Twenty years this summer.

It's been twenty years since I've worn braces.

How do I remember such a weird milestone? Because I graduated high school wearing those same braces.  My parents wouldn't let me get them taken off before my senior pictures like the lucky girl's parents did.

I was so jealous that the lucky girl got hers taken off just in time for pictures and I still had a year to go.

I'm still bitter about it.

(But I looked like that back then and could have used all the help I could get.)

(I probably should have invested more time in worrying about my hair and less about my braces.)

(Clear braces turn yellow.  Did anyone know that?  Well, they do.  Bright yellow.)

(If only I had a time machine.)

It's so funny what you remember about a time period in which you would love to forget. 

I remember being intimidated by the popular crowd and the "jocks".

I remember thinking that one critical mistake would be the legacy by which people would define me.

I remember agonizing over a pimple (and those darn braces) thinking my life was ruined forever.

I remember wearing Skip's letterman's jacket and feeling like I didn't deserve it.

I remember teachers that liked me and teachers that didn't.

I remember being more concerned about my after school activities than my school work.

I remember the smell of the halls and the sound of Mrs. L's clickety tall boots.

I remember feeling inspired by a science teacher and humiliated by a math one.

I remember wishing I had better clothes and better hair and better shoes.

*somethingsneverchange*


I remember carrying around my insecurities like a giant backpack.

I remember sitting on those bleachers waiting for them to call my name so my grown up life could begin.

A twenty year reunion seems ridiculous when you are 18.  The world is ahead of you and you are invincible.  Anything is possible.  Everything is attainable.   The gap between what you know and what you THINK you know is huge.

Eighteen is a cocky age.

Thirty eight, not so much.  You (hopefully) have ripened and softened and been seasoned by life.  You (hopefully) have become the person you wish you could have been in high school.  Confident, wise, stable, proven.

Improved.

Twenty years is the perfect amount of time for a reunion.  Not that I wasn't a nervous wreck when the planning committee started to send out facebook plans.  I was a MESS trying to get ready for the reunion.  I struggled with my weight and my clothes and my hair just like I did 20 years ago.

But I knew something that I didn't back then.

I knew I was SAFE.  No matter what I blurted out of my mouth, or if my shoes weren't exactly right, or even if I woke up with a zit the size of Texas. 

I was safe.  I knew that life would go on even if these people didn't like me anymore.  It wouldn't change my life to be rejected or snubbed.  My high school self was going to be OK no matter what!

And I am so glad that I realized that.  It was such a fun weekend.  It was great to see old friends and find out where life has taken them since high school.  Everyone was so sweet and genuinely interested in one another.  Such a relief to know that none of that high school stuff mattered anymore.

Here's to the next 20 years.

May we all continue to improve!


And about those braces, SOOOOO thankful!  Even if my 18 year-old self was mentally scarred.  She'll get over it.

Having feet has finally paid off.

Last night was the FOURTH annual spring Flip Flop Exchange hosted by a very sweet friend. It is the best girl party ever. The food is excellent, the women are lovely and everyone is happy to leave with a brand new pair of fabulous flip flops.

If you have a group of friends or co-workers, this is the next party you need to host!  Read here for a detailed description on how to organize a party of this magnitude.  It is so worth your time! 

I pinky swear.

These are the beautiful girls that were there last night.  This party keeps growing every year. 

Only two pairs of flip flops were repeated last night.  That means there were a whole lot of shoes that were one of a kind.  These aren't your ordinary OLD NAVY flip flops (which I happen to love) these shoes were gorgeous and designer.  Every single pair received OOOHHHs and AAAHHHHs and clapping.

Oh, the clapping.

It was a very affirming night.

Look at my pretty pair that my secret shopper bought me.  I heart them.  They are cute, neutral and so comfortable.  All the things I love. 

For me, last night represented more than just a fun gift exchange.  It represented that the FOG has lifted.  Last year was such a killer year for me that I just dropped my flip flops off the day of the party and didn't even bother to show up.  I just couldn't do it. 

I couldn't pretend to be ON and FUN and HAPPY, oh my.

I stayed in hiding for the better part of last year.  I didn't even have a birthday party.  It was a dark time.

But the LIGHT is on now.  The fog has lifted.  I am different because of the fog, more mature.  The me before would have been all over that room last night and I would have been secretly miserable.  Last night, I sat in the same chair and had a great conversation with three ladies.  A deep and meaningful conversation in the midst of a HUGE social event. 

The old me would have never sat in one place. 

I kind of like the new me.

In the middle of all the noise and celebrating one woman shared a private piece of her heart with me. 

Intimate.

Honest. 

Real life. 

Not fluffy.

So, while I am happy about my new cutie shoes, I am even happier that I have come out from under the suffocating darkness.

Life is real and complicated and hard and messy.  But last night reminded me that it's also good.

Very, very good.

So, off you go to plan your own FLIP FLOP EXCHANGE and get ready to celebrate your feet and your friends.

It's flippin' awesome.

My leg is the third one from the left.    

Really??

No.

But you are so sweet to look.

This thing called the Internet.

During my final semester in college a new class became mandatory for all education majors. 

Internet 101.

At that time, I had already completed all the hours I needed before my student teaching semester and I had to add in this silly class.  All of us did.  We were very unhappy about it.  I remember sitting in front of the computer while the professor walked us through setting up an email account and logging on to AOL. 

Bet you five bucks you can still hear the dial-up screech in your head.

Anyway, I remember thinking..."Yeah, right.  When will I ever use this thing?  It's just a fad."

Just a fad, people.

I was 23, married, in my last semester of college before the "REAL" world started so clearly I was qualified to declare the Internet a fad.

Clearly.  I mean.  Who needs the Internet with hair like that?

I would have never dreamed how much this world would rely on the Internet for our daily life.  Everything has changed.  Information is a click, or touch away.  Anything you could ever think to ask is available as quick as your fingers can type the question. 

I even love how our language has changed.  Back before the Internet craze, if you would have used these words in your vocabulary people would have thought you were mental and needed medication.

Google it
Text me
I like you on facebook
I saw this tweet the other day
Do you stumble?
LOL
Let's skype
Just click here to get your widget
Bing
What's your favorite app?
Are your cookies enabled?
I'm an Angry Bird addict.

For me, this "fad" has become one of the most important daily sources of encouragement and support.  One of my favorite things to read on the Internet is blogs.  My google reader list keeps growing with amazing blogs and amazing writers.  I have met some of the neatest, kindest women on the pages of their blogs.  Reading and connecting with other friends on this journey called life is something that I am very thankful for.  I admire reading about people's struggles and their victories.  I love when their truth comes to the surface and leaves me feeling validated about my own truth.  This may sound crazy, but I truly believe that some of the connections I have made through this blog are God's gift to me. 

Some of my greatest friends live in the computer.  And when I have my phone with me, my greatest friends live in my back pocket.  I take you with me wherever I go.

How cool is that?

I certainly never imagined that back in 1997. But back then I was just trying to make my hair as tall as it could be.  So I didn't have much room for all this knowledge.

I thought I would share with you some things that I am reading today.  If you are new to these blogs, stop in and say "HI!"

I promise they won't bite.

1.  I wish this lady was a real friend of mine.  Her daily devotionals are RIGHT ON and so relevant to my life.  This is her latest about eating junk.  I have been changing some things lately and this hit me between the eyes. 

2.  You have to go meet Denise.  She is pure sweetness with an extra layer of cute.  You must enter her awesome giveaway.  On second thought, don't because I want to win. 

OK, fine.  Enter and I hope you win.  Doesn't the Bible say to be happy for those who win the giveaway you wanted to win?  I will google it.

3.  Speaking of changing eating habits, this is a MUST READ.  Julianne is a real friend/family member of mine.  I love her to pieces.  This journey that she writes about is every woman's struggle.  Her writing is funny and honest and real.  Her blog has been neglected for some time but I hope she will keep it going.  Why don't you tell her that, too.  Maybe we can nag her into a comeback.

I have been told that I am real good at nagging.

4.  This post about eating meals as a family really slapped me upside the head.  Life is moving way too fast and our schedule is too tight.  I am trying my hardest to hang on to eating dinner as a family.  We have had to adapt due to our busyness.  I hate the nights that we don't have together.  I don't want life to pass this little family by.

5. I wouldn't be true to myself if I didn't link up to my bff, PW.  I will be making this cake in the near future.  My grandma raised us all on her GO BIG RED cake (pure Nebraska Cornhusker fan) and I have never attempted to make it because of the layers.  But this looks like something anyone can master.  I would probably need more frosting on the top though.  No offense, PW.  I hope we can still be bffs.

6.  Slow down today and read this.  Take a deep breath and soak up the beauty around you today.  Make sure you add this blog to your feeder.  Everything she writes is WONDERFUL.  Some days she is funny, some days insightful and some days a recipe.  Every day is just right with MarytheKay.  Now go give her a GREAT BIG HUG from me!

There are so many more people in this computer that I love.  I hope someday to meet them in real life!  I have a possible trip that I am praying about in November to meet this dear friend.

*Crossing my fingers*

Feel free to leave any links to your favorite reads in the comment section. 

I big red puffy heart the Internet!

Prom 2.11

Saturday was the night of the high school prom.  What a wonderful night it was!  Langley was asked to the prom by a very sweet, very handsome HS senior.  He is the son of very dear friends and he was in charge of choosing the attending flower girl.  He chose my beautiful girl. 

Which of course meant that I got to go to prom!! 

(jumping up and down!)

YAY, me!

The last time I went to prom, I was 18 and I looked like this.

Why Skip isn't smiling is beyond me. 

Maybe it was cool not to show emotions back in 1991. 

I'm too old to remember.

And why we ordered this picture is also beyond me.

Also, too old to remember.

But, I do know this.  Three major things have changed in these last 20 years. 

1.  Dresses are STUNNING!  Literally, works of art.
2.  No one dyes their shoes to match anymore.  I know!
3.  Boys smile.

Anyway, back to PROM 2011!! 

That sweet HS boy that I mentioned earlier, well he has an even sweeter sister.  She is the MASTER OF ALL THINGS HAIR.  I asked begged her to come over early and do Langley's hair for the special night.  She was so happy to come get her hands on Langley's blond curls.  I had an idea in mind but she BLEW ME AWAY with the final product.

Gorgeous.

After her hair was perfected, it was time to get dressed in an ivory silk dress with a pink sash.  She looked like Cinderella.  We borrowed the dress from a friend of ours and I have been a nervous wreck ever since.  I am well aware of the fact that this dress could be ruined by a certain TWO YEAR old boy that lives here.  As a result, I have had the dress locked up avoiding any kind of disaster.  (I must return it quickly!)  Thanks, Jenn, for the amazing dress.  I am just sad that I couldn't get a picture that did this dress justice.  It was heavenly.

Here is my beautiful girl.  I barely recognize her without her sport shorts and t-shirt.  She cleans up nice!

Here is the cutie boy that asked her to the prom. 

By the way, he was nominated for Prom King so his mommy came with me.  We had the best time people watching and NOT AT ALL judging the revealing (good golly) nature of some dresses.  Nope.  Not us.  We are not judgers.

My girl was so nervous.  We had to be there an hour before coronation and I think the waiting was killing her.

But they had lots of surprises for her. Isn't this dreamy?

Langley's escort was a girl that I taught in Kindergarten.  I adore this girl!  Not only is she GORGEOUS, but she also loves the Lord.  She is dear to me!  I voted her dress BEST OF THE NIGHT.  And the best part was that she and Langley had the same hair style! 

Love.

I am so proud of Langley for stepping out of her comfort zone and indulging her mommy by wearing a special dress.  I don't think of her as shy, but she really REALLY is.  Experiences like this are so good for her. 

Thank you, Tag, for inviting her to be the flower girl for PROM 2011.  This will be a special memory for her!

I think I liked this prom better than mine!

At least my date smiled more.

The meaning of friendship.

Secret telling.
Truth revealing.
Judgement withholding.
Arms hugging.
Time investing.
Tears drying.
Laughter exploding.
Differences understanding.
Viewpoints clarifying.
Junk food splurging.
Mood altering.
Thoughts sharpening.
Clothes swapping.
Advice giving.
Hope wishing.
Needs serving.
Feelings protecting.
Moments celebrating.
Safety securing.
Words encouraging.
Fun expecting.
Treasure seeking.
Problem solving.
Struggles praying.
Sisterhood bonding.
Sometimes fighting.
Always loving.
So worth having.

The sun'll come out tomorrow.

Day four. Day four of cabin fever. Two days for snow and two for sick.

Actually, yesterday was pretty pleasant all things considering. Zeb spent most of the day on the couch watching movies. I loved his selection. First, he watched Game Plan with The Rock, or is it Da Rock? Not sure. Cute and predictable but a winner.

Then he moved on to Cheaper By the Dozen. *love* I may, or may not have cried at the end when Steve Martin was standing in the empty stadium and turns around to see his family holding the I LOVE THE COACH sign. Yeah, ok. I cried.

After that I was able to get the other sick boy to bed. Does sickness bring out the WORST in all toddlers? Sheesh! Wit was a handful and I was very glad to get him down for a nap. Maybe that was just me being selfish because I really wanted to lay down and watch Zeb's next two choices. National Treasure both 1 and 2. Very satisfying movie selections.

Not the worst day I've ever had.

Today is day four and I am starting to get itchy. It's still early but I can tell I am going to fight the STUCK AT HOME WHOA IS ME blues today. Fight, Fight, Fight. I am like Meg Ryan boxing the air in You've Got Mail.

Can a nine year old boy watch that?

Anyway, I digress. I wanted to show you one way I am trying to fight my winter's heart this year. I want to fill my days with HAPPY. A couple of weeks ago I won a giveaway from one of my all-time FAVORITE people in the world. Sarah and I have never "met" before but I can tell she is my people. I totally respect and admire her mothering and her recipes are AMAZING!! Check her out. She is wonderful! (***Edited to say that I am not sure why her links are not highlighted. Anyway, just move your cursor and you can click to her site. Go say HI! I know you will love her as much as I do***)

The giveaway was from CSN stores. They basically sell everything including the kitchen sink. I was overwhelmed by it all and really didn't know how I was going to spend my FREE $65. The more I thought about it, the more I wanted something that made me HAPPY...visually happy.



Ya'll. Isn't she lovely?

Not only is it beautiful (and french), it makes me think of Sarah and her SUNNY attitude. Every time I look at it, I smile.

I am going to fight these gray STUCK AT HOME days with everything I have! I am desperate to stay out of the pit.

Here is what I am going to make today so I can put my tea kettle to good use.

Friendship Tea
1 (18oz) jar Tang
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup lemonade
1/2 cup instant tea
1 pkg apricot jello (could use peach)
2 1/2 t cinnamon
1 t ground clove

Mix and store in air tight container. Use 2-3 heaping tablespoons for 8oz hot water.

Invite your friends over to sit at your sticky table. Enjoy!

Now I am off to check on these sick boys. Wonder what movie we will watch first?

Do you think he would like Anne of Green Gables?

I am so glad she is bossy...

...otherwise I wouldn't be snuggled up enjoying this special treat.

It is making me happy today!

Thanks, Alana

NERTZ. Not a game for the weak at heart.

I have to tell you all that Saturday night was a blast. After a day of "trash-talk" we were ready for a night off from kids and a night to show off our card skilz. What a riot!!

Here are the most faithful friends any girl could ever ask for. Also, these women have wonderful blogs. The talent in this room was amazing. It is so fun to blog with a group like this. My fellow bloggers are Alana, Pam, Carissa, Dawn, Jen, Michelle, Shelley. And the best blog readers, Sparky and Sonja. Thank you all for the most amazing night.

The stage was set for a perfect night even down to the food. And I PIGGED out. I think I consumed 3 plates that all looked like this. Also, there was Cappuccino Punch, the BEST pumpkin dessert ever made, 2 bite brownies and a chocolate brownie pie. All my favorites.

And the gifts were amazing! You guys shouldn't have! But don't think Alana wasn't scoping out gifts for her own birthday. Oh yes, she was. In case you are wondering, she would like a pedicure, a spa day complete with childcare, cute office supplies, stationary, a HIS story bracelet, Bath and Body works lotion and candle, a cookbook, jewelry plus a gorgeous shirt, and cute decorative letters. Just look at the death grip she has on my IMAGINE letters. Thou shalt not covet.

OK. Enough with the nice friendly things like food and cake and gifts. Now it is all about blood winning. The game of NERTZ is a highly competitive, hands flying, quick thinking, multi-tasking kind of game. Carissa "thinks" she was the big winner, but I think the birthday girl should always win even if she has the lowest score. It's just good manners.

And for the record, all the "trash talk" on my previous post was pretty much all true. Except for all the cursing. I think I only heard one word said out of pure anger the whole night. We are good girls, you know!

Thanks friends for making all of my days special. I sure do love you.

Trash Talk

This won't make any sense to my "bloggy" friends.

But my real friends, THE GAME IS ON!

Be afraid, be very afraid!

Can't wait until tonight.

Can the party start at 9:15 instead? It is going to be a long day...

Another one bites the dust.

Well, lookie here folks. Dawn has a blog.

Check for signs of addiction:
--laundry piled up
--dishes piled high in the sink
--showers every other day
--kids left to feed themselves
--beds go unmade
--can't talk on the phone because she is busy typing
--blood shot eyes due to lack of sleep
--husband left to feed himself
--blog-able moments are everywhere in your mundane day

Don't know about you, but I will be a faithful reader.

Come out, come out wherever you are

Come out, come out wherever you are. I have several friends that I would love to see start a blog. My blog life would be greatly enhanced if you all would join in the fun. Although, my marital life might suffer the consequences of time spent reading all these new blogs. But don't let that stop any of you.

Pam...you are close. You can do it! I know you are thinking that you don't have anything to say, but you are filled with humor, wisdom, insight and thoughtfulness. You would be such an encouragement to mommies in my stage because you have "been there and done that." You have learned what battles to pick and which to let go. You have learned how to savor the moments with your children. You have challanged me to be a better mom. With truth and sweetness blended in, your blog would be amazing.

Shelly L...you have a title. What's ya waiting for? Your stories about life with boys and pets keep me cracked up. You have a knack for seeing the fun side of life. You laugh and play right along side your kids...so I know you have material. Your first post could be about Brandon's broken arm. You even have a creepy picture to post with it. You would help us all relax and have fun with our kids.

Carissa...you have started before (twice, I think.) I know Lurky Lurkerson worries you, but your friends would help fight him off. Your blog would be an instant hit. Your humor and outlook on life is what draws people to you. The world, and me, need more of you. I would love to hear about your trips, your nephew, your books, your stories, your lessons learned. Your life is rich and its time to share it with your fans. I know I could visit you, but really. You don't want my kids in your pretty house. Total. Destruction. Lies. Ahead.

Sonja...I hope you are reading this. You know I love your wisdom and advice. As your neighbor and exercise partner, I know how great you are. Life with 3 active boys has blog material written ALL over it. They keep you hopping, I know because I have barely seen you this summer. I would love to hear all about your trips, your parties, your bargain shopping and your stationary collection. Watching you mother has helped shape who I am today. You have taught me how to relax and not worry about the little things. I love your wisdom and truth. Please consider it...I would be hooked for sure.

Dawn...you are a reader of many but a writer of none. It is time. You are a Southern girly-girl raising 3 boys. And that just screams blog. You would keep us in stitches with your advice and philosophy of raising kids. Plus, your good ole Bible wisdom and accountability keeps me in check. You would rival the B Mama's in wit, advice, recipes, and Southern charm. They would be hooked on you...maybe then we could meet them! Start the "Fun Family" blog today! Your first post could be your Banana Bread recipe. Was that supposed to be for Skip? I really haven't let him near it. It ain't no ordinary Banana Bread. It is buttery-bananay-cinnamon-sugary goodness straight from Heaven.

Amber...you are the busiest woman I know. Raising 2 girls and teaching full time, not to mention married to the coolest world traveller. I don't know how you do it. With your English degree and ability to place commas in the right spot you would put us all to shame. WOW...the blogs you could write. I would love to hear about raising an adopted daughter and the ups and downs of living with the drama queens. I sure had fun writing about them. Life with your girlies is NEVER dull. Not to mention (and never to be blogged about--hee hee) are our adventures. Late HS and early college years would have been the stuff that blogs are made for. I know you don't have a minute to spare, but I would love to hear more about your daily life as a working mommy. I can't get enough of you!

Rhonda...I love that you are reading this. I also miss you like crazy. You definately need to be in blog land. Raising and homeschooling 3 busy kids. You are an inspiration to me who is lazy. You must share yourself with the world wide web. They would be as delighted to know you as I have been my whole life. I drive by your old house(which is an empty lot now) and smile. We had good times. Your ups and downs in this mommyhood thing would be an inspiring read. Please join me.

Tod...don't even think about it. People need to experience you live and in full color. You are too vibrant and insightful for the boring computer. Crank up the volume and here we go! Raise the roof. Tod's in the house.

Skip...I know this is a pipe dream. But, just think. If you had your own blog, we could be like Rich and Alana and flirt in the comment section. You could leave witty, insightful remarks on my blog and I could leave little love messages on yours. It would be like cyber-dating. That would be fun, wouldn't it? Your perspective on our life would be an interesting addition to mine. I would love to hear just what is going on in that handsome head of yours. Then again, maybe we should just keep it in there. We might lose my PG rating and maybe a few friends. HA! You know I love you bunches and bunches. I might not be willing to share you...I wouldn't want our friends to be jealous of what I got.

So, friends. What are you waiting for? Join the fun...it's good for the soul.

The best 5th of July ever.

Fourth of July has come and gone in a flood. We had several good moments that evening sitting by the pool and eating pizza. Off in the distance the gray clouds loomed. Still we swam. Still we ate.

Bring on the lightning and thunder. Bring on the rain...torrential rain.

Cancel fireworks (not that I was sad...but the kids were).

Wake up on the 5th to bright sunny skies. Had a terrific day watching Alana's boys and swimming with Jen. It was great spending this summer day playing without worrying about time, laundry, dishes, cleaning. Just playing. It was good. It was summer.

Listening to a house full of kids was pure delight. They laughed and giggled. They told great stories. They had lively discussions. Here are some of our quotable moments.

"When your mom is mad, she is not funny."
"Do you have a special recipe for grilled cheese?"
"I'm not tiwed."
"We are brothers by different mothers."
"Popcorn. Popcorn. I love popcorn!"
"Popcorn is not a snack, it's a vegetable."

As you can tell, I had me some laughs. Debating the snack-worthiness of popcorn, with a six year old, made my day!

Later in the evening we went to Tod and Pam's for swimming and the burning of explosives. Because you know the evening would not be complete without the screaming pain of watching 976 bottle rockets explode. We had a blast playing in the water and eating yummy food. Having 4 kids to watch in the pool was really quite the challenge, but I survived and even got my hair wet to prove it.

Sometime in the middle of the evening I looked up to the sky. God had painted the most beautiful sunset that far surpassed any man-made fireworks. It was as if He boldly proclaimed that He is the Master. He is the painter. He is the One and Only. It literally took my breath away. I needed that reminder. I needed Him to say, "Janelle look at Me and take notice. I make all things beautiful."

It really was the best 5th of July ever.

Life With Girls

I love these girls. I am so sad that tomorrow I am taking them home. Here is more "overheard" from Estrogen Valley.

"Ewwww, he just pottied on the tree."

"That purple and green butterfly was absolutely perfect!"

"OK, OK. I will marry you first. Then her. But I won't marry her because she is my sister."

"I AM NOT YELLING!!"

"Do they speak sign language in Nebraska? I bet they do."

"She will eat anything, just watch..."

"Why do you have gum and I don't?"

"Who wants me to kiss them?"

"You can be the dad, she can be the sister, she can be the baby, and I will be the mom."

"They just called me baby!"

"Happy Birthday dear everybody in the whole wide world, Happy Birthday to you!"

"No, I think you are the prettiest."

"Who is ready for a nap?"

"ME!" (that was Skip!)

Crowded

1 princess tent

4 kids

7 Build-A-Bears

3 Cabbage Patch kids

4 pillows

2 blankets

1 monkey

and a really big fish

LIGHTS OUT!

Estrogen Valley

Well, I survived the stomach flu and was immediately thrust back into the swing of things. I love it! We are keeping Jason & Amber's kiddos for 3 days while they are in Italy!! We have increased our house by 2...girls. They are darling, sweet, joyful little ones. We are having a blast with them. Conversations are very different with 3 girls and 1 boy.

Here are some things we have overheard.

Please note the starred items (**) are high frequency, use any time with great variation, phrases. You can insert them anywhere.

"Girls rule, boys drool."

"My feet are dirty and I am not very happy about that."

"I am hungry." **

"We have 4 girls and 2 boys."

"No, its 4 girls and 5 boys with my dog, God and Jesus." (you can't argue with that logic!)

"I'm thirsty." **

"Tell him to stop chasing us."

"OOOOWWWWWWWWW!!" **

"What's for dinner? I just know it will be fabulous!" (flair for dramatic)

"When can we go swimming?" **

"Enough already!"

"Hey, do you want to play baseball when we get home? I will be the batter and you can be the crowd."

"Maybe Skip is home cooking us dinner." (sweet innocent child!)

"I think getting my face painted is the BEST thing EVER!"

"Ugh. He just kissed me!"

"What's the plunger for?"

"I love rock and roll, put another dime in my JUICE box, baby!"

"Can we have gum now?" **

"OH MY GOSH!" **

"Frozen pizza? I have never had frozen pizza before." (what?)

"People shouldn't litter in this world."

"Give me it!" **

"She said a bad word."

"You said you would get up in a minute and I counted to 60 already."

"Privacy, pplleeeaassseee!"

Hannah

H=Honest

A=Amazing

N=Nice

N="Niece"

A=Always smiling

H=Huggable

Happy Birthday, sweet Hannah. I love you and am so proud to call you friend. You are one of the coolest people I know. Your smile lights up a room and your hugs chase away the blues. Keep living for the Lord. He has blessed your life. He has blessed those around you just because you are here! Have a great birthday party!!

Memorial Day Weekend

Have a great Memorial Day!

Hope you are enjoying time with your families today.

Countdown...

1 hour, 13 minutes... I get to spend the entire day in Springfield with Pam. We have been trying to carve away this time to work on the Learning Center at church...also to nurture our friendship, for the last 2 weeks. Ahh, the uninterrupted conversation, the sweet tea, the shopping. You can see why I have been excited!

Bump Ins

Don't you just love the accidental "bump ins" when you run into a friend. I ran into Pam at Target today...just happened to look up and see her car in the parking lot. Boy, it did my heart good! Even though it was just for a minute, it was great to see her. Thanks, Pam for answering the call!

Happy Feet

My friend Alana encouraged all of the bloggers to think of what makes us happy. Here is my list.

--loving my husband more today than yesterday
--when both my kids want my lap
--kissing L on the neck under her curls
--counting Z's freckles and pretending to eat his "chocolate chips"
--time alone
--Mexican food
--baseball
--coffee
--my kid's birthdays
--reading and having time to read
--good, real, true friends
--church
--Amanda & Rachel--my two "mentees"
--finding money
--lazy Saturdays
--vacations
--family movie night
--sunrise
--exercise--after I am done!
--watching my children laugh and play together
--Mrs. R--Z's teacher
--TIVO
--warm chocolate chip cookies
--camping
--bonfires and smo's
--clean kitchen
--the joy on my kid's faces when they ride their bikes
--a good cry
--Girl's Night Out!
--sleeping in with my husband
--a nap (with or without my husband!)
--listening to Z read
--watching L do gymnastics

When I look at my list, I realize that God has made my life rich beyond measure. I am grateful.