New Friends

We went to a petting zoo yesterday with Debbie and her family. We met her lovely niece Taylor. Aubs and Taylor were instant friends. They had a great day. Aubs went on her first pony ride.

Is That A Chicken?

My Darling Girl

Find Your Center

Further Proof...

That Shawn and Aubs take some of the best Daddy/Daughter Pics around.

I have not yet been able to take her outside for the "Runway Girl" photo shoot. It has been a bit rainy.

I am not yet ready to post the rest of my goals as they still may end up containing snide comments. They should be coming in the next few days I am definitely in a much better place.

Funky Pants To Bring Me Out of My Funk

Today was a great day. Aubs, the Cowan Girls, Andrew, and I went shopping today. Children's Place is having their Monster Sale. If anyone has children go there now you can read the rest later. I got her tons of new outfits for very few dollars. Aubs seems to be getting taller by the minute and I am trying to find shorts that are knee length or longer. Her waist size and leg length don't seem to match up at this point.
We were looking at some pants for her and I asked her if she wanted green, pink or funky, she of course said funky. Tomorrow we are going to do a photo shoot in the backyard so that all our friends and family can see her beautiful new clothes. She loves playing "Runway Girl" and it makes my heart happy to watch her.

We finished our girls day out with a dinner for two at Smokey Bones. We had a great time and I felt my icky mood lately finally moving completely away.

I have decided that if someone isn't going to like me for being me than that is there problem and they will have to deal with it not me. Plenty of people like me just the way I am and I will not change.

Hiatus Update

Thank you everyone for your concern. I am and will continue to be OK. I am just dealing with some things that I do not think need to be broadcast over the web. I have great friends and family that have contacted me today and I feel truly loved and cared for in a way that I have not been feeling lately. Today it got a bit worse and my character was attacked. I am a strong cookie and will get through this and I will be stronger for having dealt with this.

For the record I do know that I have more than two readers. It was just a joke from when my Mom and Charissa were about the only two checking in. Thank you all for your loving thoughts.

PS. In all of my drama I forgot to add that Aubrey has read her first word. She sounded it out and read it. That's right, my 4 year old daughter has read her first word. Did I mention that she is only 4? Or that she hasn't started school? I just wanted to share that even though I feel a bit down Aubs is a true light. Above all I am a proud mama who will do anything for her child, through everything that is what I come back to. I also have some pretty kick a** friends.

Going on Hiatus

I know that I am in the middle of the 30 Project part two but I need to close down the blog for a bit. It may be only a day or two and it may be for longer. As my mouth and probably my typing seem to get me in trouble lately I think it safest for me to just disappear for a bit. Take care all I will catch my two readers up when I am feeling happier.

30 Project Part 2 #9

To lead a less wasteful lifestyle.

I realized that by taking baby steps I can work my way towards living a greener lifestyle. I am not saying I am going to become a hippie and live in a commune but I am going to try to be more aware.

Ohio Trip Day Two Friday

We got up early and went to Cedar Point. My father was there with the conference youth. I hadn't been back in about 10 years and for Shawn it was closer to 15 years. We rode most of the new rides and got to spend some time with my dad and cousins Gwenn and Alex. I had some of the delicious and horrid for you Cedar Point Fries. When we got home the cutest little man was waiting for us.

30 Project Part 2 #8

I would like to learn Spanish.

I was opposed to this idea for a long time. Now that I know my Great Grandfather is from Spain.

I have problems with people who assume that they can live here and not bother to learn English. I would never move to another country and expect them to speak English to me, it seems a bit snobbish. I know a bit of Spanish now and would like to expand on that. I can carry on a partial conversation with VERY simple sentences. Adios.

Ohio Trip Night One Thursday

After a brief delay out of Orlando and a run for our connecting flight we made it into Akron Canton Airport about one hour after our expected arrival. We picked up our rental car and made it to the house I grew up in and promptly went straight to the room we would be sleeping in. My mom had left a package of Mount Union goodies for my birthday. We then went to bed because Friday was going to be a big day.

30 Project Part 2 #7

I would like to learn my family history.

Everytime I go home I push my father for more information. Unfortunately this trip was a bit too busy for me to find anything out. The last trip home I learned my Great Grandfather was born in Spain and was the most recent arrival to the US in 1880. His name was Arthur Joaquin. I know that I have a Saint and a rock star in my family tree. Shawn may also be related to Helen's sister-in-law Cille. I cannot wait to find out more of our history.

The "30" Project Part 2 #4, #5, & #6

4. To continue exploring different cultures through their cuisine. My mother has a "You can't say you don't like something without trying it first." rule. I try to apply this rule as I approach food as an adult as well. Last night we ate at a Japanese restaurant and I turned the rule around on my mother. She tried a sashimi roll. My next type of food to try is Thai.

5. To read at least one piece of classic literature per year. I started this a few years ago and have not kept up with it the way I had intended. I read "Oliver Twist" by Dickens. I then read the complete works of Jane Austen. Next up is "Jane Eyre".

6. To explore the locations that are important to American History. This list includes Boston, DC, and Plymouth Rock.

The "30" Project Part 2 #1, #2, #3

I am away from my internet connection for the weekend so I am doing a post from my cousin's computer. (Thanks Gwenn) I did not want to let the "30" Project lapse too much so here are three goals for the next 30 years:

1.To have another child. I loved having siblings as a child and even sometimes now as an adult. I would like Aubs to have the same feelings that I have towards my siblings.

2. To vacation on another continent. I have never left North America. We are planning on going to Ireland in a couple of years so that Aubs can see where her grandmother was born. I would like to see many places all over the world.

3. To continue my education. I would like to have a Master's Degree. I do not know what in but I would like to have one someday. Joshua's mother recently graduated with a doctorate degree. She is such an inspiration and I hope to be able to handle being a wife and mother with being a student.

The First 29 Years.

I am ...

a mother.
a wife.
a musician.
a fighter.
tatooed.
strong.
happy.
a daughter.
a big sister.
loved.
a friend.
able to love unconditionally.
brave.


But most of all: I am ME.

The first 29 years have been great. I hope there are many more ahead of me. Goodbye my twenties, and watch out thirties because now I'm a PK!!!

It's Official

Recruit Jacob A. reported to Parris Island today. Please keep our Jakey in your thoughts and prayers over the next few months.

30 Project #30

I am a preemie.

I was born a little over seven weeks early. I weighed 4 lbs. 12 oz. My mom told me I was the biggest baby in the NICU. I think if I had been on time I may have out weighed Aubs. I was transferred immediately to Rainbow Baby and Children's hospital. By the grace of God I have not had any of the major issues associated with a baby born that early. I have been proving I am a fighter from my first breath. I was my father's very first Father's Day gift. When I am told the stories from the night I was born I am amazed at how I was surrounded by love even when my parents were at another hospital. Even the driver of the transfer ambulance was a friend of the family.

Yesterday

Yesterday I was the proudest mommy in the audience. I am quite sure that others including Jenny felt the same way. Aubrey was incredible. She did not freak out, she looked forward (the teacher was doing the dance in the wings), she smiled, and danced like no little ballerina I have ever seen. I also saw Kait dance for the first time. I must also mention that my brother-in-law is an incredibly talented man. He teaches at the studio with Aubs and his classes were some of the most beautiful and definitely the most together of the show. He also danced in many of the numbers, all of our family kind of looked at each other in shock. We had no idea he was so great. So congrats to Jack, Michaela, Kait, Danny, and of course my Aubs on an amazing job last night.

30 Project #29

I can play the saxophone.

I have played the saxophone since I was ten years old. I had wanted to be just like my daddy. The saxophone I use was the one he learned on as well. I remember the band director trying to convince me I should choose something smaller. When I started the saxophone came down almost to my knees.

Off To Recital

My little ballerina will be taking the stage in a couple of hours.

30 Project #28

I am an Alpha Xi Delta.

I joined my freshman year in college. I really loved being a part of a group of so many strong and wonderful women.

Introducing...

The Reverend Nan Morgan.

My mother was officially commissioned as a Local Pastor for the First United Methodist Church.

Experiment Day 4

Same results as day 3.

30 Project #27

I took the SAT in sixth grade.

I did this because I inherited an ability to do well on standardized tests from my father. A local university was doing a study of kids who scored twelfth grade levels on the Iowa tests could score at the same level if the took a test actually geared toward twelfth grade students. I do not remember how I did on this test but I remember taking it and never feeling so hungry in my entire life. It was a long morning for an eleven year old. I remember taking in a class room at the University of Akron and eating lunch at Hardee's afterwards.

Experiment Day 3

The main subject still has not realized they are a part of an experiment.

30 Project #26

I was in the spelling bee.

When I was in 4th grade I represented my class in the spelling bee. I can still remember the word that I misspelled. Satellite, that one word still gives me fits. I still remember how I misspelled that word: Sattelite. Yup, I mixed up which letter needed to be doubled. I once drove by a sign for Satellite Beach and had to relive that moment all over again. My verbal skills continued to improve from there and that is what brought me to #27.

Experiment Day 2

I had started off with only 1 subject for this experiment. Today I added a few more just for fun.

One of them figured it out. A four year old named Michaela also figured it out.

I can't wait to share this one with everyone.

30 Project #25

I have three tatoos.

Each of them are for people that I love and miss every day. The sunflower is for my Grandpa Morgan. I chose that one because I have always loved sunflowers and since it was my first I thought it should be something I really, really liked. The second is for my Nana. It is an X with angel wings and a halo. Her maiden name started with an X and that is what she used for her middle name. She also collected angels. My most recent is for Granny and Poppy, Shawn's grandparents. This one is a Mickey Mouse outline with the Irish flag inside. Shawn's grandfather helped open Walt Disney World and Granny is from Ireland. Shawn's mother was also born there. I miss them all every day and it is nice to have my own special tribute to them. I will try to post a picture tomorrow. I just realized I don't have any uploaded.

Experiment Day 1

I am performing and experiment of sorts. What it is about is a secret. I will let everyone know the results at the end.

30 Project #24

My parents are proud of me.

I am also proud of them. They have made me the person I am today. I couldn't be the mother, wife, or friend I am today without their guidance. I can only hope that I am half the parent they have been to me.

It is amazing to look back as an adult and see not only how much you have grown, but how much your parents have grown. My parents took the fateful step of taking us to the Stow First United Methodist Church nearly 25 years ago. Little did they know how much that little church on Fishcreek would shape and change our lives. There are people there whose faces light up on the Sundays we are home and say to us "I remember when...". I chose my college because of that church. The groups we were involved in came out of that church. That church brought us to Lakeside which in turn brought Brian to Helen. The youth of the church asked my parents to help us out, Mom and Dad then grew into such an integral part of that program that my dad is still involved with the youth groups. Next Sunday I will walk into that church to watch my mother preach. Wow. Next Sunday may be one of the last Sundays that I go to that church. This is very sad. I was talking to my mother about it and she wisely said "That will always be your church". She is definitely ready.

30 Project #23

I cut off all my hair.

A friend in college was going through chemotherapy. She had started losing her hair and I decided it was the one thing she didn't have to go through alone.

This picture is the longest my hair was that summer. The cuts after that were a bit shorter but this is the only picture I could find.

The Girls

Michaela and Aubs had a sleepover last night. We had so much fun. The girls made ice cream with M&M's. We had a picnic in the living room. They had hot dogs and corn on the cob. Michaela was convinced he did not like corn on the cob. Check out the picture and tell me if you think her mind has been changed. Thank you Jenny and Joshua for letting us have Michaela for the night. We always have a great time and love having her here.

30 Project #22

We have started our own traditions.

I love how as a family we brought together traditions from the homes we grew up in. My favorite of Shawn's family is the Christmas Crackers. They are something I had always thought looked very fun. There is nothing better than seeing my father in law sitting at the dinner table in a pink paper hat. I am not sure how it happens but he almost always gets the pink one. Shawn reads 'Twas the Night Before Christmas to Aubrey. This is something that my father has done every year.

My favorite of our new traditions is the funny hats at Disney. We invite any visitors with us to try them on. The picture above is my cousin Jeanne's kids. They came down from Ohio and we went and saw them at Magic Kingdom.

Jake and Sam.

Dear Jake and Sam,
Today you will graduate High School. I wish I could be there to see you unfortunately I had to stay in Florida this year. I love you both so very, very much. I am so amazed by the young men you have become.

Sam, I remember when you were born because I was so excited to have a cousin to share my birthday with. You see Helen and Bob always had joint parties and they looked like so much fun to me. You were such a funny little guy I loved the early mornings when I spent the summer at your house. We would just sit and snuggle in the living room before everyone else woke up.

Jake, I absolutely cannot believe you are old enough to graduate let alone be a Marine. I will pray for you every day that you stay safe and strong. I remember the night you were born we were sitting at the dinner table when they called us. I will never forget the look on Bob's face when we found out you were another boy cousin. He was so excited. I remember sitting and snuggling you as a baby too. You were in our wedding, the little man everyone adored. You asked for Aubrey, that is why you were our first and only choice for her Godfather.

Enjoy this weekend and the next few days. I am so proud of you and love you both.

Love always and forever,
Missy

30 Project #21

I had wanted to post this yesterday because they are recent accomplishments that reached their six month mark yesterday.

I have kept all my New Year's Resolutions.

1. I have kept the blog going. In fact for the last 21 days I have blogged every day.
2. I have paid cash for all purchases.
3. We have registered Aubrey for school. I cried last week when she excitedly pointed out the school and said "That is my new school". I will be ready for this by August 20. I have taken the day off so we can go out for ice cream and she can tell me all about her first day.
4. I got a late start on this one but we are leading a more active lifestyle. I started wearing a pedometer this week. It is amazing how many steps you can take in a day. (I've even lost a few pounds)
5. I am embracing turning 30. This is going to be a great year.

I have never in all of my life made a resolution that has been kept until February let alone June. As a byproduct of #2 I have also decided to curb frivolous spending and am trying to not buy shoes or non-SPF tinted moisturizer make-up for one year. You cannot go without sunscreen on your face everyday in Florida.

Happy Hurricane Season!

So, today is the first day of hurricane season. We have already had the first named storm a few weeks ago. Today Tropical Storm Barry has decided to make his way towards us. The upside is that our state is so dry right now a storm with a ton of rain is the best thing that can happen to us.

Helen, Brian, Gwenn, and Alex this is not the kind of souvenir I had in mind from your cruise. Be safe and I hope that you do not experience your first hurricane this weekend.


In honor of Tropical Storm Barry I will post some of my "Happy Freakin' Hurricane Season" list.

- Do not ever ask a hurricane what the "F*** else can you do to us" for it will surely show you exactly what else it can do to you.
- Also do not say "Bring it on B***H" They will.

- There is an over abundance of Generators, plywood, shingles and concrete screws in Florida as long as it is December, January, Febuary, or early March.

- Do not drink coffee before or during the storm. You have enough adrenaline coursing through your veins. Caffiene will just contribute to your running around like a crazy person confirming that everyone has clean dry clothes, blankets, important papers in ziplocs, and other random snacks stacked in the hallway neatly in rubbermaid bins. These bins will double as the chair that you will sit on and realize that you do not need blankets in Florida in the summer. Especially when there is no power. What can I say, I tried.

- 3 hurricanes and multiple lawnmower hits will not kill the oak tree sapling in the side yard. But it will bend a pine tree so far over that it still looks like the wind is blowing. UPDATE: We finally took down "The Little Oak Tree That Could" it was starting to grow at a 45 degree angle but the pine tree is still bent.

- Non working traffic lights are four way stops. As no one pays any attention to this rule Pray really really hard while driving through the intersection.

- Blue tarps are as versatile as Duct Tape. They can be roofing supply, trash tie downs, or freezer insulation, at least that is what the grocery store does with them.

- If you are in the RED ZONE stay inside. Or do what I did stare at the weather man dumbfounded realizing they had moved the path to include my house and panic.

30 Project #20

I had a different post in mind tonight but have decided to move that to tomorrow in light of recent headlines.

Survived living at the cross point of 3 hurricanes Charley a category 4, Frances a category 2, and Jeanne a category 3.

I learned a lot about myself and my own personal strength from those. I can take care of my family in a crisis. I can get all the necessary supplies into the hallway without windows, collect all important papers and seal them securely in Ziploc bags, and make beds that fit in the hallway so that we will be comfortable for a very long night in less than 30 minutes. It changed paths so quickly I didn't have much more time than that. I learned what it was like to pray for our lives. It was the first time I think I faced my own mortality. It really did sound like our home was being ripped apart. I realized that Florida is really really hot in the summer when there is no air conditioning. I gained strength those nights and it is a good thing because a tropical storm is on the way. They don't think it will turn into a hurricane however the Gulf is already at 84 degrees. This is not a good thing unless you are swimming which I would not recommend this weekend.

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.

Weird Weekend

We have had a busy weekend. Aubrey has taught us some very interesting things so I will start there.
1. Leprechauns work for the lawn company Jenny uses. I asked her why she thought this way and her answer was "They wear green and Leprechauns wear green.".
2. Her nose is allergic to cold.
3. She would like to be a vampire slayer when she grows up. For those of you who are wondering where she could have ever gotten this idea I refer you to the Buffy Boxed set and Shawn.

Saturday was pretty standard around here. We did nothing we were supposed to but had some quality time with Jenny and her sister. Those are my favorite kind of days actually.
Sunday I managed to get everything I had wanted to on Saturday by noon. We watched Kiera and Kait in the afternoon and then we were off to the mall. I got my Mother's Day present a little early. The picture above has been altered with my new toy.
Today was technically not the weekend but still weird. Shawn woke up not feeling well so we were off to the doctor. Luckily the doctor thinks it is just sleep deprivation and stress. So an afternoon of rest was ordered. He gave me quite a scare this morning. Aubrey made sure to be her most quiet. Doctor Aubrey made some pickle soup, pancakes, and eggs in the blue kitchen.

More Flower and Garden

Aubrey with Belle and Aurora. We were really lucky again with the characters. As a rule we do not wait in line for them. Since we live here we let the kids who don't get to see the princesses everyday go first. On Thursday we were walking around the back garden in the France Pavilion and they had Belle and Aurora with no line. My little princess was in heaven.

Flower And Garden Festival

We went to Epcot yesterday. Just Aubs and me. We went to see Bill in the Fife and Drum and he ended up hanging out with us for a while. These pictures are from the front entrance. They are of Aubs doing her best Peter Pan character impressions. I have plenty more to post. We had a great day.

Also if everyone could please send happy thoughts and prayers to my cousin Anne Marie. She has a couple of new broken bones and may have to have some surgery. Thanks.

Look At The Fun Spinning Flower!

We found these spinning flower chairs yesterday at Epcot. They were a demo for Dupont's rubber mulch and padded lining. Man that stuff sure does work. Aubrey climbed onto the chair. I snapped this pre-spin. She started spinning and then...

OOPS

...she fell right off. I was mid snap when she went flying. Notice her butt in the corner of the picture.

Today, 4/18/07

Today is an anniversary.
Today marks ten years since I saw that face.
Today marks the last time I heard him sing.
Today is when I learned you can survive grief. It may take your breath away, it can stay under the surface and come out when you least expect it, but you can make it through.
Today has always been a tough reminder. I remember every painful moment of that night ten years ago. I remember her face when she told me. Someone who didn't even know him told me one of my closest college friends had died.
Today was the first time I could actually hear a missing voice in a choir. We never sounded the same again.
Today is different somehow.
Today I was given a happy thought to reflect upon.
Today a new path was given to my mother.
Today my Mama was given approval for a church. My Mother will become a Pastor.
Today's usual sadness has been replaced by exhilaration.



DPM 4-18-97

Here is a hint...

Do not ever, ever, ever try to adjust the arm of the shower head while the shower is on. I do not know what I was thinking. There was water everywhere. Since our master bath includes a shower stall there is a large open area above the shower. There was water on the ceiling, the floor, and the mirror. The clean up may have been just as funny. Not wanting to alert Shawn to my interesting predicament I tried to find the proper tools in the bathroom. My McGuyver moment included the following items: a hooded towel, a hanger, and Aubrey's upstairs (small child's step stool). I put the hood of the towel over one of he edges of the hanger. I wrapped it around and then put the corner mitt over the same corner. I stood on the upstairs and dried the ceiling. Not bad for a short girl.

For those of you that have known me for any length of time, know this is just par for the course.