Happy Turkey Day!

In honor of Thanksgiving (Turkey Day), I just had to post this photo I took yesterday next to my friend's house (yes, in a suburban neighborhood) of a wild turkey. Makes me feel a little guilty about the semi-frozen one sitting in my refrigerator. It was quite a day for wild birds because last night Caleb spotted a wren flying around the living room. This morning when we woke up he was sitting on Terry's guitar. We're not sure if he's still in the house or not. I saw Terry running around with a broom this morning but no one actually saw the bird fly out of the house. This is a first for us. Since it's after midnight, Josh informed me that it's offically Thanksgiving. So in honor of all the turkeys that survived like the one in this photo and in memory of Terry's 12th great grandfather, Governor William Bradford of the Mayflower, have a blessed and relaxing Thanksgiving Day!

A Christmas Carol

It's Thanksgiving Eve and we just came back from our annual trek to see "A Christmas Carol." This year we saw it at the Kansas City Repertory Theater near the Plaza. It is perhaps one of the best productions we've ever seen. Amazing talent. Incredible sets, costumes, and it even snowed (in the theater). The Feldmans joined us this year and took this photo for us. As you can see, both boys got haircuts today. Doesn't Josh look so grown up? He's actually 2 inches taller than I am even though this photo doesn't look like it (my secret is in the heels). We came home to see the Christmas lights all aglow in front of our house that I slaved over this afternoon. My hands and nails look horrible, but it was worth it to see how the lights magically mark the arrival of Christmas. OK... tomorrow is actually Thanksgiving, but after seeing the play, I'm filled with the Christmas spirit. In two weeks we kick off our big annual Christmas production at COR which runs for 4 days (5 performances) and both Caleb and I are in it again this year. Since I'll be so busy with that (including hosting the opening night after show brunch at our house for the production team) I was hoping to get a jump start on the decorations during this quiet Thanksgiving weekend. I'm glad we are staying home this year and cooking for just the 4 of us. (Turkey, ham, sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, Sister Shubert rolls, corn, apple pie & cinnemon ice cream, pecan pie, and sweet potato pie ... ok, so we love desserts!) Friday is my day of shopping (crazy but oh, so fun). Saturday is the Iron Bowl (Roll Tide Roll)! Then Sunday brings Rob Webster and Shane Segars all the way from Alabama. Rob is starting his new job at COR on Monday and, well, Shane is along for the ride. Did someone say "road trip?" We are so excited that Rob will be staying with us until he, Lauren, & Bennett move into their rental house in January.  We were all part of starting the Contemporary Worship service at Frazer UMC in Montgomery together 8 years ago and it going to be great to be together again.   Well, Happy Thanksgiving and "God Bless Us Everyone!"

Confirmation

This photo was taken after Josh's Confirmation ceremony. He went to classes every Sunday for 10 weeks to prepare for this day. Now he is officially recognized by the church as an adult. Wow. Where did the time go? He had a lot of great experiences during the 10 weeks and met several new friends. There were 176 confirmands! And that was just the fall class. Highlights were Metamorphasis weekend, Harvesters Mission project, and the Confirmation retreat. They even started a new Vibe service on Sunday mornings in October for the young and hip. So, of course we go there with Josh now. They haven't kicked us out yet! We are blessed to have such a great church.

Let's Dance!

Today after I read my GPS (Grow Pray Study) guide that I receive each day on my iphone, I surfed on over to one of our blogging pastor's site for his response. It was on Jeff Clinger's blog (www.changingtobringchange.wordpress.com) that I was really inspired by his comments on November 7th - Contagious Energy - Organizing Community - Starting Churches? . I had somehow missed the story and internet fame of Matt. If you missed it, please click on Jeff's blog and watch the videos. Jeff is right. If this guy can influence that many people with his silly dancing, then how much more can we do if we connect a worthy purpose with all that fun. I want to be a part of a greater purpose and see it spread like an infectious virus around the world, don't you? I'm ready. So, any ideas on how we can do this?

Are you ready for some Football?

    
Caleb's first season of flag football has come to a close but that hasn't stopped him.  He's already gearing up (literally) for next year when he'll be old enough for tackle.  Just last night he was playing football in the basement while watching Monday night football.  Did San Francisco win?  Hope so... I love their coach Mike Singletary (Da Bears!).  Thought you'd enjoy a couple photos of our major sports fan at his Bulldogs' end of season pizza party!  Here he shows off his Trophy with friends & classmates, Tyler & Jake.  On the right are Tyler & Jake's dads and our Bulldog coaches, Brian & Bob.  Great season Bulldogs!

Did you vote?

How did you celebrate election day?  Did you get your free star shaped Krispy Kreme donut for breakfast, then drive by Starbucks for a free "I voted" coffee, and wait in the long line for the free Chick-Fil-A election day sandwiches after you waited 2 hours to cast your ballot?  Well, Terry & I mailed our votes in early, so instead, we celebrated election night in our traditional way - watching the returns while eating Chinese food in front of the TV.  Even though hopes for a Republican victory were dashed when they announced Barack Hussein Obama's victory in my old hometown of Chicago's Grant park, we couldn't help but be inspired by the speeches of both McCain & Obama.  The world reaction to Obama's win was amazing.  Now the media is comparing the Obamas to the Kennedys because they are young, good-looking, and Democrats.  But, doesn't anyone remember how that one turned out?  Well, anyway.... he definitely has his work cut out for him.  Forget his health insurance plan....I just hope he can fix the stock market!  The scariest part of my day is opening up my statements from Lincoln Financial and TIAA Cref.  Well, now that the election is over, I already miss SNL's political skits with Tina Fey, Sara Palin, & John McCain.  What will I watch on Saturday night?  Oh well, there's always the Corbert Report.  But there's more!  I can just watch the exciting news stories about how Michelle Obama is going to re-decorate the White House and house train the new puppy!

Trunk or Treat!

This year we had a lot of fun decorating my new car for "Trunk or Treat" at the ATA Taekwondo Halloween party.  Spiders, skeletons, and webs... oh, my!  What you can't see in the photo are the enormous spiders that were crawling all over the car.  We even had a "misty" cauldron & creepy sound effects.  Caleb dressed up as a ... oh, how did you guess... a football player!  That's me sawing off Josh's head with his chainsaw.  And you thought the Adams Family was creepy... 

Walk for the Cure

Thanks to all of you who supported me in my Walk for the Cure, the day before my big "50" birthday!  I should delete this photo taken at the Legends shopping center in KC where the event was held, because I look terrible in it - I wasn't wearing my contacts.  Yes, I need to spring for some hip contemporary frames on those glasses.  Maybe some Tina Fey specs?  What do you think?  I did find a really cute pair with leopard print on the sides (you know how I love animal print).  That's my sister, Lisa, in the photo with us.  The weather was perfect and Tyler's Team raised over $10,000 to cure diabetes!  Now that's how I like to celebrate the first half century of my life.  

Check Your Hoses!

Yesterday, while washing a load of towels, the hot water hose burst and my neighbor Kelsey & I found ourselves surrounded by water in my kitchen & mud room.  Now I cook to the sound of fans and heaters trying to dry out my hard wood floors.  I'm praying the floors will flatten back out, but only time will tell.  Now why did we elect for that $1000 deductible on our homeowner's insurance?????  At least the washer is now fixed and I'm back to washing towels.  Maybe if we could have dried the floor quicker if I'd only been washing clothes instead.  The good news is that the drums in the "drum room" down in the basement below the laundry room did not get wet.  However, the rug they were sitting on was soaked.  Go figure.  Ours is not to question why.  So, now, get up and go check your washer hoses.  If they look remotely like this photo, replace them immediately!

Honey, I Shrunk the Van!

When Terry asked me what I wanted for my birthday this year (yes, it was the BIG one - half a century), I replied with, "Let's trade in the van!" I wanted to downsize - live smaller (literally). So, after a lot of research and test drives, I settled on a 2009 Honda Fit! Doesn't it look like we left our Odyssey in the dryer just a little too long? It's little like me, yet has 10 cupholders and lots of room to haul things! The good news is the savings. Yes, we're doing our part to keep our planet green -  I'm averaging almost 30 mpg in the city! Of course, now the price of gas has dropped dramatically, but, hey...I don't have to hang off the hatchback door to close it. It's so fun to drive, and it's the best compromise I could come up with since we all know that I'd rather have a Mini Cooper!

American Idol on Tour

For all you reality fans out there.... here's a news flash!  A couple of my girlfriends, their daughters and I went to see American Idol winner, David Cook, when he came "home" to Kansas City at the concert held at the Sprint Center.  I didn't know they made seats that high up!  It was downright scary.  The ride up there in the escalator was so terrifying that we had to take the elevator down, no matter how long the wait.  OK... next time we'll cough up the extra dough for the good seats.  But, hey!  We were there to scream with the best of them as David rose up through the stage floor, wearing his Kansas City Chiefs jersey, among the smoke and fanfare.  It was awesome.  Who needs to be a teenager.... we "girls" know how to have fun!  I would post a picture of the Idols (all the other 9 were great, too, but I'm a little too biased to give the others a line here.....) but my camera can't take decent photos that far away.  Anyway, here's one of us at the Sprint Center - not the best quality because iphones don't have flashes - and be sure to check out the T-shirts that the girls are wearing.  Yes, we had an Archaletta fan among us.  We love our Davids.

First Day of First Grade!

Caleb started first grade (all day) at Harmony Elementary today and here is a photo of him with his new teacher, Mrs. Runnels.  For the first time in 12 years I no longer have kids at home during the day.  This will be different.  I'm excited about getting caught up for the first time on so many unfinished projects, however, in some crazy way I'll miss the chaos of kids running around.  Most of all I'll miss Caleb's sweet smiling face during the day!

Patton Tigers Reunion

I can't believe I'm going to admit this, but I went to my 35-year Junior High School reunion at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas.  Don't do the math.... "I'll just save you the trouble - we're all pushing the half-century mark!  I was a Patton Tiger cheerleader and it was so fun reconnecting with my "old" Army Brat buddies.  Why "junior" high, you ask?  When you move as much as we did, it was a rare event that we got to stay in the same place for 4 years.  We were just a close bunch.  Since our old junior high school (Patton Jr. High) was celebrating it's 50th year, it seemed fitting for all of it's former students who are also turning 50 to celebrate together.  Here is a photo of us sitting in one of the classrooms at our old school.  We all had a blast! 

Florida Vacation

July ended with a week long vacation to Orlando & St. Pete! Even Terry joined us this year. We started off the week just-a-hoppin' at a new venue in Longwood called Rebounderz (basically a room lined with trampolines). The kids loved it. Had to go 2 days in a row. Then after a couple of days of successful back-to-school shopping with Lisa as my driver (yes, I broke my foot...but that's another story) we headed to St. Pete Beach and checked into the Tradewinds resort to celebrate nephew Jake's 1st birthday. Even my brother, John, & his family joined us for the party which my sister, Jenni did a beautiful job of setting up. Weather was great too. Click on my picasa photo album for more photos. It will be hard to go home to Kansas on Tuesday. Nothing beats the beach (says this girl born in Hawaii).  Yes, I did cut my hair - wanted a swing bob (all the rage in OP), but don't worry.... I'm growing it back out!

Lake of the Ozarks

Just had a relaxing weekend at Lake Ozark, Missouri, at the Eichner's (Ottawa's new Prez) lake house. Did a bunch of boating, eating and fellowship with Ottawa pals. Can't wait till the next Ottawa get-together after the Phoenix board meetings in February '09!

You're a Good Man Charlie Brown

Recently, I had the wonderful opportunity to see my niece, Kaley McLean (age 15), star as Lucy in You're a Good Man Charlie Brown. Here are a few photos from the play. Yep...she's a drama queen, just like her Aunt Mary!  You go, girl.

July 4th at Theater in the Park

I had to go back and post a photo of our fun evening at Theater in the Park on July 4th.  The play was "Beauty & the Beast" (orchestra conducted by our church music director, Kevin Bogan) and we went with our friends, the Feldmans.  I made my traditional flag cake, the weather was absolutely perfect, the fireworks were orchestrated to patriot music during intermission,.... who could have a better time?  And... it was free!  Some friends gave us comp tickets.... not that the admission of $5 per person is outrageous, but hey.... free is good.  We will definitely put this on our annual to do list!

Caleb's 7th Birthday Backyard Bash!

Since Caleb turned 7 on the last day of school this year, we decided to have a birthday party/end of year party and invited his entire Kindergarten class.  Due to rain we had to postpone it until Thursday, May 29th (instead of on May 27).  We turned our backyard into a campsite (tent, fire pit, and the whole works).  When the kids arrived at Camp Lots O' Fun, they checked in with the Camp Director (me!) and got their name badges.  Then they ate hot dogs & pretzels; they made visors & their own trail mix; they went on a nature hike with Camp Counselor Terry who taught them about conservation and keeping our earth green; they made s'mores (using skewers to roast their own marshmallows over the grill), they ate birthday cake & opened presents, and played tons of backyard games, including flashlight tag as it got dark.  They took home their flashlights, trail mix, canteens, compass whistles, visors, and even this group photo with a thank you note on the back.  Whew!  Mary & Terry are tired.... but happy to see the smiles on the kids faces.  Like Trace Atkins reminds us in his new #1 hit country song... kids grow up so fast and one day...."We're Gonna Miss This!"

Last Day of Kindergarten

Caleb celebrated his last day of Kindergarten on his birthday, May 27th.  Next year he'll be a first grader and gone all day like his big brother.  Maybe then Mom can catch up on her projects.  Or maybe she'll be too lonely without him... Almost like being an empty nester.  Here is a photo I made of Caleb's class that I framed and presented to their teacher on the last day of school.  I thought it turned out pretty cool.

It's a Morkie!

We have a new puppy! We adopted this precious Morkie from a connection Mary had with a friend at church. She was donated to a foundation to raise Aids awareness but it didn't work out and we came to the rescue. The puppy's twin sister is owned by Mary's friend Dena, so they will get to visit each other often. We've been calling her Abby....what do you think?