JameeForever

Jamee's Birthday Photo Tribute

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 07:33:00 +0000

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

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

1984 h/s graduation:

Dad and Jamee, 1966

Another Dad & Jamee layout:

Jamee-1966

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

Is There a Novel In You?

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 17:01:00 +0000

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

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

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

You have two chances to win!

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

AND

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

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

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

Four Keys to a Writer's Life

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

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

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

1. Priorities
2. Balance
3. Perspective

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here's a few strategies for maximizing that time:

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

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

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

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

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

He sure woke up when I got that first contract.

*****

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

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

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

Quickie Update From Boot Camp

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 22:46:00 +0000

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

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

Boot Camp Quitter Failure...Right Here!

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 03:53:00 +0000

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

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

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

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

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

Day after Day after Day 2: No change.

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

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

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

"No you're not"

I can't do this

"Yes you can"

I'm going to quit

"No you're not"

But I hurt everywhere

"You're fine"

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

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

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

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

Photo Challenge..And A Surprise

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 00:38:00 +0000

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

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

I'm going to challenge six ladies:

D
B/S
JenGi
Misty
Jami
Mrs. Aunt Bea

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

That's Progress

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 19:40:00 +0000

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

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

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

JenGi Goes to Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma Joe's

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey) — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 16:15:00 +0000

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wagyu Think?

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey) — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 15:07:00 +0000

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

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

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

Pictures and An Announcement

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey) — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 05:04:00 +0000

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

He loves it, look at the smile!

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

Niki and Cody last month, I love this photo:

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

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

Change of Venue

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey) — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 22:01:00 +0000

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ten Days 'Til GiGi Time! And Facebook Me

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey) — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 05:30:00 +0000

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

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

Let The Second Half Commence!

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 05:32:00 +0000

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

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

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

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

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

On a side note:

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

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

Resolutions and Changes - Beware This Is Longer Than Usual

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey) — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 20:54:00 +0000

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

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

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

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

4) Get outside much more than I do.

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

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

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

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

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

Ten Best Moments Of The Year

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey) — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 16:46:00 +0000

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

1. Definitely when Niki came back home to stay.

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

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

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

5. Adopting our cat, Scat!

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

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

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

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

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

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

I Really REALLY Want a Sham Wow

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey) — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 01:03:00 +0000

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

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

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

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

Confession Time

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey) — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 21:12:00 +0000

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

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

I Got My Christmas Presents Early

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey) — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 22:03:00 +0000

Be jealous ladies:

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

I Survived The Company Party

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey) — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 19:44:00 +0000

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

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

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

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

Friends 4 Life

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey) — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 16:48:00 +0000

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

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

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

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

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

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

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 13:59:00 +0000

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Annie Get Your Gun.......

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 06:37:00 +0000

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

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

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

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

Freebie Announcement:

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 06:23:00 +0000

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

Here's the kit:

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

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey) — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 23:53:00 +0000

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

My nephew Joe and his wife, Sara:

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

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

My Johnny and BIL, Pat (Fireman Pat)

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

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

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

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

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

SIL, Dorie and her sister, Patti:

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

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

Dad, John and Mom:

Cody, me and John

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

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

I'm In Contest Mode Again

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 16:49:00 +0000

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

The Pentagon Under Cyber Attack

noreply@blogger.com (Stacey) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 16:29:00 +0000

Check it out here. It's that important.