Lori's Comfort Zone

Easter 2009

2009-04-21T14:09:00.001-05:00

For this Easter Sunday, I decided to buy Perry a tie. He has never worn a tie, nor ever asked about wearing a tie, but it just sounded like a great idea when I read about these ties on another blog that I read... and I wasn't disappointed. It was a nicely made tie, and I must say that he looked very handsome Sunday morning.

We celebrated a beautiful Easter Sunday at our house after church with our family.

It was a bit cold and wet outside so the Easter Egg Hunt was moved to the basement, but all the eggs were hidden and the kids had a fun time finding them.

This was Ainsley's first real venture into finding eggs and she did really well.

Even the 10 year old was having fun looking for the eggs!

Here's to another wonderful Easter ~

Perry as Walter Cronkite

2009-03-24T14:56:00.001-05:00

Famous MIssourian Walter Cronkite

I Love Autumn!

2008-10-21T21:26:00.000-05:00

Just a few pictures to bring a smile to my mother's face...

One of the best things about fall is football season. Not only do we attend all home Chiefs games, but Perry and Phil have now become avid Mizzou fans. Through friends of Phil's, we have received tickets to two games so far this year, and also have been given tickets to another home game in November. They are thrilled! I join in because it's not a bad way to spend a Saturday... tailgating with friends, hanging out with my boys and enjoying a beautiful day at the stadium.

And look who came to see me while her parents were at a Chiefs football game this past Sunday...

Miss Ainsley Lynn is now 18 months old and is growing up so fast.

Autumn... it's the most wonderful time of the year!

Thursday Thirteen: Summer Has Begun

2008-06-05T14:26:00.000-05:00

1. On the last day of school, I walked Perry in to his class so that I could give a fond farewell to his favorite teacher of all time, and as soon as I saw her, tears began to well in my eyes. I had to bite my lip so as to not literally cry out loud. She has been a wonderful teacher, and I know that she loved and adored her kiddoes this year (evidenced by the fact that she too literally bawled when the kids surprised her on her birthday two weeks ago). This was definitely answered prayer.

2. Perry told me his entire classroom cried the last hour before school was out, and they all sadly hugged their teacher goodbye for the summer. It was a traumatic last day of school for him.

3. Perry brought home a report card that had the best comment ever given by a teacher... "I will miss Perry - he really brightens up our classroom. I wish I could keep him forever."

4. I got to see S*x and the City with two of my girlfriends on Friday afternoon - it was fabulous!

5. We are in the throes of baseball tournaments and one that was scheduled for this weekend was going to put a damper on many family functions. But after a rainout that came on Saturday afternoon, we were able to attend the function that we were most looking forward to for many months - Connor and Logan's dance recital. And we can't forget that my cousin Jason (their dad) was also in the recital during the daddy-daughter dance to Grease. All of our family attended and we all had a wonderful time watching them dance and then met up together after the recital at an ol' college haunt of mine - Perkins.

6. My cousin Erin ran off to Las Vegas with her boyfriend and got hitched... literally. We were also able to hang out with Erin and Frank this weekend on Sunday afternoon celebrating their new life together. Phil said to me late Saturday night after seeing them... "they sure do seem really happy." Congratulations Erin and Frank!

7. On Perry's first day of summer camp, we walked in to the Comets room together to place his lunch in his cubby. As he was looking at all the names on the cubbies, he noticed a very familiar one... one of a little girl in his 3rd grade class that he has a crush on. His eyes lit up and the smile ran from ear to ear. He didn't have any problem transitioning to summer camp.

8. Perry got to go fishing on Monday afternoon with his granddad... and build a model airplane. Good times...

9. Yesterday, on his first day off from summer camp, we I decided that it was time to ~~trash~~ clean out his room. Three garbage bags and an amazingly organized and clean room later, we were off to the neighborhood pool.

10. The neighborhood pool was filled with lots of friends from school - fun times have begun!

11. I'm getting my hair highlighted and cut tomorrow for the summer.

12. Perry too is getting his summer cut.

13. I'm reading a great book - Twenty Wishes. I may have to start my own list.

Here's to a great beginning to a hopefully long summer!

Congrats David Cook, Happy Birthday Dad and a Creepy Meme!

2008-05-22T12:00:00.008-05:00

First of all - Our hometown boy from Blue Springs Missouri is an American Idol!! Congratulations David Cook - you truly deserve it!

Second - Happy Birthday Dad! Have a wonderful day!

Third - my friend Katrina at Callapidder Days posted a creepy little meme on her blog, so I thought I would follow along because I too tend ~~to have issues~~ to get creeped out by a lot of things.

I get the heebie jeebies by these five little things...

Balloons that are being touched and "squeaked" over and over by children. And that balloon guy who so patiently makes statues of liberty hats and dog ears for children at parties and kids-eat-free nights at restaurants? Get thee away from me... you do an incredible job, but the squeaking of the balloons - especially in the car - nearly drives me to drink.

Styrofoam - I too can't stand the sound that Styrofoam cups make. Which is truly strange since I only adore drinking my daily diet coke from a giguantous Styrofoam cup from Sonic or any place that offers them. But please don't squeak it while you are drinking from it - that is very creepy.

I have a "barfing phobia" - there - I said it. Anybody, including my son whom I love more than anything else in the work, will totally creep me out if they start barfing. There was a night several years ago where my husband was out of town, and Perry spent the night with the stomach flu. I cleaned it up more than once that night, and then called my mom the next morning telling her all about my terrible night. And knowing full well about my phobia, what were her exact words... "Oh, Lori - I'm so proud of you. You're now a real mother." Who knew it would take me living through a barfing child to earn the full respect and title of mother!

Ski lifts. I used to love to ski, but all of a sudden one year I developed a great anxiety on a ski lift, and I can no longer think of getting back on one. I even got creeped out on the fun ride at Epcot called Soarin'. We weren't even up but about 3 feet off the ground, but I felt as if I was lifted up over the mountains and canyons, and I had to look away. In fact, even when I watch people get on ski lifts on TV or movies, my hands immediately start sweating.

Potato salad - especially if it's the creamy, mushy kind and is served outside at a potluck. It looks disgusting and I can't even stand to eat it.

Now that you know my ~~issues~~ creepies, tell me... what are some of yours?

Wordless Wednesday #1

2008-05-21T10:21:00.000-05:00

- Closer -

For more Wordless Wednesday, visit 5 Minutes for Mom.

Guess Who We're Voting For?!!

2008-05-16T11:25:00.001-05:00

We are a family pulling (and dialing our fingers off) for our hometown boy American Idol contestant David Cook.

He visited our town last Friday and we were able to see him throw out the first pitch at the Royals game. He used to work at the Royals stadium back in high school. What a homecoming!

Check out one of his biggest fans!

We had a great time!

Happy Birthday Ainsley Lynn!

2008-04-14T10:25:00.003-05:00

Today - April 14th - my adorable niece Ainsley Lynn turns one year old.
I remember her being born - on a snowy Saturday afternoon - and it really seems like it was just a couple months ago.

But she's a one year old now.

And she is just the smartest and sweetest little girl.

Her parents - my little brother and sister-in-law - have been incredible parents. I used to say before Ainsley was born that this baby was going to "rock their world."

Ainsley has rocked their world - and they wouldn't have it any other way. She has rocked their world in the best way possible.

Speaking of "rocking your world" - this ~~rocker~~ son of mine will always rock our world...

You can always count on Aunt Cindy and Uncle Brad to provide video game entertainment at their birthday socials!

The birthday party was a great time - bbq burgers, cake and ice cream, and lots of presents for Ainsley to open. She will be kept very busy for the next few months with all the fun toys she received.

Happy Birthday Sweet Girl!

What's Going On?

2008-04-10T15:01:00.006-05:00

Perry's cousins from Atlanta have come into town for a visit -

We've had a great week together and I will post stories soon that include...

Family pictures taken in our living room
A spa pedicure with a special tween
Getting a kid out of school early two separate days for adventures with his cousins
Meltdowns that are healed with movie musicals
Giggling in a movie theatre

Lessons Learned on a Baseball Field

2008-04-06T20:30:00.004-05:00

Who knew that my post on Thursday would bring comments from many readers - some I didn't even know that read my blog. As well as the comments left on my blog, I also received private emails from friends and family - all of them which have served its purpose - to support and encourage me in this journey of being a mom.

Oh how sweet it is!

First lesson learned in this drama I call "parenting"? Let your son fight his own battles. This is not the last time that Perry will have an argument with Blake, or any other kid for that matter. They are boys - and this is where they exert their "male-ness."

Second lesson - Perry and Blake got over it - by the next day - and are back to being good friends. Kids are resilient and get over things so much faster than their ~~parents~~ mom.

Third lesson - Apologize for your mistakes. I slowly walked to Christina's house next door on Friday morning and admitted that I yelled at Blake and was very sorry for my actions. She knew about it. She understood. She said that she lives with boys arguing on a daily basis and if she were to referee and yell at her boys every single time they were in a fight, she would get nothing done, and she would have no voice. Thank you God for good friends who will accept your apology and won't hold it against you.

Fourth lesson - Just because the calendar says it's April, baseball season has begun, and the sun is shining outside, it is still cold here in the midwest and you must dress like you are watching a football game. We froze watching Perry play baseball yesterday... and will do so again today. But I won't forget my stadium blanket today!

Fifth lesson - leave the game at the field.

Thanks again to so many friends and family who are honest and encouraging to me. I really appreciate all of your responses. They were really helpful and I will be going back to all of them when this happens again.

I think I will bind them up in a mini-notebook so that I can look at them all the time!

Next time I get myself into a pickle, I'll know where to turn.

Proverbs 21: 23 He who guards his mouth and his tongue, keeps himself from calamity.

Coffee... All The Time... Any Shape or Form

2008-03-31T15:12:00.001-05:00

New! GIANT Latte Bar PONTS® value 1
Enjoy the decadent taste of this smooth, creamy coffee ice cream bar every time you eat one. Enjoy it even more knowing that the GIANT Latté Bar has only 90 calories, 1 gram of fat and 4 grams of fiber.

Look what I found this weekend at the grocery store!

They are oh, so delicious.

And only one point. I'm not really counting right now - but I really should be. No feeling guilty eating one of these.

And these could bring me motivation to get back on the counting.

All I need is a personal trainer, chef, motivator, instigator, mentor, encourager... I wonder how much a person like that would cost me?

Not to mention a warm spring day to start the motivation.

Thoughts from Spring Break...

2008-03-27T14:20:00.001-05:00

We left home two weeks ago today.

We arrived back home one week ago from today.

It feels like we've been home a month... that's how "back in the swing" we are here in our routine.

I'm ready to go back to the 80 degrees. It was beautiful our entire time in Orlando.

It's only 53 degrees here today... and cloudy... very gloomy.

We're definitely not in Florida anymore.

Our journey began as a threesome and two days later we added five more to the mix. My brother Craig, sister-in-law Diana and their three kids Tori, Chandler and Olivia joined us for our spring break.

Phil and Perry started their first full day of vacation playing the "greatest game of all." Perry came home that afternoon with a grimace on his face. He had a tough nine hole game after beginning his round with a 200 yard drive that apparently was a sight to behold by other gentlemen watching him tee off. For a good two holes, he was feeling rather good.

But suddenly his game turned and he was upset.

He is just like his dad.

By the third day, family had arrived - and we were ready! Hanging out with just mom and dad can get a little old. Time for some real action to begin...

We swam in the pools
We rode swans
We went to Downtown Disney
We ate birthday cake
We played cards
We watched movies
We went to Kennedy Space Center
We talked to a real astronaut
We watched American Idol and voted for our hometown boy David Cook
We ate dinner at some very cool places
We went to the Lego store
We tried on unique Crocs and was tempted to buy a pair
We factory outlet shopped
We just hung out...

It was a divine vacation.

Especially seen through the eyes of my favorite kids...

Happy Easter!

2008-03-23T20:02:00.001-05:00

How much do I love Easter? Pretty dresses, Easter church service, country club brunch, baskets filled with surprises, and being with family.

How much do I love these two cutie patooties?

We've had a wonderful week on vacation with my brother, sister-in-law, nephew and two nieces.

And we ended our Spring break week with Easter... what can be better than that?

I'll post more this week with pictures from vacation.

I Have a Confession... and a Revelation

2008-02-25T14:40:00.003-06:00

I will get to my confession here in a bit, but I first wanted to talk about a revelation that Perry confided to me this weekend.

This past Friday, Perry had another day off of school... a snow day for some unexpected reason. They were given a snow day on Thursday because there was sleet and ice. Friday, not so much.

But anyway, we passed some of our time in the afternoon by walking through the mall. We really didn't need to do any shopping; just needed to get out of the house. And it doesn't hurt that there is a brand new Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory there either. The aroma coming from this small place starts at least 4 stores down. We decided on chocolate-dipped graham crackers, and while we were busy munching, we spy the Easter Bunny ~~contraption~~ throne set up just below us.

"Mom, I don't believe in the Easter Bunny. It's really just someone wearing a costume."

"Yes - you're right. We have not believed in the Easter Bunny for a long time."

And then my mind starts racing. But wait... since we are on the subject, let's talk about Santa Claus.

"Perry - what do you think about Santa Claus?"

"Well mom, when I overheard Dad tell Brian that he bought me and then he said Santa brought me my sports workout ladder, I then went upstairs later to my bedroom to think about it."

"You did? What did you think about?"

"I decided then in my bedroom that there really wasn't a Santa Claus and that you guys bought me all my presents."

"So how come you didn't discuss this with us?" Feeling horribly bad that my son was thinking about this in his bedroom all by himself.

"Well, it was something that I had heard my friends talk about before, so it just finally made sense."

Cut that knife right through my heart.

My son who has believed in the magic of Santa Claus for nine years is growing up.

Don't even get me started talking about our long-time friends who came over Saturday evening with their three adorable girls, and just 15 minutes prior to their arriving he runs up the stairs yelling "I forgot to put on deodorant!"

Oh my - he's not my little baby anymore.

Now for my confession... which is something that I could not even believe myself as I was watching Harrison Ford being interviewed last night before the Oscars...

I have never seen an Indiana Jones movie.

Not one.

I know. Raiders of the Lost Ark. I have not seen it.

Sounds like a family night at the movies this weekend starting with the first one is in order.

A confession and a revelation all in one weekend.

The excitement never ends in the comfort zone.

Where has the Week Gone?

2008-02-21T20:28:00.003-06:00

This time last week we were getting ready to sit down to our Valentine dinner... a dinner that was shared with all of my family.

Phil was heading home from San Francisco, my parents worked their "enjoying our retirement" job late, and I had to work then race to make it to Perry's valentine party at school. It was a terribly busy day for all of our family, and all I could think was... this family could use some good ol' fashioned comfort food. I made my dad's easy meatloaf, along with macaroni and cheese, corn and buttered rolls. I placed Perry in charge of setting the table, and he amazed me with his creativity.

At least there's a positive to taking him out to dinner frequently!

If you look closely, he even made place cards for each of us. We're fancy like that...

Perry picked these flowers out for his teacher.

We went out to dinner with some friends on Saturday night and left all the kids together at home with babysitters. They played Wii, watched a movie, and the adults got to enjoy an evening out alone, not having to referee arguments or witness toddler meltdowns. What a delightful Saturday evening.

Just like the other 25 million people, we too are watching American Idol.

Our favorites are the the Missourians - Asia'h Epperson from Joplin, and David Cook from our hometown here in Blue Springs.
Go Missouri !!

My brother went on his second trip to India to visit his best friend Amit. We have been able to follow his journey here.

That's just a glimpse of our life here this past week.

See you again here soon!

Getting to Know You... or Keep Your Head Down in the Elevator

2008-02-11T10:36:00.000-06:00

This morning, as I was standing on the elevator that was going down (to get me a hot cup of coffee in the deli), it stopped, opened up, and an older gentleman walked on, took a look at me, grimaced, and then stood in the corner.

Now that was a self-esteem booster if ever I needed one.

And I looked down at myself to see what was the matter - and I see nothin'. Just wearing the regular brown turtleneck with the denim jeans and heels today.

I searched all over for the stain, looked at my hair in the mirror - just the same-o, same-o.

What was that look all about?

Oh well, I got this in my in-box today and because I'm so terribly ~~busy~~ ineffective at work this morning, I decided to take part.

Play along with me if you'd like.... and let me know you did in the comments!

1. What time is it?
9:08am

2. What's your full name?
Lori Jane

3. What are you most afraid of?
Someone throwing up on an airplane right next to me… or someone throwing up at all right next to me.

4. What was the last movie that you saw in a theater?
Juno

5. Place of birth:
Kansas City, MO

6. Favorite food:
Mexican

7. What's your natural hair color?
Don’t know really – saw it nine years ago while I was pregnant and it was getting pretty dark.

8. Ever been to Alaska??
No

9. Ever been toilet paper rolling?
Oh my yes – many times in high school.

10. Love someone so much it made you cry?
Oh my yes.

11. Been in a car accident?
Yes – more than once.

12. Croutons or bacon bits:
Croutons

13. Favorite day of the week:
Saturday

14. Favorite restaurant:

40 Sardines

15. Favorite Flower:
Tulips

16. Favorite sport to watch:
Pro Football

17. Favorite drink:
Diet Coke

18. Favorite ice cream
Brownie fudge

19. Disney or Warner Brothers:
Disney

20. Ever been on a ship?
Yes – one cruise

21. What color is your bedroom carpet?
Cream

22. How many times did you fail your driver's test?
None

23. Before this one, from whom did you get your last e-mail
Co-worker

24. What do you do when you are bored?
Make chocolate chip cookies; surf the internet

25. Bedtime:
I get in bed at 10pm with a book – fall asleep around 11pm.

28. Who is the person that you are most curious to see their responses?
Everyone!

29. Favorite TV show:
Friday Night Lights

30. Last person you went to dinner with:
Phil and Perry

31. Who do you think will be President?
Who I want and who I think are two different answers.

Who I think will be President… B. Obama.

Who I want to be President… I have no idea…

32. What are your favorite colors?
Any colors of the fall

33. How many tattoos do you have?
None

34. How many pets do you have?
One

35. Which came first, the chicken or the egg
Chicken

36. What do you want to do before you die?
Travel to Italy.

37. Have you ever been to Hawaii
Yes

38. Have you been to countries outside the U.S.?
Just the Bahamas… before you had to have a passport to get there.

Hope your Monday morning is looking better... and may you not run into anyone today that makes a sorry-looking face at you.

Weekend Funny

2008-02-04T15:25:00.000-06:00

So this past Saturday night, we had just finished dining on our ~~gourmet meal~~ take-out mexican when we received a phone call from a nice older couple informing us that they were on their way over to our house with another nice younger couple accompanying them.

"Great. I'll put a pot of coffee on and we'll see you in a few minutes."

As I ran upstairs to ~~take my pajamas off~~ brush my teeth, I yelled at Perry to turn off his movie.

"We've got company coming!"

We invited them in, extremely happy for someone to socialize with on a dull Saturday evening. We played and patty-caked with the darling little girl that belongs to the younger couple. Perry invited the older gentleman down to bowl with him on the Wii. The first-time bowler even won the first game. They played several games. We served coffee, played with the little girl some more, and just all around enjoyed the evening.

Soon they were out the door as it was getting past the little girl's bedtime. We hugged them goodbye, talked of seeing them again soon, and then safely closed our front door and locked in for the evening.

As I was turning around to head back to the kitchen, I heard Perry exclaim "nice people" as he was heading up the stairs.

I laughed until I fell on the floor.

These lovely older people and the darling little girl belonging to the younger people were my parents, my brother and sister-in-law, and my niece Ainsley.

We see them all the time.

I had been wondering when Perry was finally going to give them his stamp of approval.

You would have thought he was 80 years old wrapping up his thoughts on another day down.

But you're right on Perry - they are nice people.

Ainsley says thank you!

Livin' Good!

2008-01-29T14:00:00.000-06:00

I saw two movies this past weekend. One on Saturday. Another one on Sunday.

My good friend Rachael asked me this morning how I got so lucky getting to go see two movies in one weekend.

"Must be livin' good, I guess."

Or the fact that I have two boys dwelling in my home constantly busy with getting haircuts, making runs to Dick's sporting goods, going to basketball hall of fames... you name it - they were there this weekend. And they didn't need me to hang out with them on their manly man adventures.

So I tend to have time on my hands lately...

On Saturday morning, Karen and I hit the early morning movie because it is only $5 and we are ~~cheap~~ frugal like that. Five bucks for any movie before noon. Can't beat that on a Saturday morning... even though it did seem a little off ordering a diet coke and popcorn while the rest of the community was most likely still in bed.

We saw 27 Dresses - and it was predictable, cute and very funny. Loved the movie. From the screenwriter of "The Devil Wears Prada" (also one of my very favorite movies), this movie does not disappoint. Katherine Heigl's hair color was adorable and I spent most of the movie trying to envision my hair the same color as hers. I'm not sure I could pull it off. But it sure was fun thinking about it.

On Sunday afternoon, my best friend Laurie whom I've known since high school, called and asked me if I wanted to catch a movie. "Umm, yeah... how about Juno?"

Loved the movie - loved the writing - loved the actress (Ellen Page) who starred in the movie - loved the message.

I had seen and read a few things about the writer of this movie - a young (all of 29), rebellious gal, former stripper, in a dead-end job at an ad agency (oh yeah) writes a screenplay that is now an Academy award nominee. Now I'd like to buy her book - and I think it would be a fun read.

Mainly since there really isn't a darn thing on television right now that is even remotely worth watching... don't get me started.

Loved the weekend - looking forward to the next.

If we could just have weekends every day!

Get Well Austin

2008-01-24T19:00:00.000-06:00

Today I went to visit my good friend and next door neighbor Christina's youngest boy - Austin - at the hospital on my lunch break.

Austin was taken to the ER early Wednesday morning with terrible congestion, a horrible cough and just all around having a hard time breathing. Trying to get his oxygen level up to a "normal" level is tougher on him. You see, Austin has CDG. I've written about him here. When Austin was around 6 months old, he was taken to our local children's hospital and diagnosed with CDG - Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation. It is a very rare disorder (maybe only 200 cases ever) and most children with this disorder are not even diagnosed properly. Austin has been doing amazing for all he has to go through, and this has literally been his first hospitalization since his diagnosis - and he is now almost 3 years old. Austin's two older brothers are Perry's closest friends and we treat them all as family.

One of my life changes for this year was to listen to God's voice (sometimes also just my gut feeling), to engage in small changes in my life, and to also remember that this life is not about me.

Going to see Christina and Austin today, bringing her lunch from her favorite deli that is just around the corner from my work, and giving her a hug of encouragement and friendship brightened my day. It isn't all about me - and I like it that way.

******************************************************************

Overheard at dinner last night ~

Me - "Do you have to be out of town the second week of February?"

Phil - "I'm out of town here and here, and back in town for Friday and I'm mystery reader that day in Perry's class."

Me - "Umm - hello - you don't have to mention this out loud - hence the word 'mystery'."

Phil - "Oh yeah - Um Perry - don't tell anybody in your class."

Four Things Fun (a.k.a. Back to the Blog!)

2008-01-22T18:32:00.000-06:00

I haven't posted a dad-gum thing on here since over a month ago so I decided it was time to get back on the bloggin' train and post something, anything... and here is what I found...

...and I wasn't even tagged... it was just something I read on another blog (and I can't even remember which one) and decided that it would start me off. Here we go...

4 Jobs I've Had:

1. Morrow's Nut House - it's actual name. It's really a shop that sold candy and nuts, but I always got a kick out of telling people I worked at the "nut house"
2. Ice Cream scooper during a summer at Ridgecrest, North Carolina
3. Secretary for a sales manager at a savings & loan (yes - the two words "secretary" and "savings & loan" are aging me)
4. Focus Group Services Manager

4 Movies Watched Over and Over:

1. When Harry Met Sally
2. You've Got Mail
3. Beautiful Girls
4. The Devil Wears Prada

4 Places I've Lived:

1. Kansas City, MO
2. Independence, MO
3. Blue Springs, MO
4. Lee's Summit, MO
(The last 3 are all suburbs of Kansas City - I've never moved from Kansas City my entire life.)

4 TV Shows I Watch:

1. Grey's Anatomy
2. Friday Night Lights
3. October Road
4. American Idol

4 Places I've Been:

1. New York City
2. Honolulu, HI
3. Sanibel Island, FL
4. San Diego, CA

4 People who e-mail Me Regularly:

1. my mom (as well as calling me quite regularly :)
2. Amy
3. Janna
4. Diana

4 Favorite Things to Eat:

1. Mexican
2. Sushi sampler at Kona Grill
3. Ham Noodle Cheese Casserole at Andre's
4. Chocolate chip-butterscotch tollhouse cookies made by me

4 Places I'd Rather Be:

1. Charleston, SC
2. a resort and spa anywhere
3. memory preserving at my favorite scrapbook store
4. out on a date with my hubby at one of our favorite restaurants

4 Things I Look Forward to This Year:

1. Vacation over spring break to Orlando, FL
2. Organizing and remodeling Perry's bedroom
3. Reading more books - especially the good ones
4. Finding a connection in our new home church - areas where I can serve

4 People to Tag: (If you have already done this - do it again - just for me, purty please!)

1. Katrina
2. Jennifer
3. Beth
4. Rachael - an easy blog for a new momma!

I'm really going to try and be more consistent with my blogging. I have so much to talk about, but not enough time to write about it... I must find the time...

So don't give up on me!

I'll be back...

The Happiest of Holidays!

2007-12-17T14:06:00.000-06:00

From our comfort zone to yours...

We wish you JOY this Christmas season.

Happy Halloween!

2007-11-01T14:05:00.000-05:00

Nine is Mighty Fine!

2007-10-25T14:47:00.000-05:00

Last year on Perry's 8th Birthday, I conducted a short interview with him. You can read it here.

Yesterday, on his ninth birthday, I conducted a random interview to see what answers my birthday guy can give to some general questions.

So let's begin...

1. What is your favorite TV show at the moment ? ESPN NFL Countdown

2. What is your favorite food ? Cheeseburgers

3. Who do you think will make the next best President of the US ? Priest Holmes

4. What does Dad do best ? Coaching me

5. What does Mom do best ? Asking me about my feelings like when I'm quiet she always asks me "what are you thinking about."

6. Where is your favorite place to go on vacation ? Orlando, FL

7. What do you love most about your teacher Ms. Stice ? That's she is very nice and caring and loving.

8. What is your favorite movie that you never get tired of watching ? The Sandlot

9. What do you do best with in baseball ? Catching

10. What do you worry about with the Earth ? That someday we'll be blown up when the sun turns into a red giant. (They have been talking about this in science this year!)

11. What do you think you will be when you grow up ? A football player

12. What is your favorite stuffed animal right now? Of course, Benji

Dude... you're the best!

Happy 9th Birthday! Our love for you is ever-lasting.

Perry and His Brush With Fame!

2007-10-23T20:17:00.000-05:00

(Click on the picture to view it larger.)

Tonight, Phil walked into the house from the garage and exclaimed "an all-pro running back is talking to Coach B in his driveway down the street."

The next thing I knew, Perry was racing to grab anything he could find so he could run down to meet him. He speaks the football language of his father, and he needed no prompting as to who his father might be talking about.

He came upstairs after grabbing his father's prized authentic football helmet, rummaged around in the junk drawer for a sharpie and took off down the street to meet the one and only Priest Holmes, the Chiefs running back who just this week "suited up" against those nasty Raiders.

So anyway, Perry runs down the street to Coach B's house and after just a few minutes comes running back down the street, signed helmet in hand. "So, what did you say to him?" we excitedly asked. "Would you sign this please" followed by a "Nice to meet you" was his simple response. Seems Perry was more than just a bit "star-struck" meeting one of the greatest - if not the greatest - running backs in KC Chiefs history. He simply did not know what to say. "Well, I thought about saying 'Hook-em Horns, but I couldn't remember where he went to college at that moment." (Hook'em Horns being what fans of the University of Texas' say).

Perry's quote: "It felt like my heart was beating so fast because I was meeting the great Priest Holmes!!"

What a small moment of excitement that Perry will likely remember forever. That's the best part of the whole thing - the memory for Perry.

Love + Fun = You

2007-10-07T19:14:00.001-05:00

Every year they hold Grandparent's Day at Perry's school... the first Friday in October. Grandparents from all around join their grandchildren in class while they work on activities together.

Before the grandparents arrive, the 3rd graders in Perry's class were asked to write a special letter to their visiting grandparent or special friend.

Here is what Perry wrote:

Dear Grandma and Granddad:

Welcome to the room of learning. I am excited to see you. Hey Grandma, I have a math problem for you. Love + Fun = You. Hey Granddad, we are going to do fun projects. Thank you for coming. Love, Perry

I loved how he created a math problem for his grandma... knowing that she was a math teacher in the 5th grade for 30 years. He is always talking math with his grandma.

Hey Perry,

I have my own math problem for you!

Grandma + Granddad + You = JOY!

"Pitcher Perfect"

2007-10-04T13:25:00.000-05:00

Perry started off this past Saturday's fall baseball game pitching for his very first time.

I was a "nervous nellie" watching him. He was so methodical... taking his time to concentrate on the batter, surveying around all the bases, trying to make the perfect pitch. In his inning, he walked six batters, struck out three and gave away no base hits. Pretty good for his very first time.

I either spent the inning closing my eyes so that I didn't watch the pitches, or closing my eyes to send up silent prayers to God for srikes. "Please God - let him throw more strikes. Please God - give him confidence in his pitches."

This is the hard part about being a mom.

Forget the feeding schedules and the no naps in the afternoon. This age is getting even tougher. You want so much for them. You pray for confidence, selflessness, teamwork, patience... stuff that is so hard to comprehend at the tender of age of "almost nine."

And the silent prayer that I really need to offer up is "Please God - help me parent this young boy into the gentleman that You would want him to be."

Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it. — Proverbs, 22:6

I'm Havin' A Good Hair Day!

2007-10-03T14:22:00.000-05:00

I got a new color and style today... what'dya think?! A little more warm tones in there to mix up the blonde (and cover the gray).

I love the style, but I'm sure I won't be able to get it to look as cute as she did with all the criss-crossed parts and the flip in the back.

Too bad we can't take our head off our body to dry and style it, and then put it back on for the day. That would really help me with the round blow-drying brush.

Have any suggestions to get my hair to look this good every day, please feel free to leave me a comment... I'm open to all types of helpful hair tips.

Fall 2007 Reading Challenge

2007-10-01T14:53:00.001-05:00

My good friend Katrina has been hosting reading challenges for the past year and I have participated here and here.

I'm never one to actually fulfill my reading challenges, but it's always good to strive for goals.

So as not to disappoint my reader friends, I give you my Fall Into Reading List...

Fiction:

74 Seaside Avenue by Debbie Macomber. I've read all of her Cedar Cove series and I know that this one will not disappoint. This is a book that I will snuggle up with on the couch, afghan on my legs, with a hot cup of green tea or a mocha.

Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen. A friend of mine recommended this book to me. It looks like it could be an enjoyable book club book... too bad the book club that I belonged to decided to take a break.

Playing for Pizza by John Grisham. Football and pizza all in one book... I'm there. I'm really looking forward to reading this book... I'm usually a fan of John Grisham books.

Non-Fiction/Bible Study:
This is tough as I don't really read a lot of non-fiction, but I do have a book that I really want to dive into at some point during the fall.

Get Out of That Pit by Beth Moore. I've read so many great reviews about this book. And though I'm not in that deep of a pit, the fall and winter do seem to drag me down just a bit, and I don't want to get stuck down there.

Reading with Perry:

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling. We just started this book together... only reading it every other night or so. I've always wanted to read the Potter series and this is a fun way to share it.

This is not a long list, but I do hope to actually finish this challenge this time around.

I'll keep you posted!

Remembering That Day

2007-09-13T10:39:00.001-05:00

As I lay in bed about to drift off last night, I was thinking to myself that Phil was working awful late. The light was on in his office, and he was busy working away.

But this morning, when I got to work and looked at my email, this is what I found. A beautiful piece he had written and sent out to many of our friends and family, as well as his colleagues.

Phil arrived home early just this past Tuesday so that he could pick up Perry from school, and come home and start dinner for the three of us. As we sat out in the backyard on Tuesday watching our son play football with his neighbor friends, we reflected ourselves on how much the beauty of this day reminded us of the beauty of that day. It was sunny with just a crisp in the air... just like it was back then.

This is what he wrote...

September 11th is very much a day of reflection. Everyone remembers where they were, what that day was like, the seemingly unending tragedy of events unfolding on national television. But for me, I am almost haunted by my memories of that day - that I was, as were some of you, in a commercial airplane on an early morning flight, going about our business, just like those who perished. In my "end-analysis", there just never appears to be any difference between myself and those who were not so fortunate to be able to return to their families - maybe the only thing separating us was simple luck. I just don't know.

So, on September 11th, I am overwhelmed by how thankful I am for what I have - a loving and supportive wife, an absolutely wonderful son, an encouraging family, both immediate and extended, who are always there when you need them, close friends who's families mean so much to mine, and a special collection of business friends and colleagues, some of whom have been very influential in my career - to the best of my abilities (and if I had your e-mail address handy), you are all copied herein.

I am especially thankful for my brother, Sgt. Paul D. Worden, U.S. Army (Ret.) and my very good friend, Sr. Mst. Sgt. Carl J. Quijas, U.S. Air Force (Ret.), who served our country in defense of the freedoms we enjoy - still, the best part of their name and rank to me is the (Ret.) as both are now civilians. My thanks goes to all who continue to bravely serve our country.

In addition to being thankful, September 11th is also a day for remembering. I am forwarding to you a link to an Op-Ed that appeared yesterday in the NY Daily News, written by the sister of one of the American Airlines pilots who perished that day. I encourage you to go read this well-written piece and take to heart the message therein.

May God continue to bless each and every one of you - and may God continue to bless the United States of America.

Thank you, my sweet husband, for keeping our life in perspective.

Happy Birthday to My Mom!

2007-09-02T20:41:00.000-05:00

Today we celebrated a very special birthday - my mother's 65th birthday. We all gathered at the Cheesecake Factory for a family lunch and presents.

Her three kids went in together on a very special gift. An 8" Digital Picture Frame. We loaded it up with hundreds of family pictures, and had it ready to go as soon as she brought it home.

She will be able to look at pictures all day long if she so desires.

This weekend has been full of friends, family and fun. We spent Friday evening with three other couples and their kids having dinner at the club, and then going back to our friend's home for ice cream and conversation. Yesterday, we spent most of the day at our next door neighbor's home celebrating college football season opening with them, and other friends from the neighborhood. I am so thankful for our friends and neighbors.

Tomorrow I'm hoping for a restful Labor Day.

I am anticipating another busy week or two here. Work has really picked up and I am going to take a break from my blog for a little while.

Oh, but first... my answer is You've Got Mail. I love that movie so much. I could watch it every time I see it on TV. But I do love me Sleepless in Seattle... I just wanted to know what everyone else thought.

But I will return. And hopefully I'll have more thoughts to writw about after my break.

Wordless Wednesday

2007-08-29T15:24:00.000-05:00

Which is Better - Part One

2007-08-28T11:13:00.000-05:00

I'm simply amazed right now that I have nothing to write about.

Nothing. Zilch. Nada.

And all I really want to know right now is...

Which movie do you think is better?

SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE

or

YOU'VE GOT MAIL

Yes, that's all.

I just really want to know which movie is better... in your opinion.

Leave me a comment and let me know.

That's all. Bye for now.

I'm sure I'll be back soon to my regular program with something of value.

First Day of 3rd Grade

2007-08-23T17:04:00.000-05:00

Best Quote of the Day (spoken as soon as he got home): "Mom, I really LOVE school. Last year, I liked it, but this year, I just LOVE it."

What do you love best Perry?

"My teacher."

(Perry and his teacher)

Thank you Lord for answered prayers.

Last Day of Summer Vacation

2007-08-22T08:09:00.000-05:00

Here we are... the day before the new school year begins. In honor of the beginning of his third grade year, I wanted to capture this moment in time and take a look back on our summer. I had Perry answer some significant questions.... some about the summer... some about his life in general... some because I was just ~~nosy~~ wondering how he would answer them.

I hope we can look back over these answers next summer and laugh and enjoy the memories that we held this past summer before third grade.

1. What is the best thing that happened this summer?
"Well, there were a lot of things, but playing baseball and catching the fly ball and getting second place in our tournament – that was the best."

2. Did you take a fun vacation? "Yes - we went to Branson with our friends... and swam... and got to go to Silver Dollar City... and watched the water show at Branson Landing.

3. My favorite song this summer? "Life is a Highway – the Rascal Flatts version"

4. Best movie I saw this summer: "Underdog"

5. My favorite meal: Cheese steak with rice and salad

6. My favorite sport: Baseball

7. My favorite book: "Where The Red Fern Grows" (It's what he is currently reading.)

8. Best thing I’ve heard about the coming school year: "That my teacher went to MU."

9. My new teacher’s name: Ms. Stice

10. Will I have a lot of homework? "You bet I will."

11. What I’m most afraid of: "I’m usually afraid of nothing. Well, probably tornado warnings"

12. What I’m most proud of: "My parents." (Interesting answer!)

13. Most important thing in my life: "My parents"

14. Something I’d like to improve on: "Saying stuff that I’m not supposed to say, so I want to improve on not saying things I shouldn’t say."

15. I like… "space, Mars mission legos, my friends, and sports"

16. I dislike… "getting in trouble with my parents... and going to bed."

17. My good friends: "Blake, Brady, Ethan B, and Ethan W."

I really didn't get any answers that were unexpected. No real surprises at all.

I love how he answers that he is most proud of his parents and that we are the most important "things" in his life. I wonder just how long we will continue to be the most important in his life. I'm hopeful that will continue for the duration of his years in school. But very soon his friends will be most important, and I can only hope that they will be the friends I wish for him.... ones that will encourage him, laugh with him, and love him... just like his parents do.

So we're off to enjoy our last day of summer vacation... spending time at the neighborhood pool, sharing lunch at McDonald's, and spending time with friends in the afternoon. We will then participate in our school's "Meet The Teacher" night before we tuck him into bed a bit earlier than normal, pray for blessings on his new school year, and kiss him tenderly on his cheek as we bid him sweet dreams.

Sweet dreams about his third grade year in school.

Questions, Questions...

2007-08-20T11:14:00.000-05:00

To celebrate my one year blogiversary, I asked you if there were any questions that you were just wanting to know... anything. And a few of my beloved and faithful readers showed up to the party and asked me these questions...

From Jennifer: I'd like to ask what you like best about blogging, and if you want to share what you like least, you can do that too.

I think what I really like best about blogging is that it is a memory keeper. Oftentimes I tend to go back and view my old posts, and it brings back memories of things that I had forgotten about. It is like a online scrapbook to me and I tend to view this scrapbook even more than the ones I create with my own hands.

I think the only thing that I like least is when I tend to be too busy to write things down, like something I should have written about yesterday…

Right after church, Perry was excitedly telling us about what they did in Sunday School. They took the third grade class down to the fellowship hall and had them make sack lunches to take to the homeless people in our city. He told us what they placed in the sac lunches, as well as how it made him feel. It touched him a great deal that there are people who don’t have a home, who are going to be very excited about receiving this sack lunch that he made.

Then at dinner, when it was time to bless the food, he began with his typical…
“Dear God, thank you for everything…” but then he stopped and ended like this…”Dear God, please bless the homeless people with the servings today, and please bless our servings today today in our home.”

Tears welled up in my eyes as I thought about how he is feeling about the homeless.

And I pray that we can bottle those loving feelings up, and instill these feelings in him forever.

From Rachael: Where did Phil take you on your first date?

When he first asked me out, he wanted to take me to the Tim Allen show that was coming to KC in late June of 1993. I said yes on the phone, then hung up the phone and screamed! I was SO excited that he asked me to go to that show with him, but then quickly realized after I got off the phone that it wasn’t for a long time… it was at least a month away.

Later on that week, though, he called me and asked me out for that Friday night and he took me to a movie (Groundhog Day) at the $1 theatre at Independence Square (yes, that’s my fiscal man) and then to Tippin’s for dinner. We talked about how stupid the movie was, and then we just sat and talked there for a very long time. I remember running into a few people while we were there… Tippin’s was the place to be back in those days.

If there was one store where you were given a shopping spree, where would you want it to be? Boy, that’s a toughie since I love to shop… Right now it would be Crate and Barrel or Restoration Hardware because there are so many things there that I would love to buy for decorating my home. But if you ask me in January, it would probably be a department store because that’s when my “I hate my clothes” saga begins.

What is the one thing that you did not expect about being a mother? I think you and I talked about this at our last scrapbook marathon, and it was that I fully expected to bond with him from the moment he was born, and that I did not. And then when I finally did find that everlasting bond within me around his third month, I knew I'd never be able to let it go. I never thought I would love Perry more than my own life, but I do.

From Katrina: I know that none of us want to determine our children's future or pressure them to be anything, but when you look at Perry, his strengths and interests, his passions and abilities, what could imagine him being when he grows up?

Oh my, this one is so tough and I think it is because Perry is my only child. And I tend to have very large dreams for our only child. But I guess if I could imagine him being a grown up at this moment, he would be working happily in something that he loves. Right now he is set on being an astronaut, playing baseball AND being an artist all at the same time.

Phil and I always imagine him being an attorney because he negotiates with us on anything better than any other child I know. But we sincerely only wish for his happiness and success in his life… that he loves the Lord, loves his parents and is a good friend to all those he cares about. And makes ~~a boatload of~~ enough money to support us in our olden age!

My dear friends... thanks for the questions. It's been a great year blogging, and I'm looking forward to capturing more moments in the coming year.

525,600 Minutes

2007-08-17T09:20:00.000-05:00

Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes
Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Moments so dear
Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes
How do you measure-- measure a year?

In daylights-- in sunsets
In midnights-- in cups of coffee
In inches-- in miles
In laughter-- in strife

In-- five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes
How do you measure a year in the life?

How about love?

Seasons of love.

If I had to list my Top Ten Songs of All Time, this song would be very high on my list. It's a beautiful song from the musical Rent. I've never seen the musical, but I love the music and lyrics to this song.

The reason I'm talking about this song today... it is my One Year Blog Anniversary.

One year that I have written about my husband, my son, my extended family and my friends.

Here is my first post.

I always love talking about Perry and his sweetness.

My husband always gives me something to talk about - whether it be good or bad.

I loved participating in the Christmas Homes Tour sponsored by Boomama.

This year has been measured in love, in moments, in good times, in bad times...

And I love sharing it all on this blog.

Now, if you are one of those rare humans that do actually read my blog, please leave me a comment telling me who you are, how long you have been reading my blog, and ask me anything you would like to know that may or may not have been answered on my blog.

Really, I'm serious. Anything.

Now I'm going to go and do something useful like make an appointment to have my toes cleaned and polished.

But in the meantime, please feel free to come back and visit me next week as we finish our school clothes shopping, celebrate another end of the season baseball party, begin the third grade with a brand spankin' new teacher and pray for a drastic temperature drop in our neck of the woods.

It's all good stuff here at The Comfort Zone.

Alone

2007-08-11T12:11:00.000-05:00

UPDATE (SUNDAY, AUG. 12 at 11:35am): Okay, I'm over being alone. I miss my guys a bunch today - especially going to church ALONE, and I'm ready for them to be home. Last night I was told that it would be close to midnight tonight. I'll be ready to give them big hugs when they roll in.

Yesterday afternoon at 4:00pm, my husband and son left for a boys weekend. Along with his friend Nate and his son Ethan, Perry and Phil drove to Tulsa to ~~bake in the heat~~ watch professional golfers win a Championship... in the baking heat.

I am alone this weekend.

And I'm enjoying every single minute of it.

There are not a lot of people who enjoy being alone. I'm not one of them. I re-charge by being alone and having the time to do whatever I enjoy. Whether it be reading, watching rented movies (I chose 2 this weekend), or just getting to sit here and blog, I will refresh my mind and soul.

I did go to a movie last night with a good friend... No Reservations... it was a really cute movie that Phil would not have wanted to see at the theater, so I enjoyed getting chick night with Karen.

And I'm meeting my oldest and dearest friend Laurie today for lunch. After we lunch, we will go visit her mom in the hospital.

So, no need to worry about me. I am getting in my social hours. But I'm also just enjoying the time alone.

It is rest for my soul.

The Marriage Meme

2007-08-08T09:15:00.000-05:00

My good friend Jennifer Snapshot tagged me for a Marriage Meme. She wrote her version here, and it was really fun to read and catch up on her life before I met her.

For my version, I'm going to bring back memories of our engagement and our wedding day. After we were engaged, we planned a wedding in less than six months. I highly recommend short engagements - it was a whirlwind of fun, laughter and sweet, sweet memories.

1. On April 24th, 1994, Phil asked me to marry him in front of my parents and my best friend, Laurie. And Laurie video-taped the entire proposal... she was a sneaky one like that. The video proposal still cracks me up whenever we watch it. Not because I was so shocked that he was asking me in front of my parents. I knew that it was coming soon, but really had no idea that he would do it in front of my parents with my best friend recording the entire thing. What was funny, though, was that he first asked my dad for my hand in marriage, and my dad's answer to him was... "Don't ask me, it's up to her (pointing to me). " Such tender words for such a tender moment.

2. Even at 30 years old, I was an old-fashioned kind of girl. The lease on the apartment I was renting with my best friend Laurie ran out just a month or so before the wedding. Instead of just moving all my things to Phil's, I moved it all back home and spent the last six weeks before our wedding living with my parents. It was a really fun time as we were still making plans for the wedding day and they helped out so much. We had all the wedding gifts delivered to their house and we piled them up on the pool table in the rec room. Every day a new gift would come and we would display it on the pool table. I felt like I was living the movie "Father of the Bride."

3. We had a "theme" rehearsal. Since we are such great fans of our local football team, we decided to have our rehearsal, as well as the dinner, be casual and fun. We knew the Big Day was going to have us in our finest, so we wanted to just enjoy the night before and have a comfortable and relaxing dinner. Our wedding coordinator had bbq catered in to our apartment clubhouse and everyone wore their Chiefs garb. Every. single. person from the pastor down to my Grandma and Granddad wore Chiefs t-shirts, sweatshirts... it was such great fun.

4. I gave my wedding gift to Phil at our rehearsal dinner. Since it was such a unique gift, I felt it only fitting that everyone could see it. A couple months prior to our wedding, I wrote a letter to Derrick Thomas - his favorite Chiefs player at the time - and asked him to sign an authentic #58 Chiefs jersey for him in honor of our wedding day. Through a friend of a friend of a friend, the jersey and letter were given to Mr. Thomas and he sent it back not only with his autograph on the number 8, but he also wrote on the number 5 "Happy Wedding Day Phil and Lori". The gift was a complete surprise to Phil and he shared several tears of joy with everyone at the dinner. We also then displayed it at the reception and everyone loved it.

5. Family was in abundance at our wedding. As I have talked about here, Phil brought to the marriage a former family that I love as much as my own. They all attended the wedding and all were ushered to the row just behind his father... they were his family.

6. The music at our wedding was so beautiful. The highlight of our wedding music was when my little brother Brad (who was just a senior in high school) played Kenny G's The Wedding Song on his saxophone. It was a CD that Phil and I played all the time in his car... we loved this song. And Brad played it beautifully.

7. We wrote our own vows, but did not rehearse them to each other as we wanted to keep this part of our wedding sacred. He was the first to recite his vows, and his words to me brought tears to my eyes, as well as the entire congregation. At the end of his vows, he promised to be my husband, my best friend, and my teammate. This word brought everyone to laughter in the congregation with his reference to football. I was then full of emotion - both laughing and crying at the same time. Wnen it was my turn to recite my vows, I drew a complete blank. I remembered parts of my vows, but basically "winged it" when it came to reciting the ones that I had written down. As soon as I finished, I looked into his eyes and whispered "those weren't my vows." And you can see me mouthing those words on our video tape. It too is a very tender moment... all on videotape!

Married on October 29, 1994

8. We honeymooned in South Carolina at Kiawah Island. We love this beautiful place and have been back to visit twice. We plan on going back again soon - hopefully for our 15th anniversary.

This was a lot of fun, so I now tag anyone who would like to do this. It brings back such wonderful memories of one of our happiest days. Please let me know if you plan on taking part as I would love to read about your memories in marriage.

The Countdown Begins

2007-08-06T16:46:00.000-05:00

These arrived in the mail this weekend.

Only 16 more days until school begins....

I've Got 20 Bucks - Who Gets It?

2007-08-02T19:57:00.000-05:00

Today I arrived home from work and there was a note on my counter.

Let me back up... when I left for work this morning, my housekeeper was tediously dusting away Perry's trophy shelves. It's the first thing she does when she walks into my house, and the only thing that I know she does because by the time I've talked to her for a few minutes while she's dusting the trophy shelf, we are ready to walk out the door.

When I return from work, my house is clean.

The three ~~toilets~~ bathrooms that I have her scrub are shining.

The four bedrooms are dusted and swept.

The carpets in all rooms are vacuumed with the stripes only going one way. I still can't figure out how she gets them vertically striped.

And my hardwood floors are glowing.

After a price increase just a year ago (after no increase for a couple years), I now pay $95 for this royalty treatment every two weeks.

Walking into a clean home after a long day at work makes me an extremely happy girl. And you know the saying.... if momma's happy, everybody's happy.

But let me get back to the note that was left on my counter. This is what it said...

Hey Lori,
It took me quite a bit longer today. Do you have a problem paying me for the extra time. I guess with it being a month and all, the work you had done made it extra dirty. If you want, just put an extra 20.00 on my next check. Hope that's okay. :) Thanks, Kim

Yep, that's exactly what the note said.

Now, granted I didn't have her come two weeks ago because if you'll remember, we were in design intervention. But let me explain something. I did not neglect my home. I knew she was not going to be cleaning. I did scrub the ~~toilets~~ bathrooms - I gagged my way through them - but I did it. And I vacuumed constantly. With all the work that had been taking place in our home, we had to. The dust was flying everywhere. And when the kitchen was put back together this past weekend, I scrubbed my hardwood floors - they were in desperate need.

In my defense, our house was not that dirty. I think that she had it in her head that it was going to be a filthy pig sty after one month, and that it was going to take her longer. It may have taken her an extra few minues, but I can't imagine that it took her $20 longer.

So I'm posing this question to all my friends out there... including my family lurkers.

Let me know in the comments what you think we should do?

Phil and I are leaving this up to you.

He says just give it to her and let it go.

I'm not one to part with $20 bucks so fast.

What do you think?

Comfort Zone Design Intervention - The After!

2007-07-31T10:01:00.001-05:00

I recently told you here that we had been living in the lap of luxury. No running water in the kitchen, no working stovetop or oven, and a king-sized bed in the middle of the room with furniture encasing it are among some of the little things that have caused a pain in my neck the past two weeks.

A nagging, aching pain.

Well, the pain has finally subsided as my kitchen is back in working order and we are again sleeping peacefully.

I now bring you my new kitchen.... well, new kitchen countertops to be exact...

We went with a Zodiaq quartz surface installed with the sparkly name of Smokey Topaz.

It has turned out beautifully, and has inspired me to cook once again in my kitchen.

Yes, I truly did say that.

Please don't tell my husband I said that. I'm seriously still expecting him to treat us to Mexican on Friday nights. We can't live without our Mexican fix.

But we did prepare two meals in our new kitchen this weekend and they were some of the best tasting peanut butter and jellies ever. Just kidding! We had tilapia one day and strip steak the next.

Here's a view of Perry ~~furiously~~ happily working through his summer workbook.

He looks so hard at work at his new "homework island."

Don't tell him that none of his other friends have to do this over the summer. He thinks this is what every other 8 year old does on a Saturday afternoon in the summer.

Next stop... the master bedroom.

It's peaceful, it's beautiful and it's not finished just yet as we still need to hang and display pictures. But it is painted a color called Blue Shamrock, furniture has been re-arranged, and the funky new bedding from my new favorite store Crate & Barrel is on our bed.

We are again sleeping peacefully.

We also had our master bathroom painted a color called Latte - surprise, surprise. How could I pass up a color aptly named after one of my favorite addictions?

We also had a half bathroom on the main level painted a color called Ryegrass. My father says the color reminds him of Kermit the Frog. I say it reminds me of Apple Green. Whatever one wants to call it, I also say it's beautiful. I'll post pictures of the bathroom after I find just the right towels and the right rug to match.

We are also choosing new hardware knobs for our kitchen cabinets. I thought about posting pics of the knobs to help us make our decision, but I think we ended up choosing the knobs tonight. Perry had a say in it, and I would have to agree with his opinion. Whoever would have thought our eight year old would have a design opinion?!

Two weeks without a working kitchen, eating way too much fast food, and living among paint drop cloths... I don't wish this upon anyone. But choosing new paint colors and updating a countertop that makes the kitchen feel beautiful and functional... totally worth it!

Second Place...

2007-07-29T14:21:00.000-05:00

Perry collecting his 2nd place trophy

...is better than no place at all.

From the title, it is obvious that we did not win the Championship game on Saturday night. But we did place second in the overall parks and rec league, beating out fifteen other teams to advance to the championship game.

Taking into consideration that this was the first year for a bunch of 8 year olds to play competitive baseball, I'd say they made us parents mighty proud.

I wish I had taken a picture of Perry's fan club last night. They included his grandparents, his Great Aunt Sandy, his cousins Connor, Logan, Darla and Jason, and of course, me. Phil's the dug-out coach, so he cheers him on from inside the fence. There was quite a crowd there to cheer him on.

It was a close game... at first. We were actually up, then down. Which is exactly what I was... sitting in my seat, standing near the fence, sitting on the bleachers, standing by the dugout. It made me nervous to sit and watch, and it made me nervous to stand and watch. Wherever I was, I was willing the boys to hit the ball hard; to go out and make the plays.

Perry's team may have lost 7 to 3, but they are not losers... they're second place winners!

Enjoy the little things,

for one day you may look back

and realize they were the big things.

- Robert Brault

Thoughts on a Thursday

2007-07-26T10:13:00.000-05:00

This morning as I sit at my desk at work (yes I am at work - let's not tell anybody), I'm thinking about how much has gone on this week, and how much I have not been around lately to talk about all the many things that have been going on..

Let me just start off by saying my son had his first bowl of cereal, sitting on a barstool that fits under our new counter, with real flatware and a real plastic bowl. The paper plates, plastic cups and flatware are put away. Our kitchen is back in working order.

Well... let's just say the faucets and dishwasher run, and the oven and cooktop works. The household chef in the kitchen... well, she still has issues...

Perry's baseball team won their game last night 11-4 and they now advance to the Championship Game on Saturday evening. They have to beat the team on Saturday, and then turn around and beat them again on Sunday to be the winners of the Legacy Park tournament. If they lose on Saturday, then we are the second place winners. Either way, our team is made up of a bunch of winning 8 year olds. I have never been prouder of the team, and of Perry. He hit his first triple last night - a huge bomb over the left-fielder's head. Phil missed the game because of traveling for work, but thanks to the miracle of cell phones, it felt like he was there. He called after every inning and cheered him on from Chicago. This team has played their heart out this season and we are excited for them to reach the big games. I'll try and post pictures of the big game after this weekend is over.

I have lots of major cleaning to do now that my house is back in working order. Every single inch of my home needs a housekeeper's magic touch... and that housekeeper would be moi. I plan on getting in back into shape starting tomorrow morning... or maybe afternoon. Who really knows... but my plan will be to have it lookin' good before I go back to work on Monday.

There is a new Starbuck's in town, and being the gal with the major addictive habit, I decided to pay it a visit this morning. It is lovely, clean, delightful, and beautiful. A new Starbuck's always makes me very happy... even if it is in a shadier part of town.

Happy Thursday -

Overheard This Morning...

2007-07-23T15:47:00.000-05:00

While consuming a hearty breakfast of a strawberry pop-tart, followed by an apple cereal bar with a skim milk chaser, I ask Perry what he would like to take for lunch today.

As I timidly open the refrigerator door to find nothing behind it (recall my kitchen is not in its practical state), I then ask him how he would feel about a cheese sandwich.

Perry: "Do you have any turkey or ham to put on it."

Me: "Um - no, can't recall any turkey or ham products in our refrigerator in the last 3 months."

Perry: "How about PB&J?"

Me: "Remember - no peanut products at summer camp."

Perry: "Well, okay - I'll take a cheese sandwich. I guess we could try mayonnaise with it."

Me: "Okey-dokey. Mayo it is."

Not even a single piece of meat to slap on my son's sandwich.

Yes, I truly won Mother of the Year this morning.

Comfort Zone Deisgn Intervention

2007-07-20T14:38:00.000-05:00

Don't you just wish you lived here...??

Yes, those are paint cans, brushes and drop cloths in our master bedroom.

No... peaceful slumber is not an option in our home.

And here...??

Yes, that would be my cooktop on a towel in the dining room.

No... dinner is also not an option in our home for the past 7 days, and the next 5 days.

We are having our countertops in our kitchen replaced and have been living a little bit of the crazy life this past week. We don't have counters, a sink, a dishwasher or an oven that is currently in working order.

And we've had a painter in our home repainting the master bedroom, master bathroom and a half bath on the main level.

I honestly can't look another fast food meal in the face right now... but it seems to be the only way we've been able to eat lately. We've also had 3 tournament baseball games this past week, with one more on Saturday evening and Sunday evening.

On top of that, our garage door opener broke this week.

AND we have 5 kittens who have popped up in our back yard - and they aren't ours.

Mama told me there would be days like this... but these days seem to go on and on, I'm just sayin'.

I'm SO glad it's Friday!

I'll be back soon with the AFTER pictures. And I'll let you know what my first dinner in our remodeled kitchen will be.

It sure won't be from Sonic!

100 Things About Me!

2007-07-16T22:46:00.000-05:00

Well, here it is... my 100th Post!

When I first started my blog, I would have never imagined that I could write more than 12 posts. I just started it to collect my thoughts. But here it is... 100 Posts later and I'm still carrying on with my thoughts.

So to carry on the blog tradition, I now give you more than you ever wanted to know about me...

1. My name is Lori Jane.

2. Not Lori Ann like every other Lori I know.

3. I was born and raised in Missouri.

4. And I have lived in the KC metro area my entire life.

5. I am 43 years old and honestly can't believe it.

6. I met my husband at church when I was 29 years old. At church.

7. We were engaged just 10 months after we started dating. When you know, you know.

8. Phil and I married when we were 30.

9. I thought before I married that I did not want to have children.

10. We have an 8 year old son who is the highlight of our life. I love him more than anything else in the world.

11. I suffered post-partum depression for about a year after Perry was born.

12. I generally wish that we would have had more than one child.

13. I have worked at an advertising agency for 18+ years for the same boss who hired me 18 years ago.

14. I once forged his signature on a check request... I needed to get the check out in the mail.

15. I got caught by the accts. payable clerk - she looked at it and immediately knew I forged his initials.

16. She laughs about it now, but it was seriously my best initial forgery ever.

17. I started working only 3 days a week after Perry was born, and I still only work those 3 days. It saves my sanity.

18. If you work at the agency for 20 years, you get an all expense paid vacation.

19. I'm holding out for the big trip.

20. I'm taking all suggestions on where we should go.

21. I like to go on vacation, but not be gone longer than a week.

22. Usually when I'm on vacation, I'm antsy to go home by the second to the last day.

23. I love my home... hence The Comfort Zone.

24. I start each morning with a cup of coffee from Starbucks, either at the cafe or in my home. I'm a coffee snob.

25. We waited until the NFL schedule came out to plan the date of our wedding... we needed to make sure there wasn't a home Chiefs game the next day.

26. My dad worked with him at the time and wasn't too sure about me dating him. He has since changed his mind - always a good thing.

27. Phil brought into the marriage a cat that I really don't care for... and she feels the same way about me.

28. The cat is now 14 years old and I keep wondering how much longer she really is going to hang around.

29. He also brought to the marriage a "former" family". I love them as much as my own family.

30. I am 5 days younger than Phil... and always reminding him that he is older than me.

31. I'm a loyalist... see #13.

32. One of my very first jobs was for a nut and candy store when I was in high school. I continued to work there during college and part-time after college while holding down a full-time job.

33. My parents live exactly 2.1 miles from our home.

34. My dad makes the best bbq brisket and meat-loaf.

35. I need to learn these recipes someday... but why try when he is always willing to make them for me.

36. My mother taught 5th grade for 30 years and was one of my 5th grade teachers.

37. I don't remember if I called her mom or Mrs. "---"

38. Math was always her favorite subject to teach.

39. I am terrible in math.

40. When I was a freshman in college, my dad showed up at my dorm room unexpectedly and asked for my checkbook. He took it home with him.

41. I kept bouncing checks and he worked for the bank that was bouncing my checks... they were not real happy with me.

42. I flunked college algebra.

43. I went to William Jewell College my freshman year.

44. I majored in Perkin's denver omelettes and a pot of coffee.

45. I gained the Freshman 30, not the Freshman 15 (lbs. that is)

46. I went to Southwest Baptist University my sophomore year of college.

47. I majored in Pac-Man at the local pizza shoppe.

48. I worked at Ridgecrest Baptist Conference Center one summer during college.

49. I scooped ice cream at The Nibble Nook... all summer long.

50. I finally stayed home and finished college at the local university. I went to 4 colleges before finishing my degree.

51. My degree is in Communications with an emphasis in Advertising and I actually work in advertising.

52. My fondest memories are of spending almost every weekend at my grandparent's home.

53. My grandma was a church secretary and that is secretly my dream job.

54. I loved spending days at work with her when I was young.

55. I'm hoping my son is developing those same fond memories of spending time with his grandparents.

56. I have 2 brothers - one is 21 months younger than me and the other is 13 years younger.

57. We are good kids with great spouses and my parents thank the good Lord every day for that.

58. I have 3 nieces and 1 nephew.

59. I love to read.

60. I am in a book club and have been very inconsistent in the reading of the book club books.

61. It could be because I like to read fiction... mostly fluff/escape books.

62. Book club books are not typically fluff books... they make me think.

63. I skipped second grade in elementary school - I truly don't know why I never went to second grade... or why the other 20 some kids in my 3rd grade class never did either.

64. I was not in the National Honor Society in high school, but was in the Who's Who Among American High School Students book. (I truly don't know why about that either.)

65. I never played any sports in high school. None.

66. I still get together for lunch periodically with my 3 favorite girlfriends from high school and church youth group. We were quite a "foursome" back in the day and still to this day remain the best of friends.

67. I have a lot of very good girlfriends, but not one deep orange.

68. I love to scrapbook - not just for the memory-keeping value, but for the socialization of it all.

69. Friday night scrapbooking once a month, or mega-crop Saturdays every quarter with my very good friends makes me very very happy. It is my therapy.

70. I would love to learn how to knit.

71. I love Broadway shows and if we were ~~rich~~ able, I would travel to New York City on a regular basis to experience the magical nights on Broadway.

72. My very first ever Broadway musical was Kiss Me Kate.

73. My favorite Broadway show was Movin' Out.

74. Billy Joel is one of my all-time favorite musicians.

75. I met 10 moms on-line when Perry was 3 months old. We started an on-line group called the 11Moms and those moms literally saved my life.

76. We have all met each other in person (some of us several times) and will always be connected.

77. I like to treat myself to a hot cup of green tea and a 100-calorie pack each night after Perry is in bed. These are my new personal favorites...

78. I think I may be pre-menopausal as I have been experiencing terrible headaches and night sweats in the past few months.

79. I am a terrible sleeper and have been very consistent in taking this... in which I'm now trying to wean myself off of and stay asleep on my own (though I'm not doing a good job of that).

80. I love TiVO and am addicted to a few television programs... see my sidebar... I will update it this fall.

81. Fall is my favorite season... new television and football begins.

82. I used to be addicted to two soap operas. I don't watch them now, but read about them online. I once skipped out of class in high school so that I could run home to watch Beth and Phillip get married on The Guiding Light. I wasn't caught...

83. I treat myself to a pedicure on a regular basis.

84. But I've never had a full-body massage... I'm told that is just not normal so I'm thinking of going for it before I turn 45.

85. I enjoy a good bottle of wine and playing cards with good friends rather than going to a large party.

86. I tend to hang back in large parties... they make me anxious.

87. I went to church every. single. Sunday. my entire life until Perry was born.

88. Then I was too afraid to take him to the nursery so we stopped going.

89. We are still trying to get back in the groove of going to church.

90. We are Southern Baptists who are considering the Methodist church that is just a few miles from our home.

91. We love the service and Perry loves the Sunday school there with many close friends.

92. I am very indecisive and can't make decisions.

93. I had to make a decision about paint color this week... I truly rely on my husband to help me make decisions.

94. I love my husband not just because he makes decisions for me, but because he truly is the love of my life.

95. He balances me.

96. I love diet coke from McDonald's... and Sonic.

97. I do not enjoy cola from a can.

98. I love football season. We are Chiefs season ticket holders.

99. I am sad when football season is over.

100. I am truly blessed.

There ya go... I did it!! Thanks for reading my 100th Post.

Leave me a comment and let me know if we have any similarities... wouldn't it be cool to find fellow Nibble Nook scoopers on this here blog?!

You Know You're in Missouri When...

2007-07-12T10:06:00.001-05:00

I'm a Missouri Girl - born and bred right here in the heartland. I've never lived anywhere else. Even during my college tours, I never left Missouri. So when my Aunt Sandy sent me this email, I had to post it here. It's just so funny... if you're from Missourah!

I've decided to place in bold the ones that truly are descriptive of me or my family...

Growing up in Missouri

1. You've never met any celebrities.

2. Everyone you know has been on a "Float Trip."

3. "Vacation" means driving to Branson, Silver Dollar City, Worlds of Fun or Six Flags.

4. You've seen all the biggest bands ten years AFTER they were popular.

5. You measure distance in minutes rather than miles. For example, “Well, Webb City 's only 20 minutes away."

6. Down south to you means Arkansas .

7. The phrase "I'm going to the Lake this weekend" only means one thing.

8. You know several people who have hit a deer.

9. You think Missouri is spelled with an "ah" at the end. (That would be my husband!)

10. Your school classes were cancelled because of cold.

11. You know what "Party Cove" is.

12. Your school classes were cancelled because of heat.

13. You instinctively ask someone you've just met, "What High School did you go to?" (I do this all the time!)

14. You've had to switch from "heat" to "A/C" in the same day. (Truly this does happen in my house!)

15. You think ethanol makes your truck "run a lot better."

16. You know what's knee-high by the Fourth of July.

17. You see people wear bib overalls at funerals.

18. You see a car running in the parking lot at the store with no one in it, no matter what time of day.

19. You know in your heart that Mizzou can beat Nebraska in football.

20. You end your sentences with an unnecessary preposition. Example: "Where's my coat at?"

21. All the festivals across the state are named after a fruit, vegetable, or grain.

22. You install security lights on your house and garage and leave both unlocked.

23. You think of the major four food groups as beef, pork, beer, and Jell-O salad with marshmallows.

24. You carry jumper cables in your car and know that everyone else should.

25. You went to skating parties as a kid.

26. You only own three spices: salt, pepper, and ketchup.

27. You design your kid's Halloween costume to fit over a snowsuit.

28. You think sexy lingerie is tube socks and a flannel nightie.

29. The local paper covers national and international headlines on one page, but requires six pages for sports.

30. You think I-44 is spelled and pronounced "farty-far." ( St. Louis only.)

31. You'll pay for your kids to go to college unless they want to go to KU.

32. You think that "deer season" is a National Holiday.

33. You know that Concordia is halfway between Kansas City and Columbia , and Columbia is halfway between St. Louis and Kansas City , and the Warrenton Outlet Mall is halfway between Columbia and St. Louis.

34. You can't think of anything better than sitting on the porch in the middle of the summer during a thunderstorm.

35. You know which leaves make good toilet paper.

36. You've said, "it's not the heat, it's the humidity."

37. You know all four seasons: Almost Summer, Summer, Still Summer and Football.

38. You know if another Missourian is from the Boot-heel, Ozarks, Eastern, Middle or Western Missouri soon as they open their mouth.

39. You know that Harry S Truman, Walt Disney and Mark Twain are all from Missouri.

40. You failed World Geography in school because you thought Cuba , Versailles , California , Nevada , Houston , Cabool , Louisiana , Springfield , and Mexico were cities in Missouri . (And they are!)

41 You think a traffic jam is ten cars waiting to pass a tractor.

42. You know what "HOME OF THE THROWED ROLL" means.

On our trip home from Branson this past weekend, I asked Phil if he wanted to stop at #42 for lunch on the way home... and he didn't!! There is something seriously wrong with him. Oh yeah, that's right - he's not really a true-blue Missourian. He may have been born here, but he spent more time elsewhere... he can't pass for a Missourian!

Why else would he want to pass up the home of the throwed rolls?!

If you are reading this and are from Missouri, please leave me a comment and let me know how true you think this is... and which number is most descriptive of you!

More about our trip to Branson soon...

Rockin' = Cool?!

2007-07-06T08:32:00.001-05:00

Beth who lives in the land of testosterone over in North Carolina has given me this award - I'm a "Rockin' Girl Blogger!" So am I cool or what?!

Beth and I have known each other for 8+ years and I call her one of my "sister saviors"... meaning she helped save my life when I became a brand new mom. I will someday post about my "10 sisters." They deserve it.

I am now to nominate other bloggers - but that is just too hard for me because I think all the bloggers that I read on a daily basis are rockin.' But I'll try to introduce you to some of my new personal favorites...

1. Rae Rae's Ramblings... Rach is a real life friend. I've known her for a long time. You can read about her turning 30 here. She has just started a blog and is posting periodically. She's also due to have a baby around the same time that my boy turns nine. I'm so looking forward to meeting her baby boy.

2. Thankful Moments... Lisa writes from the heart. She tells us about her days with her only child - Evan, and her husband. I enjoy reading about her life - she tells it like it is.... even when she got a speeding ticket last week.

3. Jill at Who Could Ask For Anything More is a fun-lovin, chic Southern belle. You feel as if she could be your best friend from the minute you start reading her thoughtful posts. She's so fun to read.

That's all for now... I know many, many more... but our family is spending the day getting ready for the re-scheduled state tournament baseball game this evening, and a short getaway to Branson Mo.

The laundry is calling my name.

I'll be back sometime next week to share with you lots of pictures and lots of memories made.

Always Look for the Mondays in Life

2007-07-02T21:20:00.000-05:00

We had one of those weekends where I actually said to myself last night just as I was getting to sleep...

I can't wait for Monday to get here.

This was supposed to be one of our better weekends. Perry's baseball team was going to compete in the state tournament for machine pitch baseball. For their very. first. time.

Phil's Uncle David was coming to town to spend time with us and to play in his high school's annual golf tournament. With Phil. And I knew he was just as pleased as pickle juice that Phil was playing in this golfing annual with him.

And our baseball team's party was going to be on Sunday afternoon... hopefully celebrating the end of the season as well as a state win.

And then the rain came down, and the floods came up. The rain came down, and the floods came up... anyone remember the title to that catchy tune from Sunday School circa 1969?

Anyway, I digress. The rains came and we never saw an inch of a baseball field this weekend. The game was cancelled on Friday evening. We were on rain delay hold until Saturday around noon when all was cancelled... as Perry sat on the couch in his baseball gear... waiting and waiting and waiting. The games were cancelled on Saturday, as well as the entire state baseball tournament. Need you be reminded that I knew of one boy who was upset, as I'm sure were the other 11 boys on his team.

And it rained on the men and their ~~mudball~~ golf tournament. And it was a cold rain.

And on Sunday it was still cloudy and too wet for a end of the season pool party. Party re-scheduled.

But we did spend the afternoon and most of the evening at my neighbor's house. They grilled burgers and we shared the end of the season party cake with them. It was rather tasty. I'm hoping they get the same kind for the next end of the season party sometime in hot, dry August.
But while we were over at my neighbor's, Phil went to check on the rowdy boys playing downstairs when I heard a loud thud and saw my husband bent with his head on the stairs, grimacing in pain. He had slipped on the stairs and had taken a tumble down right on his back. He didn't say much for a few seconds, but as I mumbled something about calling 911, he looked up and said he was okay - but just barely.

And when Phil was home soaking in the jacuzzi tub, I was downstairs cleaning out my sink of all the unwashed dishes collected from our weekend, when I heard... "MOOMMM - COME HERE."
"My tummy hurts and I think I almost puked in my bed."

Oh Lord - the sentence that I least want to hear at dark thirty in the night. In fact, whether it be dark outside, or in the middle of the day, I really don't want to hear anything about puke or any type of weird things going on, I'm just saying.

But I woke up this Monday and Phil seems okay. His back is in some kind of pain, mainly an annoying pain that he is trying to ignore so that he can spend all next weekend playing golf.

And Perry slept the night through with no tummy worries.

After dropping Perry off to summer camp this morning, I stopped off at my favorite coffee house before work and thanked the Lord for small blessings.

Mondays aren't so bad after all.

The Gag that Never Goes Away

2007-06-27T13:59:00.000-05:00

This morning my son visited the dentist. It was his semi-annual time to clean the teeth.

However, I forgot to tell him before he went to bed last night that we would need to have this taken care of in the morning. When he got up this morning to get dressed, I just happened to casually mention that he had a dentist appointment, and that we needed to hurry a little quicker this morning so we could get out and get there on time.

He looked at me with that lowered left eyebrow, and then replied... "usually you tell me that I need to go to the dentist before... like yesterday... and you didn't tell me yesterday or anything."

Yes, you're right. I did forget to tell you. But let's be a good sport and just go ahead and get it done with.

What I failed to mention to him as we are hurriedly getting dressed is that when they called to remind me of my appointment yesterday, I told them that I needed more of an advance notice, so could they kindly give Perry my 8:30am appointment for today, and schedule me in a couple weeks later?

Yes, that's right. I fed my 8 year old son to the ~~wolves~~ dentist instead of me.

So after we hurriedly get out of the house, we run to Starbuck's for my caffeine ingestion and I let Perry order his favorite crumbleberry coffee cake for breakfast. Nothing goes better with a tall skim milk than a crumbleberry cake, and this is his favorite treat. Besides, I was making him go to the dentist in my place and all.

We arrive at the dentist and they take him immediately back. In the meantime, I have called his grandparents to come and pick him up at the dentist so that I can get to work. I was off yesterday, and very behind. They agreed and when they showed up, I asked if I could go back to see him and kiss him goodbye.

As soon as I got to the room, I could tell that all was not well. He was sitting up with a towel in his hand, tears in his eyes, and a very scared look on his face. The nurses looked up at me and told me that he just threw up as they were starting the sealant on his back teeth. They had just started with the first one and needed to complete that one and three more.

And his gag reflex just gave in and he didn't make it. He has a terrible gag reflux - just like his momma.

Fortunately the hygeniests are used to this kinda thing (so they told me). They even got the bowl in front of him just in the nick of time. And when I showed up, he was just cleaning up, and getting control of his "gagness." I'm afraid that crumbleberry coffee cake didn't feel so good coming out as it did going in.

And here's the most unbelievable thing... he wanted to finish the sealant. He didn't care if he just tossed his cake, he was going to get those teeth sealed, and he was going to do it right then and there. I kept asking him if he wanted to come back another day, but by golly no, he would have nothing of that. He called me from his grandparents after it was completed and he was good as gold.

I don't know about you, but if I had lost my breakfast in the dentist's chair, I'm thinking a sick day, followed by an evening on the couch would have been just divine. As they say... "milk it." But he went to his grandparents and then asked them to take him on to summer camp so he could go swimming this afternoon.

So I didn't win Mother of the Year today... and feeling pretty bad about it here at work this afternoon.

Do you think after his morning ordeal, I should give in and buy him that coveted Nintendo game he wants so bad? I'm kind of a sucker like that.

Logan's Excellent Adventure

2007-06-24T18:31:00.000-05:00

So about a month or two ago, my cousin Jason and his wife Darla asked if their son Logan could have a sleepover with Perry. They were planning a slumber party for their 8 year old daughter, and wanted to keep Logan out of the way. He would wreak havoc among the girls, so how about we have him ~~wreak havoc~~ share a fun evening with Perry. "Oh sure" I say, knowing that a month or two is a long way away and things always change.

Well, that day showed up yesterday, and we had an overnight visitor in our midst. Logan is 4 years old and idolizes Perry. When we get together for family functions, they get along famously.

This evening is going to be a piece of cake.

Logan arrives around 4pm with a backpack full of clothes and the essentials of life such as a Gameboy and an Nintendo DS Lite. Ahhh - the coveted Nintendo DS Lite. My 8-1/2 year old does not own the coveted Lite. All of his friends own the Lite, and now his 4 year old cousin owns one. Yes, Perry did mention to me one or thirty times that it was "no fair" that Logan owned a DS Lite.

So we wander outside with the boys and watch them play baseball, take turns on the swingset, hide up in the playhouse and shoot bad people.

And that was all in about the first 10 minutes.

Then our next-door neighbors (bless their ever-lovin' hearts) informed us that they were going to turn on their blow-up water slide and let the kids play. Would Perry and Logan like to join in? Did I just hear the angels sing? Oh yes, oh yes, we would love to join in on the fun. Nothing says entertainment like watching a bunch of boys climb up and down a water slide 11 or 67 times and tire themselves out like there's no tomorrow.

And the boys ran and played and had a great time. But as we were tiring Logan out, he came and sat down on the ground beside me and informed us all that his tummy hurt. Real bad.

Oh boy, nothing terrifies me more than a child complaining of stomach issues. Okay, I know... I have issues too, but let's not talk about me here. It's about Logan. And I don't like barfing kids. I know, I know... it's not about me.

"Well, let's sit out for a little while to see if it stops hurting... okay?"

And that's what he did. But then he felt better so the kids ended up playing some baseball for a little while. Until it turned dark and bugs were starting to bite.

Again, nothing says tire the kids out like a good ol' fashioned baseball game in the dark.

So we get Perry and Logan inside to get their pajamas on and wind down. As Logan was putting his pajamas on, he lets out a huge belch.

HUGE.

And then he says with a little gleam in his eye... "Oh, I tink I felt a wittle puke in my froat."

Great. That's exactly what I didn't need to hear. But I just decided that it was just the thing he needed for that tummy ache. A big ol' belch that brings a little puke up has to make him feel better... right?

Besides, I tend to get a wittle bit of puke in my froat every morning I brush my teeth.

After they are ready for bed, Logan gets out his books he brought, and Perry reads to him while they snack on granola bites and milk. By this time, I'm rejoicing that it sure is nice to have another reader in the family.

When it was finally bedtime, Logan gets himself comfortable, but returns outside our door just a few minutes later. The ceiling fan is on and he is getting cold. Okay -no worries - we've got that covered.

Oh - and by the way - "make sure you close the door because I don't want that cat in here because I'm awergic."

Okay - no worries- got that covered too.

Two minutes later - another return. This time there were monsters under Perry's bed where the middle drawer was missing. So we stuffed some blankets in there, and there was no way the monsters were going to make it out now. They were stuffed in there - never to return.

Dreamland? It finally came around 10:30pm. Not too bad considering there was so much to do and look at in Perry's room.

Logan - good buddy -
we hope you had an excellent adventure during your sleepover with Perry.

We know we did!

We Coulda' Been Sisters

2007-06-21T14:21:00.000-05:00

My good friend and co-worker in crime, Janna and I have been mistaken for sisters. It pretty much started just after she became a mother. She is a young mother - still just at 30 - with two adorable daughters. We go to lunch together just about every day I work and at least once a month, if not more, we are always asked by servers, cashiers, nail technicians... you name it... if we are sisters.

No, we say - we're just co-workers.

But not too long ago the unthinkable happened.

It was mid-afternoon and we were on the elevator going down to the deli to get an ~~apple~~ chocolate chip cookie to nibble on get us through the rest of the day. All of a sudden, another gal jumped on the elevator with us and commented on how much we look alike.

"Yeah - we get that all the time!" we regale with laughter. She's so cute and sweet to say that to us!

And then she said...

Wait for it...

Are you mother and daughter?

And she was serious.

Dead serious.

We laughed and yee-hawed and commented that we were just co-workers in the research department, all nice and silly like we are.

But then she hopped off the elevator onto her floor. The elevator doors shut with nary a sound between us and her.

And I started ~~cussing her out~~ crying.

I really did neither, but it has been a source of turmoil when I do see her wandering the halls. What a poor, pitiful, young thing she is to think that I'm old enough to be a mother of my 30-year old co-worker. I would have had a bun in the oven in junior high if I had a daughter her age. In junior high, sister.

The only thing I was most concerned about in junior high was who I was going to sit next to on the church bus on the way to the roller skating rink.

Again, I ask... Does anyone know where I can buy a t-shirt that states "Don't Talk to Me" that I can wear when I am around people who like to ask personal questions? I'm willing to pay even bigger bucks for it right now. It happens to me all the time!

Examples of a Father

2007-06-18T10:17:00.000-05:00

As Father's Day came to a close, I sit here thinking about the many examples of a father I have in my life.... and how I got to experience them yesterday.

First of all, there is my father. What I most appreciate about my father is that he has been my mother's solid rock for over 44 years. Having gone through the trials that life has handed her... breast cancer, macular degeneration of the eyes and a significant hearing loss, her optimism has never diminished. And my father has stood by her through thick and thin. He never wavers as she plans her day, knowing full well that he will accompany her, driving her anywhere she wants to go, and never once complaining. And I think a great example of my father, is that he puts his wife first, his family second and his interests third. That's my dad.

***************************

Secondly, there is my husband. From the very first minute he became a father, he took on his role like he had been doing it for years. Since I ended up having a c-section after not progressing in labor, I was taken to recovery after the surgery. During this time, Phil stayed with Perry and never left his side. From watching them measure and weigh him, bathe and dress him, check all his vitals, he knew from that moment on that this little boy had stolen his heart. Phil wrote his brother a letter a week after Perry was born that the first hour-and-a-half he spent with him right after he was born was the sweetest hour-and-a-half of his entire life. He talked to Perry the entire time he was with him. Whether Perry was crying or cooing, he just kept telling him how much he loved him and how glad he was that he could finally meet him. Perry and Phil have a special bond.

One that a momma will never be able (or want) to separate.

I rode along with them in the golf cart later on Father's Day afternoon. While watching them play golf, I noticed their very special "golf language." Perry listens to him so intently. And Phil leads him by example.

He didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it.

~Clarence B. Kelland~

*************************************

And the third example of an extremely hands-on father that I got to experience today is my baby brother - who is now a father to a precious baby girl. As I watched these 2 youngsters get hitched 5 years ago in Vegas, I would have never imagined that their life would ever include being parents. Oh, I always knew they would someday settle down eventually. But the love that they have for Ainsley is amazing. And they are indeed wonderful parents... and Brad is showing himself to be a great father.

I thank my heavenly Father today for the examples of a father that He has given to me in my life.

These are men of integrity that will help lead my son to be a man of integrity.

Proverbs 23:24
The father of a righteous man has great joy;
he who has a wise son delights in him.

Happy Father's Day

2007-06-17T18:19:00.000-05:00

Anyone can be a father.

It takes someone special to be a dad.

~author unknown~

Karen's Unbelievable Dessert

2007-06-14T08:37:00.000-05:00

Since Father's Day is this weekend, I have decided to post a recipe that is THE recipe to my husband's heart. He just loves this yummy dessert.

A little background on this dessert...

My good friend Karen, whom I have known for 15+ years, used to make this dessert all the time... especially when Phil and I started dating. Karen would always pull off the best bbq's, complete with all her yummy recipes - including this one. She knew the way to men's hearts were through their stomachs. She was always such an incredible cook and hostess back when our singles group was in full swing. I remember when Phil asked me out for a first date I seriously wondered why he asked me when all I would bring to the bbq were baked beans that I picked up at the grocery store deli, while Karen pulled out the big guns with her cooking.

It has been years since we had this dessert so I decided to try it again for my family's Memorial Day get-together. It was a hit. If you're having a large family gathering, make this... you'll be glad you did!

Oreo Cookie Ice Cream Dessert

30 Oreo Cookies
1/3 cup butter, melted
1/2 gallon Coffee Ice Cream (or any flavor), softened
(I love Mocha Almond Fudge)
1 large jar Hot Fudge Topping
1 Carton (16 oz.) Cool Whip

Crush cookies; do not remove cream. Reserve another 4 crushed cookies for the top. Mix rest with butter. Pat in 9x13" pan. Cover and freeze for 20 minutes. Spread ice cream on top. Cover and freeze 20 minutes. Spread fudge topping over ice cream. Cover and freeze 20 minutes. Spread cool whip on top; sprinkle with reserved cookie crumbs. Cover. Freeze overnight. Cut into small squares to serve.

This is a RICH dessert and so chocolatey and cold for a wonderful summer day!

Enjoy!

Daring, Adventurous and Adorable

2007-06-13T08:55:00.000-05:00

A blog that I love to visit is Everyday Mommy. She is the momma of an only child (a son she warmly refers to as LoveBug). I love to visit her blog because she is also a "local."

She is hosting a contest for the newly released book The Dangerous Book for Boys. She states that I need to write a post on my blog about the most daring, adventurous or just plain adorable thing your son has done.

If Everyday Mommy says this is the book to read if you have boys, then I'm thinking I will definitely want to read it.

What I think makes Perry such an amazing boy is that he wakes up every single day with a purpose.

Whether it be going to golf camp, preparing for a baseball game, making new friends at summer camp on the days his mom has to work, or just hanging out with his mom and dad as the day draws to a close, he lives each day to its fullest.

I think his every day life makes him the most daring, adventurous and adorable eight year old boy that I know.

You Can't Win Them All

2007-06-11T06:55:00.000-05:00

We began our weekend here with a houseguest... my brother-in-law, Paul. He is always a welcomed houseguest. He's not even really a guest... he's family. We always enjoy having him visit us - we so wished he lived closer.

Phil's brother Paul is just finishing up his career in the Army. We are unbelievably proud of him and the service he has contributed to our country. He joined the army as an 18 year old, and is now 35 and done. Imagine being 35 and knowing that what you do for the rest of your life will now just be the icing on the cake. Of course, I know he doesn't see the army as cake, but he is now going to start working on the base in a civilian capacity, mainly doing what he knows and loves, and he can now enjoy the freedoms that we enjoy as just being a working American. He will join The National Guard for the next 2 years to finish out his full 20 years in the military. He served in Iraq during the first gulf war, spent time in Bosnia, and then returned to Iraq twice in the past 4 years.

Did I mention how proud we are of him?

He joined us this weekend so he could watch Perry play baseball. There was another tournament planned this weekend, and he was going to take in all the baseball he could fit in. He arrived here on Thursday morning and played 9 holes with Phil. He also headed off to baseball practice with Perry, shagging balls and playing catch with the team for Thursday and Friday afternoon's practices.

We started off the morning on Saturday getting whipped - literally. I think the score was 16 to 1. The second game went a little better... we even tied them up. But we lost that one 8 - 6. But not ones to let the losses get us down, I had the coach and his wife over for dinner, along with his parents who were visiting and Clark and Kathleen with their boys. We enjoyed a beautiful evening out on the deck, eating some barbeque'd pork tenderloin and bleu cheese potatoes, all the while listening to Paul and Coach Brian's father talking about their military experiences. Brian's dad served at Fort Hood during Vietnam, while Paul began his army life at Fort Hood. Celebrating and enjoying the beginning of the summer and the freedoms we delight in, even though we lost the tournament.

We didn't get to play another game on Sunday - we got rained out this morning, starting with lightning, thunder and a bedguest at 5:15am. The tournament is now cancelled, and we lost. That's okay - you can't win them all!

Of course I couldn't let a weekend tournament slip by without the obligatory picture...

Look how wide his stance is getting, and how he is leaning back. His hits are getting better.

Just hoping golf camp starting this Tuesday won't mess up his batting swing!

Forget the Apple Pie or Chevrolet, It's Only Baseball Here!

2007-06-06T19:59:00.000-05:00

Coach Ike (my son's baseball coach) is all baseball, all the time.

This is what I saw yesterday afternoon as I was looking out my kitchen window.

Yes, that's right... he's measuring out the bases and his wife is spray-painting a baseball diamond.

Right in his own back yard.

We do have a tournament this weekend so I'm guessing we all need to "be ready."

Then this is what happened tonight when I asked Phil to take Perry to get his haircut tonight.

Remember in this post, his hair looked soooo good.

I asked Phil (when Perry wasn't around) what he was thinking? He looks like my brother-in-law right before he reported to duty.

And he replies... "this is a great haircut for baseball season. He won't be all sweaty when he's wearing his catcher's helmet." (Um yeah, his head may not be sweaty, but he still wears a uniform and the catcher's gear.)

He's totally drinking the kool-aid here in the cul-de-sac...

All baseball, all the time.

Thank You, Smank You... I Want More!

2007-06-04T09:52:00.001-05:00

Remember in my last post where I talked about Perry writing a beautiful, handwritten note to his teacher that said...

"Mrs. Kennedy, you are the best teacher because we did math races on the chalkboard and they were so much fun. I also had fun having breakfast together. I know I'm going to be a 3rd grader, but I will always remember my 2nd grade year with you. "

So, today I walked out to get the mail and there was a small envelope tucked inside the bills and magazines, and I got very excited. I heart handwritten notes of all kinds so I always tear it open with anticipation to see who wrote to me, and what beautiful sentiments they had to say.

Imagine my surprise when I read this...

This is from a recent college graduate, folks. With a degree in business. From a large university here in Missouri.

That's all I get? Thank you for the card and gift?

And the weird thing was that we didn't even get him a gift. We gave him money. Not a lot of cash, but enough to buy about seven or eight latte's from my favorite obsession, or a couple of cases of beer for all the graduation parties he was most likely attending.

I know I'm mounting my high horse here, but please... I want more! Did you receive so many gifts and wads of money that you just couldn't keep them all straight so you sat down quickly to take care of the obligatory thank you notes so your parents didn't nag you anymore to get them done?

Did you forget you weren't texting or IM'ng, but writing an actual note?

And you just have to think his grandparents were waiting at the mailbox every day for their thank you note. I hope they received more heartfelt sentiments than we did.

Is the art of writing a descriptive, handwritten thank you note dead?

Okay, I'm getting off my soapbox now, but I would still be interested in reading what you all have to say about this lost art. Leave me a comment and let me know if you think I'm being too hard on this young man, or do you think perhaps I should cut him some slack.

Last Day of School!

2007-06-01T08:02:00.000-05:00

Today is Perry's last day of 2nd grade. It seems like just yesterday he started kindergarten. I know that sounds so cliché, but it's true.

Today he made a card for his teacher, Mrs. Kennedy. I'd like to quote what he wrote to her...

"Mrs. Kennedy, you are the best teacher because we did math races on the chalkboard and they were so much fun. I also had fun having breakfast together. I know I'm going to be a 3rd grader, but I will always remember my 2nd grade year with you. "

It just fascinates me how he has learned to put his thoughts into words and then write them down. Thanks to a wonderful and caring teacher, he has learned an incredible amount of knowledge this year. I'm amazed daily by his "smartness."

He definitely takes after me his father.

I know that minute he walks out of his school today he will say "well, I'm a third grader."

And there will be the biggest grin on his face.

And tears in my eyes.

He's just growing up way too fast.

Happy Summer Perry!

Memorial Day Memories

2007-05-30T13:15:00.000-05:00

Do you ever have one of those weeks where life just gets in the way? Well, that is my week here. I know I haven't posted anything here in the past week, and that's not because I don't have anything good going on... because I do... real good stuff.

But I've been living it instead of writing it right now... and leaving my camera down.

Sometimes I just need to step away, and this was one of those weeks.

I could write about a little league baseball-free weekend beginning with a Friday night that started off with a trip to our favorite Mexican restaurant (Salty Iguana to-go), followed by a couple of glasses of margaritas outside with our neighbors while the kids played.

I could write about how we spent a beautiful Saturday at one of my favorite new shopping landmarks. And how I didn't find anything for me, but we found plenty for Phil, Perry and his teacher Mrs. Kennedy.

I also could write about how Perry and his good friends Ethan and Grant spending a fun-filled afternoon on Sunday at the movies while their dads played golf together. Shrek the Third was the movie, and popcorn, m&m's and colas were all devoured.

I also don't want to forget about Sunday evening when my family got together for my dad's 70th birthday and my sister-in-law Cindy's 26th birthday. We grilled burgers, caught up on family travels, held the most adorable little six week old baby girl Ainsley, and then ended the evening with the best Oreo Ice Cream Dessert that has ever been made.... thanks to Karen for the recipe. I will have to post it here soon because it would be a great Father's Day dessert.

And how could I forget to write about Memorial Day. The day Perry woke up at his grandparent's house and told them that "this was going to be an awesome day because I'm going to go and visit the cemetary's where my great-grandparents (The Perry's) are buried and my dad's grandparents (The Worden's) are buried." Yes, he said that... he's a sentimental type like that. And I could write about how that brought tears to my mom's eyes, and mine as well when she told me.

And I wish I could find some great pictures from the weekend, but this weekend was all about living it and not documenting it.

And it was a great weekend.

Betcha' Can't Guess Where We Were All Weekend?

2007-05-22T19:48:00.001-05:00

Yep, that's right - another baseball tournament!

The Comets advanced to the Championship game on Sunday afternoon!!

And.... they lost.

But the boys learned a great life lesson... losing. It will happen.

They got a great 2nd place trophy that all the boys will take turns sharing.

They have another tournament in three weeks so we get try it all over again.

For the parents of a Little Leaguer, a baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown into innings. Earl Wilson

7 Random Facts About My High School Years (circa 1981)

2007-05-17T13:59:00.000-05:00

Floating around bloggy land right now is a meme - 7 weird things, 7 random things, 7 Any Things... you get the picture. And on my birthday, I gave you 43 Things about Me. Again - probably more than you would ever want to know.

But since I'm all about the following and doing what everyone else is doing, I thought I would try this meme - with a twist.

Here I give you 7 Things About Me - The High School Edition.

I was in a car wreck just a couple weeks after I graduated from high school. I was in the passenger seat and the drunk driver drove his car into my side. I was taken to the emergency room in an ambulance, spent 3 days in ICU and the following 4 days in a hospital room. I suffered a concussion and skull fracture and had several stitches sewn in where my head hit the windshield. I don't remember the wreck, the ambulance ride, my foul language in the emergency room (as I was told by my parents!), as well as the week that I spent in the hospital. All I can honestly remember is coming home. From the entire week, that is all I can remember. I do believe that was a gift from God.

I have 3 best friends from high school that I still get together with at least a couple times a year, sometimes even more. We talk and talk and talk - just as if we were back in high school.

Our Graduation Party - Laurie, Melissa, Me and Teresa

The four of us girls tried out for our senior musical - Bye Bye Birdie - and we all were in it together. It was an incredible ending to our senior year.

My first date EVER was when I was a senior in high school. I didn't turn 16 until the end of my junior year, and my parents said I couldn't date until I was 16. My first date came early in my senior year of high school, just a few months after I turned 16. It was with a guy named Brad who drove a very nice Camaro. Unfortunately, that's about all that was memorable about Brad. He had a very nice car. He took me to the Homecoming dance. And he also took me to Ponderosa for our homecoming dinner. And he didn't buy me a corsage. I seriously think I was his first date ever also. Did I mention that he drove a very nice car for a senior in high school?

I was not asked to my senior prom. I don't know why. Neither were some of my best friends. So we just spent the evening together talking about how glad we were not to have to go to the prom. I'm sure at the time we really weren't, and would have given anything to go to the prom. But we didn't. And I am none the worse for it. I really don't feel like I missed anything. Especially seeing all the girls who go to the prom now and invest ginormous amounts of money on their dress, hair, nails, tan, and a limo for the perfect evening. I never feel bad about not going to the prom. My perfect evening was our wedding - and that's what it's really all about.

My best friend Laurie and I would go cruising every. single. Friday night. Without fail. And we would drive by our pretend boyfriends' houses every. single. Friday night. And what chance was it that our "boyfriends" only lived 2 streets away from each other. We would cruise down one, and then 2 streets down, cruise down the other. Then we would head out to the main drag which was just 2 streets down from there. On a tank of gas back then, we could literally get in a lot of cruising on a Friday night.

When we had some good friends over after one of our kid's baseball games last weekend, we got to talking about playing sports as children. I never played any sports as a child or teenager in high school. Nothing. Zilch. Nada. And they also talked about how if your ring finger is longer than your index finger, it means that you are athletic. My ring finger is much longer than my index finger. Do you think I am athletic and missed out? Would I have been able to letter in tennis in high school, and didn't even know it? Or is that a myth? Could I have been the next Maria Sharapova. (Ummm probably not.)

I had fun cruising down memory lane. How about you?

Hope to see you do some cruisin' down the ole' memory lane. And if you do, don't forget to stop at the light and wave to me (or leave me a comment).

Mother's Day Wrap-Up

2007-05-15T10:41:00.000-05:00

(Brunch on Mother's Day at Lakewood)

I had a wonderful Mother's Day - or as I really should call it - a wonderful "Mother's Weekend." It was all about me and the family - the only way I would want it to be.

We started off our weekend with Perry's baseball game on Friday night - with the lights turned on. The boys were so excited to play with the lights on. "Just like playing in the major leagues!" And they won 27 - 3! Way to go, Comets!

Look at that batting stance!

On Saturday, we got up early to enjoy breakfast at our favorite local eatery - First Watch. After some yummy scrambled eggs and hot coffee, we ventured out to our local nursery to pick out flowers for our pots. We have 7 pots in the front and 2 pots out on the back deck that Phil lovingly plants for me every Mother's Day weekend.

It's a yearly tradition that makes me feel so special.

Even though I have to water them every. single. day. from now until eternity (or September really, but feels like eternity!)

Then Perry and Phil took me shopping at a cute little home interior store in our city's downtown area. They bought me a gift card so that I could re-do our entry table in our home. I bought 2 new lamps and a a beautiful votive display that sits on the table, and am hoping to add 2 new picture frames to the display. The decorators at the store gave me some other suggestions for the table so as soon as I have it the way I hope for it to look, I will post a pic.

And then we had an early dinner at The Bristol. What more can a mother ask for?!

Also celebrating her very first Mother's Day was my sister-in-law Cindy. She and my brother ventured out to the Lenexa festival this weekend, and guess who they saw? Our good friend KC Wolf.
I love that Ainsley made her first appearance with the Chiefs mascot at just 4 weeks old.

We also made a visit to Phil's "mom" Dodie. We give her a beautiful hanging flower basket for her front deck every year, and this one was the best ever. I'm so blessed to have her in our life.

My mom and dad are in Hilton Head enjoying the sun and beach so I didn't get to spend Mother's Day with my mother. I know they are having a great time with my aunt and uncle eating out, walking on the beach and relaxing in the sun... and that sounds like the best Mother's Day weekend to me.

Happy Mother's Day!

2007-05-13T08:39:00.000-05:00

Thoughts on a Tuesday

2007-05-08T20:49:00.000-05:00

This weekend I went to a scrapbook mega-crop on a whim. A friend of mine told me her husband was sending her away to the crop and was there any way that I could come also. The crop was sold out, but at the last minute, I was told that they could fit me in, place me next to my friend, and crop to my heart's desire. And that is exactly what I did. We cropped together on Friday night from 4pm to midnight, and then again from noon to 5pm on Sunday. On Saturday, I cropped in the morning, while she cropped in the afternoon and evening, but I felt like it was such a productive and therapeutic weekend. It turns out that we have so very much in common, as well as the 8 year old boys who are the lights (and scrapbook pages) of our life.

This weekend's crop had the best free gift evah!

This is what we all happily toted home. You too, my friends, can order one here.

This is what Phil and Perry did while I was away on Saturday morning... talking football strategy with Coach Herm.

Notice the sharpie in Perry's hand? Like father, like son...

I got to hold the cutest little baby born in the past month this weekend. Isn't my niece Ainsley just beautiful?

My Starbucks was not serving coffee this morning. There was a boil order in the city where they are located and they could not run water through the coffee machine. Can you imagine how many sleepy-eyed, caffeine withdrawn people were completely bummed as they were walking out their door this morning. Believe me, I can. I was one of them. It was not good.

Sitting at Sonic today, my co-worker and good friend Janna exclaimed that I was SO resistant to change. Only because I did not order vanilla flavoring in my diet coke. "You have ordered diet coke plain every day for lunch for the past six years I've worked with you. Put some vanilla in your diet coke for goodness sake, and live a little why don't you." Well, my gosh golly Janna. How do you really feel?

One other thought from today... I read a book review in my fave pop-culture magazine that is delivered to my mailbox every Friday and it just really hit home with me, especially as I return to Weight Watchers tomorrow night after a 3-month hiatus. From the book Rethinking Thin by Gina Kolata, the author makes a thought-provoking statement that...

Sometimes diets never work. For 2,000 years people have been told, "Eat less, exercise more. If that were enough we wouldn't have a single fat person in the world. But studies have shown there is a range of weights people can have, and as you get too low beyond what your body wants to be, your metabolism slows and the weight comes back. After initial weight loss, they hit a plateau and start backsliding - results that wouldn't surprise the many obesity researchers who believe body weight is inherited, much like height.

And then one scientist told Kolata... Lean people think they are
morally superior... but they're really just winners of the genetic
lottery.

Oh, how I wish I could be the winner of that lottery.

Which lottery would you rather win? The money lottery or the genetic lottery?

Do you feel as if thin people think they are morally superior.... hmmm....?

Thoughts for a Tuesday...

Just One More Day

2007-05-07T11:29:00.000-05:00

On our family vacation to Florida this past March, I thought many times of the trips we took as a family that also included my grandparents. They are no longer with us, but we think about them and talk about them all the time. They were a constant in our family. And I don't want to ever lose that sense of family that they gave me.

And then in our book club this past month, we read For One More Day by Mitch Albom. In the beginning section of the book, Albom asks the question...

Have you ever lost someone you love and wanted one more conversation, one more chance to make up for the time when you thought they would be here forever? If so, then you know you can go through your whole life collecting days, and none will outweigh the one you wish you had back. What if you got it back?

My grandmother and I were very close. I spent almost every Saturday night with my grandparents. We lived very close to them so it was almost a given that I would go to their house and spend time with them, followed by going to church with them on Sunday where my parents would meet me since we all were active in the same church.

Most Saturday nights were spent watching Hee Haw, followed by Lawrence Welk, and then we'd go to the kitchen to have our usual round of root beer or cola, with a couple scoops of ice cream, followed by a straw in the glass. My grandparents were the coolest because they actually bought straws. Then she would usually fry up some canned biscuit donuts dripping with sugar. What I wouldn't give to have a Fry Daddy for one night to make some canned biscuit donuts with my son... he would love them! Can you even buy a Fry Daddy anywhere?

But one Saturday night a month we usually went to their friend's home. The Grabau's were great friends of my grandparents and they always enjoyed a great game of pinochle, good coffee and wonderful bundt cakes or a made from scratch dessert that Ruth would always make. I didn't play cards with them. I just sat and watched Lawrence Welk and Hee Haw there at Carl and Ruth's house, but it sure didn't bother them to take me along. That's just what I did. I just joined them in whatever they were doing.

My grandmother was the church secretary at the church we attended and on many days off of school, or during the summer, I would join her in the office at church. I would help her crank the ditto machine (yes, I'm aging myself there) helping her "run the bulletin" for Sundays. I would alphabetize the offering envelopes for her, and I would also record the Sunday school records for her. It was an important job, and one that I loved doing with her. I've always wanted to be a church secretary, even though I know they don't alphabetize the offering envelopes anymore. But my grandmother was a woman that I looked up to, and I always wanted to be like her.

So as my book club was discussing who they would spend one more day with, some of the women had not lost anyone very close to them. And I was so envious of them. To not have to think about having one more day with someone yet - that is truly amazing.

Losing someone so very dear and close to me has taught me to live life each day just a little bit better. Not as if it's your last, but as if you want to make all those moments count.

I found this quote from an article that I was reading and it fit well with my feelings and what I am trying to write about, but didn't quite say it as well as this:

"We often fantasize about a perfect day - something exotic and far away. But when it comes to those people we miss, we desperately want one more familiar meal, even one more argument. What does this teach us? That the ordinary is precious. That the normal day is a treasure."

Have a wonderful Monday!

Which Coffee Cup Would You Choose?

2007-05-03T14:26:00.000-05:00

This was a forward to me in my email one day, and I loved it so much because it included coffee (my favorite addiction) and a good story to boot. Enjoy...

Coffee Cups, which one are you?

A group of alumni, highly established in their careers, got together to visit their old university professor. The conversation soon turned into complaints about stress in work and life. Offering his guests coffee, the professor went to the kitchen and returned with a large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups - porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal, some expensive, some exquisite, and some plain-looking paper cups - telling them to help themselves to the coffee.

After all the students had a cup of coffee in hand, the professor said...

"If you noticed, all the nice-looking, expensive cups were taken, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, THAT is the source of your problems and stress. Be assured that the cup itself adds NO QUALITY to the coffee. In most cases, it's just more expensive and in some cases, even hides what we drink. What all of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup, but you consciously went for the best cups and then began eyeing each other's cups.

Now consider this:

Life is the coffee...and the jobs, houses, cars, things, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain life, and the type of cup we have does not define nor change the quality of life we live. Sometimes by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee God has provided us. We brew the coffee, not the cups. Enjoy your coffee."

Being happy doesn't mean everything is perfect. It means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections.

Live simply.

Love generously.

Care deeply.

Speak kindly.

Leave the rest to God.

SlugFest 2007

2007-04-29T21:45:00.000-05:00

SlugFest was Perry's first venture into baseball competition. He has played baseball for the past 3 years on a parks and rec league. The past 3 summers playing baseball has been about building skills, learning the game and most of all - having fun.

(And of course, let's not forget how cute they look in their baseball uniforms.)

But this weekend Perry learned another skill that can't be taught taking hitting practice. It is a skill that he wasn't even used to... losing. And for twelve 8-year old boys, losing can be tougher than learning the game.

On Perry's parks and rec league the past 3 summers, scores were never kept. It's all about giving kids a glimpse into the game of baseball. Without the losing. That all begins with kid pitch when they are 9 years old. But from the time he has played t-ball, coach pitch, and now machine pitch, it's all about learning the fundamentals and "fun" of the game.

The first game we played in our first-ever tournament was at 8:00am Saturday morning. Perry woke up at 5:45am that morning, calling out for us. He wanted to make sure we were up. His first words that morning... "Dad, it's time to play ball."

The Comets won their first game. And it was a nail-biter too. The score was tied in the 6th and we had to play 3 more innings to win the game!

Go Comets!

But, the Comets lost their second game at 11:50am which meant we had to play at 9:30pm. That night. After we had played at 8:00am in the morning.

They played tough. They played hard. But the Comets lost their 3rd game and our time in the tournament was over.

"If only we had made one more catch. If only we had one more inning."

"If only" was the saying yesterday evening at dark o'thirty. We would have loved nothing more than to get up early again and watch them play another game the next day. I think as parents we may have even been more disappointed than they were.

But the boys got their taste of competition. And they had a taste of winning and losing. They liked winning a whole lot better. We'll play more two more tournaments this summer, as well as our weekly parks and rec games.

Competition will be in their blood now.

And the camaraderie they built as a team this weekend will be their best team-building skill yet.

Perry playing catcher

A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings. ~Earl Wilson

Cashier Comments - Part Two

2007-04-21T08:40:00.000-05:00

I know what you're thinking... "Part Two? Where's Part One?"

Well, let me fill you in...

Cashier Comments - Part One happened about a month ago and it side-swiped me so hard and so fast that I couldn't even sit down to write about it. I told Phil what happened as soon as I left the store and he couldn't believe it was said to me either. I couldn't either. And like I said it hit me so hard that I wasn't sure what to do with this statement, so I ignored it. And it went away.

And then it happened. Again. Today.

And I am just blind-sided again.

What makes cashiers want to talk to me? Do I have a look on my face that says "please speak to me and say something that I am not going to appreciate"?

Let me first start with Cashier Number One. A rather tired woman of mid-50's who was beginning to start ringing up my very few groceries as I was tossing them on the belt when she asked all matter of fact like if "I was in their Hyvee 50's Club." I slowly look up from my cart and with a dejected look told her "NO - DO I LOOK LIKE I AM?" To which she answered, no... but then said "but you never know anymore. Most people in their 50's do not look like they are 50 anymore." Yes, that's exactly what she said to me. And to let you in on a big secret - I am not even close to 50! I am 43 and I think look every bit of my 43, if not younger. (Humor me - let me say it - even if you don't believe me.)

And then just yesterday I was shopping at my favorite big red dot store and got in the check-out line. I gave Cashier Number Two all my purchases, but forgot one that was sitting in the cart portion underneath where my purse was sitting. As I was pushing the cart out of the aisle, she asks me if I was going to pay for my shoes. Oh my! I totally forgot about my sandals that I had placed in the cart and apologized over and over that I was planning on paying for them and would not have walked out with them. So she rings up the sandals, and then hands me a coupon at the end of the sale that came out of the cash register - $1 off a bag of Hershey's Kisses. I then give her a smile and say "Oh, I don't think I need any chocolate - I'm already scatter-brained enough as it is."

And then she replied...

Wait for it, wait for it...

"Want to know what helped me with my weight-loss efforts?"

I looked at her. Speechless. Remember, I said scatter-brained.

I don't remember asking her for weight-loss efforts, much less saying anything about trying to lose weight. (By the way, the weight loss efforts weren't helping her at all.)

So I stood there with a blank stare and listened to her tell me about her 53 weeks without soda, blah, blah, blah....

And then I just walked out to my car and dialed up Phil... again. Who again had to endure another one of my cashier dilemmas.

Does anyone know where I can buy a t-shirt that states "Don't Talk to Me" that I can wear when I go shopping? I'm willing to pay big bucks for it right now.

Have you ever had any unbelievable comments by cashiers you don't know? If so, indulge me. Let me know about them. I can't be the only one this happens to!

Welcome Little Girl

2007-04-14T21:13:00.000-05:00
My parents called me excited from the hospital at 5:45am this morning. They wanted to inform me that Brad - my baby brother - said I needed to come on up to the hospital. Cindy had just received her epidural, and she was already at a five.

I got up fast. I wasn't going to miss being there. I just could not wait to meet my newest niece or nephew.

When we were in the waiting room, after we knew she was ready to start pushing, I received this text message from my brother.

I was hesitant in opening it up because I was truly a little worried that he was going to text me what the sex of the baby was... and I did not drive a half hour to the hospital, in the early morning (with an April snow falling), to find out if I had a new niece or nephew in a test message! But when I opened up my phone, it said... "It's a Liggett". We were very excited to know that baby had been born, but we still didn't know whether "it" was a boy or a girl.

About ten minutes later, out walks my brother ready to take us back to meet his new baby.

His sweet baby daughter was born this morning... Ainsley Lynn. She weighed 7 lbs. 15 oz. and measured 19 inches long.

She's a beautiful, healthy little girl who hardly cries at all.

She even yawned a little for us - she's already a bit bored with her new family... or else she's so very used to us all being there and carrying on like that. Nothing new to her! I think she's going to fit right in.

We love this new little addition to the family. Congratulations Brad and Cindy! She's a keeper!

It's All About The Football

2007-04-12T09:50:00.000-05:00

I'm sure the three or four people that read my blog on any type of regular basis know that football is mentioned in at least one post every month or so. And today is another one of those days. So for all you readers (relatives) who just don't get me - and all the football talk - come back again another day. I'm sure I'll talk about something else like my failure in losing weight the last couple months, or the fact that I think spring will never return in our neck of the woods.

Anyway, the NFL football schedule was released yesterday and this day always makes me think back to awaiting a football schedule to be released so that we could plan a date for our wedding.

Yep, that's right - we were engaged in early April and waited close to two weeks to plan the date of our wedding. We knew we were going to be married in the fall - in hopefully October - but we just didn't know which weekend it would be. We needed to know we would not be scheduling our wedding on a Saturday before a home Chiefs game. Because yessiree, Phil would go to the home game on the morning after our wedding if there was one. I'm not kidding. He had not missed a home game for several years, and he wasn't going to start just because he got married to me.

So every year I scour the schedule - almost as if I'm looking for that perfect weekend. The one where we could maybe a take a short mini-break somewhere.

And the schedule didn't let us down this year... they scheduled the bye week right on our wedding anniversary.

Now I just need to figure out where we should go this fall for our anniversary. (I'm writing this in bold letters just in case one of my readers may be my husband. You just never know when he's going to read this blog!)

On another football note, one of my favorite TV programs - Friday Night Lights - showed its season one finale last night. And I say season over and over, hoping and praying it's not the series finale.

Are we to write this television show off? I sure hope not. They did not give us an ending last night... they left us hanging. And if they do that, I think they need to return.

Yep, for me - it's all about the football.

New Niece/Nephew Update... My sister-in-law Cindy is dilated to a 2 - but no baby yet. Four people have been crossed out of our baby pool so far... and Perry is getting crossed out tonight if she doesn't have it. And he's not too happy about that. As he stated this morning, he would like for you to get'er done today, if at all possible!

"There is Something Weird"

2007-04-10T09:13:00.000-05:00
I hear this statement at least four times a week, if not more often.

Perry likes to use this statement to start a topic about something he either (a) doesn't understand, (b) doesn't feel right about, or (c) when he feels a little freaked out.

Tonight for example he used it while we were watching Dancing With the Stars. He was watching Karina and Billy Ray talking to the judges and he looked over at me and exclaimed "there is something weird." Fearing the worst, as I almost always do, he then tells me... "Karina has something weird on her head."

Oh, that's it? Good - I can handle this.

So I look up from my book (I'm multi-tasking reading my book club book while watching tv) and she has a jewel embellished on her forehead. It's an interesting look, and Perry then says... "I think she pierced her head."

"No Perry, she didn't pierce her head. It's only a jewel glued to her head" Only sounding even more weird as I write it.

Updated to add: He said it again around 9:10pm last night when he couldn't get to sleep... "Mom, there is something weird going on in my head." Oh my goodness, it never stops!

But all this weird talk got me to thinking about some weird things that I've thought of over the past week. I'll talk about them... you weigh in.

What is it with Easter and presents? A friend of Perry's this week asked him what he was asking for from the Easter Bunny. What?! We don't believe in the Easter Bunny around here - and he does NOT bring presents. (Boy, I hope his mom doesn't call me soon here.)

I don't know about everyone else, but honestly the most commercialized we get on Easter is dyeing eggs and hiding them, along with a basket filled with Reeses peanut butter eggs and pastel wrapped Butterfingers. There is nothing else... no wrapped presents that appear on the fireplace in the morning, no sitting on the Easter Bunny's lap asking for presents... just candy and eggs.

And giving thanks for our risen Lord and Saviour.

Some Other Weird Things:

1. I love to read, but am having a hard time relaxing enough to read. I'll read at home when I have a free moment, but something always draws me away from it - dishes in the sink, blogs I want to catch up on. I'll even start reading when I get in bed - all cozied up - and then I get sleepy and the next thing I know, I maybe only read 2 pages.

2. The King of Queens was one of my favorite sitcoms in its early days. It is coming to a series finale this May and has been on for nine years. Nine years! Why no fanfare? Remember Friends, remember Frasier? What's the deal?

3. Two Words - American Idol. I'm over it. Not watching it. Let me know who wins... and I'm hoping it's not Sanjaya.

4. Our church wasn't crowded on Easter Sunday. You know how usually the church is packed on a couple services each year - Christmas and Easter. Well, ours wasn't. Was it our church? Or was it the fact that people aren't willing to even make room in their Easter Sunday for church anymore? Are they too busy wrapping Easter presents?

Okay, this post was a bit cynical for me. But I'm keeping it real here.

Any thoughts?

"Root, Root, Root for the Other Home Team"

2007-04-04T16:22:00.000-05:00

3 Tickets to the St. Louis Cardinal's Game... 94 dollars

Nachos, Hotdogs and Peanuts... 32 dollars

A night's stay at the Hyatt Regency... Hyatt Points

Taking Perry out of school at noon, driving three hours East and watching the
World Champion Cardinal's receive their World Series Rings... Priceless.

They didn't win.

It was a cold April night.

And it even started sprinkling when we first arrived at the stadium...

But the spontaneous night of fun was a great one for us. The new Busch
Stadium is absolutely beautiful and we had a GREAT time spending the evening there as a family.

Go Cards!

Our Family Circle

2007-04-01T00:55:00.000-05:00

As I mentioned here and here, I married a man who came with a former family. A very large former family. And I met them very early in our dating life. I used to call them "Phil's football family" for lack of better explanation.

Phil and I had only been on our second or third date when he decided that it was time that we talk about his extended family. He was married at a very young age to Chris and following some very rough years, their marriage crumbled. Through his marriage to Chris, he had developed very personal relationships with her family... especially her mother, Dodie. Dodie had become the mother to him that he had lost. When he was just 15 years old, Phil's beloved mother Katherine lost her battle with breast cancer , and Dodie lovingly took her place. Along with Dodie came a very large family that loved Phil more than sliced bread. Even after their divorce, he still was very much Dodie's "son."

The first time I ever met the family was at a Chiefs game. I had been given tickets through his work and he took me to the tailgate after the game to meet them. I was so nervous, but after meeting them, I knew why he was still involved with them... they were the most wonderful people I had ever met. And to think they were meeting someone who may even replace one of their own.

Six months after we started dating, Christmas rolled around and we were invited to their house on Christmas Eve. It was a yearly tradition to gather at Sonny and Dodie's house for Christmas Eve. It is still our family tradition. He had been doing it since he first met Chris... and things weren't going to change. Remember, this was his family.

It was undoubtedly one of the toughest, most uncomfortable things I have ever had to do.

But, they welcomed me.

Chris and I even talked.

And again, I met more and more family and really developed a love for them because they loved Phil unconditionally.

When he asked me to marry him, he wanted to invite all of them (minus one) and I didn't even hesitate. And they all came and were seated in the third row just behind his father. They were his family and they were all seated as his family.

Fast forward a few years after we married and we are expecting our first baby. It would be her first grandchild and they were so excited.

Chris threw us a baby shower for the family... yes, you did read that correctly.
(And I threw her one two years later.)

And they invited my family. It was a wonderful day - full of excitement for Grandma Dodie's first grandchild and for Phil being a daddy.

(Phil and his mom Dodie)
This family loves the Chiefs... talks about them all the time, counts down days until the NFL draft, and emails fly back and forth when someone has been signed or cut. Ever since Phil became part of this family, he would sit with Dodie at the games.

Visitor's side, 2nd row, 47 yard line... folks, these seats are down front.

They tailgate before the game with a big crew of the family. 4 hours before the game begins. She is one of the most devoted fans I know. Until just this past year, I would not usually attend the Chiefs games.

She never gave up her seat. Ever.

I would watch from the comfort of my home... first by myself, and then along with Perry. She retired from her seat in the stadium this past year, but it wasn't a full retirement. She still went to at least 3 games... she always gets first dibs.

What is most important to me now is how much bigger that circle can get. I had never been married before, and I must admit that I was rather naive in thinking that families are only made up of humans who share your blood type. Families are made up of people who love you - people who share your spirit - people who share your soul.

Dodie and her family proved that to me.

They are no longer "Phil's football family” as I used to call them. Almost 13 years later, they are now just his family.

They are my family.

Happy Anniversary to My Parents

2007-03-30T08:50:00.001-05:00

My parents have been married 44 years today!

Guess what they are doing on their 44th anniversary? Going out to dinner with their best friends - Johnnie and Lynn. Johnnie and Lynn will have their granddaughter Karsen with them and my parents will have Perry tagging along.

Phil and I will go out on date night for my parent's anniversary - life doesn't get any better!

Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad!

Another "Best Day Ever"

2007-03-27T09:24:00.000-05:00
This post is for my friend, Christina. She doesn't really know about my blog, but she is one of my closest friends - my next door neighbor.

We have known each other since the first day they moved in- just right after she gave birth to her second son - Payton. He is now 5 years old - and will be 6 in June. Her first son - Blake - is Perry's best friend and is also 8 years old. Their dad, Brian, is Perry's baseball coach and he spends so much of his spare time coaching the kids individually, as well as together as a team. He believes in their talent as a team and makes baseball season so enjoyable for the kids. Christina and Brian are like family to us and I rely on her as much as I hope that she relies on me.

She gave birth to her third son - Austin - 2 years ago. Austin is a handsome blue-eyed boy who looks just like his brothers. When Austin was around 6 months old, he was taken to our children's hospital and diagnosed with CDG - Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation. It is a very rare disease and most kids with this disease are not even diagnosed properly. They have therapists working with them on a weekly basis and Austin hits milestones. They are Austin's milestones in only Austin's time, but they are important strides for this little boy.

We were outside watching the kids ride their bikes this past weekend and just getting caught up from our week. It's finally spring here and we were enjoying it! She brought out some bubbles to blow for Austin. He loves bubbles and will open his mouth wide - as if he wants the bubbles to just float right in. It was very cute - and another milestone - because Austin hates to open his mouth. He is fed through a feeding tube and doesn't know how to handle liquids and solids at this time. But he was loving the bubbles near his mouth. Then Perry and Blake and Payton all start in on the bubble madness and it was so much fun for Austin. They got out a bubble machine, a puppy that blows bubbles and bubble wands that were the length of their arm. So many things that blow bubbles that I had not personally seen because I believed that since Perry was 8 years old, he was way past bubbles. But these 8 year old boys were having a grand time with the bubble machines and making Austin laugh.

And then out of his mouth Perry exclaims... "this is one of my best days ever!"

I just found this essay on a blog recently and I sent this to her. It is very well written and it just so reminds me of what they go through.

Every. single. day.

If you have some time, please send some prayers up for Christina and her family. She is going through her own milestones right now, and I so hope and pray for her that she will find out the many wonderful insights and beauty that is Holland, even though she planned on going to Italy...
And that I will be a comfort and strength to her whenever she needs me.
I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a disability - to try to help people who have not shared that unique experience to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. It's like this...... When you're going to have a baby, it's like planning a fabulous vacation trip - to Italy. You buy a bunch of guide books and make your wonderful plans. The Coliseum. The Michelangelo David. The gondolas in Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It's all very exciting. After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go.

Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, "Welcome to Holland." "Holland?!?" you say. "What do you mean Holland?? I signed up for Italy! I'm supposed to be in Italy. All my life I've dreamed of going to Italy."
But there's been a change in the flight plan. They've landed in Holland and there you must stay.

The important thing is that they haven't taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It's just a different place. So you must go out and buy new guide books. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met. It's just a different place. It's slower-paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy.

But after you've been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around.... and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills....and Holland has tulips. Holland even has Rembrandts.

But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy... and they're all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life, you will say "Yes, that's where I was supposed to go. That's what I had planned." And the pain of that will never, ever, ever, ever go away... because the loss of that dream is a very very significant loss. But... if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things... about Holland.

- by Emily Perl Kingsley

Perry had also seen the beauty in Holland that day... and yes, buddy... it was one of my best days too.

Visual Me

2007-03-23T21:26:00.001-05:00

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

I saw this on other blogs I vist and had to try it out... pretty interesting.

Moods: Easy Rider

You're a bit of a romantic and have a taste for the exotic. You love feeling the sea breeze in your hair, sun on your skin... Slip those shoes off... You like to kick back. When it comes to art, you're creative yourself, and you believe in self-expression. You can see the little masterpieces in everyday life - you can be a touch sentimental. As for music, it's the soundtrack to your world. An open road - your favorite tracks. Your choice of treat reveals that simple pleasures make your day, there's nothing quite like a cuppa. Easily pleased.

Fun: Escape Artist

You love to be faraway from your everyday life. You love the sun, and like to live life at a slower pace than most - you know how to take things nice and easy! For kicks you like to indulge in your great passions! You are happy to live life's highs and lows; you are fiercely loyal and passionate. You like to be part of something big. When it comes to holidays, you'll go anywhere as there's sea and sand and then you'll just stay put. You can't always be bothered with any activities or trailing around tourist sites. Holidays are about recharging the batteries. What grosses you out? You like things to be clean, neat and smelling sweet - that's not too much to ask... is it?

Habits: Back To Basic

Even if you have a healthy approach to life, you still have your little vices that keep you going throughout the day. It is all part of the routine, you're a creature of habit. Ah yes, the odd glass of wine - or two - nothing beats it. After a long day you like to curl up and unwind. Nothing beats relaxing the shoulders, loosening that tongue and letting the day go by. As for the home, you have very cool and contemporary taste. You have a simple approach to style, but you like things to have their place.

Love: Home Soul

You're a real home soul. You care deeply about family life and all that comes with it, the love of a child very special. When you think of freedom - you think of the opportunity of the city. Big enough to house all your ambitions, where people can be whoever they want.

I think this Visual DNA pretty much covers me in a nutshell.

Try it out and let me know if you do. I'd like to read yours also.

Happy 43! (and My Spring Reading Thing)

2007-03-21T07:23:00.000-05:00
Today is my birthday - my 43rd birthday - and I'm planning on celebrating with a big day off o' work, volunteering in the library at my son's school, and ~~begging~~, no make that pleading with my husband to take me out to eat a good ol' fashioned fried chicken dinner with real mashed potatoes and gravy for my birthday dinner. And I'm not talking from a bucket or from a sailor.

Forget that I am trying to count WW points, and completed boot camp last night and that my hubby would rather I just enjoy a glass of wine and a grilled piece of meat with him tonight. But to me, you see, nothing says happy birthday like a ladel filled with good ol' artery clogging, country gravy... spread all over those good ole mashed taters. I mean, come on... once a year can't hurt a birthday girl, I'm just sayin'.

I posted 10 Things About Me when I had only written 10 posts. (They are the first 10 on this list.) The people who read me pretty much know me. But now I think I may expound on those 10 with 33 more for my birthday post... 43 Things About Me... just in case anybody else does actually read this bloggy thing of mine.
(Note: I don't know why they are showing up as bullets - I see 43 numbers on my preview.)
I am 42 years old and honestly can't believe it. (Well, now I'm 43 and still can't believe it.)
I met my husband at church when I was 29 years old.
I thought before I married that I did not want to have children.
We were engaged 10 months after we started dating.
We have an almost 8 year old little boy who is the highlight of our life. I love him more than anything else in the world.
I suffered post-partum depression for about a year after Perry was born.
I generally wish that we would have had more than one child.
I have worked at an advertising agency for 17+ years for the same boss who hired me 17 years ago.
I have lived in this KC metro area my entire life.
I start each morning with a cup of coffee from Starbucks, either at the cafe or in my home. I'm a coffee snob.
Phil and I married when we were 30.
We waited until the NFL schedule came out to plan the date of our wedding.
My dad worked with him at the time and wasn't too sure about me dating him. He has since changed his mind - always a good thing.
Phil brought into the marriage a cat that I really don't care for... and she feels the same way about me.
The cat is now 14 years old and I keep wondering how much longer she really is going to hang around.
He also brought to the marriage a "former" family. I love them as much as my own family and must post about them someday.
I am 5 days younger than Phil... and always reminding him that he is older than me.
I started working only 3 days a week after Perry was born, and I still only work those 3 days. It saves my sanity.
I'm a loyalist... see #8. One of my very first jobs was for a nut and candy store when I was in high school. I continued to work there during college and part-time after college while holding down a full-time job.
My parents live exactly 2.1 miles from our home.
My fondest memories are of spending almost every weekend at my grandparent's home.
I'm hoping my son is developing those same fond memories of spending time with his grandparents.
I have 2 brothers - one is 21 months younger than me and the other is 13 years younger.
We are good kids with great spouses and my parents thank the good Lord every day for that.
I love to read and am participating in my friend Katrina's - Spring Reading Thing. My list of books to read this spring are on my sidebar. My goal is just to have them crossed off by the end of the challenge. I was a little too ambitious for the Fall Reading Challenge, so my goal this time around is just to complete the books that I have on my list.
I am in a book club and have been very inconsistent in the reading of the book club books. Note my reading inconsistency!
It could be because I skipped a grade in elementary school - I truly don't know why I never went to second grade... or why the other 20 some kids in my 3rd grade class never did either.
I was not in the National Honor Society in high school, but was in the Who's Who Among American High School Students book. (I truly don't know why about that either.)
I have a lot of very good girlfriends, but not one deep orange.
I still get together for lunch periodically with my 3 favorite girlfriends from high school and church youth group. We were quite a "foursome" back in the day and still to this day remain the best of friends.
I love to scrapbook - not just for the memory-keeping value, but for the socialization of it all.
Friday night scrapbooking once a month, or mega-crop Saturdays every quarter with my very good friends makes me very very happy. It is my therapy.
I would love to learn how to knit.
I love Broadway shows and if we were ~~rich~~ able, I would travel to New York City on a regular basis to experience the magical nights on Broadway.
I met 10 moms on-line when Perry was 3 months old. We started an on-line group called the 11Moms and those moms literally saved my life.
We have all met each other in person (some of us several times) and will always be connected.
I like to treat myself to a hot cup of green tea and a 100-calorie pack each night after Perry is in bed. These are my new personal favorites...
I think I may be pre-menopausal as I have been experiencing terrible headaches and night sweats in the past few months.
I am a terrible sleeper and have been very consistent in taking this... in which I'm now trying to wean myself off of and stay asleep on my own.
I hate to exercise - hate it with a passion - but fit it into my schedule at least 3 - 4 days a week and am always happier when it is completed. (I totally get the seratonin thing.)
I love TiVO and am addicted to a few television programs... see my sidebar.
I used to be addicted to two soap operas. I don't watch them now, but read about them online. I once skipped out of class in high school so that I could run home to watch Beth and Phillip get married on The Guiding Light. I wasn't caught...
I treat myself to a pedicure on a regular basis. Today would be a good day for just that type of treat.
If you made it through these 43 things about me - you should be commended! It was just too much about me. And to think that I have to add more things when I reach 100 Posts!

Off to do birthday things... like find a good fried chicken dinner in these parts...

Thanks for stopping by!

Please Tell Me It's True

2007-03-20T09:06:00.000-05:00
I was browsing Amazon this morning at work since, ya know, I work in market research and all and browsing is sorta like research, right? And what else am I supposed to do with my time when everyone else is upstairs making latte's or checking out the scores on the plasma... someone needs to be doing some research around here, right?

Anyway, I came upon this...

Oh it would make me so very happy!

I'm doing the happy dance right now at my desk just thinking about it.

Does anyone know when this will be released?

If so, leave me a comment.

I've so missed him.

I can't wait to go back to Stuckeyville.

Did He Really Say That?!

2007-03-18T14:38:00.000-05:00
My husband celebrated 43 years of his life two days ago on Friday, March 16th. We didn’t do much to celebrate on that very day as he chose to help out in the School of Economics field trip for Perry's class and then help coach Perry's baseball team's Friday practice.

But about a week ago he did specifically request a special dinner at his most favorite restaurant – The Capital Grille – and we chose to make reservations there on Saturday night. Phil dines there on occasion with clients at lunch, and he took me there for our anniversary. It’s a wonderful, upscale restaurant that Perry ~~begged and pleaded~~ asked to go to and we gave in... like most parents of ~~only~~ children do.

We decided that as an 8-year old, he was at a place in his life where it could be a treat to enjoy an ultimate restaurant experience, or it could be just another night out to eat. It ended up being a real treat… we indulged in calamari for appetizers (and it didn’t even gross Perry out), a wonderful chopped salad and a filet that melted like buttah in our mouths.

To top the evening off, my brother and sister-in-law surprised us with a gift certificate to this restaurant for our birthdays. It was hand delivered to us by our server with the bill – which was a very delightful treat. Thanks Diana and Craig!

But before we enjoyed my husband’s birthday meal, we spent some time walking around the Plaza before dinner, enjoying some of our favorite shops. We walked in to The Better Cheddar and sampled a few cheese bites that were in these little plastic containers sitting on top of the cheese wedges. Being the graceful lady of this family, I proceeded to spill all of the contents of one plastic container, filled with a smoky cheddar cheese, all over the floor. As any good mother would do, I ~~made~~ asked Perry to pick up all the cheese up off the floor and pretended that it was my 8 year old son who dropped all the cheese and not his graceful, elegant mother.

Perry then started watching the gals behind the counter to see what they would do and they began to dice up some more sample bites of the cheese that I had just spilled when he yells out for the entire store to hear… “Hey mom – Look – she’s cuttin' the cheese!” Phil and I are about to fall over ourselves laughing and Perry is looking at us like we have lost it… which we have, because back in our junior high days, cuttin' the cheese didn’t mean dicing the cheese into bite-size wedges with a knife.

I explained to Perry what it meant to us, and he looked at me like we were crazy.

Which we are. What did it mean to you all in junior high?!

But it sure did give us our belly laugh for the evening. Phil and I even brought it up at dinner again with Perry and we laughed ourselves so silly, we had tears in our eyes.

Happy Birthday Phil – we’re glad you are a part of our lives And next time you feel like cuttin' the cheese, make sure you have a good supply of crackers.

Spring Cleaning?

2007-03-15T13:50:00.000-05:00
I just read in our local newspaper that spring cleaning is in season and I must start tackling clutter in my household such as...

ice - did you know you should stir the ice in your ice-maker to freshen it, as well as discard the ice every month?

pillows can be machine-washed and should be every three to six months?

one should dust all lampshades with a sock on your hand?

Yet this is the one that really threw me for a loop...

close the toilet lid before you flush... otherwise you could be causing a "mini bacteria volcano" every time you flush.

Excuse me?

A mini bacteria volcano evolving in my own home?

Granted, I hate using a bathroom in most public places, but I always envisioned my home's powder room to be of the utmost clean, pristine and immaculate corner of my home.

And now I'm getting all queasy just thinking about how many times I've left that lid up for the past 43 years after flushing.

I'm sorry - I must go - those lids need to be put down immediately.

Characters Aren't Just for Breakfast Anymore

2007-03-12T13:31:00.000-05:00
My family has arrived back safe and sound from a wonderful adventure in Orlando, Florida. We spent many fun-filled days surrounded by family and friends and can't wait to do it again next year.

Let me fill you in on some of our highlights...

We scheduled our first full day there with a trip to the Magic Kingdom with my parents, brother, sister-in-law and their three children. We get in our rental Jeep with my son and his 2 cousins just chomping at the bit to "get there fast", when we soon discover that my brother's tire is as flat as can be on his mini-van. Oh no, what are we going to do with these anxious kids in our back seat?
Practical advice #1... there really is no place nearby anywhere to get a tire fixed on a Sunday morning. Forget fixing the tire, drive at a snail's pace with the spare on, and just get to Disney World so that we can join the throngs of families bursting at the seams to join in on this most magical day.

Notice Olivia's forlorn look...

This was our third visit to Disney World. This was Olivia - our 4 year old niece's first visit - her very fist visit. We danced our way in, and immediately headed to TomorrowLand - the boys first request. First ride - Stitch's Great Escape - dark and frightening to a young girl. Second ride - Buzz Lightyear. Her exact words "Mommy, will monsters kill me on this ride?"
Practical Advice #2... Start your young niece's first visit to Disney World on the Dumbo ride or the carousel and not the darkest, scariest rides that little boys love.

We also scheduled a dinner at Cinderella's Royal Table that evening. Two years ago our family dined with Mickey and Friends for breakfast. We waved our napkins in the air, watched as Mickey and Minnie danced around our tables and enjoyed wonderful Mickey waffles. This year, though, we dined as prince and princesses in Cinderella's castle. We enjoyed Prime Rib, Grilled Salmon and Lamb just to name a few of our entree selections. Cinderella posed for a picture with all of us and spent some time talking with my bright-eyed, youngest niece Olivia. It was a special night, except...
Practical advice #3... not all characters are loved by children at Disney World. Cinderella's hard working mice (oh, their names escape me) danced around the room at our dinner and jumped right up to the table next to us and just scared the begeesus out of the little girl sitting at the table next to us. She screamed such a blood-curdling scream and slammed her face down on the table so hard that my sister-in-law and I started giggling uncontrollably. We had tears rolling down our cheeks from the hilarity of it all. Yes - that's right - we were laughing at a frightened little girl! But so was her mother - it was a scene straight out of AFHV.

The sun was out and shining on all the days that we are there. Oh - the poolside, lounge chair with towel, iced tea, books and magazines beckoned.
Practical advice #4... what makes a mom think they are going to enjoy a relaxing day poolside with so many activities going on at the pool. The pirate pool keeps them busy but at ALL over the pool. The hula hoop contest, the limbo contest, the name that tune contest, the water balloons... too many contests to name that will also not keep them in our optimum vision so that we can just sit and relax.

As a child, many of our family vacations were spent at a Kentucky state park hotel. Not a lot of activities going on - just a lot of relaxing and card-playing. This reminded me a lot of those days. We even were able to spend an evening with friends of ours that live near us who were also visiting Orlando. We ate a little pizza, drank some wine, played a little cards... all not on a tight schedule but just enjoying the relaxation of being in a different locale. I was also able to spend some good quality time playing Old Maid with Olivia. She had the best poker face of any ole' card-player I had ever seen. She knew not to give away where the Old Maid was - and she won me over with her joyful exuberance.
Practical advice #5... Do not over-schedule. Too many activities are definitely over-rated and relaxation is key. And scooters meant for kid's races really aren't suitable for grown-ups.

Lastly, my parents took this vacation with us and I so appreciate them in everything they do for us as a family. Taking the kids on a walk when needed, playing many games of miniature golf with them, treating at Starbuck's, and being the true optimists in our family.
Practical advice #6... Thank God every day for the power of praying and loving parents. I knew they were praying from the moment the planes wheels left the ground, to the moment they touched down back at home. Sicknesses were subsided by the time everyone arrived in Orlando, anxieties were kept at bay, and the sun was shining not only in the sky, but in all of our hearts during this week of vacation.

Comfort Zone Quiz Check

2007-03-01T14:58:00.000-06:00
I love how so many people took my quiz - and some of you seem to know me so well - some not so much! (Psst Diana - you and I will be talking soon about your answers!)

Answers to my Quiz:

How did I meet Phil? In the singles Sunday school department at my church. (My sister-in-law Diana answered that I met him in a bar. Seriously?!)

How old was I when I married? The ripe ol' age of 30

Where did we honeymoon? Kiawah Island, SC

How many siblings do I have? 2 brothers

How many colleges did I attend? 4 - and yes I did graduate, thank you very much.

What is my dream job? Church Secretary
I need to write a whole post on this answer as I'm sure many of you are wondering why I answered it the way I did. I'll get to that soon.

What is my maiden name? Liggett

How many internet moms helped me survive motherhood? 10
I also would love to someday write about these 10 remarkable women here - but I always thought maybe one or two of these 10 women would have already written so eloquently about them... and I would have not done it justice.

We're getting ready to take a Spring Break here in the Comfort Zone.

Yes, Mama's leaving the comfort zone.

We're going to relax, read, chill with the family and spend some time in the sun.

Be back soon with more comfort zone moments.

The Tuesday Times

2007-02-27T14:21:00.001-06:00
1) Sunday was a day filled with complete joy for two families - mine and my sister-in-law Cindy's. Her family and friends and my family with friends all attended her baby shower and it was a fabulous time.

All the guests at the shower took dibs on whether it was a boy or girl, exactly the day he/she would be born, and how much the baby would weigh when it decided to appear.

We don't have a winning prize, but one guest stated that getting first dibs on babysitting would be a great prize.

We have it in writing - so we'll let the winner know as soon as we know.

2) Lots of friends have taken my test (see below) and I have one friend who has answered all the questions correct. She is my bestest friend - one that I have known since I was in the sixth grade. We don't get to spend a lot of time together now - but she is definitely a true blue. If you haven't tried my test - do it soon. I'm posting the answers tomorrow.

3) My good friend and co-worker Janna had a darling little baby girl last week. Her name is Reese Irene and she is a keeper. Here she is with her big sister Maya Jo. I didn't get to hold her in the hosital, so I will need to go and visit her soon. I need my baby fix.

4) A terrible tragedy happened in our neighborhood just a few days ago. A fifth-grader at my son's school took his own life. I have no other information, but I've been very upset about this. It has been hard thinking about his parents, his siblings, his family. I just don't know how I would go on. Please pray for this young boy's family this week. And hug your children even closer to you.

5) Getting ready for Spring Break - coming soon our way.

Comfort Zone Quiz Time!

2007-02-23T20:02:00.000-06:00
Please sign in and take my quiz - I'd love to know how much you think you know me... or how much you really do know me.

If you don't take my quiz, please let me know you stopped by - a girl needs to know that somebody's there.

Create your own Friend Quiz here

UPDATE: I don't know what it says after you finish the test - it may say that you don't know me - but for those who are missing only 1 or 2 out of the 8 questions so far - I think you are doing great! If you receive a perfect score, I'm going to send you a little surprise in the mail.
I do have one (or possibly two) tricky questions in there! Good luck to you all and thanks for taking my quiz!

I'll post more next week and I'll also give you the answers to my quiz!

This Kinda Makes Me Feel Young!

2007-02-20T14:55:00.001-06:00
I thought this was kinda cute - especially since I just posted on how I wish I was young again. After reading these, I guess I can still feel a bit young (or at least in the present) knowing that I do the majority of these below.

YOU KNOW YOU ARE LIVING IN 2007 when...

1. You accidentally enter your password on the microwave.

2. You haven't played solitaire with real cards in years.

3. You have a list of 15 phone numbers to reach your family of three... so true

4. You e-mail the person who works at the desk next to you... do it all the time - and I wonder why my tush has spread

5. Your reason for not staying in touch with friends and family is that they don't have e-mail addresses.... or I can't find their email address

6. You pull up in your own driveway and use your cell phone to see if anyone is home to help you carry in the groceries... or if they have already been to the mailbox - otherwise I'll need to put my car in reverse to back it up the 3 houses down I must go to get the mail

7. Every commercial on television has a web site at the bottom of the screen.

8. Leaving the house without your cell phone, which you didn't have the first 20 or 30 (or 60) years of your life, is now a cause for panic and you turn around to go and get it... and have done this several times!

10. You get up in the morning and go on line before getting your coffee... or brushing your teeth, or taking a shower for that matter

11. You start tilting your head sideways to smile. : )

12. You're reading this and nodding and laughing... oh so very much!

13. Even worse, you know exactly to whom you are going to forward this message... my mom!

14. You are too busy to notice there was no #9 on this list... yup, didn't notice.

15. You actually scrolled back up to check that there wasn't a #9 on this list... yup, did that too.

And now you are laughing at yourself!!

I have a post that I would like to publish - but it is a post that involves questions from the heart. Do you think it is a good idea to post honest emotions? Should I post them to release my brain, should I pray about them and leave them in my heart, or should I go see a therapist? I really want your honest opinions on this so if you read me and care to comment, I would really appreciate it.

Oh to be 30 Again

2007-02-15T08:30:00.000-06:00

Today is about my friend Rachael. I have known her for what seems like a lifetime, but really maybe only several years. She was a senior in the youth group at the church we attended as I was dating Phil. We did not know each other at all, but I knew her mother and sister as her older sister and I were closer in age.

Fast forward a few years, and I am sitting in the nursery, rocking a baby while her mother caught up with all of the workers in the nursery. Her mother asks me where I work and then proceeds to beg me (and I do emphasize beg) to help Rachael find a job at the ad agency where I clock in a few days a week. She has just graduated from college with a degree in marketing and “she just has to get a job. I can’t have her living with me forever.”

Her mom is the lovely lady to the left in the picture above - Rachael is the young one on the right.

I explain to her mother that I don't have that much ~~popularity~~ prestige at work, but I’ll do my best.

Lucky for Rach, a job opened up just in time – and she would be perfect for it. I tell the two department heads about her and that she goes to church with me. Guys, it’s time to straighten your ways because I think you need to hire her. And they did. And yes, I did want her to work for them to appease her mother, but I'll admit it... I was also in it for the money. The $250 referral fee they pay employees here is a nice chunk of change.

Lucky for me that referral brought a friendship with it also.

It’s been a couple years since Rachael and I have worked together at the agency… she’s gone on to bigger and brighter pastures, but she has remained such a good friend to me. I was honored to help in the preparations of her wedding, as well as coordinate all the necessary details for the rehearsal and the wedding day. We scrapbook together, go to chick flicks on occasion, and compare HOTY's. Hers is winning right now... he is sending her to Florida for her birthday. But the year’s still young, girl!

She turns the big 3-0 today!

Happy Birthday Friend – enjoy your day and may all your years be as happy as the past 29!
Rachael and friends at her surprise 30th birthday party.
A Friend Is Like A Good Bra...
Hard to Find
Supportive
Comfortable
Always Lifts You Up
Never Lets You Down or Leaves You Hanging
And Is Always Close To Your Heart!

Happy Valentine's Day

2007-02-14T09:50:00.000-06:00

I love the excitement of a child... especially ours.

Last night Perry had a hard time falling asleep. He sleeps like a rock once he is finally asleep, but going to sleep can be a feat in and of itself. And last night was no exception. And when he can't sleep, he gets very upset and has even a harder time trying to get to dreamland. He sobbed in his bed last night for fear that he would never get to sleep. I laid down next to him rubbing his back, soothing him down, whispering his songs to him that were playing on his CD player.

This morning he comes running into our bedroom, all smiles and beams as he yells...
"Happy Valentine's Day! Finally! I was so excited about it last night, that's why I couldn't sleep."

So excited for Valentine's Day that he couldn't sleep. He makes our heart explode.

Phil - my best friend and love forever - thank you for being my teammate in the game of our life.

Sunday Six - Perry Ponders Valentine's Day

2007-02-11T20:03:00.000-06:00

I found this on a couple blogs that I browse and I just had to play along with Perry - my 8 year old wonder boy.

1. What is love?

“Man – I knew it but just forgot. Okay, okay... love is when like people hug each other and stuff – that’s love."

2. Why do we celebrate Valentine’s Day?

“To have a big day of loving.”

3. How do we celebrate Valentine’s Day?

“By doing some Valentine’s Day parties”

4. What are Valentines?

"Cards that you give people to show them that you love them."

5. How many valentines can you have at one time?

"30" What do you mean by 30? "Because I can hold 30 in a hand." I'm thinking he means cards here!

6. Who do you love?

"My family."

Thanks Perry for giving me your answers to these questions.

Now I wish for all of you a big day of loving!

"Perry, I'll Pray For You"

2007-02-09T07:06:00.000-06:00
Those are the exact words I overheard tonight as I was watching ~~Access Hollywood~~ my friend's kids tonight while she was at a PTA meeting. No, I don't go to PTA. I have much better things to do with my time like watching ~~Grey's Anatomy or catching up on reading the latest best-seller~~... oh, forget crossing any of those out. I really have nothing else better to do, I just don't go.

Anyway, while my good friend C was at her PTA meeting being extremely interested in all things PTA, her boys were over here entertaining my son. Which is exactly how I see it. When any one of Perry's friends hangs out at my house - I score free entertainment for him... and more time for me.

I heart Perry's friends.

Oh don't worry, I do hang out a little while with them...I feed them donuts... I go downstairs and talk until they look at me all weird like. And then look at Perry like why is your mom hanging out with us downstairs while we play pokemon? Then I go back up to my free time.

So, getting back to my spying, I overhear that Perry doesn't have the coveted Pokemon card. I'm not sure which one it is - but he doesn't have it. His friend G has it, and is willing to trade it to Perry, except his older, all-knowing brother E stated in a direct manner, and I do mean direct, that "mom will NOT let you trade ANY cards." Seems as if the trading of cards has caused a problem before.

"Okay Perry, this is what I'll do. I will pray really hard tonight. My mom lets me pray every night and tonight I will definitely pray for that card for you in your next pack."
That boy G - preacher to be.

He's the cutie on the left.

A boy can never have enough praying friends.

The Perfect Combination

2007-02-07T11:50:00.000-06:00
Here at the ad agency where I tend to ~~catch up on blogs~~ work very hard, birthdays are celebrated with food - nothing else - just food. They place all the goodies on a table right in front of their office and everyone stops by, wishes the birthday recipient a good day and then digs in. The majority of the time, co-workers will bring the ol' standy-by... krispy kremes, rice crispy treats, or chips and salsa. All of them easy to grab on your way to work. Depending on the person, or the age of the birthday being celebrated, one of us may go all out and bake some warm brownies and cookies, or mix up a batch of corn dip or even a seven layer bean thingy.

The creating of blue ribbon recipes only coincides with brown-nosing or kissing of tushes... you should see the spread for the owner of the company. My boss' birthday coincidentally turns up right before yearly review. And my prized secret tollhouse chocolate chip cookies also seem to show up on his birthday - and only for his birthday. I know they are his favorite - and he always gets them.

But today, these showed up at a birthday extravaganza...

They were a delight to my taste buds. The combination of sweet (the granola clusters) and the salty (chex) just made my day. I started with a handful, and then grabbed another handful, and then ran quickly to the office kitchen to grab a syrofoam coffee cup and snarf up even more at my desk. I personally wanted to devour the entire bag.

What didn't occur to me was that I should be counting the points on this... mmm yeah, um kinda forgot.

But I was told that points didn't have to be counted if you were standing at the table munching.

Gotta run - gotta get back to that birthday table.

Big Game 2007

2007-02-04T22:45:00.000-06:00
I'm sitting here with hubs and Perry watching the Big Game (yes, by ourselves - the only way to watch this once-a-year telecast without interruptions!) and I thought I might jot down our favorite commercials of the game... the ones that actually evoked out-loud laughter from the peanut gallery here. I think it would be cool to look back on this next year and try to see if we can remember the commercials or not... I don't think we remember any from last year.

First of all - how much more can you LOVE Billy Joel playing on his piano, singing the National Anthem so beautifully, in the rain! I've seen Billy Joel in concert and he is still my all-time favorite musical artist. He was here in the city many years ago with Elton John. It was the absolute best concert I had ever seen. There's just something about a man tickling the ivories, with the best voice to boot. Hubs and I have also seen Movin' Out in NYC, as well as the traveling version here in KC. Mr. Joel is simply unbelievable. Did I mention that he sang and played the anthem beautifully tonight in the rain?!

Favorite commercial during the First Quarter... bud light auction wedding - we've actually been to a wedding that was just about that short - not performed by an auctioneer. I always wondered why they even spent the money (on the wedding). We also snickered (oh yes, I said that!) at the Snickers kissing men commercial.

Second Quarter: Budweiser spotted dog commercial... sweet and funny. We also loved the Doritos cashier commercial. We heard that this commercial was actually created by a real-live consumer and not an advertising exec... love it even more for that.

Half-Time: "Perry - run upstairs and get your pajamas on quickly."

Here he is after he changes into his pajamas... the Manning jersey on over the pajamas. Yes, he IS just like his Daddy.

Third Quarter: There weren't any stand-out commercials to me in this quarter. We liked the Fed-x commercial, but only after we looked at it again the second time.

Fourth Quarter: The NFL commercial - looking back on the season.

Tony Dungy professed after the game that not only is he and Coach Smith the first African American coaches to be in the big game, but also being Christians, they really feel as if the Lord placed them right where He wanted them to be.
I knew it! Jesus really is interested in football!

I turned to Perry and told him he could and should continue to pray for Chiefs wins (after Phil told him that God really didn't care too much about football when he would pray for each game on a football Sunday). Let's keep on praying!
Only 160 more days until football season!

Please Say a Prayer...

2007-02-02T11:32:00.000-06:00
I've been following the extraordinary story of a beautiful young woman and her fight with cancer for the past year. The family is a close personal friend of my son's former kindergarten teacher. We have spoken of her several times and I have actually met this couple's beautiful daughters one evening at Perry's school. Although I have never met this woman, Jennifer, I feel as if she is a close friend from reading their blog.

If you have some time in the next few days, pull up some of her archives of this fight, starting with the very first post. Her husband started this blog from day one and it is an absolute testament to her strength, fight and love that she has for her family. And it is also an incredible love story for their young girls to read as they grow older for they will always have this journal to remember their mother.

As of this past week, Jennifer is taking her last breaths - and her family is counting them - not wanting her to pass over to heaven, but hopeful that she does not suffer. And I pray that for them too right now.

Take the time to squeeze your spouse a little tighter and hug your children a little closer today. I know that with every thought I have of Jennifer today and this weekend, those thoughts will turn to being a better mother, daughter, and friend... for that is what she has embodied the most during her fight.

Update: Jennifer passed away around 2:40am Sunday, February 4, 2007.

Whatever Happened to Chivalry (or) Am I Just Too Dang Independent?

2007-01-30T15:18:00.000-06:00
Today we woke up to a cold chill of 7 degrees - that's right - it is only 7 degrees here in western Missouri. And the windchill is even lower.

After climbing out of our warm bed, I had to then step into the cold closet that sits above our garage to iron my clothes for the day's work. (Yes, another weird thing about me - I have a need to iron all my clothes before wearing them... don't even get me started.) Anyway, I digress... While ironing, I remembered that I needed gas. Man, I hate it when that happens.

So, I bundle up tight to get to work today, but I must stop at Costco to get gas. Wait, my husband is there at the gas pump too! He had arrived just before me after he dropped Perry off at school and he is sitting in his car waiting for his tank to fill. I pull up right behind him and wave to him to "fill 'er up." And what does he do - he shakes his head no - not once - but twice - shakes his head no!

So I climb out of my car, open the tank, pop in the credit card, and that is when his gas stops pumping and out he climbs from the warmth of his car.

With my evil eye and voice that only ~~nagging~~ upset wives are known for, I gave him the ol' one - two: "I'm SO writing about this on my blog today and you are going to not like how I talk about you."

I did see him again 5 minutes later at the local Starbucks. He was in line buying me my coffee.... trying to make nice. So I ask him... "what has happened to chivalry?" Good old-fashioned open the door for my lady, drop her off at the front door of the store, fill her gas tank to show my love common courtesy that my father to this day still indulges in for my mother? He kissed me, walked out of the door and smiled... that's all I got...

Guess he's not winning husband of the year today (for Rachael).

But here's hoping for the gallantry and polish that will someday be taught to our son.

I'm thinking that I'm going to need to call on my dad for the teaching of those ways.

Six Weird Things Meme

2007-01-29T08:51:00.000-06:00
I've seen this floating around blogville and I thought I could use a break and write something about myself instead of my son - even though he is a post in and of himself every day. I began to think about how I couldn't possibly think of six weird things about me (while my husband rolled his eyes). I know, I know, only six weird things... I guess I could come up with at least twice that. So, I'll just stick with the weirdest six.

1. I hate to use public restrooms - including the restroom on my floor at work. I'm there most every day so you'd think it would be like my own, but it's still a public bathroom, and people besides my own family use that bathroom every day. I have a constant fear that a person who comes in behind me will go into the the other stall and vomit. I don't know why, but when someone comes in while I'm in the stall, I will hurry as fast as I can so as not to have to hear or smell anything that is rotten.

2. I LOVE to parallel park. I would much rather find a parking space right in front of the store that requires parallel parking than go to a garage to park in a slanted parking space. One time a co-worker eyed a parking spot right in front of restaurant but refused to park there because she would have to parallel. I told her to get out of the car and I took over the driver's seat and parked that baby right there in front of the establishment. I wasn't going to walk any further if I didn't have to. I saw a car commercial a week ago that shows a new luxury car that will do the parallel parking for you with just the push of a button. I say "no way." That takes all the fun out of it.

3. I always wear socks to bed because my feet are just freezing as I'm getting ready for bed. But I can't sleep with the socks on. I must either take them off right before I drop off to sleep, or if I do happen to fall asleep with them on and I wake up and find that they are still on, then I must get them off my feet... in a big hurry. I hate how hot my feet feel in bed when my socks are on.

4. I read the obituaries every day in the local Kansas City paper. Every. day. Every single one. Living in the metro KC area my entire life, I will at least once a month, if not more, know someone who has died. Maybe I will only know them by a surviving relative listed in the obit, but I do tend to know a lot of people who have died. I am inspired when reading about how much a person is loved and what they accomplished during their life. I'm always sad when I see very short obituaries... with nothing listed but the date of the funeral. I have informed my husband that I better have a long obituary when I die. And I do sometimes think about how I would want my obituary to read.

5. I really don't enjoy shopping with other people. Especially clothes shopping. I tend to look very quickly - mainly at the clothes on the displays or the clothes on the endcaps right out in the open. If they look good, then I may decide to buy them, but I won't try them on either. I purchase them, take them home to try them on, and then return them if I don't like them - or sometimes I get lucky and they look great and I keep them. And I can't stand end of the season sales. I don't like to dig through the sales racks and maybe find a treasure of a bargain. When forced to look through sales racks, I always find something I like, but never in my size, because you know, it's on sale.

6. I LOVE football... but... I don't like Super Bowl parties. Every year we are invited to them or asked if we are giving one, but we always turn down invitations and hide out in our home to watch it uninterrupted. My husband and I love to watch the game AND the commercials. So if we have people over, or if we are over at other people's homes, then we can't enjoy one of our favorite tv times of the year. Working in the advertising business, I know that the commercials will be the only thing talked about the next day, and I like to be in the know on the highest profile night in advertising. Last year, we watched it at our friend's home, but they are like us - watch the game and no talking during the commercials. Our kids played together and it was very enjoyable. But we were home after halftime, not missing a thing since they only lived 2 blocks away!

7. I gag while brushing my teeth, but only in the mornings... Oh yeah... it's only supposed to be six things!

Don't even ask my husband to come up with any on me - I'm sure he could list at least six more.

If you are a reader of mine, and have not commented, please de-lurk yourselves in my comment section and list one weird thing about you so I don't feel so weird - all by myself. Thanks!

Star Student

2007-01-26T07:58:00.000-06:00
Well, it finally happened... Perry came home from school on Monday afternoon after I picked him up from a long day at work and informed me that Mrs. K told him that he was Star Student that week and he forgot his poster. So the conversation that followed went somewhat like this...

"Mom, I really am sorry to tell you this, but I am Star Student this week, and we need to make a poster about me."

"WHAT? You are what this week? And you forgot to tell me?"

"MOOOMMM - I didn't know. But she told me today." Oh that makes it so much better...

"Okey-dokey, let's get a move on this. You're going to have do most of this. I'm not going to do it all for you."

So off we went to the closest store to buy posterboard and new markers... as if new crayola markers were going to somehow make this poster-making all that much easier. But hey, if it gets the boy motivated, so be the spending of an extra $2.99 for the new markers.

Thankfully, I'm a scrapbooker and have MANY pictures always on hand... ones that I usually don't need, but keep because I have a weird issue of throwing pictures away. (Anybody else have a problem with this?) So I begin to dig through my stash... searching for anything that shows his hobbies, sports, family, friends... all subjects of interest that were to be included on this poster.

So we start working on it, pasting pictures, labeling them, and writing a list of favorites. Favorite food, favorite sport, favorite song... an hour and a half later I think we actually rigged up a pretty darn good Star Student poster.

And then it occurred to me... we still need to get his Students As Teachers subject ready for this month. So I say to Perry... "how about we do your Students as Teachers presentation on "How To Make a Star Student Poster" and then you can also present your poster that you worked so hard on?" He could talk about his sports and friends and all the favorites he listed.

Wow - I must be brilliant!!

Thankfully Perry also had the same thought - no, not about the presentation - but that I was brilliant! He hugged me and told me he loved my idea and then we proceeded to work on his production - I mean presentation. By george, I think he's got it.

And it worked out wonderfully. He came home the next day and told me that his teacher thought it was great.

I hope this is the last of the one night notices, but I have a feeling it won't be... I know better than that! I'm the mother of a boy.

Donuts with Dad

2007-01-24T18:00:00.000-06:00
Since hubs is out of town this week and will more than likely check my blog, I decided to post this great picture of him with Perry taken at Donuts with Dad at his school.

We miss you Daddy and can't wait for you to be home!

"This is the Best Snow Day Ever"

2007-01-21T15:10:00.000-06:00
We woke up this morning to a beautiful blanket of snow - approximately 5 inches out our way. As soon as Phil told Perry it was time to go out and shovel, Perry scrambled up the stairs to get dressed, giggling like a little school girl. His best friend and next door neighbor Blake came outside with his brother Payton and they all started working on building their snow friend. Forget shoveling now, it's time to play! (Notice that their snow guy is listening to an ipod - kids are so hip and technical these days.)
Our neighbor (and dentist) on the next street over also took the kids on a four-wheel sled ride. (Thanks Doc!)
After all of their snow adventures, we finally coaxed Perry inside to get a hot shower and lunch. As he was stripping down to his skivvies in the garage, he exclaimed "I'm so glad God made this snow for us. This is my best snow day ever."

He Really Didn't Do That?!

2007-01-10T22:05:00.000-06:00
In my last post, I talked about Perry playing basketball this winter - one of the many sports that he loves. In our home, we are all sports, all the time... that's what can happen in a home with two boys... yes, that's right I did say boys.

So tonight Perry has basketball practice and we are trading carpool duties with Perry's good friend Joshua. Tonight was Joshua's dad turn to drive home. He pulls up into our drive, so I head out to the drive to thank Matt, and he gets out and asks me a strange question. His statement asked with no expression in his face...
You all don't watch much football in your house, do you?
Excuse me? Do you know who you are talking to?

We don't watch football... we breath, eat, sleep, play, read, attend for 20+ years, scream, jump up and down, pray, yell, seek out autographs, write about and consume football in our home. Matt knows that. But "yes Matt, we do watch football in our house, why do you ask?"

"Because during break when Perry ran to get a drink of water out of his water bottle, he then spit it out... right there on the gym floor."
NO. HE. DID. NOT!!

OH. YES. HE. DID!!

Perry, the gym is not outside, the court is not grass, your water is not gatorade, and this is not football. Get with the program, son.

Is it bedtime yet?