Missy-laneous Thoughts

Country Girl in the City

2012-02-05T11:18:00.000-06:00

I guess you never really appreciate what you've got until you don't have it anymore. At least that's how I feel about my childhood in the country.

Growing up on a small dairy farm in the Midwest had it's pitfalls, I assure you; but as I look back I see that it was; filled with it's own unique opportunities also.

I guess it should have been a clue that we had something special when Mrs. Brubaker & Mrs. Erwin would bring busloads of kindergarteners out to our farm year after year. Young children would spend the day visiting my daily routine and turning it into a lifetime memory! Many of these children (the ones brave enough to try) would get a thrill out of milking a cow - or riding on a hay wagon. The only thing I found exciting about these field trips was that I got to stay home from school that day!

It's funny, I don't remember the exact day that this phase of my life ended; but I was in my 19th year. The farm was sold to my brother and I was off to find my own way in this great big world.

I am very grateful for my years on the farm - and often wish I could go back for at least a visit to that lifetime. I had a "special place" on our 40 acre home place where I could escape and be alone with my thoughts. Little did I know, that would be the thing I missed the most. My best friend lived in a subdivision with houses of kids all around while I had to walk about a mile to either of my country friend's houses. While the city kids were washing dishes and taking out the trash, I was learning how to drive a very contrary stick shift & chasing adventurous cattle.

During massive snow storms, city kids were building snow men while we were piling into our family sleigh to get the few necessities we didn't have readily available on the farm. Read about it in A Trip To Remember Blog.

I have spent the past 17+ years living next door to a subdivision and I got to watch my kids grow up with the lifestyle I always thought I wanted as a child; yet all I can think about is what a joy it would have been to give them the opportunities and responsibilities I'd had growing up on the farm. My brother sold the farm when my youngest was just a few years old and though I have visited the old farm once or twice since then, I don't see it the same way. I can't help but feel the spirit of a young little country girl running down the field road to visit the neighbor or hoping on a bike and just take flight over the hills & valleys surrounding the farm.

I sometimes wonder which I miss most, the country life or the childhood it represents. I guess the lesson to be learned here is to play the hand you were dealt to the fullest because one day you might have to look back and realize that you had opportunities others only dream about!

What were they thinking?

2012-02-02T18:16:00.000-06:00

Over the last year, unemployment and recovery from back surgery have given me ample opportunity to become a "sitcom critic."

I enjoy watching reruns while working on projects around the house so that I don't have to watch closely. I am not one to give the t.v. my undivided attention, so the more times I've seen a show the better!

I have noticed what I can only think of as "writer-error" in a few instances and just have to wonder what they were thinking...

One instance of this is in the show "Everybody Loves Raymond" in regards to the names of Ray & Debra's twin boys. As infants, they are named Matthew & Gregory; but as children they are later called Geoffrey & Michael. Why? According to one source, Matthew & Gregory are the names of Ray Romano's twin sons in real life. As to why they changed the names, your guess is as good as mine!

Another instance is when "Full House" changes Jesse's last name from Cochran to Katsopolis. Apparently, John Stamos felt that he needed to change this character's name in order to give respect to his Greek heritage.

The other show that has a very noticeable faux pas is on the show "Golden Girls" when Harold Gould appears as Miles Webber ( aka Nicholas Carbonne in the witness protection program), Rose's professor boyfriend who appeared in 14 episodes. Gould also guest starred in the show's third episode in its first season as Arnie Peterson, Rose's first serious boyfriend after her husband Charlie's death. I understand that they may have liked this actor well enough to bring him back later for a more substantial role, but why not bring him back as "Arnie?"

I just can't help but feel that they <writers> insult our intelligence when they make these changes without justifying them. Would it be that difficult for these writers to either use a little consistency - or validation?

So I just have to ask: "What were they thinking?"

A Small Memory

2012-01-11T19:44:00.000-06:00

Don't be confused... I am not referring to an inconsequential or unimportant memory - merely a small one!

What do I mean? Well, this term came to me just as I flashed back to an image of a chain link storage room. At first I didn't even know what it was I was thinking of; but as I began to explore this memory in my mind, I realized that I was actually envisioning the storage room in the basement at my grandparents' apartment in Edwardsville. It was a small apartment house (only 4 units in the building) and I was very young, but the memory became so clear.

Upon further reflection, I recall their apartment right down to the green couch and the linoleum on the kitchen floor. I would spend countless hours there with my grandma & (step)grandpa (hereto referred to as "Grandpa") - and for whatever reason, this storage unit popped into my head from nowhere.

I have many memories of spending time with them and I cherish them all... even the silly little things. I remember sitting at the lake with a fishing pole in my hand while Grandpa sipped from his can of Falstaff Beer, teaching me the fine art of putting a worm on a hook. I remember when I was 8; Grandma would give me $1 and send me walking to Farm Fresh to buy her cigarettes and letting me keep the change. Yes, that's right 8 YEARS OLD - & I COULD BUY CIGARETTES --- AND HAVE CHANGE LEFT OVER!!! I often wonder what they would think about things if they were alive today.

My grandma was widowed before I was born, and she met the man I learned to love and call "Grandpa" when I was a toddler. He was so special to me though I only knew him for a short time... he died when I was in second grade. In just a few short years, he created memories with me that I now know will last a lifetime!

My grandparents have both been gone for more than 3 (or in his case almost 4) decades and I have a granddaughter of my own now. I hope someday she looks back at the everyday moments we spend together and realize that those are the special memories that she can carry with her forever.

It's memories like this that put things back into perspective for me when I feel like I need to "spoil" her with material things... in the end it's the love that is remembered - and cherished.

So, what I am trying to say is that it doesn't take a lot of money or talent to create a special memory, but time together with those you love... In the end, the small memories actually become big ones!

Getting a Grip!

2012-01-06T17:47:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone!

I was asked a few months ago to consider writing about a topic that has been of great concern to me, but put it off because, well, it just isn't always easy to talk about the "deep" issues.

Some of you closest to me realize that 2011 was an extremely difficult year for me on many levels...

It began actually at the close of 2010 with the news that I would have to give up a job I thoroughly enjoyed due to some medical problems. This news was hard for me to take, even though I knew it had to be. I had fallen from a ladder in mid-July of that year (actually just one week before the Celebration Company reunion that I had planned). I found it very tough to stand for more than a few minutes at a time, but with only having been at my new job for a week or two, I felt the need to keep this to myself as much as possible.

At least twice a week I would visit my chiropractor for adjustments, acupuncture and whatever course of treatment they could think of to try on me. After four very painful months, working 3 to 5 seven hour shifts on my feet, my wonderful husband happened to be home one evening as I arrived from work and attempted to get down the steps to our bedroom to get off my feet. By this point, I often had to sit at the top step and slide down step by step. It was about this same time that the chiropractor had ordered MRI's and discovered that it was possibly not a situation they could easily resolve; so Andy insisted that I see my physician. One look at my MRI's and he referred me to a surgeon.

With just one week to go before hosting both families for a large Thanksgiving Feast for 30+ people, I was told that only surgery would get me back up and going again... so we got out the calendar & scheduled my lower back surgery.

After in-depth tests, they discovered that nothing was holding the two lowest discs and a 2-level fusion was necessary.

During this waiting period, some household issues arose that made for a not so pleasant couple of months (as if the wait itself wasn't stressful enough) and I was relieved by the time January 31st got here.

I have to say that the first 3 days in the hospital were sheer torture. I was unable to walk at all without a nurse holding onto a safety harness - giving me total support. After the first 2 days, I was able to sit up in a chair in my room and eventually was able to walk to my hospital room door and back -- what a sense of accomplishment. If you've ever struggled with having to rely on anyone this much, you know that by the end of it all dignity is lost. After 4 days at Missouri Baptist Hospital I was taken to a flight of stairs (with several people holding tight & that good ole faithful safety harness) and instructed to walk up and down those stairs before they would release me to go home. At that point, I can honestly say I had never wanted anything so badly in my life - and with the help of Andy, a physical therapist, & a nurse - I DID IT!

With my back brace & bone growth stimulator strapped to my waist, I was soon dressed and in the car on my way home. I really felt relieved to be going home, but that was the beginning of the toughest course of hurdles I have ever seen.

Several concessions were made around our home to enable me to function with a mediocre sense of self-reliance. For the first week, my daughter in law & granddaughter stayed with us to help with the tasks at hand. I couldn't even roll over in bed by myself and it was frustrating at best! The pain has so intolerable, but the surgeon had instructed me to walk every 20 minutes. That's where Riley - my granddaughter (she was only 2 at the time) came into play. I had a timer set to go off in 20 minute intervals and when the timer went off she would bring my walker to my and insist that I walk around the livingroom for a lap or two. She was quite the slave-driver, but that is what I needed most. Truth is, she was so cute about it that I couldn't have said no and my family knew that.

Several church members had organized a group to bring meals to me several times a week for the first few weeks and that was such a blessing.

After 3 months, x-rays were taken and there was enough evidence of new bone growth that I was released from wearing the bone growth stimulator, and eventually the back brace was downgraded to an "as needed" status. *Side-note - the cashiers at Shop N Save & Walmart hated to see me come to their lane(s) because this bone growth stimulator would, on several occasions, all but shut down their computers/registers.

It has now been 11 1/2 months since I first started this recovery process. I would like to say that I am pain-free, but I have resigned myself to the fact that it may never be that way. The doctors have told me that whatever I have after a year is what I can expect to regain, and with the exception of numbness in portions of my legs, and difficulty in "socking" and "shoeing' my left foot, I feel a whole lot better.

I am so very grateful to those who took time out of their busy lives to help me get through this difficult process.

Outside of that, I did also find it necessary to undergo one other surgical procedure a few months ago which has been more of an emotional struggle than a physical one, but I am getting a grip on it. I find that I am still not comfortable talking much about this, so will leave it with just a vague mention... I am forever grateful again to the patient family members who do their best to make things flow as smoothly as possible for me on a daily basis. I know that Andy has had to put up with a lot (even going back to my car accident in 2002 & the neck surgery...) I am looking forward to a non-invasive year in 2012!

Things are looking up at this point - and I don't care what the doctors say, I will get better still!

Watch out world - here I come!!!!

People's Choice Awards

2012-01-03T17:38:00.001-06:00

Do you have a favorite for this year's People's Choice Award?

TUNE IN TO CBS ON JANUARY 11, 2012 9/8 P.M.

Go to the following link and vote for your favorite.

http://www.vocalpoint.com/PCA

and choose from the following:

TV COMEDY ACTOR:

Alec Baldwin

Read what Wikipedia says about him

Chris Colfer

Read what Wikipedia says about him

Cory Monteith

Read what Wikipedia says about him

Jim Parsons

Read what Wikipedia says about him

Neil Patrick Harris

Read what Wikipedia says about him

TV DRAMA ACTRESS:

Blake Lively

Read what Wikipedia says about her

Ellen Pompeo

Read what Wikipedia says about her

Emily Deschanel

Read what Wikipedia says about her

Eva Longoria

Read what Wikipedia says about her

Nina Dobrev

Read what Wikipedia says about her

TV COMPETITION SHOW:

American Idol
America's Got Talent
Dancing With The Stars
So You Think You Can Dance
The Voice

MOVIE ACTOR:

Daniel Radcliffe

Read what Wikipedia says about him

Hugh Jackman

Read what Wikipedia has to say about him

Johnny Depp

Read what Wikipedia says about him

Robert Pattinson

Read what Wikipedia says about him

Ryan Reynolds

Read what Wikipedia says about him

MOVIE ACTRESS:

Anne Hathaway

Read what Wikipedia has to say about her

Emma Stone

Read what Wikipedia has to say about her

Jennifer Anniston

Read what Wikipedia has to say about her

Julia Roberts

Read what Wikipedia has to say about her

Reese Witherspoon

Read what Wikipedia has to say about her

MOVIE:

Bridesmaids
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II
The Help
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
Transformers: Dark of the Moon

A Trip to Remember!

2012-01-02T07:31:00.005-06:00

It was the winter of 1982 and the world was indeed a winter wonderland.

Living 10 miles away from town had it's advantages, but also some disadvantages. On this particular day, well you can take your pick as to whether the glass was half empty or half full that day! I like to think that any day that you can carry in your memory so vividly for 30 years now is probably a half full kind of day!

With a somewhat bare refrigerator and cupboards to match, things were looking bleak at the Heepke house. Dad had finished his morning milking and was obviously not going to get much done around the farm; a family trip to the grocery store was inevitable.

Cars were parked safely in driveways, and even the 4wd vehicles were feeling intimidated by this winter storm. That didn't stop us though - we had something most people only thought about in their dreams, a one tractor open sleigh! I have such fond memories of this sleigh - still to this day haven't seen another one like it! I tend to believe that Santa left it behind one year when he upgraded to a more modern version, but who knows. It was a very solid, sturdy wooden sleigh with ample seating for us all. Looking back, I'm not sure how "street-legal" this mode of transportation would be with today's standards.

Dad hooked the sleigh up to the back of his biggest tractor, several of us piled in - and we were rolling (or maybe I should say "gliding"! There was a grocery store several miles away (all back roads leading to a back entrance); so we were off to restock...

We arrived at WoodRiver Kroger store with little effort and, though I don't really remember, I'm sure the wait at the checkout was non-existent. We piled back into the sleigh with paper bags filled with enough food to get us through to spring thaw -- and away we went.

Now you know how they say that most accidents happen close to home? Well, this day would prove to be evident of that theory. The roads leading from the store to our home were narrow and full of rolling hills, some very steep, but we made it up & down as if those roads were plowed clean as we traveled in our tractor-driven sleigh!

Alas, our house was in sight! We would round one final corner and within moments, we would be home sweet home... If only! So we ATTEMPTED to round that final corner when Dad (at least I guess that's what happened) over-estimated the turn and the tractor took to the ditch.

Now remember, it was a big - and very powerful tractor so the ditch really didn't slow him down. Wow, I wish it had... but then again I most likely wouldn't be telling a story about a stuck tractor, would I?

As it would, the sleigh followed closely behind but without quite as much resilience - and on it's side it went! We tumbled out onto an 18 inch frozen mattress - me at the bottom of a heap of people -- and yes, groceries. I vaguely remember eggs and bananas being involved. We scraped up what we could and walked home with our goods.

Dad still recalls finding a dozen eggs and a loaf of bread that was revealed the following spring when the last of the snow was gone.

New Day! New Year!

2012-01-01T11:32:00.000-06:00

As with most, when I awake on New Years Day there is a sense of "re-birth" almost. The trials & tribulations on the now previous year are swiftly floating away - and hope & revitalization for a bright and prosperous year set it.

In many ways, it is just another day! If you went to bed on December 31st with dirty dishes in the sink, you can bet they will still be there on January 1st... have a bad cold on New Years Eve? You will probably still have it on New Years Day. Yet we still tend to place unrealistic demands on ourselves for the new year!

At any rate, we all do it; and if you can make a resolution that lasts throughout the year, Congratulations! While I have set goals over the years - and succeeded with many, that has never been the case with one that began on New Years Day! I won't say that it can't be done, but you need to have conviction to stick to the plan and DO IT!

I think one of the most popular resolutions is losing weight. Weight Watchers (as well as most other weight loss organizations) and health club memberships spike during the first weeks of each new year; but I have seen first hand that each following week it is like the thinning of the herd (no pun intended, I assure you.) By the first of March, a large percentage of attendees are the same as those who were attending in September & October...

I am shooting for something a little easier to obtain this year... I plan on spending the year getting reorganized in many ways since I have had to get accustomed to living with the aftermath of physical limitations imposed upon me in 2011.

Don't misunderstand, I am not knocking those of you who can put your mind to something when New Years Day arrives - and fulfill your wishes; but it never seems to work that way for me. I like to think that I am just too worn out from all the festivities to focus for a week or so as the new year begins.

I spend a lot of time in the months of November & December in the kitchen and elsewhere; working to accomplish other holiday driven projects. In fact, I do so much cooking & baking in December that I would have to throw out literally hundreds of dollars worth of food in order to make a weight loss resolution stick. Generally, I begin to come out of my holiday cocoon around the end of February or beginning of March; and decide to make my resolutions at that point.

So whatever you decide - whether it be to make a resolution or not, I wish you all only the best of success in your endeavors on this wonderful first day of 2012!

Happy New Year Readers!

Summing it up!

2011-12-31T12:55:00.000-06:00

Today (as with New Years Eve every year) is a day of reflection. What did 2011 mean for me?

It meant a year of strong will and endurance in my life. I struggled with the most difficult recovery... major back surgery. When 2010 concluded with adding a massive amount of salt to an already tedious wound, I found myself awaiting what I knew would be a tough situation.

After suffering with major back spasms periodically following an automobile accident 8 years prior, a fall from the top of a 2-step ladder (actually a back flip would be more accurate) would lead me indirectly to a back surgeon - and soon thereafter to the operating room. Since I had been through a difficult surgery just a few years before when they fused discs together and put a metal plate in my neck, I thought I had an idea of what I could expect. I couldn't have been more wrong.

I will spare you the inane details and tell you that 2011 threw up many hurdles - and I am still standing (maybe AGAIN standing would be more like it since that wasn't really happening much when the year began!)

I have had a lot of time (& very little else) on my hands this year and have re-evaluated many aspects of my life with the final conclusion that, while 2011 was the toughest year of my life thus far, I have ammunition now to attack life in 2012!

I know that this new year has much potential - and while I know it probably won't always be easy, it has a lot more promise than what 2011 did for me!

Best of Luck to all of you in 2012 - and Happy New Year!!

A Few Household Tips

2011-12-30T09:34:00.000-06:00

As we approach the final days of 2011, I thought I would take a moment to share a few household tips that you may or may not know...

Did you know that:

If you want to soften crunchy cookies, you can store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread.
hair spray will often remove permanent marker from a variety of surfaces, but beware of the finish - test first on unexposed area.
When storing your summer clothes, you can throw a dryer sheet into the box to keep your fabrics smelling fresher.
While we are on the subject of dryer sheets, they make great dusting clothes for computer monitors, television screens, & many other surfaces that attract static electricity.
After putting on nylons, rub a dryer sheet over your legs to reduce static cling.
When planting your garden, remember that tomato plants (as well as other acidic plants) love coffee grounds.
If you wear acrylic nails and you get a crack in the nail, place a very small piece of styrofoam on the crack and apply a small amount of clear nail polish over the styrofoam - this will seal the crack until you can get it repaired properly.
Vinegar & water removes salt stains from shoes & boots.
If you like to make your own pizzas from scratch, a large floured ziploc bag works well for rolling & storing your pizza dough until ready to use - just place desired amount of dough into floured bag, seal & roll with rolling pin. I stick mine directly into the freezer until ready to use.
Mosquito repellent ideas: Vicks VapoRub is a great mosquito repellent as well as Bounce dryer sheets, 1 vitamin B-1 tablet taken daily, or clear "real" vanilla (not the imitation - it contains alcohol). Also, if you plant Marigolds in your yard, they repel bugs/insects. Steer clear of bananas when you are spending time outdoors - mosquitoes love banana oil. Avon Skin So Soft mixed with alcohol has been reported as a great insect repellent as well.
If your Tupperware or other plastic storage containers have developed a white film or odor, make a paste of baking soda & water & use a toothbrush to scrub away film & odor.
Place a shallow dish of baking soda behind the toilet to absorb bathroom odors.
Keep your car smelling great on those hot summer days by placing several of your favorite coffee beans in a paper bag & place under your car seat. When you return to your car after a long workday, it will smell wonderful.
Candles will last a lot longer if you put them in the freezer for at least 3 hours prior to burning.
Never store fudge in the refrigerator. It can be stored in the freezer (in an airtight container for several weeks, but never in the refrigerator.)

I HOPE YOU FIND THESE TIPS HELPFUL. CHECK BACK PERIODICALLY FOR MORE HOUSEHOLD TIPS!

Keeping it Simple!

2011-12-29T11:35:00.000-06:00

It wasn't the most elaborate ceremony, but it got the job done.

22 years ago, I married my best friend. With the fact that Andy & I are both very impulsive people; it is only fitting that we got engaged and were married within the same month.

It was December 3rd when we decided that we should become husband & wife; so with calendar in hand, we picked the least harried weekend in December - the 29th - no more Christmas parties and too early for New Years Eve.

We knew that it wouldn't be easy - planning a wedding in just 3 weeks, but when we put our minds to something it sticks! It was apparent to us both that it wouldn't allow a lot of time for those old traditions, and yet we seemed to have the things that mattered most to us.

I was extremely surprised at how well things fell into place: Eden Church was available & beautifully decorated still with a Christmas tree, poinsettias & all the trimmings - so we didn't need to hire a florist!

We even had our pick of several halls for a reception; and with Andy's wide array of music in his library, we got a friend to operate the CD player and we were good there too. We rented the K of C Hall in Edwardsville, family members pitched in to prepare a nice meal, and my parents offered to buy a wedding cake for the reception.

I was employed at JC Penney at that time, and was able to find a wedding gown there, in my side with little effort. I know it wasn't comparable to today's tailored gowns that cost several thousands of dollars, but it was nice.

We hand-wrote invitations and mailed to close family & friends - after all, we didn't really want a big wedding - we just wanted to get married!

I selected my best childhood friend as my maid of honor; and he chose his only brother. Debbie (my maid of honor) & I had a "night out" instead of your traditional bachelorette party and Andy attended a poker party with "the guys" instead of a bachelor party.

Family & Friends gathered the weekend before the wedding and threw a bridal shower in my honor. It was nice, and much appreciate (though there is more to this story that I'm sure those it attendance remember - & hopefully laugh about).

After the wedding, we had a lovely reception with our closest family members and dearest friends - again - it was what we really wanted.

As a wedding gift, one our our good friends gave us tickets to a Blues Hockey game to be held on New Years Eve - that was my first hockey game ever!

Even the weather cooperated with us - though it was foggy, the temperature was warm.

I have seen many people spend thousands of dollars on beautiful ceremonies, only to have the marriage end in a matter of a few years. In fact, it's not the expensive ceremony that makes a marriage work. It should be about the marriage, not the party!

We are celebrating 22 years today, and though it hasn't always been easy, we stuck together - and it was those times that made our bond stronger.

Thank you, Andy, for always being there for me! I love you more today than yesterday - and will love you more tomorrow than today!

Happy Anniversary!

I was afraid...

2011-12-18T12:45:00.000-06:00

I was afraid... I'd had a dream that told me so
When the phone rang this morning I could hardly say hello.

With tears in my eyes and a sadness in my heart
I know that it's time for our lives to be apart.

I Will think of you often, now that you're gone
But you'll suffer no more; and we all must go on.

A Tradition... Christmas at Aunt Sue's

You were always so kind with a word and a smile
and I'm sad that I will not see it again for a while.

But one day we'll meet again, and for that I am glad
but for now in your absence I just feel sad.

So goodbye for now, I will miss you dear
Though I know in my heart you'll always be near.

We will miss you Aunt Sue - with love!

Vendor Bingo - Thursday, December 15, 2011 @ 7:p.m.

2011-12-11T15:19:00.007-06:00

This week will be my last "official" Wildtree event of 2011. To finish the season on a different note, I have planned a Vendor Bingo event. This is not only a Wildtree event... please read on to see who else is participating.

Where is this Bingo going to be held?

This event will be at THE WELL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST - 180 Cottonwood Road, Glen Carbon, Illlinois, 62034
DIRECTIONS: Coming from Interstate 270, proceed north on Highway 159 towards Edwardsville for about 1 mile. You will approach a stoplight with Walgreens/Regions Bank on the right and Conoco gas station/Dairy Queen on the left... turn right at the light. You will drive past Walgreens, Aldis & Spa of Tranquility (all on the right) and soon you will see the entrance to THE WELL. If you get to the stopsign you went too far.

What is Vendor Bingo? I'm glad you asked...

It is an opportunity for you to win products as bingo prizes from a wide variety of hand-selected direct sellers mostly from the Edwardsville/Glen Carbon area.

What companies will be represented?

Tupperware
Mary Kay
Longaberger
Scentsy
Wildtree
Miche Bags
Watkins Products
Arbonne
Premier Design Jewelry
Thirty-One Gifts
Creative Memories
and maybe even more (you'll have to play to find out)

Each vendor will have a display set up at the event, giving you the opportunity to purchase items for cash n carry (and some may even have sales specials & door prize giveaways).

The <bingo> games will begin at 7:00 p.m., but the doors will open at 6:30, allowing you to shop with the vendors before the games start. There will also be a brief intermission in case you didn't get everything bought before the game(s) began.

More Details: everyone in attendance will be given 1 (one-time use) Bingo card and will have the option to purchase additional cards as follows:

one-time cards will be available for 25 cents each or 5 for $1.
all-game cards will be available for $5 each or 5 for $20.

Additional cards will be available for purchase at any time during the evening.

ADDED BONUS: Bring canned or dry goods to donate to the Glen/Ed Pantry and receive a card to play a game of bingo FREE!
AND/OR
Bring 3 or more adult guests with you and receive and additional Free game bingo card!

I WILL HAVE MANY WILDTREE GIFT BASKETS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE AT A 15-30% DISCOUNT.

FROM MICHE BAGS:

“Holiday Vault”

Every customer who purchases $100 in product (excluding tax, shipping & handling) will receive a "Top Secret" personal combination code that allows her to "open" Miche’s Holiday Vault and purchase a Mystery Box filled with hard-to-find Shells, unavailable retired Shells and even some RARE SHELLS at a huge discount! Once a code is entered, the customer can choose from:

The Classic Mystery Box—contains three (3) Classic Shells for just $19.99
OR
The Prima Mystery Box—contains three (3) Prima Shells for just $25.99

You don't want to miss this evening of fun and games - and get some Christmas shopping done without the crowded stores.

Check out this event on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/events/vendorbingo

For more information about Wildtree, please visit my website:
http://www.mywildtree.com/Missy

or the official company website:
http://www.wildtree.com

SEE YOU AT THE WELL!

Caring for your real Christmas Tree

2011-12-10T11:28:00.000-06:00

I have decided that with Christmas rapidly approaching, maybe I would take this opportunity to share a few tips on selecting and caring for your real Christmas Tree.

Test your tree before you buy - to select the best tree possible; and here is how:

Needle-Test: Examine the needles by holding a branch in your hand and pulling it toward you; allowing it to slip through your fingers. You want to make sure the needles stay intact. If you end up with several needles left in your hand, don't buy that tree.
Sniff-Test: Smell the tree for freshness. If the tree is fresh, its moisture content will keep it fragrant.
Color-Test: Make sure your tree has a good, fresh-looking green color
Trunk Test: The trunk should be sticky with sap.

What type of tree do you prefer?

Balsamic & Douglas Firs

aromatic & pyramid shape

Scotch Pine

busy, dense trees with short needles that cling to their branches

Red Cedars

seldom drop their needles

Eastern White Pines

pretty, slender blue needles, & the branches can be rather flimsy

Once you get home with your tree, it is a good idea to place it either in your garage or basement; allowing it to acclimate. Cut a 1/4' diagonal from the bottom of the tree to break the sap seal and allow moisture in.
Place your tree into a large bucket of water until you are ready to decorate. When you are ready to decorate, cut a thick disk from the bottom or the trunk to make it flat and give it stability.
Make sure your tree stand will hold at least a gallon of water - and remember to water it regularly. A 6 foot tree will drink up to a gallon of water per day. Also, make sure it is not in direct heat or near a fireplace, television or radiator. It is also a good idea to mist the tree occasionally to keep the branches fresh.

After the holidays are over you can put your tree to work around the house, but do not burn in an indoor fireplace.

Click here to like Route 66 Christmas Tree Farm on Facebook

Click to read Intelligencer article about Route 66 Christmas Tree Farm

Does the Bell Still Ring for You?

2011-12-07T08:32:00.000-06:00

There's something about the movie Polar Express that brings back that holiday magic that tends to fade over the years. At the very least, it causes me to reflect upon Christmases past...

I remember as a small child feeling such magic during the Christmas season. Living on a dairy farm, several miles from town, my Christmas memories aren't filled with seasonal street lights or crowded stores.

In fact, with the exception of a lighted Christmas tree that filled our large bay window in the livingroom of the farmhouse immediately after Thanksgiving, it would be business as usual until Christmas Eve.

My parents were both wonderful vocalists, and as a small child I would attend church at whatever church was lucky enough to get them to perform that year. Once I was a teenager, that obligation often fell onto me. I remember one particular Christmas Eve service where I had been asked to sing at a church in Marine, Illinois. This sticks out in my memory for one specific reason:

It was customary at our house to open one present from Mom & Dad before leaving for church on Christmas Eve. I was nearly 13, and the digital age was just making its breakthrough. I opened a beautifully wrapped gift to find my very own digital watch - with an alarm. It was so cool; I couldn't help but play with all the buttons and gadgets it adorned.

The Christmas Eve service began and I was standing before a congregation of strangers singing "What Child Is This" when suddenly an alarm began to sound. It was the alarm on my brand new watch. I hadn't a clue how to turn in off, so without missing a note, I blindly pressed every button I could to stop this sound. I kept my eyes focused straight ahead and never looked down. Finally, I got the alarm to stop and my solo finished, but I created a memory that will live on with me for the rest of my days.

After church, we would all pile in the car and drive through a light display that was known for its beautiful lights & animations in a neighboring community. At that point, we would return home to find that Santa had appeared during our absence.

This brings me to another Christmas memory:

When I was growing up, my parents bred miniature dachshunds. Those of you who have experience with dachshunds know that while they are adorable (at least in this bloggers opinion), they also can sport a lot of attitude. I remember one little guy <Dandy> who never disappointed in this area (but that's basically a story in itself). One Christmas shines through in my memory where Dandy really let us know how he felt about the given situation.

Like so many Christmas Eves in the past, we arrived home from the late night church service to find that Santa had in fact been there, but this year he would be greeted by our family watchdog. We got home just as Dandy finished unwrapping the last of the presents under our Christmas tree. Gift wrap was tousled about, and presents were strategically placed throughout the room; displaying his dislike about being left home to deal with Santa alone.

It's funny how these stories live as happy memories from a childhood long ago, though I know the feelings were quite different during that specific period of time.

My Christmas wish for all is that I hope everyone can reflect back to a happy Christmas memory this year, and I pray that it lives on in your heart for years to come. I find that the more you share those "funny" memories, the more pleasure you will discover from them.

I hope that everyone has the chance to share a little magic with someone they love during this Christmas season.

Keepin' Warm on a Cold Day

2011-12-06T18:39:00.000-06:00

It appears that I am feeling the cold temperature a little more this year than I have in the past. Of course, last year I was so wrapped up in paraphernalia - totally bundled up with back brace, bone growth stimulator, etc. that I never noticed the impact cold air would have on my new "hardware" I had acquired in the operating room last winter.

With that said, I am concocting special ways to keep just a little bit warmed whenever I can. Being someone who seldom even bothered with a winter coat, much less a hat & scarf, it is taking some adjusting.

Today I decided to heat things up a little by firing up the oven (even a low temperature helps) and making one of my favorite treats - Chex Mix. I know this is a treat that can be bought - ready made, but it is also a very simple recipe that even a novice in the kitchen can handle. In case you don't have a good recipe for the old fashioned kind (before they started adding breadsticks, melba rounds... ) here is the recipe I like to use:

OLD FASHIONED CHEX MIX

6 Tbsp butter
3 cups corn chex
3 cups rice chex
3 cups wheat chex
1 cup pretzel sticks
1 cup peanuts
2 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
1 1/2 tsp seasoned salt
1/2 tsp onion powder
3/4 tsp garlic powder

Preheat oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Melt butter in large roasting pan. Once butter is melted, add worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, onion powder & garlic powder and mix until thoroughly dissolved. Add in the chex cereals, pretzels & peanuts and stir together to coat thoroughly.

Bake for 60 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Remove from pan by spreading out on paper towels for 15 minutes to cool. Store in airtight container and enjoy!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

2011-11-24T09:56:00.000-06:00

Gonna keep it brief today, but wanted to wish my readers a Happy Thanksgiving. I truly hope that everyone has the opportunity to spend some time with family & friends on this glorious day.

Once I got my problems resolved with Charter Communications this morning (no internet connectivity), my day immediately began to improve... I now have internet (obviously) and am talking to a lovely little girl at this very moment - which leads me into my next point - that is one of the things I am extremely thankful for - my beautiful granddaughter, Riley. In addition, I am blessed with a wonderful family & great friends!

I still remember the day Riley was born as if it were yesterday, but today am thankful for those everyday moments that I've had the privilege of spending with her. She was the best birthday present I've ever gotten (even though this particular gift didn't arrive until the day after my birthday). That, however, is a story for another day.

This next week has the promise of being a fun and memorable one. Riley is spending the week with us, and we have quite a week planned. As a long-standing tradition, we will first begin getting out Christmas decorations tomorrow, concluded with the assembly & lighting of the Christmas tree. At some point during the week, we will be spending a substantial amount of time in the kitchen.

At the end of the week, we (Riley & I ) are hosting a Cookie Swap with several friends, so she is going to help Grandma get our portion of the cookies baked.

In conclusion, I hope you all have a fabulous turkey day - and remember to take a few moments to sit back and think about all that you are thankful for!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING from the Simmons Family!

What if...

2011-11-15T17:27:00.000-06:00

I often wonder what life would be like if I had grown up with the technology that my children have. It is certainly beneficial that the internet has brought information to our fingertips, rather than having to scroll through countless pages of books to find an answer to a homework assignment. Now we have Google... just type in your question and you will receive a wealth of information about any topic.

However, I can't say that this technology hasn't come without a price. Childhood obesity has hit an all-time high, due in part to the inactivity related to the "fun at their fingertips." When I was a child, we rode bikes, played football, & roller skated - along with that occasional game of "kick the can." Now (with the exception of the kick the can game) kids can play all of these games VIRTUALLY while never leaving the comfort of their own living room chair.

On the flip side, I feel that social media would have gone a long way in helping people stay in touch with friends and family that, because of time or mileage restraints, grew apart over the years. I have personally reconnected with several high school alumni with the help of Facebook and the recently created Google+. It is interesting to see how people have changed in the decades that have passed since we all went our own separate ways. Of course there have been class reunions, allowing us to infrequently socialize with the people who graduated with us, but what about that student who left during the middle of junior year, or that other friend who was two years behind our class? When did we have a chance to get together?

While I am sure that many friends were fortunate to keep strong bonds after graduation, others moved away or began families and just didn't have time to stay in touch. Maybe things would have been different if we had these opportunities two or three decades ago.

Tyler plays a game on our first computer

I remember how intimidated I was when we got our first computer. I was a wife and mother of one son and was expecting our second child when my husband presented me with the idea of buying our first home computer. He was an employee of our local school district; they were buying computers for the schools and had decided to make the offer available to the employees to buy a desktop computer at their price. It would cost over $1000. Of course, it was a DOS operating system - and I found that blinking cursor to be so overwhelming.

Then came the introduction of the Windows operating system and Andy talked me into taking a one on one computer session with an instructor at the company that had sold us our first computer. I learned a lot that day, but as technology grew, so did my desire to get a grasp on this "new language."

Shortly after that, we went "online." I still remember that scared feeling that overcame me when I heard that screeching sound coming from the speaker of our computer. I refused to use e-mail since my typing skills were extremely unpolished and we were charged by the minute with AOL. It wasn't long though that my feelings changed to exhilaration when those same speakers announced "You've Got Mail." Little did I know that was only the beginning.

I now have an associates degree in computer programming with knowledge of the Cobol, C++ & Visual Basic languages as well as a lot of experience with Microsoft Office. If anyone had told me just two decades ago that people would call me with computer questions/problems, I would have laughed hysterically. I am, after all, just a small town country girl.

While I could spend countless hours telling you what I think life would be like without this technology, that is not the point of this blog. It is to get you, the reader, to think about the effect it has had on your life - not mine! Take a few minutes and think about those people who you only see "online"... or that favorite product that you purchase with merely the click of a button... or maybe even that degree that you earned while never even leaving your house. What has the internet done for you lately?

In conclusion, What if the internet had never been developed? While I often find out things that I had rather not known about, I have to say that it does have its' advantages.

Shop Small This Year! - and Enter to win a $25 American Express Gift Card

2011-11-14T20:57:00.003-06:00

It seems to me that through these hard times, the economy has been extremely difficult on the small business owner.

I have seen many owners close their shops while the malls and Walmart parking lots are remaining to fill with cars. It's time to take a step back and think about the principles on which this country was built -- free enterprise and the American Dream!!!

While it's true that you may have to pay a little more at your smaller retail shops than you do at the "mass-purchasing establishments", you also get something you often won't find there - good customer service.

How many times have you needed to find an employee at the big stores only to find that they seem to be "dodging" you? I know that I have... However, most often when you walk into a small retail store, you are welcomed generally with a smile and a "Can I Help You?" This can often be beneficial - especially if you aren't exactly an expert about what you are looking for.

I speak from experience, both as the retailer and the consumer. As a child, my mom owned a small card & gift shop in my hometown known as the Melody Card & Gift Shoppe. We were located on Main Street - along with a lot of other stores that have now been forced to close over the years. In fact, the building that once housed this quaint little shop has now been demolished and a big brick lawyers office stands in its place.

Lawyer's office that now stands where Melody Card & Gift Shoppe once stood

It was during this period that I learned the fundamentals of customer service - #1 being that the customer is always right. I know that's a difficult concept especially today when it seems too often that people are out to get something for nothing, but you can still stand firm while making the customer feel special. We went above and beyond at Melody Card & Gift Shoppe what most stores would offer - free gift wrapping with purchase. When you consider that you might pay a few more dollars for that trinket that was so lovingly purchased, you would save with the money you would generally spend on purchasing gift wrap, ribbon, etc.

I only know of one local shop that still offers that type of "hometown customer service" - The Chef's Shoppe. I actually had the pleasure of working there for a brief period of time, and can honestly say that in my 30 years of retail experience, this store practiced the type of customer service I was taught to uphold.

In addition to the small retail establishments, I also want to mention another type of small business owner - the home based business owner. Many people (especially women) have joined millions of others in beginning small businesses in their homes. While you may get that occasional invitation to the Tupperware party, don't forget that you can generally call these "party planners" and just place an order for that special gift? There are many different types of home based businesses out there, and I venture to say that you can get just about any type of gift you want by picking up the phone and giving them a call. In addition, many have websites too. Please keep in mind that these people work strictly on commission and would appreciate your business more than you can imagine. Here is a list of a few that I know of & a little about the companies they represent:

I personally represent a company called Wildtree. Most people (at least those in my "neck of the woods") have never heard of this company. Wildtree is all-natural foods -- no preservatives, additives, MSGs or dyes in any of our food products. In addition, we offer in-home tastings - allowing you and your friends to try before you buy. This is not something you get unless it happens to be sample day at the grocery store. Do they even do that anymore? In addition, if you buy a product that for any reason you decide you don't want or like, you can get a full refund or exchange it.

My contact information is:
Missy Simmons - e-mail: WildtreeMissy@live.com or website: www.mywildtree.com/Missy

With this information, you can contact me anytime day or night - and you never have to fight for a close parking spot! Consider a gift basket for that person on your list who has everything and/or wants nothing - everyone eats! I have a wide variety of gift baskets already that will be available while supplies last; but will custom make one for you - deadline for orders in December 5th. Te see more pictures of the ready made gift baskets available, visit: www.facebook.com/WildtreeMissy - gift baskets
Like me on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/WildtreeMissy

The aforementioned Tupperware. I would be hard pressed to find someone who at least hasn't heard of Tupperware. In fact, I'm sure there are very few kitchens in America that don't have at least one piece or two. Contact information for a local Tupperware representative is:
Julie Manley - e-mail: tuppermanley@gmail.com website:www.mytupperware.com/juliemanley

Mary Kay is a great alternative for women. In addition, they do have a men's skin care & cologne line to choose from. To see the newest items that Mary Kay has to offer, contact:
Ginger Heepke - e-mail: gheepke@yahoo.com website: www.marykay.com/gheepke

Scentsy is another company that is becoming popular. For those of you who don't know about them, Scentsy is an alternative to candle-burning. Several sizes of "burners" are available where you can place scented wickless blocks of wax that emit a fresh smelling aroma to your room. These wax blocks are available in a wide variety of scents. Contact information for a local Scentsy representative is:
Cheri Heepke - e-mail: cheepke@national-bank.com

Norwex, another company that is relatively unknown in the area sells a wide variety of cleaning products. I have used a few of these items and have been pleased with the results. For more information, contact:
April Rottmann - e-mail: april_norwex@yahoo.com

Miche Bags has become a very popular item; giving you the ability to switch purses in a snap. Just remove one magnetic cover and replace with another to match your outfit or mood for the day; keeping all of your contents in the same place. To see the newest in styles and products, contact:
Tracy Gombos -e-mail: tracygombos@yahoo.com website: my.michebag.com/tracy_gombos

Longaberger has a large variety of baskets and other home decor items as well. To check out what Longaberger is all about, contact:

Beth Rosenthal - e-mail: rosey916@prodigy.net website: www.longaberger.com/bethrosenthal

Pampered Chef has become very popular for their stones and has branched into a wide variety of kitchen accessories over the years. Check out what Pampered Chef has to offer. For more information, contact:
Toni Crunk - e-mail: charmin15_02@yahoo.com

Creative Memories has a wide variety of scrapbooking supplies. Preserve those special moments for years to come with acid-free, lignin-free products from Creative Memories. For more information, contact:
Glenda Van De Voorde - e-mail: glendarv55@yahoo.com

Arbonne all natural products. They do not use mineral oils or animal byproducts and do not test on animals.All the products are based on fruits,plants,sea kelp, minerals. They have all kinds of products from makeup to their most popular RE9 face line which is anti aging short term and long term. In addition, they have shampoo and conditioners, as well as supplements. For more information contact:

Dana Stegall - e-mail: dana.stegall@gmail.com

Check back for updated contact information on these and many other local small home-based businesses.

Please check out the link below to enter for a chance to win one of 100 free $25 American Express Gift Cards being given away:

vocalpoint.com/SmallBizSat

(select the road sign that reads "Chance to Win a Gift Card"). It's that simple - no survey to take, no long verification process, just click!

When Thanksgiving was still Thanksgiving (not pre-Christmas)...

2011-11-13T03:10:00.000-06:00

As I got in my car the morning after Halloween and the radio began playing, I heard a sound I wasn't quite prepared to hear... Christmas music!

I remember thinking to myself, Christmas music already? The television ad campaigns begin... the commercialization of what Christmas has become is now in full force.

It occurs to me that, while Christmas is an important holiday (when it is appreciated for what it is), so is Thanksgiving - and shouldn't we at least give it an "honorable mention" before leaping into the hustle & bustle of the Christmas Season?

Looking back to my younger days, I remember the excitement that was felt during that time period from that last Thursday in November until the last day of December... In our family, we had a few traditions that I hold very dear - we would get together with my Aunt & Uncle (switching houses each year) for a big Thanksgiving Dinner.

We always had the same menu each year - very traditional: Turkey, Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes, Green Bean Casserole (which I must confess was not my favorite as a child), Sweet Potatoes, Cranberries & enough dinner rolls to choke a horse! The meal was always started with a prayer given by one of the parents and a toast of Thanksgiving for what we had. We ate on fine china with real silverware - not paper plates or plastic forks. Lunch would be a hot meal - but food was available all day long - and a loaf of bread was added to the menu by mid afternoon to make that traditional Thanksgiving turkey sandwich.

It was always a great time, especially when we went to Uncle Ches & Aunt Ruth's because they had a pool table. Once dinner was done, several of us would gather at the pool table and the games would begin. Pinochle was another game that was commonly played at our get-togethers as well.

Grandma & Grandpa Heepke

My mom and my aunt were both only children in their families, and my dad and uncle were the only two children in theirs, so our gatherings were relatively small - and nobody ever had to leave to be someplace else... we were all there for the day! My <maternal> grandma and my aunt's mom (both widowed by the time I came along) would also be an intricate part of our celebration - making it that much nicer. We would kick off the day shortly before noon and it was often well into the evening when the party ended... what a great time. The television (though we only had about 5 channels to chose from back then) would be tuned to the Thanksgiving Parade and a barrage of football games followed by a showing of Jimmy Stewart in "It's a Wonderful Life". I am sure that my parents had to carry me in from the car more than once at the end of a Thanksgiving Day Feast!

Uncle Ches & Dad would entertain us after lunch!

The beginning of the next generation - my nieces Cari & Angie

Our gatherings have changed somewhat over the years... our parents are now great grandparents, and our family size is quite a bit larger; but we still gather - those of us who are able. I am the youngest of four with 2 children, a daughter in law & a granddaughter of my own. Between my siblings, there are (in addition to the 3 of them) 9 children, 3 (almost 4) daughter/son in-laws, and 7 grandchildren... most of which have several other family gatherings to attend on that day as well.

Of course that's just my side of the family. If we added my husband's family to the mix that would add quite a bit more. I did that last year - tried to recreate a little of that old Thanksgiving magic for my kids... we had more than 30 people at our home for a HUGE feast. While it was nice having everyone together, it just wasn't the same. I guess it's true when they say... you can't go home again!

With all the memories that come flooding back, I don't recall hearing Christmas Music until the next day when the shopping season officially began... no "pre-black friday sales" on Veteran's Day or "sneak preview sales" the weeks following Halloween... we celebrated Thanksgiving first! It made is so much more special when the Christmas season lasted only 1/12th of the year - opposed to it's now 1/6th!

It saddens my heart a little now when I think back to those Thanksgiving celebrations that I so enjoyed as a child... I still see the faces of my grandparents who have been gone for so long now - and I still miss them just as much as ever. But then the sadness becomes joy when I see the smile on my little granddaughter's face as she takes that first bite of Thanksgiving Turkey; and I think...will she remember these days as fondly as I remember them from my childhood? I sure hope so!

A Facebook Tutorial: For everyone who says they can't REPOST...

2011-11-12T12:01:00.000-06:00

It has been brought to my attention several times that people have difficulties in "reposting" on Facebook - or just don't know how to copy and paste text. I'm going to show you how in 8 simple steps (cause that's all it is). Instead of using mouse buttons as shown in the following illustrations, you can use your keyboard with just a few shortcuts (I will list them at the bottom of this blog for those who want to learn them).

Here is a quick tutorial to teach you how:

#1 - locate the text that you wish to re-post.

# 2 - place pointer to very beginning of text that you wish to re-post, hold down left mouse button & drag across text.

#3 - release left mouse button and (while text is still highlighted) press the right mouse button. A drop down box similar to the one shown here should appear. Select Copy. If during this process, the text becomes unhighlighted, just revert back to step #2.

#4 - Click on the Update Status link on Facebook.

#5 -Make sure the cursor is inside the status box (as shown below).

# 6 - With cursor still inside update status box, press the right mouse button. This time the box will look similar to the one shown here. Put the pointer on Paste and click the left mouse button.

#7 - At this point, the text you selected in step #2 should be showing in your update status box as shown here.

#8 - Place the cursor on the Post button and click the left mouse button.


And there you have it - you have "reposted"

Keyboard Shortcuts:

Copy - while holding down your Ctrl key, press the C on your keyboard.

Paste - while holding down your Ctrl key, press the V on your keyboard.

Cut - while holding down your Ctrl key, press the X on your keyboard.

So Different... Yet So Alike...

2011-11-12T07:47:00.000-06:00

I haven't spent a whole lot of time up to now blogging about my "human" children (with the exception of my Veteran's Day tribute to my son Tyler who is currently serving in the Army). The reason I used that terminology is because many of you have heard me make reference to my "Canine Kids"(our 2 dachshunds).

I have 2 boys of which I am very proud!

My oldest son Tyler has always been very patriotic. I remember during Desert Storm, he was just a small boy, but could tell you more about what was happening than I could have. He watched intently as the news broadcast kept us up to date on current affairs even though I often would have rather he not watched. Keeping that in mind, it shouldn't have surprised me that he served on Model U.N. in high school and after barely turning 17, he came to me with his decision to enlist in the Army. I must say, he has always... and continues to make me proud to call him my son. To read more about Tyler, please check out the previous blog about "My Favorite Soldier".

My youngest son Trevor, though he started out with athletic tendencies, has turned into the intellectual one of the family. As a toddler, he could "wind up & pitch" much like those in the major leagues. In fact, it wasn't uncommon for family & friends to hand him a ball just to watch the amazing performance. However, it didn't take long to realize that he was smarter than the average bear! At the age of 2, he began reading books on his own and by kindergarten he was reading chapter books. At this point, we decided to have him tested by a fellow church member who ran a local academy for elementary school aged children. His tests always showed him to be performing about 4 years above his age; so it wasn't a tough decision to send him to school at the age of 4. Trevor now is my "go-to person" whenever I have a computer issue (even though I have an associates degree in computer programming) and is now studying journalism in college. I again must say that he too has always... and continues to make me proud to call him my son.

My 2 boys playing guitar hero!

Though they are very different in many ways, they have similarities too. Tyler & Trevor both enjoy spending their free time at the computer, although Tyler also enjoys watching many of the same sports games that his dad does. I can always count on them when I need a shoulder to lean on -- or a sounding board -- or just when I need a friendly face! I am twice blessed... to have these 2 very special young men in my life!

Tyler headed off to school

Trevor headed off to school

Andy & I with our 2 boys

My Favorite Soldier

2011-11-11T11:27:00.002-06:00

I am thinking back to a normal day in June 2001. We were living in a different world then (or at least I was). My son came home from school and informed me that a life decision had been made... he wanted to enlist in the delayed entry program of the United States Army.

Though my husband had actively served in the U.S. Navy prior to our meeting, I had never felt the pride and anxiety that goes along with living in a military family. As a farmers daughter, it wasn't what was expected of my family - farmers are needed where they are!

I suppose I felt like many other mothers of enlisted men & women did prior to the events of 9-11; but that all would soon change. Tyler's dad & I both signed on the dotted line - giving him permission to enter this program.

Just a few short months later, that devastating event happened that would change our world forever! Now I not only felt the horror that every other American felt, I faced the realization that I had signed off on putting my son directly in harms way! I'm sure that at times he felt that I was trying to talk him out of it, and maybe I was; but never a day went by that I was anything less than proud of his strong resolution to stick with his decision -- even though the playing field had changed in mid-stream!

I think the next nine months flew by so fast and all I really wanted was for time to stand still. June 2, 2002 would be Tyler's high school graduation followed by his 18th birthday on June 5th. I guess I was relieved that his birthday allowed us to have a few more days together (they had wanted him to ship out on June 3rd but since he was not yet 18 he ended up staying home until June 12th).

This photo was taken by the recruiter just before he headed to basic training.

I still remember the shirt my little boy was wearing as well as the innocent look on his young face when that government car pulled up into our driveway and we said our goodbyes! (I feel the need to state that I had dry eyes when I began writing this but now must take a "tissue break").

After spending the night in St. Louis with his recruiter, he would head down to Fort Knox in Kentucky for basic training. Though I did receive a few letters, correspondence was slim. He assured me that he was safe and being kept busy. Finally, when they were approaching the final weeks of training we were invited down for Family Weekend at the base. There was something interesting for everyone... Trevor got to sit inside a tank... Tyler got to eat Dairy Queen (he informed us that they had been on a very strict diet in the preceding weeks/months). In addition, they put on a "show" for us parents - going through a normal daily routine on the base (they even brought out a set of bunks and showed us their wake up regimen).

this photo was actually misprinted - they were the 1st platoon, not the 4th.

Soon after was graduation and Tyler would return home for a month before shipping out to Germany.

During his 3 years in Germany, it was his duty to train tankers headed to Iraq. Also during his tour in Germany, Tyler married his high school sweetheart, Jenny (& they have since then given me a beautiful granddaughter, Riley) Upon returning to the states, he became a recruiter- for a while in St. Louis then it was back to Fort Knox. At one point in time he was making travel arrangements for military funerals; then it was back to recruiting.

He has spent the last few years recruiting in Evansville, Indiana before getting recommended for an officer's training program.

Tyler is currently studying in an ROTC program at the University of Southern Indiana in Evansville - and his mom is still very proud!

With that said, I would like to thank all of our service men and women for what they have done in the past as well as what they will continue to do in the future. Thanks for Everything!

Veterans Day

2011-11-10T16:20:00.000-06:00

Why do we celebrate Veterans Day on November 11th? Well, until I began researching for this blog, I can honestly say I didn't know the whole story.

Veterans Day (originally named Armistice Day meaning "the end of the war to end all wars") has been celebrated in other countries as well on this day in recognition of the end of World War I (which ended on November 11, 1918) at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month! It became a national holiday in the United States in 1938, but was changed to Veterans Day after the outbreak of the war in Europe just a few years later.

In 1954, President Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming that Armistice Day be re-named "Veteran's Day". In 1968, congress passed a bill - moving Veterans Day to the 4th Monday in October. However, it wasn't long after that the significance of the date was recognized and restored to November 11th.

Many parades around the country reaffirm our support of our veterans, but the focal point of the celebrations would have to be the services at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington ceremony. While this area is under guard day and night all year long, it becomes a highly visited site on Veterans Day every year with the laying of a presidential wreath and a bugler playing taps precisely at 11 a.m.. Ceremonies then proceed to the amphitheater that was built around the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers.

click here to read more about the history of Veterans Day

Quick & Easy Apple Crisp

2011-11-05T09:41:00.000-05:00

I just recently purchased a new kitchen toy... it's 3 crockpots in 1 base. I have to say that I am loving it. With my husband sleeping evenings and getting up for work at 9p.m., I have had a difficult time adjusting our meal schedule. With this new addition to the kitchen, it has helped out immensely. I am able to prepare a main dish in 1 crock, vegetable in another, and a delicious dessert in yet another. I really like the new crock pot apple crisp recipes that I have created - I hope you do too.

I have made up two recipes that I really like. Here are the recipes:

Apple/Cranberry Crisp

Filling
6 medium apples, peeled, cored & cubed
2 Tablespoons Widltree Cranberry Spice Blend

Combine apples & Cranberry Spice - place in crockpot.

Topping
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 cup uncooked old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup flour
2 tsp. Wildtree Cranberry Spice Blend
1/2 cup cold butter

Combine all topping ingredients - cutting butter into dry ingredients with 2 knives or a pastry blender. Spread over apple mixture in crockpot and bake on low until apples are tender (about 1-2 hours).

Enjoy with ice cream, if desired.

click here to order Wildtree Cranberry Spice Blend

Sweet Apple Crisp

Filling

6 medium apples, peeled, cored & cubed
2 Tablespoons Widltree Simply Sweet Popcorn Seasoning

Combine apples & popcorn seasoning - place in crockpot.

Topping
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 cup uncooked old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup flour
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 cup cold butter

Combine all topping ingredients - cutting butter into dry ingredients with 2 knives or a pastry blender. Spread over apple mixture in crockpot and bake on low until apples are tender (about 1-2 hours).

Enjoy with ice cream, if desired.

click here to order Wildtree Simply Sweet Popcorn Seasoning

To order these and many other items, please visit my website:

www.mywildtree.com/Missy

Life Can Change in a Flash!

2011-10-14T21:43:00.003-05:00

After 9 years, you would think this would get easier. Well, maybe in some ways I guess it has, but not completely. In this <almost> decade I have learned quite a bit about "self-healing" - and have discovered that sometimes in order to heal we have to somewhat "cleanse" ourselves. In keeping with that idea, I guess I need to reach down inside and scoop out all the bad stuff that one fateful day left inside of me. I am not asking for pity or sympathy, it is just a story that I need to tell.

I don't really know that anyone will want to hear about it, and if you think I'm just whining then please do us both a favor and just close your browser right now! Remember, this is all part of a process that I feel I must go through. Maybe someday I can wake up on October 14th and not re-live this experience...

Everyone has their issues and I by no means intend to minimize my compassion or understanding; this is just the story about the journey that I have had to take. Some have heard my story already, but for those of you who haven't, here it is:

It began just like any other Monday for the most part. I had some errands to run and then it was off to work at 2. I was working as an assistant manager at a local convenience store just down the street from my home. It wasn't glamorous by any means, but it was a job - and I actually enjoyed it. I guess I felt kind of important, or at least appreciated... being open 24 hours and me being so close I was pretty much always on call. It would be nothing to get a phone call at 3 am from a coworker who needed the gas pumps reset or had a problem with an alarm. I never minded getting up and walking down to fix whatever needed done.

I think part of me always enjoyed the "thrill of the chase" that went along with it too. I remember on a few occasions, jumping around the counter and chasing a car to the corner when they <forgot> to pay for their gas. If we got the license plate number it would only require a quick call to Glen Carbon Police - and the problem would be solved, but if we weren't so lucky or observant, I wasn't gonna take the heat. On several occasions, I caught up to them at the stoplight and reminded them that they "forgot" to pay (or their card didn't process at the pump).

I had just taken a few days off to go down to Fort Knox to pick up our son, Tyler, from Basic Training. He had been gone for several months and would be heading to Germany just one moth later. I was so happy to have him back home - even if it was only for a short time. We had been having some trouble with our Ford Windstar van, so I borrowed Tyler's car so that I wouldn't get stranded at an appointment in Highland that day.

What I didn't realize was that on this day everything I knew as my life as it was would go through a major tansformation! It was 1:55 p.m. on October 14, 2002 and I was almost home from my doctor appointment in Highland. I didn't realize the appointment would take so long and I hadn't taken my name tag with me so I had to swing by the house quickly, drop of the car and be at work in 5 minutes... I wasn't even gonna be late. As I approached the stoplight on 159, I realized that there was no way I would make the light and I needed to get home. So I turned down the back road like I had done many times before and came up a street right by my house. As soon as the traffic allowed, I made a right hand turn onto Glen Carbon Road and approached my driveway. At this point, traffic was now coming from the light and I had to sit in the road, waiting to make a left turn into my driveway... blinker on - and foot on the brake! I wish I hadn't been so intently watching the oncoming traffic -- maybe I would have seen that Ford F150 (pulling a trailer of lawn equipment) blazing up the road behind me... but I didn't!

Next thing I knew, I was sitting at the corner of the next street with the car stereo in my lap. When I realized that I had been hit, I immediately pried my hands from the now lopsided steering wheel, unbuckled my seat belt and jumped from my broken car seat. I had many thoughts racing through my head so it's difficult to pin down exactly what I was thinking. Adrenaline was raging inside me and I do remember thinking that the car could maybe even explode. Moments later I was surrounded by police officers and neighbors all asking if I was okay. At that point, I guess I thought I was okay - although I had a terrible stomach ache. I knew that my 2 boys were in the house and all I could think of was getting to them... I ran into the house telling them (and not in a very calm way) that I needed help! I know now that it wasn't their help I needed - but I just couldn't ask these "strangers" that were hanging out in the street out front.

My oldest son called my employer to let my coworkers know that I would be late! Yea, right... I never made it to work that day - or for several days after as it turned out. He would now be left "car-less" for his month on leave from the Army. The events that followed seem somewhat blurry to me; but I do recall a few conversations with people out at the street when I returned to the scene. I remember one neighbor (a mother of my youngest son's friend) trying to keep my calm - and at times it even worked, but I would frequently just break down in tears and overwhelming bouts of helplessness and despair! One of the police officers approached me and I still remember his words: "You know I have to ask this question, although I already know the answer. Were you wearing your seat belt?" Of course I replied "Yes" and he responded with "well, I already knew that - cause if you weren't I'm pretty sure you'd be dead." Those were shocking words to hear. I have always lived a relatively "risk-free" life and that is just not one of those things I would have ever expected anyone to say to me!

As the evening approached, it seemed like my house filled with people. I don't exactly remember who, but I do know my parents were there at that point. We had our office in the dining room at that time, and I remember just sitting in the computer chair "watching the events unfold around me." They ordered pizza - and though they were there to make me feel better, it just didn't happen! I didn't eat then as my stomach was still in knots.

The truth would however be told the next morning. I awoke only to find that I could no longer move my own head. Now I'm not talking about a stiff neck! I am saying that when I stood up, my chin dropped to my chest and unless I used my hands, it was gonna stay there. I remember feeling like I had a bowling ball strapped to the top of my body - and I had about as much control over it as if it were. I'm not sure who took me or when exactly I went (I tend to put off things like that for as long as possible), but we made a trip to the hospital. I was diagnosed with soft tissue damage (aka whiplash). Now I know that there is a lot of bad "pr" about whiplash, but I am here to tell you that it is real!!! In addition, I would later find out (after more extensive testing) that I had 2 herniated discs in my neck and some disc damage in my lower back. In addition, they found out that I had a genetic disease called spondololythesis. With this disease, often times it is only discovered (or even noticed) after a severe trauma to the back.

I was fitted with a neck brace at the hospital then and sent home. What I didn't realize was that this was the entrance to a very long and painful journey. I returned to work a few days later - and all of my "regulars" asked me what had happened as I was sporting my new neck attire. So much advice... to sue or not to sue. I had basically decided that I didn't want a legal battle when my telephone rang. It was HIS insurance company calling to ask me all kinds of questions. It wasn't long into the conversation that I realized that legal representation was going to be necessary. They just scared me with all of their medical history questions... I felt as though I was already on trial.

Soon Halloween arrived and we were asked to dress up at work. What could I wear that wouldn't look ridiculous with the huge off-white band strapped around my neck? I searched my husband's closet and pulled out a Blues hockey jersey... there it is - I'm an injured hockey player. That one night I felt more normal than I had felt since the crash! No one asked me what I had done - and everyone else looked just as ridiculous as I had felt for the past 2 weeks.

The days became harder and the nights became longer - and life just kept getting more difficult to bear. I had become more withdrawn and would often stay in bed until afternoon when I had to get ready to go to work. Some of the people I had grown up relying on had turned their backs on me, feeling that I was spending too much time feeling sorry for myself and that was also hard to bear. I was taking heavy doses of pain killers - and yet, still feeling pain. I guess the doctors began to feel that I was no longer dealing with this in a healthy manner, so I was referred to a psychiatrist. I remember going into his office thinking: "this will be good... he will let me talk about this and move forward" - but that didn't happen. I sat down in a chair facing his enormous mahogany desk as he asked me what was wrong. I began telling him about the accident and the impact it was having on my life when he pulled out his prescription pad. Minutes later I walked out of his office with 3 pieces of small white paper that would put me even further down into this dark, scary abyss. I continued seeing him for several months. Each time, I would sit facing that desk and he would ask "how do you feel?" My response was always the same - "I just hurt all over!" With this, he would get out that white pad and the pill bottle would get even bigger! This would continue until one day when I had an eye-opening experience. I was having a conversation with my husband when I suddenly realized that I wasn't even sure what my own name was anymore! No kidding - I didn't even remember my name! After calming down enough to get a rational thought together, I realized that the medications must stop!!! Withdrawal or not, I was off the meds!

Over the next several years, my husband would do everything in his power to make it all better, but it just wasn't happening for me. I had Lasik eye surgery so I could discard the glasses I had worn since I was 4... that was nice, but it didn't relieve the pain I was feeling pretty much constantly now. My doctor referred me to an orthopedic surgeon who took one look at me (not my x-rays) and said "you're too fat - lose weight and I will do neck surgery!" Well first of all, I wasn't gonna lose weight in my head and second of all, how was I gonna lose weight when it hurt too much just to get out of bed. They had told me that the only recommended type of exercise would by hydrotherapy (water aerobics). I am severely hydrophobic - so that wasn't a viable option! That's not to say that I didn't try, because I did. After several weeks of "aquatherapy" at Anderson Rehab, I joined the YMCA and attempted to go to water aerobics several times a week. I would get into the water and quickly begin to tense up even more. Several attempts later I realized this just wasn't going to help. I was a lost cause.

The legal battle to get my medical bills paid had now become a major struggle too. We were just 2 weeks away from our court date (5 years after the accident) when we took a vacation to Florida with our youngest son. I think they felt that I needed a distraction. We returned home on Sunday to the aftermath of a terrible ice storm which had left us, as well as several others without power for days. The next day would be our day in court - or so we thought. Once the power returned and we were able to retrieve phone messages we listened to one from our attorney telling us that we were being postponed. The insurance company's lawyer had unexpectedly died while we were on vacation! What I naively viewed as a bump in the road became a major pothole! Depositions would begin again and we were right back to square one! After a year or so of dealing with the new attorney, we were informed that they had removed him from the case and hired a new "gun!" At least that's how I now view him! I would later discover that the second attorney was fired because he recommended that they settle with us for policy limits. By this time, I was on the road to recovery! My medical bills had reached over $130,000 and his policy was for only $100,000. We found out that our underinsured motorist coverage wasn't going to help either. $100,000 in underinsured coverage wasn't nearly enough. We found out the hard way that it would be a "wash" with his policy limits. We now carry a lot more for just pennies a month - live and learn!!!

I don't even remember who finally gave me the name of a great surgeon in Belleville, but am forever grateful. Dr. Heffner took one look at my mountain of x-rays and MRIs and immediately scheduled me for a disc fusion in my neck. My back would wait for another day. The heaviness in my head hadn't gotten much better and I was dealing with severe migraines. I had one <migraine> that began the week before Labor Day 2003 that lasted for 11 days. After 3 excruciatingly painful days, I had gone to the hospital where I was frequently getting shots of demerol. This time the shot didn't help.

When Dr. Heffner advised me of his decision, I was apprehensive but optimistic. In just a few short weeks it was going to get all better.

At this point, our youngest son was attending confirmation classes, and Easter was approaching. We were sitting in the pew one Sunday when a family member just lightly squeezed the back of my neck (saying hello) from the pew behind us. I jumped up and ran to the bathroom... crying the whole way. I still feel so bad that I reacted that way - the pain was just so intense at that point - and I still had a few days to live with this before my surgery. Andy explained to him and all was well, but I remember that feeling still today! The next thing I remember was me lying on a hospital bed awaiting surgery. I was surrounded by my husband and my parents as they said "goodbye" as I was wheeled down the long corridor. The tears would once again flow as my thoughts raced... "I may never see them again" I thought. I knew that I was still not in a good place at that point and really wasn't sure I even had the will to fight this battle any longer. Now I know that there are people who have struggled far more with health issues and survived, but this was happening to ME!!! At this point, I had struggled just to physically hold my head up for several years, not to mention the numerous migraines and back pains I had been dealing with. How could I be expected to hold my head up emotionally too?

Once the operation was over and I was back in recovery, I awoke to see my wonderful husband's face and I must have grinned from ear to ear! He still remarks that for the first time in years he could see a major change -- for the first time in years he couldn't see unbearable pain in my eyes. That's not to say that recovery was always easy and that I never felt pain again, but now it was at a deal-able level.

I began to re-claim my life slowly. I would now have to carry a card with me since the plate in my neck has been known to set off metal detectors from time to time. I failed to mention earlier that I had been fired from that job at the gas station/convenience store just 2 months after the accident because I was no longer physically able to do the job I was hired for. Since he was a small business owner of less than 50 people, it was considered his legal right I was told. Looking back, I guess he did me a favor. I couldn't have continued working, and I didn't have the courage or strength to walk in and quit!

I would like to say that my legal battle had a happy ending, but this is reality. Though my bills had mounted up to the sky, we ended up giving in to the pressure and settling our lawsuit for a mere $60,000 which we split 3 ways with our lawyer and the medical professionals. It was a relief just to put it to an end. The last attorney they hired had been so cruel to me in the depositions that we knew I just couldn't withstand the pressure I would feel on the stand in a courtroom. It was disappointing, but for the best.

Since then, I did seek help from a psychologist who helped me to deal (without drugs) with issues related to post-traumatic stress syndrome and with my recent back surgery, I am one step closer to my old self - just 9 years later.

A little side-note - the surgeon who had refused to even look at my x-rays performed emergency back surgery on my mother (since my surgery) and failed miserably. She had to go back and have his work undone - and things fixed the right way! I guess it was divine intervention for me or something! I only wish that she had the same result.

I did return to the work force in 2007 for a few years, but find it very difficult still to perform daily tasks that are sent my way! I have now begun a new business where I can set my own hours and work on my good days - leaving me the freedom to muddle through the bad ones by whatever means possible! I hope one day to be free entirely of those bad ones once I have fully recovered from my back surgery. They <bad days> are definitely fewer these days though!

There are still many parts of this story that I left untold, and probably many more chapters to be written as life goes on. I have learned that each moment is a gift not to be taken for granted. It can all be changed - or even taken away in a flash!