Fish Sticks

Every now and again, I sneak fish sticks into the grocery cart, and they make their way to the dining room table. It's not very often, but every now and then, they sound good to me. And they always remind me of a funny story about my Daddy-in-law, Gary.

We were living in El Dorado, and Mark was managing Blockbuster Video there. Emi was just a baby, still in a high chair. Anyway, there was one night we were having fish sticks for dinner, and there was a horrible storm supposedly going to hit. With hail, and rain and tornadoes.

Gary called to check on us, and Mark answered the phone, and they talked for a while. Anyway, the conversation went something like Gary asked what we were doing, if we were safe, and Mark said yeah we were, and that we were eating dinner. Gary asked him what we were having, and Mark said Fish. His dad asked what kind of fish, and Mark told him Sticks.

You may not think this is funny, but it still makes me laugh (hard) to this day. Maybe this is why I serve fish sticks. I don't even think Gary liked them, but I always think of him when I see them in the store.

Oh, by the way, we are having fish for dinner tonight too. But, it's BBQ salmon. Sorry! It's not as funny.

Rock Chalk Jayhawk Go Jean Shorts

OK, it is kind of a long story, but I will get there. My mom and dad and Aunt Kathy decided to go see my Aunt Mary Anne and her family in Tennessee, so they are leaving in the morning.

Aunt Kathy asked Val to water her flowers and tomato plants for her, and paid her $25, so my mom hired Emily to do the same, and pay her $25.

Yesterday, A.K. paid Val. She went home and got out her short short jean shorts, which were too short for her, and wanted to buy new ones. I told her she could, but she had to spend her own money for them, and she was fine with that. She wanted to go to Limited Too, but I told her the Too was for Too Expensive, and she would probably be happier buying shorts somewhere else.

She chose Kohl's which is nice, because, there is a nice new one in Derby not even 10 minutes from our house.

She found the jean shorts and the cute top in the picture.

While she was trying on, Emily found the KU outfit she is wearing, and I told her when she got paid, she could go and buy it, with her $$. She got paid this morning, so we went back.

I am so happy the girls have moved out of the toy buying stage and into the clothes buying stage!!!!
Not to mention that they both have great taste!!! And style!!!!!!!

Balloons

For Memorial Day, we always try to come up with a unique decoration to honor the gravesites of our loved ones, at Resthaven-Papa, my grandpa, Uncle Bud and Uncle Burt.

Grammy-C always does beautiful flowers,and Tim and Nelle and the kiddos always bring out flags, so we try to think of something else each year.

This year, Val, Emily and I went to WalMart in search of something. We passed the balloons, and decided to get red, white and blue ones. Then we had to get sticks to attach them to, wire, and some spray glitter so the wire would not show. It did anyway, but I had some patriotic ribbon at home, that we wrapped the sticks in, that looked good.

The real treat, was watching a 12 year old and 14 year old going crazy for the extra balloons. No matter how old you are, you've got to enjoy batting balloons around! And hitting your sister with them.

Jinx you owe me a soda

Have you ever known of a dog that can break dance?

Jinx can. Seriously, if you don't believe me, ask Mark. I am for real!

Jinx belongs to my mom and dad. He is actually Jinx the third. When my dad was young, he had the first Jinx, then we had the second when we were kids, now this is the third. Of course, we had other dogs, here and there, but there has always been a Jinx.

My mom got him when Emily was about 3 weeks old. He has been around a long time. Emily is 12 so Jinx is 84. That is about as old as my grandma. Old!!!!

He is starting to show signs of his age though, he is starting to go blind,but he keeps plugging away. Cute dog. He drives my mom and dad crazy though. But, I know they love him.Just look at that face!

Adorable, in an ugly way. Like E.T., I always thought he was so ugly that he was cute. That is how Jinx is.

P-A-R-T-Y Pool Style

Everything you need for a great summer day!

Good friends, Good food (some with cheese, some without) and a swimming pool!

The New Generation

Charlie's Angels

These are my Charlie's Angels. Val even had the good hair for it.

This was taken at Promotion, but I have a bunch of pics of not just these 3 girls, but a lot of different kids from this class.

Whenever I would have my camera, all I had to say was Do Charlie's Angels, and any number of kids would scramble together to pose for a picture.

Dorky!

But Fun!

I bet they have a blast in high school. I just hope they stay quirky!!!!

I think I will get Emily, Tarah and Diem to be my Charlie's Angels next generation. I will talk to them tomorrow, they are all going swimming together. If they agree, I will post their pic! I bet they do!! I am irresistable.

Flowers

Last Tuesday, Claudia, Carol, and I were surprised with gifts of lilies, chocolates, daisies,and a lovely card, by our friend Jeff Heimerman. His son, Christian,and daughter Aubrie went to school at SMM. Christian had been in Emi's class since preschool, in fact.

Anyway, they decided it was time for them to move on, and have enrolled their kids at St Peter, Schulte for next year. A lot of people have decided to leave. I think there are a total of 23 kids that will not return. That is too bad. They mostly say that they want their kids to experience a newer facility, or they are not happy becuase there is not a full time ( we do have part time) music and p.e. teacher(s). I guess it may be because I went to school at SMM, but I don't necessarily think that newer is better. I am not saying that is the only way I feel. I am thrilled the girls get to go to BCCHS, which they are expanding, I am just saying that there is a lot of memories and tradition at SMM, and I kind of think it is sad, that people don't want to be a part of it. It is only my opinion though.

Anyway, Jeff has been a good friend. He remodeled our store room a few years ago, and hung out with us practically every day.

I will miss him and his family.

Pool Party

Here are my pool party pics from yesterday. It was just supposed to be Emi, Diem and Tarah, and Val and Lauren, but Juan called and wanted to go, then while I was at Wal Mart, I saw Karlee and she came along also.

Last Day Of School

There have never been 4 more beautiful words spoken. Val was out on Tuesday, and I was out yesterday, but Emily goes until noon today. Today, they have mass and field day. After that, Diem and Tarah and Lauren are coming with me, and it is a tradition that they swim no matter how cold, on the last day, so we are going to Nanny and Buddy's house so they can jump in the pool, and freeze their tails off. I am sure I will have some amusing pictures of them later on.

But now, I must go, because Val and I have been invited to Noah's school, where he is receiving an award. I will also post about that later.

Until then....

I Just Realized....

...It looked like Val was an only child, which everyone knows she is not. Emily was there. She served Mass with her friends Diem and Tarah.

After the grad though, all the "cool" 6th graders, went out to the playground, instead of staying at the "uncool" reception. Since Shelbs was not there, she went out with her other friends instead. She never wants to miss an opportunity to hang with Shelbie, so I am pretty sure she would have stayed with her if circumstances were different. Anyway, these 3 get out of school tomorrow, so they are pretty stoked about that. Diem is Vinh's sis,and Tarah and Tianna are sisters too. Mrs Samms always prefers siblings serve, since they are there anyway.

2 years and counting down girls, to your big night.........

Oh, What A Night

It was quite a night! I think of it as a revolving door of family. Val's Uncle Marc came and dropped off her gift, because he had been working since 8 the night before, and still had to work the night shift. He is a guard at the prison. Her Uncle Tim and Shelbie were at her first softball game of the season, unfortunately, they lost, but I am sure Shelbie did great, and I can't wait to see her play. Uncle Brian and Aunt Megahn came, but had to leave in the middle due to Breaking News. They both work at Channel 12. Uncle Joe came in late, because he had a (therapy ) client, that ran a little long. Aunt Nelle and Landon were there the whole time, and all I can say is thank goodness Estefany's parents served tamales at the reception. Right Landon? Aunt Suzy, Noah,and Connor also were there, Aunt Sherry, Aunt Marie, Gram-C, and Nanny and Buddy.My point is, that she felt very loved, because of the effort of her family, to see her. I know it was long, but noone complained, and the ones who could not be there, were very sorry, that other things came up, and sent their well wishes, too.

Mrs. Samms asked Nanny to be a Eucharistic Minister at Communion, but she got sick in the middle of the Mass, so Buddy stepped up and did it.

Val got her diploma. Or at least a little paper saying hers was on the way.

Here's some more pics to enjoy!

Summer= Salad

Val loves salad! With ranch dressing. We have a lot of salad in the summer. I don't like to do anything that makes the house hot, so we eat a lot of sandwiches and salad when it is hot. I cook too, but I prefer the house to be as cool as possible at all times.

I made this pretty salad for the sport banquet. I like the colors.

That's all.

Sport Banquet

Val's last and Emily's first.

Val was named Miss Tiger for her basketball team, the only member of the team to receive this honor all 3 years. She also was the only person there that quadruple lettered. Volleyball, Cross country, Track and Basketball.

Emily was named Miss Tiger for Volleyball, Track, and Basketball. She was the only person in the history of the award to receive this honor for every sport she participated in, in one year.

Very Proud!

Worlds of Fun is actually a World of Fun

Their Last Great Adventure Together!

Not Val and Mark's though. Just the class. I love this pic of the 2 of them. I bet you $5 Gram copies it. She won't be able to resist these cuties!

Hey Hey What Do You Say- Today Is Declared Emily Day

Since Val and Mark went to Worlds of Fun today, I declared this day for all things Emily.

We started with breakfast at McDonald's. She loves the McSkillet burrito.

Next, we had to pick up our Angel Food delivery, but she was a good sport for this, because next.....

We went to the mall. We shopped, and looked around. Emi bought 2 pairs of shorts at Limited Too, and the most totally awesome sunglasses at Claire's ever. I would take a pic but Val took the camera. Tomorrow.

We also ate lunch at Towne East, because there is nothing better than Food Court food.

Now we are home, where we are watching iCarly, and then Evan Almighty, then I don't know what else will come up, but we are having fun.

I suggest everyone get an Emily to hang out with. They are awesome.

Wrinkles

Our protector.

I Don't Heart Cats

Mark never has either, but wtf?????

Actually, I have very strong feelings against felines. It is very deep inside of me. We never had a cat growing up, we were dog people, when I was younger, I heard a story about a boy who had his face clawed off when he was taking a nap, by a kitty that jumped up on the bed with him. Of course, now I do not think this is a true story, but things stick with me. So, I guess you could say I have never given cats a chance. And, I never will.

I have been around cats of course. First there was L.T., then Kaycee, and Fisher, but I never get too close. I am sorry if I spelled their names wrong. I am sure I probably did. I think it is part of the distancing process.

These cats have never done anything to me, I think cats freak me out because they are so quiet.

Anyway, if you think my feelings toward cats are weird, I will have to tell you about splinters sometime. That one is a doozy!!!!

PS Val named the cat Buster. Mark feeds it every night. Emily is undecided on her feelings. Wrinkles and I are opposed.

The Graduates

These are my very favorite graduates of the year! Tim graduated first weekend of May. Shelbie last night, and Val will on Tuesday.

They are a smart looking bunch of people aren't they?

This is our future.

Wow!

They are my faves though. Each one has worked really hard, and it has finally paid off. It has taken them different amounts of time and effort to achieve this goal, but they have done it, and I am proud of all of them.

And Ashley, graduating from Northwest.

And Carol Ann, graduating from Trinity.

And Shelley, graduating from Father Ryan's.

And everyone else, I just did not mention.

Pizza Amore

Shelbie made this pizza platter for me in her ceramics class. It was supposed to be a christmas gift, but they broke it or lost it or something when it was fired, so anyway, I just got it last night.

Not a bad deal. I go to her graduation, and I get the gift! We took her one too, though.

Anyway, we are pretending to eat it. It was delicious! She is a very talented little lady!

Thank you Shelbie, I absolutely adore it! I will have you over for pizza soon!!!!!!!

I Heart Shelbie

I think I will start an I Heart Shelbie club. I can do that, because, with her, I am very choosey, and I have picked her as my favorite niece.

Shelbie was recognized yesterday, as being a 5th grader going to Santa Fe next year as a 6th grader. I think she has always gone to Northridge,the school she is at now, but it is time to move on. Her school only goes to 5th grade. So to commemorate a school event, a Shelbie quiz: Get your pencils ready. Only #2 allowed.

Does Shelbie like gum? Yes

Is Shelbie able to swallow her gum in front of a crowd of people? After more than one try, yes

Is Shelbie the class clown? She was last night.
Can she sing with a straight face? I don't think so

Does she like lemonade and cookies, and ice cream? Yes

Was she one of the kids that had not taken her planet project home yet? Yes

Was this one of the most enjoyable concerts I have ever attended? Yes

Is Shelbie my favorite niece? Yes. I can say this without a shadow of a doubt. And, since she has only 2 other aunties, I am sure they would agree, but it would probably be a tie, with other nieces, since they both have more than one, but I don't, so I can step up to the plate (softball reference, since she's playing this year), and declare to the world, that I HEART SHELBIE AND SHE IS MY FAVORITE. I don't even have to add 5th grader, or middle, or 11 year old, or anything, she's just Shelbie.

Just don't ask me to do the same with my nephews. Then, I would have to be more specific.

This is getting long, and I do have more pictures to post with little stories later on,so I will just say once more that I am super proud of Shelbs. She's the best!

Loves and Hugs,

Auntie

Ding Dong the witch is dead....

Mrs. Samms, the principal, is out of the school building today. All day! She has to go to KU to pick up her son, who has to be out of the dorm by 24 hours after his last final, which would be 8 tomorrow morning, so she is going today.
She is not really a witch, of course, but is not the most personable either. There is a different vibe in the school when she is gone. My kitchen cohorts and myself always enjoy it. She rarely has anything to do with us, day to day, but the teachers get so giddy about her being gone. These are grown men and women. It is funny to watch.
Anyway, she will be back tomorrow, hopefully with a plan for music for graduation.

I haven't had much to say lately.

Life gets away from me sometimes. I haven't had much to say since last weekend. Not much going on this week, except getting ready for this weekend and next week too. Tonight though, my sweet Shelbs is having her 5th grade recognition. She goes to a different school next year for middle school. We are going to Newton, to watch the festivities. I will take some pix and write a little something about it tonight.

Off the subject, does anyone know where to get light up royal blue ice cubes for a punch bowl????

Mothers Day

The pic of Val does not have red eye. Isn't that cool? We just figured out how to remove it, so I just wanted to show you.
The other pics are the girls holding what they gave me for Mothers Day. Emily made a rose out of 2 Hershey Kisses. Then, she and Val ate it. Val made me a cute card.

We had a picnic in the park with my mom and family. It was fun. Then,Mark made pizza and we had cake at G-Crackers house.
At the park, I will always remember Megahn wanting to beat up a little boy and chickening out of going on the walkway that runs above the highway. It freaked me out!!!!

Anyway, hope yours was as good as mine!

PS-I think Val looks like Malibu Barbie now.

Happy Mothers Day

To all the mommy's who read my blog!

M is for all the money you always give your kids
O is for often worrying about them
T is for the time you spend doing things for them
H is for all the hug, loves and kisses
E is for everything they need, we give, and a lot of what they want too
R is for rest and relax today!!! And have fun!

The Dairy Queen Story

Val and I both have a weakness for the butterscotch dipped cones at Dairy Queen. You can only get them at a Dairy Queen store or at the one at Towne West. Towne East does not sell them. Unfair!
Anyway, my story. Yesterday, when we went to Carlos OKelleys, Val left her wallet on accident. She realized it when we were at church last night, so I slipped out and made some calls home and to her grandma's to see if they knew what happened to it.
Grandma called the restaurant and they had it, so we went there after we ate dinner (Mark BBQed salmon. It is awesome!).
It was just Val and I and we passed that Dairy Queen on the way there, so she said we should get ice cream. Now, we did not have Emily or Mark with us, so stupid me, said call home and see what they would like.
Mark wanted a banana split, Emily wanted a hot fudge sundae. So, we order and pay, and get the dipped cones too, and they start handing the cones out, and the banana split, but there are no lids to fit on the sundae, so I tell Val she has to hold it.
Did you know that not only were we a good 15 minute drive from home, our DQ ice cream was all soft serve.
It was chilly last night, but we drove home with the air conditioning on full blast and after I ate my cone, I took the sundae from Val, who was holding it in front of the vents, while eating her cone, while also balancing the banana split on her leg as close to the vent as she could get it.
Her little fingers were frozen solid! Mine were too, by the time we got home.
The sundaes were edible when we got home, but I don't think the hot fudge was too hot. Still good though!
Lesson Learned. If you are buying sundaes for someone, they must be with you at the time of purchase!!!!! Right Val?

Makeover Saturday

Val also was treated to a day of beauty. I took her for the cut and color thanks to Sara and her scissor magic! Then, after lunch with Gram-C, Emily and I left and they went on to Beau Monde for a makeup lesson. Gram cannot stand young girls with orange faces! This was her graduation gift and Val LOVES it. She can't stop fussing in the mirror. Thanks, G-C you are one awesome Chick!!!

Besides, the lesson, Val also got all the makeup,so she can transform on a regular basis.

This was a very special day for her!

Before and After

Emily's story.

Sports are over. Summer is almost here. Time for a haircut. Emily had very long thick hair, and now thanks to Sara and her magic scissors, she has the cutest layered bob ever. EVER!!!

After beauty comes hunger,so we met up with Gram cracker and enjoyed lunch at Carlos O Kelly's. Then G-cracker took Val for her Graduation gift. I will post that when she gets home later.

Emily's new saying? DON'T HATE ME BECAUSE I'M BEAUTIFUL!!!!!

Valleri- 4 year old preschool

Mrs Simons was Val's preschool teacher. Her son, is a year younger than I am, so he was in my brother's class all the years we grew up, so I have always known her.

She loved Val, and still does. I talked to her yesterday, and she could not believe those kids were already going to high school.

This is what I remember from Val's time in preschool.

Mothers Day tea party

ABC song

pink Barbie backpack

Pumpkin Patch

Butterfly Farm

her first class parties

I was her room mother

learning the prayers

snack time

Rode a horse for the one and only time of her life

EEKS!!! I just realized I put in a kindergarten picture of her. DUH!!! I don't know how to take them out, so imagine her a bit shorter, with no glasses, and there you have it.