Dream Big

SHOP-shewana 2010

2010-08-21T19:26:00.017-04:00

About this time last year, our Shipshewana motorcycle trip turned into a SHOP-shewana trip when we ordered an Amish made kitchen table and chairs (see this post). So it only seems right and fitting that this year we should make a return trip for the matching kitchen bar stools! I smell adventure! It took 3 motorcycles and one 4-wheel vehicle to pick up 3 stools. Gas Hogs, Wild Hogs, whatever we are - we're good at it. Here's to the open road!Rain spit, sometimes poured, but that's what rain gear, backward ball caps, and goggles are for! Rick and Karen are so stinkin' stylish! Isn't it a-stinkin-dorable that their rain gear matches their bike colors? I would notice that kind of thing.

Next, we have Kevin going down the open road. I believe that Kevin believes that I can read sign language while driving a car and taking a picture, but let me assure you that I do not do it very well. I dearly love the guy for trying to communicate though! I love ya too baby!

Ron & Connie doing a little "food" shopping! Get a load of those store shelves! They contain the most mouth watering goods lined on those shelves inside this little Amish store. Kevin & Rick are eye-ing the pie case! The lemon pie had about a jillion mounds of meringue piled high - and there is just the slightest exaggeration in that statement. No calories in there! :) I'm already feeling guilty for just thinking (not doing), just thinking about buying one of these pie beauties to enter in next Sunday's church pie bake-off contest! I did not. I only thought it. This is what the men do when the women do what women do best ... shop! Oh, and you are probably wondering how - why - and when did Kevin come up with that neon bright colored construction vest?! Well, ... join the club ... we are wondering too! He said it was so we could find him when we went from shop to shop! Men have a funny way of shopping with us women-folk, it's so amusing!

Shop-shewana couple of the year 2010! This year's Shop-shewana gang -- Kevin/Kay, Ron/Connie, Rick/Karen. More aptly named The Wild Outlook Hogs (named after The Wild Hogs movie, combined with the name of our church, Outlook). I'm sure the new movie will be out soon. We're just wild about Jesus and each other! Time to stop and consult the map -- who said anything about directions anyway?

Wild Outlook Hog member Ron.Wild Outlook Hog Members Rick & Karen.

Wild Outlook Hog Member Kevin. Card-playing was part of the SHOP-shewana experience ... and we learned to play Hand And Foot, which should likely be renamed Think And Think Some More but our brains did good work and the women were victorious!
Ron was the spokesmen for the men's feelings about being beat by the women. We women were not bothered by it. It's a wonderful thing to smell adventure! I'll post pics of our new kitchen bar stools soon. I mean, after all they were the reason for the season. Lord have mercy -- I came home so happy after this little SHOP-shewana trip! Taste every ounce of friendship. Taste every ounce of life. Because it is most definitely a gift! Thank you Lord for a community of friends where we can be serious and silly and maybe all on the same day!

Baby R is here!

2010-07-28T08:53:00.002-04:00

Here's a report that I received from Grandpa Larry:

We are pleased and excited to welcome Baby R into our family, immediate and extended. She arrived beautiful and healthy 7-27-10 at 8:15pm. 7lbs. 2 oz and 19 inches. Laura, Baby and Dan are fine. Rosalie will meet her sister in the morning. We know she will be excited, but she says she wants to go swimming first. She does not realize how her life is going to change. She has been practicing on how to take care of her sister.

We wish we could tell you this beautiful baby's name but only the parents know, and we can't really say that for sure. Many of you have had input on her name and the stories will be told for years to come. After seeing her we know it is not the name that is going to make this baby special. She will make any name special. She has lots of hair and according to Dan good lungs.

Love to all,
Larry & Joyce

And let me just add ... I'm downright happy to be an aunt again! The crowds at the mall better part like the Red Sea so we can get to some more pink! Rhegan & I will be on a mission, via the nail salon.
Love, Aunty Kay

Upside Down Fun & Some Recipes

2010-07-07T17:44:00.007-04:00

I found this picture of upside-down Rosalie and thought it was so cute, I had to blog it! Rosalie is about to get a new baby sister very soon. We are soliciting "R" names ... any suggestions?

Sister Joyce just left Norway, and is on her way to Ireland at the moment. Amazing how those cruise boats get from Point A to Point B! Larry is good about emailing me from the ship, but Joyce - not so much! Vacation is vacation, baby! Write that one down in the motto book!

I asked Kevin to pick up a few things at the WalMart for me today, and he was happy to do it. Then he realized what he got himself into when he got inside WalMart! He said he spent 138,000 minutes looking for stuff, and besides, it was hot outside. I'm an appreciated woman for my many trips to Wally World for us!

Okay, so Mrs. Lark asked me for the recipes referenced in my previous post. Ohhhh my gracious heavenly gallbladderless days ... these Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies were w-o-n-d-e-r-f-u-l, and did I mention they were wonderful? I have a disclaimer, however. The recipe calls for caramel topping, but I just happened to have this scrumpdillyicious Amish made creamy peanut butter (click link to order it - it has marshmallow creme as one of the listed ingredients) so I used that instead of caramel. My brother-in-law ordered a case of it for us! Proceed at your own risk:

Chocolate Peanut Butter (or Caramel) Brownies
(There are many layers of love in these brownies)

3 large eggs
1/4 tsp salt
2 tsp vanilla
1/2 C butter or margarine
1 C chopped walnuts
1 1/2 C chocolate chips
3/4 C baking cocoa
1/2 C brown sugar
1/2 C sugar
4 oz caramel (ice cream topping) or 4 oz creamy peanut butter
3/4 C flour

1. Beat butter, white and brown sugar in large mixer bowl until creamy. Add 2 eggs and vanilla, mix well.

2. Gradually beat in flour, cocoa and salt. Reserve 3/4 C of batter. Spread remaining batter into greased 8" square baking pan. Sprinkle nuts and 3/4 C chocolate chips over batter. Drizzle caramel (or peanut butter) over top.

3. Beat remaining egg into reserved batter. Stir in remaining 3/4 C chocolate chips. Spread evenly over caramel (or peanut butter) topping.

4. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until center is set. Cool completely before cutting.

Salsa Cheese Ball

12 oz cream cheese (Yes, that's what I said -- 1 and 1/2 blocks of cream cheese)
4 oz sour cream
2 C. shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
3 chopped green onions
3 tablespoons salsa

Mix ingredients together and serve as dip for crackers or vegies. Or spread on flour tortillas, roll up, slice into 1" pieces, stick toothpick in each. Makes a pretty appetizer!

Gotta go -- I made myself hungry!

2010-07-02T15:11:00.002-04:00

I've been busy doing everything. I don't know how it got to be July! Doesn't this quote really hit home with just about anyone? I did me. Today will be an anything post.

I've had a bunch of doses of inspiration lately in the following categories: family togetherness in Amish Country (and yes, I ordered the matching bar stools to the Amish made kitchen table and chairs we got last summer); summer-time Harley riding with hubby & friends; a few new recipes including chocolate peanut butter brownies and salsa cheese ball. Isn't it impossible to pick a favorite inspiration? And I didn't even mention the crafty cards I've made lately! Or Rhegan's twirl (and fall) down the Barbie Doll Runway!

I'm enjoying a new stove and refrigerator. Isn't it wonderful that the kitchen floor "accidentally" got scratched up when installing the new frig ... so we'll have to get a new one? Been looking at floor samples. Oh ... and we just happened upon an updated bathroom sink/counter. I LOVE when one thing leads to another ... in this instance! AND ... a silly crazy wonderful piece of info along these lines is this: we got a true-to-life, bonafide, in-the-flesh handyman! Be still my heart! God sent him. First, He sent him to my neighbor's house, then to my other neighbor's house, and then to mine. (Note: he did not install the new frig! LOL) I love our house, the neighborhood, the location. It just needed a handyman! I see new light fixtures in our future too.

I miss my mom. The days have been ticking by since she went to Heaven. Healing is ushered in over time, nothing you can do to speed it along. Kinda good that God designed it that way, so we don't feel rushed or nothing! Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out. Part of my doing "everything" lately includes filling my heart with memories. In a full heart there is room for everything, and in an empty heart there is room for nothing.

I don't want to talk about life without a gallbladder. I don't need it back or anything. It would probably be totally complicated to do so.

One more week and then we'll be heading to Florida. I just know it's gonna be hot (duh!). The Keatster is having knee surgery, and we're gonna make sure that doctor knows the waiting room is a house of prayer! And then I'm going to take Keaton home and give him drugs.

It's time for a 3-day weekend! Happy Birthday America! What are you most looking forward to this weekend? A hot dog? fun fun fun :)

Silence is the sleep that nourishes wisdom.

Road Tripping & 30 Years!

2010-04-29T17:18:00.004-04:00

1. Road trip this weekend to Circleville, Ohio for our niece's college graduation. Lots of rain in the forecast, but I've learned that the best thing to do when it rains is let it rain. Jane will be along with us ... God love her Alzheimer's soul! Will be fun to celebrate with Lynnea on her graduation, and see the big (?) town of Circleville.

2. Road trip next weekend to Greenville, SC for our nephew's wedding. I've got a new hair cut going on, and a basic black dress with pearls all set for the bash! Lark & Tracy are the bomb - a perfect match. I want to thank them in advance for getting married and giving us a reason to get away. Kevin & I are going to drive our little selves into the sunset and laugh our way to and from!

30 Years!

1. Last weekend was our 30th wedding anniversary. Oh my heck, where has the time gone! 30 years sounds like a long time, but it doesn't feel like it unless I actually take the time to figure out how old I am in relation to how old the kids are!

2. I don't know how we got this old, but I do know that I'm keeping Kevin. On Sunday after church service, we set off to eat lunch out with the church gang as usual, but when I arrived Kevin had about 30 of our closest friends & family there to surprise and celebrate with us!

3. How did he pull that off?

4. Better yet, let's think back 30 years ago and wonder how did he lose his checkbook on the day of our wedding?!

5. I don't care what you say, I'm still keeping him!

Five Things

2010-04-17T22:45:00.004-04:00

I have not done a list in a long time, so today's the day!

Five Things I did today:
*Shopped at Steinmart with my sister, Joyce. Bought a summer purse. Color is "bartender beige"! Who thunk that one up?! It's kinda pink and kinda peach. It's definitely cute.
*Laundry - lots of it. Kevin says thank you!
*Visited with Dan/Laura/Rosalie at Rosegate, and enjoyed Rosalie's beautiful 3 year old head full of bouncy blond curls.
*Rode the Harley with the Hubby
*Texted with the Keatster, who is in a wedding this weekend in the Jersey area. Wondering if he will learn to talk like a Jersey boy?

Five Things I am Excited About:
*Neice's college graduation - roadtrip trip to Ohio.
*Nephew's wedding - roadtrip to Greenville, SC.
*Our 30th wedding anniversary!!
*Working out our summer bible study plans
*Spring!!! Minus the allergies.

Five Things I Read today:
*Book entitled "So You Don't Want To Go To Church Anymore?"
*Menards online windows & blind treatments
*Turning Points devotional magazine
*Q-doba Menu
*Super nice handmade card I received from Lori

Five Things That Made Me Happy in the last Five Days:
*Manicure!
*Visiting with dear friends, Debbie and Debbie (yes, I meant to say two Debbies, it is not a typo! LOL)
*New revelations about the love of God - His mercies are new EVERY morning!
*8 hours sleep, 2 nights in a row
*An email I received from pastors at church

This is How I Feel About It ...

2010-03-31T21:57:00.004-04:00

Today was that kind of day ... the kind where you tie a knot and just hang on. I laughed, I cried, I hurt, and I loved. It started with a great morning bible study and blog post for this week's lesson. It gave me a real boost. He knows its hard to be us.

Now. I don't allow myself to get down very often about my oldest kid's choices. I try to focus on the hope I have for him instead. I love him. I love him unconditionally. But I'd be lying if I didn't say that there are days that it doesn't hurt like the dickens (is that a real a word? What's a dickens!). Today happened to be one of those days. I try to keep it real here on the blog and sometimes that means admitting that everyday is not a party.

It doesn't really matter what the trigger was, that's not the point. Just sometimes, stuff brings me to my knees. I love my son, I just don't love his attitude sometimes. But it's not even that - not really. Because quite frankly, I live and breath for my faith, husband, children, grandchildren, family, and friends. What this is really about to me is having a close relationship even if he lives 1000 miles away. But our differences in religion, politics, lifestyle, and even food just make it kinda hard for us to relate and there are days when it just plain hurts. Today was one of those days. I love him anyway. I remind myself, and God reminded me this morning, that He knows its hard to be us. Enough said.

If you can't forgive and forget, pick one.

Can anybody say Spring Break?! The last two days and nights Kevin has been busy being a grandpa. He and Clayton whooped up the town in Chicago - they hit the Museum of Science & Industry, Shed's Aquarium, took a spin thru the downtown sights and on Lakeshore Drive, and then stopped at a dairy farm on the road trip back home. I got some Havarti Onion and Asiago cheese as a souvenir, yay! But don't let me breath on you, cuz you might get knocked down.

So when's Rhegan's turn? I'm so glad you asked ... cuz grandma (my sweet self!) is picking her up this Saturday. We've got a waaay better agenda than the boys ... we're gettin' manicures and going shopping and eating pizza! See what I mean?

Keep busy and stay positive! That's been my mantra for the last 2 months. But there are days when I just miss my momma. Just miss her, I tell ya. I want to know what she is doing now, what it was like to die and enter the presence of our Lord, and what she would say to me now if she could. Isn't that crazy! Like it would change things or something. It was such a blessing to participate in celebrating her life. It was an uplifting and inspiring funeral. I came away wanting to lead a better and more exemplary life. I've come to better understand that it's not what you leave to your children, it's what you leave in your children that matters most.

And now it's back to normal life here at home. I've got my to-do lists (tax prep, meeting planning, bill-paying, notes to write and creations to create) and I'm teaching the women's bible study next week so there's a lesson to work on. Happiness! Today, I'm feeling quite inspired to be a better me. I'm finding joy in the love of the Lord and my family. I am blessed. And ... He knows its hard to be us.

When we do the best we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life, or in the life of another.

Long Winter

2010-02-09T22:41:00.003-05:00

Rise above the storm, and you will find the sunshine.

No. 2 is okay

2010-02-09T12:34:00.005-05:00

Regarding The Colts: Okay ... so the Saints came marching over the Colts. Superbowl Sunday wasn't so "holy" around here ... but then again ... I believe it was! I mean, it was the Saints forevermore! Who couldn't love Drew Brees and his buds?! Now mind you, I still love our Peyton! Thank you to both teams for a great season! My friend reminded me about the importance of a No. 2 pencil. You are asked to use it when you take a test. It's okay to be No. 2. Enough said. So this was our Colts Party in da Hood! Nice neighbors Brent & Eleanore hosted a "holy" feast (after a minor mishap with a pizza in the oven, a valient effort to burn the house down, but we chose to laugh at the smoke-thick rooms and just open all the doors and windows instead)!

Praise loudly, blame softly.

Celebrating Momma - Florence K. Stiller

2010-02-06T20:06:00.010-05:00

This was how my mom lived her earthly life --- she kept moving --- she was never, not doing something for someone --- she carried with her the Grace of God --- with fierce determination to reach her eternal destination. Which she did --- on January 28, 2010 --- peacefully, in her sleep, God called her name. And she said "I'm gone!" She was 87 years young. A sweet, beautiful, spunky loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. And I will miss her like crazy, until we meet again in the heavenlies.

Since dad's heavenly journey almost 7 years ago, Kevin & I have tried to care for mom with as much grace & love as she so beautifully exemplified to us, doing whatever we could to reduce any stress. It was Pure Joy to watch her enjoy life! From moving her out of her home, into independent living at Rosegate, to crashing widow-hood card parties, and attending veteran dinners on her behalf to honor her naval service. To lunching together, shopping, and crafting the day away, giggling like two girlfriends.

Dealing with death's details isn't easy, but celebrating mom's earthly christian life was a piece of cake! She and dad gave me EVERY opportunity to witness a servant's life well-lived, and I will be forever grateful to be their child. If I can offer but a small piece of that to my kids and grandkids, I will be humbled.

Ladies, enjoy your beautiful daughters. Be good daughters to your moms, as I was to mine, and your daughters are to you. But most importantly, remember that we are all Daughters of the King!

God pours life into death and death into life without a drop being spilled.

Jeanne Acheson-Munos Enjoying Heaven

2010-01-20T08:10:00.004-05:00

Been an emotional week around here after the Haiti earthquake last Tuesday. Upon learning of it, this is an excerpt of an email Kevin & I sent:

Friends,
Kevin & I are asking you to please help us pray …. Our former pastor (Nazarene Church) landed in Haiti 2 hours before the earthquake. The Nazarene church has a very big presence there. J.K. is unharmed. But our very dear friends were living there, and Jack has been found and has been transported to a Miami hospital. But Jeanne is nowhere to be found, and their apartment is in rubble. Please please help us pray to our amazing God for an amazing miracle! Jack & Jeanne Munos-Acheson. Haiti hospitals are in rubble. My heart is broke. Just so broke. Thank you.

The days ticked on ... then we sent this follow-up email:

Friends:
Regarding Jack/Jeanne --- we received a report yesterday afternoon that when the anticipated heavy equipment arrived on Saturday, the Bishop could not convince them to dig at the site where only Jeanne and 2 others were known to be buried. Hard to swallow, but understandable in the ever emerging crisis … that all equipment should go to the places where the most lives can have a chance at rescue/recovery. We know that a memorial service was held in Haiti on Saturday afternoon by the church where she/Jack served. You can watch an excerpt from her funeral service here:

http://www.helphaitiheal.org/2010/01/rev-jeanne-acheson-munos-merle-west-and-gene-defour/

Kevin will be going to Florida later this week, and plans to visit Jack who remains hospitalized in Miami. We picked up a beautiful (almost full size!) crocheted blanket from Ron/Connie’s house yesterday, and we know it will mean a lot to Jack since he has nothing – nothing left, except his faith. Thank you Connie! Jack/Jeanne’s best friends were in the process of selling everything they owned and planned to join them in Haiti to partner in their efforts. They, along with Jeanne’s brother, are now in Miami to help Jack through his recovery until the time he is able to travel back to Indianapolis. It is anticipated he will then live with our friends, Dan/Patye Bridget for an undetermined amount of time.

Since Kevin will be flying to Florida before our next Sunday School class meeting, would you all commit to pray “over the prayer shawl” for Jack/Jeanne Acheson-Munos, and their friends/family? We have established a specific prayer time for this Wednesday, 8pm, and ask that each of you, individually --- will join us collectively in prayer. God will honor our efforts and speak peace to the many hurting people left behind. I know that a revival is/can happen and pray that it does!

If you can spare one last tidbit – I think you’ll find this a blessing. When state-side, Jack/Jeanne often went around and gave their “Haiti” shpeel to welcoming churches, to raise awareness/funds for the place they loved and God laid on their hearts. She pinned buttons on any living thing that said “Haiti for Christ.” And yesterday, her dad (Rev. A) said: “I imagine by now that my Jeanne has pinned one of those buttons on Christ, and He’s proudly displaying it in Heaven!” AMEN to that!

Thank you for indulging Kevin & I, for ministering to us and loving us so effectively. Know that we cherish each and every one of you.

Jeanne Acheson-Munos ... Enjoying Heaven!

“Your faith makes you offer your lives as a sacrifice in serving God.” Philippians 2:17
When we face struggles, we often wonder, Why? Years from now, though, we may realize that it was those struggles that taught us something we could not have otherwise learned—that there was a purpose in our pain. God’s purpose is greater than your pain, and he has a greater purpose than your problems.

Goodbye Ms. Bladdie

2010-01-06T21:06:00.004-05:00

So here I am, coming to you live ... gallbladder-less! The surgery was originally scheduled for 2pm today, then it was bumped up to 11;30am. And then, just yesterday, they bumped it up again to 10:00am. I told Kevin at that rate, it could be out by the evening! LOL! Well, as God would have it, today's surgery was indeed orchestrated by the Great Physician Himself and I can honestly say I feel better right now (just hours post-op!) than I have felt in the last several months! This pain is nothing - natta - lower than low! They even gave us 4 sequential pictures of the inside of my guts, showing all the parts & pieces! That's just too much!! Scrapbook material?!? Ha Our Sunday School class pretty much had a party in the waiting room. And now that they've seen the pictures, they can honestly say they know me inside and out! So --- the parting was graceful, and although I appreciate everything she did for me while we were together, it's goodbye Ms. Bladdie. Rest in peace.

Kevin & I truly do appreciate you praying us through. Anyone who might doubt the power of prayer hasn't been hanging around with us enough! Of course, it's not the power of prayer. It's the mighty miraculous power of God sought in prayer. I praise Him to the highest heavens for His generosity! Not once did I feel apart from His tender care. Not once. N-o-t o-n-c-e. He even granted us an opportunity to witness (of course, we did that all the live long day), but a specific opportunity to talk with my nurse about Jesus and to invite her and her husband to join us at church. I think she will -- Cindy, God is anxious to prove Himself to you! He loves us so much, and He is all the time arranging details to let us know He's there. This, I k-n-o-w!

I'll be crafting again soon! It might be my most inspiring creations to date! Amazing what a good gallbladder surgery will do to ya! Thank you again family & friends. You are loved. You are never forgotten. Never overlooked. My heart is completely stolen by God over each of you, with bleary eyes.

If you can spare one last prayer, my very very very dear friend, Eleanore, is having lens replacement on her eyes starting tomorrow. And we are expecting a snow storm as well. Please pray for her surgery to be perfect, and her pain to be tolerable, and their safe travels. She was very very very instrumental in getting me the medical attention I needed so quickly (she's kinda a big shot at the hospital, but you'd never know it. Especially since she's a short tiny little speck of a thing!). We have been very very very close friends for like-ever (23 years) and she is precious. Thank you for remembering her and Brent.

Kiss your life. Accept it, just as it is. Today. Now. So that those moments of happiness you're waiting for don't pass you by.

New Year's Eve -- 2009

2010-01-03T20:20:00.003-05:00

So ... will it be Two Thousand and Ten, or Twenty-Ten, or just Ten?!

Three Words ...

2009-12-31T12:27:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year!

Kevin & I have had the most amazing Jesus Year! Our family has been SO graced with His love. If you want to have a Jesus Year {and I know you do!} then I offer this to you my dear ones ... no matter what happens, good or bad, stay in the living breathing word of God! It truly is the bread of life! Blesssings to you and yours, bring on 2010!

A Little More Picture Fun ....

2009-12-31T11:42:00.005-05:00

HAPINESS IS:

....playing in the food pantry closet with glow in the dark sticks. ...Grandma's mustache!

... Keaton's fat lips!

... a really stinkin' cute lunch tote and photo wallet for Andrea - my favorite (only) daughter. {Note to Boys - daughter-in-laws are welcome and encouraged.} ... a book for Clayton. Any book will do. But a really good comic book kind of book is the bomb!

... Scooters for Clayton & Rhegan! Need I say more?

.... Uncle Keaton, Math Teacher Extraordinaire' is really a big kid in disguise. Probably, a daughter-in-law is not adviseable at this time, unless she has the patience of Job, and enjoys a stand up (fall-down) comic.

HAPPINESS IS a way station between too little and too much.

Colts Fans Are Crazy

2009-12-29T11:27:00.002-05:00

We went with 40,000 of our best friends to the Colts game on Sunday. The boys were excited to see Lucas Oil Stadium. We walked several blocks in blinding wet snow to the stadium, joined the hype happiness inside and rode escalaters to the ceiling and back down again, and then we left the boys on their own to go "discovering" while Kevin & I found our seats. These pics are the result of their adventure. Do boys ever grow up??!!
Peyton and his buds gave us a good show most of the game ... until the coach took him out and THREW THE GAME!! Oh my heck, the fans were mad. Mad might be a mild word. The poor quarterback who "tried" to pull it together for the rest of the game's offensive plays was met with BOOS from 40,000 of our closest friends. Fans literally got up and left the stadium. Our undefeated season record was bombed. Trash-ola. Nix. Nadda.

Do you think we'll get over it? Playoffs --- here we come! BLUE is still my color.

Indulge Me - Holiday Highlights 2009

2009-12-25T23:05:00.002-05:00

Church Program --- starring my favorite (only) granddaughter, Miss Rhegan!

Highland Springs Luminary Night and Santa Visit

Christmas Day Presents

Merry CHRISTmas 2009

2009-12-25T10:13:00.002-05:00

It's THE day! Christmas Adam has past. Christmas Eve has past. And it's THE day! There is no white snow, only wet dreary rain that has absolutely no bearing on the joy of this day. Today is Jesus' birthday, and we are going to celebrate in style!

Thoughtful Christmas presents, wrappings all around, O'Malley jumping through it - tugging at the ribbon strings. Then it was Christmas omlets, al-la-chef Brandt, while Kevin's taxi went to collect Mom & Jane. Brandt took charge of cooking potatos while Math Teacher Extraordinaire' Keaton cleaned up the messes ... all that was left for me to do was take a shower! Ohhh the joys of adult children! LOL

Dinner is done and everyone is like an overstuffed pillow. Time to relax, reflect, and remember why we celebrate this day. I could not make it through the singing of Silent Night during Christmas Eve worship service last night ... it was one of my dad's favorite songs (as if the wonderment of Christ's birth isn't enough!). When I was growing up, my family always went to Christmas Eve service and dad always made sure me and my lighted candle were doing well together as we sang Silent Night in the flickering light. It's a precious memory to me.

What's a precious Christmas memory of yours?

Precious Precious Holidays

2009-12-23T10:21:00.002-05:00

Well – I am on Christmas Holiday for 2 full weeks (starting today!) and I’m looking forward to enjoying time with family & friends! We’ve already had our annual luminary in our neighborhood --- the night when we host a get-together for my extended family and Santa comes around in a sleigh with gifts for the little ones. My dysfunctional bunch runs amuck throughout the house, while the snow falls, and there is food and fellowship in abundance! Last weekend, we also had the pleasure of attending my granddaughter’s Christmas program at church and she was the most magnificent 5 year old in the bunch (did I mention she’s my favorite (only) granddaughter?!? LOL)! Rhegan did her part in the play and sang her songs to Jesus, with the gusto of a hurricane and made Grammy and Papaw smile!

Our boys are beginning to arrive ---- Keaton flew in yesterday from Florida. I SO love that boy! He & I are somewhat kindred spirits, we’ve been through much together, and his wit & humor make every minute of everyday a picnic! He is getting his weather wish – coming from warm, sunny Florida, he always wants us to have snow so he can get a taste of winter! And God delivered on that one! We have a light covering on the ground right now, and a winter storm is predicted within the coming days. Keaton may not be so enthralled with the glistening white wet stuff when he drives 2 hours south, later today, to pick up his brother! LOL

Brandt is traveling from DC. He is riding with a buddy to Louisville and Keaton will pick him up. Then Brandt will be home for 5 days, staying through Sunday so the four of us can go to the Colts game, and then he will fly back to DC on Monday morning. We LOVE our Colts! We go giddy, along with the rest of the 40,000 fans when we are at the stadium! GO BLUE!

We will all attend church on Christmas Eve and then some friends are coming over to join our family for an evening meal. Then on Christmas day, my mom and Aunt Jane will join us for dinner. (A family can NEVER have too many Christmas meals!) LOL On the day after Christmas, we will meet up again with my daughter, son-in-law, and the grandkids. I'm praying that Child Protective Services will not apprehend my grandchildren before that day .... did I mention 2 out of 3 of them have had "mishaps" with "N"th degree burns lately? Ouch. (It's okay Andrea ... you are still the world's greatest momma, and this too shall pass!)

I’m hoping to have some craft time the week after Christmas. Lately, I’ve been smitten with a mixture of shabby chic and vintage designs! My creative streak longs to dip lace in tea, and wrap beautiful fibers around creamy white cards full of glitter and bling! I did get a chance to make some Christmas card/gift sets lately – and if you’ve seen my other blog, you saw the mini notebook journals that I whipped up for the Women’s Christmas Tea. SO very fun to do!

I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas! May God’s favor shine especially warm and tender in your family this holiday. May His mercy be served up to you fresh and new each morning, in just the exact amount needed for that day, and again the next day and the next in just the right measurement. All this – because Jesus the Messiah was born. Born to save us.

Grace! It's my "word" this past year. What's your word for 2010 going to be?

In Memory of Harold

2009-09-26T17:09:00.002-04:00

My bloggin' days have suffered any updates, but I'm moving past that guilt. Praise His merciful, faithful name, God was unsparing in His presence among us at Harold's funeral!

Harold died on Sept 21, following a 3-week struggle resulting from his stroke. Jesus saw he was getting tired and a cure was not to be. So He put His arms around him and whispered, "Come with Me."

Thus starts the funeral procession before the funeral procession. It only took me 3 hours to pack up Kevin's sister Jane (who suffers with Alzheimers). Jane did okay with the travel and funeral, etc. But even as we left Kentucky, she thought we were leaving the family reunion and wondered if that was Harold/Viv in the truck ahead of us!

Kevin did an AMAZING job at giving his brother's eulogy. Everyone was blessed. Everyone. It was like being at service, and then ... oh yeah, you remembered you were at a funeral. God covered him as he spoke. He tied in the good, the bad, and the ugly as only the touch of the Holy Spirit can do. Is it any wonder? It is such a privilege to live under God's faithfulness!

At the service end, I joined my Harley Hubby at the casket to greet the line of final goodbye's. It made me do what I HATE to do in public: the UGLY cry. Geez, I hate that! Nobody looks good doing that. But after Kevin delivered the absolute best message to document and celebrate a life lived, there was no hope of gettin' out of the UGLY cry.

Kevin has burned up the highways making 4 trips to KY to see his brother. His knee hasn't had any time at all to properly heal, and Kevin has certainly paid the price. But again, I'm reminded who paid the ultimate price!

I've learned that it is no coincidence that we were dealing with so much personal stuff lately. Isn't it wonderful that God is IN our lives, and not just there at the END of our lives? He is SO worthy of our trust in every stinkin' detail! In the end, it's BLISS. Forever BLISS. But until then, we can dang' well decide how we're gonna "deal with stuff" till we get there! Dealing with stuff is just a stepping stone to holy!

This past year I have said this 1000 times and I'll make it 1001. You will never meet another face on the planet that has been graced more than me! One thing I am taking home with me from Kentucky is loss. Harold will be missed. And for this season-of-time, I am going to shout to whomever will listen to my face, there is no such thing as serving in obscurity when you belong to Jesus. He is attentive to your labor. He is attentive to your CRY. It MATTERS.

Sweet peoples, there is NO ONE on earth God notices more than you. He knows that the situation you are in is not the easiest place on the planet to serve Him, but He sees you doing the thing day-in and day-out. Thank goodness we have an example of a man after God's own heart.

Good Bye Harold. Forever BLISS is yours!

SHOPshewana Trip

2009-09-20T14:44:00.003-04:00

I've been meaning to post some pics from our August motorcycle trip to Shipshewana, which turned into SHOPshewana after ordering a new kitchen table and chairs from the Amish Furniture Shop! Still waiting on our order ... oh darn, we will have to go back with our trailer to pick it up! Mercy me, whatever shall we do except make the drive ... sigh!? (wink wink) Here, Lynn is talking to Mr. Ed .... I think.
A 3 hour trip took 5 hours (but who's counting)! This was a necessary stop - DQ! Smiling bikers! Lynn/Bear ... Rick/Karen ... where's K&K?

Mr. K ... checking into the hotel ...

Tired and hot biker babe ...

Refreshed after eating at the BlueGate. Did anyone say Beef Manhatten, Fried Chicken, and all the fixin's? Naw ... I just heard someone say AMEN!

Lynn had a chance to visit with her bro .. who lives a hop skip and jump away. Nice little family reunion!

God's green thumb ...

Happy biker Chic's ...

Me & my honey, walking thru the "tunnel of luvvvv"!

Wordy Words and Inspirational Words

2009-09-04T21:13:00.002-04:00

It's Friday night, and I'm ready to snuggle with my foam pillow here in a little minute so I can start a 3-day weekend fresh as a daisy! I decided to blogaroonie a bit before I hit the hay, because I love ya and my head is full of Wordy Words.

1. Today I'm reminded how much I enjoy my intimate friends. To qualify for intimate friendship you must care, for example, about very important things like whether or not she is using a new Bath & Body cream or if she wore almost the exact same shirt as you on a given day. It could just be my imagination that Karen & I showed up at work today in such a predicament. But in case you are wearing a shades-of-blue tie die shirt today, then I'm afraid we are indeed intimate friends. I'm hoping it's a two-way street here!

2. I’ll have you know that yours truly was FORCED to finish off the remaining Chocolate Zucchini Cake this week! A simple cake doesn’t even begin to say thank you for all the love we received throughout Kevin's surgery, but I offer it humbly! Mr. Stubborn continues to do too much, but we did get a good report from the doctor earlier this week. They took x-rays and showed us a before/after comparison and WOW, what a difference! I don’t let him off the hook though --- I tell him that just because his knee “mug shot” is good doesn’t mean he has free reign to tear it up again! God did not grace Kevin with a subtle wife. So the next day, he went to work. And yesterday morning, he drove himself to Bowling Green, Kentucky ….

3. I will list this one as part of the Wordy Words, but it is not light-hearted. Kevin's brother, Harold, is not doing well following the massive stroke he had a week ago. They were able to do surgery and remove the clot, but he is non-responsive and paralyzed on his right side. His heart rate and blood pressure is not stable and he is struggling to breath. Kevin wanted to get there. We had planned to leave Saturday and take Kevin’s sister (Jane has Alzheimer's and we take care of her). So Kevin went on by himself, and I will bring Jane down on Saturday. Not sure if we’ll be going to the hospital or to a funeral. Only our Heavenly Father knows. I’m glad Kevin made it.

Oh my heavenly mercy! It's almost time for me to say good-night to O'Malley the monster cat and snooze in preparation for my 3-day weekend. I know you prolly feel cheated that I can't go on, so how about a final word of the inspirational type.

1. My nose has been in the precious word of God, because me and my intimate friends (that means you too) have endured pain in our lives. In 1 Samuel 1, Hannah did this. She went through an excruciating personal journey in infertility and the relationships in her life were chaos! She prayed so hard, Eli thought she was drunk! That is sad because he judged her. Isn’t prayer the best way to react to situations in life? We should seek God’s face with passion and emotion! Well, Hannah poured out her heart – just like Kay is doing. It’s okay to ask for healing of the body against disease. It’s okay to plead with God to mend a crushed heart. Praise God that we can take our griefs to God – He can handle it! Well, God remembered Hannah and blessed her. I’m SO thankful that God included Hannah’s story, to bring us hope when we pray and cry out to Him. I have been praying and crying out for my own situations! We HAVE to remember to keep it real with our lives, just like Hannah did!

2. I am learning that worry is just another way of saying that God can't handle His job.

3. Our "Chaos" bible study begins next week and I can't wait to hang with the gang again. I'm sure God has big plans for "Finding Calm in Life's Chaos" by Becky Harling. Calm sounds good to me right now. Where on earth would we be without God and His word? Lord, have mercy! Honestly, I believe with all my beating heart that God wants us to talk about our fears, solutions, and taking chances for God. That, my intimate friends, will keep us busy and smack dab in the middle of each other’s business!!

Okay, I'm snoozing. I pray that our very big wonderful loving God of all the universe will do something very big wonderful in your 3-days of labor-rest, perhaps something with Wordy Words or perhaps something inspirational inside your sweet self!

Hubby Harley Goes To Surgery

2009-08-30T18:03:00.004-04:00

This is my hubby on his Harley just 6 days after knee replacement surgery! And he is not just sitting pretty either ... Kevin zoomed off into the sunshine with his cane inside his saddlebag. I'm not sure if my sweet self is recovering from his surgery as well as he is!

We believe that you will never meet another set of faces on the planet that has been graced more than us! Throughout the time leading up to, during, and after surgery, a wonderful support system of family & friends showed us buckets of love. So many prayers, visits, calls, cards, emails, and help ... too numerous to count. Click here to see a little project that Nurse Kay put together for sharing with our church family this morning.

A little bit of rambling:

Dr. VanMeter prays with his patients before surgery, and we had to hold hands "or it won't take" he says!
Kevin tried to convince the young nurse to marry our son, but I think she's scared of being his daughter-in-law.
Although I was technically on vacation for 3 days, suffice it to say billable hands are happy hands.
I've been meaning to blog about attending the Women of Faith conference, it's on my radar. It was wonderful and overwhelming and full of grace.
3-year old birthday girl Rosalie called me on the telephone and said clear as a bell "Thank You for the gift Aunt Kay!" Can anyone say precious? I loved it!
I'm a little bit tired, but don't plan to be 10 minutes from now.
There are more angels carrying me than I will ever understand.
Some of my friends in blogaroonie land will never know how much I appreciate them.
Football season is starting - YAY! The Hood is prepared for a little thing called Super Bowl. Go Blue!
Kevin's Sarah Palin glasses broke. So much for Alaska.
I broke out the pots & pans recently, and remembered how to use them!
Keaton, Math Teacher Extraordinaire', is back in full swing, only this year he's working on his Masters and tutoring kids on the side. The gift of youth!
Good friend Debbie P. sent a singing get-well-soon card that made us laugh.
Kevin is smokin' hot! I want to send a paper plane to my Harley Hubby and say "I Love You"!

The Man Cave

2009-08-22T22:18:00.004-04:00

This is the new "Man Cave" in my living room, appropriately named in preparation for hubby's upcoming knee replacement. We shopped and we shopped (like we huffed and we puffed) and we blew the budget with this oversized, overstuffed, overpriced piece of fluff, more commonly known as a recliner. I call it a sleeping pill, but Kevin calls it Clifford, the Big Brown Chair. The shopping part was easy (funny, that's never been a problem for me) but the getting it in the house part was the real story!

First you must understand that I plan to ask the hospital to label his wristband "Mr. Stubborn" which might be worth more than a 20% tip. So when this massive piece of fluff arrived at the warehouse and Mr. Stubborn went to load it in his trailer, the nice people at the furniture store loaded it. Fast forward to when it was sitting in our driveway. Mr. Stubborn hobbled inside after a long day at work, and first sat down to eat a couple of chicken salad sandwiches, compliments of my famous cooking (and Sams Club). That's when the doorbell rang. Very good friends & neighbors Bear & Lynn had that huge recliner ON our porch and said "Furniture movers here! Where would you like it?" Thanks seems trite, but I offer it humbly.

Thus, the Man Cave! The Miracle of the Man Cave!

Ohhhhh'Malley

2009-08-20T07:11:00.002-04:00

He's a monster! O'Malley used to be tiny and cute and he used to be sweet and innocent and he used to make me dash home and purr with him. That was then. This is now! Look at those devient eyes! Arrest the cat! And don't post bail!

One morning last week, we came downstairs to find that O'Malley had simply helped himself to my ribbon/yarn drawer and had a ball with a ball of yarn! It is wrapped around and around and about the dinning room table and all six chairs, six ways to Sunday! He should sleep for a week! There's no getting this mess untangled without scissors!

Right at this moment, O'Mally is sweetly curled up in his sheepskin bed right in front the computer monitor telling what to type. Sigh. He's SO darn cute. That was then, and this is now!

Happy 29th Birthday!

2009-08-18T22:26:00.005-04:00

Oh my heck, I love being 29! But for the life of me, I don't know WHY I waited 52 years (figure that one out yourself) to take a day off work and just do w-h-a-t-e-v-e-r! It was the best day! It started with a drop-in visit from very good friend and neighbor Lynn, with a super duper cute magnetic board she made me with pictures of all 3 grandkids! I'm tellin' ya -- toooo cute! Then I stopped at a way cool gift shop near my house and browsed like there was no tomorrow. Then my sweet darlin' daughter, Andrea, and I went to the movies and saw "The Proposal" and we laughed and danced our way right outa that theater, singing "It's takes two to make a thing go right"! We had popcorn for lunch. Then it was time to meet Princess Rhegan and King Clayton at the bus stop after school. Clayton rocks! He took these pics of us so we could remember every stinkin' moment of me being 29! Then my hero husband took me out to eat and we went to another movie - Julia & Julia. TWO movies in ONE day because I'm 29! Does is get any better than this? It was the BEST day!

Rhegan Goes to Kindergarten

2009-08-18T22:14:00.002-04:00

It's a very l-o-n-g way down off that big bus step! I give her a 10 for landing with both feet on the ground, and because she is THE cutest dressed little girl in bus-land. (That's what happens when Grammy goes shoppy!) Hmm, what's missing on the cutest dressed little girl in bus-land? Well, I'd say it's her snazzy princess backpack which is conveniently sitting on Rhegan's front row bus seat! Hero Bro' Clayton saved the day!

First order of business after de-busing ... hug mommy! As it should be, my sweet child!

Next order of business, flop on the couch and demonstrate the effect of the first day of Kindergarten! I can relate girlfriend, only I don't look quite that cute when I flop on the couch after work.

Next order of business, time for a treat! Ice cream is a GOOD reason to come home after a hard day of kindergarten. So - to recap in the words of my talky talky granddaughter, the top 5 reasons to come home after school are as follows:

1. To see mommy

2. See grandma's new pictures

3. Eat ice cream

4. Change into play clothes

5. Finally .... to see talky talky gram gram

At least I made the list. Praise Dee Lord! It was, after all, my 29th birthday!

Ramblings

2009-08-06T23:37:00.005-04:00

I'm going to the Women of Faith conference tomorrow and Saturday and I'm just darn tootin' excited about it!
Favorite new smell: new car! You know that "cash for clunkers" program all over the news lately that is running out of $$? I got $4500 of it. Yay for Kay! Silver Mercury Mariner with black leather seats with the coolest white stitching! Bells and whistles galore. It almost drives itself. My scripture memory cards look good near by gearshift!
Jane recently told us that when she goes over to the main building for dinner, she stays a long time because all the ladies get to gassing. Yep, you read that right! Not sure what they eat (beans?) but I'd go gassing with my girlfriends too! Beano optional.
Kevin's knee hurts. Bad. Riding the Harley still makes it feel better though (!?!).
Sister Joyce is still in Greece & Turkey. I wonder if they have scrapbook stores there?
Dear sweet friend Debbie P. had a 29th b-day again. Dear sweet friend Eleanor will have a 29th b-day again in a few weeks. Dear sweet friend Karen will have a 29th b-day again next week. And dear sweet self will be 29 on the 12th! 29 rocks!
Our summer bible study ended tonight. Humble pie! With ice cream!
I'm drinking Diet Coke again - Sprite had it's day in the sun. And I've fallen for Margarita Jelly Beans - closest thing I've ever had to the real thing! Well - Diet Coke IS the real thing, now isn't it?!
Someday I'll figure out why I'm so blessed! Until then, I'll just remain astonished.

You Had Me At Hello

2009-08-01T22:50:00.003-04:00

Remember that rag doll you or your sister used to carry around when you were a kid? I bet it was named O'Malley! Rhegan had a sleepover with us and she got to meet the newest member of our family (who just happens to be sitting directly in front of the computer screen and watching each and every single letter as it appears!). It was love at first sight! Rhegan knew she loved O'Malley the moment she set eyes on him! He hippity hopped in his cute little crooked fashion right to her and she scooped him up into her arms and never let him down (except to go to the bathroom and eat and get our nails done).

O'Malley Duty:

We slept on the couch so we could be near O'Malley (until Grandma carried us upstairs to our beds).
We made a "duty list" which included practicing our music, getting our nails done, McDonald's and loving O'Malley.
We had to come home after our nail salon visit and check on O'Malley.
We sang songs O'Malley liked, like "Rhegan Had a Little Lamb".
We gave O'Malley his medicine with an eye dropper and then fed him treats.

Love puts the fun in together. It was the bestest sleepover!

Rheganisms: 5 Years Old!

2009-07-21T13:05:00.003-04:00

My darlin' baby grand-girl, Happy Birthday! I missed you like crazy all day long, and was excited to meet you for pizza after work! I'll have you know that your momma and daddy are the only ones I would trust you to, especially in a family where birthdays are king. All day long, I felt like confetti with no place to blow. But we're all grown-ups here, so I tapped my fingernails on the desk counting down the hours till your pizza party. Five things about your 5th birthday:

1. You were dressed so cute that I honestly could not bear it! Score. Child. Score. And I'm relieved since your best shopping buddy didn't buy it.

2. On the eve of your birthday, we asked "How old are you?" Four! So we asked, "How old will you be tomorrow?" Five! So we told you we were giving you mustard for your 5th birthday, with a squirt of ketchup, of course. I saw your nose squiggle up right through the telephone.

3. Grandma: "I remember the day you were born." Rhegan: "Me too!" Grandma: "Tell me about it!" Rhegan: "Well, first, we all gathered ...." Grandma: stunned. Rhegan, struggling to think of where we were gathered: "Well, I wasn't born at McDonalds!"

4. You told me about camping and swimming around fish poop in the lake. At first, you were not going to swim in the fish poop lake. But then you decided you could simply swim around it.

5. Growing up in church is the best birthday present your momma and daddy will ever give you. I pray with all my heart for your little 5-year old frame. Kindergarten is coming. Persevere my sweet sweet child. Getting up early to catch the bus is only for a season.

School Bus Conversation between brother Clayton (9) and Rhegan (then 4):

Clayton: You will ride the bus with me every morning.
Rhegan: Yeah, some days I will but some days I won't so I can sleep in.
Clayton: Well, I'm sorry Rhegan! When you go to school you can never sleep in! Every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, you can never sleep in. You have to get up early to catch the bus.
Rhegan: (wailing) Ohhhh, I don't think I can doooooo this! (hand over head, running into the wind as if to get away from the biggest problem on the planet earth).

Grandma can relate.

We hope your birthday was everything that's fun and nothing that isn't! I'm thankful for the day you made me your grandma who rocks. We're all wild about you!

Post Pizza Party Pic: Parker! (SO many "P"s) Baby bro Parker is already a biker dude. He crawled up there his-self, much to Paw-Paw's delight! Pretty shiny new bike, Paw-Paw!

Laundry Helper

2009-07-18T12:49:00.004-04:00

Look at who was a "load" of fun during this week's laundry exercise!? Laughter is an instant vacation, and off we went! Lately, we've been introducing O'Malley to the entire first floor and oh how big his world is now. He believes that every sweet precious waking moment of our time should be spent with him! Funny cat.

My mind and things of late:

1. Kevin made a down payment on a new knee, which will be installed on August 24. He really needs two new knees, but Dr. VanMeter said "one at a time" will do. I do not know (nor does anyone else, including Dr. VanMeter) just how Kevin has been able to walk around, bend, sit, stand. High pain tolerance is a gift to some .... I just have tolerance, not necessarily for pain. So they laser-measured his knee and are making him a new super duper biomet tailor-made knee for the low low price of $19.95. Praise Dee Lord!

2. Other than a re-check on my cholesterol level in 90 days, my recent check up was good. Mammogram was good. I even got to spend time visiting with my ex-neighbor during the mammogram! Reta and Mike had the nerve to buy a new house - harrumph. A beautiful one at that. The hood attended their open house a few weekends ago, and we're negotiating a deal for all of us to move into their lower level (they wouldn't even know we're there)!

3. Big doings on my plate at work! Every year, for 12 years, I have planned the Indiana Energy Conference in conjunction with government, policy makers, regulatory heads, and academia. I'm well behind schedule this year. Anxiety has replaced cholesterol. Pray for me.

4. About this time last year, we were "Momma Mia" crazy! Loved that movie. It's a big dose of song and dance and pure fun. A mid-summer shot in the arm. We haven't seen the likes of that this summer ... I guess that's why we have O'Malley.

5. We recently attended the most beautiful wedding! Good friends, Tim & Debbie, married off their darlin' sweet daughter to a fine young army man. SO many wedding highlights not to mention getting to hang with the old church gang from 20 years ago ... but the best was this. Tim presented a musical gift to the bride as he gave her away ... he plays the piano beautifully. As father & bride sat together on the grand piano bench, he playing music softly, he spoke of their blessed family life together and reminisced how she grew up listening to him play. So he presented a special musical gift to the happy couple, and there was not a dry eye in the place! Amen to close families!

6. Speaking of crafts, my Summer Scripture Challenge has 3 weeks left and I've been a busy little bee claiming, memorizing, and faithbooking my chosen scriptures each week. Pictures here. And by the way, I WAS stung by a bee and lived to tell about it. NO pain tolerance, remember?

7. Did you know that Christmas is closer than New Year's Eve?

8. I believe Math Teacher Extraordinaire' is sleeping half the days away, and staying up half the nights. I think they call it "summer vacation" for a teacher, but I'm not exactly sure. I do know that he took a hamster to Disney World and the poor thing died of heat exhaustion. But I did raise an honest youngster, because he quickly fessed up to its owner who wasn't mad since someone just gave it to her anyways. A proper burial was held.

9. Brandt & Sara B. went down the Lazy River in Virginia, which took 3.7453829 hours. Ahhhhhh. I gotta do that someday! Kay Lazy = want. I digress. The point is, Brandt & Sara B. are enjoying the lazy hazy days of summer, to which I say hear hear. Brandt's mom is wondering if he has been reading the Max Lucado book she gave him, entitled Cure For the Common Life? Good for any age -- finding and living out God's purpose. His highly personalized plan for each and every one of us.

10. Gotta go eat oatmeal ... cholesterol food.

O'Malley the Alley Cat

2009-07-09T06:45:00.003-04:00

Welcome O'Malley! He's a super cute little fuzzball originally named "King Tut" by the Hamilton County Animal Shelter where we adopted it. {King Tut is a very big name for such a little guy!} Our baby is 8-weeks old and weighs in at 1.9 pounds .... that's like a clump of banana's or something! When Keaton was home visiting last week, we made a trip to the animal shelter "just to look around" of course. Can anyone say naive'? Little O'Malley looked at Kevin and made a big impression! After a short debate, we decided he was just too cute to not get. We spent the next few days building a cat name directory, when all of a sudden it came to me ... O'Malley! Ohhhh-Malley, you are so cute! Ohhhhh-Malley, move out of the way! Ohhhh-Malley, get out of there! Ohhhh-Malley, you're a good boy! It works!

He wasn't entirely pleased to be here at first. We spent the first 24 hours trying to coax him to come out from behind the washer/dryer. After Kevin made some panels to fix that little problem, O'Malley showed bravery and is now a little lover! Winner winner chicken dinner! I am currently arguing with him over wanting to play with my necklace! I wonder what's inside that fuzzy little head?! What is it like to just sit there and be cute and tiny? I think we're all gonna be one big happy family, and rub tuna juice around! I just know this much: when humans are owned by cats they live longer.

Family Reunion

2009-07-04T18:57:00.002-04:00

Ever heard of Sulfur Well, Kentucky? That's okay, nobody else has ever heard of it either! But our bunch has been going there for many years to play and eat and laugh and do the reunion thing. Rook games are big in this bunch! This year, we ordered $100 worth of pizza and said "Let the games begin!" I love getting together with this wild bunch of hoodlums!

I'm a little late posting (Reunion was mid-June) but them's the breaks bucko! I'm just now getting around to the lazy hazy days of summer! Thanks, my family, for being the funnest bunch of hoodlums in town (well - did I mention that Sulfur Well, Kentucky isn't that big of a town?!) Okay, I'm kidding! We come from all over the globe, but whose watching?

Post #2 - The Love Ya Part

2009-06-18T23:38:00.002-04:00

I wanted to thank my smiling friend, Mary, over at Pile of Smiles for the Love Ya Award. The Love Ya Award states that it goes to an exceedingly charming kind of blogger who aims to find and be friends. My back of my hand is swooped across my forehead, and my other hand is over my heart, as I swoon and gush with honor as I accept this award!

I told you I live in Utopia. But it's fun, isn't it?

Love Ya back Mary! Thank you for finding and being my friend!

Signed: The Drama Queen

There Aren't Enough Days In A Weekend and Love Ya

2009-06-17T07:54:00.005-04:00

I've come to the conclusion that I need eight days a week, the extra day being added to the weekend of course. Fantasy Land has always lived in my mind, why stop now? I'd rather hope for something huge and get some of it, then hope for something small and get all of it. {there is no extra charge for the enlightened rationale' here today folks}.

Eight days a week would have been swell last weekend when we were out of town (again!) for a family reunion having loads of fun laughing and playing ROOK and watching the kids grow right before our very eyes! Kevin is the youngest of eight {here we go with "eight" again, I think we're on to something here} so when this bunch gets together for a reunion, it's a BIG BUNCH. Andrea and company made the trek, and I'll post pics soon! Rhegan ran an errand with me to pick up KFC, and along the way we saw a Pizza Hut and the conversation went like this:

Grandma: I love Pizza Hut, maybe we can have that for dinner this evening.
Rhegan: I love Pizza Hut too! We are just alike, Grandma!
Grandma: I know! On the day you were born, I held you in my arms and said "Rhegan, we are just alike."
Rhegan: I know! I remember!

I love Rhegan-isms! NOW THEN ... to tell you how busy we've been lately, I started this post two days ago and I am just now getting back to it! That's how we roll around here. Just for the sake of bullet points, I'm going to list what's on my mind and on my plate this week:

I'm doing decorations for an upcoming fundraiser, An Evening in Fletcher Place. Gonna be a good time, with good people, for a mighty good cause. So I've met with the owner to discuss themes, borrowed a truck load full of catering goods from my friend, and have been happily paper-crafting table tent cards and the like.
I'm continuing on with my Summer Scripture Challenge at our weekly women's bible study. Enjoying the time in God's Word and scrapbooking various scriptures. I feel like a whole cheerleading squad lives inside my head most of the time, and the Summer Scripture Challenge gives me the perfect opportunity to let the squad out. Each cheerleader girl inside my head sends encouraging emails to the girls, and lunches with others, and yaks about what I'm learning and experiencing. Good stuff, girlfriends!
Got a telephone message from Mac, the neighbor cat, about life A.C. (After Cozy). He misses his bud, but says it's not so bad since he is now the neutered king of the neighborhood. Pfft.
No more out-of-town weekends planned -- I'm so ready for a stay-at-home season. Routine isn't all that bad, except of course that it's life A.C. We're gonna look for another lil' buddy now that we'll be home.
BIG rate case going on at work. Happy hands are billable hands in any firm, mine included.
Neighbor girl is home from college for the summer, and called to announce her exciting new summer career selling cutlery (Oh Joy! Can't you just feel the excitement?) and would I spend an evening viewing her wares?
My nice niece Brook needed help on her 4-H project, wrapping cylinder shaped gifts, which is oh so much more fun at her Aunt Kay's house with all the scrapping supplies! {And we ordered pizza, isn't that part of a perfect girls night?}
Fussed on Kevin for various reasons not the least of which was finalizing the WBE application we are trying to get filed for our business. But he did gain points for lunching with my mom and his sister yesterday. So I told him I would give serious consideration to letting him in the house this evening, if he called me at 5:00 o'clock to see how I felt about it then. We do have fun!
BTW, the "hood" gang is going to the lavish dessert bar at the fundraiser next weekend. I TOLD you it was gonna be a good time!
Woke up to dark skies and raining cats and dogs (awww, if it was really raining cats and dogs I might've grabbed one. I digress). So when I arrived at the firm this morning I announced to Cat (our receptionist - geez I'm surrounded with paw-prints!): Today is no day to be out and about - I'll melt! Then later today the sun shone brighter than a meteor and the heat was hotter than a frying pan. So when I arrived at the firm this afternoon I announced to Cat: Today is no day to be out and about - I'm toast! If I would just get over my sweet self, the weather could carry on, yes?
I am blessed beyond words! You'll never know a soul on the face of this earth who is blessed more than me! Psalm 36: 5-7 says: God's love is meteoric, His loyalty astronomic, His purpose titanic, His verdicts oceanic. Yet in His largeness nothing gets lost. Not a man, not a mouse, slips through the cracks. How exquisite Your love, O God!
Sure comes in handy for being blessed beyond words, doesn't it?!

Goodbye Cozy

2009-06-05T22:52:00.003-04:00

I didn't think I would cry this hard over losing a cat ... but he was our cat, at our house, with our family, for 14 years. This picture taken today was his last, taken minutes before he took his last breath. Cozy was a model patient for the vet 3 days ago when they treated him for hyper-thyroidism and a heart condition. And he rallied for the last few days, absorbing the fluids they gave him and eating his special food. This morning, he wasn't exactly the model patient on his return check-up at the vet, so much so that he worked himself up to the point that they had to give him oxygen! To a cat! I'm amazed. Cozy spent the rest of his day under the church pew, as usual. And there he waited until one of us got home, which was Kevin. And then he took his last breath with Kevin by his side. What a cat! What an amazing cat! He was a part of our family, and we are going to miss him. Like crazy. He was purrfect.

Paws-A-While
They will not go quietly, the cats who've shared our lives.
In subtle ways they let us know their spirit still survives.
Old habits still make us think we hear a meow at the door.
Or step back when we drop a tasty morsel on the floor.
Our feet still go around the place the food dish used to be,
And, sometimes, coming home at night,we miss them terribly.
And although time may bring new friends and a new food dish to fill,
That one place in our hearts belongs to them. . . and always will.

Yes Virginia, there really is a Beach

2009-05-27T09:09:00.004-04:00

Lynn & I graciously agreed to shop our way to DC/Virginia Beach so the guys could ride their Harleys, arn't we the bomb? We googled "local scrapbook stores" and away we went! I only ran out of gas once, on the uphill climb of a mountain in West Virginia, and oh, did I mention the trucker who stopped to help? And then the state trooper who stopped to help? And then the DOT guy who helped? After that, we were pretty good to go except for the stop sign I blew through as we exited the highway. God-speed, that's what we had. My macho Harley man explains it this way: "My dear wife, Kay, is a good Godly woman, who prayed that God would allow her to go 600 miles on a tank of gas instead of 300." That's faith, baby.

It was good to hang with the Brandt-ster and Sara B. Did you know that a person is actually capable of holding their breath on the drive through the entire 11-mile under-water tunnel into and out of VA Beach? I think it has something to do with eating fresh seafood, like as in OMG good seafood. VA Beach is pretty fab, by the way. Everyone rents a Schwinn and bikes up and down the boardwalk, ringing their birdie bike bell on their handle-bars, carrying cute doggies in their bike baskets, or riding tandem bikes and 4-people canopy bikes. Get the picture? It's called v-a-c-a-t-i-o-n and I LOVED it!

A stop in Williamsburg means Salmon Salad and Blueberry Pie (to die for). But I think it also means a step back in time - life in the 18th century, where the word of the day was calamanco, a checkered woolen fabric often used for women's shoes. I'm really gonna need to go back there for another word of the day. Or maybe the Blueberry Pie.

Ocean - ahhh - the big beautiful ocean, the sound of lapping waves. Sand between my toes. {Roll with me here, I'm re-living it, okay?} Wouldn't you drive up mountains and blow through stop signs for some serious beach time?

Golden Heart Award

2009-05-12T22:28:00.003-04:00

I received this sweet Golden Heart Award from my dear friend Mary at Pile of Smiles. This lady is the real deal, the whole enchilada, the butter on my ear of corn, and the middle of my oreo. I don't ever have to wonder if she's out there - she is always out there with a word of encouragement, a prayer, or a laugh. Do you remember a special friend from childhood? Well, Mary was one of my first blog buddies s0 I'm claiming her as a childhood friend .... for life! Thank you Miss Pile of Smiles! In order for me to receive this award, I must nominate five others. Don't ya love it? Here are a few "Golden Hearts" that I know:

1. First up - Jana at Dear Life. A creative sort, like me, only 89% better and more cooler and younger and hipper. And she loves photography. And she loves Jesus.

2. Second, Doug at Fletcher Place. He was our pastor 100 years ago at the church we met and married at. Then we moved and then he and Judy moved, and then they moved back to where we are, and then they moved to Fletcher Place, and no, we don't have any plans of moving. God has called them to inner-city ministry in downtown Indianapolis, and they are starting a coffee house ministry!

3. Next up - Teresa at Enjoy the Va.Sunshine. What can I say? She's my twin! Papercrafts. Loves Jesus. Husband has a Harley.

4. Fourth, Becky at Hemidemisemiquaver Design. Professional singer, published paper crafter, loves bible studies, mother/wife, she is one of the busiest people on the planet ... but she always takes time to bless others. I love ya Beck!

5. Finally, the Geswein Family Blog. A family involved in missions, living in China. Amazing story, amazing life, amazing testimony.

Mother's Day Reflections-Andrea

2009-05-09T23:17:00.006-04:00

I remember giving "this sign" for this picture with Andrea. And I remember thinking how much "this sign" meant - how much I love my daughter Andrea. I can't imagine not being her mom.

I remember us giving the "skinny pose" at Keaton's graduation as only a mother-daughter can do! A daughter is the best thing. And a grown daughter who is now a mother herself is really the best thing! We could talk forever! My great-grandfather used to say to his wife, my great-grandmother, who in turn told her daughter, my grandmother, who repeated it to her daughter, my mother, who used to remind her daughter, me, that to talk well and eloquently was a very great art, but that an equally great one was to know the right moment to stop. My daughter is a day-brightener. I believe that mothers and daughters are the only race of people who speak the same tongue. Enough said, I think.

Mother's Day Reflections-Keaton

2009-05-09T22:22:00.010-04:00

I remember the day this picture was taken, at Keaton's college graduation. I remember when Keaton came home one day and said "Hey Mom, can I go to college in Florida?" And I remember saying "Pffft, no!" And then I remember us leaving him at college in Florida, with alligators.

I remember this post entitled God Has Big Plans for This Man's Life, this man who is my son Keaton. This man who is My Spleenless Son. I remember when Keaton sent me shopping for a zipper so we could take this picture after his surgery, Honk If You Have All Your Body Parts. And I remember thinking how blessed I was to be this man's mom. And today, I hope he knows how much his life has changed the dynamic of our entire family. He's all mine, you can't have him!

Mother's Day Reflections-Brandt

2009-05-09T22:04:00.006-04:00

I remember this day in DC with my son, Brandt. I remember that he had hair (well, he still does, but not as much!). I remember my fake Gucci purse from the DC street vendor. I remember thinking how neat it was for him to live in our nation's capital -- but so far away from us.

And I remember when he did this! And I remember thinking, that is SO Brandt! And I remember thinking how wonderful it is to be his mom. And 5 years later, it's more wonderful than I could ever have imagined.

Rhegan the Soccer Star

2009-05-05T22:56:00.002-04:00

Grandma remembered her camera! My heart belongs to Number 3 in the green! We got through the soccer game with no major injuries, no tears, no nothin! Just a couple of great kicks and a LOT of goals for the green! Is my little Rhegan going to be a soccer star? You betcha! (or something like that)

I ...

2009-05-01T21:08:00.003-04:00

don't like That Flu (not sayin' the name because ... well, it's just gross). Three schools around here are closed. Students are quite happy. I think it's disturbing. Frustrating, to say the least. The mood of the nation is definitely affected when people are scared.

know today is May Day. Some things I want to accomplish in May include several craft projects for birthdays and holidays; a cook-out for a neighbor who is moving; long walks as the weather gets better (now that's being optimistic, but the rain Gods just HAVE to be getting tired soon); switch out my winter/summer closet; get a tan and lose 20 pounds (now that too is being optimistic, but I'm just sayin ...).

need to renew my Driver's License this year: Note to self, prepare for a good picture. Do whatever it takes, even if it leaves me unable to stand upright or reach for a bag of Cheetos.

want to assign certain ring tones on my cell phone: I've been thinking about it for awhile (yes, it occupies space in my mind). For Kevin's calls -- Celine Dion, I'm your woman and you are my maaan. For calls from Brandt/Keaton -- That's Allright Mamma. Calls from Andrea -- Princess Leia's Theme.

have no photo's for this blog entry. But if I had been a grandma who rocks, I would have had my camera at Rhegan's soccer game the other day! You remember don't ya, it was that soccer game where she picked dandylions a lot more than she kicked the soccer ball? This is the same game where Rhegan came to sit next to me during a break, and asked for a piece of gum. Yes, I said! I'll give it to you right after the game is over. But she informed me that now would be better. "No, that's against the Soccer Rules, it's against Rule #24!" The biggest blue eyes looked at me in wonderment and said "How did you KNOW that?!"

finished my bible study and Joyce Meyer's book, Battlefield of the Mind. It was s splendid few months of study, growing, sharing, and making new friends. Even one of the older ladies said that she has been coming to the bible studies for years, and this was the best one ever!

am going to lead the next bible study entitled "Summer Scripture Challenge" and I will incorporate scrapbooking into memorizing bible verses. Prayers welcome!

am SO over this rain. I would sweep the porch or something, but ... why? Besides, when I finished I would collapse in a heap on the couch and in the words of Fred Sanford say "This is the big one."

miss my sons. Very very much. Kevin and I have decided to make the annual jaunt to DC for Memorial Day Weekend, so we will bombard Brandt with our friends and Harleys. Keaton has decided to start work on his Masters, in between tutoring and coaching soccer this summer.

have been wondering why Pier One won't send me a new dishtowel after I filled out their stinkin' form online? I mean, is it some kind of hooey that just because I'm a 50ish mom and totally uncool in their eyes?

am not afraid of any kind of That Flu (not sayin' the name because, well, it's just gross). If anything is going to kill me in the next thirty days, my money is on the Obama administration and not some lame pig virus. I'm just sayin ....

I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

Weekend Ramblings

2009-04-20T14:21:00.006-04:00

No pictures today ... just a bunch of rambling about the past weekend. Spring came to us on Saturday, and left again on Sunday. I intended to get outside for a walk, but by the time I dashed through Walmart, packed it and unpacked it, I figured that was my walk for the day! I was anxious to get to my craft corner anyway, but let's just keep that between you and me, okay?

Remind me never to wear my favorite dilapidated old black sandals again, will ya? I love them! But my feet kill afterwards. {I wonder if "road kill" and "feet kill" are somewhat related words?} So I went shopping today for new sandals. Now Spring can come for real. Have you noticed that Gladiator sandals are now popular? I call them bible sandals. I tried them on. Yuck. How did Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John walk over rocks and dirt with those things on?

Desperate Housewives: Edie Britt has left Wisteria Lane forever. How CAN the show go on without Edie? It's tough to say goodbye, especially to a feisty bird like Edie. But I do love flashback shows {it must be the sapbooker -- I mean scrapbooker -- in me}. I'm just sayin.

I am now into Book #4 of the Left Behind series. Kevin was even wondering if Buck found Chloe after the earthquake ... I'm keeping him informed, of course. But most importantly, I am learning more about bible prophecy and it's exciting! But once again, let's be thankful for not having to wear Gladiator sandals.

Contrary to what most people think, I'm not completely spontaneous. I'm not opposed to it, if I have time to compile a lengthy list and address the pros and cons before the aforementioned spontaneity occurs. So it was a bold move to attend the rock-n-roll church service at 11am. It was so fly-by-the-seat-of-my pants. Kevin had to work Sunday, so it was me myself and I. {Sadly, momma does not function well before 9am so this spontaneous plan was promising!} I wore jeans. So did Pastor Todd. I heard a guitar solo that rocked the house. I knew the words to one of my favorite songs. Following the sermon, communion was self-administered during a come-as-you-are time and, oh yeah, while you were coming-as-you-are, you could visit one of the many paper shredders that were placed strategically around the alter. Lessons from the paper shredder. We were invited to write on a piece of paper something or someone that we needed to forgive, and let go of that sin. Shred it to smithereens. What a powerful symbol of God's total forgiveness. It's part of a series entitled Fall Down, Get Up, Walk On. You wouldn't believe how meaningful it was to hear the sound of all those papers being shredded. Enough said.

Okay, rambling is over. I'm just gonna sit back and contemplate my true feelings on men wearing scarves. (American Idol?!?) And hope for tickets to WICKED, which is coming to the Murat Theater soon.

Strong Girlfriend

2009-04-16T11:07:00.003-04:00

Phew! That is hard work for Sara B. to have to stand there and hold up the Washington Monument all the live long day! Brandt sure has a strong girlfriend! This is when Brandt usually says "Way to go Momma Squires!" and the translation is "Mom, you are the Cheese Whiz in every 8 oz jar!"

I LOVE when Brandt sends me pics of his day. What Momma wouldn't? I LOVE that Brandt is enjoying a beautiful afternoon in our nation's capital with his strong girlfriend. Life is too short not to enjoy the little things. "Way to go Sonny Squires!"

I SO enjoy putting the Whiz in their cheese! It's hard being them.

Happy Birthday Kevin

2009-04-14T22:45:00.003-04:00

Happy Birthday to Kevin! What a fun reason to celebrate with the "Hood". The neighborhood gang gathered at the local Italian joint, and I tricked Kevin into thinking we were just going over for some pizza for his birthday. NOT! It was a birthday surprise! (We really are gonna have to teach Bear how to say cheese for pictures! I can't count how many goofy looks that man can give me and my camera. Remember this movie clip from New Year's Eve? Love ya, man!)

I think Lynn is giving the Italian gesture for "Who cares how old you are, Kevin!" Did you know that everyone has a golden birthday? It is when your age equals the day of your birth. Today was not Kevin's golden birthday, unless the date is April 59th!

They say that laughing makes you younger. So what better time to try it out than on a birthday?! I'm not sure whether we are laughing at the funny birthday cards, or Fran's gift of Weed-Be-Gone! Kevin has been obsessed with getting ahead of the dandelions in our yard and he declared war on them last weekend with 800 pounds of weed killer (I might be exaggerating just a tad bit, but I'm no expert).

I LOVE this picture of Brent and Eleanore! Oh my heck, do ya think Bear and Brent got together and practiced goofy faces? Oh why do we have to stop and smile for maniac-picture-taking Kay when there is pizza involved?! Mr. Wilson - I do hereby solemnly swear on my borrowed stack of Left Behind books that I will announce my picture-taking prior to the act rather than afterwards. Deal?

Trust me, Fran is having fun, despite the look. Perhaps she is dreaming of Kevin's soon to be dandelion-free green yard? She is, after all, located directly across the street from us and has to look at the lush weed cover in all its glory!

Happy Birthday honey bunny! I love you to the moon and back!

Easter Blessings

2009-04-11T23:07:00.012-04:00

My favorite (only) granddaughter is the cutie pie in the center, in the brown dress, with her arms raised to Jesus! She was in an Easter program at church and I'm SO glad we had the opportunity to attend.

Look at the little boy next to Rhegan .. isn't he a picture of praise!

The words of the song are "Were you there when they crucified my Lord? Sometimes it causes me to tremble ..." and this is the tremble part.

I'm thinking these two might just have a future in ministry together?!

The looks on their faces are precious! Is it any wonder that Jesus said "Suffer the little children to come unto me?"

The little guy next to her might think as much of Rhegan as I do!

I am so proud of my favorite (only) granddaughter. She knew every word, and did every move with purpose! But more than anything, I am blessed that she is serving Jesus! After the program, Rhegan "borrowed" my camera and here are the pics she took. First up, Grandma Kay.
Great-grandma Stiller (my mom).

Aunt Jane and Grandma Kay

Grandma Kay kissing Princess Rhegan.

Grandma Jan
Pawpaw Joe

Pawpaw Kevin

Andrea, Grandma Jan, Rhegan, Grandma Kay

Andrea, Grandma Jan, Grandma Kay

Pastor Jeff had some beautiful remarks at the end of the Easter Celebration service, reflecting on the last song "At the Foot of the Cross." Let's think back about who, exactly, was at the foot of the cross of Jesus on that day of His crucifixion.

There was His disciples, of course - who could not believe this was happening! Did they really know and understand what was being done by Jesus - that He was dying to save the world?
Mary, the mother of Jesus, was there. I doubt she was thinking about Him being the Savior of the world amidst her grief! She was watching her son die a horrible death!
The crowds of people who shouted "Crucify him!" ..... the same crowds who just a week before had greeted Jesus with waving palm branches and claimed Him a King, saying "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!" Did they really know and understand what was happening?
But when the sky grew dark in the middle of the day, and the ground began to tremble and roll, I'm sure the crowd grew scared and dispersed.
And there were the guards who had been ordered to oversee the crucifixion ... to put Jesus up on the cross and to see to the details of his dead body. Did they really know and understand what was happening? Or was it "just another day on the job" for them?

One guard did know. The centurian in charge of Jesus execution said "Surely, He was the Son of God." He realized who Jesus was. Do you?

A Real Friend

2009-04-06T21:01:00.003-04:00

I received this from a true friend, and I thought it was worth passing along!

A simple friend, when visiting, acts like a guest. A real friend opens your refrigerator and helps herself and doesn't feel even the least bit weird shutting your 'refrigerator drawer' with her foot!
A simple friend has never seen you cry. A real friend's shoulder is soggy from your tears.
A simple friend brings a bouquet of flowers to your party. A real friend comes early to help you cook and stays late to help you clean.
A simple friend hates it when you call after they've gone to bed. A real friend asks you why you took so long to call.
A simple friend seeks to talk with you about your problems. A real friend seeks to help you with your problems.
A real friend reminds you that when you are down to nothing .... God is up to something.

I ran into a Real Friend today at lunch, completely unplanned and unexpected. I was alone at my table, doing my bible study homework, when I looked up to see my friend's warm smile. "Look at you, trying to grow!" she said. I invited her to sit down with me and the next 30 minutes were filled with Real Friend sharing that led us through some fast conversation, jumping from subject to subject. I LOVE that about my friend!

And I got to thinking again about her comment ... "Look at you, trying to grow!" I think that is exactly what God says to us when we invite him to pull up a chair. I have learned that God is able to keep up with a fast conversation, jumping from subject to subject, while I prattle on and on. That's what Real Friends do! I LOVE that about my friend!

The Grandkids (Great-kids)

2009-04-04T21:35:00.007-04:00

We are "breaking spring" as Mr. Squires the math teacher would say. Three whole days at Grandma and Pawpaw's house! Every good vacation starts with a good breakfast, yes? This is breakfast at Grandma's kitchen. Rhegan isn't fond of dressing for breakfast. Parker isn't fond of posing for pictures when there is a cracker with his name on it. And Clayton, being the older brother, did his best to make this family picture happen! So starts vacation!

What would you give to look at these beautiful blue eyes for three days, morning, noon and night? I gave up sleeping in on Saturday in favor of cartoons.

Parker is afraid of nothing. His 2032 trips up and down the stairs gave us pause, but it would not be in anyone's best interest to get in his way. This kid plays hard and sleeps hard, literally. While Clayton went bowling with his friend Garrett, I took Rhegan & Parker to McDonald's playland. Except, Parker fell asleep in the car on the 12 minute drive. So I laid him on top of a table in the McDonald's playland, and there I sat with him, watching Rhegan play, for 45 minutes, with 113 other laughing screaming "breaking spring" kids and their moms, while Parker snored. I think he really enjoyed his trip to McDonald's playland, don't you?

Princess Rhegan loves to talk (wonder where she gets that? Did I tell ya about the time she introduced me to someone as her talky talky gram gram?). So we talk talk talk talk talk, and talk some more. She can talk her way into and out of almost anything. Except going to the potty right before bedtime. It wasn't pretty. The next morning, she came skipping into my room and made the following announcement: "Grandma! An angel came to me during the night and told me that if I wake up happy and I'm sorry for being a bad girl last night, then Grandma will take me shopping!" Do you think a trip to Wal-Mart was in order?!

Parker learned many new things while visiting us, playing the piano being one of his favs. I happen to like his playing very much, and encourage lots of practice, because then (and only then) do you really know where he is! If you lose track of Parker for one minute, it is probably because he is turning over the bowl of cat food into the water bowl. But let's give credit where credit is due. He came to me jabbering and pointing in the general direction of the mishap, so at least he reported his own crime. But when grandma responded with "Parker! That's a no-no!" his feelings were hurt so much that he ran through the house wailing and buried his head into the couch and shed 12 real tears. Ouch, grandma.

In a nutshell, here's what you can do in three days with your Great-kids:

1. Meet Papaw for lunch at Chicago's Pizza Buffet, and invite your neighbor Lynn and her grandson Garrett.

2. Go duck-pin bowling.

3. McDonald's Playland - you can play or sleep, it's totally up to you.

4. Go to the movies and buy a large bucket of popcorn for $7. Monsters vs. Aliens is the newest cartoon flick now playing (why DO they always release something on Breaking Spring week?) Only once, did Rhegan whisper to me "I want to go now" but that was during an alien space ship chase scene. I calmly replied "We can't go until Ginormica saves the planet!" and that was that.

5. Color Easter eggs. Egg salad anyone?

6. Buy battery operated bubble-making machines from Cracker Barrel and pop them with your nose.

7. Culvers - for butter burgers and frozen yogurt. Don't forget to ring the bell for good service on your way out. Be sure it's on your way OUT, so the staff does not have an opportunity to yell at you for continuing to ring the bell.

8. Buy a multi-colored pack of plastic sunglasses, one for every outfit.

A little retrospect: On Thursday afternoon at work, one of the attorneys stopped by my office with a research project. "I can't" I said. "I'm taking off work tomorrow to play Grandma." He thought that was great and asked me how old the kids were. "18 months, 4, and 9." To which he replied: "You are so screwed!" LOL Kevin & I really had a good time! You don't get memories like this without making it happen! I wouldn't take back one beautiful mess, one poopy diaper, or trade one sloppy kiss for anything in this world. Now, we do, however, want to thank Andrea & Shawn for giving us Sunday to recuperate!

Grandma: Goodnight Grandkids -- I mean, Great-kids!

Clayton: Goodnight Grandma -- I mean Great-ma!

Ten

2009-04-02T13:49:00.002-04:00

Ten completely random thoughts for today:

1. You can blast or bury it. That's what I heard on my car radio today from Dr. Charles Stanley who was speaking to your reaction to hurt. You could go into your bedroom, shut the door, and blast away if you must get it out of your system. Or bury it - not good.

2. Guess who's coming over tonight for 3 days and 2 nights to spread laughter and beautiful messes? The grandkids - or greatkids, as my son-in-law likes to remind me.

3. Why must flat tires happen at the most in-opportune times? Well, is there really an opportune time? Prolly not, but there is more opportune times than others. Like when I am NOT taking my friend, Karen, to her doctor follow-up appointment to remove 18 staples in her leg following knee surgery. Pfffft.

4. On April 8, I'm going to win a series of DVD's from the Allaccess Blog. That is, if God wants me and the ladies in my bible study to Discern the Voice of God. Well, I'm quite certain He wants everyone to discern the voice of God, but ...

5. What do you say when asked "how are you today?" I always say "Just peachy!" But sometimes I jump between peachy and dandy. Even if you are not, saying is believing.

6. If I were a cat, I would not hurriedly jump on top of my mom's clothes hamper and crook my head through the blinds to see the birds in the tree. (But I wish I'd had my camera when he did.)

7. I hope Keaton is enjoying his first Spring Break --- as a teacher.

8. Take Note: March is gone. Where did it go? I hardly remember it! I think I slept through it. Like a hibernating bear, only one with a cold/cough. (April Fools!)

9. I'm feeling all sorts of creative. I love it when that happens! Like, when I strolled through the Martha Stewart isle at Michaels and found twine in spring colors. Ohhh, be still my heart!

10. My husband is my hero. I'm keeping him.

Spanish Darts Award

2009-03-31T22:40:00.006-04:00

In my blogging excitement, I almost missed this! My dear friend Mary has bestowed upon me the honor of a blog award. How precious is that? What exactly is the award? Premio Dardos means “prize darts” in Spanish. Now here's where my mind ran at warp speed, picturing darts being thrown at a target to win a prize! NOT! It is given for recognition of cultural, ethical, literary, and personal values transmitted in the form of creative and original writing. Sounds pretty classy for a talky talky gal from Indiana, yes? Well then, I humbly accept! And the crowd cheered!

Here are some rules to be followed if you choose to participate in passing this blog award on to others:

• First, accept the award by posting it on your blog along with the name of the person that has granted the award and link to her blog.

• Second, pass the award to other blogs that are worthy of this acknowledgment, remembering to contact each of them to let them know they have been selected for this award.

Being the blog-hopping gal that I am, here are my recommendations for noteworthy blogs. Take a spin and see if you agree - I think you'll be glad you did!

First up, if I could give it back to Mary I would do it in a snap. She is amazing! Her blog shares wit and wisdom all packaged up in a sweet spirit that smiles from the inside out! I really do snort sometimes when I laugh at her quick-wit. And I really do shed a tear sometimes when I am touched by her deep faith in Jesus. She's real as real could be.

Second, if I could give it to my sister Joyce I would do it with Joy (get it - Joy - Joyce - well, it was funny inside my head)! But I can't because she doesn't have a blog. But here's the thing. We email. And we email some more. And she contributes more to my life than words on a blog. I know you want her as your sister, but she's mine. But she doesn't have a place to put the award, so that should make you feel better.

Now then, I for real would like to recommend Becca, at Amazing Paper Grace. If you are not a paper-crafter, the specifics might not interest you, but shazammy, the message on her handmade cards will certainly be heartfelt! She is amazingly talented, and shares her faith amazingly at her amazing blog!

Next, I would highly recommend The Geswein Family blog. An inspiring young couple living in China, with their 2 young children. How long will they be there? Kim's answer -- as long as God wants them there. How long will you stay where you are in your life?

Finally, Patter Cross has become one of my daily blog hops. She rocks my craft world while rocking my thoughts. Go see what I mean. She challenges me, inspires me, and makes me wonder where she gets all this energy? When I grow up, I want to BE Patter Cross. (and not just for the neat name!)

SO - as you can see - I'm beat to a different drum. My scrapbooking, card-making inner self drives my energetic, quirky outer self, while my faith keeps me grounded in everything I do. Everything. Let me say it once more, in case you missed it. Everything.

Thank you blogging Mary! Your Pile of Smiles made me grin ear to ear. I enjoyed the ride in this parade!

Who?

2009-03-29T23:05:00.004-04:00

Who is this chubby smile? Who had such a cute dress? Who had some well worn tread on her walking shooes? Who loved to be rocked in Grandma's old rocking chair?

Who still has a chubby smile? Who still loves pink? Who still wears out her favorite shoes?

Grandma Kay, who rocks.

What's a Jellicle Cat?

2009-03-26T23:09:00.005-04:00

I went to see CATS the other night with my sister and even though this is the second time I've seen it -- this is still my favorite all-singing, all-dancing musical ever! You are introduced to many types of cats - Jellicle cats, old cats, mischievous cats, theater cats, and Old Deuteronomy at the Jellicle Ball. I came home and actually liked my cat all over again, which should last for at least a day or two! This morning instead of saying "Hell0 stupid" to my sweet little cat, I said "Hello, are you a Jellicle cat?" It tickles me. Then I ate my yogurt and went to work.

But not before I got a phone call from my co-worker, who shall remain nameless but she has red hair and sits in the 3rd office to the right, called me to bring some kind of glass bowls or jars that can be filled with jelly beans so people can guess how many are in them. Yes, this is what sometimes goes on inside a law firm, other than law.

There's a lady in my bible study whose name is Buzz. I got to thinking about that and decided it would be fun to list 10 things that give me a buzz without drugs or alcohol. So what's your natural high?

1. Rubber Stamping

2. Blogs

3. Laughing at/with Kevin

4. Lunch with friends

5. Walking into any scrapbook store

6. Beginning to read a new book that catches my eye

7. A good hair and high heels day

8. Phone calls from my kids (are you reading this?)

9. Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream

10. Christian radio

Think excitement, talk excitement, act out excitement, and you are bound to become an excited person. Life will take on a new zest, deeper interest and greater meaning.

Where Ya Been Kay?

2009-03-23T13:54:00.003-04:00

3 weeks ago: Really sick.
2 weeks ago: Just sick, without the really part.
1 week ago: Sic, without the "k" part - which means I still have not kicked this thing!
Today: Hoping for the best!

Rambling: So yes, I've been up to no good. But somewhere in between no good, I think there was at least some good because I keep on keeping on through it all. Kinda ... sorta ... well, some days. Okay, I'm not gonna go there. Moving on ...

New Church/Women's Bible Study Update: Kevin & I are settling in at the new church. I am really enjoying the study in Joyce Meyer's book, Battlefield of the Mind. At first, I did not think this book was for me (just because of the title alone). I mean, I was not having any battlefields in my mind -- I know exactly who I believe in and what a wonderful God we serve -- and I lead a charmed life! Oh, but that's not at all where this book was going. This book helps you to realize that the mind - in and of itself - directs our thought, word, and deed. So fill it with God's word and carry on! And that's just what we are doing. God is working in and through this study, and the 20 ladies in my group are wise, warm, and a caring/sharing people. Last Sunday after church service, Kevin said "I'm thinking that I want to be in your Women's Bible Study too!" LOL

Florida Boy: Keaton convinced his principal to let him take his 11th and 12th grade math students on a field trip to Disneyland! Their math assignments included finding certain statues in the park and measuring distances, heights, and approximating weights, etc. all under the guise of math problems! Don't you wish you had a math teacher like him? I love that kid, that teacher, that son of mine, that Mr. Squires.

Chicken Pox: Shortly after Kevin had shingles, grandson Parker enjoyed chicken pox. Isn't Kevin a great grandpa? Then, shortly after Parker had chicken pox, his sister Rhegan enjoyed chicken pox. Isn't Parker a great lil' brother? I don't know about this whole shingles/chicken pox virus thing, but let's just say good riddance.

Rubber Stamp Show: On Saturday last week, I met some of my girlfriends at the Rubber Stamp and Paper Art Festival. Can you say fun? I was over the moon! So then I came home and have been a busy little crafter creating fun springy projects that make my dining room table messy and my heart happy.

The Wilsons: Everybody needs a neighbor named Mr. and Mrs. Wilson, don't you think? We've had that pleasure for well over 20 years. Had lunch with them after church yesterday. Just thought it was worth mentioning cuz, well, old friends are indeed best friends.

Knee Surgeries For All! Kevin's brother, Harold, had knee replacement a few weeks back and lived to tell about it. My good friend/neighbor, Robin, had knee repair a week ago and she also lived to tell about it. I made a huge-mongo pasta salad (you know, everything in it but the kitchen sink) and delivered to her and her family 3 days after surgery. Robin was sitting on the couch pretty as a picture! Finally, my good friend/co-worker, Karen, had knee replacement last week and she also lived to tell about it! She is unnerved that she cannot have a shower for several more days. So I told her husband that it might be easier to put Karen in the convertible and run her through the car wash. That should shut her up.

I'm done rambling for today. Praise dee Lord!

A Mind is a Terrible Thing to Lose

2009-03-05T22:10:00.004-05:00

I wish I owned the Kleenex company. Not just the stock - because that doesn't seem to do anybody any good these days. No, I just want the company itself.

Today was a better than good day. My hair worked. I got to wear Jeans to work, with high heels of course! I tried clogs but I just wasn't feeling it. I am finally current with the transcripts for the Nipsco trial. I had a very nice lunch with an old friend. And I took a leap of faith and attended the Women's Bible Study this evening at the new church. Didn't know a soul. Do now. 20 souls, in fact. We will study Joyce Meyer's book The Battlefield of the Mind. How DID they know I'm losing my mind? I'm gonna fight to keep it .... despite middle age and menopause!

So after Bible Study, I stopped at CVS for yet another bottle of Mucinex and, yes, another box of Kleenex. And I tripped on the curb and fell on the sidewalk. No, it had nothing to do with my high heels. So my mind went into a twenty minute rant about how they needed to have those curbs removed. I do NOT like that curb. Why did CVS put that curb there? It's all CVS's fault, THEY put it there. I'm gonna have to call them tomorrow about taking that curb out. My mind was on the edge of sanity and reason. You see what I mean? THIS is what my mind does all day long with one thing or another. So I decided right then and there, this Bible Study was for me. Wink, wink.

Be careful of your thoughts, they may become words at any moment.

A New Look - Part Duex

2009-03-02T16:58:00.002-05:00

Thanks for your emails! The first blog facelift was hard to read, so let's give this one a whirl, shall we? Keep those cards and letters comin'! It's been a fun challenge for me!

Ritz Family Vacation

2009-03-02T11:27:00.002-05:00

Rosalie took her daddy & mommy to Ft. Walton Beach for a little break, and it looks as though she is showing them a good time! Perhaps we should let our children plan get-a-ways for us more often! Thanks for sending pics Dan - you ARE the man!

Hello, my name is ....

2009-03-01T16:18:00.009-05:00

Okay, so here's the deal. I'm a sicko. Kevin's a sicko. And most human beings in the good state of Indiana are sicko's. So what does one do when one is under the weather and part of the "S" club? Go to a new church! I'm sure God forgives the coughing, sneezing, sniffling, aching parishioners for not partaking in the Sunday meet-n-greet!

If you know me, you probably know that we've been watching them build a new church right up the road from us, Oaklandon Christian Church. We pass it everyday to/from work. It's pretty. It's nicely done. It looks welcoming. So we packed up our Kleenex box and hit the road for their church service.

Pastor Rob is introducing Jesus via a name tag ... you know, the "Hello, my name is ..." type of sticky thing we all love? Clever! "Hello, my name is ... Jesus." Now then, I hacked and coughed and held my aching head and reached for my Kleenex box in between the offering and communion, but how many of you know that church days affect the rest of our days? Besides, they had coffee and donuts. And we met a nice man named Mr. Caldwell, and one of Kevin's work buds and his wife was there, and a neighbor was there. But wanna know sumpthin' tricksy? So was Jesus!

BEND IN THE ROAD {i.e. we are changing the subject}

You've probably heard of the passing of Paul Harvey. May heaven welcome him home! But here's the rest of the story. My neighbor is related to PH by marriage. Okay, so when we stand at the mailbox and swap neighbor stories, we have loads of fun! I realize that everyone is gonna miss PH for some reason or other, but mine is Christmas. Yepsiree, every Christmas the Harvey's flew their plane to the private airport up the road (yes, it's down the street from the new church) and a limo was waiting to cart the fam to my neighbor's house. There's just something comforting knowing that Paul Harvey is across the street eating Fran's home cookin. Goodbye Paul. Please send a radio report when you have settled in, and tell us what it was like to see the real name tag, "Hello, my name is .... Jesus!"

BEND IN THE ROAD #2 {i.e., we are changing the subject, again}

So last night, instead of staying home in our sicko house, we packed up our trusty Kleenex box and met a bunch of old friends for dinner. These are really old friends ... I'm talking 30 years worth. When Kevin & I married, this was our gang from church. You know, the ones you laugh and cry and pray and play with. We have all since moved here and there, but once a year we drive from all over the state and get young again. I'm so thankful for old friends that make me young. Our conversations have changed throughout the years, but our name tags remain the same. "Hello, my name is .... your old friend."

BEND IN THE ROAD #3 {i.e., we are changing the subject, yet again}

Gotcha, didn't I? Cough cough, hack hack, snoot snoot, blow blow.

Laughter IS the best medicine.

An Attitude of Gratitude

2009-02-27T18:19:00.001-05:00

I started to watch the Academy Awards last weekend. But the Academy Awards in and of itself isn't the highlight. Ohhh, nooo! The Bawbrwa Wawlters interveiws before the Academy Awards is the real deal! It's just not the same until you've seen some celebrity cry on Barbara's shoulder right before the show.

This year, they showed a clip of last year's highlights before the actual crying began. Her first interview was with Ellen DeGeneres. Now, I like Ellen. She is hysterical. And no one, no where, no way will ever be a better voice of Dory in Finding Nemo! She has dry humor, warmth, and style. Anyway, Ellen was discussing the ups & downs of her life. Like most of us, Ellen has had some really big successes, but she has also had some very painful things happen to her along the way. They showed an early clip of Ellen when she was on Johnny Carson's Tonight Show, where she did a thing about calling God on the telephone. So Barbara asked Ellen what she would say to God if she really could call him on the phone, and Ellen got very teary-eyed (it is Bawbrwa Wawlters after all) and said with all sincerity, "I'd say thank you, I've got nothing but gratitude. My whole life, I am blessed. I feel it everyday."

I was so convicted by her words, I turned off the TV.

I don't know what Ellen's religious beliefs are, but that's not my point. The point is the overwhelming gratitude at the life she's been given. She recognizes her blessings and I had to ask myself if I am as quick to recognize mine, or do I get consumed with other things?

When I pray, which is really a telephone call to God, how much time do I spend thanking Him for what is already in my life? Do I tell Him thank you for already blessing me more than I deserve? Do I tell Him that if He never did anything for me but sending His son 2000 years ago to die on the cross for my salvation, that's more than I could ever repay?

I never telephone my friends and say "Let me tell ya what you can do for me today" and I'm betting my calls would soon be screened if I did. I'm quick to say thank you to my friends, it's just good manners. But I'd never say, "Well that's nice but if you really wanted to help you could do this ..."

As a mama, I spent lots of time teaching my kids to say please and thank you. That's just what nice people do. So why am I so quick to say thank you to the cashier at Paradise Bakery for the buddy bucks, but so slow to tell God thank you for the air I breath, the family that I love, the friends that I adore, and the blessed life that is so much more than I deserve?

I never thought a Barbara Walters special would cause me to think spiritually, but it did. Maybe I'm "in the zone" now -- and last year I was not. I just know that Ellen's words made me stop and think. And I made a telephone call to God, just to say thank you.

Isaiah 58:11: The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.

DC Visit with Brandt

2009-02-26T15:09:00.003-05:00

TIP: Hold cursor over any picture to see caption. I had a great visit with Brandt! Many of the pics are from the Newseum (just opened in April 2008), which has five centuries of news history, including a piece of the Berlin Wall, the mangled antenna from one of the twin towers destroyed on 9/11 which was oh so important to the news reporters as they filed their stories with the Associated Press, and get this ... the First Dogs exhibit, featuring many Presidents and their loyal best friend!

Speaking of loyal best friend, Brandt was dog-sitting for his good friend and neighbor, Jennifer, so I made friends with Tilly! She's now part of Brandt's gang.

Off we went to spend the day at the National Gallery of Art, with another one of Brandt's gang - Allen, who is retired and volunteers 3 days a week at the Art Gallery. What an unforgetable tour and guide! I've been to Pompeii! Well, sorta. The rediscovery of Pompeii and it's artifacts is like vacationing in Rome!

We enjoyed evening dinners with Brandt and Sara. No one calls her Sara, really. It's Sara Barton. Just rolls off the tongue, yes? Sara has a beautiful smile and a quick sense of humor, and makes my son happy. Happy son = happy mom. Thank you Sara Barton.

Thanks to my dear, long-time friend, Debbie, for letting me be her travel companion. Your good company, fun sense of humor, agreeable attitude (even while walking many many blocks in the snow and rain) are filed away in my forever drawer.

Weekend Rambling

2009-02-23T13:16:00.009-05:00

Kay has been a busy girl! I flew to DC on the day after Valentines to hang with Brandt. He ran me around like I'm 21 again, and when I returned home, I realized I was not. 21, that is. Perhaps I will work on that at my next b-day. We went to four museums, had dinner in Chinatown, shopped in Georgetown, met friends along the way, and spent time at Brandt's loft and hanging with neighbor Jennifer's dog, Tilly. Jennifer had the nerve to be in Thailand, so I missed her this time! I enjoyed spending time with Brandt's new girlfriend, Sara Fun Barton {emphasis added}. I'll post pics later ... I'm still trying to make my way back to my real age.

I had to come back to work to relax! I came home to a full in-box, an un-full refrigerator, a full bin of laundry, and oh, company's coming! Kevin's family arrived on Friday to spend the weekend celebrating Jane's 74th b-day. Kevin is the most wonderful brother, you would want him even if you already have a brother. He took care of everything. He reserved the activities room at Rosegate, invited Jane's friends and family, ordered b-day cake and balloons, and brought in Crave Cases full of White Castle hamburgers. Now that's a party - so say the 80+ year old friends from Rosegate! I'll post pics later ... did I mention that I'm still trying to make my way back to my real age?!

Saturday ... time to load 'em up and move 'em out to Clayton's best-ever b-ball game. The kid was on fire! His team won by 2 points, and the package of Reese Pieces I gave him after the game was well deserved. Uber-excitement! All the while it was snowing outside, which uber-excites Aunt Audra. "Let's make snow angels, let's build an igloo, let's crawl underneath the branches of that tree and look up at the snow!" She's 80+ and she means every word. We could hardly yank her inside the car! Off to Red Robin for lunch, then a stop at Barnes & Noble, and then we converged on mom's house for leftover b-day cake. Mom loves it when we mess up her kitchen. Seriously. I'll post pics later ... did I mention that I'm still trying to make my way back to my real age?!

Sunday ... Jane has an upper respiratory infection but she is still smiling after Kevin spent half the night with her in ER getting real drugs. Aunt Audra happily read her new Glenn Beck book. Harold watched GunSmoke while Vivian hung out with me until it was time to hit the road, Jack.

Take every opportunity to breathe blessings into the hearts of those you love.

A New Look

2009-02-22T18:05:00.003-05:00

The blog got a facelift! Thanks to The Cutest Blog On The Block. Stay tuned for more. I'm on a roll.

Happy Valentine's Weekend

2009-02-15T10:40:00.005-05:00

Why celebrate just one day? On this Valentine's Weekend, here are 14 real everyday things that I love about my Valentine. I could list 114, but this will do.

1. Kevin always remembers Valentine's Day and he makes it special for us. My favorite part is the card because I read between the lines and feel like the luckiest girl in the universe. And I am! Diamonds and flowers and movies .... it's all good. But the card. The card is the heart of it.

2. He is a father who shows love to his children in so many ways. He thinks beyond "I love you" and he is always there for his family - no matter what the circumstances.

3. Kevin always wakes up happy. Enough said.

4. He makes me laugh ... sometimes out of control funny! He is friendly and talkative in public. Did I mention talkative?

5. He fixes things. It's like waving a magic wand.

6. He loves to see me happy and hummy. (as in humming tunes from my IPod). When I'm excited, he wants to hear about it. He encourages me to go and do and have fun.

7. He is amazingly mannerly and polite, a real gentleman. He opens doors for strangers, carries things (even my purse!), helps the elderly across the road, and has a way with kids and babies. He says hello to everyone.

8. He goes the extra mile. Kevin works hard. Not only for his family, but for friends and neighbors. He is everyone's hero when it comes to clearing snowy driveways, or running to the grocery, or helping someone with a project.

9. He loves my mother to no end, and he is really her son. He is a very caring brother and caregiver to his sister, Jane, who has Alzheimers and lives near us. He does everything on both of their "honey do" lists, and makes it fun.

10. He enjoys playing games - cards, board games, word games. Time spent together is time well spent.

11. Our lives are fast - but he always takes the time to say hello and goodbye with a kiss.

12. I love that he is sentimental. Memories really mean something to him. Making them are a priority.

13. He even loves ... well, at least likes, the cat.

14. I like being known as Mrs. Squires. My Valentine is a keeper!

Wind and Pork Chops

2009-02-12T03:56:00.002-05:00

Been having some crazy weather here lately! Wind, sheets of rain, sun pops out and then a do-over of it all. Today at lunch, I got caught in parts (a) and (b) so I looked like a drowned rat when I returned to the office. But I had high heels on, so I was good.

Kevin had plans with his sister tonight, so I worked a bit later. I arrived home in the dark, wind, and rain to find we had no power. No getting the car in the garage! Don't ya just love it when things we take for granted are gone?! Not having a garage door opener, I fumbled for my house key. Finally found it! Got the door unlocked, only to learn that the deadbolt was locked too. Now what?

Eleanore to the rescue! My cell phone actually rang as I was standing in the dark, wind and rain on my porch fumbling with my keys. "Can you see?" said Miss Eleanore. "Nope, and I'm locked out of my house and I'm coming over to yours!" replied me. I zipped around the corner, and found Brent/Eleanore playing backgammon in the dark with candles. She gave me pork chops for dinner and I waited for my hero Kevin to come home and get us into our dark house.

What a fun evening! Power JUST came back. Don't you just LOVE it when things we take for granted are gone?!

There is no such thing in anyone's life as an unimportant day!

Middle Age Monday

2009-02-09T20:43:00.002-05:00

Ten Things I knew I would never forget, even in middle age

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
(Okay, never mind)

How do you say I love you?

2009-02-08T17:18:00.018-05:00

Do you say it with a heart shaped M&M ring on a paper plate?

Or a phone call to a friend? How many ways do you say I love you?

Thoughts in Threes:

Things I did this past week:

1. Went with my sister to our first dinner theater show this season, feature presentation "Don't Dress for Dinner". Maybe for some, but for me? Not so much. Really would not be a good idea, not to mention you might freeze something off. The play was hysterically funny! We laughed till we .... ummm, we had to go to the bathroom.

2. Bought semi-flat shiny black penny loafers to wear with Jean's as knock-around shoes. Funny story here -- suffice it to say that Judge Gray (whom I respect and respond to in her courtroom on a regular basis) found me in the shoe department and a good time was had by all! "How about these? You're too picky! No, not those nerdy ones. Why must you look taller? You just need to hem your Jeans. Yes, those are the ones!"

3. Had my Jeans hemmed.

Things I talked with people about:

1. The last 20 years with an old friend.
2. Life in general ... with my sweetheart. I love doing that.
3. Upcoming trip to DC ... with Debbie.

Biggest surprises this week:

1. We learned that Kevin has shingles. Pain, much pain. So he thinks happy thoughts instead. If I had them, I would die dead. Instead of dying, Kevin took me to a movie on Friday night. Clint Eastwood is, like 100 years old, but his new movie "Grand Torino" is absolutely grand. Go.

2. A fun surprise --- After stamp club on Thursday night with the "hood" girls, we stopped off at McDonalds and got jittered up on Sprite and laughed so hard!

3. Want to know how many times a day I talk to the cat when I see him? Me too.

Things I just want to say:

1. I love Jesus, oh yes I do!

2. I got myself all ready to go outside and walk around the block with my spiffy new retractable ear phones for my IPod and my Kathy Smith Walk Fit tunes, and I told Kevin if I was not back in 30 minutes to send out an A.P.B. because if I don't come back it probably means I had a heart attack. He did not. I did not. Phew.

3. A few months ago I joined Facebook. (and yes, I will gladly be your friend if you ask). Facebook is the new smoking. It's horribly addicting and fun. It's a place where people report on important things in their life, such as "Doing laundry today" and "Enjoying doing nothing today" and "Getting good at Guitar Hero today". But then again ... connecting with family and friends, on any level, is good, yes? No matter how good or bad you type.

Not only does love make the world go round, but it makes the ride worthwhile!

Go-Go the Snowman

2009-02-03T08:07:00.009-05:00

Meet Go-Go the Snowman. Everyone say it with me - awwwww! Go-Go resides in my grandkids' neighborhood, and his life expectancy is looking good with the additional 2 inches of snow and freezing temps that have descended upon us from the heavens.

Princess Rhegan (above) and her brother Clayton (below) spent 34 1/2 minutes playing outside with Go-Go. It was Grandpa Kevin's job to watch the clock before Mr. Frostbite paid a visit.

Why is it that cold and snow is never a bother to kids? Could it be because they don't have to drive? Or push a shopping cart full of groceries through the snowy parking lot? Or pay the high heating bill? Probably.

Now this is what little bro' Parker did while the others were outside playing with Go-Go the Snowman. Do we see a similarity between infants and us old farts?

Some days, don't you just want to do this? I love to throw a good hissy fit. It soothes the soul. In this particular hissy fit, Rhegan was unhappy that I was taking a picture of her brother without her being in it. I asked her if she could please hold that pose "For Like Ever" ... and she did!

The world is so full of a number of things, I'm sure we should all be as happy as kings.

Let It Snow

2009-01-28T09:36:00.004-05:00

My hero husband! He was out at 6am trying to snow-blow us outa here. Notice the Colts Santa Hat? Now that's what I call a cutie patootie! By the way, while he was outside in single digit temps, I was snuggled in my warm cozy bed thinking about getting up. Yes, I lead a charmed life! But I'm not spoiled, I'm not spoiled, I'm not spoiled!

View outside our back deck, just before sunrise this morning. Great shot of those big pretty snowflakes! Florida Boy would just LOVE to be playing in this right now! Officially, there is 12.4 inches of snow at the airport. If you are planning to fly in to see me, I would re-think that.

View outside our front door just before sunrise this morning. No snow plows have been through our neighborhood. I am scheduled to be in Senate Chambers today for work, the courts are now closed, and our law firm just declared a snow emergency. So far this morning, I've watched the news, made a German Choc Cake and ate half, been on the computer and telephone, and took snow pictures.

I repeat --- I am not spoiled, I am not spoiled, I am not spoiled!

Blond Ambition is Gone Gone Gone

2009-01-24T19:44:00.005-05:00

Do not be fooled by that smile!

Seriously. Who said blonds have more fun? I've had a ton of fun as a blond during the last 15 years, but we're moving on ... game over baby ... pony up for brunettes!

I've been on a de-junking binge for about a month. But we just took the Christmas tree down last Monday - go figure?! The cat is mad.

The winter weather is definitely a deep freeze! But it doesn't bother me because I think it's sort of exciting to live in a cloud. {?!?} Besides, I luv luv luv sweaters and scarves and kickers. When I toot around downtown to/from court or out to lunch with friends, I have an extra bounce in my cold step! It's amazing how much weather influences our lives.

A friend is having some health issues and I'm wondering what I can do for them? Sometimes there are no words.

My dining room table has one inch that is not covered with paper crafts. Happiness! Brunette ambition is in high gear!

Princess Rhegan is checking her calendar to see when she might be available for a sleepover. She will have her people call my people.

Recently, my mom, my sister, and my sister-in-law had eye exams and will soon have new glasses. If they see a brunette that looks vaguely familiar ....

O'bama gets to keep his Blackberry. Now I can sleep at night.

Have you ever had someone put their stinky socks under your nose while you are sleeping? Enough said.

News Flash: I've switched to Sprite. No more Diet Coke, people! I am not traumatized. I am not traumatized.

Tinkerbell Says CHEESE!

2009-01-18T19:38:00.002-05:00

Check out them Tinkerbell Boots! Who needs pants when you've got such a cool pair of kickers?! Rosalie says, "Oh my heck, I've wanted a pair of these all my life, and it makes my set of wheels go faster too." Well, Aunt Kay & Uncle Kevin are happy to see you enjoying them! A word to the wise: stay off the road. Rosalie's driver's license isn't valid, but the cops haven't figured it out yet. But Aunt Kay is not too worried, because if Rosalie gets pulled over she can just flash 'em with this cheesy smile and who could resist?! Not even a cop.

You can't depend on your eyes if your imagination is out of focus.

Revolutionary Road

2009-01-17T22:34:00.004-05:00

Kevin & I met the "hood" at the movies tonight. Revolutionary Road is not a film for everyone, but it achieves what not many films do these days. It is a learning lesson.

Marriage is not always an easy thing, especially if you spend all your time dreaming of a life of adventure. So, let's imagine for a minute what it would be like for a liberal married couple living in the conformist world of the 1950s! Frank & April Wheeler, a young Connecticut couple, saw themselves as special and vowed never to conform to a world of picket fences and manicured lawns. As time passes, however, they become the very thing they feared most -- a typical suburban family complete with abandoned dreams. Their marriage turns into a cycle of jealousy and bickering while they both strive to maintain their independence. The film itself is so beautiful, yet at the same time so dark. I must say that Titanic shipmates Leonardo Dicaprio and Kate Winslet give the performance of a lifetime!

Now I wonder ... how many of us have ever identified with feeling "trapped" in your life? And what can be done, or not done, to remedy that? Do couples rescue themselves or is the trap bigger than they are? Well, I have one word for that: commitment. God will bless you. Enough said.

JUST STUFF:

Joke: How do you make God laugh? Tell him your plans.

Cold vs. Colder: Below 0 temps lately. I'm not bothered. Why else would God have created sweaters and scarves and a good pair of kickers?

Work: We are speeding through trial, and witnesses are playing nice so far. I love my new high heels. How did I ever do trials without a computer before?

Scrapstuff: Stamp Club is coming soon and so are the new catalogs! I can hardly sleep thinking about it!

Inauguration: Puleeese smile with your teeth, Michelle! And do not wear red/black. And I just want to say in all sincerity, thank you Mr. Bush.

Hair: My magician beautician almost found my natural hair color this morning. Welcome back brunette! No more blond jokes kids!

Hissy Fit: None so far in 2009.

Marriage: I love my husband, and he loves me very much. I am grateful for commitment, and I love my suburban picket fence manicured yard {minus the fence and the shrubs and the flower garden in real life}. But you get the jist of it, yes?

Ramblings

2009-01-11T23:11:00.002-05:00

BIG trial starting tomorrow! Why am I still up and not in bed? Excited, I guess. This is the first time we are transporting the file to court electronically. Who was in charge of the discovery website? Moi. Who designed and organized the site? Moi. Who do they look at if it doesn't work? Moi. Enough said.

WONDERFUL church service this morning! We attended Meadowbrook's service .... electronically! Guess it's the thing for us, these days. Just think. There was Keaton, sitting in church in Ocala, FL. And here we were, sitting in church in our living room. All the while, attending church together! If you have an opportunity, why don't you attend church with me?

SOOPER DOOPER set of gift cards on my other blog, that I made this afternoon (after that wonderful church service). My craft room was rocking today, and it's all cleaned up again cuz the cleaning lady is coming tomorrow. Let me think about that one ...

IPOD FOR DUMMIES was my choice for reading material today. Learned some snazzy new shortcuts and downloaded some new tunes. I wanted Kathy Smith's Walkfit, but I guess it's so ancient that I'm going to have to get it on CD first. I'm so stuck in the 80's - but I am getting somewhat away from big hair!

SLEEP cometh to those who go to bed. Wish me luck at trial! I have new high heels, that should do it!

No rest is worth anything except the rest that is earned.

2009 - And We're Off ...

2009-01-10T20:19:00.004-05:00

Welcome to basketball! How much fun is it to watch a bunch of 3rd and 4th graders chase around a big orange basketball and wear themselves out? Well, a whole lota fun! I mean, raise your hand if you would rather be at home on a Saturday afternoon doing laundry? I thought so. These kids rock! They put the "N" in Nike. They put the "D" in Dream Team. And they made us old geezers smile! {Okay, technically we are not old geezers but in a gym full of parents of 3rd and 4th graders, well ... maybe we were geezers for an hour today. But as soon as we left there, we were no longer geezers. I just wanted to clarify, ya know, for the good of the order.} Sorry, I digress. The Upward Basketball program combines teaching the skills of the game with lessons in the game of life through bible teaching and devotions at every practice and game. How cool is that? Way to go Clayton! You got game, buddy!

I gotta go do my laundry now, imagine that?!

Last Reflections of 2008

2009-01-03T15:43:00.003-05:00

Best Memory: Keaton's college graduation. Last kid is done - check that off the list! Way to go Florida boy! The math world has been waiting for your arrival!
Best Family Gathering: Turkey Day in Atlanta. Joyce & Larry are awesome hosts and we always have a great time together with the gang. Watching Lark/Traci's skydiving video, playing Guitar Hero, playing ball with Lexie, and trying to snap perfect pics of Rosalie!
Best New Discovery: My Nano IPod! Need I say more?! Facebook is another one. It's great to keep up with new friends (in Ocala) and old friends (no I'm not old - they are).
Best Trip: There were two. The first was planned and the second was not. The combo graduation/Disney family trip to Florida was magical. The second mad-dash to Florida later in the year after Keaton's accident turned out to be something I will never ever never forget if I live to be 101. Living inside Keaton's world, attending his church, meeting his friends and co-workers, learning his town, shopping his mall, eating at his Panera .... it's all good. Especially after such an emotional journey!
Best Project: A Baby Photo Box for Mandy's new little angel. This was not only a fun project, but Robin & I each made one, and it required many late night craft sessions. Oh darn.
Best New Food Discovery: (1) Potato 'n Salmon cakes. What a great way to use leftover mashed tators! Yumola. (2) Cream of Chicken and Wild Rice soup from Panera, in a bread bowl. {GOT to have the bread bowl!}
Biggest Surprise: Brandt and Erin's break-up. I have no opinion here. I only want God's plan for my son's life - nothing less.
Best New Item on our Want List: Did someone say "winter home" in Florida?
Best Movie: Mamma Mia! Long live the Dancing Queen 4ever!
Biggest Change: Moving Jane to Indiana from Ohio has been the most unexpected, challenging, enjoyable change in our life this past year.
Deepest Hurt: Saying goodbye to Janet, as she said hello to Jesus! Feeling Debbie's pain in the loss of her sister hit me with emotional tears. Do you know Jesus?
Biggest Disappointment: Someone who is finding their own way, but we love them anyway.
Best New Friendships: Regular Hood get-togethers have produced much more than a good time! The stamp club was also a big kick, not to mention a creative outlet that I so desperately need to stay sane (is that possible?). I also made a special new blogland friend, Mary, who is a witty sister-in-Christ, and I'm so glad God put her in my electronic path of life!
Worst Fear: Rhegan growing up. Will Grandma still rock?
Best Book: Oh there are so many! I LUV to read. Maybe it was Amy Grant's book {thank you Kevin} or the last Yada Yada Prayer Group book in the series. Maybe it was Wednesday Letters. Maybe it was What In the World Is Going On, by Dr. David Jeremiah. Or maybe it was Cooking With Hot Flashes. Or maybe it was Bunny Suicides.
Best New Toy: My new laptop rocks! So do my spellbinders die cuts for scrapbooking.
Best Reflection: From January to December, from cold season to warm season and back to cold again, through laughter and tears, from Cracker Barrel to Disneyland, through home and car repairs, from health to heartache .... the journey is complete with Kevin by my side.
Biggest Question: Will I lose my gallbladder in 2009? Can our family live without a spleen and a gallbladder?

The life given us by nature is short. But, the memory of a well-spent life is eternal.

The Real Eve

2009-01-01T21:43:00.003-05:00

VIEWING TIP: Hold cursor over any picture to stop slide show and read captions.

Dear Hood Members:

God bless ya gang! Kevin & I are happy to be card-carrying members of the Hood! Thanks for ringing in the New Year with us old farts! {that was for you, Bear} Dinner at Stone Creek was scrump-dilly-ishous. Will the Waiter was worth 20%. I am hoping Brent & Eleanor enjoyed "swimming" at the hotel, we missed you guys after dinner! Apples-To-Apples is THE game of the century, I want to own stock in it! Ya think it was no coincidence that Bear got the card entitled "sensual'? {see slide show - Lynn LOLing with tears} I have to say, it is SO powerful being a game judge. I can now mark JUDGE off my bucket list. So after that rip-roaring round, it was down to the Lusks and the Squires. First up, ROOK rocks! Then a round of Sequence. Then a 5-minute break to watch the ball drop, kiss your Honey-Bunny, and "hop" into the New Year. {Yes, Eleanor, we hopped for you!} Then back to ROOK. And the party ended with the Squires waving good-bye to the Lusks from their front porch, wishing them safe travels on the l-o-n-g drive home. Should you walk next year?

We loooove all of you! 2008 was truly "The Year Of The Hood" and we look forward to running amuck with the gang in 2009!

Love {insert yet unknown gang sign},

K&K

Eve of the Eve - Part 2

2008-12-30T23:05:00.003-05:00

Today is New Year's Adam {if you know me, it's the Adam came before Eve thing}. Do you remember thinking about Y2K, and how awkward it would be to say the year "Two Thousand" instead of "Nineteen"? I can remember when Kevin & I were married, and we thought it was hysterical that in the year 2000 we would be married 20 years! Not to mention we would have a son graduating from high school that same year! Now, here we are almost a decade into the 21st century. Holy Moly! Year end blogging is a reflective time ... but so is the archives of this blog. So, as we enter the real eve let me just say thank you for sharing the journey.

We haven't been to a New Year's Eve party in years. {Probably not since back in the day, during the "Nineteen" years}. Once the kiddo's came along, we got in the habit of staying home to celebrate. Of course, now we're old farts and we're lucky if we can stay awake to watch the ball drop on TV in Times' Square! But guess what? The kids are grown! So tomorrow night, on the real eve, we are getting all dolled up and we will ring in the New Year with the "Hood" {if you know me, it's the neighbor"hood" gang}, with dinner out and music and laughing. Then the gang members of the Hood will come back to the house for more fun and games and yummy finger foods. The sign says: Good Times Ahead!

Ain't it grand when the kids grow up?

Disclaimer: If you are one of my children, do not - I repeat - do not do anything on New Year's Eve that your father and I wouldn't do. We are, after all, good ole' farts!

Happy B-Day G-Ma

2008-12-28T22:39:00.007-05:00

Happy 86th Birthday G-Ma! I'm glad God decided to send you to earth a few days after Christmas ... so it gives us yet another chance to get together, overstuff ourselves till we waddle, and laugh with you. Red Lobster was a perfect choice for your birthday lunch, and the cheddar cheese biscuits will forever be on my mind and hips. Love your guts!

Well, it's the day after the day after. I think. But you know how I don't really count the day of, so it could make sense if you wanted it to. The house is quiet again. Both boys are now in DC, painting the town. Andrea & company came & went, after our 2nd annual Merry Mexican Christmas Dinner. I am headed back to the world of law tomorrow, if I can remember how to drive a car.

The big eyeglass shop. I, along with a multitude of other "flexible spending plan" people, had $$ to use or lose before the clock strikes midnight this Wednesday. Now, I am not in the habit of throwing hundreds of dollars out the window {although I did do just that about a week ago when mailing a gift card - but that's a whole 'nother story for a whole 'nother day}. So I set out on a shop for new eyeglasses, which is VERY hard for me to do since I cannot see how I look in any potential new frame. Very disturbing. Very dependent on nice sales clerks, who don't know me and try to "fit" me into something totally not cool. Sigh! So at lunch today, I volunteered my sister, Jean, to accompany me on my eyeglass shop. She was up for the challenge. WOW - I could have purchased 5 pair, let alone one GOOD pair!

Moral of the story: Take your sister who looks kinda like you when you eyeglass shop, and see what the new frames look like on her, and then buy 2 new pair like I did! One is "bling" and one is "blue". And I'm tickled pink! Jean then drove me all the way back home in her new fancy car. {She got enough $$ from her old car for a Happy Meal} I'll be SEEING you soon!

Some Glasses Quotes:

If the eye does not want to see, neither light nor glasses will help.

Men seldom make passes at girls who wear glasses. (enough said, but I did order bling glasses)

Don't call the world dirty because you forgot to clean your glasses.

Rose colored glasses are never made in bifocals.

Christmas Rocks!

2008-12-25T23:59:00.006-05:00

Brandt: Mom doesn't know the words to Beat It!
Kevin: Yeah, but she sounds really good.
Keaton: Well, if she didn't have a spleen, she might sing better.
Kay: I'm tired of cooking, let's rock!

The Real Eve: I cooked the entire Eve Day. Then we did the most special thing (to me) that we do every year on the real Eve. We attend Candlelight Service with good friends and neighbors, the Wilsons, and we hold our candles high into the air with about 1000 others and praise God as we sing Silent Night. It's an amazing night of worship. And this year, the Lusks joined us. Happiness!

The Real Morning: I lahahave not getting up early, like when the kids were little. And I lahahave it when Keaton distributes all the gifts and we wrap up in blankets and robes and open them one-by-one. And I lahahave seeing Kevin's face when he opens up his Harley Davidson calendar every year. And I lahahaved it when the boys saw their Ninja Turtle & Bart Simpson water bottles from when they were kids, only this time they were stuffed with cash. And I lahahaved it when my honey gave me a Vera Bradley Hipster purse ... and, are you ready ... a new laptop! I am SO very cool.

The Rest of the Real Day: Grandma & Aunt Jane joined us and we all stuffed our faces full of food. We played a game of Sequence, and we watched Elf, and we ate again. We set up my new laptop, and Keaton kicked a soccer ball around in the living room (why do boys always do that?) and Kevin is laughing hysterically through the movie, Wild Hogs.

The Real Deal: And all the while, a little baby was born to the Virgin Mary and He lay in a manger, come to save us all. What a beautiful day!

Eve of the Eve

2008-12-23T21:23:00.010-05:00

Christmas Countdown: Did I ever tell you about my Christmas countdown? I can make Christmas come all the sooner, in my head, by the way I count. I never count today because it's already here. I never count Christmas Day because that's what you are counting to. And you can't count Christmas Eve because that's just part of Christmas Day in its own way. And today is Christmas Adam (because Adam came before Eve), so you wouldn't want to count it. You get the picture?

Keaton's home! He flew into the new Indianapolis airport last night, and then we drove through downtown to see the newly imploded old RCA Dome, and then we fell into bed at 1:00 a.m. with the threat of an ice storm headed our way. {God did not disappoint.} But did you know that the Indianapolis Colts beat the Chicago Bears 2 Superbowls ago? Therefore, we have the new Indianapolis airport and the newly imploded old RCA Dome, now replaced with the newly finished Lucas Oil Stadium.

Brandt's Travel Plans: This morning started out innocent enough. Ring Ring goes the telephone, and dear friend Robin says, "You better call your DC boy!" It appears there was a main water break in Bethesda, MD this morning and it was all over the news and she was concerned that DC boy might be traveling through it. Dear friend Robin knows the high probability of how unpredictable DC boy can be, so she did, rightfully so, have the best of intentions. Thankfully, however, I had just talked with DC boy and after having a nice long heart-to-heart talk with himself {I listened} he will not leave for Indianapolis until early tomorrow morning. Thankfully. Did I mention the impending ice storm? {God did not disappoint.}

Ice Storm Hits Kay's Driveway: I left work early as the impending ice storm rained down on us. 1 hour to Kevin's office (usually 20 minutes). 1 hour home (usually 10 minutes). 1 hour trying to get car into garage on steep driveway (usually 10 seconds). Neighbors Fran & Don enjoyed the show. Frustration. So we picked up Fran & Don and went out for Italian dinner, instead of trying to get the car in the garage! That'll teach the neighbors to gawk! It was a real stress-reliever making fun of Fran as she ice skated to the car. Keaton and some of his friends met us there. Baked Ziti and Diet Coke = who cares about a lil' ole' ice storm?!?

So what did YOU do on the Eve of the Eve?

It's That Time of Year Again

2008-12-21T23:22:00.005-05:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

{A Public Service Announcement}
We interrupt the regular blog music playlist to bring you the Squires' ElfYourself Christmas Dance in full surround sound! Merry Christmas from the Squires! Kevin-Kay-Brandt-Keaton

Holiday Jibber-Jabber

2008-12-20T20:46:00.000-05:00

Things I'm celebrating today:

I'm loving Mamma Mia all over again! IF Santa wanted to bring it to me for Christmas, I would let him, but only IF Santa really wanted to do it, you know.
The temp is 4 degrees outside right now! Count 'em: 1-2-3-4! The wind chill is 20 degrees below 0. Let's not count that.
Grandma's K's Coffee Cake is made, wrapped up, and ready for gift-giving to the neighbors. Why didn't anyone tell me how good it was before now? I stumbled onto the recipe and it does - after all - have my name in it!
The new kit-of-the-month from Unity Stamp Company. Trust me, you are gonna bounce big time when you see these Valentine stamps! They are so stinkin' cute!!
I have slept 20 hours in the past two days. Ahhhhhh!
Christmas music. Loud. All day long!

Things I'll be cooking over the next week:

Turkey and Honey-Glazed Ham (no fire dept. calls! remember two years ago?)
Mashed Potatoes - the boys could not survive a Christmas without them!
Green Bean Casserole
Cream Cheese & Pineapple Cheese ball - oh so yum!
Rigatoni with classic Italian sauce - a holiday family tradition!
A big ole' pot of Taco Soup that cooks for 8-12 hours (Holy Moly!)
Chicken & Beef Taco's
Breakfast Casserole
Barbecue Meatballs (Yes Brandt, they are for you!)

Things I'm looking forward to:

Keaton's flight arrives tomorrow night - Happiness!
I'm hoping Brandt remembers to drive home for Christmas (?!)
Christmas Eve Candlelight Church Service
Hanging out with all the fam and grandkiddos - who's in charge of Parker?
Did I mention the Pineapple Cheese ball?

Critical things that I need to do that have nothing to do with Christmas:

Contact the neighbor girls about a bible study group
Pay bills (last year I forgot to make the house payment during the holidays! Who does that?)
Figure out a birthday gift
Use my Pampered Chef round baking stone
Prepare for a BIG - no, HUGE - 2-week trial in January
Begin to consider my New Year's Resolutions. Amen, to that brother!

Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas.

Coming Along ...

2008-12-19T07:02:00.003-05:00

Coming along ... that's how I feel right now. Everything's coming along (slowly but surely).

Got Sick? I got sick last Thursday. Got half better on Friday. Got sicker on Saturday. Got real drugs. Half dead on Sunday and Monday. Worked half-day on Tuesday. Got sicker on Wednesday. Got well on Thursday.

Got Christmas Movie? I got hooked on a string of Lifetime Christmas movies during my sicko time. Mr. Claus Looking For A Mrs. Claus - awwww, it was such a cute holiday chick flick!

Got Christmas Cards? I actually enjoy this annual exercise, even through the busyness of the season!

Got Christmas Shopping? I've done it. Go ahead - admit it. You have too! But honestly, seriously, for real -- I have not done it like I usually do it and you know what? I'm good with that!

What's in Your Wallet? Gift cards.

Got Steep Driveway? Hello Winter. It was so nice of winter to grant us some icy sleet over the last few days, but perhaps not when you have a steep driveway like we do. I was minding my own business, writing heartfelt notes in my nice Christmas cards at 10:30 at night, when there was a knock at the front door. "Do you know that your truck has slid down your driveway and is sitting in the middle of the street?" Well, if that doesn't say Hello Winter!

Got Motherhood? I am SO excited that the boys will be home soon! I'm going to hug them 3 extra times this year, and thank our God in Heaven who gave them to us for safekeeping (hard as it is sometimes). HONK for motherhood!

Got Appetite? Last night, we enjoyed our annual Christmas dinner with Kevin's employees and families at Maggiano's. Can you say delish? OMG - we are totally going there again and again and again. And maybe again.

One totally random thought: WHO throws a shoe at the President of the United States?

Now if that doesn't say Christmas ....

2008-12-17T06:10:00.001-05:00

Doesn't this tree speak Christmas?

What happens when sisters are also best friends?

Is there anything better than Rosalie and her Snow Globe?

Isn't Santa's Helper (Parker) the cutest little thing you've ever seen?

Don't you just love happy Rhegan and her pal Santa Claus?

And last, but not least, are you making this your reason for the season?

Let the Holiday Blogging Begin

2008-12-08T23:00:00.002-05:00

So ... I'm back at work now (not that I ever really stopped working from Florida) but somehow, incredibly, work finds its way to me and attorneys and clients make unreasonable demands on my time and everyday I get to dress up in high heels and smile at them. Hey -- it's good to be seen. Really. Especially in high heels.

So ... in less than one hour, we will have been home one full week! I've talked to Florida Boy everyday (I do not miss an opportunity to annoy him like any good loving mother would do). He continues to heal. I know this because he sent me his Christmas Wish List. Yes, he really is thinking more clearly now.

So ... on Friday I had a flat tire on my way home from work, in 11 degree temp, with snow. I was in the fast lane (aren't I always in the fast lane?) Kevin picked me up on the highway and off we went to the law firm's Christmas Party. Who needs a flat tire anyway?

So ... on Saturday I took Kevin's truck and Grandma Kay, who rocks, went to see the kiddos. Rhegan ran into my arms, Parker goo'd and coo'd and played peek-a-boo with me, and Clayton looked up once from his video game. Oh baby - it's a wunnerful life! Andrea & I shopped most of the day away, in between Tinkerbell Rhegan's birthday party. I then spent the rest of the day billing paralegal hours at my wunnerful law firm. Do you KNOW how scary it gets on the 25th floor in the dark with only my desk lamp, and the building creaking? Enough billable hours for one day. Enough said.

So ... my hero Kevin fixed not one, but TWO flat tires on my car while I was busy with Tinkerbell and billable hours. Did I mention the spare in my trunk was flat?

So ... on Sunday my hero Kevin put up the Christmas tree and decorated the house all Christmas like. I did 4593 loads of laundry and made a Wal-Mart run that broke my back, my trunk, and my wallet.

So ... let the Christmas blogging begin! Game on, baby!

There are souls in this world which have the gift of finding joy everywhere and of leaving it behind them when they go.

Groundhog Day

2008-12-07T14:23:00.004-05:00

Okay -- let's dish.

After our Thankful Thanksgiving, we headed for Indiana early Saturday morn. 10 hours ahead of us. No problemo. Grandma was riding well. We got her home in one piece, and purchased some groceries for her and Jane. Off we went to our own Home-Sweet-Home. Made it! The cat was mad at me. Life was good.

One hour later, my cell phone rings. Keaton has severe stomach pain while driving home from Atlanta, can hardly speak, about to pass out. Ambulances from both directions head toward him, not knowing exactly where he is located. We stay on the phone with him until medical personnel reach him and then we jump back inside our un-packed car and head for a hospital somewhere in Macon, GA. Drove through the night (after driving through the day), all the while talking with ER personnel. Keaton is pumped full of narcotics and nausea drugs, awaiting test results. We arrive early Sunday morn.

He is released. CT scan looked good. Esophagus is inflamed, has digestion problems - so they say. Bunch of new drugs now. We took Keaton home to Florida. Want to know possible culprit?

Food Poisoning. Perhaps Burger King. We will never know. Keaton never wants to do that again. He'd rather have a second spleen removed, if in fact God grew him another one.

Groundhog Day? It's a movie where a 24 year old young man and his parents find themselves living the same day over and over again. It would probably be a good idea to stop celebrating Groundhog Day.

Thankfulness

2008-11-27T23:11:00.003-05:00

And for dessert, we have Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie, Whip Cream, or Tums.

Rewind:

The family traveled to Atlanta from the north, the south, and the east (but not the west if I have my direction right, which is questionable if you could see how I drive). One by one, the carloads and airplane loads arrived at the Larkins' Resort.
I looked like a plump little pack donkey with my rolling suitcase in one hand, a laptop bag slung over my shoulder, Keaton's backpack full of math books, and a heavy box full of Guitar Hero Band gear. Let the thankfulness begin, she said with a gobble (actually it was a wobble but there was no alcohol involved, nor kool-aid).
We convinced grandma to play dice games, and she beat our butts.
We watched Fred Claus and Juno in the home theater, tomorrow's featured show is Hancock.
Grandma Mary got stuck in the elevator once, Larry to the rescue.
Football drones on in the background.
The gals made a desperate shopper run to the Michaels Pre-Black Friday sale. Happiness!
Rosalie (the cutest 2-year old niece in the universe) and Lexie (the cutest Yorkshire Terrier in the universe) chase each other and giggle (well I haven't actually heard Lexie giggle for real but I'm sure they do it in dog-talk), all the while someone somewhere is winding up the singing snow globe every few minutes.
We are down to leftovers of turkey and all the trimmings, compliments of Head Chef Joyce and Helper Chef Lark and Turkey Carver Larry.
Keaton is with us, alive and well.

I feel like Lucille Ball or Ethel Merman or Marge Simpson. The point is, I'm straight up crazy thankful to be here. Can anyone say My-Lanta ... life is good! Phew baby, we opened up a big 'ole can of thankfulness today and ate the whole thing.

Blog-Tag: A Game for a Virtual Meet-n-Greet

2008-11-22T15:59:00.022-05:00

As a blogger, people may know you, but how good does anyone really know you? Turns out, I've been invited to play a game of Blog-Tag! My good blog-buddy Becky Oehlers tagged me, so click on over to her blog-palace and be inspired by her papercrafts, or her professional singing, or her golden sense of humor. She's a boatload of fun! For those of you who just landed here from there, welcome to my "what's in my head" blog where I ramble and rant and rave about my life. But wait, I don't stop rambling there ... oooooh noooo. My other blog "Creativity is Good" is where I ramble and rant and rave about my papercraft obsession. Pick your poison!

Okay, then ... seven random or weird facts about myself:

My dad karate-chopped me in the hallway in the middle of the night while I was on a trip to the bathroom --- he thought I was a burglar. I do not think that gave him a license to karate chop, however, the sound effect was pretty awesome.
My husband lost his checkbook on the day of our wedding. I don't care what you say, he was not scared of me! We met at work, he fired a guy and I worked in personnel {The cute night shift foreman meets cute little number in the office}. We met and married within 4 months.
Fav Quote: From birth to age 18, a girl needs good parents. From 18-35 she needs good looks. From 35-55 she needs a good personality, and from 55 on she needs cash.
My rented min-van was stolen while vacationing in San Diego, along with my mother's wheelchair, my scrapbook, and my sisters' wine from the Sonoma Valley. Cops said it was over the border within 10 minutes. Bet they enjoyed that ride!
I went to college in Ann Arbor, Michigan and studied music. Then went to work in a law firm for the next 25 years.
I'm pretty much a perfectionist - but a recovering perfectionist so that has to count for something. I clean and straighten and organize and detail everything that moves. I'm one of those "if you can't do it right, don't do it" people. Go ahead, roll your eyes. I'm cleaning the fuzz out of the laptop keys as you read this ...
It's all about my hair. I cannot function without lipstick and hand creme. And a purse that is a small piece of luggage.

Okay, Becky actually gave me a blog-tag choice but I like the questions on the second round too, so I'll play along!

Things I love: Jesus, my family, San Francisco, scarves, scrapbook stores, hanging with the hood (neighbors), purses, cold weather, TV show-Sisters & Brothers.

Things I don't love: Dark country roads, sushi, mornings, clutter, cop and reality tv shows, negative-talk.

Songs on my IPod: Sing-songy songs, mostly from TV commercials: Regina Spektor, Lenka, Kate Nash, Priscilla Ahn, Katie Herzig, Jack Johnson, Ingrid Michaelson, Sondre Lerche and various christian artists.

Favorite Food or Drink: Salmon, Salad, soup in bread bowls, Paradise Cafe Gingerbread Cookies. Must have Diet Coke ... must have Diet Coke.

Now the FUNNEST part ... tag, you're it!

Sarah & Joe

2008-11-22T00:13:00.004-05:00

Did I forget to mention that Sarah is part of our family? Oh, silly me. You know, Sarah told me she is not disheartened with the election results. She rather likes Alaska. And don't tell anyone I told you, but she just might become Senator Sarah and end up in Washington anyway! Wouldn't that be the berries? {Lloyd & Pam -- Aunt Kay says you rock in your Halloween get-up!}

Speaking of nieces, Traci is going to d-r-a-g us girls to the salon for a mani or pedi as soon as we meet up in Atlanta. Of course, I will go kicking and screaming ... for the good of the order. Such a sacrifice I must make, she says with a faint hand over her brow and a long sigh. And if anyone -- I say anyone -- laughs at my white legs I will resign from being your favorite Aunt. My toes are SO excited!

This evening, Keaton & I attended "The Christmas County Spelling Bee" presented by Meadowbrook Academy -- can anyone say adorable? K-5th graders singing Mighty God, Prince of Peace, all the while blinking at the lights and remembering their smooth moves! Mr. Squires' attendance was required as a teacher, but Mr. Squires' mom's attendance was pure fun. It was good for Keaton to go somewhere else besides the doctor.

Tis the season to consider dragging the Christmas Tree out of the attic, and getting tangled up in the lights, and asking Kevin to please hang the high ornaments and the tree topper, and plopping on the couch and oooh & awww. What AM I going to do without Keaton to do this for me this year? He has been the official tree putter-upper for years! Okay, I can psych up for this and rise to the task! Unless, of course, the grandkids want to have a tree putter-upper pizza party at gram's house?!? Yeah, that's the ticket.

Honk If You Have All Your Original Body Parts

2008-11-20T23:16:00.003-05:00

Gives new meaning to "zip it" doesn't it? Keaton's sense of humor was not injured in the accident. Wanna know how I know (besides going to Wal-Mart and buying this zipper)? Here are some Keaton-isms:

The rock is at fault.
The rock was not a team player.
Who needs a spleen anyway?
Spleens are for wusses (that's funny).
My spleen was removed to unleash my full potential as a math teacher, rock climber, and soccer player. I'm bewildered why others haven't considered this.
Battle scars rate high with chicks (I threw this at him).

Keaton is progressing well. He should be, I'm cooking and cleaning and doing his laundry! As I was changing over a load of laundry, I looked at him and said "You're gonna miss me." To be honest, I've always been the kind of mom that enjoys seeing our children function as adults ... it's a WOW moment to moms. But I'm grateful to have this time to live with Keaton inside his world. I mean, how else can I come up with meaningful ideas for Christmas presents?

Andrea & Brandt, I am putting you on notice. Beware! Mom might live with you inside your world at some point. But if you work it right, just think of the scam you could pull off for a big Christmas haul?

SO ... while I was at Wal-Mart, I found a couple of books that I'm looking forward to reading. The Wednesday Letters and Home to Holly Springs. Thanks Santa Kevin, you rock! Not that I'm going to have time to read them, of course. Time is greatly over-rated.

SO ... I could get used to this. Working in my PJs with remote access is the bomb. I gotta put that on my to-do list when I return home to my honey. I miss making him cornbread. I miss my own pillow and having more than 5 pair of underwear. I miss my craft room. But it will be a challenge to trade in my flip-flops for snow shoes.

Rhegan, this message is for you. Grandma Kay, who rocks, lahahahahaves the pictures you sent Uncle Keaton and it made me miss you like crazy. When Grandma Kay, who rocks, gets back home to Indiana, I am going to ask Pawpaw Kevin to bring me straight to your house and I'm going to kiss you 10 times on your nose. Get ready girlfriend! Hey -- who is your mom anyway? I really like her a lot. Kiss your brothers for me. Okay, go ahead and kiss your dad for me too. But hold your ear when you do it just for fun.

Sleep is not over-rated. It's somewhere up there with lipstick. I love you, my family. Goodnight.

Each day comes bearing its own gifts. Untie the ribbons.

My Spleenless Son

2008-11-20T00:28:00.004-05:00

A Little Earlier
Keaton came home from the hospital armed with pain med. He looked good - aside from the staples in his stomach, the stitches in his neck, and the drain hole in his side. He went to church on Sunday ... and visited his classroom on Monday! Gimme a big SHUT UP! And he eats real food - heck with the popsicle and life saver diet. So ... now he is completely zonked and better understands the meaning of "slow recovery".

A Little Later
The surgeon removed his staples today and replaced with steri-strips so "a hot shower" is in his future. Amen to that. We have new meds for stomach and shoulder pain, and a repeat CT scan in a week to determine if his pancreas needs drained. I pray not.

A Little Love
A word about Meadowbrook --- well, probably more than a word from yours truly Chatty Kathy. This is Keaton's church and the school where he teaches. They love Keaton so much and will stop at nothing to support our family. I cannot list all of the countless ways in which they have helped our family throughout this time. Tonight, I attended mid-week service. If I wasn't there, there would have only been 999 people -- I'm sure I made it an even 1000. For real. The couple seated next to me raised their hand indicating it was their first visit. I introduced myself during the "greet your neighbor" time. And then I enjoyed the rest of the service. After church, I turned to the lady and said:

"Is this really your first time here?" She indicated yes.
"Well, you beat me by only a few visits!" She wanted to know if I was new too.
"Sorta. We moved our son here in August, he teaches at the school, and I'm here because he had a very serious accident."

Now -- here's the part I want to share because it's the best example I can give of how we feel. I took the lady's hand and said:

"I'm probably not the best person to welcome you to this church, but let me just say that we left our son 1000 miles from home here at this church and it was comforting to know he was a part of Meadowbrook. This is a wonderful spirit-filled church, please come back."

She had tears in her eyes. And so did I. And all the people said amen.

Words that describe the past 2 weeks: Emotional, Busy, Anticipation, Pain, Joy, Gratitude, Love.

God has BIG plans for this man's life ...

2008-11-15T01:17:00.005-05:00

It happened exactly three days after Barack Obama was elected to be the next President of the United States. It happened exactly eight days after Keaton's 24th birthday. It happened while we were home in Indiana and Keaton was home in Florida. It happened so quick and a full week has come and gone already.

Keaton fell 25-30 feet while rock climbing with friends at Brick City. He ruptured his spleen, had internal bleeding, and possibly a collapsed lung. He called us after an ambulance ride, and after the trauma team assessed his injuries, and after a full body CT scan, and a surgeon had been called. And lots of pain medication. It went like this:

Kay: Hello?
Keaton: Hi mom.
Kay: Keaton, is that you? (his voice was so weak, throaty, and hoarse)
Keaton: Yes.
Kay: Are you okay?
Keaton: Yes, I'm okay.
Kay: Where are you calling from?
Keaton: The hospital.
Kay: How did you get there?
Keaton: An ambulance.

Kevin & I were 1000 miles away, and all we wanted to do was get there. Three hours later, I was on a plane, and praying non-stop. Keaton was in so much pain when I arrived. The next morning, the surgeon determined his spleen had to be removed and an hour later he was in surgery. So ... the long road to recovery begins. He now has a 12 inch vertical cut from his breast-bone to below his belly button, and 17 staples.

In the hours following surgery, a cardiologist was called in because of some complications ... all is good now. His left shoulder continues to be a concern, even after CT scan and xrays have shown nothing. His right hand swelled and gave us pause, but has since gone back to normal. There appear to be no broken bones and no concussion -- what a walking miracle he is!

Pastor Tim and Principal Tina have been so supportive, as have all the staff at Meadowbrook Church and Academy. All of Keaton's students made him banners and get-well cards. The church has set me up with a laptop, and I will work from here until after Thanksgiving. We are hoping Keaton will be released in the next few days. Kevin is joining us tomorrow and he can't wait to see Keaton, and I can't wait to see Kevin.

God has a plan for this man's life indeed. This man who is our son. This man who we love more than any words could say. This man, who is a brother, a grandson, a nephew, a cousin, a friend, a teacher, and a man of God.

Keaton, I am so blessed to be your mom. And don't rock climb anytime soon.

Twas the Night Before Elections and all through the House

2008-11-03T21:15:00.004-05:00

First things first ... Guess who went to the McCain rally today? Guess who bought me this beeeutiful campaign button? My hero ... Kevin! I love it! And I love you! Tomorrow, I am excited about going to stand for probably many long hours at the polls. I plan to shake the hands of all my local politicians, and grin and smile, and dish with my neighbors, and enjoy the unusually warm temps. Gonna be a good time!

Second things second ... let's not get into the long emotional political season we have just witnessed, complete with unrelenting TV ads and biased media coverage, not to mention the stolen yard signs and 'friendly' neighborhood chats. No - let's not go there. Let's go here ... what we did, you and me and thee, was show the world a democracy at its finest hour. Win, lose, or draw - if you did not engage in this political season, then you were living under a rock. Ouch.

Third things third ... a bit of self-talk:

I've been forgetting to mention that I somehow got addicted to Facebook lately. For 2 weeks anyway. And it's been fun to chat with some old friends from 20 years ago! Well - they might be older. But I am not addicted anymore. Nope.
This time change suits me for two reasons: (1) Daylight comes earlier = I wake up better. (2) Darkness comes earlier and I'm a night owl so I get more done! Capish?
My house is showing signs of busyness. Is it time for the cleaning lady to come? Is it time to get rid of the cat?
The "oh, just go ahead and call the painter and start looking at colors for the dining room" bug bit me again today.
Brandt made his Thanksgiving travel plans today. I want to jump up and do the Toyota kick and a Happy Dance for Thanksgiving!
I'm looking forward to a sleep over with Rhegan. We might come up with our own Saturday Night Live sketch, or something.
I'm also looking forward to Andrea's B-day because we are going shopping and plan to eat Mexican until we can't walk. When I asked her if that was okay, I think she said "You had me at hello!"
I might like to write in Martha Stewart for President. At least that way we might get decorating and hosting ideas after following her life for the next 4 years. Maybe she would pass a Big Bow Law that does not require extra postage on all the beautiful hand made cards in the crafting world.
Enough said.

Parker Thurman is how old?

2008-11-02T14:33:00.005-05:00

Parker Thurman Stewart went from this ...
... to this in one short year! I blinked my eyes and he was walking!

Here's the birthday boy with his peeps. That would be mom (Andrea), dad (Shawn), Clayton and Rhegan. Parker later told me that he was looking at them and thinking, why did they keep their clothes on? I think it had something to do with the chocolate cupcake that came his way after the Happy Birthday song!

Happy Birthday Buddy Boy! We love you!

Politics and Religion - Both are Waiting on Grace

2008-11-01T15:05:00.005-04:00

Well, it certainly can be argued that this has not been "poltiics as usual". We are already seeing record numbers at the polls for early voting, and this promises to be a historical election indeed. As we enter the home stretch, my thoughts humble me:

Politics is the most wishy-washy topic. It's very hard not to be swayed by this side or that, they both have their good qualities.
I am proud to be an American. I do not choose to live in any other country, and I am grateful to a loving God for putting me in this country. A very short few generations ago, my ancestors did not enjoy the quality of life that my family has, so the miracle of God abounds in my life.
The emotional side of politics continues to amaze me. But I can't help but pray that it equals the emotion of your religion, so that the nation turns to a waiting Heavenly Father.
Whoever will serve as our next President and Vice-President, regardless of whether it was your choice or not, make no mistake that God allowed it to happen. And be thankful for His ultimate plan and purpose.

Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.

The Annual Birthday Post - Ode to Keaton

2008-10-30T22:03:00.006-04:00

Did you know that birthdays come annually? Let me explain.

Last year, I wished Keaton a Happy Wednesday Birthday with a cute little song on this post. Keaton then left me a comment that said: "I'm glad you wished me a happy Wednesday birthday on my Tuesday birthday. Thanks, mom. That song will be awesome...next year..."

Well, guess what buddy? It's now THIS year! So my birthday wish for you is now ditto. Song and all. And I'm wishing you a Happy Thursday Birthday for really real. Now that you are a math teacher and you have reached the square root of 576 years {if you don't speak math speak, Keaton says that would be 24}, then you are qualified to have a Thursday Birthday. I give you an "A+". Moral of the story: Mom's have a good memory.

Keaton, you have grown to be a man who thinks freely and gives kindly. You are a thirsty learner and a leader and a man of your word. May you always remember how lucky you are and support those less fortunate. May you always nurture the love of your family and keep them close. Continue to be bold, ask questions, and face your life with courage and integrity. May you see in yourself what I saw in you at a very early age. I love you and I always will.

Don't wait to make your son a great man - make him a great boy.

Dan the Man

2008-10-24T17:20:00.002-04:00

Dan the Man came through! He sent me these gorgeous pics and I lahahahave them! Have you ever seen a little girl look just like her daddy AND just like her mommy? I mean, for real? Rosalie unmistakeably favors her daddy! And Rosalie unmistakeably has mommy's blond bouncy curls! Funny how that works, huh? Enough from me. I decided to let Rosalie herself make this blog entry.

FROM ROSALIE:

My life is very complex as a toddler. Sometimes, my parents just don't understand how hard it is to be a perfect angel, but I do it very well. Just take a look at my schedule.
I wake up and bother my parents first thing in the morning. That's a prerequisite, every toddler knows you have to do that. On some mornings, my mommy packs up my lunch and takes me to school. Whoa baby, school has fun stuff like colors and circle time and - well, time out. Not that I know anything about time out, I'm too cute.
Then again, on some mornings it's time for the greatest entertainer on earth -- Elmooooooo! Who did you think I was gonna say ... Barney? He is so last year for lil' kids.
Some mornings I go to Grandma & Grandpa's house. Now THIS really rocks my socks! Recently, I shared my cold with Grandma. We play and eat and laugh (Grandpa slips me a bite of candy, but don't tell mom). Sometimes I sit on Grandpa's lap and we do this Internet thing. I'm not really sure how it works.
I haven't quite got the potty thing down. Come on, accidents happen. But it's fun going giddy when something really does happen in the potty.
Naptime. Toddlers really need their sleep, but I can't understand on the weekends. I have to look more into this work thing so I can get weekends off.
I have things to do during the day, like lunch time and play time and get my hair done. Oh yes, and bath time. But I'd really rather wear my cutie patootie rain boots and stomp puddles!
At the end of the day, sometimes I have to go into my grumpy routine. You know, cry and start a fight with my dog. Then it's off to bed. Which is cool, so we can read a good book!
I have to get my beauty rest because I have to do all this over again tomorrow. I love being a toddler.

Where ya been, Kay? Part 3

2008-10-22T21:23:00.003-04:00

And who made this visit so much fun? My partner in crime - sister Joyce! Currently, we share a love of scrapbooking and card-making, but before that it was cross-stitch and before that it was Boyds Bears and before that it was Longaberger Baskets, and before that .... you get the picture? We just share a love - plain and simple! Click here to visit my "other blog" for pictures of our Atlanta girls card-swap weekend! Caution = yellow light = if you don't want to be bored with craft talk, then you won't enjoy the blog-hop! But oh - go ahead, we're SO much fun!

And here's the King of the Castle, Larry (pictured with Lark). I sent this guy to Kroger for yogurt and he did it with a smile! Ya can't beat that! I had more fun watching him double-talk Joyce, literally, because she has a double ear infection and just looks at ya and says "huh?"

Where ya been, Kay, Part 2

2008-10-22T21:09:00.003-04:00

Look who else I visited! Lark & Traci, who were home for the weekend because lucky Traci was going to the theater with her girlfriends to see "Wicked" {color me jealous} These two are so much fun to talk with ... good kids they are! Miles of smiles.

Lark's goal was to spend the day in his chair, and spend it he did! This is called "chair day" and if your girlfriend is going to the theater with girlfriends to see "Wicked" then you can exercise your right to it! Power to the chair, baby!

And THIS is what chair day is all about. Need I say more?

Where ya been, Kay? Part 1

2008-10-22T20:45:00.003-04:00

You're gonna be jealous ... I've been to 2-year old land, to visit Rosalie and her bouncy blond curls! She loves cheese. She loves her building blocks. She loves to color and paint. She runs around on tippy toes everywhere she goes. And yes, she sits on the potty chair! I told her that Princess Rhegan and I were going to visit her sometime soon!

Gee, I wonder where she got all those curls? Mommy! Yes, I also visited with Dan the Man (Daddy of bouncy blond curl girl) but I didn't get his picture and I'll never live that one down! Hey Dan the Man - send me a picture of you!

Go ahead - ask me ... how much fun is it to be a kid again? Now, if only I could get those bouncy blond curls - now THAT would really be something! And yes, Rosalie can now say "Aunt Kay". I knew you were gonna be jealous ....

Get a load of those boots, baby! This is rain gear at its finest! Splish splash in style!

In the Wink of an Eye

2008-10-14T08:01:00.000-04:00

EYE CATCHING: Sarah Palin winked at least 6 times in her vice-presidential debate with Joe Biden. She's a winker. She winks on rope lines and at rallies. In front of 70 million viewers, she winked her way through the talking points while Joe grinned like a yard gnome. You don't want to miss Sarah's wink at the Indianapolis rally, do ya?

I've been reading about this wink thing. A honk from her armpit might have generated less buzz. But not nice. Sarah plays nice. A wink is ambiguous, rich like buttah... and hard to miss.

Go ahead - join the Indy Rally - and wink away!