog. Apparently she WAS going home with it. She told us she had spent $700 on her boy dog but her husband said don't go that crazy for this one. I asked her, "What's your dogs name?" She didn't know as it took her 3 days to name her boy dog. While talking I suggested 'Piccadilly' - she really liked it. Who knows if she would really use the name and if she got the dog. I'd place bets she did - she wasn't moving too far from the bid sheet.

As for dinner, it was quite generous and catered by Beauchamps (pronounced 'Beach Ums') of downtown LS. A salad of mixed greens & carrots with a vinaigrette dressing. Main course of mahi mahi, brisket, and chicken breast with red skin mashed potatoes and carrots. I only ate the beef and chicken & left everything else. Dessert was cheesecake with a raspberry sauce.

After dinner we started the auction. Which is normally really fun. They have items anywhere from a piece of furniture to a pedicure to 3 hours of house cleaning. A wide array of things. Final prize was a trip for 2 to Mexico. How it works is each bid is normally .25 or .50, there is a pot in the middle of your table and you throw your quarter in and hold up the number assigned to you. They pull a number from the barrel, and if its your number you win AND the number goes back in for a chance to win something else (which happens a lot! ladies winning multiple items). If a number is called and that person didn't bid (we make fun of them) and another number is pulled until there's a winner. 3 ladies won at our table last night! Myself being not one of them. I took 50 dollars in quarters and bid on everything and came home with about $13 bucks. It is a fun evening for about a hundred bucks. I'll be back next year hopefully feeling well and lucky!!!

This weekend is Ty's Boy Scout camp out weekend. I had planned to camp until I came down with this caca. I'll plan on being there the entire time just not sleeping in a tent, which I kinda am going to miss. :( It's the biggest camp out of the year. The cub scouts get together with the boy scouts and all the families go. It's called Show & Do camp out. It's always lots and lots of fun and this year the weather is going to be PERFECT! Then Bri decided he was going on a bike ride with his buddies on Sunday morning. Meeting at the Corner Cafe for breakfast, yum! Then riding to Atchison. I wanna go!!! Another reason not to camp out.

I'm out; time for more drugs.

Peace

Tid Bits

2008-09-18T09:11:00.004-05:00

Our distrust is very expensive. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Bri's mom calls last night at 5:30p. His dad bought us comedy tickets for last nights show to attend with them and some of their friends but forgot to call and tell us. OOPS! She was calling to see if we could make it or not. NOT, we had other things going on. Would have liked to have gone there instead for a few laughs.

On the way to dinner, good ole Pizza Street where kids (4-9) eat free in the month of September, Tyler tells me his getting older now so he should be able to use the word "sucks" because everyone at school says it! And Ty being older than 9 got the free buffet! We got to also do some heavy duty people watching - one of my favorite things to do. A lady refused to move her pizza butt away from the buffet until they brought out piping hot pizza.

Tyler and I attended our friend's husband's visitation. It was so sad as they most always are. I felt lucky enough to be the last in line so that we got to talk longer without anyone waiting on me. We hugged and shared tears together. She feels cheated as they were going to spend their retirement years together. They hadn't even retired yet. Her son had put a video together of him. It was heartbreaking as the video showed him mounting the mule he'd fall off minutes after from cardiac arrest. They were laughing and having a good time. Showing off his yellow "mule rider" coat. His smile is precious as it was contagious. Send a prayer if you may.

These were friends from my old church where I grew up. I recognize a lot of them but their "oldtimers" (as that's what I thought it was called years ago) must have set in as they asked who I was. They are still as crotchety as ever! I had asked if they've already been up to talk to our friend and she blurts out, "NO, I CANT STAND THAT LONG." (She walks with a cane) I offered to let her in front of me but she refuses. The person in front of me continues to talk. Crotchety motions with her cane, "MOVE UP SO They'll HURRY UP." I took a baby step forward, I am not about to rush someone giving condolences. She continues to get impatient and finally moves forward to kiss and hug her and hobbles out the room. (Good grief, I hope I'm not that way when I'm older like that. If you see me acting that way - take my cane and knock my butt on the floor!)

Remember death comes in 3s? So I am wondering if this counts for me... The third being my friend's boss's relative. (I think that's stretching it!)

Ty's got a math packet he's been working on and it's due Friday. He had to get a parents signature to sign it stressing the importance it cannot be done in one night. So it highlights these points and there is no big deal and I sign it. I see he's worked some problems out and has three left. After we get home he starts working on a title page on the computer, "Ty's Math Packet" - what' that got to do with it? He has to "show his work", which made me laugh as show his work doesn't mean making a cute title page. Enter Bri, home from his home owners bi-laws meeting. Bri reads the ENTIRE math packet instructions and sees that Ty has to make a cover page (what he was doing on the computer). Caca hits the fan because I signed it w/o reading ALL of the instructions. Ty's work is all wrong and needs to be done over!!! Ty's upset because as parents we had to let him know that school work comes first and he may not be able to attend football practice tomorrow night if it's not done. Ty retaliates with his emotions causing more feuding. I get tired of being the referee. After things calm down, we're out at the kitchen table doing Math till 11:15p at night. In the end - He needs a cover title sheet & 6 examples (a page each). On those pages he labels the example, rewrites the problem, works the problem showing his work, writes a complete sentence for his answer then a detailed sentence explaining how he was able to solve the problem.

As we went to bed, I was lectured about not signing my name to anything without reading it's entirety! Bri was glad it was my name and not his! Then as soon as I can see the back of my eyelids Bri asked if I would sign some papers for him! :)

OK, OK, OK lesson learned - you cannot trust a 6th grader with his homework I still have to go over every single detail whether I'm sick or not.

Which today is the worst day of my sinuses yet. Which stinks because tonight is the Piccadilly Auction! Which I will write about tomorrow.

Peace

I'm Switching Gears

2008-09-17T08:58:00.002-05:00

Mirth is God's medicine. Everybody ought to bathe in it. ~Henry Ward Beecher

Yesterday was not a pleasant day for me. By evening I was trying to change it. I kept myself busy while Brian took Ty to football practice. I unloaded, reloaded and ran the dishwasher. Did several loads of laundry while making posters and price tents for our up and coming Show N Sell Boy Scout popcorn sales. I had opened the windows & turned on the attic fan to enjoy the evenings cool breeze. Even though I was busy, it was nice to sit & work on something rather than rushing here then there. Closer to the time the boys were expected back, I reheated chicken enchilada soup I had made over the weekend. Ty wanted Price Chopper's Chopper Chicken Tuesday Special. Maybe next week, we needed to eat what we had at home.

Once home we took our bowls of soup and watched a little TV. Caught the tail end of Wipe Out, made me laugh. People are so silly. Then we watched some of Epic Movie - not a Ty movie. Bri & I were secretly laughing at all the innuendos that were flying over Ty's head. Apparently it's what I needed. That and the good night sleep I got. Now only if my sinuses would clear up!

Peace