It's My Party and I'll Give Away CDs If I Want To

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Timestamp: 2008-09-01 00:54:57 UTC
(that's YOU KELLY!)

and it was so fun that I decided to do it again!
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Timestamp: 2008-09-01 00:55:23 UTC
(that's YOU Mo!!)

and one more time just for good measure (well, THREE is a good amount of winners, afterall, my age does begin with a 3!!)
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Timestamp: 2008-09-01 00:55:37 UTC
(my sis! the interviewee! Angie!)

While I was hoping more readers would de-lurk (there are about 50 different readers each day, but only 16 comments?), that was definitely fun. I wish I was loaded, I'd do giveaways all the time!! I will be mixing, burning, & sending the three winners their CDs this week. Thanks for playing!

OMG! It's Phyllis! What a bday treat!

This is so great, there's no way I could make it up...

So, hot hubs takes me on my birthday date. To my favorite restaurant.

When the hostess walks us to our seat, I casually glance at those dining around us.

That's when I spied her.

Phyllis from my favorite show.

I sat down across from Jeff & couldn't contain myself,

"Oh My Gosh!, It's Phyllis!!"

Trying to figure out what the heck I was talking about, he turned around & saw her.

"No way. NO WAY."

We were still trying to make sure it was really her. I mean, for crying out loud, we live in the central US, there aren't a lot of celebs frequenting our city. Let alone, my favorite eating establishment, where the priciest dish is a $20 surf & turf.

"Okay, I'm going to go to the bathroom & when I walk by her, I'll make sure it's really her."

So hubs confirmed. And then I did my walk to the restroom wherein I took a different route (oh yah, that'll really look inconspicuous).

IT WAS SO TOTALLY PHYLLIS.

But while I was gone, my hubby whose forwardness can surprise me on occasion, actually approached her. He apologized for interrupting dinner & conversation, but explained that it was his wife's birthday, who is a huge fan. Would Phyllis be so kind as to gift me with an autograph & photo after finishing dinner?

He said she was super gracious about it.

It was so funny watching servers, bus-boys, etc., finding things to do around her table. The waitress gave them like 200% better service than us (don't blame her!).

So, as Phyllis & her mother finished up, paid their bill, she - as promised - made her way over to the table. She had already written me a birthday note (she had thought to ask Jeff my name). She introduced herself & shook my hand. She couldn't have been any sweeter, my goodness. She was so down to earth. She saw my soup & said, "Oh, isn't that soup great?!" She talked a little about the new season & how funny it is. But that she hopes we'll think it's funny (who is she kidding?!!)!!

So, we posed for the photo. Afterward I gave her a big hug. Heck, I feel like I know her....almost asked her if Bob Vance was waiting at home. She even introduced us to her mom & asked me which birthday it is. When I told her, she said, "Oh, you're young."

Then, she suggested that someone take a photo of all 3 of us.

Then, she made some more small talk. Shook our hands again, told us to take care.

What a nice lady.

And WHAT A FUN BDAY!!!!! This one goes down in the books!!

PS If you haven't yet entered the contest below, hurry!!

Birthday Eve: A bday interview & Contest at the End

So, this is my BIRTHDAY EVE & I think it's only fitting to pay tribute to, um, eh, I guess myself, with a birthday interview.

I interviewed my mom last year, so I will interview someone who looks like her. None other than my BF & sis.

Some of this will be boresville to some of you, but this blog is all about documenting memories for the sake of my children & their children. I thought these questions would not only make me laugh to hear Angie's replies but would also be neat for my kiddos to read someday.

• Do you remember when M & D told you they were pregnant? I remember when Mom & Dad sat us down at the kitchen table to tell us the news that you were on the way. They had us start guessing what we thought they were going to tell us.....I think we were saying things like, "a new refrigerator, washer/dryer, new car, etc." I am pretty sure we were extremely surprised and happy that we had a baby brother or 'stister' on the way. And yes, Gabe, Aunt Gi had problems saying a couple of words too....so don't worry.

• Do you remember where you stayed when mom was in hosp delivering me? I think, but am not sure, that Alice came and stayed with us. We had school, and of course, we didn't get to miss. I was and still am a worrier by trade, so my entire 7 and 8 yr old time span was filled with worries if Momma and you were going to be okay and healthy.
  
• Do you remember the day they brought me home from hospital? I remember you were dressed in a pretty little yellow outfit...I think it was a dress set. You were SO cute.....tiny, petite, looked like a little doll. And I couldn't wait to get to hold you.
  
• I can't not think about the memory of me eating/destroying your Geo Washing bio creation you worked so hard on. Do you remember that? Okay, that has been a sore-spot for many years now. haha I worked SO hard and LONG, you see I was the slow-poke that Zitzman yelled at in art. Anyway, I was so proud of the George Picture....but I was also so excited to run to the bedroom and see you, that when I got to you, I carelessly laid it down too close to your exploring, 6 mo old fingers and mouth. When Mom discovered you, the picture had been sucked on, crinkled, and was beyond recognition!
  
• When did I cross the bridge from annoying sissy to friend? (or have I not crossed the bridge yet? ;) Hmm, let me see.....we actually fought right up until I married. That seems hard to comprehend, doesn't it? However, those times were kinda when we got too rough with wrestling and picking at each other, and then one of us would get mad and it would escalate into a fight. I would say you gradually quit irritating me when you saw I was 'cool' and you wanted me to drive your little self to the pool, to the mall, and let you borrow clothes and accessories. So probably age-wise I was 20 and you were 12.
  
• Do you remember how many kleenexes I used at your wedding? Are we counting boxes or individual tissues? :-)
  
• Did it get on your nerves to have a sibling so much younger? Let's see....I guess you want me to be honest....yes you got on my nerves at times! Especially when I was in the 7th grade and into boys! You would get on the other phone line while I was chatting with guys and would spy. I would threaten you to hang up and of course you wouldn't listen. Then it would heat up and I would say something mean, you would then get off and go tattle. And then Mom would make me get off the phone and sometimes ground me.
  
• Do you remember when you threw that bowl of (baby) cereal at me? Who? Me?
  
• Do either of my kids remind you of me when I was little? Actually both of your kiddos remind me of you in certain ways. Flynn looks like you and her actions are very similar to your's. I heard all about the drama production she wrote and produced last month....and it reminded me of you and how you and Jeremy would put on dramas/circuses, etc. Gabe has always reminded me of you....I know his skin & hair color is different, but he has a look in his eyes that resembles you.
  
• What's your fondest memory of growing up w/ a sister? There are SO many wonderful memories...a sister is one of the best things Mom & Dad ever did for me. It's really tough to narrow down the places in my heart that mean so much when I reflect. I think back to all the fun times we had 'tormenting' Dad with our physical and verbal tauntings, emotionally abusing the ice cream man (you were cynical even at such a young age). I remember taking you to get your license (Mom got mad if I remember correctly); that was exciting. Honing in on a particular memory, I would say my favorite one is decorating the Christmas tree each year with you. We loved digging out the old handmaid ornaments, stringing real popcorn to make garland, while listening to the holiday albums on the old stereo.
  
• Do you remember when you dared me to run around the house (in front of John Robertson, who in my memory, somewhat resembled Trey Ames), IN MY SUPERWOMAN UNDEROOS? YES, I remember. Why did I do that? Especially since he & I liked each other....why would I do that to him and you? I'd probably be thrown in juvie hall today if I did that. Not to mention, I would be so mad at Mattie if she made KK do that.

• Would you please come home...Forever? Well, I will be home for Christmas.....and I doubt I will live in California forever! Maybe when we retire we will be neighbors.....we can go to garage sales and buy for our grandkids! I miss you too Sis. You are the best sister and friend anyone could have. And of course you win the world's "BEST AUNT" award hands-down. My girls are so blessed to have Aunt MeMe. Happy Birthday....we love you!

Now, since it's my party & I can give away prizes if I want to....well, that's what I'll do.

And since I get lots of compliments on the MUSIC I have on my blog. That's what I will give away.

I think I'll go random drawing again. So, leave a comment & tell me your favorite color. That will be your entry. Whomever gets chosen by random integer will receive, via mail, a CD compiled by DJ Jazzy Mix'Amy. And I promise you will likey.

Now, it's time to go get my paintin' duds on again. Happy Friday!

*Contest Ends Sunday!*

The UNChurch

Man alive, I wish I could be an elementary student at our church.

In NINE days, we launch our own service, KidsPoint, which will include high-energy worship, dramas, & stories.

This has been what I've spent my evenings on this week:

O yes, that IS an orange refrigerator in that panel. With a soon-to-be smiley-face cookie jar atop.

I'm one of the luckiest children's directors around. With a team of EXTREMELY talented peeps, who have a HUGE heart for Jesus & the kids we serve.

Monday, a crew cut wood, made all the panels.

Tuesday, we finished the panels & covered each with muslin (enter, killing my knees).

Wednesday, we began projecting the sketches & started to paint (did I mention the orange fridge?)

Thursday, we painted some more (by the way, at 10:30 last night, I grocery shopped at Dierbergs with green paint on my face. no one said a thing).

Tonight, will we finish?

Lotsa work & lotsa worth it. These kids are going to see how fun church can be. If they weren't into it before, they will be now. The word will be presented to them in a whole new way... that I'm sure they'll remember.

AND

I get to wear a wireless mic, like Garth Brooks.

An Email to Gi

Aunt Gi emailed Flynn yesterday. I read it to Flynn & she was ready to reply. So she climbed up in my lap & as she talked, I typed.
It was too cute to go undocumented:

(COMPLETELY dictated, word for word)
Dear Aunt Gi,

I love you too. I'm gonna send another email for you.
I'll give you lots lot lots of hugs before you go back to California. And a lotta kisses too. You will come back when you move to another house, that's close to our street. (I like her thinking).
I like school a lot. There's a boy named Cooper. He's icky. He has a medicine bag too that hangs by mine. (he has a latex allergy) My teacher is Miss Debbie. Miss Jenny. Miss Cindy. Miss Jo. (Miss Jo is actually gone this year, but, apparently she still thinks she's her teacher). Miss Joann.
My birthday is coming up soon (it is???). It was gonna be after Gabe's birthday. We wrapped presents for Mom. It has stuff in it. We couldn't tell you the stuff in it. Because, it's going to be a secret.
We really really really love you.
I want you to know that I have allergies. I can't have milk or cheese or chocolate.
I love you berry much. I'll send you another message when.... I'll send you lots of messages. I will send you a card with a care package.
I love you very much.Bye-bye.
Love,
Flynn
Aunt Gi: Flynn loves you very much much much much.
The end.

Museum of Transportation

One Saturday the Frost family invited us to the Museum of Transport, to check out... none other than, TRAINS.

(how long do her legs look here?!!)

(Flynn & her good pal Delaney)

(Best of friends: Gabe, Flynn, Delaney, & Trey)

The Many Faces of Flynn

"Hey Mom, take some pictures of me."
"Just like this."

"Take one now."
"OK, let me see it."
"Take one now."
"What did that look like?"
"Okay now. One of my eyes."
"Get closer."

"Get one of me saying 'rurr'."
"Oh, that was a good one, haha..."
"Okay, I'm going to jump up & get one of me doing that."
"One more Mom!"

I've come to the conclusion that Flynn is actually a Who!

The Greatest Show on Earth

Ladies! and! Gentlemen! Children of all ages!

A couple of weeks ago, I found this pink hat & tie at the dollar store.

And was inspired (I use that word loosely) to have a family night, Circus Style...

because, well, it usually is a circus here anyway.

Our dinner was clown faces comprised of cherry tomatoes for eyes & noses, cucumber smiles & ears, brocoli hair... with a side of grilled chicken breast & soy cream cheese (as a dipping sauce) tinted red (pink).

For dessert, barnum's animal crackers -- off a barnum plate.

After eating our clown faces, we decided to create clown faces with BINGO dobbers & elbow mac. Jeff is clearly proud of his creation.

Then there were carnival games to be played, inspired by genius (Flynn).

Including the ONE RING GAME: little balls being tossed through the hula hoop.

Also a crowd pleaser are foam rings being caught by the big orange bowl on Momma's head.

And my bargain game from a garage sale, the tossing game.

Candy of course, must be included...

so we used our candy as sticky animals in their cages (paper).

The final act of the night included our circus kids picking out something for Daddy to juggle.

The only rule was that it must be edible.
So after our final act, we enjoyed necterines!

When The Cats Away

Or rather, when the brother is asleep,

the sister will play with all his birthday presents.

[Taken post bday party, while Bubs was napping.]

How Does She Know This Stuff?

During bedtime:

"Mom, since California is so far away, is it morning there?"

Tagged - La...La...La

This one is titled, " The 7 Song Tag".
I'm supposed to list my seven favorite songs for this summer. This shouldn't be hard, as I LOVE music (as if it's not apparent when you visit my blog & here the tunes strike up as soon as my page loads).
What could be hard is narrowing that down to seven. But I'll give it a go!:

• You're Gonna Miss This -- Trace Atkins (not only the iTunes purchases proceeds benefit FEAST, our allergy group, but the words make my eyes water...our kids are growing up too fast!)
• Lose My Soul -- Tobymac (w/ KirkFranklin + Mandisa [remember her from Idol?]) This one can get you up dancing in your church shoes
• Ballad for My One True Love -- Mason Jennings (on my playyer, down there [insert down arrow here]) This song makes me feel like I'm sipping countrytime lemonade under a shade tree with Hot Hubs + our 2 cutes babes
• Quiet Town -- Josh Rouse (this song makes me wish I lived in the city. and props to anyone who whistles in their song.)
• Mercy -- Duffy. I'm sad that some tv show used this song to promote their new episodes coming this fall (not that I would know since we got rid of our tv), as I only like things (names, colors, styles, songs, etc) that aren't popular or 'over-used'. ANYWAY, what a fun song that makes me want to do the backstroke. It also makes me want to do that one thing like cat eyes that I once saw catwoman doing while dancing on the original batman & robin show back in the 60s (clearly a re-run I was watching, as I wasn't even a gleam in my parents' eyes in the 60s).
• Down to Earth -- Peter Gabriel. First of all, who doesn't love Peter? And who doesn't love his last name? I love it, so does Gabe. This song is from Wall*E. Which we saw w/ my nieces while they were home for a visit. And I miss them. So anything that makes me think of them is a winner.
• Anyone Else But You -- Moldy Peaches. This totally sounds like something I would make up which I'm known to do quite often, when I find myself singing something & don't know the words.

So there we have it! I'm supposed to pass this on to seven friends. Except, I don't have seven friends.
Just kidding.
How about, if you want to do this on your blog, you can! Sound fair? And if you decide to, why don't you comment here that you were a comformist & fell under pressure you got tagged too.

Happy 3rd Birthday Gabe

The day after your arrival. Waiting to be 'released' from the hospital.

Aug 23 '05

Daddy's favorite boy

Oct '05

Momma's little hat-wearer, winter' 06

Dearest Gabe,

Sissy & Bubby
Easter '06





This was a birthday I knew I'd have a hard time with. Because this year, you officially leave toddlerhood to cross that huge bridge into preschoolhood. And now Momma no longer has a baby... and because of that, I hope you don't mind if I keep babying you. You are my baby afterall.



Struttin' around in your wedding duds

Oct '06

So much has happened in this year of you being two. What stands out the most is that this is the year we saw a drastic development in your speech (thanks to a little intervention). You grew even taller (not much heavier). Your feet & head aren't quite as big as they used to seem - I guess you kind of 'grew into them'.

2nd beach trip

july '07

You recognize most of the letters in the alphabet & every letter's sound. You know all your colors. You know your bedtime prayer. And your favorite song is still TWINKLE, TWINKLE. Your favorite thing right now is SPIDERMAN. You also love trains & cranes, bulldozers, dump trucks. You're not too shabby at kicking around the soccer ball & are very 'rough & tumble' just like a boy your age should be.

2nd bday

aug '07

Much like your sister, you appreciate the arts. Like watching her do her ballet. And joining with her in an art project, painting preferably.

You love getting visitors & watch them leave at the window, complete with seeing their vehicle make its final exit up the subdivision street.



One of your favorite places to go is church. As soon as we round the corner & you see the building (which happens to be a high school), you start shouting, "Church! Church!" This was the year that your class at church became fun for you, rather than a place I left you crying.




You love to dance & act silly. It's already very clear that you have a talent in singing & I've never heard you lose pitch. You sing to be drawn to the guitar & piano.




You have some great friends, like Trey & Owen... you still get excited to see Alex & Baby Aidan, you know Connor & Riley's house when drive by it, and love all of your cousins.




You are nuts about your Grandparents & love to see them. And while I'd be surprised to know you've learned your days of the week, I wouldn't doubt it if you knew exactly when Monday rolls around, as it's your day with Papa.




Your smile is contagious. Your dimple is resistable. And your gravelly laugh can't be forgotten by anyone who has heard it.




My sweet boy, I hope you never change. I hope you never lose your sensitivity that at times drives me crazy. Don't forget the things that Momma & Daddy ("Day") have taught you... that God loves you & wants to be your friend. That you are special & can be anything you want to be.

Even Spiderman.




I love you Gabe & pray special blessings for a wonder-filled, healthy, & joyful year...




Love,

Momma

xoxoxo

3 Years Ago...

This:

was about to become this:

Happy almost birthday to my baby boy, Gabe

and to Baby Jack.

I'm a Cheap Date

free southern style chicken sandwich:

http://www.facetheglory.com/?bannerid=coupon

they ask for your name, birthdate, & email address...
then you hit print!

i was able to print one in my name/info + one in jeff's.

Hair Model

How fun! I was able to be a hair model for a L'Oreal Representative at HCX (I highly recommend if you're in the STL area!, this place is great!!).

I am soooo happy to be back to my natural color. (speaking of au naturale, excuse my just-woke-up, absolutely not one drop of make-up, self in this photo).

My hair is mostly my natural almost-black with some highlights through the area that would be where a headband would be worn. These highlights are actually the color that my natural highlights area & are very very subtle.

Now...

if I could just get my hair to stay this way...

What a Fun Wednesday

Not only did Jeff have one more flexible day (only soccer practice), but I have the opportunity to do something fun today.

I'm not being detailed enough...

I kind of got 'selected' (for lack of a better description) to do something today.

Something I otherwise wouldn't be able to afford; nor would I have taken the time out for.



If it goes as I plan (& hope), I'll be happy to share photos later.



Any guesses?

School Days...

First day (of 2nd year) of Preschool...

Next year, my baby going to kindergarten...

it's going to be harder than I thought.