Lost w/ out My Lost

Great t-storm rolled thru here around dinner time. Unfortunately, it continued to rain right thru the season premiere of Lost and we lost all power and form of communication w/ the outside world. I was able to find AAA batteries for my mini-book lite and read a couple chapters of the uproariously funny Laurie Notaro book I've been loving. So, I missed the first 45 minutes of Lost and I'm losing my mind. I saw Jack visit Hurley in the institution and that was about it. I'm surmising that several people got off the island somehow and what I saw was a "flash foward." I need to check out some Lost fan sites and catch up.

Waste of My Time

I have spent the better part of my afternoon deleting any and all references of my brother, my sister-in-law and my neice and nephew from my blog per my sister-in-law's request. If I do happen to show a photo of one of their children, I will be careful to maintain their private identities as set forth in the Witness Protection Program guidelines; article 854-LGA. Also, if I do happen to refer to one of them in writing they will now be known as: the brother-who-shalt-not-be-named, the sister-in-law-who-shalt-not-be-named, the nephew-who-shalt-not-be-named and the neice-who-shalt-not-be-named. Any further comments or questions regarding this matter should be directed to the Editor. Thank you.

Field Trip Thursday gone Amuck

Met KJ's class for a field trip today to the McWane Center. Unfortunatley I didn't get to stay too long. One of KJ's little friends had a really bad headache after lunch so the teacher asked me if I would drive her back to the school since I had my car and everyone else came on the bus. The little girl's mom is a teacher's aide at the school. The poor little thing was so out of it. I covered her up w/ a blanket in the back seat and she was out like a lite. I offered to take her back to my house and let her sleep on the couch but her dad was coming to get her once I dropped her off at the school. So, I missed the best part of the McWane Center . . . the IMAX movie!!

Apparently T did awesome at last night's lax practice. Chris said she needs to work on her stick skills a little bit but considering she hasn't picked up a stick since fall ball, he said she was wheeling and dealing. It's in her blood.

We have ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do tonight except watch Lost. No dance, no school meetings/functions, no lax practices, no softball practices, etc. However, do NOT call me, do NOT text me, do NOT im me, do NOT ring my doorbell while Lost is on. I will have my trusty marshmallow shooter by my side and I am not afraid to use it.

Optical Illusion

Look! Twins!

Doesn't she look cute? My own little mini-me!

4-eyed kind of family

Good morning.

Give the world the best you have and the best will come back to you.
God is Love

Rev Run

I left playschool around 11 AM this morning. I had the workings of a migraine and just thought it would be best to nip it in the bud. As I past KJ's school, howwever, I realized her glasses are in and I should get her and get the new eye glasses. She looks so Freakin' cute! Actually, she looks just like me when I wear my glasses! ha! ha!

Nothing else going on. The sun is shining but it's a bit chilly. T has her first JV lax practice tonight and will run right to Hip-Hop class from there. Poor thing.

Last night was a parent meeting at the new Freshman Center for upcoming 9th graders. The meeting was OK, not a total waste, but not as informative as I would have liked. I thought for SURE someone was going to say, "you have a freshman??? you look far too young to have a 9th grader." A little disappointing. grin grin. The FC, as they refer to it, will offer the kids lots of choices and opportunities. There is a theater elective, a creative writing elective, art, broadcast, foreign language, band, choir, etc. A little different from when I was in school. We took gym EVERY day for 4 years. Schools down here require students have 1 year of PE to graduate. Also, if you're in the school band, that counts as your PE credit. That just blew my mind. No wonder America is becoming fatter & fatter. Let's just help that tuba player gain more weight.

It does not seem to be true that work necessarily needs to be unpleasant. It may always have to be hard, or at least harder than doing nothing at all. But there is ample evidence that work can be enjoyable, and that indeed, it is often the most enjoyable part of life. --Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

Getting in the Mood

You know when you have found your prince because you not only have a smile on your face but in your heart as well. ~Author Unknown

A bell is no bell 'til you ring it,

A song is no song 'til you sing it,
And love in your heart
Wasn’t put there to stay -
Love isn’t love
'Til you give it away.~Oscar Hammerstein, Sound of Music, "You Are Sixteen (Reprise)"

"When I think of you...my heart smiles."--submitted by Jenni

"When they asked me what I loved about life,I smiled and said you."--Source Unknown

a couple of quotes and some visuals to help you get in the mood for Valentine's Day (my 2nd favorite holiday):

"She who loves roses, must be patientand not cry out when she is pierced by thorns."--Olga Brougman

5 Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed

A Chinese Christian prayed every day ... “Lord, reform Thy world, beginning with me.” -Franklin Delano Roosevelt

"Don't fall for someone unless they are willing to catch you."-- submitted by Derek Ward



Good morning.
Our thoughts determine our destiny.
Our destiny determines our legacy....
(REMEMBER) You are today where your thoughts have brought you.
You will be tommorow where your thoughts take you.
God is Love
Rev Run

Only had 5 little monkeys in class yesterday. We think Hunter may have an ear infection and Camila and JuJu are still out of the country. We have the sweetest class ever. Ava Clare, Grace and Gavin just luv to play, play, play. Meredith is so snuggly (when she wants to be) and is so moody. She is really starting to warm up to us though and yesterday she was very silly and playful w/ me & Margaret. Holden is so freakin' smart and he's very lovable. He likes to sit in your lap and rub your arm as he's trying to fall asleep. Can you tell I just luv my babies or what????

T had a girls lax meeting last night and will start practice Wednesday night. She'll be able to attend most of the practice before she heads out to Hip-Hop class. Monday night practices are no problem. She somehow needs to get a new pair of cleats by 6 PM tomorrow night. I think KJ's going to need some new cleats, too for softball.

Fell asleep on the couch last night and stayed there all night. Chris & the girls were super quiet this morning and let me sleep even a little bit longer. Only KJ told me good-bye this morning (she also needed help zipping her jeans). I'm drinking my cup of tea and eating some mini chocolate chip muffins as I sit here. I've emptied the dishwasher and will fill it up again in a few minutes and I have a bunch of towels in the wash and a load of jeans in the dryer. Got to make beds and tackle more laundry.

Busy night tonight: KJ has dance @ 4 PM - 5:30 PM, T has it from 6:30 - 8:45 PM. We usually grab a bite to eat in between the 2 classes. Tonight there's a meeting at the Freshman Center where my baby girl will be attending in the fall '08. So I somehow need to get to that meeting. Chris is supposed to have lax practice but I think he'll be rained out and may be able to help me w/ the girls.

Have a GR8 Tuesday everyone!

Life isn't about waiting for that one storm to pass.It's about getting out there and dancing in its rain!"--Source Unknown

The final piece of reaching for authentic power is releasing your own to a higher form of wisdom. -- Gary Zukav

Rubber Ducks

http://www.parisbreakfasts.blogspot.com/

I love buying Rubber Duckies for my girls (I even bought KJ one from Chicago this weekend). I usually buy the Ducks for holidays . . . we have Halloween ducks, Reindeer Ducks, Toy Soldier Ducks, Valentine's Ducks, etc.

I found this blog a while ago and today's entry has crazy pics of a gigantic Rubber Ducky! Those French folks sure are wacky!!

Back in B'ham

Monday afternoon; trying to get back in the swing of things. T & I had an awesome trip to Chicago! We had so much fun and it was a wonderful "mother/daughter" weekend. Our flight out Saturday morning only had 20 or so passengers, we arrived a couple of minutes early and we were checked into our hotel room by 10 AM. We hit Michigan Avenue running. It snowed off and on all day which just added to the atmosphere. T really liked Chicago (this was her first visit).

Water Tower:

We had lunch at Gino's East. Our Deep Dish pizza was so filling, we couldn't even finish the 4 slice pie we ordered. I'm definitely a NY pizza kind of girl.

Crazy Chicago Deep Dish from Gino's East:

No trip to Chicago would be complete w/ out a visit to the American Girl store. It was kind of late in the afternoon when we walked down this side of Michigan Ave. I didn't even leave the first floor of American Girl. I bought KJ a t-shirt and I bought her doll(s) a matching mini t-shirt.

American Girl Store:

T & I stopped in at the Hershey store. We had just been to the one in Times Square after Christmas. This one was basically the same thing (just less crowded). These cupcakes looked delish (but I was good; I refrained).

Cupcakes at the Hershey Store:

Kisses from the Hershey Store (Japanese? Chinese?):

We then crossed over the River and on to Wacker Drive. We split a lemon bar and had some hot chocolate at a little bakery over looking the Trump building still under construction.

On the Michigan Ave Bridge Overlooking the Chicago River:

Saturday night we had dinner at a place called Redfish. It was a Cajun style place, a little honky-tonk w/ live music. We split a mac & cheese skillet dinner (it was sooooo good...it had bacon, onions and green peppers in it. I know that sounds gross but it was super cheesy and warmed our bellies after being out in the cold all day). We also had shrimp stuff w/ crab meat, wrapped in bacon served in an asiago sauce. We were in our room by 9 PM and T was asleep by 9:15 PM. She yelled at me for watching TV too loud and then she wanted me to turn out the lights (I was reading) so she could go to bed. She was a little grumpy at this point.

While I was in the shower Sunday morning, T ran down to the Starbucks in our lobby and got 2 bagels, a hot chocolate, a latte and a bottle of water. She walked out w/ out paying. We took a cab to the studio and she was ready for her close-up, Mr. DeMille.

The afternoon at the studio was fun, interesting and a little nerve-wracking. T was a little nervous but ended up having the time of her life. The studio was in a dumpy, industrial part of town. There were props everywhere: a phone booth, a mini-van, etc. The stylists took T's suitcase, hung up all her clothes, steamed everything and got her dressed. She had 4 different "looks" and then she was off to hair & make-up. There were several other girls (some were older, a couple were T's age) and there were a couple of guys there as well (1 really good looking young guy -- maybe 20?? and there were also a couple of little boys -- 8 or 9??). While one girl was in hair, one girl was in make-up and two or three were dressed and waiting to get into the studio. They kind of rotated like this all afternoon. T's make-up looked incredible. Not very heavy and her skin looked awesome. For her first shot they did a long side braid and she wore jeans, black patent mary janes and a plaid jacket. The stylists also supplemented T's outfits w/ some of their things: a belt, black ballet flats in one of her looks, a bracelet. Her second look they parted her hair differently and flat-ironed it. She wore shorts, a striped tank and a white button up oxford over the tank. The third look was our favorite. They did her hair all crazy and she wore a dress, jacket and gray tights. None of the clothes were hers. The fourth outfit was her mini-skirt, black leggings, her patent leather heels, a cami and a green & white striped shirt. Her hair was very loose & natural for this look. She said this shot was hard because she was wearing heels and they had her jump in every frame. She jumped up & down and in some shots she was leaping. Mary Brown, director of new talent, had nothing but encouraging, very positive things to say to T and actually told her she did "spectacular." I know she's my kid and all that but Mary did not say that to any of the other girls. I overheard her telling 2 of the older girls (who had already tested once before) that they really needed to work on their poses and their facial expressions. Mary told T that she got the Gold Star for the day. The stylists and make-up artist kept teasing her and said she looked like a mini Uma Thurman (that's a new one; we've heard she looks like Cameron Diaz from a lot of people). Now we'll wait for her pics to come back and see what the agency says. We did talk a little bit about her being marketed internationally. I think at this point the only thing that would hurt T is our current location. We can't fly to Chicago everytime a client wants to see her.
One of T's "looks" Sunday afternoon:

Another of T's "looks" but her hair was done differently:

It ended up looking like this:

From the studio were hopped in a cab and went straight to the airport. Our flight didn't leave Midway until 8 PM but we were so exhausted and hungry we just wanted to relax for a while. We had late lunch/early dinner at Harry Caray's at the airport and just chilled for the next 4 hours.

Picture of the Sear's Tower from the cab window on our way to Midway Sunday Afternoon:

I let T sleep in a little this morning and I checked her in to school on my way to work. I have a ton of laundry to do (what else is new????). Chris did a couple of loads while I was gone and vacuumed the first floor for me. KJ woke me up this morning and wanted to know where her American Girl gift was. I think she's a little mad at me for going out of town w/ the big sis.

Bbbbrrrrrr!

It's cold and snowing in Chicago! T & I have had a great day. Our flight left promptly at 7:30 AM out of B'ham and we were on the ground and checked into our hotel by 10 AM. We have walked up and down Michigan Avenue. We've been to the American Girl store (yes, KJ we bought you some goodies), the Hershey store, H&M, Macy's, Burberry, Aldo, Lacoste, Ralph Lauren, Hollister, Abercrombie, American Eagle, Gucci (and yes, ME we bought you what you specifically asked for). We had lunch at Gino's East and tonight we'll probably go to the Hard Rock. There's been a nice lite snow all day. Not too cold if you have your back to the wind.

T is excited and a little nervous about Sunday but I'm sure she'll do well.

TTFN!!!

Friday! Yay! It's Finally Here!!!!

What in the Hell is Britney Spears doing/thinking? Obviously, she's not thinking. She asks for and rec'vs an emergency hearing yet she doesn't even go in the building. This is the case of an extremely young, extremely immature woman who probably shouldn't have custody of her children right now. She is not displaying any basic maternal character traits, she acts cute & coy and flirtatious w/ the press one minute, the next minute she's yelling for everyone to leave her alone. But to not even get out of the car and make an appearance in court to get your kids back??? Obviously those boys just aren't a top priority to her right now.

Dogs give unconditional love. For me they are the role model for being alive. -- Gilda Radner

Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow.
Don't walk behind me, I may not lead.
Just walk beside me and be my friend. -- Albert Camus

Just trying to get mine & T's packing done for Chicago. Our flight leaves B'ham @ 7:20 AM. YIKES!! We arrive at 9:05 so we have all day to walk around and done some sightseeing (and a little shopping . . . she needs a couple of belts and a pair of black pumps PLUS we have to stop in at American Girl for a certain little someone.

The great blessings of mankind are within us and within our reach; but we shut our eyes, and, like people in the dark, we fall foul upon the very thing we search for, without finding it. --Seneca

Tonight we have our annual lacrosse fundraiser. It's a lot of fun. Everyone brings a couple of items to auction off w/ the proceeds going to the team. It's amazing . . . one person's trash is another person's treasure. Some new kids on the team this year; hopefully they have fun, silly parents. I like parents I can sit in the stands with and laugh.

An act of peace, no matter how small, is an act of hope. --CDA website

KJ did some Yoga/Pilates last night before she went to bed. Hopefully that stretched the stress right out of her and she had a better night's sleep. She did seem to wake up a little better/happier this morning.

If you have a talent, use it in every which way possible. Don't hoard it. Don't dole it out like a miser. Spend it lavishly, like a millionaire intent on going broke. --Brenda Francis.

Still getting phone calls regarding Buddy. There's is a dead possum on the right side of SSC just before you turn into SSC Elementary. Several people have called "hoping it's not my doggie." I even had a neighbor wright me a very sweet letter yesterday and she stuck it in my mailbox. Monday will be 4 weeks. I think it's time to let go.

To make one good action succeed another, is the perfection of goodness. --Ali Ibn-Abi-Talib

Good morning. You must hang in there! Your success is measured by your willingness to keep trying. (Remember this!) Success is largely a matter of hanging on after others have let go.
God is LoveRev Run

NEWSFLASH !!! (according to my husband)

Chris just called from Columbus, OH to inform me that "there's no freakin' way in hell we're ever moving back North." He said it's snowing, he had to scrape ice off the windows of the rental car before he could drive to the airport and that his nose hairs "are freezing." Ew. I just got a visual.

On a somewhat related note, I've checked the weather for Saturday & Sunday in Chicago. They're calling for light snow Saturday morning w/ a high around 32. Sunday should be sunny w/ a high around 33. My little "GRITS" (Girl Raised in the South) is going to freeze her little tushie off! I'm trying to convince LCM to drive up from Cincy to hang out w/ me & T for the weekend but she's wimping out. She said it's too cold for her. She's a total GRITS at heart!!!

Heroes

Good morning.
As you get older it is harder to have heroes, but it is sort of necessary-- Ernest Hemingway.
People seldom improve when they have no other model but themselves to copy. --Oliver Goldsmith
God is Love,
Rev Run

Not much going on this morning. Didn't sleep at all last night. Chris is in Columbus, OH and will be back later this evening. It was really hot in the house so I had a hard time snuggling and relaxing. It was freezing when I got home from work yesterday so I cranked up the heat but I did turn it back down before I went to bed but it was too late. My bedroom was too warm. KJ, of course, was cranky this morning. T is 13 years old and has never given me a problem about waking up in the morning; KJ gives me aggravation every day.

I have so much laundry and cleaning to catch up on today. No one has dance or anywhere to be tonight. Yay!!

So you've all heard by now about Heath Ledger. I was sort of surprised he was only 28. I thought he was older than that; mid-30's maybe. What a shame. I just feel so sad for his little girl. I think there's something special between a girl and her dad. It's a different relationship than a mom and a daughter. I just always think about a dad teaching his daughter how to drive, walking her down the aisle, stuff like that.

"If you think there's a problem in the world, you don't wait for other people to fix it. You have to try to fix it yourself." -- Jack Davis, age 11

Wicked!

T really, really wants to see Wicked. I read the book and hated it so I'm not really that enthused. However, being the martyr that I am, I'd suffer thru it for my child. I just checked Ticketmaster to see how much tixs are and if there are any available seats for a Saturday matinee in Chicago. No such luck. Oh well. Maybe T will get to see it in NY. Maybe I'll get really creative and do a google search for cheap tixs or some other kind of 2nd party ticket sales. Then again, maybe not.

"Big messages come in small packages. All it may take to restore someone's trust in life may be returning a lost earring or a dropped glove." --Rachel Naomi Remen

Great day at playschool today. We only had 4 little ones and they are so, so good. They really are little angels and they play so well together. Margaret & I were saying how lucky we've been the last 4 years. Holden was dancing a lot today and we all did the Chicken Dance. Grace is really starting to talk alot and Ava Clare and Meredith are just too cute for words.

We had a staff meeting early this morning and Margaret's little girl, Ella, walked in wearing the CUTEST knit hat. She looked like a little sk8tr chick. I wish I had my camera with me. She was rocking the hat and had on a Valentine's Day t-shirt shirt with a long-sleeved layered shirt underneath. I tried to teach her some of my favorite gang symbols to show the other homies in her pre-school class.

Not much planned for today; I have a ton of laundry to do. It's all piled up on the couch. Not a good first impression if you were to walk in my house or peek thru the front door. Luckily I have a lot of TiVo to catch up on . . . Nip Tuck, Real Housewifes of Orange County (season finale) and I think Project Runway is on tonight.

T & I went to a meeting last night about our upcoming Europe trip. She's getting really excited now. We still don't have alot of particulars or even an exact departure date but we found out who else was going and we talked a little about what to pack, passports, etc. Breakfast and dinner are included each day, lunch is on our own. We'll have several tours on our trip (Oxford, Stratford, the Louvre) and we also talked a little about "optional" tours. The optional tour in London is the London Eye and a cruise on the Thames. The Paris tour is Versaille. I'd really like to see Versaille but T & I talked about it last night and decided we were going to wing it and go w/ the flow. From what Mr. Brannon said, we'll be busy from the minute we wake up until late at night so maybe T & I would just like a day to relax and do our own thing. I think it would be really cool to get a hunk of cheese, some baguettes and a bottle of wine (for me) and sit at a park in Paris w/ my daughter. Sit at an outdoor cafe sipping our cafe au laits (actually, tea for me. I don't do coffee). KJ's already bugging Chris about where she gets to go when she's an 8th grader. Chris told her since T & I will have Paris, he gets to take her on her trip.

Don't become a product of your enviornment, make your enviornment become a product of you.
God is Love, Rev Run

Character is a choice.
The scripture says reputation is more powerful than money.
Proverbs 22:1 says “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.”
Become known for integrity... What you are... will eventually be exposed and known..
This is one quality that will make you unforgettable!
God is Love
Rev Run

See! I told ya' Rev Run has some good daily words of wisdom!

Subbed for Shawn today. Wow. Let's just say her kids are definately a little more "active" than mine & Margaret's Monday/Wednesday class. A little bit more "physical." Being the mother of 2 perfect little angels (ha!), I never bought into that whole, "boys are different," "boys will be boys" mentality. I'm really starting to believe it. I do think little boys are wired differently (and they really don't improve much w/ age!).

Rainy, dreary, gray, chilly day. Tonight is our usual crazy running around dance night but T & I also have a meeting at the middle school about our Europe trip in the Spring. This is our first "official" meeting so T & I are excited to get more details (hopefully she'll still be allowed to go . . . she had to sit out at gym today. I forgot to wash her gym clothes. Shame on me!).

Katie

I love a big, over-sized purse as much as the next person but this is ridiculous! I think she may have baby Suri in there or one of the Olsen twins.

Luv, luv, luv the haircut, though!!!!

Secret Life of Bees

"Listening is a magnetic and strange thing, a creative force. When we really listen to people there is an alternating current, and this recharges us so that we never get tired of each other. We are constantly being re-created." -- Brenda Ueland

I just read that filming of the Secret Life of Bees began in early January. Dakota Fanning, Queen Latifah, Jennifer Hudson and Alicia Keys are starring. This is one of my absolute favorite books so I'm curious how it will translate to film.

Back to school / work tomorrow. I'm subbing for Shawn S. I'll be wearing my haz mat suit. Shawn's 2 little girls have pink eye; hope I don't catch their cooties.

I made T & KJ go to be super early tonight. T actually has bags under her eyes. KJ's just a mess. What can I say.

So we all know I'm not the most religious person on the planet and I'm not very good about going to church. Actually, I'm very good about NOT going to church. I am, however, trying to be a better person (me & Earl). You know, the basics. Not sweating the small stuff, being a better listener, leading a more gracious, generous life, etc. Having said that, I'm trying to make impressionable quotes part of my daily life. For a year or so I've been subscribing to Reverend Run's daily quotes and think I might share them on my blog (yes, that Reverend Run -- as in Run DMC). Just a sampling of some of his more profound lyrics from back in the day:

One thing I know is that life is short

So listen up homeboy, give this a thought

The next time someone's teaching why don't you get taught?

It's like that (what?) and that's the way it is

Seriously. About the lyrics, I'm just playing w/ ya. I am serious about his daily Words of Love. I sometimes send them on to Chris & T.

"Go where you're celebrated, not where you're tolerated"..God is Love, Rev Run

"Essentially, a story expresses how and why life changes." --Robert McKee

MLK Day

Got a lot accomplished today. Not sure that's how the Dr. would have wanted me to spend today, but that's how it went down. I always say it's amazing what I can get down when I have no interruptions.

I gathered up all the scarves, gloves/mittens and hats and put them in one of those rolling, 3-drawer stacking carts. I even broke out the label maker and labeled each drawer. I did a couple loads of laundry, emptied the dishwasher and loaded it back up again, put away the empty Valentine's Day decoration boxes, read and relaxed for a few minutes and now I have a big juicy steak on the grill for dinner. The girls are positively salivating. We don't eat a lot of red meat around here.

Here are some pics of my Valentine's Day decorations (my 2nd favorite holiday, Thanksgiving being #1). I still have some "tweaking" to do.

I bought this banner on Etsy and LOVE it! It's made from recycled cardstocks and gorgeous ribbons!

I'v had the big red platter for a while but always felt that it "needed something" then I remembered the little espresso set we rec'd as a wedding favor from a friend's wedding in NY. I think it kind finished the look.

Glass Bead wreath in Dining Room

Front Door Greetings!

The table in foyer. Still not sure where I'm going w/ this yet.

And last but not least: KJ & Magster!!!
(Not sure why KJ's face is orange)

Magster

I dropped T and a couple of friends off at the movies last night and then she was spending the night at ME's. On my way back from the movies I picked up Maggie so she could spend the night w/ KJ. As of 10:15 AM, they were still asleep. I can't believe Maggie & KJ have known each other since they were 18 months. They met in the very same room Margaret & I now work in. Isn't that crazy??? Have I really known Margaret that long???

I have absolutely nothing plannned today. I do, however, have a mountain of laundry on the couch calling my name (and it's not calling me nice names, either). I prefer to do my laundry while I'm catching up on my TiVo. That's why it's all over the couch rather than being in the actual laundry room. Just wanted to clarify.

The sun is out but I think it's still pretty chilly out. I haven't been out yet but my little feet are freezing.

Got to run. Maggie & KJ are yelling at me to make them bagels for breakfast. Must not let the princesses wait.

Rick & Bubba

My friend Shawn has been updating everyone about the Burgess family on her blog. Rick is one half of the Rick & Bubba Radio show here in B'ham (I don't listen to the show in the morning but I believe they may be syndicated as well). From what I hear, they are 2 loving, gracious, charitable, extrememely loving individuals. I can't even begin to imagine what this family is going thru right now. Please keep them in your thoughts & prayers.

Here's an update per Shawn's blog:

This is the most recent update I have gotten on the Burgess family...
Hello all. Many of you asked for an update so I will tell you what I know... Last night, around 7:30, Sherry was in the shower. Brooks, Brody, and Bronner were watching a movie. Sherry got out of the shower and they couldn't find Bronner. She went outside and found him at the bottom of the pool. She jumped in to save him, called 911, went to Children's, but he was already with Jesus. Rick was ON STAGE in Gatlinburg speaking at a youth conference about how we should all raise our standards in life to be more like Christ...Bubba made arrangements for a plane to get Rick to B'ham. When our Sunday School teacher got to the hospital, Sherry was still in her wet clothes, in a fetal position . Rick is such a man of God, he has his moments but has vowed to not let Satan get a hold of his mind, asking "why"...He says this is a fight they have ahead of them but he remains firm in his faith and even told the chaplain at the hospital that HE would be praying for HIM!!!!!! He says Bronner didn't fall into the pool, he fell into the arms of Jesus. On the other hand, Sherry needs our consistent prayers. She is in shock, feeling guilty, lots of "what ifs"...She really struggled going back to the house and has not wanted any visitors. PLEASE pray specifically for her that Satan will not consume her thoughts with guilt and anger. Pray that he showers her with His grace and mercy. No arrangements have been made yet...they are not even at a point where they can think of that. An autopsy will be performed due to it being an accidental at home death. Pray for Rick's witness, that it not be altered. Our class is devastated...we had an hour of prayer time this morning sobbing, on our knees. Please lift them up in prayer daily, as the emotions flood their minds. We were reminded in class today how important it is to keep our eyes on Him. Although tragedies occur, we are not made to understand. Satan does kill, steal, and destroy but we can't give in. Rick and Sherry have said they thank God for the blessings they received through Bronner and know that he is on his throne holding their sweet baby. What better place...Please pray diligently and savor your moments with your family. We never know...Thanks for keeping this awesome family in your thoughts and prayers.

Giants vs. Packers

"It's been six years since I have had a drink and I have two girls, and my priorities are a lot different now and I just can't believe I was that guy. And I would not go back, I would not trade the way I am now for anything." -- Brett Favre

"As you get older, you look at things differently." -- Brett Favre

"Pressure is something you feel when you don't know what the hell you're doing.” -- Peyton Manning

You know I could really care less about football. Especially in January. However I'm torn. Ya' gotta luv Brett and the Packers playing tonight on the frozen tundra of Lambeau field however, I'm a NY-er at heart. I'd love to see the Giants win but Eli leaves me lacking. Let's face it. He's no Peyton. Luv, Luv, Luv me some Peyton Manning. He's the kind of boy I'd love to see T or KJ bring home. PS...let me know if you'd like to see the picture of Chris sitting in Farve's locker on one of his "manly man" trips to Green Bay.

“I bet Eli doesn't even have one touchdown today, ... I'm the best Manning.” -- Peyton Manning

“I never try to be something I'm not,” -- Eli Manning

7

On a whim I just checked the weather forecast for our trip to Chicago Saturday. Currently, it's 7 degrees in Chicago. 7.

peace & quiet

Chris just took the girls to Target. T wants to buy Guitar Hero for her Wii w/ the gift card Aunt Debbie & Uncle George gave her for Christmas. Not sure how much it is but Chris said he'd give her money to make up the difference (translation: Chris wants Guitar Hero as much as she does. He's so transparent.). KJ went along for the ride.

She's been giving me such a hard time about her clothes lately I could just scream. T, the one who everyone thinks is a label-conscious princess, would wear clothes from Wal-Mart or a consignment shop and would "make it work" (her favorite Tim Gunn quote). KJ won't wear certain items of clothing because she "didn't pick it out" and I "forced her to buy it." So, I gave her the Old Navy gift card she rec'd for Christmas and told Chris to take her shopping while he was on Hwy 280. Let him share in the joy. Let him experience the fun.

Got most of my house decorated for Valentine's Day. I'm trying some items in different locations this year just to mix it up. I know. I'm crazy. Looking forward to having Monday off w/ the girls. T and I need to go thru her clothes for our trip to Chicago. She needs to figure out what she wants to pack. I also have plans to clean out the "sneaky spot" once and for all and claim it as my own.

Boo hoo. No Desperate Housewives tonight. This writer's strike is killing me.

Horsies

just wanted to share this neat pic I found on foxnews.com

it was taken at a horse farm in McAdory, AL during this morning's snow fall.

Holy Crap! The Smurf's turn 50!!!

BRUSSELS, Belgium (AP) -- The Smurfs -- led by Papa Smurf and Smurfette -- kicked off a year of 50th birthday celebrations Monday with Smurfberry cake and sasparilla juice.

The Smurfs were created in 1958 by the cartoonist Pierre Culliford, known as "Peyo."

The late cartoonist Pierre Culliford -- best known by his pen name, "Peyo" -- first introduced the tiny blue figures in a comic strip in October 1958. He called them Schtroumpf; they became known worldwide as the Smurfs.
The Smurfs, forest dwellers who live in little white-capped mushroom homes, developed their own "Smurf" language in which nouns and verbs were interchanged.
Their debut on U.S. television in 1981 launched their global rise to stardom and made the Smurfs a household name. A Smurf is a Pitufo in Spanish, a Schlumpf in German, Nam Ching Ling to the Chinese, a Sumafa in Japan and Dardassim in Hebrew.
"I think that if he could see all that has been done with his characters since his death and the success and interest that the Smurfs still attract, he would be very, very, very, very happy and very proud," said Peyo's son, Thierry Culliford.
To mark 50 years of Smurfdom, organizers are planning everything from a 3-D animation feature film expected to be released next year to new comic book collections and a remastered release of the popular 1980s television animated series, Peyo's family said.
Peyo's widow and two children will help kick off a European birthday tour in Brussels. The Smurfs celebration will continue in Paris and Berlin.
The Smurfs also will team up with the UNICEF to promote children's rights and education worldwide, said Yves Willemont of UNICEF Belgium.
"The Smurfs and UNICEF have a lot of values in common -- values about joy, happiness and respect," Willemont said. "We also have in common the fact that we are dedicated to the cause of children and to the promotion of every child and the right of every child to survive."
UNICEF and the Smurfs joined forces two years ago to raise the plight of ex-child soldiers in Africa.
Born in Brussels, Peyo worked as a movie projectionist before entering the world of comic strip drawing.
The Smurfs appeared as a supporting cast of characters in Peyo's 1958 "Johan and Pirlouit" cartoon, which was set in the Middle Ages.
The Smurfs quickly grew in popularity and by 1960, the Smurfs had their own comic strip series and. With the help of the Hanna-Barbera Productions, the Smurfs became an animated cartoon in 1981.
Thierry Culliford said the Smurfs promote love and friendship. He said many who grew up watching the Smurfs on TV during the 1980s and 1990s now are parents and want to introduce the Smurfs to their children.
Demand for Smurf stories continues, said Hendrik Coysman, managing director of IMPS, which controls the rights of the Smurf brand worldwide.
"Thousands of fans are asking for more stories and these will be based of course on the fantastic asset that Peyo has left us," Coysman said.
Peyo, who died 15 years ago, "would be very happy if he were here today" to see Papa Smurf, Smurfette, Handy, Jokey and the troop of 96 others celebrate 50 years of Smurfmania, daughter Veronique Culliford said.

Banished

I'm officially banished to the basement. T has a bunch of kids over. Chris & KJ got the heck out of dodge and went to dinner and possibly a movie. I prefer the kids upstairs in the great room vs. the family room because we have a wet bar and mini fridge down here. I really don't want to be responsible for a bunch of 8th graders "experimenting" with my top shelf liquor.

Anyway, holy cow! Can these kids eat! T made cupcakes today, we've done chips & a couple different types of dip, chicken wings, chicken strips, pretzels and a variety of Valentine's Day candy.

I hate the basement because I don't know how to work the TV/DVD/Surround Sound/Picture- in-Picture/Hi Def down here. I can barely figure out how to change the channel. I hate his TV. Chris has TiVo down here too but it's full of House episodes, American Gladitor and lacrosse games. Blech.

So Chris watched some extreme skiing show on TV today and has it in his head that Breck (as in Breckenridge, CO) is THE place to be for Spring Break this year. He thinks T & KJ would really enjoy learning how to ski and snowboard properly. I'm sure they would. However, I will do my best not to smack him upside the head when he mentions this again. I still have vivid nightmares of Chris snapping leg in half our 2nd day in good ol' "Breck"just a mere months before our walk down the aisle.

Saturday Cartoons

Slide show is very long. We had so much fun this morning! Enjoy!

Snowy Saturday

These pics were taken at approx. 10 AM CST. KJ's been out there w/ Claire since 9 AM. Our backyard seems to be getting more snow than the front yard for some reason.

Back Deck

My Poor Little Garden Frog

Umbrella on the back deck

It's cold, gray and snowy. And yes, folks, my husband is out there playing lacrosse this morning. I will do my best not to smack him upside the head when he walks in the door.