25th Anniversary of Pie Night

Behold the beautiful pies! We had the pleasure of attending Uncle Shirl and Aunt Toni's 25th anniversary of pie night. The tradition started 25 years ago with them making each person in their family's favorite pie (7 pies the first time) and eating them the night before Thanksgiving. The night is solely dedicated to pies. The tradition grew and grew! This year there were 45 gorgeous and might I say . . . DELICIOUS pies. Thanks so much for all your hard work every year so we can enjoy the feast. We love you.

Vacation "Project"

I'm not sure why I don't know how to take a vacation from school and relax . . . but I can't. After two years in our home, this week I finally painted my stairs! I had to rent scaffolding due to the 15 foot ceiling above the stairs, but I finally got it done. Yippee. By the way, it wasn't my idea to take the picture. Joe came in around midnight with the camera to make my night. Can you see my grumpy frown?

May your stuffing be tasty
May your turkey plump,
May your potatoes and gravy
Have never a lump.
May your yams be delicious
And your pies take the prize,
And may your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off your thighs!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Coldplay Concert

11/23/08 - Update - Concert was awesome! We were sitting up quite a ways in the stands and half way through the concert they came up (four rows in front of us) and played a couple songs. Loved it! Best seats in the house.

11/21/08 - We (Joe, Mike, Susie, and I) are headed to the Coldplay concert tomorrow night at the Energy Solutions Arena at 7:30 pm. I'm totally excited . . . good food beforehand, good company, and a kick-butt concert! Saturday night can't get any better.

Twilight Countdown

11/21/08 - Update - Saw the movie and LOVED IT. Two thumbs up from me. Morgan gave it an 8 out of 10, which is good for her. I want to see it again.

11/20/08 - Morgan and I are counting down the hours. I have to admit, I have never read the books, but Morgan has more than made up for it. She has read them SEVERAL times each. I know, I know. . . some of you are shaking your finger at me, but I didn't know. I've since heard that the books may be a little "mature" for a 12 year old, but what ya gonna do?

Morgan and I are meeting Susie and Annie for the midnight showing tonight. Morgan will be nice and tired for school tomorrow.

Piano Recital

Kelsey started piano lessons earlier this year. She had a piano recital tonight and did great. Way to go Kelsey! We are proud of you.

I'm really not trying to play favorites, Kelsey just happens to be busy and involved in several things now. The other kids are alive and happy. I'm sure I'll have stuff to post on them soon.

Preceptorship Assignment - Happy Day!

Though it may seem meaningless to some, today was an important day for me. At school we were chosen "lottery style," and then got to pick our preceptorship assignment for our last semester. (yes, I said LAST semester!!) There were only a few labor & delivery spots open and long story short, I got the L&D position I wanted and the hospital I wanted. Happy day.

This was really important to me as many people are hired into the position they do their preceptorship in. Also, this L&D business has been my dream since I was pregnant with Jake. This is the reason I've gone to school for the last 5 years. It's so cool to see all the stars align and your dream being fulfilled. Yea me.

New School Pics

2008 School pics are back! Dang, I love these kids. Pretty cute, huh?

Cheesy Parent Moment

Today Kelsey was awarded "Student of the Month" for all of 4th grade (about 120 students). She was called up in front of the whole school during an assembly. She was so nervous her legs were shaking. I wasn't surprised she got the award, I was more surprised it took this long for them to figure it out. Congratulations Kelsey. Way to go!

7th Anniversary of Dad's passing

Today is the 7 year anniversary of dad passing away. Wow, what do you say? It seems like yesterday but also feels like an eternity. I was reading in Kelsey's journal a couple days ago and she said, "When grandma died a year and a half ago, it really made me think how great of a day it will be when we all meet again. I'll be able to really meet grandpa. I really only know him from pics and stories."

Ouch, I forget sometimes how young my children were. I'd give anything to have them know their grandpa. I found a poem this morning that really puts into words how I'm feeling today. . .

Life Lessons

You may have thought I didn't see,
Or that I hadn't heard,
Life lessons that you taught to me,
But I got every word.Perhaps you thought I missed it all,
And that we'd grow apart,
But Dad, I picked up everything,
It's written on my heart.Without you, Dad, I wouldn't be
The woman I am today;
You built a strong foundation
No one can take away.I've grown up with your values,
And I'm very glad I did;
So here's to you, dear father,
From your forever grateful kid.By Joanna Fuchs
www.poemsource.com

I love and miss you daddy!

Reflections Contest

My artistic Kelsey has been trying for years to get me to "support" her in entering the PTA's Reflections contest (mind you, this is an optional project). This year I broke down and she put together this 3D art piece. The theme was "Wow." Kelsey polled the family and the kids all agreed that when they think of "wow," they think of fireworks. Kelsey put together this fantastic 3D replication, titled "Independence Day." Way to go Kelsey, you're a winner in my book!

No, not yet!

Are you kidding me? This is what we found waiting for us when we woke this morning. I don't think I'm ready for winter again!

Quote for the Day

My sister-in-law Megan sent this to me. I love it. I think Joe should make this his new motto to live by. ;)

Whatever you give. . . a woman will multiply.
If you give her a house, she'll give you a home.
If you give her groceries, she'll give you a meal.
If you give her a smile, she'll give you her heart.
She multiplies and enlarges whatever is given to her.

So, fair warning . . . don't give her any crap!