If it's going to bring me these kind of smiles, I'll take it.
Thursday, July 27, 2006
A Small Glimpse into my Future as a Little League Mom
If it's going to bring me these kind of smiles, I'll take it.
Monday, July 24, 2006
Friday, July 21, 2006
Friday, July 14, 2006
Those First Sweet Little Phrases
The first time Chase repeated exactly what I had just said was cute. I had just seen him for the first time that morning and had said "Hey buddy!" He repeated it back to me in that sweet baby voice and I melted.
The second time, after I had just yelled "F*cking Idiot!" at another driver, it wasn't as sweet. However it was nice to know that he had my back.
The second time, after I had just yelled "F*cking Idiot!" at another driver, it wasn't as sweet. However it was nice to know that he had my back.
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
High on a Hill was a Lonely Tarzan
I spent this past weekend with my sisters and my stepmother's side of the family at The Lake of the Ozarks. We do this one weekend out of every summer and let me just say, it's always a good time. These ladies know how to have a good time and by a good time, I mean they know how to drink, gossip, and tell each other how beautiful they are and how gorgeous their wedding ring is. So, I'm usually the most sober one out of the weekend because SOMEONE needs to know how to spell 9-1-1 if the need should arise...therefore I get some pretty decent pictures. Well, um, not this year. I drank a little more than usual this time and may or may not have debated whether or not Tarzan was a yodeler or not... once or twice. It gets deep, let me tell you. I did however manage to take a few pictures and I think they accurately convey how I was feeling Saturday night.
I'll start off with this picture of my sister, Katie. It's the best one that I took, if that tells you anything. She looks very happy to be seated next to me, doesn't she?
This next one is my sister, Amanda, who probably didn't enjoy my camera in her face but was too smart to tell me. I've crushed her spirit as only a big sister can do, one too many times.
Next comes my stepmother Debbie and her mother. I'd tell you what they were doing but it's a top secret lake tradition. The picture is still amusing however.
My cousin Lara is a pretty big instigator in these type of situations so while I'm not sure exactly what was going on in this picture, I'm sure it was instigating of some type.
Now I debated on whether or not to post this next picture, I really did. I decided that it needed to be done but I must warn you that it's not for the faint of heart. If there are children in the room, please tell them to turn their heads because well, it's graphic. I caught on film what many have labeled "Demon Flathead". Yes, it's true. Now if the children are out of the room, please scroll down and you will witness the infamous Demon Flathead.
...
...
...
Ok, well assuming you all survived that last one, there is one final picture from the weekend and if you can name where in the house this is located and why I took the picture-a virtual cookie to you. Because, really, I can't remember why. I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend as much as I did and if no one has told you already-you are beautiful and your wedding ring is gorgeous!
I'll start off with this picture of my sister, Katie. It's the best one that I took, if that tells you anything. She looks very happy to be seated next to me, doesn't she?
This next one is my sister, Amanda, who probably didn't enjoy my camera in her face but was too smart to tell me. I've crushed her spirit as only a big sister can do, one too many times.
Next comes my stepmother Debbie and her mother. I'd tell you what they were doing but it's a top secret lake tradition. The picture is still amusing however.
My cousin Lara is a pretty big instigator in these type of situations so while I'm not sure exactly what was going on in this picture, I'm sure it was instigating of some type.
Now I debated on whether or not to post this next picture, I really did. I decided that it needed to be done but I must warn you that it's not for the faint of heart. If there are children in the room, please tell them to turn their heads because well, it's graphic. I caught on film what many have labeled "Demon Flathead". Yes, it's true. Now if the children are out of the room, please scroll down and you will witness the infamous Demon Flathead.
...
...
...
Ok, well assuming you all survived that last one, there is one final picture from the weekend and if you can name where in the house this is located and why I took the picture-a virtual cookie to you. Because, really, I can't remember why. I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend as much as I did and if no one has told you already-you are beautiful and your wedding ring is gorgeous!
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Happy Fourth of July!
He looks so thrilled to be sitting still for two seconds, doesn't he? I honestly tried to get a great shot of him, hoping to truly capture the essence of the Fourth. No such luck so we're stuck with this one. Hope everyone had a happy one!
Sunday, July 02, 2006
Evelyn Celeste Miller
A year ago today I heard the news that a beautiful little five year old girl had been abducted from her home in Iowa. She was missing and everyone feared the worst. Those fears were confirmed a short time later when her lifeless body was found. That innocent little girl was the niece of my friend, Brandi. As of today, Evelyn's killer...that monster is still among friends. He's still among his family. He still enjoys sunlight and a bed of his own choosing. He still walks free and enjoys whatever he calls his life.
Over the past year, I've watched as Brandi has dealt with the cruel things a murder victim's family goes through. I've seen all the disappointments in not arresting the murderer, all the hope and letdowns and the desperation to find some sort of closure and justice. I've watched all the guilt and what-ifs and self blame that good people torture themselves with. It's been heartwrenching. No one should have to endure this.
No matter what happens in the future though, it seems the biggest fear has been forgetting-forgetting what a beautiful innocent creature Evelyn was, forgetting her smile, her voice, her laugh and forgetting the special moments that they shared with her. Not to mention the fear of the public forgetting about her story...and that her killer is still free.
As I started to write this post, I wanted to find the words to make a difference. I wanted to say something bold and groundbreaking and somehow healing. I soon found that I don't have those words... but I do have words that help remember which will someday lead to healing.
Evelyn Celeste Miller was a beautiful five year old girl, that deserved so much more.
Evelyn in Brandi's wedding as she walked with the ringbearer.
Donations may be made to:
Evelyn Miller Memorial Fund
First Security Bank & Trust
809 Clark St., PO Box 577
Charles City, IA 50616
Over the past year, I've watched as Brandi has dealt with the cruel things a murder victim's family goes through. I've seen all the disappointments in not arresting the murderer, all the hope and letdowns and the desperation to find some sort of closure and justice. I've watched all the guilt and what-ifs and self blame that good people torture themselves with. It's been heartwrenching. No one should have to endure this.
No matter what happens in the future though, it seems the biggest fear has been forgetting-forgetting what a beautiful innocent creature Evelyn was, forgetting her smile, her voice, her laugh and forgetting the special moments that they shared with her. Not to mention the fear of the public forgetting about her story...and that her killer is still free.
As I started to write this post, I wanted to find the words to make a difference. I wanted to say something bold and groundbreaking and somehow healing. I soon found that I don't have those words... but I do have words that help remember which will someday lead to healing.
Evelyn Celeste Miller was a beautiful five year old girl, that deserved so much more.
Evelyn in Brandi's wedding as she walked with the ringbearer.
Donations may be made to:
Evelyn Miller Memorial Fund
First Security Bank & Trust
809 Clark St., PO Box 577
Charles City, IA 50616
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Tag, now I'm it.
Ok, so my good pal Erin has tagged me with a Meme and since I don't have time to upload all the pictures and write all the posts that I have, here goes...
7 Things I Want to Do Before I Die
Skydive (which I'm aware might actually cause me to die-so maybe I'll save that one for last)
Visit Paris, Rome, London and Branson.
Go on safari.
Scuba dive.
Know that I've made a difference.
See my children succeed happily.
Make my parents proud.
7 Things That Attracted Me to My Partner
His sense of humor.
His kindness.
His good looks.
His morals.
His work ethic.
His ability to name every show, movie, or commercial even the most obscure actor has been in.
His collection of tennis shoes.
7 Books I Read Over and Over
Ummm, errrr, I'm not sure that I've ever read the same book twice. Does that make me a bad person?
7 Movies That I Love
The Princess Bride
To Kill a Mockingbird
Breakfast at Tiffany's
Shawshank Redemption
Young Frankenstein
O' Brother Where Art Thou
I could really go on and on...
7 Things I Can't Do
Say "social security" successfully in one try.
Stay up past midnight.
Watch scary movies.
Stand Owen Wilson.
Grow my hair long.
Touch, be near, look at, talk about, or listen to someone else talk about snakes.
Sleep with my feet (or other body part) hanging off the bed due to the thing that lives under my bed. I'm convinced that there is something.
Make a grammatically correct post-not even to save my life.
7 Things I Want to Do Before I Die
Skydive (which I'm aware might actually cause me to die-so maybe I'll save that one for last)
Visit Paris, Rome, London and Branson.
Go on safari.
Scuba dive.
Know that I've made a difference.
See my children succeed happily.
Make my parents proud.
7 Things That Attracted Me to My Partner
His sense of humor.
His kindness.
His good looks.
His morals.
His work ethic.
His ability to name every show, movie, or commercial even the most obscure actor has been in.
His collection of tennis shoes.
7 Books I Read Over and Over
Ummm, errrr, I'm not sure that I've ever read the same book twice. Does that make me a bad person?
7 Movies That I Love
The Princess Bride
To Kill a Mockingbird
Breakfast at Tiffany's
Shawshank Redemption
Young Frankenstein
O' Brother Where Art Thou
I could really go on and on...
7 Things I Can't Do
Say "social security" successfully in one try.
Stay up past midnight.
Watch scary movies.
Stand Owen Wilson.
Grow my hair long.
Touch, be near, look at, talk about, or listen to someone else talk about snakes.
Sleep with my feet (or other body part) hanging off the bed due to the thing that lives under my bed. I'm convinced that there is something.
Make a grammatically correct post-not even to save my life.
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Friday, June 16, 2006
Baby Hypnosis
The captive is trying desperately to escape from this babygate prison. He wants you to look deep into his eyes...deep into his eyes...you are getting sleepy....sleepy....sleeeeeeeepy...YOU NEVER MIND THIS BLANKIE SOAKED IN ETHER...sleeeeepy....sleeeepppppyyyyy...
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
The Best Care in the Air
Chuck and I flew Midwest Express on our most recent trip and let me just say, I loved it. I was in airplane heaven, I tell you. I loved it so much that I took pictures, while actually on the plane. Yes, Chuck was embarrassed but he's getting used to it. So that leads us to my latest entry entitled...
Why I Love Midwest Express or Why I Stopped Complaining About the Little Extra We Had to Pay:
#1- They have big leather seats with adjustable headrests.
#2- Those headrests fold open so I can sleep without resting my head on the stranger next to me.
The photo that was previously displayed here has been removed to make room for new pictures but trust me, you would have been impressed.
#3- They have footrests!!! I could prop my feet up!!
The photo that was previously displayed here has been removed to make room for new pictures but trust me, you would have been impressed.
#4- They gave us warm cookies!
The photo that was previously displayed here has been removed to make room for new pictures but trust me, you would have been impressed.
So needless to say, next trip, we are definitely flying Midwest Express again and that's great news if you happen to sit next to me and don't enjoy drool on your shoulder.
Why I Love Midwest Express or Why I Stopped Complaining About the Little Extra We Had to Pay:
#1- They have big leather seats with adjustable headrests.
#2- Those headrests fold open so I can sleep without resting my head on the stranger next to me.
The photo that was previously displayed here has been removed to make room for new pictures but trust me, you would have been impressed.
#3- They have footrests!!! I could prop my feet up!!
The photo that was previously displayed here has been removed to make room for new pictures but trust me, you would have been impressed.
#4- They gave us warm cookies!
The photo that was previously displayed here has been removed to make room for new pictures but trust me, you would have been impressed.
So needless to say, next trip, we are definitely flying Midwest Express again and that's great news if you happen to sit next to me and don't enjoy drool on your shoulder.
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Chains of Water
Today the captive finds himself in a pool of cold water. This must be a form of punishment after his failed attempt at escape the previous day.
The captor paces aimlessly back and forth in the yard behind him, forever pushing a loud machine while creating paths in the grass. If the captive times his escape just right, he might just succeed at this attempt.
As if the captor sensed his plot, the ultimate in torture begins.
There is nothing worse than bubble torture. The escape plan will have to wait for another day.
The captor paces aimlessly back and forth in the yard behind him, forever pushing a loud machine while creating paths in the grass. If the captive times his escape just right, he might just succeed at this attempt.
As if the captor sensed his plot, the ultimate in torture begins.
There is nothing worse than bubble torture. The escape plan will have to wait for another day.
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Chase's Life Lesson #1
Lesson #1- Cats make excellent pillows...
especially if the pillow is a willing participant...
and declawed.
especially if the pillow is a willing participant...
and declawed.
Monday, June 05, 2006
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Hello. My name is Paulie Walnuts and I am a tail biter.
Imagine you are a kitten named Paulie Walnuts. Your life is good. One minute, you're minding your own business, happily enjoying a romp through your home and an occasional nibble on the end of your tail.
The picture that was previously displayed here has been removed to make room for new pictures. Trust me, you would have been impressed.
The next minute you find yourself at the vet's office and he saying that you need part of your tail amputated. You aren't quite sure what that means but man...you are getting sleepy. Then you make it home, rouse yourself out of a drug induced coma, decide to go for a little tail nibblin' and...what the f*#k? You find a plastic tube over the end of your tail! And it's shorter!
The picture that was previously displayed here has been removed to make room for new pictures. Trust me, you would have been impressed.
Paulie Walnuts needs a drink.
The picture that was previously displayed here has been removed to make room for new pictures. Trust me, you would have been impressed.
The picture that was previously displayed here has been removed to make room for new pictures. Trust me, you would have been impressed.
The next minute you find yourself at the vet's office and he saying that you need part of your tail amputated. You aren't quite sure what that means but man...you are getting sleepy. Then you make it home, rouse yourself out of a drug induced coma, decide to go for a little tail nibblin' and...what the f*#k? You find a plastic tube over the end of your tail! And it's shorter!
The picture that was previously displayed here has been removed to make room for new pictures. Trust me, you would have been impressed.
Paulie Walnuts needs a drink.
The picture that was previously displayed here has been removed to make room for new pictures. Trust me, you would have been impressed.
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Hurry, hurry, drive the firetruck...
Chase and Ashtin visit "Pa" at the fire station. "Pa" promptly puts them to work. Don't worry, they put their helmets on once they got to the fire.
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Why I love my friend, Holly...
She's got fashion sense...
She knows how to party...
She's not above public humiliation...
She's trusting enough to let me near that awesome necklace that she knows I'm willing to steal off her neck...
But mostly because she's beautiful inside and out...
Congratulations Holly and Kevin!
She knows how to party...
She's not above public humiliation...
She's trusting enough to let me near that awesome necklace that she knows I'm willing to steal off her neck...
But mostly because she's beautiful inside and out...
Congratulations Holly and Kevin!
Monday, May 22, 2006
It's getting deep in here.
So it's probably been pretty obvious that I've been having some writer's block lately. But never fear! I decided to reach out to some friends and get some ideas. One suggested a meme- which is, thank you Leen, "an idea that is spread from blog to blog". Well, I liked that idea and decided to steal it, er, I mean USE it. So I googled and thanks to Curious as a Cat I decided on this question:
If you could only repent for one thing when you die, what one thing would you choose?
It really got me thinking because there are so many things in my life that I've done that I partially regret and I know were "the wrong choice". Things like leaving college, not studying harder, borrowing money, spraying bug spray in my little sister's mouth...but really all of those things shaped who I am today and I must say, I'm pretty happy with my life. I have a decent job, a husband that I adore, a fabulous son, I'm healthy, and I have good friends. Sometimes I think, even IF I felt badly enough to repent some of those things, I don't think I would. What if one of those relatively minor things completely shaped my life and I don't even know it? For example, if I had stayed in college, would I have met my husband? Would I have made these great friends? Would my sister be able to keep mosquitoes away with a deep exhale? The answer is likely, "no". So how can I regret those things?
However, there still is one thing I wish I hadn't done and would repent for because deep down, I regret it terribly. When I was a teenager, I treated my family like crap. Yes, it's true. I was selfish, thought the world owed me, and it completely revolved around me and my wants and needs. **Contrary to popular belief, that is no longer the case.** Now, I wasn't flat out disrespectful or hurtful, by any means. But just the lack of compassion for my family members when they probably really needed me, is enough. Those years just seem like such a black hole when I look back. I think about the relatives that I've lost recently and how much I would give to get those years back with them. It seems like such a waste. There's not many things that I hate more than wasted time. Life is just too short.
So that's my repent-what's yours? Pass it on.
If you could only repent for one thing when you die, what one thing would you choose?
It really got me thinking because there are so many things in my life that I've done that I partially regret and I know were "the wrong choice". Things like leaving college, not studying harder, borrowing money, spraying bug spray in my little sister's mouth...but really all of those things shaped who I am today and I must say, I'm pretty happy with my life. I have a decent job, a husband that I adore, a fabulous son, I'm healthy, and I have good friends. Sometimes I think, even IF I felt badly enough to repent some of those things, I don't think I would. What if one of those relatively minor things completely shaped my life and I don't even know it? For example, if I had stayed in college, would I have met my husband? Would I have made these great friends? Would my sister be able to keep mosquitoes away with a deep exhale? The answer is likely, "no". So how can I regret those things?
However, there still is one thing I wish I hadn't done and would repent for because deep down, I regret it terribly. When I was a teenager, I treated my family like crap. Yes, it's true. I was selfish, thought the world owed me, and it completely revolved around me and my wants and needs. **Contrary to popular belief, that is no longer the case.** Now, I wasn't flat out disrespectful or hurtful, by any means. But just the lack of compassion for my family members when they probably really needed me, is enough. Those years just seem like such a black hole when I look back. I think about the relatives that I've lost recently and how much I would give to get those years back with them. It seems like such a waste. There's not many things that I hate more than wasted time. Life is just too short.
So that's my repent-what's yours? Pass it on.
Friday, May 19, 2006
Ramble on
**Disclaimer: This post will probably be very boring but I just have had no interesting inspiration lately so if you would like to just skip to the cuteness at the end, I wouldn't blame you.
What is it about the weather getting warm that makes my schedule break loose? It's like this every year. The sun comes out for a minute and suddenly my schedule is full every day of the week (or at least the weekend). Don't get me wrong, I enjoy it. But I also enjoy things like...oh, I don't know... sitting down? Writing in my blog? (I know, I've been a terrible writer lately) We have and had something officially planned for every Saturday from the beginning of May until the end of June. Between barbecues, holidays, birthdays, vacations and just parties in general-we are booked!
Speaking of vacations-we leave for Orlando next week. My oh so fabulous friend Holly (she lives in the Virgin Islands) gets married next week and I am in it! This girl has us partying nonstop from Friday to Sunday. Seriously? I don't know how I'll keep up. Chuck and I will be the ones to go home early every night-I'm embarrassed to admit. We are lightweights. There I said it. It's true that 4 years ago I used to drink 3 nights out of the week. But now? Maybe once a month. Maybe. If I get all wild and crazy and feel like a beer. So I'm expecting to fully embarrass myself on this trip-in front of all of Holly's friends. Yes, after 3 drinks-I'm done. I know you can't wait for pictures.
Also while in Orlando, we are going to squeeze in a trip to see The Mouse, of course. The dilemma is, I'm not sure which park to go to. Chuck and I were just there 2 years ago and went to 4 of the parks. We really enjoyed all of them and can't decide whether to go back to one that we went to last time or to go to one that we didn't make it to. There is even one that I've never been to-Epcot. *sigh* Decisions, decisions.
Did I mention that I totally screwed up our plans and came damn near a nervous breakdown last week? Oh yeah, it was great. So our plans since the end of February (or March-whenever it was)or so have been to head to Orlando on Thursday, do all the rehearsal parties on Friday, wedding on Saturday and head home on Sunday after checking out and returning our rental car. Well, late last week, I got an Evite inviting me to the rehearsal dinner on Saturday evening. After peeing my pants and saying a few prayers, I asked Holly what day exactly her wedding was on. You guessed it. It's on Sunday. So after scrambling to change our flight and hotel and car and babysitting arrangements and dropping a considerably large additional amount of money, we are now coming back on Monday-which should have been our plan from the start. They say that you should really pay attention to details but I just don't have time for that rubbish. *flips hair*
So to summarize, summer=busy, Orlando trip=drunk, The Mouse=dilemma, trip planning =nervous breakdown, Tiff=goodbye.
Cuteness to make this post actually worth your time:
What is it about the weather getting warm that makes my schedule break loose? It's like this every year. The sun comes out for a minute and suddenly my schedule is full every day of the week (or at least the weekend). Don't get me wrong, I enjoy it. But I also enjoy things like...oh, I don't know... sitting down? Writing in my blog? (I know, I've been a terrible writer lately) We have and had something officially planned for every Saturday from the beginning of May until the end of June. Between barbecues, holidays, birthdays, vacations and just parties in general-we are booked!
Speaking of vacations-we leave for Orlando next week. My oh so fabulous friend Holly (she lives in the Virgin Islands) gets married next week and I am in it! This girl has us partying nonstop from Friday to Sunday. Seriously? I don't know how I'll keep up. Chuck and I will be the ones to go home early every night-I'm embarrassed to admit. We are lightweights. There I said it. It's true that 4 years ago I used to drink 3 nights out of the week. But now? Maybe once a month. Maybe. If I get all wild and crazy and feel like a beer. So I'm expecting to fully embarrass myself on this trip-in front of all of Holly's friends. Yes, after 3 drinks-I'm done. I know you can't wait for pictures.
Also while in Orlando, we are going to squeeze in a trip to see The Mouse, of course. The dilemma is, I'm not sure which park to go to. Chuck and I were just there 2 years ago and went to 4 of the parks. We really enjoyed all of them and can't decide whether to go back to one that we went to last time or to go to one that we didn't make it to. There is even one that I've never been to-Epcot. *sigh* Decisions, decisions.
Did I mention that I totally screwed up our plans and came damn near a nervous breakdown last week? Oh yeah, it was great. So our plans since the end of February (or March-whenever it was)or so have been to head to Orlando on Thursday, do all the rehearsal parties on Friday, wedding on Saturday and head home on Sunday after checking out and returning our rental car. Well, late last week, I got an Evite inviting me to the rehearsal dinner on Saturday evening. After peeing my pants and saying a few prayers, I asked Holly what day exactly her wedding was on. You guessed it. It's on Sunday. So after scrambling to change our flight and hotel and car and babysitting arrangements and dropping a considerably large additional amount of money, we are now coming back on Monday-which should have been our plan from the start. They say that you should really pay attention to details but I just don't have time for that rubbish. *flips hair*
So to summarize, summer=busy, Orlando trip=drunk, The Mouse=dilemma, trip planning =nervous breakdown, Tiff=goodbye.
Cuteness to make this post actually worth your time:
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Going to my happy place.
The photo that was previously displayed here has been removed to make room for new pictures.
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