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

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!

I'm Cooled Off, I'm Reminiscing and Lovin My Friends Silly!

Edit: Thanks, Dawn, I hyper-linked and collaged so much last night I plum forgot to uppp the awards so you can grab 'em! Here ya go:

Okay okay I've soo enjoyed the heat-related sympathy. So much so (blogger friends are better than snickerdoodles & coffee) that I hate to fess up: when Alex and I arrived home from our museum field trip, the air was fixed. So truth be told, it was only overnight and up until 10 am that I was home 'melting'. Wimp. I know, I know.

The museum was such fun. The pics on the grid down there are mostly from the American Indian part, but some of what we got to go see was part of the Glore Psychiatric museum. We saw a lot of funky contraptions there, even a morgue (see pic with a chagrinned Alex, lol). It was definitely sobering, thinking about what these patients lived all those years. I recall driving down that stretch of road and looking over at that big building, we called it the insane assylum. And as a kid and a teenager, it didn't matter to my life. If I could turn time back a bit (alright, a lot) I'd have said prayers for the people behind those barred windows, not cracked jokes with my friends.

If you look closely (I think you can click and enlarge this) you'll see a bear in the picture. I remember seeing t his as a child--it brought back fun memories! And cracks me up if you look at pic with Alex and the bear--I think he'd better run before that bear bites his behind! This trip was more than interesting to Alex and myself--we got the opportunity to SEE the artifacts, and even feel some of them.

After the museum, went to Taco John's for a late lunch and so I could get a taco burger! I always had the taco burger and beans when I was growing up. Sitting there eating our food, a group of boys came into the restaurant to eat--wearing black football jerseys that said "Savages" on it. Oh, you know it! Those football boys were from Savannah and it was Friday. Pretty sure there was a game goin' down in old Joe Town! I don't remember our football team looking so young. Hmmm...guess they're letting them in school earlier, idk. That's me on the far right, my big sister, Jamee, bent down on the front row, left (note Savages on our tops).

Alex knows me so well...pleading "Please don't talk to them, Mom". Visions of me saying "Heyyy! Where's the game? You know, I lived in Savannah too! I was a football cheerleader, believe it or not!" Then they drop jaws and stare...they pick up their trays, move to the other side of the room and begin howling with laughter at the crazy 'old lady'!

So as I silently reminisced high school days, the old black & gold, the amazing freedom, that whole simplistic yet complex life, having a mid-life moment, guess what song came on the overhead system? Oh yeah, Don't You Forget About Me-Simple Minds. It was too much, I think my eyes were tearing up. I picked up my cell and called my high school friend, Tracy (seen below from last October). She still lives in Savannah and works in St. Joe. I described to her my surreal experience and waited for her to say "No Way!". She said "okayyy...so?" I guess never being away, you don't get the nostalgia everytime you go somewhere you used to, see things you used to, idk. Kelly was teaching class, else I'd have called her. She totally gets this, even though she lives in St. Joseph too. Niki, below, might think this photo is posted because she looks just so adorable in her red/white. While looks smashing, it's the little orange/pink box on the corner I'm focused on. That's right, I got my Dunkin Donuts. I was going to save my big surprise until next week, but okay okay, here goes: tonight when I was at the grocery store, lo and behold: sitting on the shelf right next to the Folgers, blah blah blah coffee....dum da da dahhhh! That's right, the rumors are fact! Hy-Vee will be carrying MY special coffee from now on--this time I really DID tear up. You can't imagine what this will do for my day--I have to limit it to only ONE pot per day (it's pricier than Folgers or Max House) but at about 2 o'clock when I need to feel the DD love, I never need to go without again. This is BIG!

As Prince would say: Not Done!

I'm far behind awards, and I've been giving it thought. I have two to hand off today and I love every single person on my list. Yet at the same time, it would completely wreak havoc on the credibility of the award if every blogger did that, I know, I know. So.....I want to give the I Heart Your Blog Award (thanks again, Misty Dawn) to these very special bloggers:

*My Three Wisemans (Shana)--she is the epitome of courage and strength!
*It's Cat's Life (Cat) --I heart her, I hope she keeps this new blog going!
*Coffee Mom (Kathleen)--She's funny, Here's Proof!
*Skimbaco (Katja) --Talented and beautiful--yet I still like her. Go figure!
*And Miles To Go...(Bridget)--But then, who DOESN'T heart her blog? Really?!

Now, Miss Bridget also saw fit to include me in a brand new one, which I'm quite stoked about! It's the You Make Me Smile Award. I'm thinking that if anything, this girl makes me smile (btw, Bridget, I did make it to the grocery store today--be ready for my results).

*Bubba's Sis (B/S)--Quickly become like a favorite blankie to me!

*USO Girl (D..)--She's the blankie's best friend--and I'd like to steal her away!

*Girl Gone Wild (GiGi) --My blog bff, and shoulda been my neighbor!

*And Island Life (Local Girl)--Whirlwind of a life, entertains me always!

*Coming To A Nursery Near You (Dawn)--I swear she's married to Leif Garrett!

And.....the fun doesn't end with this, no no no! I've got another round of Nice Matters coming up early next week. I just didn't want to be ribbed too hard so I didn't dare post that today. I know there are bajillions of talented bloggers, funnier bloggers, more interesting bloggers, and it humbles me (for real) that you amazing souls have rested here at JameeForever, and not only that, that you like me as much as I like you (ALL of you). xoxoxo

Be Nice, It Matters!

Janice, my bud over at Twist and Skewer, has kindly overlooked my meaniness to Democratic candidates, recognizing that I'm nice to Democrats who aren't running for office. I hope anyone else who reads my blog and might be offended understands me. I'm big on believing if I know something is right then I would be part of the wrong by not taking a stand. It's a simple thing for me. I have a personal relationship with being wronged and nobody taking a stand on my behalf that could have made it right. And it would have changed everything. That's why I'm outspoken from time to time, and I welcome differing opinions anytime anywhere, so long as they correlate with mine. (kidding)

So thanks, Janice, because your comment brought this to mind, and I reailzed I should clarify myself. Here is what she said:

Stacey at JameeForever who is kind and encouraging to all(except Democratic candidates!) and consistantly leaves lovely comments on everyone's blogs.

With that being stated, then you guessed it, she has bestowed upon me a pretty darned nice award. And a beautiful award, might I add! Here is the award by definition:

The Nice Matters Award: This award is for those bloggers who are nice people; good blog friends and those who inspire good feelings and inspiration. Also for those who are a positive influence on our blogging world. Once you've been awarded please pass it on to others who you feel are deserving of this award.

And it's time to pass the award--and I'm picking a new one for you. You've heard me blog on and on about my bff Kelly from my high school days. She just dropped her little baby boy off at MU and drove home alone. Alright, maybe not little, a baby only in her eyes, but still I don't wanna think about those days to come. But...on the upppp side, Kelly's begun dating again (she's divorced). She's a new blogger--geneologist, writer and extremely artistic. I'm excited about her new blog (finally!). That's Kelly in the photo, standing on my left. Not my right, that's a guy, that'd be silly!

If you're reading my blog, then you're my kind of blogger, so try and overlook Kelly's 'deep thoughts' from time to time--she is a teacher, she can't help it! The only 'deep thoughts' I have, I likely got from Jack Handey. Oh yes, there really is a website dedicated to the vast vastness of Jack Handey thinking-ness! Wait! I'm gonna be teacher starting tomorrow--tomorrow I begin homeschool for Alex! I need a school name, hmmmm....that's something to think on.

So there you have it, I bestow niceness upon Kelly, because she's about the nicest person I know. She'd do anything for me except my toenails. And probably no bikini wax either. Would you, Kel? But aside from that, she's down for it! Gosh, now I'm hankerin to sit on the front porch of her little cottage! Kel, I'll be up soon. I'm almost out of Dunkin Donuts coffee anyway! Thanks again, Janice, you're too darned nice to me!

*I picked the music as I was hearing more about the Space Shuttle Endeavour. Landing a day early to avoid the hurricane, and landing despite a tear in the heat shield on its underside. I pray that the decision not to repair this tear was the correct one.

Hometown

My trip to St. Joe/Savannah yesterday was good! Nellie, my late friend's mother, still has the ability to make a group of girls roll with laughter. There was always that ONE mom, remember? The one who enjoyed having a house full of goofy pre-teen/teenaged girls in the house. That's Nellie. I could try and try all day to describe her personality, but I don't think I'd give her the justice she deserves. It's clear her grandchildren feel the same about her, they drop in round the clock.

Cat went along with me this time (thanks girl). We stopped at the cemetery in St. Joseph where Jamee, Dad, and Grandma are buried. I had some little markers I wanted to leave for Memorial Day and knew I wouldn't make it back for Memorial Day.

On that same road, we headed West a mile or so and dum da da dah! Goodness, Dunkin Donuts is RIGHT there, it would almost be rude NOT to stop in! I get DD every time I'm in town--we can't get them in Kansas City.

Cat, Kelly, Me (they hit it off--I know this because they teamed up to tease me all night!)

Swung back down "the Belt" and picked Kelly up, headed north and in 15 minutes were were at Nellie's in Savannah! Oh gosh I always loved her home, she was the mom we all wished we had and NOTHING has changed. Her wit is unmatched, not exaggerating here. I'm still giggling at some of the things that popped into her head. If I had to define amazing, loving and witty in one word--Nellie. I met my Nellie's granddaughter, Linda's daughter. She is beautiful and oh my goodness she has the bubbly personality Linda had.

My bff, Tracy, joined us briefly at Nellie's and the cemetery--her son had his first t-ball game and she couldn't miss that--what mother would?! But I'm so glad she got to come, that Cat was able to meet her.

We drove to the cemetery where we visited Linda's grave. It took my breath away, seeing her name on the headstone. I doubt one ever gets used to seeing loved ones' names on stones, especially long before we're ready. Again, can't show emotion here because if I did, Nellie would break and Lord knows she's done almost more than she can bear--I don't want to cause her anymore pain on this day. This is a mom who loves her children fiercely and losing Linda to a car accident (almost 16 years ago) has driven her to her knees. I pray I never know that devastation.

Here we are, left to right me, Nellie, Tracy, Kelly (Cat is shooting). Or.....and this just now came to me, I'm slow.....Stacey, Nellie, Tracy, Kelly. Now say that all at once. Funny! Guess I don't need much to entertain me, lol. We're looking directly into the evening sun, so it was an awkward shot!

Minus Tracy, we dined at The Pizza Shoppe down on the square. As we dropped everyone off, I was grateful for Cat's company that night. I get a twinge of separation anxiety when I exit back onto the highway, headed towards the city. I don't wanna leave--I miss my home town and I envy all my friends who weren't dumb like me. I just KNEW I was a city girl (ha!).