Happy Half Century Baby!

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.

Zoooooooooooooo

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?!

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

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!

The Funeral Story I Promised, Zip Lining, My Photo AND How I Halfway Died In Parkville, Missouri

Okay I don't EVEN think it's possible to have better friends, both new and not-new (not old, just not new). I've been blown away by your comments, by your encouragement and honestly I didn't think anyone would really understand the magnitude of John's death. So thank you and you can bet while it might take me a day or two to get all my ex's and oh's in, I'm gonna. (I'm still chugging away at that PowerPoint...then I'll comment, then PP then comment then PP...you get the picture).


John, Niki, Alex and I went to the memorial at the nursing home today, and I'm very glad. I told you before things were a little 'awkward' before, so I'll explain. John's only family nearby is an elderly sister, who is a bit controlling. It took several years for his sister to finally learn to trust me and know that I simply loved him. She eventually did and would call me when something was going on with John. So I wasn't prepared to find I'd missed an opportunity to say my final goodbye, that she called some folks from church but didn't think to call me. I would have been grateful for the chance to hold his hand if he was afraid and read to him from his worn out Bible.

Then she told me about the funeral service Tuesday and invited me to come to the Thursday memorial. She explained that only a few good friends and family were coming...and when I asked I was included she said "Well, John loved you, I can't deny you that...you and your husband can come for a few minutes, I guess". Ouch.

I know she loved John dearly and I know her controlling nature is what has gotten him through all these years, so it's hard to fault her, really. But I also know how deeply John loved me and my John, and he would have been hurt that we didn't say goodbye. She called back that afternoon and apologized and invited us to come for the whole ceremony, lol. I told her I'd think about it, but thank you.

John and I decided we would stay put, that it would be awkward at best to go knowing she didn't really invite us. So I took Alex to the zip lines with a homeschool group. (Photos down thar....) I regret not going...very much. That evening I got home to a message... she was crying and begging me to call her back, telling me over and over how much she loved me. It broke my heart. It was too late to call that night, so I called yesterday. She again apologized, told me she didn't have her head on straight and was ashamed of herself...would I please forgive her for her bad behavior? And that ended it right there ---I regret that I missed out, but I also must respect John and will never hurt her heart.

So...today she told me during the service that John was buried wrapped in the Scooby sheets I gave him. I can't think of anything more comforting than that. I brought home the Scooby Alex gave him, it smells like his room. I like that. And my John and I will go to the nursing home next week to help her move his things out (I know I know--close enough to John to do that....but it's okay, it's still for John). I think after this week, we're going to remain friends, his sister and I. I've lived enough losses to know death can bring about some downright cruel sides of people (one day I'll tell you all about my step-not-my-mother). But I don't think that was her heart, I believe her need to control got in the way. But only for awhile.

Now that I've gone and written a book, if you're still hanging with me, here are zip line photos!!!






This is the one of Alex going downnnnnnnnnnnnnnn.....wait! That's where he would have been if I had gotten the shot on time. Sigh. Sorry. Bad Mom. We only got one chance. By the time we hiked the 2000 mile 90 degree angle hill to the zip line, got their gear on, did the instructions, etc, they only got one ride.



Did I mention I almost died on the hills? I could have...the only thing that kept me going was Alex. How awkward for him if right behind the mom with the 20 kids, running with them up the hill on the return hike, had to come back for me and pull my crumpled body up? For that reason, I did it! Mmmhmm, I just pasted a smile on, nodded as my friend Susan chattered next to me, ignored the burning in my lungs and the cramping muscles down the backs of my legs. I wanted to take off my wind breaker half way in, but I was afraid the motion would have sent me tumbling backwards and my shirt would probably come off with it...and Alex might not think I'm the coolest mommy in the world anymore! I perservered...I conquered the zip line trail...and I will.never.do.that.again.

I've heard a few of you have missed the expression shots---here ya go--just before the zip line adventure (and clearly before the 500000 mile hike):

See this hill? That what I'm talking about..it's straight up, I'm not kidding!

He and his friend, Alec, had a blast!

And this is what makes homeschool so dang cool--I love days like this. I could clearly use a lot of sun here, but I still had fun.

PS--I ripped this song from my friend Sharon's blog, she's got it going on right now. It's been in my head for two days now. It's a great little song though...so Rita, this one's for you, girlfriend.

Wordless Wednesday....

The Whole Picture:

If you want to join in, head over HERE...and have fun!

My Dearest Friend Is Gone

My dearest friend, John, has passed. His sister told me he passed peacefully in his sleep Sunday night. I had a wonderful extended visit with him last week. I'll tell you about it soon. I know John was an incredible light for Jesus, so he is blissfully happy to finally be in a body that isn't broken. And he is able to communicate what his mind wants to say. So he's not broken now, but I am. I would appreciate prayers for me, that I can be at peace. I can't put into words how much I love this man, and I am going to be very lost without him. I'm selfish, I wasn't ready to lose 'Pop' and I can't imagine not seeing his beautiful smile again.

Six years ago my father died suddenly--and I have no doubt he is welcoming the man who stepped in and graciously filled the void in my life he left. It only adds to my knowing that there are incredible times waiting for me on the other side. It's just this side I don't feel terribly excited to be on right now. John's death has appeared to bring out the not-so-kind side of his sister, but I'll hold that for another post...this is about John, the sweetest, funniest, cuddliest, most adorable and loving man I ever had the privilege to know. He loved me just as much as I loved him, I'll miss that. A lot.

Throwback Thursday Time!

January 1989. John and I wanted to be married, but couldn't afford a formal ceremony, let alone a reception. John's sister, Jeanne, felt for us and hosted a small family reception at her home a few days later. So...we did get the cake. And I've been hanging out with my second best decision (next to Christ...for y'all whose jaws just dropped!) for over 19 years now.

Alright, if you won't say it I will--John had a mullet! And how do you like my big hair with slicked back Michael Jacksonesque sides? Actually, I like the back of it--I think I might pull out the hot rollers today!

Interrupting Wordless Wednesday (One Post Down)

Edit: Tagging my new blogger friend, Misty Dawn--she's a bit of an addictive personality, go over there, you just might see yourself!

Part Two of My Eight Things Tag---

Eight Things (People) I SERIOUSLY Adore!

I draw on these four faces when the carpet is ripped out from under me. Well, I don't literally draw on them...hold, I did draw on John late late late one Saturday night after ...anyway. Would enjoy hearing carpet stories from other people, too....where did this phrase come from? Was it wall-to-wall (I doubt that), was it an area rug, was it a floor mat, or was it the more likely kind, magic? If this happened for real, I'd send a stick of gum to anyone strong enough to talk about it now. Whatever I drag up from the bottom of my handbag...probably cinnamon.

*Sharon--working my way to my sewing tag....it's coming!

** If you want the Monkees music for the WW Post, just hit the bottom and click on the Monkees song on my player...still there! ;-)

Wordless Wed. : Johnny & Me Father's Day 2007

Married To A Top Daddy! Go on ^^ click it....did you know you can click it EVERY single day (unless, of course, I don't make it another day)

Wordless Wednesday

Visit A Nursing Home This Week....

The Lives You Touch,

They Will Lift You 500 Times Over.

I Promise.

We overslept....again!

Good morning! Sort of....this wasn't great start morning. It all started last night when John called from school (he teaches at a college in the evenings a few nights a week) and told me he had a flat tire. So....he insisted on taking it in this morning and waiting himself rather than trade with either Niki or myself. I understand the Niki thing, her car is pretty low and the windows are tinted heavily. Even I felt silly driving it to the DMV last year to get tags and drop it off at school so she could drive her "new" car home, lol. It takes a lot these days for me to feel rediculous, so you can imagine how "teenage" looking this car really is!

This dreary, rainy morning might have gone fairly smoothly, but nobody's alarm "worked". So we jumped out for a running start. I hate it when that happens. John drove Cody to school, the bus was already driving by as he woke. Niki goes to IT class in the morning, so she starts later and was able to get ready on time, thank goodness. When we have days like this more and more frequently, I know the end of the school year must be near! So I conclude the end of school is near!

I've got some great ideas in my head I want to post about, but I'll wait a bit until I have time to do them right--this is a quickie. It's Wednesday, so I'm off to the nursing home for our visit. Then my friend Cat is going to be in my neighborhood, so we are definitely going to do lunch! Pictures will follow if and only if I can get this rainy day hair to cooperate. After lunch, we hit the fabric store in search of some MU and KU fabric because she (bless her sweet heart) told her neighbor about the bibs and burp cloths and if I can get this fabric, I have a sale! Hooray!

This afternoon I have got to work and get those sewn because I'll see her again at church for our Wednesday dinner/youth thing (we're not youths but we are allowed to eat dinner with them!). I'd like to have them finished for her by then.
Tomorrow more crazy housework and party planning--Alex's big slumber party, his first, is Friday. And I know God welcomes prayer of all magnitudes, so if you think about it Friday, pray that this goes well. Alex is so hopeful all his friends have fun and want to spend the night with him again and again. So as his mommy, I'm praying for success because it means so much to him.

I leave you with pictures of John, he's my Hero Husband who would do just about anything for his family. No scratch that, he would do ANYthing for us, he's proven that 10000 times. He definitely goes without so that we do not. Not many men will drive an old Contour with no extras all these years and not care about it. I beg him about every other month now to get a new car, we can swing it, but he keeps thinking there'll be something else we need more.

I know I'm not unique when it comes to amazing husbands, but I still have to sing his praises to my friends! And throw up a thank you to God for him from time to time as well. xoxo

August 2006

We've been known to throw up the deuces. John's brother Jeff, neph Bobby and of course, John

I'd hoped to show some photos of an apron I intended to sew up this morning--my schedule was wide open. And as things sometimes unfold, that changed with a phone call. My dear, dear friend was in the hospital. So I spent much of the day with her, enjoying her company and hopefully lifting her spirit just a bit.


My friend is in her 70's, so we're a very unlikely pair, she and I. We met because through our church she wanted me to join her in visiting elderly at a nursing home where many of the residents are overlooked and don't have family. That was nearly five years ago and we've been connected ever since! She will be okay, I think, when I left she was finally given the green light to drink Dr. Pepper, so I left a happy camper.


So what better time to introduce you to another amazing, dear friend of mine, John P. He's one of the residents of the home. I instantly bonded with him, thought he was adorable bent over his velvet-marker picture! I've been helping to keep him in velvet picture to color since, and even have a few of his pieces here at my desk. There's something so innocent, helpless and at the same time desperate about most of the folks in this home. I cannot resist their sweet faces, they're ending the chapters of their life and still manage to light up the room when a visitor comes around.



I know I'm rambling now and hopefully haven't lost you yet, because this is where it gets good. Every here and again I bring my friend, John, dinner. He likes cheeseburgers, fries and a vanilla shake. So I happily accomodate his appetite fast food, gives me reason to indulge myself. We dine in the activity room to give him a break from the large dining hall; my husband John joins us, too. In fact, John P. seems to enjoy him more than he does me--imagine that! :) Here is my buddy just after he finished his fries, smile on his face....I pray a lot for his health and I pray even more for many cheeseburger dinners to come!