JameeForever

Jamee's Birthday Photo Tribute

2009-02-27T01:33:00.006-06:00

Today, Jamee would have been 43 years old...so it's fitting I break my 2 week JameeForever posting slump with a little photo tribute for her, still as much an important part of my everyday life as she if she were still here on earth. I've got some special photos for you---my mother purchased a scanner and has graciously been scanning family photos for me and emailing them. I'm trying very hard to get as many as possible put into layouts for a nice photobook...the first ones I haven't yet gotten finished.

Jamee at MU:
I'm on the far left, Jamee next to me (bottom row)

1984 h/s graduation:

Dad and Jamee, 1966

Another Dad & Jamee layout:

Jamee-1966

I hope I have more family photos to share with you over this year, I'm thrilled to have these and some of my teenaged years I never had before. (Mom, can you send more of those?!) But this is Jamee's day...and a day to celebrate the wonderful impact that she left in my life--it runs deep and never-ending.

Is There a Novel In You?

2009-02-13T11:01:00.004-06:00

Pretty awesome, isn't it?! Okay, if you're like me and you believe you do but just don't quite know how or where to begin, help is here. Check this out directly from the author, Susan May Warren:

And you know I won't do a blog tour for great books without a great contest too, and this is no exception!

Enter the contests for the LOVE TO WRITE blog tour! http://www.litfusegroup.com/latest/current-blog-tours/71-the-love-to-write-blog-tour-for-my-book-therapy

You have two chances to win!

Want to win a copy of From the Inside…Out: Discover, Create and Publish the Novel in You (http://www.lulu.com/content/5272647) for your very own? Leave a comment here (http://www.mybooktherapy.com/index2.php/?page_id=177) and tell us what kind of novel you have in YOU.

AND

Do you already have your novel down on the page? Does it need a little THERAPY? Enter to win 10% off a Book Therapy Session (http://www.mybooktherapy.com/index2.php/?page_id=188 ) (that’s a savings of $30+) by leaving a comment here (http://www.mybooktherapy.com/index2.php/?page_id=177) telling us a brief synopsis of your story!

All winners will be chosen at random. Contest ends 2/28 and the winners will be announced on March 2nd!

Now if you're like me, you'll want a little 'peek' inside to see just what this is about before you buy...here ya go:

Four Keys to a Writer's Life

As you prep for our journey, I want you to start exercising! We're going to get in shape! Work off the dust of our minds and tighten the flab of our daily schedules so we can utilize the writing time we have in our days.

Writing is much like every other discipline. It takes commitment. After all, as much as we'd like it to happen, those books don't just download from our brains automatically! It takes nurturing. Did you know that your brain has a well of words for each day, and you need to replenish those words after you use them? It takes time (something we're going to figure out how to get!), and it takes a game plan.

Let's start with Commitment. The fact is, writing will take you away from your family, your health club, your church, your social groups, your online gaming, your Sudoku, your television…you get the drift. There are costs. The keys to keeping those costs in line are:

1. Priorities
2. Balance
3. Perspective

Writing should ALWAYS come after spending time with God (that's also the nurturing part!) and rarely above family and church, but sometimes it does come before workouts and social life.
My friend Judy Baer (writing coach, extraordinaire) shared this illustration with me once: “Stand on one foot and balance. You can’t stand perfectly still, but rather, you have lean to different sides to keep your balance.”

Writing and life should be like this -- different sides require attention in different waves. If you are to invest in writing, then know that you might have to give up other things. Don’t worry—it’s not forever!. But for a while. If you were training for the Olympics, you'd have a training schedule, and it would ramp up when you had specific events to meet. Take a look at your life and see if you can carve out one hour per day, or three per week to invest in writing. Then, put that on your calendar in RED. It's an appointment. Be there.

Nurturing: Your brain needs a steady supply of new words, spiritual nourishment, research facts, and good writing to keep it fresh and ready to put prose on the page.

Spiritual Nourishment: Writing is largely a spiritual event. You are connecting on a thematic level with your reader, and that happens in the spiritual realm. Sure, we access many of these metaphors through emotion, but looking past feelings to their deeper meaning and sources helps broaden your understanding of your book, your character’s journey, and most importantly WHY you are spending time writing this book. Make a habit of spending time soaking in God's Word, or a devotional book like Streams in the Desert, or whatever form of spiritual food you need for your diet. I like to read theology books, but sometimes a great devotional book puts my spirit into the right frame to see beyond myself, to tap into the bigger picture and inspires me to write.

Research: make it your goal to keep up with the world. Technology. Medicine. Trends. Don't be afraid to use the Discovery channel for interesting plot ideas! Know what’s happening in culture and politics. Read biographies, current, and past – you’ll be inspired with new story ideas. Subscribe to Reader’s Digest and National Geographic. (At least TiVo the channel!) To communicate to our world, you need to understand it.

Read Up: Fill your mind with great writing. Start your writing time reading the Psalms, or perhaps a book of poetry. Read the classics, yes, but also make it your goal to read in your genre! Most importantly, find authors that are better than you and soak in their words, analyzing why they are fabulous. Feeding your mind and your soul will give you the materials you can draw from as you create.

Time: This is one of the hardest areas for new writers. Most of us don’t have hours in the day to wait for the muse to find us. We have thirty minutes after supper, or perhaps three hours on a Saturday morning.

Here's a few strategies for maximizing that time:

1. Plan ahead for your writing time and get your family to help you protect it. I have a sign on my door that reads, “Cry Me a River.” In short…they’d better have a good reason to come through that door when it’s closed (only if there’s blood or fire is the general rule). When my children were young, I always had an open door policy. However, I asked them to respect my time, just like I respected theirs. That meant that I spent time with them first – reading, helping with homework, fixing dinner – whatever they needed. I also involved them in the writing process. If they allowed me to finish a chapter, we’d celebrate with something fun (yes, there was a lot of ice cream in those early days). And I promised that when my first book got published, I’d take them to Disney World. I kept that promise. Enlisting your family’s help will free you from guilt AND give them an opportunity to share in your victories as you write. Make them your partners.
2. Keep a notebook of ideas that will invariably come to you as you wash dishes, walk the dog, clean the bathroom, drive to work, sit in a boring meeting, or even in the middle of the night. Sometimes you can't dash to your computer to put in that perfect sentence--so put it in your notebook. You'll have a collection of words and sentences to jumpstart your creativity when you sit down to write.

3. Don't clean up your writing space mid-project (okay, I know, that sounds like a messy person's excuse but...) if you simply walk away from your computer after you finish a scene, you'll be able to slip right back into it when you come back. I always suggest having a special room to write in so you can close the door, even if it's a section of your bedroom--something I did for years. I had a little garage-sale chair with a pile of books on the opposite side of the bed--my little alcove. But, if you can't find a separate space, invest in a little basket to throw all your writing gear in (research books, etc), and then set it somewhere where it won't be
“reorganized” (as my husband calls it!). Keeping your research handy helps you maximize your time when you sit down and dive back into your story.

Finally, you need a Game Plan, and I'm not talking plotting versus seat-of-the-pants writing here--I'm talking about a little journal that you keep AFTER your writing session. Write down any thoughts you have for the next chapter, as well as your goal for the next writing session. Maybe you want to go back and revise the previous chapter or fix certain words. Maybe you need more research. Maybe you just want to plow ahead, but have notes for revisions.

Keeping a journal of your writing time helps you focus on each writing session without having to ask, "Now, where was I?" This is especially true if a week or more has gone by in between writing sessions.

Now, for all of you who have little children and think, "Hey, I don't even have time to wash my hair—I can't possibly find time to write,” my words to you are, well, let's see, greasy hair versus seeing your dreams come true. You can wash your hair when your kids go to school. No, I'm not that bad! I like clean hair, but I well remember the days when I typed with my children on my lap, or stayed up late with my laptop while my husband snoozed beside me.

He sure woke up when I got that first contract.

*****

Join me on the journey and learn how to write the novel in you!
God bless you on your writing journey!
Susan May Warren
Founder, http://www.mybooktherapy.com/

Be sure to go here for more bloggers with great information and tips for writers: http://www.litfusegroup.com/latest/current-blog-tours/71-the-love-to-write-blog-tour-for-my-book-therapy

One last thing--believe in yourself, step out and try. I did just that this week and I'm so glad I did--I'll let you know all about it soon. The point is, I knew I had it in me, I took a chance and asked for the opportunity, and I got one!

Quickie Update From Boot Camp

2009-02-12T16:46:00.004-06:00

Hey a few of you have been asking about Boot Camp, am I sticking with it. Yes, I've completed Traumatic Weigh in AND three classes (including an extra long one last night) and I'm feelin fine! I re-bff'd Julie and even let her be my boobie bands partner last night (it's not as sexy as it sounds).

Julie, Celia and I all three agree the ladies are great, we'll stick it out AND the 20 something gal in the short shorts and tank really cannot get by with the built in shelf-bra alone. I slipped some round band aids into my purse last night, maybe Julie can stick them under her water bottle....

Boot Camp Quitter Failure...Right Here!

2009-02-10T21:53:00.008-06:00

Julie, my once-very-dear friend, has been urging me to join her gym, something very similar to Curves, but not Curves. I've been putting it off, although I know I need to do something to stop the muffin once and for all. After a barrage of calls, emails, begging and pleading, she finally tried a backdoor 'in'. Boot camp. She was signing up for boot camp and wouldn't we have great fun together there? It was just a short-term commitment. We'd laugh, do a little cardio, hang out in the infrared sauna...it'd be awesome bonding time. So okay! I'm in! I hurried down there with my checkbook and signed myself up. AND recruited our friend Celia to join too.

Day 1, no exercise but traumatic. Weigh-in day....where I discover I've upped my muffin by 10 pounds this Fall/Winter season. Sheri (my drill sergeant) informs me that while she can't promise it, she's fairly certain if I stick to a reasonable diet and this program, I'll be down 15-20 pounds by the end of March. Okie dokie, I'm in.

Day 2, we arrive, exchange hellos, laughter, stand about chatting with the gals. I do a cursory glance about the room for the 'fat' 'older' ladies Julie assures me she primarily frequent this gym. And...helloooo!! Uh, I'm pretty much IT. I AM the older fat lady working out with Julie (who, by the way, is and always has been gorgeous and thin and I'd never think to join a gym if I looked like her, no way no how).

I'm not one to hold back my feelings. Under my breath made sure Julie knew I pretty much un-bff'd her from that point on. Then the exercise started full throttle. Lunges, squats, squat-walking, bending and jumping up (in my case, I soared to about a quarter of an inch off the ground (see diagram, I'm on the far right), then ending by extending two arms and feet, holding this position for 30 seconds each as I'm parralleltothegroundareyoufreakinkiddingme?! We exercised about 20 minutes that night, not bad, right?

Day after Day 2: Oh, I DO have butt muscles after all. I know this because they hurt like my arms, legs, shoulders AND back hurt today.

Day after Day after Day 2: No change.

Day after Day after Day after Day 2: I can get down the stairs without turning sideways and stepping...and I've got abs under there somewhere, I feel them.

Day 3: I am withdrawing, I am in over my head. I call Celia (who is roughly in the same position I'm in) and let her know what I'm thinking: either refund the money or give us three months' membership at the gym. Period. I am NOT doing this boot camp and I refuse to workout tonight. She's in agreement, we're the old ladies and we cannot do this. We bargain with each other that no matter what, we'll exercise and will be accountability partners to each other. Plan to arrive at gym 30 minutes early to tell Drill Sgt. Sheri.

I arrived after Celia, who covertly meets me outside the gym to tell me it didn't go well...she wouldn't let her quit. Wouldn't let her quit?! Nuh uh, no way, no how, not gonna happen, you're smokin something if you think I'm staying. Sheesh, I'll have to do this myself. I marched myself in, told Drill Sgt. Sheri I was in over my head. She smiles and I detect she was ready for me, she knew.

"No you're not"

I can't do this

"Yes you can"

I'm going to quit

"No you're not"

But I hurt everywhere

"You're fine"

You don't understand, I'm not young like these ladies! Leaning in, I declared I cannot keep up

"You'll keep up. So why don't you and Celia go warm up on the cardio machines?"

Who in the hey hoo (borrowing that from JenGi) does she think she IS? I'm the customer and I.am.right!!!

An hour and 20 minutes later, I emerge from boot camp. I can't even quit boot camp right. But I'm victorious nonetheless. I did it and I do believe I can do it again! I'm ready for tonight Wednesday night now. I think I'll hold onto my capri's I didn't wear last Summer either. Just in case I decide to finish boot camp after all.

Photo Challenge..And A Surprise

2009-02-10T18:38:00.005-06:00

My friend (who happens to be an amazing CT gal, by the way), Valeri Gail, challenged me to go to my pictures file, go to the 6th folder and grab the 6th picture in that folder. Even as I key this, I have yet to do this, I'm scared. Okay here goes:

Wow...hmm. For those who don't know him, this is my dear dear friend, John, who passed away last Spring. In fact, I believe this is the last photo he ever took. I took it on my phone, something told me I needed to. It's not a good photo, it's clear he's hurting, but friends, let me tell you despite what it looks like, he was trying to smile. He was in great pain and still managed to smile and let me know he was going to be okay.

I'm going to challenge six ladies:

D
B/S
JenGi
Misty
Jami
Mrs. Aunt Bea

I'll be back to link up, but if you get this in the meantime, I'd love to see.

That's Progress

2009-02-09T13:40:00.009-06:00

My older two know this, but clearly my post-Pampered Chef-child has never had put much effort into instant drink mix making. In deciding upon Kool-Aid for Alex's lunch, our pitcher already had green tea in it. No problem, I go down to me knees in front of the cabinet, breath deep and go deep, finally pulling out another pitcher (and the coffee filters I forgot I had, a tea jar with crusted instant tea 2" deep at the bottom and, hooray, a little packet of vanilla flavored coffee grounds).

Alex chose cherry, dumped the packet along with sugar inside and filled it with water. He hesitated, looked at me, down at the pitcher, me again, (I'd have said 'up at me' about three months ago, but now, my 11 year old little baby boy looks at me eye level) in all seriousness and asked "Mom? How are we supposed to stir this?".

With that, I know the art of stirring Kool-Aid into those great mini tornadoes that sometimes seep up and over the edge, is lost in my home. I don't do so well with progress...it took me two years to finally switch over to boot cut. It'll take me another six to switch back..and by then I'm not even certain we'll be putting our jeans on one leg at a time. I keep thinking there has GOT to be a better way.

JenGi Goes to Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma Joe's

2009-02-06T10:15:00.004-06:00

How's this for delayed reaction?! JenGi might think I don't love her so much anymore--but I doooooo! I'm just running my show a little slow, that's all.

JenGi, J, Oldman and Gremlin (both adorable, sweetheart little boys, btw) made the journey to Lee's Summit a few weeks ago for her birthday (28th, I think) weekend. JenGi was under the weather, so not much bashing, sigh. I did buy bash juice, but we didn't even bring it in from the garage. Still, it was so good to see her again. You wouldn't know it's been over a year since we've seen each other, it felt more like a week. That's what I've always liked about her, she's incredibly funny and right away I'm laughing. She's my favorite thing in the Ozarks, my Ozark Mountain bff.

Saturday, we headed over to our blogfriend's apartment, Cat. Cat and her family were with us last Christmastime when we all three went out to see the lights...and had a blast! She and her hubby have since divorced and we've adopted hubby Jeff, lol. So...Jeff brought Brandon over ...so the boys took the boys to Paradise Park for some arcade action. Which left JenGi and I plenty of time to visit Cat, catch up, laugh, watch Cat's dog do a little burlesque show, laugh a little more!

That evening we headed out for some authentic Kansas City BBQ! So of course Oklahoma Joe's? Whatever, by the time John picked we were sick of talking about it. I told JenGi we were headed to Kansas and she cracked me up when she said 'okay...uh, how long until we eat then?'! She forgot we weren't in the Ozarks anymore, we were only 15 minutes to the border, lol. But she was going to go even IF...thinking it was over two hours, hehe.

We arrived in Kansas found Oklahoma Joe's (makes no sense, does it!!) and the line was literally out the door. After about ten or fifteen minutes back and forth, trying to decide what we were and were not willing to do for BBQ, even checking out the neighboring Chinese restaurant with four customers and a broken down buffet, then retreating in haste, we decided we'd do anything for BBQ after all.

We finally get settled at the back of the line when the door opens and a few people come in, clear their throats and tell us they're with the group ahead of us. No prob, come on in. When the door didn't close and dern near 12 people filed in, JenGi finally asked it: "How many are in your group?" 14. FOURTEEN?! Kansas people are like that.

Needless to say we spent a lot of time in line saying 'fourteen' out loud...like 'hey, looks like we've got about 20 plus 14 people to go' 'Mom, how much longer?', 'FOURTEEN MINUTES TO GOOOOO', 'Ummmm looks like about FOURTEEN people to go...' You get the picture. But....the line wasn't bad, the food was GREAT and the company even better.

Unfortunately Oldman and Gremlin woke up in the night sick, so they weren't able to come by Sunday morning for brunch. Yep, they got a hotel this round. I think Louie climbing up the stairs last year in the night to quench his thirst from their toilet was a deal breaker. Next time they ARE staying here (you're coming again for our WWII Memorial trip, right?? JenGi??).

Okay off to get showered ....Alex is having Alec over for a neighborhood airsoft gun day and he's kinda anxious. Fun fun! Pics at Oklahoma Joe's:

Wagyu Think?

2009-01-30T09:07:00.004-06:00

Well a few days in and here I am, ready to admit I have been wrong. First things first, baby (unless you ARE a baby not yet born). He is closing down Guantanamo Bay (he doesn't have a plan for the detainees there, but don't worry, he's got a whole year..details detail details, sheesh!), enabling funding for international pro-abortion groups because we need to provide freebie choices all around (unless you ARE a baby not yet born), sitting down for his first presidential interview with Al-Arabiya television (nobody saw that coming), seeing his $819 stimulus bill through, all followed by a modest little celebratory cocktail party serving $100 per serving wagyu delicacy. I knew he'd come through with his ever-humble and sacrificial ways.

I think overall it's a nice start, I haven't been disappointed. And Nancy Pelosi was so gracious this week when she so rightly announced to the Republicans that 'hey, y'all LOST. So nanananana, we're the boss of you...'! Nice.

*I'm bringing back the Hurdy Gurdy Man this week, he's that special.

Pictures and An Announcement

2009-01-25T23:04:00.005-06:00

A few photos to catch up on--hang on 'til the end it gets good! We took Alex to Cody's work a few weeks ago so he could swim AND so Cody's 'psycho' mom could get tons and tons of pictures of her little lifeguard boy:

He loves it, look at the smile!

He's been working tons of hours to keep up with the maintenance of his new truck--I just realized I haven't even posted photos of that yet. Sheesh, I'm falling so far behind.

Niki and Cody last month, I love this photo:

And part of what's been keeping me away from the blog is the Amazing DigiScrapping Race....it's been zapping all my extra time with two layouts a week. In addition to life and digi store uploads, it's been difficult BUT fun fun fun. I have a partner, Kelly, and we've had a blast together....this is the layout I did for Challenge Five, I believe:

Yay! So at this time, it's Isabella Renee. Renee was Jamee's middle name, and is also Molly's (Antoinette's daughter ((my little sister)) ). I think Jamee would be pleased with her beautiful namesakes. Baby is doing fine, due May 14. Niki is doing fine as well. More later in the week but for now, need to get off the computer.

Change of Venue

2009-01-12T16:01:00.005-06:00

This past week brought very big changes for us. On Friday, our church small group split and went two directions, something even a month ago I never dreamed would be so. If you didn't see a few posts down, our family has had to make the decision to leave our church home due to some 'emerging' issues.

Last night, we attended a start up church being led by a former member of our church. He reserved space in a local retirement community building--and rather than meeting Sunday morning, we met Sunday evening. It was so hard. Going to church in the dark (for now), walking into this building we didn't know, and sitting through a sermon that was not led by my pastor. I felt so out of sorts - -all the things about my church I loved have been taken away from me. No more walking through the doors and immediately seeing someone I needed to hug or catch up with.

We could have stayed, I know that, but we couldn't have. And yes, we do need to go out and love others, there's nothing more important than that, to be sure. But we need to stand for something, we need to be able to bring something to those we love on and meet. And for me, I'd better be prepared to share when I do. No worries, you won't see me running behind you waving my NIV in my hands shouting words of salvation! Well, maybe JenGi needs a little extra...but no. But you'd better believe I want to be equipped with substance if I get the opportunity to share.

It just isn't something John and I can compromise on--we want to know we have a church with sound Biblical doctrine. And (this is a dicey one) we need to have judgment within the church walls. Why Stacey, what ever do you mean by that? you ask. I don't mean pointing fingers and not loving, loving, loving. That's so often misinterpreted. But ~~when I've done something stinkin outrageous~~ should I do something wrong, I would hope someone within the church would approach me with love and direct me back to where I needed to be. And I will do the same. Too often this is considered 'arrogant' and 'judgmental' and who wants those labels on their foreheads? Not me. So we go along and do say anything because judgmental would be the worst thing we could be called within the confines of church. That makes me so sad--there is a vast difference between lovingly calling someone on their sin and being judge and jury.

So....last night as I took in all the changes--new building, new pastor, some new friends, some the same, some I haven't seen in awhile, I felt a rush of emotions wash over me. And then, because He knows me so very well, this came to mind: "Where two or three people meet together in my name, I am there with them." (Matt 18:20). Now I'm a fairly simplistic person, I don't need expensive anything, I've never had my nails done (gasp!), no facials, no designer clothes, my car seats are cloth, not leather--I could go on but you get the point. But this was just too easy! Come on, God, give me something here...give me something to take home, research, study, understand, learn!!! I listened again and heard it again. So simple--He doesn't want me to be confused, why do I continue to believe I'm not supposed to understand?

He was there last night, arms around my shoulders, as I struggled to take in the unfamiliar. And I felt at peace with where I've been called and I can't wait to see where this takes me. If I know me (I really don't), I'll be knee-deep in it before long. The message was thought-provoking and I have homework, but how wonderful that God is never-changing and what was true then remains true today. For the first time in several days I knew it would be okay. Because while I talked the talk, to be honest, I honestly wasn't so sure for awhile.

Ten Days 'Til GiGi Time! And Facebook Me

2009-01-06T23:30:00.006-06:00

Thought I'd post last year's frolic just to get in the mood--JenGi (GiGi) is gonna make the big bad 3 hour trek up to Lee's Summit weekend after next. Why? Cause it's her BIRTHDAY!! I told her we'd be doing a little DDR..and she asked if that was something digiscrapping. Am I the ONLY mom on the planet who did not get a Wii Fit this year? Some of use have to work out with PS2, Dance Dance Revolution. I'm getting better, too--10% correct so far. Beat that, JenGi. Yeah, I'm challenging you.

Seem Facebook has exploded over the last couple of weeks--I've gotten in touch with so many long lost faces and am truly enjoying that. Can't believe 16 years ago I didn't have a computer, didn't need one--and I was hoping I'd get a cordless phone from Dad for Christmas so I didn't have to stretch the cord from one room to the next to pull a child out of the toilet or give them a quick 'take your naps NOW' look. I got the phone. And from that point on I could do the look, pull a kid out of the toilet AND do the full throttle arms flailing point ...you know, the one that says 'Mommy means NOWWWW'.

Let The Second Half Commence!

2009-01-05T23:32:00.009-06:00

First--thank you for your encouragement...an old high school friend of mine told me tonight to just look up and praise God. How right he is!

Well today marked a few first--Cody's first day of his second semester of his 11th year in high school. Niki's first day of NOT going to high school. And, of course, Alex's first day back at his little school I affectionately like to call 'get down to the kitchen NOW!'. You know, I do believe it's time for school pictures:

Math this year is on the computer--Fifth Grade Math whips me:

Aww Alex, you poor guy--you shouldn't even HAVE to go to school!

But.......if you're going to go, might as well feign joy!

On a side note:

This little guy in these photos, my Alex the Baby, got new shoes this weekend. Seems he shot out of his size 4 shoes he started summer with and is now a perfect...........SIZE 9???!!!

One half size less than his 17 year old brother and his daddy. He's shot up so much in the past few months that all his jeans we bought for Fall are now pedal pushers. Which is fine, keeps in line with the whole 'homeschool' look and all. But size 9? I REFUSE to give him a piggy back ride across the 'long bridge' to Africa at the zoo. He should be hauling ME back and forth. Well maybe not, he's grown so quickly his little legs look like flamingo legs, they're so skinny. Might break 'em....sigh. Okay I'll give him a haul, but I will NOT do the boing boing boing across the bridge game anymore!

Resolutions and Changes - Beware This Is Longer Than Usual

2009-01-03T14:54:00.003-06:00

I don't really take resolutions terribly seriously beyond Day 2, but thought I'd go ahead and do a few anyway. Because these are resolutions near and dear to me, so I MUST do them!

1) Show more kindness and compassion for my immediate family when they do something I don't like. And all the time.

2) This goes with #1, but it's on a playing field all on its own: aside from God, my family's needs need to come before all others in my life. I'm terrible at letting them down and I know I can do better.

3) Lose the dang muffin top! I went from mini muffin to an Otis Spunkmeyer muffin and I'm not okay with that. I've already begun the process, but I resolve to see it through this year.

4) Get outside much more than I do.

5) Think of others more than I do--it's not that I don't love my friends, I do. I'm terrible at saying 'how are you?' and 'Happy Birthday!' and all the other things normal people do. I feel I'm living in a fog most days and I just don't do what I need to do!

Okay that's good enough for now! I'd put read my One Year Bible because I'm on Day 3 and intend to finish it, but I've tried this three times now and failed. I could use a little prayer and support with this. Anyone?

This week has been very difficult for my family--we have lost our church home and I am torn up about it. It's a very long story, but things came to a head last week (we weren't even there, but we heard the 'sermon' online) and the church has had a little implosion from within. John and I are not able to resolve our differences in setting doctrine aside and reading books rather than the Bible. There is only one book we will find our hope from and The Shack among others is not one of them. So.....with great sadness, we have made our decision. Last night was our last Small Group Friday--and I felt like I left my family behind forever when we walked out the door. Many families have left along with us, but it doesn't give me much comfort. I will always be grateful for the fellowship I had at our church--they were family to me when I needed them.

Where will we go? Well...not sure. We will be attending the first service in a start-up church a dear friend from our church is having next Sunday evening. We will pray God's voice is clear to us and we will certainly be part of this church (where the Bible will be read each week) if that's where we are called. John and I are prayerful we can make this transition without any of the 'drama' that sometimes goes along with church divisions such as this.

I have to say, though, at risk of offending anyone from my church who might read this: research emergent churches--arm yourself with that knowledge. And take action if you find your church is moving that direction. This is very scary--we've been moving this way for quite awhile and I had no idea! Your church may even say that's not where they're going; but if you feel something is amiss, that may be God tugging at you. If it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, it's a duck. A big yellow duck with mud all over his little wings.

Ten Best Moments Of The Year

2008-12-30T10:46:00.004-06:00

I came across Ten on Tuesday and decided to give it a whirl. I'm supposed to list the 10 Best Moments Of The Year

1. Definitely when Niki came back home to stay.

2. For sure the time Niki came back home to stay--the next time.

3. Oh! I know! The time Niki made the decision to return home....(I could go on, but then I'd only have one good moment left.).

4. When I decided to let go of ~~most of~~ all the things people have done to me in the past and let it be the past. Forgive even when they didn't ask for it. That was a very freeing moment--and has opened a few doors since.

5. Adopting our cat, Scat!

6. Getting accepted to sell in my first digiscrap shop.

7. When John's brother, Jim, arranged to have our air conditioner installed after ours died in the height of the heat wave.

8. Cody bringing home his semester grades (Not bragging but somewhere above 4.0. Okay, I'm bragging, how cool is that?!)

9. When Niki brought her cap and gown to me, kissed my cheek and said 'thank you'. Wait! That second part might have been a daydream. But definitely when she brought her cap and gown to me...very big deal!

10. Every moment with John is the best, because he is the best.

There! That wasn't so hard. If you want to join, click the pic above. Let me know if you have one up, I'll come over. I'm trying to work my way to all my friends this week at least twice. I get started then the phone rings, or something pops into my mind and I forget what I was doing. Niki is certain I'm turning into an old lady. I am certain SHE is turning me into an old lady. But I'm very glad she's home. Could you tell?

I Really REALLY Want a Sham Wow

2008-12-29T19:03:00.007-06:00

You know, he's been saying it every day over and over and I do not understand why people don't get it and I don't get why he doesn't just stop trying to please everyone! I am serious--we knew he couldn't do this all day and yet we force him to keep peddling his goods day in, day out, expecting the same deal (bogof).

I'm talking about Vince and his amazing Sham Wow! I wanted a Sham Wow for Christmas. I took the rug from in front of the shower and replaced it with a little dishcloth, because I'm pretty sure John wants a Sham Wow bath mat like I do. I'd go one step farther than Vince, though. I want a Sham Wow door mat and a Sham Wow runner in the entry.

I want a Sham Wow. I want to sop up all of Louie's piddle with just ONE square of Sham Wow and STILL have enough absorption in it to move onto the counter tops. I think it would be FUN to flip my Sham Wow up and over spills and small ponds, wringing out all the liquid that would have been left in my carpet but instead was squeezed onto my counter top. And while I do that, I want to talk across the counter to John with my little microphone over my head. Because a little microphone just makes sense on Vince, so why shouldn't I have one? I didn't get a Sham Wow for Christmas, but my anniversary is coming up. But still--he can't keep giving that great offer all day. I hope John acts soon.

If you just don't know what to say about this, then just give me your best Sham Wow.

Confession Time

2008-12-19T15:12:00.004-06:00

One of our cats (Scat) puked a huge furball onto our bed before I could get it made. Correction--before I CHOSE to get it made. It was on John's side. I assessed the situation--wiped it up with a wet wipe and made the bed. There are at least 50 pieces of laundry in my laundry room, I can't think of sheets today. I hope John jumps in quickly and doesn't notice the bullseye remnant where I 'cleaned' it. Is that wrong?

It's just that kind of week--anyone else having one?

I Got My Christmas Presents Early

2008-12-17T16:03:00.003-06:00

Be jealous ladies:

That's right--I got a new starter for my Explorer. Wait! It didn't end there, no--it's Christmas, let's really celebrate and throw in a new battery. Thank you, AAA, you probably saved my anniversary gift.

I Survived The Company Party

2008-12-16T13:44:00.003-06:00

Surviving John's company Christmas parties is an art. I haven't been in several years, I boycotted them. They were usually held at Starker's Reserve on the Country Club Plaza where a side of whipped potatoes will run you about $7. We would gather in our private party room and drink orders would commence. Not being a sophisticated drinker, my mind usually went into panic mode...name a drink Stacey..name a drink......and unable to come up with something on the fly (you'd think by now I'd plan ahead, but I'm ADD, I don't do that), I'd order red or white wine. I learned early on if I wanted the steak, I'd need to go with red and thoughts of UB40 ran through my mind all night long.

You get the picture--waiters weilding little metal crumb sweepers and who know from which side to serve. I managed to get out of the parties for awhile. John didn't go last year, either, we had a conflict. This year, no such luck. And so I reluctantly agreed to attend.

No Harry Starker's this time, times are lean...we went to Jack's Stack BBQ where the atmosphere was nice but casual. I think the one complaint I have is the private party room is adorned with a GIANT mirror that runs from one end of the room to the other. And the wall the mirror happens to be hung on runs right along the buffet...of course it is. (click the link to see the room with the mirror, you'll empathize)

I heard a lot of 'long time no see's' and 'we missed you's'. I feigned amazement when after a few drinks, one of John's co-workers recounted for the 10th time that she was a sorority sister of Jamee's. It was a small world ten years ago and still is! We'll visit it again next year, I'm sure. I decided, as I stood there, Michelob Ultra bottle in hand (I just gave up on the whole wine thing, it's not me) that I worry about these things for nothing. I'm no less interesting, I just have real nails. I'll go next year without being dragged, pushed and propped up, but only if I can wear jeans again.

Friends 4 Life

2008-12-10T10:48:00.006-06:00

Wow I didn't realize I'd taken such a long time away--yikes! I was working on something last night and I'm so excited I'm going to share it here, I love it! At Pretty Scrappy, one of the stores I sell at, I'm hosting this month's Template Challenge (click that for the link) and had to create a template. Here it is:

Then I decided to scrap it using my new Christmas Kit...here's that:

And then I decided I wanted to scrap one of my all time favorite photos...last year when JenGi, Cat and I got together with our families and had one of the nicest weekends I've had in a very long time. Funalicious, actually! Here it is:

I just liked the way it turned out so much I had to share. We're all well here--school is out today after our 1" nothing snow turned to 4" over a sheet of ice. Poor Niki fell twice outside the school as she left and called me freaked out and crying all the way home. She is fine and so is baby, thankfully. Cody did a great job driving home in the mess with his little car and sobbing sister next to him. He said he lost control three times but didn't let on to Niki so she didn't get afraid. How cool is that? He's looking for a new car and his resolve to buy a 4x4 has strengthened!

That's about it--I'm off to shower and get the housework started. I was up until 3 working on the template, so I slept until 9:30--I wish I were young again. Up until 3, sleep until 8....

Cody, a Letter Jacket, a Class Ring and a Bird

2008-12-03T07:59:00.004-06:00

Four weeks late, the letter jacket finally arrives...(click the pics to see it better):

'Cody, can you put your coat on and let me take pictures?'

'Yes, I'm serious! And you don't go to Rebecca's until you do. Okay, stand in front of the fireplace...Cody, move from the laundry basket, do you want that in the picture? Cody. Cody, move over there. How about move from the laundry basket or you don't go to Rebecca's...can you please look a little excited?'

'Can you close your mouth? I don't want to see your gum in the pictures, Cody...'

'Okay, turn around, let me get the back. Cody...I heard that and you might not go to Rebecca's if you keep it up.'

'Awww I think you like your jacket...you're going to smiiiiiiiiiiiiile...yes, yes, I see a smile....you're smiling, you can't stop smiling....'

'Okay...now show me your class ring, I want to see them both together....'

'COdy! Yeah I know that's the finger it was on, but you...you...okay, you know what? Go to Rebecca's...'

Annie Get Your Gun.......

2008-12-02T00:37:00.007-06:00

Why is our government deploying 20,000 US troops WITHIN the United States?

http://www.glennbeck.com/content/articles/article/198/18737/

What is our National Guard for then? I'm confused...while the rest of the world is applauding Hillary's acceptance to her newest post, thus creating serious discussions about Bill Clinton's suitability to take over where Hillary left off in New York...we are not paying attention. There are dots to be connected and I'm getting my pencil sharpened right now.

You might be wondering 'gee, is Stace alright? She's sounding a little conspiritorial...' Am I? What do you think about this?

Freebie Announcement:

2008-12-01T00:23:00.003-06:00

I usually keep these at the digi, but I really REALLY liked this kit. So much that I did a quick page freebie with it (I quit doing that with every kit I made, too time consuming!). It's fairly simplistic, yet the paper is ornate enough, it can be! Click here to get to the kit download. Let me know if you need links to digi tuts to get started!

Here's the kit:

Thanksgiving At My House--Or Jeanne's House, Whatever

2008-11-30T17:53:00.006-06:00

I hope today is the end of a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend for all of you! We went to John's sister's house in Platte City--all 40+ of us. And......I'm sure you'd much rather see the photos than hear me whine about being nearly last in the 45 minute line (Debbie elbowed her way to the front and wouldn't let me cut). Here ya go--not all great photos, and I didn't do a good job getting everyone in the photos, oops. But it was a great day.

My nephew Joe and his wife, Sara:

Nephew Bob and his girlfriend...uhhh...shoot I forget already!! Sorry! But she's beautiful.

Caught the matriarch and the patriarch getting ready to take their seats! That'll get me extra presents next month. I'm sure of it.

My Johnny and BIL, Pat (Fireman Pat)

Little Joe and Niki int he background...Bob on the left (Melissa's fiance), Melissa, great niece, Samantha, and Samantha's mom, my niece, Kelli:

Family friend Mindi, nephew Justin, married to my niece (Debbie's daughter), Angie (holding Mindi's daughter):

Niece Brooke with her boyfriend's daughter (who looks amazingly like Brooke...uncanny!)

Niece Sara (married to nephew Joe--Jeanne's son)

Blaine, niece Julie's boyfriend, Justin, niece Jennifer's husband, niece Jennifer, niece Julie:

SIL, Dorie and her sister, Patti:

SIL, Jeanne, our hostess (and Fireman Pat's wife)--this photo will get me extra presents too!:

Mindi's son, my Niki, SIL Debbie (whose face I have blurred because her eyes are closed and I think she'll withold presents next month if I don't blur her out):

Dad, John and Mom:

Cody, me and John

It occurs to me I have no photos of my son, Alex this year. I feel a mother of the year award coming on! Alex and my nephew Tyler pretty much take off as soon as we get there, I'll need to photoshop him somewhere. Shhh!

Happy Thanksgiving, friends, I can't wait to read about yours. After I do my stupid Sport Rider--I HATE how much weight I've gained this year and I'm working like nothing else to get it off before Spring! I.Hate.Exercise.

I'm In Contest Mode Again

2008-11-24T10:49:00.004-06:00

I've been checking out the 5 Minutes For Mom Christmas Giveaways and I feel my pulse beating harder, my breathing getting a little faster---all signs I'm in full contest-entering mode! So far I'm winning a pair of skates for my niece, Molly, a cool new printer for myself and a Batman PS2 Bundle for Alex (isn't this cool?!).
Click the button to check it out for yourself, but remember, less entries from you mean more chances for me. Especially JenGi, she'll enter them all and I think that's wrong. Unless she's going to give them to me...maybe.

The Pentagon Under Cyber Attack

2008-11-21T10:29:00.002-06:00

Check it out here. It's that important.

I'm So Dang BANGO!

2008-11-20T17:53:00.005-06:00

I've been at church a lot this week--prayer room, Women's Group and a few new ministry meetings I'm PC-ing (process coordinator). Sounds more official than it is. Tonight is the last one for the week--and it's the ministry nearest and dearest to my heart: Elderly Ministries. I don't expect many to show up--John said he'd drop in and I'll pick up Sheila and Velma (the two ladies who go to the nursing home with me). But that's okay, we need to get our yearly plan in order anyway.

I've been back in the swing of visiting again--I didn't know how I'd ever do it after my friend John died. But I did and it feels right. AND Cody and I had dinner with another friend, Luther--cheeseburgers, vanilla shake and fries. Just like John always requested. That was hard.

I don't know if I told you this before, so here it is. For the LONGEST time I'd come down the halls and Luther would be at the end screaming out "Boy Oh BOYYYYY! BANGO BANGO BANGO!!". And I loved it--because naturally bango would be elderly slang for beautiful lady.

So I'd walk towards Luther with a little bit lighter step and maybe I'd toss my hair a little as I went. The nurses might think I'm crazy but who cares? They're jealous and Luther thinks I'm BANGO! I'd get to Luther, take his hands in mine and say something like "That's right, Luther, I'm here! You flatter me, really, you..you...."

It was several months later that I figured out BANGO meant Luther wanted me to fill in again calling BINGO (I used to do that from time to time when Pat was the activities director)! And not because he thinks I'm lovely, no. Because I have quarters for prizes. And if he wins a few rounds, he'll get a soda for the day.

Mmmmhmm...it's okay. I can take it. I still choose to pretend as I'm skipping down that hall towards Luther to the tune of BANGO BANGO BANGO Oh boy OHHHHHHHHH BOY!!!! what he's really saying is 'beautiful lady' when in reality, it just means quarter lady.

If you don't already, try visiting at your local nursing home, I'm telling you they will bless your socks off or your money back!

Wordless Wednesday - Cody & His Trampoline

2008-11-19T09:28:00.002-06:00

For more Wordless Wednesday entries, check out 5 Minutes For Mom.

Writing A Manual: How To Survive A Niki

2008-11-18T15:30:00.005-06:00

Oh it's coming--if the process doesn't do me in before I can finish it.

It's been a very long time--I let many of my friends know by email that I was going to step away from blogging for awhile if not forever. Not because I didn't have time to blog, but because circumstances in my life were so overwhelming I didn't think I could come up with anything to say, let alone find air to breathe some days. For those of you who are the last to know, our daughter, Nicole, is pregnant. It was a devastating blow...but in the end, that's all it is. Just another blow; it didn't destroy us and it won't. I'm STILL getting used to the idea.

Niki is doing well--her morning sickness has passed. She is quickly outgrowing all her 'normal' clothes. But healthy. I've decided while I know it's not always meant to be rude, that I'm tired of watching my friends approach my daughter and ask her 'the question'. Are you keeping your baby? I hate that she feels she has to answer that over and over--and I hate that she feels she has to justify herself. Adoption is such a great choice. But not here. Niki may not have the father (who has treated her so disrespectfully I'd almost rather have dinner with Michelle Obama and Rosie together than have another conversation with him) but she has John and she has me. Our prayer is that one day she will meet a special man who will love her AND her child. And she will.

For now we occupy ourselves with logistics. Her room isn't large enough for a full-sized crib and her stuff. Her room is the smaller of the three kids' because it had it's own bathroom, not the adjoining bath the boys have. Please! Couldn't even fathom mornings if Niki and Cody had to share a shower/toilet.

So I we're thinking of knocking out a wall in her room that opens to quite a lot of unused space. It runs along the upstairs hallway and is large enough for two bedrooms, so we have room. We just need money and/or time to get this done! In the meantime, Niki has been informed babies don't need space. They can even sleep in chest drawers. Ummmm no. I cannot chance my first grandchild encountering the same fate most of her jeans and socks encounter--lost, mis-matched, wrinkled or worse--dirty. I think a drawer is fine for some, but Niki needs to stick with a specific baby spot. We'll get her a bassinet.

So there you have it--I didn't mean to go away for so long, I just couldn't think beyond the hour for so long. But there came a point when I just had to realize what I've been talking about all this time: I am not in control, God is. I can make decisions, but there is a reason God put these trials in my life. It's up to me to keep going.

And I love love love all of you. Your letters have made me smile, kept me laughing, and loved me right through the dark times. I keep saying this, but it's true--blog friends are amongst the best friends!

If I had to find a silver lining, I didn't have to say a thing after the elections. Not.a.word. But omg omg omg...what?!!!

Beautiful Pink, Beautiful Survivors

2008-09-29T16:54:00.008-05:00

Beautiful are those who fought and didn't win either (but I happen to believe they're dancing in heaven laughing at that statement right now).

I'm crossing over my digi and my personal blogs right now...but for a very very good reason. I had the honor of being involved with some fantastic designers at Scrap Professor in putting together a Fight For The Cure digi collab. It turned out to be an absolutely stunning kit, check it out:

I think it's a lovely kit, would be perfect for the girl/ladies in your life. And if you know someone fighting breast cancer, I think it's a great way to support them. Our church family just lost a beautiful wife and mother to breast cancer this past Saturday. It hits close to everyone's lives, I know. By the way, all these papers and elements you see here for $5. 100 percent of the proceeds to the Susan G Koman Foundation--the designers all donated their time and Jolie at Scrap Professor donated time, talent AND the store in which to put this amazing collab. If you do purchase the kit, let me know and I'll email you a code for $3 off anything in my SP store.

Six Quirky Things About Me

2008-09-27T15:46:00.002-05:00

Shana tagged me the other day--so here it is. Six quirky things about me. You'd think that wouldn't be difficult, but I'm deep in denial, so I've been mulling it over.

1. If you've read my blog longer than a week, you know Tab soda flows through my veins and without it, I'll probably check out.

2. I pop my eyelids. I've done this since childhood. It resulted in a very terrifying moment in time late one night as I lay in the dark in my orange canopied bed happily popping my eyes as I drifted to sleep. My sister, Jamee, (oh she could get mean with the best of us when driven to it) suddenly dive bombed me from out of the darkness, hollering "Stop it Stacey! Stop popping your eyes!!! Stop it!!!!". Sheesh! If only she'd tried it.

3. I can't sleep well without three pillows. Two on my head and one at my back.

4. I STILL hate getting out of bed at night...sometimes I can almost feel the arms that are laying in wait reaching out and grabbing my ankles, pulling me under....that goes for vans with no windows parked beside me, thanks for whoever forwarded THAT to me!

5. I can't go outside without my sunglasses, and I panic when I can't find them. This dates back a few years, Niki and Cody were small. I was driving to the grocery store when suddenly my eyes started watering so badly I had to pull over, I couldn't see. My eyes are, for some reason, very sensitive to the sun and they water up and itch like crazy!

6. Number Five leads me to think I could be a vampire and not even know it.

If you're reading this and wanna share, I'm tagging YOU! Thanks, Shana, it was fun.

The Digi Threads That Might Give Me A Heart Attack - Or Make Me Hurl

2008-09-26T08:41:00.007-05:00

I think I'm going to have a heart attack if I don't stay off the digi threads this weekend. It seems the digi far-left have proclaimed themselves, along with Dave Letterman, to know who is qualified to run the country, what should or shouldn't be done, who was wrong and how absolutely utterly perfect and unblemished Obama is. I think it's the way they go about it, so angry. It's hard to read....one designer I respect very much even went sofar as to question whether America is a great place in which to live. Clutching my heart.

They have, however, forgotten that Palin is NOT running for the Presidency, I find it ridiculous that this group of women is spending so much time picking apart and destroying this woman, who is as much or more qualifited than Obama is, imo. All on a digi designers forum--who knew one could find so much political enlightenment there! Check it out here:

http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/forumdisplay.php?f=9

Look for anything political and have one hand on the receiver, you may need a cardiologist! Speaking of cat scans, I have one today for my bladder...I'm a little claustrophobic, so I cannot tell you how excited I am. It all goes back to being in the back of a Chevy Nova with my friends (we were probably 10 at the time) and driving from St. Joe to Savannah:

I got smashed to the back end and couldn't get anyone to let me out until we were home. I'll never forget the sheer panic I felt that night being crushed by three other girls laying side by side in the hatchback of a car (love the new seat belt laws today). I was screaming, trying to push my way out, but nobody thought I was serious. It's about a 15 minute drive and might as well have been an hour, it was that horrific. And I'll never drive a Chevy Nova. Unless Jon Bon Jovi was in it and needing a ride somewhere right away. And only if he turns Conservative. Maybe. It wouldn't hurt to give him a ride either way, though. I don't think...

The Song That Brought Me Into This World

2008-09-24T22:56:00.005-05:00

Okay I totally stole this from JenGi (it's okay, I'll send her candy). If you head over to this site and plug in your exact birthday, it'll take you to the song that was Number One on the day you were born! And I was pleasantly surprised to find Crazy For You by Madonna was my song!

Okay okay back it up a few more years....and while I wasn't lucky enough to have Bye Bye Miss American Pie (JenGi's song) for my debut theme song, I do kinda sorta like the one I got. It's by the Boxtops--The Letter. Give me a ticket for an airplane..ain't got time to take a fast plane. Lonely days are gone, I'm a goin home...my baby wrote me a letter. Not bad. Here's the video on You Tube. They're not smokin NOTHIN, by the way. This is how they always look. Probably. You don't know for sure.

The Day The Circus Came To Town

2008-09-23T12:50:00.003-05:00

I've been around--just a ton of stuff going on with my digi, mostly. I've released three items this week, here are the previews:

I'm finally seeing a fairly large breakthrough with sales--I think my name is getting a little more known in the digi world, lol. I'm hoping all this hard work is finally about to pay off--knock on pressboard.

Cody had an invitational meet Friday in Parkville--he sucked eggs the first round. But he was fortunate enough to make the final two cuts and THEN he decided to make clean entries. He came in the final round at 12th and made his way up to 6th. What a cool ending it would have been had he started that last round with more points! Ahh well, he got a medal. It's all about the medal, right?

I've been keeping up with most of you in reader of by email, I haven't forgotten you. Balancing homeschooling, digi designing and parenting hasn't been easy on me...I honestly need a vacation! But, sigh, I don't see one in my near future.

What Does A First Place Diver Look Like?

2008-09-18T00:34:00.006-05:00

A lot like my boy Cody! Wait! It is Cody! Click it.

(I think if he could string his Xbox up somehow and control with his foot, he'd have that in this picture, too.)
And of course, it's that time of year, here is a little dive clip for ya. Completely optional.

And of course, Louie. He has nothing to do with Cody winning first today at the Liberty meet, but it's Louie getting all excited when he heard. He was happy, even if Scat the cat was nudging in on his territory.

Rally Time!

2008-09-15T22:02:00.005-05:00

Okay before you give up and decide I didn't REALLY go to the McCain/Palin rally here in Lee's Summit, here are the pictures! Alex and I went with our friend, Kristy (in the pink, isn't she adorable?). We stood in line for a few hours, endured the off and on drizzle that destroyed my hair (why is my hair the first to go?), only to hear we likely wouldn't get into the Pavilion. So....we could turn and go home or head over to the overflow where we McCain and Palin would step out and say hello.

So...hanging out at the overflow, we ran into another dear friend of ours, Elaine (shown here on the left). We also saw our church's youth pastor, but I turned my head and pretended not to notice. He's pretty liberal, I wasn't really wanting to be standing with him when he started shouting "Jesus for President!". I opted to stand by the moms with their children belting out "Drill baby Drill!" Pathetic, I know.

Here we are....rain hair and still smiling! The button is where it is because the coffee that didn't make it to my mouth while I was trudging two miles to the line was where it was.

Okay I need a new camera. My camera sucks. This is actually the best one I have! I labeled them for you...they really weren't very far away. But my camera sucks. Did I say that already?

This is a local anchorman in Kansas City on the right. He was interviewing this lady...I know her but cannot place her face, which is driving me nuts! And that's me behind them waving hello. Of course! No worries, the camera wasn't on me, I didn't ruin the shot. Are you kidding? Look at those bangs...I wouldn't show those on the news!

Okay ending this photo tour with this fella. Recognize him? He's Carl Cameron of Fox News. I drag Alex over there because how cool is this? He gets to see a face on national news in person! We edged closer and closer and realized he was on the phone and he was TICKED OFF at whoever was on the other end. F bombs were dropping all over the place. Okay.......so not the sweet little wisp of a fella with the endearing crooked teeth and slightly large ears. I'll never look at Carl in quite the same light again. He's an F Bomb dropping, Red Bull drinking meanie reporter. Sigh. So...there it is. I'm off to get the laundry folded. John's headed to Birmingham and I need to hang out with him awhile.

Stacey Will Be Laughing In Her Sleep:

2008-09-14T23:06:00.002-05:00

Update on USO Girl

2008-09-13T14:35:00.002-05:00

I received a text from USO Girl this morning--they are safe. No power and some property damage, but safe. I told her I'd pass it on, I know many of my friends are hers as well. Bubba's Sis evacuated, so I'm confident they are okay as well.

Such a tragic weekend with the hurricane and the train collision...

To My Friends in Texas

2008-09-12T09:01:00.003-05:00

I've finally downloaded all my pictures from the McCain/Palin rally and will get them up asap. However, with the hurricane bearing down on my friends in Texas, I don't feel right posting just yet. I've been listening to the news on the radio all morning and it's so scary!

D, B/S, Jami--I'm up here praying and I have room if you need it.

The Waiting Is Over...Twin Tab Bottles, The Winner & Alex's Teeth

2008-09-08T12:40:00.003-05:00

The first order of business: the winner of the $20 Amazon.com gift card!! Drum roll...duuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu

Mrs. C! Congratulations, Mrs. C...I'll email you the information before tomorrow is out!

I'll tell you all about the McCain/Palin visit to Lee's Summit tomorrow, with the pictures I may or may not have (haven't had time to download them yet). It was misting all morning, of course. We got there an hour before doors open, to find we were very far down the line, of course. We were told we wouldn't get in...so we might as well go over to the overflow area, where they would both come out and say hello AND we could hear their speeches. Ummmm...where was overflow? Outside, in the chilly mist. Of course!

Here are a few shots of Alex last week. He's showing off what's left of his poor little teeth (he has to have his THIRD root canal in the morning, shhh I haven't told him yet).

It just looked fun...that's why! We do get a little school done. But darnnit sometimes we just need to have fun.

Here they are: my beautiful beautiful Tab bottles--don't they just make you thirsty?

I think I'm going to funnel some Tab from my can down into that bottle and relive my childhood. Think it'll be the same?

Where Will I Be Tomorrow?

2008-09-07T20:27:00.004-05:00

Okay I think I'm done for a little bit---I realize they're not Fall colors, but think coffee and Fall. I just wasn't ready to mute it yet....but wait until I put together the Halloween do...

I've got Tab bottle pictures to develop...but not tonight. I'm doing a little housework and getting ready for tomorrow morning. What's tomorrow morning? you ask......tomorrow morning is when Alex, my friend Kristy, and I go.to.see...........

John McCain & Sarah Palin

Where? you ask...

Like less than a mile from my house...I'm soooo excited! I'll bring the camera and hope I can take pictures! If Oprah won't ask, then I just guess I'll have to go listen for myself.

Wooooooooohooooooooooooooo! Great hair, fantastic energy--I'm more than a little hyped up for this! Well, except that I have to be up and ready to leave at 7:30. That's not my way.

New Fall Clothes

2008-09-07T15:41:00.001-05:00

Please excuse the mess, I'm re-dressing the blog for Fall...and I have to run to Target for cheese, so I can't finish what I started. Bet that's the only time you'll read that today!

I wanted it to be a surprise, but clearly you can tell...I'm going pink and coffee. I think. Depends on how the papers go down behind, lol. Okay off for cheese, bbl to finish and do some hopping around.

Missouri Casual

2008-09-05T23:22:00.006-05:00

I've been in the market for a gently used new-to-me sofa for the upstairs living room and/or a sectional for the downstairs room. I love Craigslist and have been going back and forth all day with sellers. I even treked out far enough into Kansas to possibly hit Colorado with Alex...only to find she changed her mind, she wants me to get it out tonight or forget it. Not having a truck, I forgot it. It's okay, I've got a visit with a cream colored microsuede sectional tomorrow (cross fingers).

But in checking on some other possibilities this evening, I came across a $400 metal birdcage. I really wanted to know what a $400 birdcage looks like...so I clicked. I can't take my eyes off the ~~ohmygoshimgladthisisntmyneighbor~~beautiful birdcage!

Pants apprently not included. Nor necessary! Hey this is Missouri, after all.
*don't forget to say something on yesterday's post if you want to win the Amazon gift card!

I've Got A Giftcard and I'm Not Keeping It!

2008-09-04T22:51:00.006-05:00

I've been in a blogging slump like no other. It's not because I can't think of anything to say, I've got gads of things to tell you. It's not even that I don't have time, that's a cop out, too. It's more I don't even know HOW to pull all the little rubberbands stretched from one end of my life to the other together into a nice neat little ball. So how could I write about them? A dear friend emailed me today, and it's not so much the subject of the email that got to me, but more what she said in the end. She missed me.

I wrote her back and told her I was feeling overwhelmed with the digiscrapping, homeschooling and just being scattered. And I told her I had just the night previous been praying about this, because I have come to a crossroads. Let JameeForever go or consolidate the digi with the blog, because I can't do both effectively anymore. The digi is starting to take off, I'm not willing to let it go. So how would I even begin to consolidate the two very different blogs? I don't really know! In a very down moment, I prayed about this last night. I prayed, I listened. And I even had my goodbye post written in my head, had a list of the best 80s music to send me off into the sunset, a photo montage, a fun recipe to share, the works. Okay, no recipe, you know me better than that! But it was so real in my head I had tears in my eyes. This would be my great exit, music, pictures, stories of my best blogging moments, the amazing friends I've collected...and then I got the email and something in those words reached out and kicked me into gear!

I'm NOT done. I DO have time. And I would miss all y'all like no other if I didn't ~~meddle in~~keep up with your lives. So I got to thinking--what would be a great way to tell you I love you and I'm hanging around? Pictures? Maybe. A piece of Stacey gossip? Later. For sure, I have some. Details about my fab Tab bottles I bought off Ebay (thanks Steph)? Tempting, I know. But no, I really think I know y'all better than that. You love me so much that the ONLY think you want from me is..........a $20 gift card to Amazon.com baby. That's right. I'm bribing you to forgive my loser-blogger-status just one more time. Just tell me you want in, I'll do the random numba deal Monday. I've got pictures, stories, updates and a few Palin makes the world go round thoughts. No worries, they're all up here (knocking on head).

Good Hair Prevails--Just On A Different Head

2008-08-30T17:01:00.005-05:00

Okay I wanted Mitt...because let's face it, I loved his beautiful hair. I really really did! So when we got Sarah Palin (dubbed Sarah Barracuda from basketball buddies), you can imagine I'm more than ecstatic, I'm in beautiful-hair-overload, baby!

It's icing on the cake that she sold the jet on Ebay and she did away with the chef the came with the job, because she could make her own children's sandwiches. Fluffernutters are tricky, so no matter who you like, you have to give her sandwich points!

Seriously, she's amazing, I heard an interview with Glenn Beck several weeks ago and was taken by how smart AND ethical she was. And she brings the energy conservation argument right into her own backyard--hard to beat this choice, old man. Wait! Now that we have Joe Biden on the ticket, can we finally do away with the old jokes? Sheesh! I hope so!

*Jen--I ended my toga party, but I really really liked my toga.

Toga Party Tomorrow - Denver!

2008-08-27T15:32:00.008-05:00

*Edit: If it is true, that the podium is supposed to rise up from the floor, all I have to say is: be afraid.

I'm going to be soooo disappointed if Barry and Michele don't wear their togas and leafy crowns tomorrow. If ya can't do it here at the parthenon, then where?

(this is what happens when I sit at the computer too long!)

On a serious note, I read this on another blog (totally paraphrasing here): For all the scrutiny Cindy McCain has been under regarding how many houses her family has, at least that house was not built with other people's money....how much did this mega-shrine cost anyway?

Flat Stacey in the Dominican Republic

2008-08-26T15:25:00.004-05:00

My friend, Nova, offered to me a fantastic opportunity to head out with her on missions and go to The Dominican Republic. I really chewed on this one, I wanted to go so badly....but, sigh, I also knew it wasn't reasonable given the last minute everything that needed to be done. Not to mention the cost. So I declined this year, but I'm holding out that I can go with her on her next trip.

Nova and I grew up in the same town, went to the same school..okay there was only one and knew each other well simply because everyone knew everyone in Savannah. We had lost touch until about two years ago. I had moved south from our town to the city, she moved north to an even smaller town. Actually, more like an iddy biddy dot, I don't even think it has paved roads! Okay that was an exaggeration, but still, you'll need a 4x4 to get around.

Before our 20th reunion, she reminded me of something I have no recollection of....but remembering how I was, I knew I had to own it. I am sure I said it, I was a bit of an acting-out-middle-child-with-no-common-sense. She said one day in band class, our director asked us to define a flat for him. I'm sure he was talking to me, I really sucked (I played the trumpet). Apparently I wasted no time in hollering out "I think of Nova when I think of flat!".

Now HOW does one process this and make it right? No way. I apologized all over myself, and while Nova graciously said it was okay, that she laughs about it now, I'm still sick about it. The Stacey writing this would never say such a thing.

So how does this tie into the Dominican Republic trip, you ask? Nova can never say I'm flat...unless, of course, I'm in the DR with her. She made up a Flat Stacey and that girl has dozens of photos of Flat Stacey, all over the place. I laughed so hard I cried. Here are a few of my faves:

Some of the youngsters (Nova's daughter on the right) trying very hard to be as cool as Flat Stacey is.
Flat Stacey at Christopher Columbus' tomb (how awesome is that!)
Flat Stacey helping this young artist paint a mural.
Flat Stacey has arrived at the orphanage and found a Tab!
And my very favorite, my beautiful friend, Nova, with her new friend. I'm the short one in the middle.

Thanks for taking me along, Nova, you seriously made my week!

2008-08-25T23:18:00.002-05:00

I've been sick, I'll be back tomorrow, hopefully...but I didn't want anyone to lose faith that I up and quit again. Never!

Watch It Before It's Taken Off You Tube!

2008-08-22T13:41:00.001-05:00

Wow that really is creepy that it got taken off so quickly! Good thing Rush found a way....here ya go: http://www.rushlimbaugh.com/home/daily/site_053008/content/01125107.guest.html

A Calendar Of Hot Flashin Chicks, I'd Buy One!

2008-08-20T14:04:00.004-05:00

I have no idea who nominated me for this, but nonetheless, clearly he/she knows a ~~worn down, tired 40-going-on-41 year old mom whose jeans no longer fit~~ hottie when he/she sees one!

I of course needed to call John right away and tell him about this....and being the amazing support he is, he said "Really? So what is this about? Is it some middle-age women with hot flashes, what?" And while that COULD be funny, sadly, he was serious...it didn't cross his mind it would be something else. Pshh! I'm doing the Tweightloss challenge, down 2 pounds (3 yesterday, but I gained it back in my sleep). When I'm feeling less like this could be a better explanation, I'm so gonna thump him.

The Cake That Makes The World Go Round--Again!

2008-08-19T16:47:00.007-05:00

Okay John said he was getting kind of sick of waiting a week between posts. Can't have that....so while I'm still in my contemplation mode, I'm going to post anyway. And what better way to post and update all y'all whether you want 'em or not, pictures! Yes that's right, it's photo album time.

Yesterday was Cody's birthday...my middle boy is 17. And stayed up all night the night before playing Halo with a friend. First day of school was today (poor Cody), so here's what last night's birthday celebration looked like (note 'the cake'):

Too excited, I know. He didn't even eat a piece, he blew out the candles and limped upstairs to bed. If I'd known, I might have not killed myself getting the stinkin cake that makes the world go round done! Here's a shot of Niki joining in on the festivities (she had a migraine):Be jealous of that, will ya?! Yeah. That's right. We know about fun and we know how to use it. Okay, John and I did, we had fun at Cody's party.

This is Niki's boyfriend--her birthday isn't until October and he already gave her the early birthday gift....a pink helmet to match his blue one. How cute is that--we're too excited about our little girl zooming down the highway on the back of a motorcycle, can not even tell you. He is a nice guy, though, I can't say he's not. Yet.

Here's Cody (Niki was evading my camera) first day of school. Niki wasn't hyped up at the thought of going in for an extra semester, but she did it, she got through it, and I'm more than proud of her. I couldn't have been easy walking through those doors today knowing all her friends were gone.

Here's Alex's first day--not gonna lie, it was a long first day. We'll get our groove going, though, it's just tough with a new curriculum and all.

Cody's camera arrived today (his one day late birthday present) I took a picture of the camera in the used bag, so next year it'll be a blurred memory, he'll think I got it purchased on time:

And this is what I feel like this evening after a whirlwind of birthday, in-laws visiting, first day of school, and releasing a new digi kit (you knew there'd be one of me):

Anyone Have A Tab Bottle I Could Buy?

2008-08-12T22:46:00.002-05:00

Gosh so much goes on and with all my good intentions, I don't ever get around to publishing like I want to. Before Alex's accident, I had taken a trip to St. Joe to meet up with my dear dear friends, Kelly and Nova. I picked Kelly up and we met Nova at Barbosa's, that famously amazing authentic Mexican castle downtown. We had the funnest lunch (we were celebrating Kelly's birthday), they all are the funnest, though. Then after a reluctant goodbye to Nova, Kelly and I took her fiance, Eric, his lunch (by now it's nearly 3, lol, but he was kind enough not to mention that) at the Police Department where he works.

We stopped at a very cool antique store on our way back home where I left my name for the owner in hopes he will run into some old Tab bottles and call me. I'd really love to have a Tab bottle or two. Memories of my grandmother are intermingled with so many amazing things from angel food cake for my birthday, to sneaking bites of the giant Hershey bar always present in her fridge, to coloring at our own little desk, the metal dollhouse, the red velvet bedspread, cantaloupe in the morning...and popping open a cold Tab, watching the smoke rise out of the bottle before taking my first sip. So....hoping he remembers and finds a Tab bottle just for me.

Here we are leaving the restaurant--Kelly in the middle, Nova on the right. Someone at church said this shirt flattered me--I'm fixin to tell her I really like her without makeup better next time I see her, that all the girls are saying it. I think it's okay to do that so long as we agree to all pray about it later...right? Pshh! I'm NOT pregnant, darnnit!

The Cake That Makes The World Go Round

2008-08-08T11:56:00.004-05:00

Almost a week later, sorry friends. I've over-committed myself with a few digi contests as well as taking care of what seems to be a never ending trail of mouth surgeries! Alex is healing nicely, these are pictures from this past week, what a difference a week makes! Cody had his wisdom tooth removed Tuesday--that was a ton of fun.

Alex and John last Sunday --you can hardly see a thing!

Louie!

John had to grill his own birthday meal, lol.Here's the cake recipe:

preheat oven to 350 and prepare 3 round cake pans.

Mix:

2 c sugar
1 stick butter (I use margarine)
1/2 c oil
5 egg yolks (keep those whites! don't do what I did the first time and throw them out)

Mix and add to first mixture:

2 c flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 c buttermilk (I never have this, I do the old TBS of lemon juice to the cup of milk, it works)
2 tsp vanilla

Mix and add to all the above:

5 egg whites, stiff (be sure your beaters are clean, don't do what I sometimes do and not clean them, you'll only have to restart)
2 c coconut
1 c nuts (I always use pecans)

Bake in 3 9" cake rounds for about 25 minutes--you'll know.

When I frost this cake, I always add between the layers extra nuts and extra coconut, then I top it with the same.

Frosting:

1- 8-oz cream cheese (lowfat works well)
1/2 c butter (again, margarine for me)
3 1/2 c powdered sugar
vanilla--that's what it said--I use about a tsp or 2, it's whatever

If you bake this cake and put it in the fridge, it's one of those even better the next day kind of cakes. Or as my girlfriend Pam said 'I wanted to just sleep in it!'. It's that good.

I might be reemed for this but I really wanted to share this...I won't make you watch the first movie, it's pretty lengthy (but stinkin hilarious)...but the second one is funny too. It's Cody after surgery. He'd been telling me over and over how much fun it was...then he was trying to explain e=mc2 to me. And I, being a good mom, tried to trip him up, but even in a stupor he can out-think me. And all good moms of course record the conversation. For later. Because it's funny!

Happy Half Century Baby!

2008-08-03T17:57:00.002-05:00

I did manage to get this up before the day was done! Off to grill some steaks now--and of course the traditional birthday cake recipe. I need to share, it's really really good.

Get Ready...

2008-07-31T10:15:00.002-05:00

It's coming....

It's going to be ginormous, huge, bigger than big, scrapaliciously fantabulistic! And (get ready)...it's all.for.free! Check my digi blog late tonight or first thing in the morning. You'll thank me later, you really really will. If you like digi stuff, that is.

Six Years Later--I have Not Forgotten

2008-07-30T16:27:00.006-05:00

Alex had his root canals today, it was a last minute appointment, so I didn't get the chance to do this this morning. So many changes over the past six years, I'm still processing it all.

No worries, I couldn't do a handspring then and I won't attempt one when we meet again, either. Jamee was the talent. I just thought the uniforms were cute.

Etiquette Is NOT A Bad Word!

2008-07-28T01:02:00.003-05:00

Tamy, at 3 Sides of Crazy, has this great meme going, The Revival of Common Courtesy. It really really intrigued me--in a world where too often we think of how we feel, what we want, when we please, this is just the ticket!

Anyway, on her blog, she asks what we do to make our guests feel more at home. She really covered some of the bigger bases, so it's kind of difficult to be original. I'm not really a great hostess, really, it doesn't come naturally. But I'd have to say the ONE thing I do make priority when I have guests is I absolutely put them as priority...if you're at my home, you've got my full attention. It's lame, but it's what I do best--I can definitely hold a conversation with anyone, including your doorknob. Really! I can!

Head over to Tammy's if you want to link up.

Updated Profile Pics--Summer Edition

2008-07-23T22:48:00.002-05:00

To everyone who commented and prayed for Alex, thank you so much! I'm working my way to your blogs, it seems I get to a few and something interrupts me and I'm finished for the day. At this rate, I'll be 90 before I visit all my dear friends.

I'm pleased to tell you he is healing nicely and I'll be sure to post a new picture this weekend. You won't recognize him. His mouth is still very sore and looks bad, but he will heal. He goes in tomorrow to see about a root canal, I'm praying he won't need one. I can't imagine how much more he can handle going through, to be honest.

His summer is pretty well shot. We were headed to Six Flags because he earned two free tickets with our homeschool reading program, but because they expire on Aug 10 and he cannot do anything like that for at least a month, sigh, no go. I'm going to write them and see if they'll honor them in September, it could happen!

This is also VBS week. I'm working in crafts this year, and have to say I really really like that! The time definitely flies, probably because there just isn't enough time to get eight craft sticks glued side by side, the made into a frame then unstuck from the paper on the table, then decorated with stickers then glitter gel. I work too hard! I do!

Our air conditioner went out the other day...on THE hottest day of the year,
no less (see photo, I believe this summer has aged me at least 10 years!)

However, I'm connected. Yup, John's brother, Jim, owns a heating and cooling company here in Lee's Summit. But when the guy arrived, we found the entire unit kaput. Finito. Gone. AND to put in a new unit, we might as well go for zoned heating and cooling (the unit we have isn't adequate for this size house...naturally). And the furnace would need to be replaced too. A ton of money. And we are just coming up on the tail end of paying off all our credit debt. BUT in the process, we have cancelled all credit and we have saved NOTHING, used all our savings to do this. September was going to bring great relief, now this.

So...just when we were pondering what we were going to do, and just when it looked as if we would be sleeping with turbo fans directly on our bodies each night in the living room, John called from work. His boss decided to give him an extra bonus so we could get this system. It was unbelievable, we're still stunned. John's been there several years and Mike really relies on him, so I know he's earned this. But at the same time, what an incredible gift this will be. John told Mike he won't take a raise next year, which is fine with me! Besides, we're supposed to save at least 30% with the new system, so that alone is good enough for me. The ladies at VBS were praying, we were praying, and God did provide a way.

That's pretty much it....I know I'm still lagging in the blogging, but I really really have missed all of you. And I sooo appreciate your care and concern for Alex, you have no idea. It has got to settle down sometime--when Beth at the church office said it can only get better, I shushed her right away. Because I know better than most that it can always get a little worse! There seems to always be room for a little worse--it's a Poirier luck thing, I think!

Alex's trip to the ER

2008-07-17T17:01:00.003-05:00

I'm working on the fly here, so I hope this makes sense....Alex was hurt in an accident Tuesday night. Alex, Niki and I were going for our nightly walk, John didn't get home in time to go. Alex usually takes his scooter with him and rides along for fun. This Tuesday, though, we didn't get far. Alex was coming back down our hill with his scooter and being Alex, was laughing and zig zagging across the road when he lost control. It all happened so fast, but at the same time, slow motion. He went down hard.

I ran to the top of the hill and turned him over and there was blood everywhere...pouring, not just streaming, off his face and I could see just enough under the streetlight to know his mouth was badly damaged. I picked him up and ran back to the car, yelling instructions to Niki, who had poor Louie on a leash. She finally gave up trying to drag him in and let go of his leash to run in and call Cody down, grab a beach towel and get back to the garage, where I was putting Alex in. She was able to pull and drag poor Louie into the house (he doesn't move very quickly and he really didn't like that his walk was up so soon).

So.....long story short, one long ER visit, one transfer to Children's Mercy downtown, another long ER visit and oral surgery. Alex was AMAZING through it all, such a brave little guy. He didn't break anything other than his tooth--one permanant tooth is missing and the two front ones were forced back into place and are held in by metal bars which are sutured into his mouth. If it sounds painful to us, can you imagine how he feels? We emerged from Mercy at 6am and Alex slept for the long ride back home...thankfully.

He's finally stopped throwing up, I think that part might be behind him. His swelling is going down and just before I snuck away to update, he had eaten some Jell-O and is watching a movie. We have an appointment with our dentist on Tuesday to discuss whether or not he will need root canals on the two front teeth, something that will have to be done within two weeks of his surgery. I'd appreciate it if you would pray he does not--he's been though enough. Niki and Cody (Niki is home) have been absolutely amazing with him, he's so lucky to have a brother and sister who adore him like they do. I have a photo of Cody napping with Alex this morning, I'll upload it soon, hopefully tomorrow....but for now, I need to get back out to the living room. The pictures below are somewhat graphic, they're from early yesterday morning.

He still has a sense of humor, I love this boy!

Pineapples Make The World Go Round (Not an Ad, But They Do!)

2008-07-15T09:07:00.005-05:00

When John came home and told me this, I had to check it out for myself. It's true--read it here. The DNC is meeting in Colorado and has issued a few food guidelines, banning fried foods and at least one caterer reported pineapples were also a no-no. Pineapples, it seems, leaves too large a carbon footprint getting them from Hawaii to here.

Leaves a few Hawaiians feeling a little angry to say the least. Last time I checked, they were part of the United States...this is a major export for Hawaii. And not only that--pineapples are just darn tasty! I think to appease angry Hawaiian voters at this point, a way to get them here without adding extra carbon footprints can be found. How, though? Wait! I have an idea, we can double up...does anyone have Al's number?

As for the Southerners, I can't help you there. We can get the pineapples here on a private jet, but I just don't know how to take unhealthy out of fried food. So you can't have them. Because, while you might be an adult fatty (clearly you don't know how to take care of yourself and exercise self control) you AREN'T THE BOSS OF YOU! So...yeah. No fried food for you.

One Word, Just One Word..It's Hard To Do!

2008-07-08T09:56:00.004-05:00

I got this off of Gayle's blog, then read Kathleen's version and FINALLY got around to doing it. It sounds easy, just use one word, what comes to mind. But I think I'm a two to three word kind of gal, this was harder than I thought! If you haven't done it already, try it!

I'm off to St. Joseph tomorrow, gonna lunch with my BFFs Kelly and Nova, the two loves of my life, I am! Oh, hey Kelly! Nova is joining us for lunch, btw. I told her you got the check, she said for sure! Dunkin Donuts, here I come.

1. Where is your cell phone? Desk
2. Your significant other? Store
3. Your hair? Wet
4. Your mother? Skip
5. Your father? Heaven
6. Your favorite thing? Computer
7. Your dream last night?Forget
8. Your favorite drink? Tab
9. Your dream/goal? Missional
10. The room you’re in? Bedroom
11. Your church? Best
12. Your fear? Failure
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Missional
14. Where were you last night? Pool
15. What you’re not? Mean
16. Muffins? Top
17. One of your wish list items? Vacation
18. Where you grew up? Savannah
19. The last thing you did? Brew
20. What are you wearing? PJ's
21. Your TV? Fox
22. Your pets? Loves
23. Your computer? Vavavaoom
24. Your life? Juxtaposition
25. Your mood?Peaceful
26. Missing someone? Desperately
27. Your car? Explorer
28. Something you’re not wearing? Heels
29. Favorite store? Digi
30. Your summer? Flying
31. Like(love) someone? Yes
32. Your favorite color? Blue
33. Last time you laughed? Tonight
34. Last time you cried? Tuesday
35. Who will repost this? Nada

Wiser Than Serpents, Bringing Social Issues To Light In A Thriller!

2008-07-08T09:05:00.005-05:00

I read a book last month that drew me into the world of modern day slavery and into the main character's (Yanna) world. She's out to rescue her sister, as you'll read more on below. When the chance to review this book came about, I jumped right away, I knew I'd want to read it.

I hadn't given any thought to human slavery and the world of sex-trafficking until this year. My son, Cody, has been involved with a group aimed at bringing awareness to this very issue and even gave a presentation about it at our church this past Winter. And, as life sometimes does, God further placed this issue on my heart last month, even after I had this book in my hands. When I went to the CBF in Memphis, one of the most dynamic speakers I've ever heard in my lifetime spoke about the sex-trafficking issues through Lauren Bethell. She knocked my socks off with her message of hope, acceptance, and her ability to be Jesus to the women who have fallen pray to this horrendous trade. So in my mind, it was providential that I get the opportunity to read and post information about this book.

A Note From Susan:

Did you know that there are 27 million people around the globe held as slaves today – more than 80% of them women and children, and up to 50% minors. In fact, there are MORE slaves today than were in the time of William Wilberforce. That leaves me horrified, and it was those stats that compelled me to write a story with a human trafficking plotline.

Wiser than Serpents (buy here)is a continuation of the Mission:Russia series, a thriller about Yanna, whose sister is snatched through a Russian dating service, and disappears. Yanna enlists the help of Delta Force Captain, David Curtiss to find and rescue her. Readers who’ve read, In Sheep’s Clothing and Sands of Time will recognize Yanna as the tech expert, and David as the solid Christian of the group. (Read the 5-Rose Review here!)

The book is written from the point of views of the rescuers, not the victims, and offers hope and empowerment, instead of feelings of helplessness. It raises awareness without lowering the standards of Christian fiction. (Our reliance on God and how he can bring us through is woven throughout this book.)

Susan is giving away 15% of the royalties from this book to International Justice Mission, check out their site when you get the chance. I like knowing part of my purchase, combined with everyone else's, will make a great difference in lives.

About Susan:

Susan May Warren is the award-winning author of seventeen novels and novellas with Tyndale, Steeple Hill and Barbour Publishing. Her first book, Happily Ever After won the American Fiction Christian Writers Book of the Year in 2003, and was a 2003 Christy Award finalist. In Sheep’s Clothing, a thriller set in Russia, was a 2006 Christy Award finalist and won the 2006 Inspirational Reader’s Choice award. A former missionary to Russia, Susan May Warren now writes Suspense/Romance and Chick Lit full time from her home in northern Minnesota.

About Wiser Than Serpents:

When her sister vanishes into a human slave ring, FSB agent Yanna Andrevka is determined to rescue her. Unfortunately, she's in over her head, with no way out, especially after destroying the undercover operation of Delta Force Operative David Curtiss, who is deep undercover in the Twin Serpents crime syndicate. David has his hands full trying to save Yana, and his operation--on that could rescue hundreds of women from the Serpent, or cost he and Yana their lives. The thrilling next chapter of the Mission: Russia series!

Susan is giving away three sets of this Mission:Russia series, so if you're like me and want to dive into a great series this summer, head over to Susan's blog and leave a comment. Not just any comment, but tel her about the mission organizations you currently support and why it is you support them. I'm headed over now to do just that! Good luck, and happy reading.

Bibs are also good for wiping crass comments from the corners of your mouth, Joy

2008-07-04T14:08:00.007-05:00

Holding up a baby bib that was part of the Republican party's promotional items (they were showing both Democratic and Republican items on their show, The View, today), Joy Behar wondered if this was for John McCain. You know, so he can 'drool' on it.

Just remember this statement when you next hear another actress on The View complaining about ageism. Remember this when next we raise the question of racism, sexism, any 'ism' we've grown so accustomed to. Why is this okay? Why does this go unnoticed and why did the audience break into uncontrollable laughter at such a stupid remark? It can't be both ways--not fair here, fair there, not fair here. I don't see how. Irregardless of who you support in the upcoming election. That's not right.

Wordless Wednesdy Debacle (big word, debacle)

2008-07-02T22:06:00.003-05:00

I'm such a lazy poster, I couldn't figure out how to get the coding that kept popping up on my blog from overtaking my post that I just--poof! Went on without. It's okay, I'll post it again next Wednesday.

Today--Cody came home, hooray. He had a great time in Virginia, though, I know he hated to leave his best friend behind. At the same time, his new laptop awaited, so he was excited to open the box. He's saved his money from his job just long enough to get one. I bought his old one from him for Alex and his classroom (let's face it, Webkinz too). It's only two years old, actually better than mine, so he's excited.

Speaking of classroom, I'm painting it this week. I got about 1/4 done last night when it was time for our walk, and today with the airport run, a few trips to the store and a rained out swim meet, I didn't get back up again. Tomorrow I meet a friend and we head over to the used home school book store, so after that, I'll need to get to it!

And while we're talking about Jiffy Pop popcorn, I have an Alex funny. We were at the store and he had to have it (we all have to have the Jiffy Pop at least once, right?) when I standing at the deli counter and he started acting like he was popping the corn over my arm. He said "Mom, look! You're so hot the popcorn's popping!" Uhhh, Alex, I'm your mom.... Too funny! He meant hot in the literal sense. Love that he still thinks like that!

Prayers, Cody, Piercings and The 08 Profile Picture Castaway

2008-07-01T11:18:00.005-05:00

It's been a particularly difficult week for so many of my friends, which always gets me down too. If you haven't heard, JenGi's amazing brother, Hulkman, is in the hospital. I hope she knows how many of us love her and are praying right along with her for Hulkman's complete recovery. I haven't yet called her, but will do this today. You'd think after all the tragedy in my life I'd know what to say to folks who are hurting--but I really don't. I just try and say I'm here, I'm sorry, I'm praying. And more importantly, I follow up with actually praying! I didn't used to do that, I used to intend to pray for my friends, but I forgot that all important facet of the whole thing! But when my sister needed it most, I definitely knew I was grateful to all who prayed with her and for her. So, humbled by that, I understand now how wrong I was.

I also met with a friend from church yesterday, we had a long lunch. She's been dealing with a ton of stress for a long time now. And it was so hard to hear her say she doesn't ask for help from anyone because she feels she's taken their time long enough. Have we gotten to be a society of 'fast-food-empathy'? That someone is allotted a certain amount of time to hurt, then move along please, NEXT!? I hope not. I don't think so, really. But I think we perceive we become a burden to others sometimes and we stop asking for support. In my thinking, those are the days when we MOST need support, when we feel so alone and so overwhelmed and we quit.

There have been a few people on the MiracleWord forums who have been dealing with some serious issues and have asked for prayer too. I guess we're all needing prayer at some point in our lives, and I think Internet is a good tool to reach out to others when we otherwise would not/could not.

Oh! And I missed my BFF, Kelly's 40th Birthday. How uncool is that? It only confirms how caught up in myself I can get sometimes and that has got to stop. So Kelly, if you read this anymore,

HAPPY 40TH BIRTHDAY BFF KELLY!!!!!

Okay, enough down and out, I've done a lot of that lately! On the lighter side, Cody will be home tomorrow--I kind of miss him. Niki came by yesterday for a package that arrived for her...she couldn't stay this time. Probably best--I'm not in love with her latest piercing. The middle of the ear thing, okay, don't love it, but okayyyyy. But now? I worry that she'll never get that booger out of her nose and maybe the booger will cause an infection and spread and she'll have to be hospitalized. What will I tell people? Booger-itis? Help me not be so 'old' about this. And give me hope that it stops there. I cannot do lip rings or those little bars over the eyebrow. Right now it's a very real possibility, so I'm shuddering. If nothing else, I have been humbled by this whole "Niki grows up but does it backwards" thing. I refuse to judge other parents or children because then I would have others judging me. I do enough of that myself.

Okay for SURE enough down and out. How about a picture? I haven't done one for awhile. It's from my Profile Pictures Gone Bad-- Summer 08 Collection. You have one too, right? Am I alone in this? Am I the only crazy who has one and owns it? I'd better log off now.

Keep Your Projectile Child Off My Child's Flight. Please?

2008-06-29T16:15:00.006-05:00

After weighing the extraordinarily high risk of getting thumped on my often less-than-adorable head, I've been mulling the story over for several days. In my wise older age, I'm learning to blog with delay--lest my 'you stupid Stacey, now I've gotta sprinkle 'the dust' on you tonight' fairy visits. Which always leaves me to cringe as I read what I wrote in the wee hours of that very morning. So this time, I waited.

About the American Airlines incident with the autistic child. I've read the blogs, heard the shock in the indignant mommies as they came together to discuss this. And I empathize--I haven't got anything against autistic children and I consider myself reasonable. In fact, I readily admit I know little to nothing about autism, and know that could change quickly as my children approach the age they will settle down and start families. I know I'm not immune, I really do.

But in going from news article to news article, one thing keeps running through my mind and I still can't shake it, so I'll just say it. The carry on? The one the mother begrudgingly finally allowed to be properly stowed overhead? The kid that wouldn't stay buckled in his seat belt and refused to sit still long enough to take off? As a mother who just last week put her 16 year old son on an airplane to fly halfway across America to visit friends, and will pray again this week that he returns in a few days safely, I take great offense with this mother. I happen to love my child dearly too--and would not take kindly to finding out the airline didn't do it's job to KEEP PROJECTILE BAGS AND CHILDREN FROM FLYING ACROSS THE PLANE ON TAKEOFF FROM SERIOUSLY INJURING MY CHILD.

There! I said it, I believe it, and I will not take it back!

On a less life-threatening note, but a very valid one nonetheless, Cody had a 40 minute layover in Detroit. In that time, he had to get off the plane, find someone to verify where he needed to be, get directions, and walk the 5000 gates down to where he would walk up just in time to whip out his ticket, ID, and board the flight to his destination. No time left to spare (on my way to better days...no time left to spare...I found myself some wings!--replaces the music I'd usually insert her). I'm not sure it's right to expect everyone to sit patiently on the runway and wait for your kid's meltdown to subside before it was clear to secure items/child before takeoff. It's not about ignorance, intolerance, meanie-ness, lack of compassion and or understanding. I'm not like that.

There are many facets to this story, and this is one I wanted to throw out there. Because I'm not okay with vilifying the airline for following procedure when my kid could be inadvertently at risk. There! I said it, that felt mighty fine!

Memphis Shots for JenGi

2008-06-26T16:52:00.008-05:00

Okay okay I'm done giving JenGi a difficult time. She was, after all, very nice to her garage salers this weekend, that's got to be worth something!

I'm not sure what, but I haven't felt 100% all week long, I think just fatigue. I don't sleep well away from home, I'm sure that's part of it. Here are a few of the Memphis photos I wanted to share. Our booth took first prize in the decorating category, I'm tickled with that. We had a last minute change up in the decorations, so I had Cody make some musical notes on canvas and we attached some instruments, added a Beale Street sign and voila! Of course, the chocolate chip cookies probably had something to do with it, I concede. I only wanted mints (which we had as well) and Chuck, our pastor/friend wanted the cookies. We were dubbed the cookie booth and folks from all over came by to grab ~~ridiculously huge fistfuls of cookies that were for sure just for them, despite protests~~ a cookie to munch on!

Booth--cookies on your left, mints on your right!

We heard we needed to dine at Rendezvous--here's Chuck, clearly happy I'm taking his photo right after dinner, can you tell? Personally I think I'm about to be fired from the promotion team, but I can argue this is promotion, right?
Me and Alex in front of Elvis' car (I came home with a scarf touched by Elvis, btw).

John looking adorable in front of a gift shop.

We had a few surprises...while at the rivers edge one night, Alex picked up a piece of driftwood and carried it around a bit. Until he suddenly dropped it, shrieking snake snake! He was about to put the wood on his head (don't ask, I didn't) when he saw it...it was a little copperhead something something something. He seriously dodged a bullet there, thank goodness!

Our feet at the river:

Standard bathroom convention photo, clearly 2nd day because I wore pink on Day 1 (see Columbia convention for reference):
We had a SWAT bust on the eighth floor of our hotel, the hotel our pastor booked not realizing there were paintings of naked women on the walls, on the ceiling, all over the lobby. What floor were we on you ask? Eight, of course! Several hours later we emerged from our rooms to get to the convention and I was able to snap these photos as I left.

And THAT is what I've been up to. I'm fixin to finish up the PowerPoint for Sunday, but then....then....let the summertime fun begin! Swimming, being with my friends (including a trip to Springfield to see JenGi and Ms. Aunt Bea---Mist, wanna come?).

PS--it's just the right time to jump into MiracleWord.net, we're in Psalms and it's kind of laid back right now. I'll send you a pickle WITH a Pringle if you sign up in the forums and say hey. And I'll also thrown in a guarantee--these folks will bless your socks right off, really they will. If they don't, I'll send you two pickles to that one Pringle.

PPS--it's Misty's birthday today...HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Help Wanted

2008-06-21T21:43:00.000-05:00

Will I Kill JenGi? Or Won't I?..

2008-06-20T23:53:00.004-05:00

I sneaked a peak at the convention center computer (shhh!) and about knocked over an Elvi laughing and smiling so big! JenGi, because I've been conventioning and rubbing elbows with the Baptists all week long, let me tell you your post was a fantastic surprise and I've missed all y'all more than you can possibly imagine!

I'm in the hotel and believe it or not, have had no access to internet except to the MiracleWord forums, which I was encouraged to post on from the convention. I couldn't blog because everything entered into the laptop was shot out onto a big monitor for everyone to see....and the church we were at had no internet. So I'm in a hotel. With questionable art covering every surface of the lobby, including the ceiling. The hotel provides entertainment, do not worry that I've been bored. There was the Memphis SWAT team drug bust on our floor, including a battering ram and a door being busted in, cuffs, cursing and shouting and some room searching. I'll have some pictures of the carnege when I get home, I stuck my camera clad hand into the door on the way to the convention this morning, lol.

I'm going to bed now, I'm heading home tomorrow. I'm going to try to track down my classmate Ruth, I wrote about her last year but I'm too tired to link her. She's got cancer and lives in a small town we passed right through Sunday. If I can't find my address book, I won't...she doesn't have phone or internet access in the home. Alrighty, I'm off to bed. I adore all y'all (that's Mephis, right, D?) and am so humbled and excited to find all those sweet comments you left me. Thank.You. I do believe Miracle Word was successful, by the way. We won 1st prize in the decorating contest too...that's worth something! I'll be around this weekend to visit all of you this weekend.

Here's JenGi's favorite picture, btw--I owe that to her. Oh! And I think I'll be needing JenGi's password, don't you think? I won't kill her, btw. I love her too dang much to do that.

I'm kidnapping this blog!

2008-06-19T15:39:00.003-05:00

Hi!
In case you don't know me, I'm Jenny (aka JenGi) and I'm kidnapping Stacey's blog. She doesn't even know I'm doing this! (I feel like such a convict...it's kinda cool!)

See, she's off sweating Miracle Wording it in Memphis and I miss her something horrible.

The day she left, she called me just outside of Springfield to say that she was driving by and wanted to see me waving as she drove by.

I missed the call.

Those of you that know me, know I would've grabbed my fam with poster boards in hand that say "We love Stacey, Yes we do, We love Stacey, How about you!!!!!", and headed off to the highway to yell our heads off like a bunch of idiots.

And you can bet your sweet bibby I'm going to try it on their way back!

But until she gets back and shows us all her head shots I was thinking we could give her some extra love to come home to. She's been a pretty good leaning post to a bunch of us and I'm hoping you guys are in the mood to dish some back to her.

So.....?

How much have you missed Stacey? (She's SO going to kill me for this, so please make it worth my while...please?)

Memphis Time--and Prayer Requests

2008-06-15T11:17:00.004-05:00

I'm supposed to be in church right now, but they discovered a word in the PowerPoint, so I had to come home and fix it quickly. So....it appears I've got a few minutes to kill before heading back to church, having lunch with the group that's going and hitting the road. So of course that makes me happy, I've been running around and not able to post updates. But I will hopefully have access to your blogs while I'm there, so if I do, I'll drop in. It'll be so nice to catch up and feel part of home, weird, I know.

Pray for us if you will, I'd appreciate that. Also a few prayer requests if you think of it--

My friend's son has Rocky Mountian Spotted Fever--pray for recovery
My dear friend's brother is experiencing heart issues, pray for wisdom of his doctors and for good health for many many many years to come (love ya, bff)
My friend's husband is having difficulty recovering from heart surgery
I had a dream about Niki last night it was so real--please pray she comes around soon, ready to get her diploma and get on track again. For good. And that she realizes we've always loved her dearly and always wanted what's best for her.
Pray MiracleWord.net is received well and can grow to be the amazing gift that I so deeply believe it is....living our lives IN Scripture rather than pulling pieces of Scripture to fit into our lives. Sign onto the forums this week, introduce yourself and pm me (I'm Nicoal) and I'll take four of those names (you should do it, you never know if only four people do it, you'll win for sure!) and send you a Miracle Word Bag--very cool bags, not gonna lie.

Thank you, my friends. I'll be praying for each of you as always--and now I leave you with Alex's photo from last week's swim meet:

The Jerky Women Rule --Read At Risk Of Ruining Your Jerky Treat Love

2008-06-12T09:26:00.009-05:00

Alrighty a few days later, if you read the other days' post, you've probably been sleepless wondering what in the world I have to show you! Here it is, my grandest purchase of the day, my baby, my new favorite find. I'm the owner of a fine avocado green West Bend electric percolator. I've wanted one for the longest time-I read on a blog somewhere coffee is better in a percolator, and I couldn't shake the thought until I found one! So when my friend Kelly (new blog up) came for a visit last week, we first hit our favorite thrift store (where I found goodies, but not this one). Making our way back home with the loot, we stopped into an estate sale where I saw it...my heart skipped a few, I went to the shelf it sat on, picked it up, held it over my head so I could see the price tag on the bottom, and knew when I saw $1 I'd found my percolator. It does make fantastic coffee! We took it home (along with my new giant mondo huge vintage electric stand mixer/grinder/ice crusher/blender) and made Kelly and myself coffee. Not any coffee, mind you, but DD coffee. Kelly, being the bff she is, brought down a dozen DD and a bag of coffee.

Here's my new bff, my avocado green percolator:

Yeah yeah I burned again, I know. Sunscreen. I almost never burn twice. But I was at the pool for three hours Tuesday, that'll probably do it. If only my friend Pam hadn't brought cold grapes...but she did. And now I'm certain my chest is going to look like a piece of jerky before the summer is out. I'll be a jerky woman.

There's a group of women who congregate and hoard one end of our neighborhood pool. They're exclusive, and have probably been there since the beginning of the neighborhood. They've got matching towels, matching towel clips (I want some but can't justify them) and imo, shouldn't be wearing the two pieces they wear. Think jerky glistening from an oil rubdown hanging over and out and sagging from behind.

It's likely the QT cups they tote along aren't filled with water or tea, but I can't be certain, so I refuse to infer anything otherwise. They buy the same type of raft, whichever is the newest 'style' is that year and when they overheat, they congregate in the deep end, holding the group together by grabbing each other's raft edges. They clog up the end of the pool and block entrance to the ladder. If you're lucky enough to get by the group, you'd be brave to attempt exit from that ladder--it's kind of like climbing a dipstick--you'll need suction cups to get a grip. They're the jerky women--their kids are grown, they have a lot of time on their hands and live some of the more gigantic homes in the neighborhood. I fear by the looks of me, I could be mistaken for a member of the jerky women. I'm off to buy some sunscreen today.

Random shot of the three cats--they hang out here most of the day. GiGi top, then Jack, then Scat (I think I'll call him Scat now).

I took this test I saw on another blog I don't read (a high cuss-o-meter rating--I think she hangs out with JenGi) and here's my cuss-o-meter result:

OnePlusYou Quizzes and Widgets

Sunday we take off for Memphis--it's finally time to get to the Baptist Convention and talk Miracle Word. I was at the church yesterday being brought up to speed and looks as if I've got some PowerPoint revisions to spend my day with today. I'd be extremely excited, except one of the activities we're signed up to do is garden. Gardening in the middle of summer in Memphis sounds fantastic, I'm not sure why I didn't think of this before!

Happy Blog, Happy Smiles, Happy Coffee

2008-06-09T19:58:00.005-05:00

Wow. You guys are amazing! I was telling JenGi today I didn't mean to cause a ruckus. And I'm not not blogging. Nope. I thought about it, but no way. I just need to adjust my priorities, and sometimes that means if I don't have anything, I don't have anything!

But right now, I happen to have something. Terence, my longtime blog friend who has developed the Happiest Blog In The World (Smile My Day)! has made headlines. I'm not surprised, really, his blog truly is innovative and all about joy, so of course it's bound to be noticed. So I was excited to go over and read all about the writeup at Happy News.com. What I didn't expect to see was the extremely kind words he had for me. Terence, you gave me reason to smile (even though I don't really deserve any mention), thanks my friend.

And guys, stay tuned. Because tomorrow, I have a percolator find that's gonna knock your socks off. I do! I'm not saying if it's vintage or not, but I'll give a hint:

Be jealous.

Rethinking JameeForever

2008-06-06T09:58:00.006-05:00

A few weeks ago I started seriously throwing around the idea of putting JameeForever on a shelf for a few months, a year, maybe indefinitely. Sometimes I feel so overwhelmed with everything I have to do I'm not able to keep up with my blog friends like I should....wait. Should. That's where I'm sitting right now. How much blogging should I do? And do I have a point? I kept mulling that around...what's the point what's the point?!

So I rewind and remember why I began this blog in the first place--I'd been admiring some sewing, thrifting, housekeeping blogs and really wanted to join in. Then quickly realized I had some things to say, which snowballed into the dear friends I've made. But it's not a sewing, housekeeping blog anymore.

And I've been feeling the pressure to add all these things to my bloglife that are sure to keep me abreast the latest greatest and assure I won't be left eating dust if I don't get with it. I Twitter, I AIM, I Facebook, I Adoptic, I BlogHer, StatCounter, What's Your State Numba, Loser....I'm subscribed to anything and everything that remotely speaks to me, and I'm seriously considering a driving to Plurkland, I'm curious.

In the end, I think about this, think about the digi blog where I add freebies, and I think about what direction my life is headed. I've gotten so chained to this desk (I don't have a notebook, sigh) that some days my LEGS hurt as I got up out of the chair. That's not right. I'll never lose weight if I don't move, I'll never have the home I want if I don't take care of it, and I'll never be satisfied with more more more. Nope. I'm not going to hang up JameeForever just yet, no. Not that many of you would notice of late, I've been kind of laid back with the blog posts.

I'm releasing myself from the pressure of 'doing it all' and posting every day and I'm just not going to worry about my stats just now, I'm not going to fret when I find comments from my friends on my other friends blogs and nothing on mine that day (come ON am I the ONLY one who admits it?...I'm not, am I? Uh oh. See what I mean?!). It's okay. I don't have something interesting every single day. Heck I rarely have something interesting each week anymore, I'm so busy working with the digi stuff.

I'm still here, just not worrying about how many posts I must make to stay on top of the blog rolls, how funny will I need to be to win an award, how clever can I write to keep up with book reviews. I'm still brilliantly funny, clever and creative, no worries. Just not every day! I struggled with how to word this post, I don't want to appear as if I'm quitting nor do I want to sound as if I'm frustrated and petty. I'm none of those. So I asked God for the words, and like He always does, He gave them to me. I think this is just how I needed to say it. I love you, my blog friends, dearly, I'm never going to not want to come see you all the time, I didn't want you to feel that way either. I've felt incredibly guilty that I haven't gotten over every day..heck not even every week. I'm making changes in my life to allow more time to just come be your friend, not worry about being your friend, networking, hyperlinking and all the 'junk' I get bogged down in. It's good stuff, all of it is. But I'm an addictive personality, I need to find a good balance.

JameeForever is too near and dear to me to turn it into anything other than the initial reason I started blogging--it is my life shared. And it's my way of sharing my family, including Jamee, with others. It's where I come to be a friend. But I don't think there's anything wrong with making a blog work for you, please don't take that away from this post....my digi blog was formed purely for that reason, so it's a good thing!

AND now because my bff Kelly is on her way, the house is a wreck and I'm in PJs still, I'll need to dash. But not before leaving you with a good tip--after all that IS why I started this blog in the first place. I don't use expensive shaving creme on my legs, I don't want them to smell like a tropical flower dipped in chocolate anyway. THAT's what my beaded, exfoliating and coconut shards body soap is for. Instead, try some inexpensive (I use the mondo Suave for $.97) shaving cream instead. It really works and it lasts forever! No rusty cans either.

Yeah...What IS a Boo? I Want In On This...

2008-06-04T23:04:00.004-05:00

It's got me booofuddled, not gonna lie....I've gotten dozens of hits of late from all over the country, and the Google search is "what's a boo?". And, of course, my post about of cat, Boo, who died after getting into the lily plant, comes up. The title? What's a Boo Worth?

And something tells me my new friends aren't coming by because they really want to know what a Boo is worth...(priceless, he was priceless). So why? I'd be very indebted to you if you took a second and told me what's the hoolaboo all about...because I really need to know what a boo is too!

Here's my definition of a Boo:
Miss him terribly. So...now that you know what a Boo is, talk to me!! What's the boo-rush all about?

**Cody made it to GA just fine...I got an entire thirty seconds of catch up from him today. I think he misses me so much he can't even verbalize it. It's just too hard, so he 'feigns' that he's having fun and has to get going.

Alex had a swim meet tonight (those wear me out!) and did such a good job! He bumped his little baby head on the edge because he was cruising so quickly on the backstroke..he really needs to learn to count when he sees the flags. So he didn't finish that race (it was a 50). I'm off to bed now, I have to get team donuts for the morning practice. AND I have a perm tomorrow with the lovely niece. Root perm? Maybe...what goes best with leather, JenGi, Cinderella and the county fair? Oh there's a story there, you know there is.

I'm Still Breathing

2008-06-03T10:49:00.007-05:00

Okay I was taking the pictures ^^, working on a new profile for my digi Etsy (same day I took the ones below with Alex) and decided upon looking at 'em I was too pale. It's summertime, I need me a tan. I tan easily, shouldn't be a problem to get one in a week or so. So....we have a neighborhood pool, my bff Pam lives in the hood, we'll take the boys up and we'll try to get something. It was a little overcast, but warm. I even swam (I'm a child, I can't just lay there, I have to dive in and do my flips and stuff). So after an hour, when it was time to go home, I was disappointed when I stepped into the shower to find it didn't look like I'd gotten much sun.

And a few hour later...ewww! But you can clearly see I wore my shades (is my skin really THA yellow?!).

Later that night, John had his first church men's ballgame. Alex too the pictures, so this is the best one I have. But you can still see he's adorable in his little ballcap! He got on base his first hit, he even scored a run. And pulled something in his leg. So Thursday, not so sure he'll be playing...will keep you updated. My sinuses are quite clear, however, the Ben Gay overdose I'm getting each night is ensuring that much, lol.

Tonight--my dear friend, Celia, has invited me to join in at Legacy (where Cody guards now) for a water aerobics class. I'm doing it! Cody's actually sad he won't be there to guard it, I dropped him off at church today for his Georgia Student Life Mission trip. I'm going to miss him, he's one of the most amazingly honest examples of living as Jesus. I cannot take an ounce of credit for that, no more than I can take all the blame for the way our daughter is living at the moment. But I am proud of him nonetheless. I gave him my camera to take along, so no pictures of this week's ballgame. I'll definitely find time to ~~poke serious fun of~~ brag about John's ballgame accomplishments, should he play.

I'm off to the sewing room....I haven't been down there in months, but this is a good day to get my new bag made up...and maybe some pj bottoms for Alex. I was supposed meet halfway and have lunch with my bff JenGi, but she's busy holding a thermometer to the lit end of a cigarrette (not hers).

My bff, Kelly, from St. Joseph, is coming down Friday (the beautiful blonde in the middle). I cannot wait! Haven't seen her in ages (new fiances will do that). We're doing the Lee's Summit Downtown Days for a few hours, maybe some swimming. I miss her terribly, I have so much to catch up with. Shoot! No camera, I just realized this! Not.good. I'll somehow find a way to get camera phone photos for you. I can do this, I think I can I think I can.......how long does camera withdrawal last anyway?

Wow.

2008-05-30T10:50:00.003-05:00

Bittersweet Symphony--But I CAN Change

2008-05-29T11:13:00.005-05:00

I'm going to take a leave from my data entry work--maybe for a few months, maybe forever. I'm not sure how it'll go, but I do know while I don't work terribly hard at it, it's turned into 'my straw' most nights. I've lost a lot of sleep because I tend to put everything else ahead of my work. I'm pretty excited just thinking about this summer--I won't be teaching much and I won't be keying all night long. I'm still doing the digi work, but that's not work for me, lol.

Miracle Word is still going well, I'm finally getting caught up with reading. The CBF assembly in Memphis is quickly approaching (click it, click it! I'm there--that'll never happen again!). I went to the meeting at church last night (30 minutes late, that looked very good for me, the promotion girl, to have no clue!). I'm so excited about this trip--it's just Alex and myself going...we leave the 15th of June and stay six nights. Three of those nights will be spent doing some missional work, and I'm hoping we get to go to the nursing home event, that'd be me where I'm most comfortable.

I called JenGi and asked her to come with, hopefully she and the boys can get away. She'd be an amazing advocate for MW, not to mention the trouble she, Debbie, (not I) will find. John's not able to go because he'll fly to Virginia that next week for my niece's wedding. So I'm bringing Alex and we're calling it a little after-school breakaway! Can you tell we need one?

Reading through Job over the past several weeks, one tends to think about things. Lots of things. And it brings me around to this--trials. I don't know why we have trials in our lives...and I don't know why some people tend to have bigger trials than others. It doesn't make much sense to me now, but does it need to? Honestly, it's easier for me if I don't think about it terribly much. If I zoned in a little more narrowly, spoke about trials, it brings me to this: I've wronged others and I've been wronged. Terribly wronged in some instances. To focus on those specific wrongs would tear my life apart at the seams. To focus on the people I've hurt would do the same, even more so.

I know people who have gone through far more than I have. I know people who have made unthinkable choices, and I know people who may never want to see what they've done has hurt someone else. And sometimes it's not intentional, it just is. I know I'm straying a little from what the book of Job taught me, but I never said my thought process made sense, lol. But I was thinking a lot about it lately. If I'm nothing else, I'm definitely loyal. If I love you once, I love you forever, you'll be my friend for life. And when I see a friend hurting, when I see a friend has been hurt, whose life maybe isn't on track because of someone else's actions, my instinct is to get angry and lash out at whoever hurt my friend. But I'm commanded to forgive others who wrong me, so why do I do this? It's not my place to hold onto anger when someone else has been hurt, when someone has deceived my friends, when someone physically hurts my friends.

There's a point, I'm working on it. I need to practice walking a fine line--being a good and supportive friend and not being a judgmental person. And I will pray for others first--that they do the right thing, that they make things right. I'm not speaking from any specific circumstance, it's just something I've been running through my head these past few weeks. I think reading the bible like this has put perspective on things I hadn't been able to perspectivise myself. (I know it's not a word, but it should be!)

Greatest News Possible

2008-05-27T18:25:00.005-05:00

Oh heck yes! This might sway my vote. But I have to be very careful, I'm not sure I can say it without offending anyone. Can I say Fidel Castro? Shh! I'm keeping it on the very down low here. I'm hip to the new can't-say-the-middle-name-it's-Hussein-can't-say-the-first-name-it-sounds-like-Iraq-can't-say-the-last-name-sounds-like-Osama-can't-say-black-I'm-not-black-can't-say-Michelle-she's-off-limits-but-she-can-talk-if-she-wants-to-can't-talk-about-historical-facts-it-could-be-offensive. So I'm not sure I can say Fidel...but I just heard he's hitting the pavement for Barack. He's says he's the 'most advanced candidate'. But I'm not sure I can say that, so I'm going to stop with that.

PS--If Bill was playing this correctly, he'll push for the VP. I see lots of stogies in his future, I really really do! But if you took that to be offensive in any way, I didn't mean it to be. I like stogies, I think stogies are good. I think a pack of Marlboro Ultra Light 100s sounds pretty good about now too....I'm wavering on that. But stogies are great and I would NEVER say anything offensive about a stogie. Especially a stogie. Never.

Zoooooooooooooo

2008-05-24T17:32:00.002-05:00

Gosh the days just seem to fly by lately! I'd better get the zoo pictures up before Alex starts driving! In NO particular order.

Here we've just arrived in Omaha--have to say John did a much better job finding a hotel than the last time. I'm sure my friend, Debbie, will agree that this is much nicer than the icky icky hotel room we shared in Columbia! John got a suite almost identical to the one we got five years ago when we took the kids to Disneyland. Can you tell Alex is happy to be out of the car?

This is the end of the zoo day and we're in the fantastic jungle building...the waterfalls were very cool. The air? Not so much, they kept the weather...well, jungle-ish. But still very impressive.+
Of course he had to sit on the gorilla--it was almost calling his name!
John shaving before the zoo. You're welcome, honey.
A little more of Alex's tour of the hotel--this was his 'room'--the pullout couch.

The first place we went into was the desert dome--I think we wound around that giant dome building for over an hour--the basement had an incredible area where they kept the gators--we walked around in the dark on plankboard, praying one didn't jump up and grab a foot for lunch. And vampire bats, we saw vampire bats feeding on blood. That was my favorite part of the day!

After a long long day, the boys are down for a movie. Alex is hanging out with his new penguin buddy. THAT was very fun, the penguin area. We saw something similar at Sea World, so I was very surprised to see it in a regular old zoo! At the end of the penguin feature you can sit in a glass dome that makes it appear as if you're in the water with the penguins. You had to wait a little bit for your kids' turn to climb in for the photo op--to the lady who mistakenly thought her five children were ahead of Alex--you're still wrong, Alex was next. If you were nicer about it, I'd have let you go ahead of us, I really would have! But, sigh, you were a meanie mommy, and I don't like meanie mommies at the tail end of a very long day at the zoo. So...yeah.

On the road again.....I seriously could move to Omaha. It's one very cool city. Who knew?!

What're You Doing This Weekend?

2008-05-22T23:42:00.001-05:00

I'm not a video lover either, but I love me my Glenn Beck in the morning and on CNN in the evening. This video seriously brought tears to my eyes I was laughing so hard!

AND if you're not a vid person, no worries, I'll be back soon to post some of the 'much awaited, I am sure' photos of last week's zoo trip. Have a blessed Friday, I know I'm ready for a good one. Doing NOTHING I don't wanna do. Okay, that's not realistic. But no plans laid out for me. I can't remember the last time I've said that!

The Girlie Garage Is Ready For You

2008-05-20T22:10:00.005-05:00

All I have to say is....I have the best blog friends in the whole blogosphere. I'm coming around to each of you tonight, but still wanted to thank you for your caring right now. It was absolutely amazing to know I have such genuinely caring friends. So thank you. This, too, shall pass.

And, because I hole up and get creative when I'm down and out, I put together a QP of the Girlie Garage Kit....head over to the digi if you want it. For FREE. I figured Niki's first car photo fit in here nicely...I'd show you mine if I had photos...and if I thought an orange Pinto would look sassy up there! Mom, do you have any orange Pinto photos for my friends? Or the red Pinto Wagon?

You know, when the evil not-the-step-momma insisted we three Poirier girls were too spoiled, she wasn't kidding...all the kids coveted our Pintos...all of them. One had to learn to be quick with the elbow and able to continue lighthearted conversation with one's friends while walking down the halls. At least until one finally got a red Chevette. Oh I have me some red Chevette stories.

((((((((((((((((((((((((((((you)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

Home Again Home Again Jiggety Jig! And a CT Call.

2008-05-19T02:11:00.004-05:00

I'm back--I had a fantabulistic time at the zoo with John and Alex....don't worry tons of photos! And tons of catching up with all y'all to do. It was a tough day today. This would have been graduation day for Nicole. We drove in from Omaha hoping we wouldn't run into the parties, but the neighbor boy was having his party today rather than yesterday. So....I stayed inside as much as possible, trying unsuccessfully to forget about the mess before us.

I've always been upfront with you about not wanting to blog much about Niki's personal life, because it isn't my story to tell, really. But I think it's okay to share she's taken off again, nearly three weeks ago. And left her online courses incomplete. It's so hard to make sense out of what doesn't make sense at all....and she is apparently engaged now. Something apparently some of the family knew about, but we (John and I) were left in the dark. I'm still working on this 'let me try to be your daughter's friend' game people play. It stuns me when I hear about it. As if they would be able to do what we clearly were not able to.

Only John and I know the truth, that we were good parents and our daughter is a good girl....who isn't where she needs to be right now. This will only come with time and by the amazing graces of God, who can absolutely set this right, and I know He will...I just need to let it be in His time. Sadly, we very much like her boyfriend and we would have been thrilled about this...after she finished school. She would have been done after summer school and then we would have supported her completely.

Anyway, that's the down low, and in part that's why I've been a little detached lately. Alex suffers the most, he breaks down out of the blue sometimes.

Alright, enough negative, I know this will all be okay one day, don't feel sorry for me, just pray with me, that's all. AND if you're a digi scrapper, one of the stores I'm in is looking for a CT member. If you're looking for access to some very cool designs and if you're wanting to find a laid back, no hassles CT to be involved with, this is there place to go! Just let me know you're interested, I'll shoot you all the details asap.

Here's an example of a primo kit you'd be working with (how cool are the fuzzy die I ask you?):

Pictures Of My New Mop--Oh, And My Baby Sister Too!

2008-05-15T11:24:00.005-05:00

I had the nicest surprise happen upon my front door yesterday--my baby sister, Antoinette, was in the city and stopped in unexpected (and all the embarrassing very dirty house that goes along with that!). It's far too long and far too much water under the bridge to go into, but I haven't seen my sister in three and a half years. We only live an hour away, and over the past several months we've been emailing and a few phone calls. So three years means I've never met my two nephews, 2 and 1. She brought them along, her daughter is in school. I don't have her permission to post their photos, but if she gives it to me later, I'll show ya, they're extremely adorable.

The visit was far too short for me, hopefully she'll come again and I'll have the house better prepared (and baby proof!). I do have a few photos of us (It's very hard for me to post photos of me with NO eye makeup, but Antoinette looks beautiful, so here you go):

She was making fun of my photos on my blog, so we're posing for a blog shot up there--I don't know if she understood I'm not serious when I take those shots!

And here is where I see how ginormous my head is, I inherited my father's head. She didn't. BUT I did get the good nose, no doubt about it.

Y'all have been cracking me up with the mop comments. I really did get a mop! For Christmas too, but John broke it and bought me a replacement. What I didn't tell you (oops) is that I also got the ENTIRE series of I Love Lucy DVDs (OMGoodness I'm in heaven!) and flowers were delivered the Friday before. So don't hit him just yet, wait and see what he gets me for my birthday!

See? How happy am I? I've yet to mop anything. I will, but first I need to find the floor.

PS--I've been AWOL so much this is getting old, I know, but it really truly is going to get better. I'm taking several weeks off typing (if I even do go back, I don't know yet). That combined with school almost out, will give me plenty of time for BOTH digi and Jamee blogs.

I'll be over....and won't likely post again for a few days. John, Alex and I are going to the Omaha Zoo for some R and R...and room service and relaxation. JenGi, she'll be camping out with Ms. Aunt Bea. Have fun with that, ladies. Muahahahahahahahahah!

It's Getting A Little Steamy In Here

2008-05-13T20:24:00.004-05:00

I never thought the day would come when I'd do this, but go Hillary! I want her to win...I really really do! Because I'd much rather smoke a stogie while running, glancing behind, running, running, going airborn and hitting the ground for cover than hang out in the chicken coop. It's just how I am.

And if she does win and nomination (oh please please please)? I'm not giving away any obvious secrets when I say I think I know who her running mate will be...

Alrighty I'm off to use my new steam mop I got for Mother's Day. The one John gave me to replace the one he broke. The one he broke is the one he gave me for Christmas. Hey, wait...there's something very wrong here...John! Johnnnnnnnn! GET IN HERE!!!!

You Won't Soon Forget This One......

2008-05-12T09:04:00.001-05:00

I've been given the honor of sharing a fascinating book with you--and I jumped at the chance to be part of this blog tour. If you're an avid reader like myself and you heart fiction that doesn't forget God's hand in our lives, then you've probably heard of Tricia Goyer already. Maybe you've read some of her books, Life Interrupted, My Life Unscripted, From Ashes to Dust, and so many more. She's got a clear grasp on hunting down historical details, adding characters that are intertwined and drenched with energy and hope, then placing those characters into a plot that's going to keep you turning pages all night long!

A Whisper of Freedom is the third book in her Spanish Civil War Series. Here, you'll catch up with Sophie's heart and her hair raising adventure right from the beginning. It's hard to imagine how heart-wrenching it it was to be caught up in the Spanish Civil War, but Tricia's attention to detail combined with her story telling talent gives us a glimpse. Not only that, here she writes far more than a book, but captures a story of faith not to be forgotten.

If you're feeling as drawn into the series as I am, you can win the entire three book series in the Chronicles of the Spanish Civil War Series. And in entering, you get a fun meme to post on your own blog. This meme gives you an opening to share missions and/or charities you have a heart for. Oh...and to sweeten the pot just a little, they're throwing in gourmet chocolate coins too. You know.... reading chocolate. I read better with chocolate in one hand and a book in the other!

Copy the meme questions below and answer the questions, then head over to Tricia's place and let her know your meme is up. That's it! It's almost as easy as getting lost in an amazing Christian novel while popping gourmet chocolate coins into your mouth. Click HERE to grab the questions off Tricia's blog and let her know you're playing.

1. List three things you would do with a chest full of gold (assuming you got to keep it!)

Update the nursing home my friend John resides in and hire employees worthy of working with the beautiful aging residents.
Bring Gervasio to the US to study medicine.
Pay our debts and the debts of all our friends and family (assuming it's a big chest).

2. List three charities/missions/organizations you support (and why).

Cornerstone Church....they are my family.
MiracleWord.net because the concept is so simple yet so incredible...read Scripture and come to know the miracle within those pages.
Compassion International...we sponsor two beautiful children, Catherine and Gervasio.

3. List three ways you have volunteered your time/services

I used to be a candy striper (loved loved loved the jumpers, lol)
Visiting elderly at the nursing home.
Church--wherever I'm told to go.

4. List three things you keep "hidden" when company comes over.

My kids! (Okay I'm kidding, but sometimes I wish I could)
My sewing room--it's downright dangerous if you don't know what you're doing!
That's about it, honestly, my friends know I'm not pulled together all the time. And when I finally decided to let them see the real me, suddenly I was free to welcome my friends anytime!

5. List the last three things you've lost.

My bank card.
My gold nugget necklace.
Is my mind too cliche?

6. List the last three things you've found.

My bank card (car).
My gold nugget necklace (where it belongs, pshh last place I look!)
$5.00 in my jacket--love that!

*There's MORE! Tricia has set aside five signed copies of A Whisper of Freedom for you, my friends, to win. If you want to win your own signed copy (and I know you do), just sign up for her newsletter HERE!

Camera Critters Go Cherry Pie

2008-05-11T14:58:00.003-05:00

I cannot have Misty Dawn's eyes getting all teared up (with allergies). No way! So Mist, because I love you so much, not only am I participating in Camera Critters, the best darn meme there ever was, but girlfriend, Louie says hello and he wuvvvs you!

* If ya like the page, go over to the digi and get it, it's free!

Happy Mother's Day!!

2008-05-10T22:53:00.003-05:00

I've come back from under the digi piles to wish all my beautiful friends a Happy Mother's Day! I truly hope whether it's shared over a tuna sandwich and chips or a steak on the grill, that it's meaningful in some way.

I'd love to hear what your plans are...for now, I'm off to visit a bit AND to get my mother a gift certificate online, (oops, forgot to get that done!)

xo

PS-if you're a digi scrapper, head over to the digi blog and check out the sale at Scrap It Sassy. It's gonna be a free-for-all, get in, get out, and get designing!

Like A Record Baby....

2008-05-08T10:54:00.004-05:00

Okay there's GOOD reason I've been AOL, here and there, hit or miss. I'm coming back. Just not today so much...sorry. Tomorrow, though! I feel out of the loop, it's terrible. It's all over at the Digi, please please go see and then forgive me. I'm so tired, I never thought three to five hours would be my standard. I think after today, it'll be better. I'll be up terribly late typing to make deadline, but the weekend looks better. Yay!

It's been getting so crazy around here, even Cody decided on his own to do those dishes! He was clearly hip to me taking a photo of him doing it, too. See?! I love that boy...he asked me last night on the way back from church where I'd like to eat for Mother's Day. He said all these years he'd always felt badly he couldn't do anything on his own and now that he has a job (lifeguard) he's excited to take me out. Under $100 he said. Uh huh, hmmm...this boy, he's lived with us all his life. Buffalo Wild Wings is about as upscale as it's ever gotten! I think I'll ask him for the change when we're done. Is that wrong?

Why Bother With A Blog Friend When I Could Be Shopping?!

2008-05-06T13:15:00.003-05:00

I was gonna post about my new gig at a fun new digi shop (oops, just did!) then I went over to Dawn's blog to shout at her. Not shout shout, but to say 'hey, thanks for your cheers on my digi blog' (oops, another digi spillover!). And come to find out, she's entered in a contest, y'all can read about it at Dawn's place. She had to pick two moms she liked and post about them.

Well, Dawn picked me, and that was humbling enough. But what she said in the post, not sure I can begin to thank her for what she said about me. I didn't know she thought so much of me, honestly, and now that I do, I'm honored. Dawn has been a wonderful friend to me as well. I think we met through another blog, I'm not sure either, Dawn Girl. I think so, though. You probably said something witty and I had to run over and see who said it!

It only hits home what I already believe. I believe in friendships. I have friends here in Lee's Summit, I have friends in my hometown, Savannah (and St. Joseph) and I have friends on the blogosphere. Honestly, the blog friends are every bit as important to me as any other. What I think truly draws me to blogging friends is this:

Shove aside physical attributes, monetary status, bad habits, stinky feet, inability to speak without saying something dumb (me, me, me) and the need to keep up with their 'stuff''. Blog friends are real, blog friends lift me when I need it, they share their wealth of information, they share their opinions (oh yeah, some of them def do this), they share their joys, their achievements, and their broken selves. All those things. More. I love my blog friends, and I have room for more. Lots more.

If you have time, I'm not sure what will get Dawn the prize, but if shouting out to her helps, go over and say hey. She's got room for more friends too, right Dawn Girl?

What Do YOU Want?

2008-05-05T00:01:00.008-05:00

I devoured this book pretty much the day I received it in the mail. This is FANTASTIC! The little tag line on their blog says 'Buy it today and start on the journey!'. It's true, I keep coming back to it to re-read some of the chapters that meant so much to me. It's a Christian based book that is just what the title says it is. The two authors, Lisa T. Bergren and Rebecca Price, have asked just that question and compiled a journey worth taking.

If I had to take one chapter out of the book to call my favorite, it has to be Chapter Four, Soul Sisters. And they recognize we all want deep friendships with other women, it's so important to our well being, in my opinion. They break this into the Whitewater Classes of Friendship, with Class I being acquaintances and Class V being friends who have weathered the whitewater and came out on the other end still friends. I like that....I think many of you know I find great joy and comfort in my friendships with other women and am so grateful I have such wonderful friends (blogfriends included). It wasn't always like that for me, I was a 'keep your distance' kind of woman. Until my family fell apart and I realized if I was ever going to have the closeness and security I had with my sister, I was going to have to be vulnerable and let my friends in. I did and I have been blessed beyond my wildest imagination. I could have used this chapter to navigate the path.

I'm thinking of getting a group of friends together every other week or so just to read the chapters and get a good discussion going. I can use the accountability AND I could use the support. We all do. Some of the other topics you'll find include:

Peace/Contentment in your life (would be nice!)

Your relationship with God (the most important relationship)

Finding purpose in your life

AND then Part 2, all the chapters that include how God satisfies these wants. It's such an innovative way to do a book like this!

Okay enough of my excitement, of course there is a contest! If you tell them about your sister of the heart and email it to amy@litfusegroup.com you'll get this story published on their blog ( http://www.satisfiedheart.com/blog/) . Okay it gets cooler...the story with the MOST comments will win a copy of this incredible book, a soundtrack of your choice for your 'sister of the heart' AND will be entered to win $15 at Starbucks. Let me know if you do this, I'll be sure to go over and comment.

You can check out the Five Minute Survey HERE, and check out Chapter One HERE.

If you do nothing else, at least consider the book for your next Bible study...I think there's more than one topic that will impact everyone in your group. Click the photo of the book and it'll take you straight to Amazon.com. I honestly think it would make a great Mother's Day gift too. This book is geared for women of EVERY age.

Louie, Stink Spike Wheezer And The Napping Place

2008-05-04T00:36:00.003-05:00

A few weeks late, I know, sigh. But they're still adorable little buddies, Louie and Wheezer slash Spike, slash Stink. We have GOT to settle on a name for this little guy. He has a little stripe down his nose, I think skunk, which brings me to stink. But nobody else likes it, go figure!

Here he is sleeping on Louie's bed. When Louie woke up to do his half hour on the hour quarter turn, he stop, sniffed him, sighed (no kidding, he really did) and turned back the way he came and went to sleep. He's such a sweet baby boy. And Stink likes my bed too, evidence shown below. Happy Camera Critters! Now, I'm tared I'm off to bed.

BIG News Coming Soon....

2008-05-02T20:08:00.003-05:00

I put these pages along with the rest of the Flamingo Summer Kit Part I up on my Digi Blog.....as a freebie. If you like your flamingos, head over and grab 'em. I won't be doing as many freebie kits, more QPs. Why you ask? I'll be telling you all about it over at the digi blog soon. But let's just say I'm oingay otay ebay esigningday orfay a unfay ewnay igiday orestay. That's right. Shhhh!

My beautiful nephew, Maxwell, used to say "I so exciteddddddddd!" when he was..well, excited. I couldn't put it any better than that, little buddy.

On Friendship, Weight and Muffin Tops

2008-05-01T14:11:00.005-05:00

I promised you some flashbacks from the MO Baptist Convention I recently went to regarding Miracle Word, so here ya go! Debbie drove along with me, and I'm so glad she did. We had a great time getting to know each other a little better. I'm really not sure what we would have done without her, just Ethan and I. She helped to make our booth presentable and ran the PowerPoint. I guess Ethan and I hadn't thought about who would do that!

I had a wonderful 24 hours, visiting with other booth-owners at the convention, visiting with other convention-goers, hanging out with Debbie and Ethan, the whole thing!

We arrived Friday night and I shot this fine photo of Ethan's 'Yes! Got it!' look. We were going over the program that evening, but mostly just enjoying each other's company. I love that Ethan doesn't take himself too seriously and that he's so laid back. It's very endearing, not gonna lie.

Here I am just a few minutes before our presentation. I took a moment in the ladies room to show you my official convention nametag. I was extremely nervous and thought I'd show you what fear in my eyes looks like (in the ladies room--don't tell me you don't have any ladies room shots!) The presentation was fun...very small group, which worked for me. Public speaking in a group under a dozen...is that really public speaking? More like hanging out with new friends and chatting--LOVED it.

The best part of the whole day was worship. The messge was incredible, the energy was just right, AND Ethan got to lead the worship songs. I have to tell you, I've seen Ethan in front of our church hundreds of times...and I don't remember ever being as proud of him as I was that day. He was AMAZING--he bridged the gap between the younger jeans-t-shirt wearing crowd and the older suit and tie crowd. Not always a given that it can be done...but he did and he did it WELL!

And that takes me to my latest journey into the world of Weight Watchers. I saw a photo my friend, Debbie, took at me sitting down, ugh! I decided that yeah, it's time. So I called up my friend Pam and convinced her she needed to go with me, she could point and laugh when I got off the scale. She jumped at that, we went. I have to say, I'm pleasantly pleased that I'm 20 pounds less fatty than I thought I was. I'm a fatty, just 20 pounds less fatty. So, sigh, I will continue to gaze at my closet filled with clothes that don't fit anymore. Okay I can get 'em on, but the muffin top staring back at me in the mirror makes me very hungry. They'll fit again soon. I'm keeping my clothes.

I began gaining weight after I had a complete hysterectomy AND quit smoking, and know I have the metabolism of a turtle. It's not fair, but it is what it is, friends. I'm going to have to put brakes on the gain. So I'll be counting points and drinking water for the rest of the Summer.

And I know some of my friends don't worry about their weight, and I don't hate them. I'm very happy for them...until they mention they were born thin., that's a problem. Then, not so happy. And if you're like me, don't you want to go back to third grade and say 'Oh yeah? Well I can lose weight...whatcha gonna do about that face of yours?'. Is that wrong? Okay, it is. I won't say it. But thinking in my head, heck yes! I'm a mean fatty. It's how I am.

Zero, I'm A Zero

2008-05-01T11:36:00.004-05:00

Tammy, at Mom Knows Everything (link above mine on bottom) tagged me with this meme, and I told her I'd do it it it'll help me with my ZERO problem. It seems Google has decided I'm not even worthy of my three. And definitely no twos, ha! "How about a one?" I beg, grovelling, pleading and crying into my hands. Can I be a Google One? Pleaseeeeeeee? Please, please please, I don't want my friends to run my page rank. I can just see them, pointing, laughing...muahahahahahahah! Secret emails back and forth. Okay, that's a little dramatic. And maybe a little self-important too. But still...I don't wanna be a zero for the rest of my life. I'll take a one. Whoever said one is the loneliest number clearly didn't have a page rank zero.

Hi, I'm Stacey. And I'm a PR Zero.

~~Begin Copy~~

This is the easy way and the fastest way to :

1. Make your Authority Technorati explode.

2. Increase your Google Page Rank.

3. Get more traffic to your blog.

4. Makes more new friends.

Rules :1. Start copy from “Begin Copy” until “End Copy” to your blog(for bloggers paste on the “compose” not the “edit html” part in posting blogs so it will be linked automatically).2. Put your own blog name and link.3. Tag your friends as much as you can, the more the better!

1. Picturing of Life

2. Juliana’s Site

3.Hazel-My Life, My Hope, My Future.

4.Jeanne-The Callalily Space

5.Starz in De Sky

6. My Charmed Life7

.Denz Techtronics

8.Denz Recreational

9.Life’s Simple Pleasures

10. My Blog

11. Because Life is Fun

12. In This Game of Life

13.Scribbles of my Life

14.Changing Lanes

15. anna

16. joytoy

17.Surviving deployment

18. The Deviant

19. All I want is Everything

20. Shadows of love, fate and destiny

21.Tasteful Voyage

22.A mom’s note

23. Bittersweet Collide

24.Jackie Simplypinay

25.Jackie’s Everyday Life

26. Parisukat

27. Heart of Rachel

28. Mom Knows Everything

29. Jamee Forever (Stacey)

YOU’RE NEXT~~ END COPY~~

Happy Birthday Alexander The Great

2008-04-29T23:56:00.005-05:00

He's our baby...the big 'uh oh...'...the one that came along AFTER we were finally able to get into the car without packing the kitchen sink. Four seats in the roller coaster, four easily fit into a booth, four chairs around our tiny kitchen table. We had no idea what adding one more so far behind the other two would be like, what it would do to our family. I cried, I'll admit it. I had a nice little life. What would it be like starting over again? I'll tell you: He blessed our socks off, that's what!

He's gets his strawberry blonde hair from his Grandpa (John's dad) and looks like his Papa (my late dad). My daddy adored his grandchildren, he truly loved being a Papa. And I have no doubt he's pleased to see what a beautiful, kind soul his "Alexander The Great" has become.

~HAPPY 11th BIRTHDAY, ALEX~

(There's nothing on my lip, it was part of the effect and I can't undo it! No, really, it's not me!)

He's No Hurdy Gurdy Man

2008-04-28T18:39:00.004-05:00

I kept writing and erasing, writing and erasing...so not so many words. Just that I'm not racist, I'm not typical, and I'm very very concerned right about now.

I also know I won't hear from many of you, and that's okay. Just research for yourselves, that's all that matters anyway.

Winnerrrrrrrrrrr Time

2008-04-27T19:58:00.005-05:00

I'm home....and had a fantastic time, I'll bore you silly with that tomorrow.

I do have a winner to announce--the winner of my contest, the 5n2 CD and the DD coffee goes too..blalalallalalalalalallalallallblalalalallalalllallallalalal (drum roll that was a drum roll)..........

Megret, I'll email you in second for contact information...and thank you so much for coming by. I wish I had ten more to send --it's a lot of fun for me. Alright, I'm off to contact Megret, put away some laundry and kick back for the rest of the evening with my bad boy John. Very bad. I'll check in with my faithful friends tomorrow, I miss all y'all.

She misses me already...

2008-04-25T23:13:00.002-05:00

Friday 4:27PM Just a little over an hour and I called to see how she was doing. She was fine of course, almost half way to Columbia. When she answered the phone, I immediately asked, “Do you miss us yet?” She replied, “I miss you.” Thinking I had a bad connection, I asked, “You miss just me?” “Yes.” I wasn’t sure what to think about this. Was life with the kids that bad for her? Or was she just trying to make me feel good? Whichever, I was feeling the love – she misses me already.

Friday 6:15PM Called her cell. No answer. Left message “Just checking to see if you are there yet. Love you. Do you miss us yet? Or are you still just missing me?”

Friday 8:35PM Thinking to myself ‘She hasn’t called to say she made it okay and she has had plenty of time to get there. But, the Missouri Highway Patrol hasn’t contacted me either. I’ll assume she made it safe.’

Friday 10:15PM Cell phone rings (I have my phone set to verbally tell me who is calling). “Incoming call from Stacey’s cell.” I answer, “Do you miss us yet?” She answers, “Still just you.” She made it safe and sound, just forgot to call. I’ll let you know tomorrow how the Miracle Word presentation went for her.

Signed,
Mr. Going to be in trouble because I didn’t get her permission to post on her blog.

Seeeee Ya!

2008-04-24T20:58:00.000-05:00

I'm leaving on a jet plane..........okay no jet plane. Not even a bag of peanuts. But I'm leaving. Tomorrow afternoon. To head down to Columbia and talk about MiracleWord.net to whomever will listen at the Baptist Convention. Because you know I'm all about speaking in front of others. All the time! Not really, believe it or not, I'm a little freaked out about it. (shhh!)

But.....Ethan, the youth pastor, and my dear friend, Debbie, and I will be going anyway. And because we have the go ahead to wear our jeans and Miracle Word t-shirts, I'm feeling better already.

I've been working fervently on the PowerPoint and finally fnished that last night! There was more to it than I thought, so it's been a lot of crazy around here. I do it because I truly do believe in Miracle Word and the power of stepping into Scripture and fitting into it....not the other way around. And reading The Message Remix has helped tons, believe me! What's very cool is that on the forum or anywhere else, nobody cares if I get behind (I do more than I should...again, shhhh!). I just "restart" and there I am again, right back in Scripture, hanging out with King David. I LOVE that part. It's not EVEN too late for you to join in---check on the forum, sign in, and see where we're at. And find me, see if you can find my name. JenGi's on there, too. And Shana.

Okay, finishing up some typing and hopefully visiting you, my friends, today. I'll have pictures, don't worry.

The Great Spring Giveaway Carnival.....I'm In!

2008-04-23T15:15:00.009-05:00

I really did want to get this posted yesterday, but, sigh, I let life happy first! Our church has this youth pastor...and he has this gift for singing and for being Jesus to others. His sincere desire to be part of the solution has been an incredible gift to so many! So today, I want to give away his new CD, 5n2. All the proceeds from the sales will go towards helping others, you can read all about his amazing endeavour by clicking on the photo if you'd like. Ethan and I have very different political viewpoints (let me tell ya, very very different!!) but irregardless of our methods and our viewpoints, we both know it's all about reaching out and loving. Period.

But I got to thinking....is that all? Noooooooo that isn't enough! Nope, in addition to the CD, you can pour yourself a cup of just-brewed Dunkin Donuts coffee (my personal favorite coffee of all time) and relax. Because I'm giving away a bag of original coffee as well!

Or grab a cup to go as you grab your checkbook and hunt down your sunglasses with your keys dangling from your teeth. When you get to the car, pop the CD into the player. Who am I kidding, that's how most of you will do it, because we're cool like that! Or because we're just busy. Probably just busy...cool people don't have to rush around, they've got it together.

Just leave a comment....say something ego-inflating to me (kidding) and you're in! I'll draw late on the 27th--I'm going out of town, but only for one night!

**Sorry I forgot this 5n2. Jesus feeds the 5000 with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish. Pretty cool, huh? That's why Ethan named his band 5n2!