30 Project #19

Both of the cars are paid off.

All I have to say is it is awfully nice to not have car payments.

30 Project #18

I am a big sister.

Definitely one of my best titles. Bob will tell you that I am the Big Little Sister. he loves to put his elbow on my head and introduce me as his big sister. Thank you Helen and Bob for giving me this accomplishment. I know we started off on shaky ground and I wasn't too sure of the two of you, but I wouldn't trade you for anything. (Not now anyway) Thank you for sharing your lives with me. We have been through break-ups, tragedy, and incredible happiness. I love you guys and can't imagine how dull my life would be without you. To their respective spouse and soon to be spouse, please treat them well and love them dearly. I sure do.

30 Project #17

I can cook.

I am very fortunate that my parents put great emphasis on us all learning to cook. I can make our family staples. The recipes that our now comfort food. I am beginning to pass these on to Aubrey. I am one of those weird people that loves baking and cooking and am relatively balanced as far as the skills I have for both of those. I was able to replicate Shawn's Grannie's Chocolate Cake. This was a cake that to make properly you had to be shown and not just read the recipe. Shawn happens to count that cake among his favorite foods on this earth. Two years ago while missing Grannie terribly I tried making the cake. Some how I managed to make that delicious and special chocolate cake and was able to make Shawn Grannie's cake for his birthday that year. I can't wait to share the Teague family recipes with Aubs. She already helps make a mean pumpkin bread.

I have also recently become brave enough to experiment with new flavors on my own. Here is a recipe I came up with over the weekend and perfected this evening by turning into a marinade:

Chili Lime Shrimp
3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
3 Tablespoons Lime Juice
1 Teaspoon minced garlic
Few shakes Chili Powder

Mix all together in a zip top bag. Add Shrimp and toss.


You can cook the shrimp using your preferred method. We used the grill and put them on skewers. For an extra kick shake more chili powder on the shrimp just before cooking.

Enjoy!

30 Project #16, and Happy Memorial Day

I am the granddaughter of a WWII veteran and a Korean War veteran.
I am the cousin of a soon to be Marine and Air Force enlistees.

I know that the granddaughter part is not so much of an accomplishment but it is a part of who I am. Since today is Memorial Day I choose to remember my Grandfathers. My Dad's Dad was stationed in the Pacific during WWII. Both grandfathers were in the Navy. I am not sure where my Mom's Dad was stationed.

I am so very proud of Jake and Jesse. They have made a very grown up decision, one that I am not sure I could make. I will pray for you boys every single day. I know you will make amazing soldiers, but please forgive me if I am selfish and pray for you to stay stateside. You will make your mamas, aunts, siblings, and cousins proud.

A note on the picture. This is the Flag at SeaWorld viewed through a magnolia tree. A true Southern moment.

30 Project #15

Joined the diving team.

I have a habit of deciding I need to try things and just going for it. When I was a sophomore in college I decided that diving was next on my list. I went for a few practices and then the next fall joined the team. I was far from being the best on the team but I had no fear and tried my best. I would try anything they asked and no matter how hard I smacked (hitting the water at the wrong angle and feeling like you bounced) I would get right back up and try again. I spent most of that year with large purple marks on my body but I loved every second.

Dearest Kait,

Today you are seven. I can't believe you have been a part of our lives for that long. You are a light in my and Uncle Shawn's lives. I have been there since the moment you took your first breath. That is the moment I became an Aunt. I was there when you became the older cousin and when you held your sister for the first time. I love you so very, very much. I hope you had a Happy Birthday. Aubs and I had a great time with you today.

Love always,
Aunt Missy

30 Project #14

I learned to play the tuba.

When I got to college they needed more tuba players. I figured I had nothing to lose. Then I found out that we only had 2 weeks before the first game! AHH. I did it anyway and had a great time. It paved the way for me to become a music major. I figured if I could pick up an new instrument in 2 weeks and play it well enough to not embarrass the rest of the band I should probably investigate that hidden talent. I also found out that year after many years of refusing to sing in public that I do in fact have a decent singing voice. Thanks Dr. D. after class that day I was asked to audition for the choir. Who knew? I sure as heck didn't. I will not post any of those pictures. Our dresses resembled black funeral home curtains complete with puff sleeves.

30 Project #13

I have written and presented a continuing education program for nurses.

I know I have posted this already but this is most definitely my biggest professional accomplishment to date. I am preparing to learn and present a new program. Thankfully I have plenty of time and I don't have to write this one.

Is it just me...

Or is this one beautiful child? I know that I am biased. I love this picture and I love this girl.
I cannot wait to share some of my most favorite places with her in a few weeks. My charade is over, I am not going to Vegas. I am going home to see my Mom for her Commissioning. I realized last night that I should probably tell her. I wanted to surprise her in the fun "Hey we decided to fly home for the weekend" way. Not the bump in the night trying to sneak into a dark house late after midnight kind of way. While we are there we are going to go to Cedar Point, the Cleveland Zoo, and Lakeside.


Update: This is post #200. That seems like such a huge number. Thanks for coming along on this adventure.

30 Project # 12

I listed my first item on eBay.

As a part of the decluttering my home I created an eBay account for myself. I set it up back in January and had not learned how to post an item for sale. In the past 24 hours I have posted 4 items. While posting on eBay may not seem like much of an accomplishment it is a giant step towards simplifying my life.

30 Project #11

I followed my heart.

I know there are things that conventional wisdom will tell me I should have done. I know that not listening to conventional wisdom and moving to Florida, no matter how rough the start, got me to exactly where I was supposed to be. Had I not followed my heart the first time, I may not have met Shawn, and then I wouldn't have Aubs. I can tell you all without a doubt that there will be time to do the things people think I should have done later. I also know that they will all be that much sweeter with Aubrey and Shawn by my side.

I am also thankful that my family and friends have supported me in my decisions. Some may have tried to steer me another way but I am glad I did what I needed to do and that you all went along with me.

Random Info

1. Thank you for not commenting on the fact that even though I taught myself to read I had forgotten how to count to ten. For anyone who didn't notice, ignore the first part of #1. The problem is now corrected.

2. I have the sweetest girl ever. She told Shawn and I that she was going to paint a heart box for us so that we always have love.

3. My Mom's Sisters are abso-fricken-lutley hilarious. HA

4. I have inherited many of their fun traits. We sent around a Get to know each other email where you fill in the questions. I am amazed at how many of our answers are the same.

5. Mom is off to licensing school for ministers. This means she could be given a church as early as late summer.

6. Aubrey is still very sad that the SB grill is leaving th premises.

7. How stinkin' cute is that girl trying to drink from the fountain.

8. I am now 1/3 of the way through the 30 Project.

30 Project #10

I have had two surgeries.

This may not sound like an accomplishment to many but both of these surgeries changed my life. The first allowed me to walk without pain. It turns out that by the time I got to college the sporadic ankle pain that I had experienced in High School was actually a chronic sprain. Who Knew? A friend referred us to Dr. Wiener at Akron Children's hospital. Within six months of meeting him I was able to run, jump, and play again. It allowed me to do another item on my list that has yet to be revealed.

The second made me a mother. Aubrey ended up being a week late and a little bigger than they thought. After forty hours in the hospital they decided to help me out a bit and off to the OR we went. A little while later and Aubrey Beth was here!

30 Project #9

I took a ballet class.

When I was 17 I decided that I wanted to study ballet. I went to Sharron's in Twinsburg and signed myself up for Teen Ballet. There are many reasons this makes my list. The first was I paid for all of the classes and the recital costume myself. I had an after school job and wanted to do this myself. The other is a bit more emotional. I remember the look on Mom's face when she saw me after the recital. I remember her telling me I looked like a real ballerina. That may seem like a weird comment to make but to anyone who knows me just walking can be an issue. I could tell she was proud of me. My parents have always told us they are proud of us but at that moment I could see it in her face. She also mentioned that it hurt her everytime I landed a jump. At that time I had some pretty serious ankle problems, the recital in fact was my left ankle's last hurrah. I will go more into that for #9.

30 Project #8

I was at the hospital when both of my nieces were born. I tried my hardest to get there for Michael but he came out so fast I was only able to make it within 24 hours of his birth. When Kait was born I waited just outside the door and heard her first cries. With Kiera I waited in the lobby with Kait until she was told her new and very important job as Big Sister had officially began.

RIP Sunbeam Grill

Today you have been replaced. You have been good to us SG. You have been a part of our house since the beginning. You provided warm food during the post hurricane power outages. You kept the chili warm when the power went out. You served hot dogs to the masses at the Pinch A Penny opening. Thank you for the memories. Unfortunately you have recently started to have some issues. Your handle rusted and we could only use one side and pray that too did not fall off.

30 Project #7

We own our home.

I can't think of too much else to say about this.

30 Project #6

I can speak another language.

I started learning French in High School. I continued studying in college, French was my second major. Unfortunately I can no longer say I am fluent in another language. When the opportunity presents itself I can still make my way through a conversation. I didn't really have a picture that goes with speaking another language so I went with this one of the Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City. While most of the people up there do speak English you do come across a few that only speak French.

30 Project #5

I taught myself to read.

I have been told by my parents that I taught myself. My father and I had a Sunday morning ritual of reading the funnies. Most Sundays he would read the comics to me. One weekend when I was four or five I came downstairs and said "I will read to you now." and I did. As far as I know they had no idea I knew how to read until that day.

I am mad at American Idol.

OMG. I am stunned. That is not how it was supposed to go at all. I am sitting here thinking that I will not watch next week.

30 Project #4

I will do everything in my power to be there for friends or family that needs me.

Today Jenny and The BBC needed me. She didn't ask, I just knew. Thank you Miss K. for helping me work everything out without questions or judgement.

30 Project #3

Became a wife.

This is one of my favorite pictures from our wedding. It was one of the last of the night to be taken. The original is actually in color but in learning how to use the scanner I accidentally discovered it looks great in black and white.

Coincidentally now that I have learned to use the scanner the accomplishments will become much more varied.

30 Project #2

I learned how to knit.

I learned using a book and watching knitting shows on DIY. I came up with the pattern for the Peep and what will eventually become a blanket.


Side Note: The Items on the list are in no particular order. At the moment they have more to do with what I have pictures on this computer or can take quickly. I have yet to learn how to use the new scanner.

30 Project #1

1. Became a mother.

Today is my 4th Mother's Day. That is not counting the Mother's Day when I was pregnant. I had known I was pregnant for about two weeks and had decided not to tell my mother so that I could tell her for Mother's Day that she was going to become a Grandma. Those were two of the longest weeks of my life. The longest was the week between Aubrey's due date and birthday.

The "30" Project

I have decided to do a variation of Carly's "Life's List of Things To Do" in honor of my upcoming thirtieth birthday. In the month prior to the big day I will try to post an accomplishment a day that has occurred in my first thirty years. In the month following I will post 30 goals for the next 30 years. I will try to have pictures for the accomplishments. Some of my accomplishments may seem a bit silly but since this is my list that is just how it is going to be. I know a few of my readers are coming up on their thirtieth and I invite them to play along.

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all. Even if your kids are of the pet variety have a happy special day, you deserve to be celebrated too.
We are off to what I hope will become our new Mother's Day tradition, the Flower and Garden Festival. I will have plenty to post of our family later.
Aubrey made me a necklace and card for Mother's Day. It was the sweetest gift ever because it came from my girl.
Finally to my mommy. Happy Mother's Day. Thank you for teaching me how to be a mom. I couldn't do it without you. This past year I have been lucky to feel a pride that is usually reserved for parents to feel for their children for you. I can't wait to watch you travel your new path and bring a light to others that you have brought to your children and grandchildren's lives.

My little artist.

Aubrey painted this at Miss Sherry's a few weeks ago.

FIRE FIRE FIRE

Ok so this is a very strange natural event week. This morning my car looked like something they had excavated from Pompeii. It still has a gray haze and bits of ash. The strange part was up until this morning all of the fires were at least 50 miles from my home. They say most of the smoke is actually blowing down from a fire on the Georgia/Florida border. Please pray for all the firefighters and rangers who are out there risking their butts so that our homes and businesses stay safe.

Also the freakish storm in the Atlantic has been upgraded to Subtropical Storm Andrea. With any luck it will bring some much needed rain to the area and help with the fires. The problem today was caused by the winds picking up the smoke and blowing it this way. Interesting tropical storm factoid: Since 1885 there have only been 18 tropical storms in the month of May.

WTF is...

A subtropical storm? Apparently it is a storm that spins like a hurricane but starts over cold water. Why does this concern me? There may be one forming in the Atlantic ocean and heading this way. If it strengthens enough it will be named Andrea. For reasons that shall not be stated that makes me want to laugh hysterically.

Slow News Week.

Sorry for the lack of blogging. I have not had much to write about. We had another busy weekend. I am doing the whole house clean sweep again. One room per weekend. We did the living room, family and dining rooms last weekend. This weekend I did not complete a whole room but I did get some organizing completed. My craft shelves are re-organized and the cabinet under the bathroom sink has also been gutted and organized.

Happy Birthday to the Little Man. Michael turned two yesterday. I can't believe the little guy is that old already.