Mindless Wanderings

It's a New Day

2011-08-05T21:01:00.001-05:00

This summer I attended the Arkansas Women Bloggers Conference and a NWA Bloggers Meetup. I was a speaker as well as an attendee of WordCamp Fayetteville.
I oversaw the redesign of my church's website from Dreamweaver to WordPress. (Check it out at GoodShepherdNWA.org.)

As you might have guessed by now, I drank the WordPress Kool-Aid.

So from now on, I'll be blogging at Jdilday.WordPress.com?
Come join me!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Three Wishes

2011-07-17T08:03:00.002-05:00

School's been out for a month, but just this morning I unearthed an essay that Genna wrote near the end of this, her 4th grade year. I thought it was Gracie's at first, because her handwriting improved THAT MUCH during the last 2 weeks of school. (Thank you Vyvanse!)

Anyway, I'll keep the original in our "Keepsakes" file, but had to post it here (with the author's original spelling and punctuation!) for you all to enjoy.

Three Wishes

Once upon a time in Fayetteville Arkansas lived a girl named Genna Dilday she collects stuffed animals, wants to have a pet tiger and prayes evry night to have her own room. I am going to tell you the story of her Three Wishes.

On a blazeing hot day the ice cream man came, so she bought one fudge pop. When he opened the cash register shirens went off. The man said to me congratoulation you are the one hundredth costemer After that he gave me a cool lamp but it was all Rusy. I went home and pollised the lamp. I rubed it with my hand and a jinie poped out of the lamp. I was so suprised she told me that she would grant me three wishes. I told her one of my wishes, it was to have my own room she did this funny dance. A few minets later my dad was yelling Genna get out here and I did. I was so happy when I saw the ginourmas room I screamed and dad said it will be my room instead of my sisters room. The next day . . . I woke up and there was the jinie siting om my bed she said you must make your wish no, ok . . .I wish that I had all the stuffed animals in the world ok she said, she did another funny dance. In a snap second thousands of stuffed animals were all over the floor. I twas amazing. I played all day and all night with them. At elleven O'cloc I went to bed I woke up, the jieni was on my bed again she sad, another wish. I thought and thought. Finally I said to have my very own trained tiger. The jieni said to me, and thats your final wish, yep I said. Thank you so much for my three wishes. I love them all. The next few mintes I was playing with my brand new baby tiger. I think I am going to name you Sam, and that's the story of Three Wishes.

Leaving for Las Vegas!

2011-07-16T07:57:00.002-05:00

(Source: Wikimedia Commons)

We fly out tomorrow morning for 4 nights in Las Vegas to celebrate my 40th birthday AND the completion of Mark's project -- ON time and ON budget!

Today I'll be making the mad dash to grocery shop for the kids, pack, and make the list of emergency numbers and "back ups" for the babysitter . . . not to mention buy some 1/2 price show tickets for Tony and Tina's Wedding . . .my list goes on and on.

So why am I blogging? Because if I don't it will be like it never really happened! And its just time to post SOMEthing! Because despite attending a blogging conference this summer, a blogging workshop this week, and teaching a workshop at WordCamp Fayettteville at the end of the month . . . I am, as usual, neglecting my own. So typical. You know, the cobbler's shoes. . .

However, I did lead a website redesign project for Good Shepherd and thanks to the AH-MAZE-ing design skills of Michelle at Mockingbird Creative . . . its gorgeous!

Oh yeah, and I'm at the halfway point of reading the Bible in 90 Days. See why I need a VACATION?!??!

Hmmm . . .

2011-07-05T07:28:00.001-05:00

I'm one third of the way through reading the Bible in 90 days (a fun little "light" summer read suggested by my pastor.)

I'm reading the Lutheran Study Bible which has great little notes out to the side which either provide some historical context, summarize what is happening, or point out a theme. Another type of note simply asks a question that, like Arsenio Hall, makes me go "hmmm?"

Today I read this from1 Chronicles 12:18. Amasai, chief of David's Thirty (before he was king) says, "we are yours, O David; and with you, O son of Jesse! Peace, peace to you, and peace to the one who helps you! For your God is the one who helps you."

Now the note is the margin says: "The familiar translation of shalom is inadequate. Prosperity and success are closer, but fall short of the emphasis on the wholeness, unity, and integrity that Amasai wishes for the people."

Here's what got me humming: "What would change in your life if you thought of peace as more than the absence of war? In what way does your life need peace."

The Peace of the Lord be with you all.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

BBQ for the 4th of July

2011-07-02T19:43:00.001-05:00

With the 4th of July just a few days away, I figured this would be the ideal time to share my BBQ ribs recipe.
They are fall off the bone tender and delish. Great for summer picnics and celebrations, but they also make a really hardy winter meal. Just switch up the sides according to season.

Here's what you'll need

Pork Ribs (I don't care for babyback. They are more expensive and have less meat. Lately I've been buying the country spare ribs -- which have LOTS of meat on them and are pre-sliced. EASY!)
A can of beer. I like a pilsner such as Bud Light.
Sweet Baby Rays BBQ sauce (if you stray from Sweet Baby Rays, I will not be held responsible)
large baking pan
Reynold's Wrap

Directions
Place ribs in baking dish, pour can of beer over ribs, cover with aluminum foil and bake on low heat (250 F) for 2-3 hours.
Pour off the beer and brush with BBQ sauce
Return to over for additional 1- 1 1/2 hours
Remove from oven, brush with additional sauce and place on hot grill just until the BBQ sauce caramelizes.

Serve with broccoli cornbread, corn on the cob, potato salad, baked beans, cole slaw. . . you get the picture.
I'm planning to make these on Monday and I'll post a photo then . . . but wanted y'all to have the recipe in plenty of time to plan your menu for the 4th. You're welcome.

Trust me, it's so good you'll slap yo momma!

Top Ten Blogs I'm Reading

2011-06-26T20:13:00.001-05:00

Ever since I attended the Arkansas Women Blogger's Unplugged Conference a few weeks ago, I've been planning to post my own version of David Letterman's Top Ten List.

These are the top 10 blogs I'm reading currently. . . and WHY.

1. This one goes almost without saying. Who DOESN'T love the Pioneer Woman? Great recipes, photos and most of all . . . humor!

2. My favorite blog of a real live person. She just fascinates me. Deep faith, utter human-ness, and creativity. Vingtage Butterfly

3. After 4 years with an interim pastor, when we finally learned our new pastor's name, imagine my DELIGHT to know that he authors the longest running Lutheran Blog in North America. Y'all, come visit our church!

4. For the pure joy I get in looking at these photographs. I Heart Faces

5. This gal goes to my church and she is Hi.Lar.I.Ous! Check out Leslie's blog at Nobody Gave me the Instruction Book

6. This one's a tie. When I first got interested in reading blogs it was because these two ladies were pregnant with quads and blogging about it. I'll never forget the day these sweet babies were born. I've watched them grow up! Steece's Pieces and 4Tunate

7. For everything local, nothing beats the Fayetteville Flyer. These guys are my blogging idols. For shizzle!

8. My favorite photog in NWA blogs at Shuperman

9. Another tie. This one's a 3-way. These are my 3 favorite bloggers that I met at #AWBU. I really only had the chance to meet and talk with one of them at the conference, the other two have "pulled me in" by their blogs. The Brokins, Kelly's Pink Bicycle, and The Busy Nothings

10. And of course, my great friend Angie inspires me every day. She's just so DANG smart, witty, and brave. I love reading her posts which are designed to record important family memories and history for her son (which, we've agreed, my daughter will grow up to marry so that we can be grandma's together!)

It's Official. . . I'm Old!

2011-06-21T07:07:00.003-05:00

Just in case you thought the jury was still out on this one. . . it ain't. I'm old.

I'm closing in on the big 4-0 in less than thirty days, and just to rub salt in my wound the universe throws me this:

First, I woke up to the news this morning (courtesy of NWAMotherlode.com) that Top Gun was released 25 years ago this summer. WHAAAT?!?

My favorite things about Top Gun were:
1. I went to see it with my long-time crush, Sam Mriden (it was our one and only date)
2. The quote, "Hey Goose, you big STUD! Take me to bed, or lose me forever!" Who doesn't love the pre-plastic Meg Ryan?
3. The Oscar winning song, "Take my Breath Away" WHICH I learned to play on the piano, thank you very much.

Oh, excuse me, I'm rambling. Must be the old age setting in. Wait. . . it gets better. This weekend I'm road tripping to South Dakota to attend MY FLOWER GIRL'S wedding.

Somebody put me out to pasture. . .

A Day at the Lake

2011-06-20T17:06:00.003-05:00

Summer's Here!

2011-06-19T23:56:00.002-05:00

This was the kids' first full week out of school. I would have loved to take some time off of work to stay home with them so we could stay up late at night, sleep in the next morning and then laze around the pool all day. But the universe had other plans! Thursday was SPSF NWA's Spark of Hope and Friday was Northside Rotary Club's first Father Daughter Dance.

Finally, on Saturday, we had a day to officially kick off summer.

We took our "redneck fish 'n ski" boat and met up with our cousins at Beaver Lake. They just got a new/used deck boat, so between our two families we had quite the set up! We used the deck boat as a floating dock and Mark ran our boat full boar pulling kids on the tube, then skis, then the tube again. We snacked, we swam, we soaked up the sun.

Gen and Sadie enjoying the boat!

Ahhh . . . .

Sunday - Father's Day - the kids slept in and Mark stayed home to finish #buildingthedeck (Twitter reference) while I flew solo to church. Pool time this afternoon followed by a Father's Day night at the movies. I definitely get my affinity for sci-fi movies from my dad, and we were in for a real treat tonight! Super 8 is pretty much a mashup of E.T. and Alien. It was written and directed by J.J. Abrams and Steven Spielberg was the executive producer. How could you go wrong?

Here's to the FIRST week of summer!!!

Basil Gimlet Recipe

2011-06-14T22:39:00.011-05:00

By popular request . . .May I present to you . . . the Basil Gimlet.

My next door neighbor, Michael, is a chef and a former bartender. A guy like him comes in really handy when I'm looking for a little inspiration in the kitchen, or when I just ~~need~~ want a good drink.

A few years ago he introduced me to the Basil Gimlet, and its been my summer drink of choice ever since then. (Yes, it even ranks above the Sangria Slushie recipe I shared a few weeks ago.)

Last weekend, I mixed up a batch of the simple syrup infused with basil and toted it along with me to the Arkansas Women Bloggers Unplugged conference. Let me tell ya, if you're ever in the mood for making friends, just whip up a batch of this sweet stuff and start sharing! At the request of my new friend, Dannie Speaks, I am publishing this recipe. Happy Summer, y'all!

Ingredients:
Fresh basil leaves
1 part sugar
2 parts water
limes, quartered
Gilbey's Vodka

Preparation:
To make the simple syrup: using the ratio of 1 part sugar to 2 parts water: bring water to boil, add sugar, stir until sugar dissolves.
Chop basil leaves and place in the bottom of large Mason jar (will keep in the fridge for 1 week)
add the sugar water and steep (allow the basil leaves to infuse with the syrup)

When cooled (or when you just can't stand to wait any longer) fill a glass with ice cubes, pour in 2-3 jiggers of vodka (I prefer Gilbeys, though any cheap vodka will work. Save the good stuff for your Diet Coke or Vanilla Dr. Pepper). Use a citrus press to squeeze the juice of one lime quarter into the glass. Garnish with a basil leaf. (or not, it really doesn't matter)

Enjoy! Oh . . . and SHARE! You'll make new friends!

Doing Business Doing Good

2011-06-13T06:33:00.001-05:00

In addition to making new friends last weekend, I also became a loyal customer.

Murphy USA was one of several sponsors for the Arkansas Women Bloggers Unplugged Conference. Not only did the give each participant a Murphy USA gift card in our fantastic swag bag, but yours truly won an ADDITIONAL gift card in a doorprize drawing. Yay for me! But you know what? It wasn't the free gas for me that "sold" me. Hearing about the various ways that they are "doing good" while doing business is what really impressed me.

First, there is the El Dorado Promise. I mean, that is JUST amazing! Do yourself a favor and read all about it. Second, is their Team Murphy USA program which is really cool as well. But here's the clincher (for me): Free gas for a year for Mark Horvath, an advocate for the homeless and the guy behind InvisiblePeople.tv. And not just free gas at Muphy USA --because they're only in 23 of 50 states currently, and Mark is traveling around the nation.-- they are buying his gas WHEREVER he goes.

Just imagine if EVERY corporation in America made a commitment to give back like this. It could be transformational.

So what brands are you loyal to? And why?

Unplugged Weekend

2011-06-12T21:38:00.005-05:00

I spent this weekend at the Ozark Natural Science Center attending the Arkansas Women Bloggers UNPLUGGED Conference. Not only did I get to spend the weekend with my very good friend and fellow blogger Angie, but I also made 45 new friends in just 36 hours. SCORE!

When I got home today, I spent the better part of the afternoon checking out my new friends' blogs and reading their posts while listening for their "authentic voice." You might want to check them out too . . .Allow me to introduce you to:

From Fayettville: Kelly's Pink Bicycle,
From Bella Vista: Dannie Speaks
From Siloam Springs: The Brokins
and from Eureka Springs: Moxie Works

More introductions in the next day or two . . .

The rest of the conference details will remain top secret. We swore an oath that "What happens at #AWBU (pronounced ah-boo) stays at #AWBU. Right, Shannon? Wink Wink!

So how about you? What are your favorite new blogs?

Grilled Ribeyes with Bleu Cheese Butter

2011-05-30T16:52:00.001-05:00

In honor of the first official weekend of summer I give you, Grilled Ribeye Steaks with Bleu Cheese Butter.

Photo credit: www.steamykitchen.com

Ingredients:

Ribeye Steaks

Bleu cheese butter

4 tablespoons room temp bleu cheese
6 tablespoons room temp salted butter

Optional add-ins:

minced garlic
bacon

Preparation:
Mix bleu cheese and butter together and put in refrigerator. Cook the rib eyes to your taste- I prefer medium rare. After many years of overdone steaks, I've finally convinced hubby of the same.

When you are ready to serve, put a large dollop of the bleu cheese/butter mixture on top of each steak.

And yes, this is what we are having for dinner tonight. Don't hate me. We deserve it. I'll post why we deserve it later tonight or possibly tomorrow.

Happy Memorial Day

2011-05-30T08:53:00.003-05:00

Thank you Veterans. The ultimate VOLUNTEERS.

On Buying Birthday Presents

2011-05-28T17:00:00.007-05:00

There is a reason why that old tv show "Kids Say the Darndest Things" featured children between the ages of about 4 and 6. After that, their funny comments become fewer and farther apart. They still say things that are amusing. I think my kids are hilarious. But you don't have that "awwww! Isn't s/he sweet?!?!" reaction quite so frequently.

I had one of those rare moments this week with the 9-year-old.

Genna was invited to a sleepover birthday party but, as usual, her mom couldn't seem to get it together long enough to shop for a birthday present BEFORE the day of the party. (Remember that 3 day audit I told you about? Yeah, maybe not, you probably skipped that long post. Who could blame ya?)

So in the mad morning rush of getting ready for school I asked Gen what I should get for her friend Grier's present. Without a moment's hesitation she replied, "Makeup. And headbands. Grier loves headbands."

"Okay, good idea, " I said. Simple enough.

I turned and walked back towards my bedroom and then she added, " And when I say makeup, I mean Chapstick. Dr. Pepper flavored Chapstick."

Thanks for the clarification.

Sangria Slushie

2011-05-28T09:37:00.001-05:00

The mere mention of this recipe on my Facebook page prompted about 2 zillion requests for the recipe. Since I actually brought it to a party last night, I'm not sure I'll be able to keep up with the demand! So here it is . . . I give you the infamous Sangria Slushie. Ideal for serving at any summer gathering (or just stashing it away in your freezer for Sunday night watching Brothers and Sisters, right LaDawn?)


Photo credit: www.kegworks.com

Ingredients
1 12 oz. can of frozen lemonade concentrate
12 oz. of water
1 750 ml bottle of red wine (I prefer Post Familie Red Table Win e available at Walmart for $4.97)

Preparation
Mix all ingredients and freeze overnight.

Important to note

Due to alcohol content, the Sangria will not freeze solid (thus the "Slushie" name)
Serve in wine glass if you're at a nice party
Serve in plastic tumbler if you're at the pool or the lake or camping or any redneck gathering where it is perfectly acceptable to drink wine from a plastic tumbler.

Yes, I Know This Post is Too Long: Deal With It or Skip it Entirely

2011-05-28T08:47:00.003-05:00

This week was just one of those marathon weeks that you aren't sure you are ever going to make it through. And as I type that sentence I feel guilty --how dare I complain about MY week after the hellish week that the residents of Joplin went through? And that is exactly where this week began . . .

After a gorgeous Sunday afternoon spent at the Block Street Block Party, Gracie reminded us that she had an end of season volleyball party to go to in Rogers in . . . oh . . . 15 minutes. Needless to say, I was NOT PLEASED. But I ran her up to Fast Lanes and then I went to Walmart to look at patio furniture. When I left WM I noticed that someone had KEYED the driver's side back door of my cute, new, little car. WAH!

Back at home, I noticed on FB and Twitter fhat people were commenting about the tornado in Joplin. At about 9:30 the local news station called, "Is this Jody with the Red Cross?" Uh . . . no. I haven't worked for the Red Cross for almost 5 years. That was my first indication that this tornado was BAD.

Monday morning an old Red Cross friend who I met on assignment in Daytona, FL (Hurricane Ivan or Francis) and haven't talked to since Katrina -- called me out of the blue. He wanted to know what I was doing. Neither of us work for the Red Cross anymore, but both of us felt like we SHOULD be doing something. I hung up and called my pastor and asked what we could/should be doing as a church. His response was perfect (and perfectly Lutheran.) So many people, groups, and agencies will be rushing to the aid of Joplin in these first days, but we know that the rebuilding effort will take months, possibly years. He suggested we organize a relief team and go up this summer. In the meantime, I simply helped get information out to our congregation re: what type of supplies were being collected and where. We also sent out information which discouraged people from "self-deploying" (and winding up getting in the way!) to Joplin, but to get in touch with relief organization on the ground and make sure they could be put to work.

Tuesday there was an eerie weather prediction that indicated a series of super cells with the possibility of softball sized hail and prolonged and deadly tornadoes. After seeing the photos of the devastation in Joplin, no one in NWA seemed to be taking this warning lightly. Mark and I decided to pack up the kids and our supplies (including a chain saw) and camp out at my office, which is a basement. We ended up having a 12 person campout/tornado party. Luckily, NWA was spared, but 4 people were killed by tornadoes about 90 miles South of us.

Wednesday - after only a few hours of sleep on a very UNFORGIVING concrete floor, my auditor arrived bright and early to begin three days of audit field work.

Thursday - more audit. But here is where my week turned around.
I volunteered with Northside Fayetteville Rotary Club and the Fayetteville Rotary Club at our Joplin Tornado Relief truck.   It felt good to "do something" albeit very small. It was also great to see people from all walks of life come out to help folks that they don't know and probably never will. I think every single person commented "its the least I can do" or "I wish I could do more."

When I got home on Thursday I went to my first ever

Okay, I didn't actually "go" anywhere. I sat in the media room with my iPhone in one hand and Twitter pulled up on the computer in front of me. I used the phone to keep up with the #AWBU hashtage and used the computer to Tweet my input. Fun!   So what is a Twitter Party you ask? Read here.   And what is AWBU? Read here. And as if I weren't already looking forward to a weekend in the woods with a bunch of soon-to-be-new girlfriends . . . I'm SUPER excited now!

Friday - Finished the audit. YAY!   And went to a fun house party where my Sangria Slushie was a major hit!

Saturday - It's looking pretty good, folks! Hope to be posting photos all weekend of "THE DECK." We're planning on making significant progress on this three day weekend.

Deep Thoughts, by J Dilday

2011-05-19T06:33:00.005-05:00

A few things on my mind . . .

If the world really does come to an end on Saturday, of course I'd be thrilled to go and live with Jesus for all of eternity, but I'd also really be bummed to miss the Block Street Block Party on Sunday.

Whoever came up with the sampler 6-pack is a pure genius. I picked up a Shiner "Family Reunion" last night and its like having a little beer "flight" at a micro-brewery, but in the comfort of your own home where you can simultaneously watch the final 3 contestants on American Idol and give a play-by-play critique to no one in particular.

19th Anniversary at "the wedding tree"

Mark and I celebrated our 19th wedding anniversary this week. Ok, "celebrate" is a loose term. It was a Monday. We went to work. That night we went to Genna's softball game. But her team did win 8-4 so I guess you could call that a celebration. Anyway, I hope to really "celebrate" with a good old fashioned date night this weekend. HOWEVER, he did send me flowers from Flora. Nineteen to be exact. 19 roses. Get it? 19 for our 19th anniversary. Yeah, it took me awhile to catch it too. He's clever that way! The flowers are absolutely gorgeous and the card read "Happy Anniversary from your not secret admirer." Every once in awhile he really surprises me. I've been hanging out with this guy for 21 years (yes! That IS more than half my life!) and I am just now beginning to understand why his mom always called him the "Dreamer." I didn't realize until this past year just how incredibly insightful he is. I'm tellin' ya, the guy is DEEP. He is fascinating.

And Oprah is ending this week. That is all.

Not Gonna Lie

2011-05-18T06:26:00.004-05:00

I'm UBER excited that the creator and editor-in-chief of my all-time favorite magazine when I was a teen (that would be SASSY), Jane Pratt, has once again met me where I am. Instead of publishing a new print mag, she's got a new web-mag.

I remember that when my new issue of Sassy arrived in the mail, I would run to my room and read it COVER TO COVER. How many magazines can you really say that about?

Now, whenever there is a new article posted it will just show up in my feed reader. You don't know how happy this makes me since there are only 2 episodes left of American Idol and what will I do with myself then? HA!

Do yourself a favor, SUBSCRIBE.

And yes, our Sassy Cat was named after a magazine. Your point?

A Prayer for Mother's Day

2011-05-08T07:24:00.002-05:00

We pray for Mothers everywhere….

For mothers of young children; that they may nurture and raise their children to be good and faithful people in the world.

For mothers of older children; that they may have the wisdom to know when to help their children hang on to their roots and when to spread their wings.

For mothers of grown children; that they may feel satisfaction in a job well done.

On this day we remember mothers of children in war-torn countries, mothers of children where disaster or famine has struck, and mothers who fear for their children’s safety;
that they may find food for their children, justice for their families, and peace for their souls.

We also lift up those for whom this day is painful;
         mothers whose children are missing
         mothers whose children have died
         mothers who have lost children to miscarriage
         mothers who have had abortions
         mothers who have lost custody of their children
         and mothers whose children have disappointed them.

We pray for those who wish to have children but have none; that they may be filled by God.

We pray, too, for all motherless children, children whose mothers have abused or abandoned them, and for all those whose mothers have recently died.

For all the good experiences of motherhood, we thank and praise you Lord.
We lift up to you for healing all the painful experiences of motherhood.

Amen

Written by Pastor Joelle Colville Hanson

Broccoli Cornbread

2011-04-28T09:12:00.002-05:00

This is the recipe that I get long distance phone calls from family for the most! It goes great with chilli, or with my favorite -- barbequed ribs. (I also like to eat any leftovers for breakfast the next morning. Shhh . . . don't tell anyone!)


Photo Credit: www.myblessedlife-lora.blogspot.com

Ingredients:

2 boxes Jiffy corn muffin mix, or similar
4 eggs, beaten
1 1/2 sticks melted butter or margarine (6 ounces)
1 pkg. (10 oz) chopped broccoli, thawed and drained
1 medium onion, chopped
1 cup cottage cheese

Preparation:

Combine all ingredients and pour into greased 9- X 13-inch baking dish. Bake at 375° for 35 to 40 minutes, or until lightly browned.

Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake

2011-04-28T09:07:00.002-05:00

This is the recipe that is in frequent rotation at our house right now. I'm not exaggerating when I say I've made this recipe at least 15 times since January 2nd. (See my related blog post to find out how I can remember the specific date.)

Ingredients:
1 can of cherry pie filling
1 can of crushed pineapple
1 yellow cake mix
1 stick of butter (cut into pats)
chopped nuts

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spread pineapple on the bottom of a prepared or non-stick 9x13 baking dish. Spread the cherry filling on top of the pineapple. "Dump" the dry cake mix on top of the fruit. Sprinkle with 1/4 to 1/2 cup chopped nuts (if desired). Top with butter pats and bake for 45 min- 1 hour until golden brown and bubbly on top. Serve with whipped topping or vanilla ice cream. ENJOY!

Wednesday - Spring Break 2011

2011-03-27T18:03:00.006-05:00

What started as a simple visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park turned into a FIVE mile hike. UP a MOUNTAIN. Our teenagers were not pleased. These photos were taken before the hike.

We got video of the happy kiddos near the end of the hike as we reached Grotto Falls.

(VIDEO COMING SOON!)

Monday -Spring Break 2011

2011-03-27T17:08:00.018-05:00

Today we really DID want to stay at the resort all day. But Gracie still needed a bathing suit that fit. So she and i headed out for a girls only shopping excursion. We stopped at two shops in Pigeon Forge that sold TONS of swimwear . . . All for girls who are size 4-6 and a small B cup. No matter how cute the suit was and no matter how hard she tried, she just couldn't make it fit.

Let's just say it wasn't a fun shopping experience. At one point I even texted Mark, "Shoot me now."

Next stop. . .Walmart. Poor Gracie. Her body is too grown up for the cute little teenager bathing suits. And the ladies swimwear looks like OLD LADY swimwear. Seriously! Are they rationing the cute, tropical print fabric?

She finally settled on a solid black halter top and bikini bottom and it looks great on her. As we left Walmart she said, "Thanks for enduring that with me."

Back at the resort we got in a few hours of pool time and sunshine. It was gorgeous! About 81 degrees. There's just something about swimming outdoors, in the mountains, in MARCH!
(VIDEO COMING SOON!)

We made use of our kitchen in the condo and had grilled chicken with spinach salad and poppy seed dressing for dinner. Ihad planned on a spinach and STRAWBERRY salad, but Ethan helped himself to the strawberries while Gracie and I were shopping and he ate them ALL! TWO PINTS! In one sitting!

At first I was angry, and I told Ethan he was going to have a horrible a stomachache and possibly diarrhea tomorrow. While he is on the zip lines. That mental image got us giggling. Then came the jokes about who would be riding the zip lines BEHIND Ethan. I'm tellin' ya, this little incident gave us material for the rest of the week!

After dinner we played Taboo. So much fun. Why don't we play more games at home?

Tuesday-Spring Break 2011

2011-03-27T17:08:00.017-05:00

(VIDEO COMING SOON!)

Today was the big day! The one activity that we planned on doing, talked about doing and agreed to splurge on doing. ZIP LINING!

Yes, I'm deathly afraid of heights. Yes, my palms start sweating when I TALK about being on a balcony, etc. But hey! I went to the dentist, didn't I?

Seriously, I'm ready to face some of my fears and quit living life on the sidelines. So about two months ago I called the kids into the living room and showed them a scene of zip lining on the Bachelor (I know, I know!) and asked them if they wanted to do that on Spring Break. Needless to day I got a resounding YES! So I've been mentally preparing myself ever since. And you know what? I wasn't scared AT ALL? Not while gearing up, not while driving the army truck up the side of the mountain, not while standing on the platform getting hooked to the cable, and not while fling through the air fifty feet off of the ground. Mind over matter, I tell ya!

There were many options in Gatlinburg, but I had done my research. Plus, a lady at the resort confirmed it for Mark when she told him that Smoky Mountain Ziplines was her favorite as well. Mike, Peaches and Seth were our guides. They gave us a quick overview of safety, hand signals, braking, etc. And then we were off! They start you off Low and Slow and gradually take you on longer, faster, higher lines. Fourteen in all! We were there zipping for three hours. Definitely an ab workout!

Needless to say, the hot tub will feel great tonight!

After 3 hours of zipping we were STARVING! We stopped in Pigeon Forge and, as luck would have it, stumbled upon a historic site with a restaurant. We visited the Old Mill where we were seated immediately. (we later learned that people wait 1.5 - 2 hours for a table in the evening) We had a great meal and had TONS of food to take back for dinner as well!

Spring Break 2011

2011-03-26T19:41:00.024-05:00

Friday - March 18, 2011

After work, drove from Fayetteville to Memphis. Found a hotel to accommodate us on only our second stop in Germantown.

Saturday - March 19, 2011
Up and on the road by about 9 am. Arrive in Nashville at 11:30 and it was just TOO pretty outside to stay in the car. A quick Google search followed by a mental coin toss and we opted to pay a visit to the Frist Center for Visual Arts.

The building reminded me of the renovated Washington Pavillion of Arts and Sciences in Sioux Falls. Great exhibit of local students artwork, Egglestrom's photography, and "Vishnu" an exhibit of Hindu artifacts dating back to the second century, as well as photographs of the altar spaces within the whims of Nashville's Hindu community.

After the Frist we walked down Music Row. The street was HOPPIN' with lots of tourists and live music playing in every little bar. Most of the restaurants had substantial waiting times, so we decided to just walk down to the riverfront before getting back in the car for the last leg of our trip.

When we got to Pigeon Forge (which we pass through just before arriving in Gatlinburg) we had major Deja vu. Pigeon Forge is like Branson on steroids! Without all the music shows (there are some, but not nearly as many as Branson), Pigeon Forge is attraction after attraction along the "strip" and six lanes of traffic at a standstill!

However, as soon as we passed through Pigeon Forge we saw the sign for the Great Smoky Mountains and it suddenly became luck and serene. A babbling Brrok ran between the divided roadway. The road winded and curved beneath a canopy of trees. GORGEOUS!

Our GPS took us off the main road for a quick jog up and down a hillside, and when we got back to the main road we took a quick left and arrived at our resort.

We checked in at the clubhouse where they had a fitness center, sauna, and indoor/outdoor pool, then made our way to the condo. Our units are beautiful and have everything we need PLUS beautiful views.

Ahhhhhhhh. . . .

Sunday - March 20, 2011

The kids were itching to check out the resort pool today, and we are on vacation with NO AGENDA so we said why not?!?! But, when Gracie put her suit on it became apparent just how much she's grown in the past year! So We dropped Mark and the kids at the clubhouse and we ran into town to find a shop. . . Or, worse case scenario we would brave Pigeon Forge traffic to go to Walmart. So off we went. . .

As soon as we got half a mile down the road it became apparent that the little jog the GPS took us on last night skirted the entire heart of the city. Gatlinburg is sooooooo cute and just filled with restaurants, shops and things to do. It also has very limited parking. So Gracie and I took a little driving tour and then turned around to get the rest of the crew so we could come back together to take it all in.

We drove to a park and ride lot to catch a Trolley down into the center of it all. We walked and shopped and walked and shopped! We rode the Gatlinburg Skylift. Mark and Ethan visited the Ripley's Haunted Mansion (it was Ethan's idea. . . The WORST idea he's ever had he says now!)

We went to Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies which is rated the #1 aquarium in America by Trip Advisor. I've only been to two aquariums, and it definitely put the Jenks aquarium to shame! Sharks, sting-rays, saw-tooth fish, sea dragons, and penguins. . . Oh my!

Waiting for the trolley back to our parking lot was a bit chilly, as the sun had started to go down, but we survived it. We had dinner in our condo then the kids swam while we hot-tubbed. As if we weren't already worn out, the hot-tub totally zapped me.

Zzzzzzzzzz. . . . .

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Gatlinburg, TN

Spring Break - Episode I

2011-03-26T19:41:00.022-05:00

Friday - March 18, 2011

After work, drove from Fayetteville to Memphis. Found a hotel to accommodate us on only our second stop in Germantown.

Saturday - March 19, 2011

Up and on the road by about 9 am. Arrive in Nashville at 11:30 and it was just TOO pretty outside to stay in the car. A quick Google search followed by a mental coin toss and we opted to pay a visit to the Frist Center for Visual Arts.

The building reminded me of the renovated Washington Pavillion of Arts and Sciences in Sioux Falls. Great exhibit of local students artwork, Egglestrom's photography, and "Vishnu" an exhibit of Hindu artifacts dating back to the second century, as well as photographs of the altar spaces within the whims of Nashville's Hindu community.

After the Frist we walked down Music Row. The street was HOPPIN' with lots of tourists and live music playing in every little bar. (VIDEO COMING SOON!) Most of the restaurants had substantial waiting times, so we decided to just walk down to the riverfront before getting back in the car for the last leg of our trip.

When we got to Pigeon Forge (which we pass through just before arriving in Gatlinburg) we had major Deja vu. Pigeon Forge is like Branson on steroids! Without all the music shows (there are some, but not nearly as many as Branson), Pigeon Forge is attraction after attraction along the "strip" and six lanes of traffic at a standstill!

However, as soon as we passed through Pigeon Forge we saw the sign for the Great Smoky Mountains and it suddenly became luck and serene. A babbling Brook ran between the divided roadway. The road winded and curved beneath a canopy of trees. GORGEOUS!

Our GPS took us off the main road for a quick jog up and down a hillside, and when we got back to the main road we took a quick left and arrived at our resort.

We checked in at the clubhouse where they had a fitness center, sauna, and indoor/outdoor pool, then made our way to the condo. Our units are beautiful and have everything we need PLUS beautiful views.

Ahhhhhhhh. . . .

Sunday - March 20, 2011

The kids were itching to check out the resort pool today, and we are on vacation with NO AGENDA so we said why not?!?! But, when Gracie put her suit on it became apparent just how much she's grown in the past year! So We dropped Mark and the kids at the clubhouse and we ran into town to find a shop. . . Or, worse case scenario we would brave Pigeon Forge traffic to go to Walmart. So off we went. . .

As soon as we got half a mile down the road it became apparent that the little jog the GPS took us on last night skirted the entire heart of the city. Gatlinburg is sooooooo cute and just filled with restaurants, shops and things to do. It also has very limited parking. So Gracie and I took a little driving tour and then turned around to get the rest of the crew so we could come back together to take it all in.

We drove to a park and ride lot to catch a Trolley down into the center of it all. We walked and shopped and walked and shopped!

We rode the Gatlinburg Skylift. (VIDEO COMING SOON!)

Mark and Ethan visited the Ripley's Haunted Mansion (it was Ethan's idea. . . The WORST idea he's ever had he says now!)

We went to Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies which is rated the #1 aquarium in America by Trip Advisor. I've only been to two aquariums, and it definitely put the Jenks aquarium to shame! Sharks, sting-rays, saw-tooth fish, sea dragons, and penguins. . . Oh my!

Waiting for the trolley back to our parking lot was a bit chilly, as the sun had started to go down, but we survived it. We had dinner in our condo then the kids swam while we hot-tubbed. As if we weren't already worn out, the hot-tub totally zapped me.

Zzzzzzzzzz. . . . .

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Gatlinburg, TN

Best New/Old Product EVER!

2011-03-14T18:18:00.004-05:00

Let me just say that I have hoped, dreamed, wished and PRAYED for someone to bring back a product from the 1960s that my mom told me about once upon a time. And SOMEONE finally listened!

It's HERE! It's HERE! And better yet, it's ALL IT'S CRACKED UP TO BE!

If you suffer from the same malady as I do, RUN -- DON'T WALK to your closest drug store and get you some of this . . . .

Trust me when I tell you it is the CURE for the 5 o'clock greaseball syndrome! Just spritz it in your hair (in my case, its just my bangs), take 5 minutes to touch up your make up, then brush out and VOILA! You'll look like you're fresh out of the shower and ready to attend the after hours committee meeting, board meeting, or charitable event!

What else? Another volleyball weekend!

2011-03-12T06:44:00.004-06:00

I took off work early yesterday because 1) I needed to pack the fam-damily
and the dog for a weekend in Little Rock (me, Hubs, Gracie and Genna) and Grandma's (Ethan and Dollie) and B) I was so frustrated by a situation at work (not MY STAFF or agency) that I was no longer productive. Let's just say I wasn't in the best mood for packing or road tripping.

Then, we get a late start (why did l leave early again?) and are through West Fork when I realize I didn't see the Hubby pack his breathing machine. You know, the thing that saves his life AND my sanity? So. . . U-TURN!!

"on the road again. . . "

We finally get to Little Rock at 11:30 pm but the hotel is down a street that is closed (honestly, I think it is just closed for Friday night downtown partying?!?!?) and the GPS is uber confused by that. That leads to MDH being confused, which is never a good thing when he's driving. So I ended up navigating--from my half asleep and dried out contact lens vantage point.

Good news is - great hotel, great room, comfy bed, and. . . Despite Mark's disbelief and not taking my word for it. . . It's within WALKING DISTANCE of the tourney.

It's also 8 blocks from the Clinton Library so you can probably guess where I'm headed between games!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Little Rock

On Becoming a Gym Rat

2011-03-08T06:11:00.003-06:00

Hold the phone. I went to the GYM. At 5am. TWICE.

A Month of Sermons

2011-02-27T14:36:00.003-06:00

How many of you can recall the message of the sermon last week? (I know some of you don't know what the message was THIS MORNING, but I'm not here to criticize you) How about the week before? And the week before that? Don't be ridiculous, right? I mean, NO ONE can remember a sermon from a month ago. I mean, most of us can't remember what we had for dinner last night!

Well, let me tell ya, folks at GSLC can remember a month of sermons! Our congregation recently called a new pastor. Pastor Clint began his ministry with us on January 2nd. Since that time, it has become common for members of the congregation to quote phrases from Pastor Clint's past sermons. It certainly helps that he can summarize the entire theme in 2-4 words.

Don't be a jerk (Matthew 5: 21-37)
Be Perfect (Matthew 5:3-48)
Don't worry (Matthew 6:24-34)

(It also helps when he begins the sermon whistling "Don't Worry, Be Happy" and ends the sermon by breaking out into Bob Marley's "Three Little Birds." . . .I'm just sayin')

*And if any of you out there are thinking my blog post is not PERFECT because I've only listed 3 sermons, which we all know doesn't add up to a month of sermons, you're RIGHT! The first sermon was given by the Reverend Suzanne Stoner who reminded us to be SALT and LIGHT for the world. So there! ; )

Snow Day #3

2011-02-03T12:25:00.005-06:00

Another day another ~~dollar~~ SNOW DAY!

This HUGE and HISTORIC winter storm that impacted the majority of the U.S. also came through NWA. Luckily, it's nothing like the 2009 Ice Storm (power outages for 3 or 4 days) or the massive snow storm of 2010. This was a milder combination of each, which resulted in 3 days out of school (so far!).

We had plenty of advance warning, so I made the dreaded apocalyptic grocery run on Sunday evening. I worked until 6 pm on Monday because I had a feeling we'd be out for a bit. Sure enough. By 8pm on Monday the University of Arkansas had canceled classes in ANTICIPATION of the storm!

The freezing rain started early Tuesday morning. It gave everything a thin glaze of ice. By 10a.m. it had turned to snow. It snowed ALL DAY!. We had 4-6 inches in Fayetteville, bu they got 14 inches in Western Benton County.

According to Genna, we got a snow day because she wore her pajamas inside out. She insists that these three tricks are sure-fire ways to get a snow day:

This kid is going 2 for 3

1) Lick a spoon and put it under your pillow (ewww. . . YUCK!)
2) Put your pajamas on inside out (I know this doesn't work because I accidentally wear my pjs inside out all the time)
3 Flush ice down the toilet. (I've been told by more than one Arkansan that this actually does work)

Back to #NWAsnow11 or #snowpigsooie as it has been dubbed on Twitter. . .

Luckily, the power has stayed on so we have enjoyed all of our creature comforts. TV, iPad, video games, movies on Netflix, and -- of course -- COOKING!

I baked cookies on Monday, and made homemade waffle cones and waffle sundae bowls. We had BBQ ribs, broccoli cornbread for dinner with pineapple/cherry dump for dessert.
Tuesdays menu included Mark's bacon and pancakes for breakfast, buttered noodles for lunch, and kielbasa and fried potatoes for dinner. Tonight its going to be BBQ drumsticks and corn on the cob.

I'm declaring a new rule - CALORIES CONSUMED DURING SNOW DAYS DON'T COUNT!

All in favor? Say "AYE!"

Huh??

2011-01-18T07:56:00.001-06:00

There's been a lot of "Huh?", "What?", "I can't hear you." going on on in our house lately. So much that it has become a popular joke at the dinner table.

Yesterday, Mark came home and said, "Well, its official. I'm going deaf. The good news is, I just can't hear women and children." Oh, he's a funny, funny man.

So we're looking at a $6,000 investment in his ears on top of the $5,000 investment in Gracie's mouth. Aren't we lucky? The answer is YES WE ARE. With insurance and a program through Workforce Development, it looks like our cost might be ONLY (ha ha!) $1,800.

I posted something about Mark's hearing loss on Facebook and a friend commented that it was "male pattern deafness," similar to male pattern baldness, except that baldness only bothers men and the deafness bothers everyone BUT the men. She wasn't too far off. The doctor told Mark that as men age, the tiny hairs in their ears also start to thin out, and cannot "catch" the higher pitched sound waves.

HUH!

This is Why I Refer to my Blog as a Digital Scrapbook

2011-01-17T11:04:00.004-06:00

Unlike many of the blogs I follow which make profound observations on the art of motherhood, post scrumptious recipes including exquisite photographs, provide us with a sneak peek into the mysterious reality that is raising quadruplets, or simply capture daily life with gut-busting humor -- my blog is not like their blog. Sometimes I aspire to post recipes and photos and sometimes I strive for the profound observation. But mostly I just keep track of what our family is up to. I hope that someday my kids will stumble upon it, long after they've forgotten it even existed, and read through it like we did when we were given "Dear Girlie: Grandpa Harris' Love Letters to Grandma Grace."

Hals and Grace reading "Dear Girlie"

This is one of those posts.
*warning: it's a LONG one!*

We just had a great weekend. We didn't head out of town on an adventure. We didn't host family or friends from another state. We just had a pretty great weekend at home in the middle of January.

FRIDAY
I knew on Friday it was going to be a great weekend for ME because it started with a date night. Genna was playing with Grier, Gracie was spending the night with Sarah, and Ethan was at Little D's birthday party. So Mark and I seized the opportunity to go grab an early dinner at Oseguera's (with no chorus of "NOT OSEGUERAS, I don't LIKE Osegueras!" coming from Genna in the back seat)

It had been a typical busy week at our house with a lot of tag-team parenting, so it was nice to just talk about "stuff" over dinner. We talked about Mark's job. He'll wrap up this project in June/July and we're both hopeful that there will be another project for him in NWA. Many other superintendents in the company travel during the week to Western Oklahoma and/or Kansas. Mark has been 3 miles from the house since May. We've been fortunate.

After dinner we picked up Genna and headed to the movie theater to meet up with Little D's birthday party. My brother was a SAINT and agreed to let Genna crash the party and go with them to see TRON so that Mark and I could continue date night at The Fighter. The ironic thing was that Gracie was also at the theater seeing a different show. This may be a sign of things to come . . . we were all together at the theater, but seeing three different films. Anywhoo. . .

The Fighter should win some Oscars for sure! (Christian Bale and Melissa Leo already won Golden Globes last night for their performances) It was amazing. Christian Bale simply transformed into his character. It was one of the most believable performances I've ever witnessed. You don't have to be a boxing fan --trust me on this-- to love this film. It's about a family trying to do better. Go see it!

SATURDAY
Saturday I took Ethan and his friend Tyler to church and they headed to Tulsa with LYO for the younger youth gathering. Then the girls and I went shopping briefly (we're going to finish that later today) but didn't find anything Gracie wanted. So we headed out to accomplish the BIG "to-do" on my weekend list.

For the past few months we've been debating whether to keep our Chrysler Pacifica (we JUST paid it off) or trade it in for something smaller and more fuel efficient, considering that Gracie is old enough to get her learner's permit. **please note that while Gracie is OLD enough to get that permit, she does not yet HAVE that permit** So I've been researching smaller cars and had decided that the Honda CR-V was what I wanted.

So, this is my new car.

The girls and I headed to Fayetteville Auto Park and went first through the Used Car lot. Of course, there were no used CR-Vs to be found. However, I climbed in the other models like the Civic and the Accord, and I sat in the Toyota Camry and Prius before walking over to the NEW car lot. There, we met Jamey who showed us all of the packages on the CR-V. I drove the SE package (the middle grade) and it felt great. We went inside to talk about what they would give me on trade in, etc. etc. Mark called from the gym and asked what we were doing. I told him we were inside the dealership and he wanted to come and see what I was looking at. Long story short (and a great illustration of the way things work in our relationship!) , Mark came and said "Let's look at the EX-L." This guy is a car dealer's dream! How do you ever go back DOWN after you've sat in the high end package? You don't! But the price difference wasn't all that much, and after having EVERY bell and whistle available on my Pacifica for the past 6 years, I really am glad that Mr. Thinks-We-Are-Moneybags came along.

SUNDAY
Sunday was the installation of our church's new pastor, Clint Schnekloth. We had our regular service in the morning (Derek, Little D and Sadie joined us), then returned at 3 p.m. for the installation. Imagine my pleasant surprise when, sneaking in 5 minutes before the service was to begin, I locate Mom and Dad saving us a spot in the pew and I slide in to find that the Reverend Lowell and Kathy Grisham were sitting right behind us. I love the spirit of ecumenism that is shared by Lowell and Pastor Clint. (and no, I didn't know what that word meant before PC+ arrived)

The installation service was beautiful. Great special music by the choir, by Paige Kroening and Tess Delaplain, a New Orleans style verison of "Just a Closer Walk with Thee" by Linda Dietzen, and an African Spiritual to close out the service. But the most powerful part of the service was when the Pastor Jean DeVoll-Donaldsn walked PC+ to various areas of the church and at each place, a member of the Call Committee said the following:

at the place of baptism: You have been called to be among us to baptize, to teach, and to forgive sins.
the place of the word (pulpit): You have been called to be among us to proclaim the good news.
place of the meal (altar): You have been called to be among us to preside at the Lord's Supper.
into the midst of the people: You have been called to be among us to equip us for mission and then send us out to serve as Christ's witnesses.

I'll admit, I had to wipe tears from my eyes a few times during this service. I can only imagine how the Call Committee members must feel. They have been so diligent throughout this LONG process. We have started a new season in the life of GSLC and it will be exciting to be a part of the mission, outreach and service that lies ahead!

Throughout the weekend, like most weekends, the kids were coming and going with their friends. Gracie was with Sarah (our 3rd daughter!) on Friday and Ethan and Genna were with their cousin D, on Saturday Ethan took Tyler to the LYO gathering and Genna had Sophie (our 4th daughter!) over to spend the night. After church on Sunday, my niece Sadie spend the afternoon with us and went to the installation. Gracie's boyfriend Tommy hung out with us on Sunday evening. I love the revolving door we have of friends and family.

Sunday night was capped off, as perfect weekends should be, with two things:

a televised Hollywood Awards show on Sunday night
followed by a Monday off of work and school!

So, it looks like we'll be spending more weekends at home. I HOPE!

Great Minds think Alike!

2011-01-03T13:18:00.002-06:00

I just sat down to catch a breath (cleaning house all day for company tonight) and see which of my blogger friends have posted recently. Is there something about the third of January that makes us all pause and take note of our kids and how funny, sweet, and witty they are? Oh, and that they are growing up sooooooo fast?

See what I mean?

Vanessa's Vinny

Quattrocento Mama

And see my post below.

So Sweet!

2011-01-03T09:23:00.004-06:00

I'm cleaning up my kitchen today and sorting through a pile of paperwork (Please tell me that junk piles up at your house too!) when I find a little letter from one of Genna's friends from church and school. It reads, in part, like this:

Dear Genna,
Have you started Hooked On Books yet? I am going to write more letters to you. I am going to get homework. Are you going to get homework? What coler are you on? I am on green. Did you have a good resses? Because I did. Do you have hard homework? I don't have hard homework. Kianna and you are my best, best, best, best, best, best, best, best friends in the world. I sit right next to Thomas W. He does alot of weard thing. I just don't pay any antchin to hem. At all.

Kids ~~say~~ write the funniest things! What a great reminder of how sweet and innocent they are. I cherish these days!

Ya Just Gotta Love Christmas FACES!

2011-01-01T14:53:00.002-06:00

Christmas at the Ramkota

2011-01-01T14:16:00.002-06:00

Several of the Johnson families spent Christmas Day night at the Ramkota in Sioux Falls. The indoor water park was a big hit with the little kids.

Ethan and Tyler

All smiles from Sadie

Genna hangin' on

Splash!

Little D on the water slide

AND the big kids!

Perhaps the biggest kid of them all, my DAD!

My crazy bro

Nate

Christmas Day 2010

2010-12-31T14:27:00.003-06:00

For the big Johnson Christmas Day celebration this year - we needed a BIG place to hold the feast! Grandma J's condo is too small. Typically we hold large gatherings in someone's garage -- but no-can-do in the winter!
Luckily, we have friends in high places! My cousin Joe manages and cousin Jess bartends at Johnny Carino's and were able to pull some strings. We had the entire restaurant to ourselves, including the kitchen! We did the feast potluck style. My mom brought three turkey's all the way from Arkansas. I did a double batch of crock-pot dressing. Aunt Pam did Grandma's "Heavenly Potatoes" and our favorite rice dish, sweet potatoes, etc. Trust me, no one went hungry!

It was great to have so many of the Johnson's together for the meal. And everyone got to sit at the same table!

Kids got to play Wii while the adults visited. And I swear there was no underage drinking, although the kids thought they were cute bellying up to the bar!

Christmas 2010

2010-12-31T13:41:00.006-06:00

This year we loaded up the kids and headed to South Dakota to spend Christmas with my extended family. It is the first time in over 15 years that I've been back at Christmas time. Mom and Dad and Derek and Hannah and their kids all went too. That meant that there was no room for us in the inn! Just kidding. . , Mom and Dad stayed at Grandma Johnson's house, Derek and Hannah stayed with my cousin Joe and his family, and Mark and I and the kids stayed at our "home away from home" -- Jared and LaDawn's upstairs guest suite!

Due to threatening weather, we got started a day early which meant that we had LOTS of time (probably more than LaDawn had planned on) to hang out with the Nesje's. Jared and Dawnie kept us entertained with their spiteful comments about their dog Ringo, our kids taught their kids how to play pterodactyl,

and LaDawn kept Mark FULL of Christmas candy! Seriously, I think we made more candy 3 or 4 times in the 3 days we were there!

Carol and Jane

Halsey & Gracie (reading Dear Girle, Grandpa Harris' love letters to Grandma Grace)

Aunt Helene and Derek

Me with Aunt Debb

Joe holding Jett (Dave Sanderson's son) and Rylan

Mom and Gram

Dad and Mom

Jenna, Ryan, Nick, & Scott

Uncle Randy, Mark & Uncle Russ

On Christmas Even, it was really fun to take part in our traditional Nelson/Johnson Christmas Eve celebration. It was kind of weird to be one of the adults, not one of the kids at this party. MY KIDS were the kids!

Aftewards, Mark and I and Derek and Hannah all took our kids out to experience the Christmas Lanes we remember as kids: Churchill, Reinder Lane and Candy Cane Lane. Well, that was a giant FAIL. Let's just suffice it to say that they "ain't what they used to be."

However, Falls Park was BEAUTIFUL (in spite of being FREEZING cold!)


Dildays at Falls Park

Salmonsons at the Falls

We enjoyed Christmas morning with Nesjes and watched Jonah and Jack open their Santa presents. There were lots of photo ops before we said our goodbyes. (unfortunately, some of the photos won't rotate . . . what's up with that BLOGGER???)

Then it was off to Johnny Carino's for the big Johnson Christmas Feast. More on that in the next post . . .

Running Out of Time!

2010-12-11T10:37:00.005-06:00

I usually write my annual Christmas letter on the long boring drive to Stuttgart for Thanksgiving. But for the past two years, thanks in no small part to the advent of Blackberries and iPads, I have wasted (okay "twittered" would be a more appropriate word choice) away those precious hours doing not-so-serious cloud computing.

Now it is ~~December 10th~~ (AAARGH! It's December 11th already??!?!?) and we have NO appropriate family photo and NO creative or amusing letter to send. On top of all that, having all five members of this household in the same place at the same time is a rare occurrence in and of itself!

Luckily, I do have the "Fill in the blank" Christmas form from last year if I get desperate. I guess I could also use last year's photo and just stretch Gracie about 5 inches, add an inch or two of shaggy hair to Ethan, airbrush off a few (30!) pounds that Mark has lost since last year. . . and, oh yeah, add some crow's feet around my eyes!

Facebook has SOME redeeming qualities

2010-11-28T21:04:00.003-06:00

I found this (see below) in a "note" I put on Facebook about 18 months ago. I kinda liked it and thought it was "blogworthy." That, and I just downloaded a blog app for my iPad and needed an excuse to try it out!

Rules:
Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you.

(To do this, go to "notes" under tabs on your profile page, paste these instructions in the body of the note, type your 25 random things, tag 25 people (in the right hand corner of the app) then click publish.)

1. I struggle with work/life balance. But lately I'm winning!
2. I've seen The Outsiders more than 35 times (I've lost count)
3. I may be OCD.
4. People mistook me for a boy until I was about 15. Affects my self- image to this day!
5. I have toyed with the idea of going back for my Master's in Leadership and Ethics.
6. Not sure I could live up to the degree.
7. I love to cook. Not a fan of grocery shopping or cleaning the kitchen however.
8. We have two dogs, a cat and a fish (Mr. Turtle and the hamster recently died) yet I am NOT an animal person.
9. I am a bit of a pushover.
10. I like my beer with salt and lime just like on a margarita.
11. I like beer more than most girls.
12. I sometimes make sexist statements.
13. I am very liberal.
14. Obama was SO MY GUY from the very beginning. YES WE CAN!
15. I took up golf this summer. LOVE LOVE LOVE it!
16. I'm the oldest of 16 grandkids. Those 15 young cousins give me a great excuse to have a MySpace and Facebook account. Thanks GUYS!
17. Other women are jealous of me.
18. Because my husband does ALL the laundry!
19. I love watching my girls be sisters.
20. I always wished I had a sister. (I'm starting to feel like I do!)
21. My 10 year old son is WAY smarter than I am. And it freaks me out just a bit.
22. Childhood friends will remember these three words - "Jody Loves Chachi"
23. I don't like being "out of the loop." Which is why I read TWILIGHT and why I'll probably rent the entire series of LOST.
24. I'm a joiner. But then I end up Leading. I've gotta get a handle on that!
25. I am content.

Is it January 2nd yet?!?

2010-11-23T15:40:00.003-06:00

Don't get me wrong, I want to savor every moment of the holidays and enjoy the time with my family, but I also won't be sad to see the calendar change to 2011.

Our congregation at Good Shepherd has called a new pastor and he begins on January 2, 2011. To say that I am looking forward to it would be a tremendous understatement.

In no way does that mean that I have been unhappy with our interim pastor of the past 4 years. Nothing could be further from the truth. Pastor Dick and his wife Joyce have been a huge blessing to us and I love them dearly. I can honestly say that I feel as plugged in and engaged with our church family as ever. It's just that Pastor Clint (the new guy) has that "je ne sais quoi".

Apparently, the feeling is mutual. See what I mean??!??!

Spring Awakening

2010-11-21T15:45:00.003-06:00

A couple of years ago I sat and watched the Tony awards and was totally blown away by a performance from the cast of Spring Awakening. They went on to win 8 Tony awards that night and I vowed to go and see the show on Broadway, maybe for Gracie's 16th birthday.

Imagine my surprise when the Walton Arts Center brought the show to Fayetteville two weeks ago. It usually is several years after a show has completed their Broadway run before we can get it to come to our small market.

Gracie is still a bit young to see the show (strong language and adult content), so I went with my good friend Angie. The show was incredible. It was so good that Angie was downloading the soundtrack from iTunes during intermission! I came home and found video clips on YouTube and added the songs to GrooveShark on Gracie's laptop. We've been listening to the soundtrack ever since!

I cant decide if All That's Known or Song of Purple Summer is my favorite. Decisions, decisions.

Amywa . . . Amazing show. Amazing story. Amazing songs. You should check it out.

This is the Day that the Lord has made

2010-11-20T08:38:00.002-06:00

I think I might need this for future reference...

National Philanthropy Day

2010-11-17T22:00:00.006-06:00

Today we celebrated National Philanthropy Day (NPD) in NWA. Every year at NPD I remember a Thursday in November five years ago . . . It was National Philanthropy day and I was very close to wrapping up the one month notice I had given at the America Red Cross. I had accepted a position in the corporate world, and although I was excited about having two weeks off at Christmas, a new (much higher) salary, a new office on Sunbridge in Fayetteville and the challenge of learning a whole new industry... I sat at NPD and prayed "Oh God, oh God, oh God. What have I done?"

Deep down I knew that I was already in my sweet spot, and that this move was a mistake. But I couldn't bring myself to admit it out loud.

So I took the two weeks off, I studied for and passed the professional certification I needed to do the job, and I went through all the motions... for 90 days.

By then, I was so miserable and my replacement at the Red Cross had not worked out, so my old job was available again.

I remember I called Mark one Tuesday on my way to Rotary and just told him I couldn't do it anymore. He told me, "I never said you had to do it." He then encouraged me to call and ask for my old job back. When we hung up, I called Lee and told him I had a very serious question to ask. I then asked if he would consider taking me back. He said, "ohmygosh Jody, COME BACK!"

The following November, as I sat down at my table at NPD, I felt this calm and peaceful feeling settle over me. "THIS is where I belong," I thought to myself.

I've since moved on from the Red Cross, but am still working every day to help others in our community through my profession and my "chronic volunteering."

Now, every year when I find my seat at National Philanthropy Day, I reflect on how fortunate I am to do work that I love.

I'm so glad it only took me 90 days to really figure it out.

Redemption!

2010-11-14T22:12:00.006-06:00

Well, I walked away from the chili cook off empty-handed (again!) this year...

But Terri Askegaard liked MY lefse recipe best!

I still got it ;)

2010-10-24T16:32:00.007-05:00

In case you were wondering, Tom Cruise, a fairy, and the Left for Dead video game were the inspiration for my crazy kids' Halloween costumes. It really is amazing that they came from the same gene pool.

GSLC Fall Festival

2010-10-24T16:14:00.003-05:00

Its the annual Fall Festival at GSLC. Costumes, games, pumpkin walk and a chili cookoff.
I'm entering a white chili recipe again this year. I got no love from the judges last year. I'm hoping they've recruited some judges with more sophisticated taste buds this year!

On a related note - What do Tom Cruise, Left 4 Dead, and a fairy have in common? Stay tuned for the answer . . .

WARNING!

2010-10-10T12:35:00.007-05:00

If NWA experiences a sudden heatwave with temps soaring into the 90s, you can blame me. I'm switching out my closet from the Summer wardrobe to the Fall/Winter wardrobe.

Don't say I didn't warn you.

Well, Shut My Mouth!

2010-09-19T19:08:00.002-05:00

Okay, I'll admit it. Occasionally I roll my eyes at some of hubby's ideas.
Most recently, (this weekend if you really must know) I found his method for covering and securing our front entrance while he took the door off the hinges to be painted.

In my mind, we would get up early on a Saturday morning, take the door off the hinges and hang plastic sheeting in the opening while the door was painted and dried in the garage. But no, that would've been much to simple.

Instead, Mark builds a mini room around the front door. He did this yesterday evening and the neighborhood runners/walkers and joggers' heads nearly turned around 360 degrees while they wondered what on earth he was doing! All this is odd enough. But look closely.

You see that?

How about that?

Yes. That is a doorbell.

This is where my eyes rolled.

"In case someone comes over," he says. Who on EARTH would walk up this nut-house with the lean-to on the front porch and ring a doorbell??!?

But I swear to goodness, some mom and kid selling who-knows-what actually did.

I can't make this stuff up.

Whew!

2010-09-07T17:27:00.003-05:00

That's a relief! I feel so much better now!

How I Met Your Father

2010-09-06T13:09:00.005-05:00

Title inspired by television.

Blog post inspired by Angie.

My blog has been a digital scrapbook, a photographic brag book, and a virtual but visual "growth chart" for our kids. Today I decided to follow the lead of my friend Angie and put down on ~~paper~~ blogger one of those great stories that have been told and retold ad nauseum, but never written down for posterity's sake.

WARNING: This might be a long one!

Saturday was the first home game for our beloved Razorbacks. It seemed like that was ALL anyone could talk about or think about all week. Seriously, I was somewhat amused but then became sick of it rather quickly.

So Saturday rolls around and I'm (as usual) wasting time on Facebook on my iPad when I notice a link posted by Wally. It was a link to a Stevie Ray Vaughn performance with the comment "I can listen to this man plan all night." To which I responded "you and Mark too!" and Wally comments back "I wouldn't even know who he was if it wasn't for Mark." Well, me too. You see, I met Mark about 10 days or so after Stevie Ray Vaughn's tragic and untimely death in a plane crash when Mark was, and I STRESS, IN MOURNING.

It suddenly dawns on me that that was twenty years ago. . . THIS WEEKEND!

So that was the intro. Here's the story:

TWENTY YEARS AGO this weekend . . . it was the first Razorback home game of the season. I went to the game with my friend Stacy, who ended up getting on my nerves so badly that I ditched her at the game to hang out with my 14 year old brother. (Yes, I was that desperate). So Derek and I are walking around at the stadium and we agree to meet up with my folks at Mark's house/keg party/parking lot after the game. You see, Mom and Dad knew and were friendly with Mark and parked at his house on Garland Ave on game days in exchange for a 6 pack of imported beer. I had actually laid eyes on him a year before and developed an instant crush, but when Dad took me to the front door to introduce me after the homecoming game, he quickly decided against it when he saw Mark with his arm around some blond chick on the couch.
Fast forward again back to September 1990 . . . .

So Derek and I beat Mom and Dad back to Mark's house after the game and we are sitting on the curb watching the merry-making (beer drinking) and the chaos (Mark Waller stopping traffic and parkers out onto Garland) and, to be honest, I was making eyes at Mark who was oh-so-handsome! Mark was kind of making eyes too. I guess you'd call it that. Anyway, it was obvious enough that a 14 year old brother took notice. Derek started to tease me saying "Mark's looking at you. He thinks you're cute!"

It wasn't long before Mom and Dad arrived and we climbed into the big white conversion van and Mark Waller is stopping traffic and directing US out of the parking lot. I'm exclaiming to my mom how CUTE Mark was (I don't think we used the term "hot" back then) and immediately scheming about how I'm going to find a way to cross paths again and soon! Suddenly I realized that I don't have my house key. I remember having it when we were sitting on the curb and I was making googly eyes. Darn, I lost it. I'll have to go BACK to Mark's house and look for it! Then my rotten 14 year old brother pulls my house key from behind his back and shows me that I hadn't lost it after all. I am heart broken. My perfect opportunity to go back and talk to Mark has vanished. Then Mom says, "Well, you could PRETEND that you lost your key." Good 'ol Mom encouraging me to manipulate my future-husband with a little white lie! Ha!

So that's what I did! Later that evening I was supposed to go to a party with my former roommate. I borrowed the Ford Escort, picked up Kerry, and alerted her to my plan. We were going to go by Mark's house (where I'm sure the keg party was still in full swing) and I was going to stop by and ask him if he'd found a lost house key.

It took me about 3 trips around the block to get up the nerve to stop, but eventually I did. I pulled right in in my little black Ford Escort, asked somebody (I later found out it was my future brother-in-law Anthony) if Mark was there. They hollered for Mark and he came out, I introduced myself, and he said "I know who you are" and I old him I had "lost" a key over near the curb. Mark didn't have a flashlight so he had friends move their cars and shine their headlight over where Derek and I had been sitting and where I had NOT LOST A KEY that afternoon. He and I got down on our hands and knees and starting looking through the leaves and the dirt. I quickly started to feel rather foolish, knowing that there was NO KEY to be found. I tried to cover my nervousness and quit this ridiculous charade and said, "well, I guess it's not here," to which Mark suggested that I "come back tomorrow, when it was daylight, to look again." My heart skipped a beat! Then he said "Since you're here, do you want to stay and party with us?" My heart skipped two beats! I accepted and Mark added, "Well, don't tell your dad I offered you a beer!"

We hung out at the party for awhile, I confessed that I hadn't really lost a key but that I really just wanted to see him again. (I'm too honest for my own good, I swear!) Of course, he was flattered and made this gesture that his head was swelling. By the end of the night we had exchanged t-shirts (that's another story), phone numbers, and our first kiss.

Two nights later we had our first date (we went to see Flatliners if you really must know) and I came home and told my mom that THAT was the man I was going to marry.

See . . . I'm always right!

Hodge Podge

2010-09-06T10:39:00.004-05:00

Well, I guess it is safe to say that we have survived the first two full weeks of school. And I'm proud to say that we've only managed to miss the bus once!

Two weeks of school also equates to four volleyball matches (two heart breaking losses, one easy win and one incredibly dramatic, fight to the finish, never say die WIN!) So proud!

Two weeks of school wears a body out, so of course today is our first NO SCHOOL holiday! Yep, its Labor day. Originally celebrated with a street parade to exhibit to the public "the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations," followed by a festival for the workers and their families. It is now the symbolic end of summer and beginning of ~~fall~~ football season.

For me, Labor day means the Labor Day Youth Gathering in our Synod. I can't believe that it has been 3 years ago that we packed up the whole fam and headed over to the camp in Siloam Springs where we first met Dakota Road. Well, "They're BA-ACK!"

Once again, Dakota Road chose to come to the AR-OK synod youth gathering instead of participating in LifeLight. They lead the worship throughout the youth gathering, they led our worship at GSLC on Sunday, and performed a concert on Sunday night. I was so glad that Derek and Hannah and the kids could come and experience Dakota Road with us. As for me, I'll be ripping and burning the new CD to my iPod ASPAP!

Gracie has been at church since 3 p.m. Saturday for the LYO gathering. I can't wait to have her home (in about an hour) to hear all about her experience. I saw her yesterday at church and she came up to me, hugged me, and told me that they had an "intense" prayer service the night before. She told me that Anna had planned it all and that it was really powerful. Last night after the concert, we were saying goodnight to her and she told me that she wants to serve on the LYO board. Yay! She's getting"too ~~big~~ cool" for PROTO, but this will keep her connected with our church and the youth program.

And speaking of church . . . after 3 and 1/2 years with Pastor Dick as our interim pastor, GSLC has finally called a new pastor and he said YES! Pastor Clint Schnekloth and his wife Amanda and 2 and a 1/2 kids (#3 is joining them in late January) will be joining us on January 1, 2011. This is the long awaited answer to prayer and, I believe, evidence of God's perfect plan and timing.

We met Pastor Clint (that is what we'll be calling him. Can you imaging saying Pastor Schnekloth three times fast?) 3 weeks ago when he came for a visit, led a prayer service, and took questions from the congregation. He couldn't have answered each question MORE PERFECTLY. I seriously had goosebumps as I was sitting in the pew listening to him. I can't wait to see how God works in us and through us in the next chapter of GSLC.

Okay, stay tuned for some RIVETING photos of the barstool makeover project that took place this weekend!

First Day of School - 2010

2010-08-21T15:33:00.002-05:00

Culture Shock!

2010-08-21T15:27:00.002-05:00

We subjected our kids to a horrible case of culture shock last week. We spent a week on vacation at the Nabholz Cabin at Beaver Lake and came home JUST IN TIME to go to bed and get up the next morning for the FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!

Gracie's BFF Sarah joined us for the entire week, Mom and Dad came out Saturday night and went home Sunday afternoon, Sophie and her family came out for the day on Sunday and we wound up keeping her overnight -- surprise, surprise!

We spent a lot of time laying around on the dock, laying out on the tube, and just being lazy!

We ran back into Fayetteville on Monday night to meet our new pastoral candidate, dropped Sophie and picked up Jake! So everyone got to have their friend out to the lake and a great time was had by all.

Highlights of the week included: Both Ethan and Gracie (2 days later) learned how to water ski. We tubed and tubed and tubed some more! Sarah is definitely the queen of the tube! She goes in and out of the wake to "catch air." She really gave Ethan and Sophie a ride!

Gracie caught a pretty BIG catfish, but nothing else was biting so we didn't get to have a fish fry. We DID roast marshmallows and make s'mores though. (It's kinda cheating when you make them on a gas grill, but oh well!)

Summertime . . .

2010-07-31T11:12:00.007-05:00

Ever heard the saying that "There's only one thing better than owning your own boat? Having a friend who owns their own boat!" Well, in our case, the saying should be "What's the next best thing to having a cabin on the lake? Having friends with a cabin on the lake!"

Gracie's BFF Sarah and her mom Beth invited us to their family's lakehouse at Beaver Lake last weekend. We were THRILLED to accept the invitation! I was only too happy to plan the meals (egg bake Saturday morning, pimiento cheese sandwiches ALL weekend long, my meatloaf and rice for dinner as Sarah's special request), shop for groceries and make plans for a relaxing weekend at the lake. I love to cook and, for whatever strange reason, I don't mind the cleaning up part when I'm at the cabin. It's kind of like playing house when I was a little girl.

The only bad part was that Beth was called in to work and didn't get to spend NEAR enough time with us! Next time we want her to STAY!

So we took off work early on Friday, loaded up, gassed up the boat and were at the lakehouse by 7:00. What a spectacular place! The main floor has a full kitchen with icemaker, dishwasher and disposal, a dining table that seats 8, and a great room with one wall that is ALL WINDOWS looking out over the lake. There was a screened in porch with gas grill and a wrap around deck.

Downstairs were three bedrooms, Jack and Jill bathroom, and a laundry room. The decor in this place was fantastic. Shaker style furniture and lots of antiques, mounted fish, and "Cabin Decor." I could live there!

We brought Dollie with us and that little stinker got loose and took off running within the first 30 minutes we were there. We chased her down and kept a closer rein on her the rest of the weekend. She liked being on the dock - but she wasn't too sure about the boat -- especially when it was going 45 miles per hour.

We fished,
we tubed,
we skiied,
we ate.

We fished,
we tubed,
we skiied,
we ate.

And I read,

and I read,

. . . and I read.

I read an entire book that weekend!

We'd read on the deck in the morning drinking coffee,

we'd read on the deck in the evening after dinner.

On Sunday morning I was startled by 5 deer while I was out on the deck reading . . .I was quick enough to get a couple of photos . . .

Mostly we just enjoyed having nothing on the agenda

except to eat when we were hungry, jump in when we were hot, and hang on for dear life behind the tube when we were feeling adventurous!

Oh . . . and take picture when the kids were silly, which was often!

I think I'm in LOVE!!!

2010-07-18T09:38:00.002-05:00

Yes, I'm still in love with hubs. But I'm also in love with this guy . . .

A few weeks ago I said to the girls, "Hey, I've got an idea! Lets ask Daddy to get ALL OF US an iPad for our birthdays! We can share!" I was half joking and half serious. I didn't even know all that much about the iPad except that everyone is RAVING about theirs. I didn't even have an mp3 player until a year ago (and a cheap crappy one at that! definitely NOT an iPod.)

So now, I'm completely "current" with all the other techies and the techie wannabes. iPod - check! e-reader - check! iTouch - check! Laptop - check! It has and or does almost everything.

Oh, and by the way, the iPad was MY birthday gift -- the girls both got presents that they really wanted too. But I'm a good mom. I'll share. :)

These are a Few of my Favorite Things

2010-07-03T08:01:00.003-05:00

This week has been a blur - but in a good way! I've been trying to remember just how we've spent this past week and having a hard time remembering it all.

Last Saturday Mark and I went to the Farmer's Market and stocked up on honey from "My Paw Paw's Honey" and Italian Seasoning from "Herb Sense" , heirloom squash, and . . . a leg of lamb and lamb chops!   Yep, our quick trip to the Farmer's Market ended up costing us over $100.   And we wonder why we're too broke to finish home improvements!

Speaking of broke. We spend entirely too much on eating out so we've vowed to eat more breakfasts/brunch at home on the weekends. So Sunday after church we had Mom and Dad over for egg bake. I guess it'll be their turn to host next!

Tuesday afterwork I went to Razorback and played in the Ladies Scramble. This was my first time to play with those ladies all summer. It's always a good time but the highlight was chipping in for BIRDIE on #18 from about 30 yards out. Woo Hoo! (But we still lost!)

Wednesday night was "Girls Night" at the movies. Girls Night consisted of Lou and I and our 13 year old girls. We went to see Eclipse. They did a MUCH better job with the special effects with the wolves, but other than that . . .I much preferred Twilight. Twilight's soundtrack was better. The Baseball scene was better than the training scene. The fight in the dance studio (action sequence) was better than the fight in the field. The only thing better in Eclipse was Charlie. He steals every scene he is in. (I know my mom is reading this right now and thinking "That's my girl, always the critic! It's what I do!)

Thursday was First Thursday in Fayetteville. Mark and Ethan had karate and Gracie was hanging with friends so I convinced Genna to go with me. She wasn't sure about it at first, but she scored a free cupcake with a miniature pinwheel on top and then she loved it! We also had a Coke from a glass bottle at Jammin' Java. She thought that was a really big deal too!.

I've taken Hannah's advice and am taking FRIDAYS OFF this summer, so Ethan and I also got to spend some one-on-one time together this week. We went golfing together and it was the BEST!   I loved getting to hang out with him alone. He's really a pretty good little golfer. He doesn't have the patience to play the par 5 holes, so he sits those out. Otherwise, we were tied stroke for stroke until the last hole when I think he just got tired out.

All in all, a fantastic week.   And now a long holiday weekend. Life is good.

Hallelujah!

2010-06-26T12:40:00.002-05:00

If you hear a song in your head right now, it should be the HALLELUJAH Chorus, not the Leonard Cohen version (although THAT one is one of my all time favorite songs - but that is the subject for another post)

Today I'm singing the HALLELUJAH Chorus because Blogger has FINALLY made some much needed changes to their site tools which will make blogging less frustrating and much more FUN!

Now excuse me while I run out and do something blog-worthy so I can post about it!

Suddenly Saturday

2010-06-19T07:24:00.001-05:00

What a great weekend this is shaping up to be!
First- I accomplished almost everything on my list yesterday. I didn't get to the golf course, but managed to squeeze in everything else.

Today, he alarm went off at 5 a.m. and I jumped right out of bed today. (Small miracle!). It is now 7 a.m. and we are headed out with about 25 of our church buddies to float the Mulberry River. This is the kids first float trip! And my first in a long, loooong time!

We should be in for a great day. I just hope I'll be able to swing a club tomorrow!

Finally Friday

2010-06-18T07:25:00.008-05:00

I'd just like to give a great big SHOUT OUT to my
sister-in-law Hannah for giving me the best idea of the summer . . . .

Fridays OFF!

We were hanging out one Sunday afternoon at the pool, maybe the day before the last day of school and I was contemplating the MONDAY that was approaching too quickly and feeling envious of the fact that she was going to be off all summer with her kids. Then Hannah suggested that I just take Fridays off this summer. So simple. So brilliant. So doable!

So here it is, Friday. Kids are sleeping, coffee is brewing, and we have the whole day stretched in front of us with endless (well, not quite ENDless) possibilities.

So here's what is on my agenda today.

shower and dress for a 9 a.m. photo shoot for the Democrat Gazette's Personal Space column (they must be desperate for subjects!)
Watch my cousin Scott Langley in the U.S. Open
turn in Gracie's volleyball gear order for the 9th grade Woodland team
shop and pack snacks for our GSLC Float trip on the Mulberry river tomorrow
visit our friend Clio in the hospital
maybe golf a few holes? The Father/Daughter tournament is this Sunday.
maybe pool and a good book instead

Wow! The possibilities really are endless . . .

2010-05-30T08:56:00.004-05:00

Wowza!

Between the $5200 we shelled out this week for braces and the "non-refundable deposits" we've put down for summer volleyball camps-- this kid better get a full ride scholarship to play volleyball or go into modeling!

On a positive note, the braces make her look a little bit more like a 13 year old girl again instead of the 19 year old college volleball player she could be mistaken for!

Silver linings, silver linings . . . .

Last Volleyball Tournament of the Year

2010-04-12T07:53:00.004-05:00

This is how you want your season to end! Congrats Gracie, Coach Nathan, Elizabeth, Claire, Taylor, Christina, Kate, MaKayla, Rachel, Sydney and Bailey. OOOOOOOO-Zark!

He is Risen!

2010-04-04T08:01:00.026-05:00

Happy Birthday Ethan!

2010-04-04T08:01:00.025-05:00

I can hardly believe it has been 12 years since this 9 pound 12 ounce baby boy made his debut.

When I was pregnant with him he hardly ever MOVED! Unlike both girls who wiggled and stretched constantly. I guess I should have guessed what a SWEET spirit he would have!

He cuddled with me EVERY MORNING of his life, until that BABY sister came along. Since then, he's had to share - mom's lap, our attention, etc.. etc.

But not on his birthday! He got Mom, Dad, Grandma and Grandpa all to himself! Since his birthday fell on Goo Friday this year, we are holding off on the birthday party with friends for a couple of weeks. So to celebrate, we went to see Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, then Mom and Dad took him to Village Inn for his favorite - Key Lime Pie!

More Memphis Photos

2010-04-04T08:01:00.020-05:00

Beale Street

Blowing toothpicks onto the ceiling at the world famous Huey's.FAIL!Double FAIL! Triple FAIL!

At A.O. Schwab

Our first sighting of THE KING.

Pink Palace

Bradford Pears are pretty . . . pretty STINKY!
Miniature Circus - all hand carved
The world famous shrunken head

The changing roles (and wardrobes) of women

Graceland

the Trophy Room

Elvis' gravesite

Memphis Zoo Photos

2010-03-30T07:22:00.006-05:00

Spring Break '10

2010-03-24T09:44:00.000-05:00

I honestly can't remember EVER taking our kids ANYWHERE for Spring Break. Of course, in April 2008 we went to Walt Disney World--but that wasn't during Spring Break, it was during Benchmark exams--and we nearly wound up in "parent jail" over that whole fiasco!
So this year we were determined to go somewhere and make a memory. We really thought about a big road trip to San Antonio and going to SeaWorld and the Riverwalk. Then the Universe sent us a giant curve ball when Mark was laid off in February. It seemed that we would all just have to hear about everyone else's ski trips and beach getaways again this year.
Then we get word that Mark will be called back to work at Nabholz. It seemed Spring Break was back on (but something a bit closer, since Gracie has a volleyball tourney in Springfield on the 27th). Enter a period of uncertainty. Mark was assured he had a job starting in mid-April, but the official HR paperwork hadn't happened yet. After 2 long weeks of waiting for an "official" letter with an offer of employment, and waffling back and forth on whether or not we should spend the money and where should we go?!?... We got a pseudo-official letter and are TRUSTING that there is a job April 19th. So we are finally on the road. Headin' to Graceland. Pics to follow!

Sayings . . . .

2010-03-10T07:21:00.006-06:00

My commute got ALOT shorter this week as we've moved our office from Springdale to Fayetteville. Still, I got to hear a few minutes of a local radio show where callers were telling their favorite sayings. (They called them Catchprases, but I can only think of the party game when I hear that word!)

So hear was the list on the radio:

"On like Donkey Kong"
"If 'if's' and 'buts' were hickory nuts, we'd all have a merry Christmas"
"Bam, bam, turkey and ham"
"It is what it is"
"Goodnight Irene"
"Helen, get the kids"
"Well raise my rent"
"It's always something"
"Jiminy Christmas and a gal named Tom"
"Kiss my grits"
"Act your age instead of your shoe size"
"How can you fly like an eagle when you're hanging with buzzards?"
"Put the shamalama in the ding dong"
"If wishes were houses, we'd all have a ride"
"Never drive faster than you can fly"
"For the love of Pete"
"A dollar waiting on a dime"
"Cut down a tree, build a bridge and get over it"
"I'm hotter than a burned owl"
"They been doing that since God was a third grader"

I started thinking of all the great sayings that have been passed down from Grandma Grace and Grandma J, then I started thinking of Jared and LaDawn's, one or two from Mark (he's a man of few words) and of course my staff thinks that I have a few as well. Here they are . . .

From Grandma Grace and Grandma J.

Oh for the Love of Pete
O for the Love of Mike
Well, for crying in the beer!
Lord, love a duck!
Hurts like sixty!
Uff-dah!

Jared and LaDawn:

Well, for lickin' the neigbor lady!
Well, for spankin' the neighbor's baby!
Calm down, Rainman!
(probably not an actual saying, just somthing Jar said that I'll never forget)

From Mark:

Long ago in days of old, when laughter filled the air . . .

Jody

Good grief!
There's more than one way to skin a cat.
So . . . buttons on your underwear! (after someone says "So what?")
Wish in one hand and spit in the other and see which one fills up first!
I'm off like a dirty shirt.

Have you ever???

2010-03-06T07:00:00.017-06:00

Saw this on Annie B's blog. I'm always amazed by our similarities.

I'm even copying her explanzation of it because I'd probably describe it the same way! :) Saw this list online.....apparently it's a generic inventory of things people may have done in their lives/things they want to do....blah blah blah. (The asterisk next to it means I've done it....the checks wouldn't format on the blog....and I'm too lazy to figure out why!)

*1. Started your own blog
*2. Slept under the stars (Camp Luther Okasas)
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii (no desire, really)
5. Watched a meteor shower
*6. Given more than you can afford to charity
*7. Been to Disneyland/world (Disneyworld 1972, twice in mid 80s, 1993? and 2008)
*8. Climbed a mountain (Mt. Gaylor look-out counts in my book.) --------->
9. Held a praying mantis
*10. Sang/played a solo ( piano)
11. Bungee jumped (NEVER!)
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
*14. Taught yourself an art from scratch (cross stitching)
15. Adopted a child
*16. Had food poisoning (UGH!)
*17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty (Been there, but it was being refurbished)
*18. Grown your own vegetables.
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
*21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
*23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill (hahahahahahha!)
*24. Built a snow fort (last month!)
25. Held a lamb
*26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon (Why???? Seriously!!!)
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
*29. Seen a total eclipse (on the dock at Lake Andrusia)
*30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
*31. Hit a home run (on wii!)
32. Been on a cruise
*33. Seen Niagara Falls in person (and rode the Maid of The Mist - Peace Luthern Youth Trip 1984? it was INCREDIBLE) --------->
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
*36. Taught yourself a new language (Does King-Tut count?)
*37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied (always room for more $ though!)
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
*39. Gone rock climbing (Palisades)
*40. Seen Michelangelo’s David (does downtown Sioux Falls count!?)
*41. Sung karaoke (Bachelorette party at Champps in Sioux Falls! and the Sports bar in Tea. What is it about being back in SF?)
*42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
*45. Walked on a beach by moonlight (Jamaica 1998, Cancun 2001)
*46. Been transported in an ambulance (1997)
*47. Had your portrait painted (caricatures count, don't they?)
*48. Gone deep sea fishing (Peace Lutheran Youth trip. Flounder! Sea Bass!)
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
*51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling (Jamaica, 1998)
*52. Kissed in the rain
*53. Played in the mud
*54. Gone to a drive-in theater (Great Memory!)
55. Been in a movie - nah, but a Village Inn Pizza Commercial, a Sunshine commercial, a Red Cross PSA, and a SPSF NWA psa
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
*57. Started a business (Pampered Chef 1998-2005)
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
*61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
*63. Gotten flowers for no reason
*64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
*67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
*69. Saved a favorite childhood toy (Strawberry Shortcake dolls, Baby Beans)
*70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial (Peace Lutheran Youth Trip, Hurricane Isabel 2006)
71. Eaten Caviar (it was good!)
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
*82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
*84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
*86. Visited the White House (no tour, though)
*87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating (fish?)
*88. Had chickenpox
*89. Saved someone’s life (I'm a blood donor!)
*90. Sat on a jury - (twice! Fascinating!)
*91. Met someone famous (politicians like Asa Hutchinson and Mike Huckabee, Canadian recording artist Rylee Madison, )
92. Joined a book club (I'm going to have to start my own!)
*93. Lost a loved one (too many)
*94. Made a baby (3 times!!!)
*95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
*98. Owned a cell phone
*99. Been stung by a bee (at the Lake twice, in the pool last year?)

While I'm Waiting

2010-03-03T07:24:00.006-06:00

It has been three weeks today since Mark was laid off. Its been a scary time, but as we've leaned on each other and on God our marriage is growing stronger. I'm sure it is no coincidence that this has happened while we, along with the rest of the world, are observing the season of Lent. We are learning that we don't need the many, many luxuries that we have. Our sense of "entitlement" is no more. And we are waiting on God's promise.

In the meantime, I am so grateful for our health, our kids and their collective sense of humor, my job and the perspective it give me, and our government for providing programs which serve as a safety net for times like these (unemployment).

Check back in three more weeks to see if I still have a sunny disposition. I'll be waiting!

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident
Takeing every step in obedience
While I'm waiting
I will serve You
While I'm waiting
I will worship
While I'm waiting
I will not faint
I'll be running the race
Even while I wait

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it's not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve you while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord

Something is Wrong with this Picture!

2010-02-27T12:36:00.015-06:00

I've been sitting at the computer with a jumbo cup of coffee this morning, while Mark has:

1) taken down the Christmas lights
(yes, I know it is almost March but we haven't had the lights turned ON since January! We're not THAT tacky!)

2) cleaned off the front porch
and

3) now he is washing the windows!

Not to mention he vacuumed on Thursday without me even asking. All this in addition to the fact that he has done the laundry for all 17.5 years of our marriage.

Be careful what you wish for! I always said I needed a wife . . .what I got was a house husband. I guess having an unemployed husband has some advantages.
HA! Of course I jest!

I'm trying to look on the bright side. I'm trying to be an encouragement and not a nag. I'm trying to trust in God's plan for our future. I'm trying. . . I'm trying . . .

Today I have unclenched my back teeth and I'm concentrating on releasing the tension in my shoulders. Its been two and a half weeks since Mark was laid off. He's been calling his contacts in the field, sending out resumes, and wrangling all the paperwork that comes with switching our health insurance (now $816/month out of our much shallower pockets - but that's another post entirely).

He's attended meetings of the Joseph Project twice, and I am SO grateful to Work Matters for providing that ministry.

To summarize, we're hanging in there.

Well, it's official . . .We're a Statistic

2010-02-17T18:33:00.005-06:00

One week ago today Mark was laid off. After nearly 18 years with the same company. He received two weeks severance. I could moan and groan and have a pity party, but the reality is that there are 14.8 million unemployed in the United States RIGHT NOW! So I'm going to choose to be positive and encouraging. I'm trusting God and "leaning into Him." And I'm going to keep on PRAISING him!

I was sure by now,God, that You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.

Chorus:
And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can't find You
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away

Chorus

I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth

Gone too soon

2009-12-30T15:20:00.003-06:00

On Sunday I learned that our former pastor of 10 years died suddenly of an apparent heart attack. Pastor Bob (or PB as he was affectionately referred to) had just turned 63 on Tuesday before passing away on Saturday. He was the same age as my Dad- which probably explains the VERY STRONG response I had upon learning of his death.

PB was a husband, a dad, a Papa. He was a great storyteller. He had style uniquely his own (though Aaron Johnson can do a mean impersonation!) He incorporated stories of little "Bobby Lutze" growing up in Sheboygan, Wisconsin into his sermons. And he always ended those sermons with, "and that's your Good News for today."

He was responsible for getting me involved on the church council which, I believe, lead me to accept leadership positions in Rotary and AFP. It is not a stretch to say that my experience on our church council helped me prepare for my professional positions at the Red Cross and now SPSF NWA.

PB brought new programs to our church- starting with the GSLC bowling league so many years ago. It seems each year he'd add something new. Because of Fireside Groups, Summer Spectacular and Winter School, we are a congregation that doesn't just gather to worship on Sunday mornings. We are a family that enjoys gathering together "just because."

I remember that PB came to see me at the hospital after the birth of all three of my kids. He baptized each of them as well. Later they learned to toddle into his office following the service and PB would give them an m&m out of his candy machine.

PB knew my deepest hurt and prayed with me as I was going through it. During that impromptu counseling session in his office - in the middle of the day, in the middle of the week - he ministered to me in a way more powerful than any of his sermons.

He is gone much too soon. I guess God needed some "Good News for today."

Shoulda Woulda Coulda

2009-12-28T18:36:00.007-06:00

I messed around with a ton of photos editing, collaging, etc. I shoulda just sent this one.

Oh well.

Here's the letter that went out . . .

Just one question . . .

2009-12-12T16:00:00.001-06:00

Which one am I supposed to be laughing at?

I'm a Traditionalist

2009-12-09T18:53:00.009-06:00

I'm on a kick. A cooking kick. A cooking things from scratch which most Americans eat out of the box (or jar, or can, or take out container)kick.

While I love to read about the adventurous recipes that REAL foodies tackle - like the Pioneer Woman and Alannah, when it comes to me and my kitchen I prefer to cook only whats in the pantry. If it requires a special trip to the grocery store it just ain't happenin'.

Here are some recent successes:

Creamy Italian Soup with Herbed Croutons (I think this would be good with a little pasta thrown in as well) *original recipe at cdrecipe.com and modified to our tastes!

Soup Ingredients:

2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cans (14.5 ounce size) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can Campbell's tomato soup
1 can Swanson's chicken broth
2 cup heavy (whipping) cream
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons Pampered Chef Rosemary Herb seasoning blend

Directions:

Melt butter in medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onions; cook 2 minutes, or until crisp-tender, stirring occasionally.

Add tomatoes with their juice, the broth, whipping cream and salt; mix well. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low; simmer 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally.

Pour into blender or food processor container; cover. Blend until smooth. Garnish each serving with herbed croutons.

Crouton ingredients:

8 slices of bread
olive oil
garlic salt, Italian Seasoning or Rosemary seasoning. Drizzle with oil and season to taste. Bake in 250 degree oven until crisp.

When I grow up . . .

2009-12-06T09:25:00.009-06:00

I wanna be a graphic artist.

THIS is the reason why I haven't blogged in so long. . . . every time I sit down to the computer I get sucked into Picnik.com. These are some of the results of the "lost hours."

Photo Cards . . .

(this may or may not be the "official" card. I'm still playing.)

Black and White. . . (I don't usually think that Gracie and I look alike, but I think I'm starting to see it here.)

Frames . . . and my personal faves . . . Airbrush, teeth whitening, and wrinkle remover. HA!

Someone's turning 45!

2009-12-05T09:39:00.003-06:00

Happy Fall Ya'll!

2009-10-25T14:20:00.008-05:00

It's Reformation Sunday and we were all wearing red, and after weeks of rain it was actually NICE outside . . . so we took advantage of the moment! Then of course we had to fiddle with the photos!

2009-10-25T08:03:00.001-05:00

Up and at 'em

2009-10-23T05:44:00.007-05:00

I've been up by 5;15 every morning for the past two weeks now thanks to this little "Dollie"

Yep, she's the latest addition, Dollie Madison Dilday. Anyway, thanks to her teeny, tiny bladder . . . I've been up and at 'em early in the morning which has given me the time to read a few blogs each morning. I start with a devotional or two, then move on the the Quad Blogs (Steeces Pieces & 4tunate), then I just peek at a few others from people I know personally to see if they have updated lately. They haven't. And I must not throw stones because I haven't done much updating lately myself.

But now that summer has ended and I won't be golfing every Saturday, maybe I can get back into the habit of a Saturday morning coffee/blogfest.

I certainly have STUFF to blog about! Like the random encounter that Grace and I had at Rick's Bakery on Wednesday (more on that later) the memories that were stirred up by an out-of-the blue phone call from and old friend (Dalinda), and of course the adventures in potty training (the dog). This could get interesting . . .

Ethan

2009-10-22T09:17:00.002-05:00

BFFs Sophie and Gen

2009-10-07T20:45:00.000-05:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Genna B age 3 to 8

2009-10-05T12:15:00.004-05:00

I was going through some old pictures today and had to put these all together in a slide show. The baby teeth are no more. . . .

How I Spent My Labor Day Weekend

2009-09-12T08:44:00.008-05:00

Yep, you guessed it! golf, golf and more golf.
Golfed 9 holes on Friday after work with Mark and Ethan,
Then Mark and I made a pact to golf EVERY MORNING of the weekend IF it wasn't raining.
So we managed to get in 18 holes on Saturday, 18 holes on Sunday, and 18 holes on Monday.
I even managed to "chip in" from the fringe for par on #8 on Saturday. Things were looking good!

Then, well, then I don't know what happened!

It was all downhill on Tuesday night. I golfed in the Ladies night scramble and was paired with Vaughn and Susie and I couldn't hit a THING.

I guess that means just one thing.
It's time to go practice . . .

2009-09-04T08:07:00.006-05:00

Ok, so everyone knows that I am pretty obsessed with Jill and Kevin's wedding dance . . .

Today I discovered this... the REST of the story! Ha! Just kidding. You can read more about Jill and Kevin's video at www.jkweddingdance.com

FEAR - Frantic Effort to Avoid Reality

2009-08-19T18:21:00.010-05:00

I don't think you could say that I have "CONQUERED" my fear, but I took one small step today when I finally faced it. Sure, it took me 5 mg of Valium and my mommy to drive me there and my hubby to pick me up, but I DID IT!

Drum roll please . . . .

I went to the DENTIST!

Gotta give a shout out to Dr. Houdous and the girls at the Dental Spa. They babied me and didn't make me feel like a ninny for being such a chicken. Best of all, they did their best to drown out the awful SOUNDS that I hate about going to the dentist AND didn't hurt me. And they told me that my mouth looked pretty darn good for someone who has avoided the dentist for longer than I care to admit. We'll see how I feel after my RETURN visit when I actually get some work done!

First Day of School

2009-08-19T14:11:00.012-05:00

This is getting to be a habit . . . the traditional first day of school photos with links back to see how FAST they are growing up!table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0" bgcolor="#ffffff">Make a Smilebox slideshow Click here for last year, click here for 2007.

Another Reason Blogs are Better than Facebook

2009-08-18T07:03:00.007-05:00

Do yourself a favor. Check out (in)courage.me

What if???

2009-08-17T07:08:00.004-05:00

Gracie were a twin? Oh help us!

Good Twin

Evil Twin!

2 Weekend Updates . . .

2009-08-17T06:43:00.005-05:00

Gracie made the Woodland Volleyball team and last weekend they held a sand volleyball tournament as a fundraiser. The catch was, each kid had to play with a parent/relative/adult friend. (Guess which parent played with her?? HA! of course I didn't)Luckily, she drew Clio's name as her partner and since Clio's dad was running the tourney, Clio's uncle Mark was her partner. I couldn't help but think that if they had named their team it would be Marky Mark and the Lutheran Chicks. Has a nice ring to it, doncha' think?
Anyway . . . they lost. Every Game. It was a sign of things to come. . . .

On Tuesday and Wednesday I played in the Ladies Classic at the Fayetteville Country Club with my mom. There were 88 golfers. You guessed it, we grabbed the last place spot on the first day and defended it well on the second day. We shot a 91 and a 93 to ensure we were Dead Last! (sorry, no pictures)

On Sunday Mark and I and Grandma J and Ethan went out to Razorback for 9 holes. It was a fun morning. Ethan is really starting to hit the ball well.School starts in two days. Summer is over. WAH!

The Book is Always Better

2009-08-15T09:05:00.008-05:00

The last two books I've read were also made into movies. Everyone knows that the book is always better. At least a novel turned movie is always better. I think that sometimes movies that are inspired by short stories make for better films. For instance the Curious Case of Benjamin Buttons, and maybe Children of the Corn. (How's that for a stark contrast?)

So here's my take on the two novels-turned-movies I've seen this summer.
I might add that I bought the books and read them BECAUSE the movie trailers looked so good!

My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Piccoult made me BAWL. It was incredible. I've read several of her books and this is by far my favorite. I often read books but then can't really recall the ending later. I will NEVER forget this book. I will never forget the ending. I will never forget how annoyed I was at the movie either. HA! The movie did a great job of telling the story . . . right up until the end when it did a complete 180. I was NOT pleased to say the least.

The Time Traveler's Wife (the book) had me sucked in by page 6. It was fascinating. I still can't believe that it was the author's first novel. It is so original (or so I thought- Dad says he read a book very similar). I saw the movie yesterday and loved it too. You can never get every nuance and detail from a novel to translate on the screen. And they made some minor changes but stayed TRUE to the ending (Helloooo?!!?) I was sorry when I finished the book and I was sorry when the movie ended.

So . . . anyone read any good books lately?

I Need One of These!

2009-08-13T07:36:00.006-05:00

Seriously . . . if I survive today it will be a miracle. Here's a pek at what is in store today.

6:45 Grace to Volleyball Conditioning
7:oo Genna to Dentist (Hubby covered this one)
7:45 p/u Grace from V-ball
9:00 conference call
12:00 Rotary Board meeting
2:00 Therapy (YES!)
3:15 Haircuts for 4 out of 5 dildays
4:00 Grace to Volleyball (again!)
5:30 Ethan to Karate (again, hubby's gig)
6:00 p/u Grace from Volleyball
6:15 Gracie babysits for neighbors

**somewhere in here Ethan is supposed to meet his new teachers at McNair**

6:30 dinner with mom, dad, Derek & Hannah, Grandma J and all the kids (minus Gracie - she'll be babysitting)

Gotta run . . . I'm already running late!

American Idol - circa 1983

2009-08-01T16:46:00.008-05:00

Back in 1983 I used to watch Star Search with my mom and dad. It came on LATE, LATE, LATE . . . like midnight on Saturday nights. We were huge fans of Sawyer Brown who ended up winning in the vocal group category. I remember that the lead singer, Mark Miller, wore bright clothes, cool hats, and jumped around alot. Oh yeah, and he had a heck of a mullet.

Well, he's bald now but the guy can still GET DOWN!

Sawyer Brown performed at the Cherokee Casino last night and my dear, sweet husband was a trooper and drove me (and mom) out there to see them play. The show started at 10 and didn't end until 11:30. Of course, mom and Mark just sat at their slot machines . . . but I had a great vantage point and loved EVERY MINUTE of the show.

I just can't decide which of Sawyer Brown's incredible ballads are my favorite. What's yours?

Genna's 8th Birhday - PARTY PICS!

2009-07-29T07:05:00.031-05:00

We had a little impromptu 8th Birthday Photo Shoot prior to the big celebration!

Inspired by our Lantern project a few weeks ago, Genna opted for a CRAFTING party to celebrate her 8th birthday.

Supplies were courtesy of Hobby Lobby of course!

Friends included Grier, Sophie (of course!), and Sammy Grace. Cousin Sadie arrived later.
Silly Girls!

PRESENTS!

Thats it! I QUIT!

2009-07-25T15:59:00.005-05:00

Okay, maybe I won't quit . . . but from here on out I'm going to spend 10x more time and effort in the blogosphere than in the time suck of Facebook!

First of all, January thru July I've only averaged 1 post a month on my blog, compared to last year when I was blogging on a weekly basis. BORING!!

Second, I have missed cataloging the small events of our lives. Not to mention the MAJOR life challenges we have faced AND overcome (more on that later).

But THIS is the reason that I truly love the whole blogging concept. I saw this on Vanessa's blog and simply had to re-post it. This video is just PURE JOY! I hope you EN-JOY!

Washington Warriors Class of '89 - 20th Reunion

2009-07-21T18:15:00.021-05:00

About 100 of our class of more than 500 showed up for the class reunion. This photo, taken outside of Wylies Tavern downtown on Saturday night, is similar to our panoramic senior photo taken outside of Washington HS.
Friday night a small group attended the Sioux Falls Canaries game where we had the burm in left field reserved. It was a casual (and cool!) night where we were able to have conversations without YELLING over loud music.

Brad Lindeman, Jayme Halbritter, Pat Birkeland
Lance Beier, Nancy Stout Kiesow
Danielle Smith, Deb Hauge, LaDawn, Yours Truly

Matt Kiesow and I
LaDawn and I

After the game, the party continued at Nutty's North where it got louder and rowdier! We closed the place down and continued the conversation on the front steps until 2:15 a.m. (Then the traditional Taco John's run followed by Jared, LaDawn and I rehashing the events of the evening until 3 a.m.)

At Nuttys with Londa Reinholt and Michelle Van De VoortChristy Feldhaus' hubby Lad, Dave Tindall, Mark Lidel

Saturday morning we golfed. There were only four foursomes but still a good time. LaDawn and I were the only girls.

Chad Peterson, me, LaDawn, Jared

Saturday night was, in the words of Pat O'Donnel, "The Night of 1,000 One-minute Conversations." We only stayed until about 11:30 p.m., went home and Jared proclaimed "I'm glad that sh#t's over!" We all had a good time, glad we went, but I prefer life in 2009!

DeAnn Priesz, Gina Corkins, Julie Woodward ('88), Me, Monica Hulstein ('88*)

Me, Jen Henriksen, Margo Young.
These ladies were a BLAST!
Exactly as I remember them!!