Did someone say SNOW????

We have lots and lots of it:) The kids are SO SO happy --- Brendan is especially happy because it gave him an extra 2 days of Winter Break ---

Check later there will be pictures to follow:)

525,600 minutes, 356 days, 52 weeks, 12 months...........

1 year............

It's been one year since Rick died. As with all my siblings I think of him daily. I think of what he has missed this year. I think of what he will miss in the year to come -- and it is going to be a HUGE year!!!! He has 3 of the MOST AMAZING KIDS!!!

I miss him.......plain and simply put I miss him!!!

Busy....Busy.....Busy....

That's what we have been -- but, that is par for the course this time of year. On Saturday we went with Steven, Sharlene and Matthew to hack down the annual tree-sicle:)

Here are some shots that I grabbed ----

Whitlee Jane is NOT happy - why?? She was told NOT to jump in all the mud puddles.

Matthew and Brendan playing tree or seek
Dude -- I can STILL SEE YOU!!

I can see you also!!!!

Still mad about the mud puddles!!!!

Look.........they are so sweet --- right before this Brendan tried to push Whitlee INTO a mud puddle!!!! Gotta love them:)

Cousins..............ahhhhhh!!!!!

I was able to do a mini photo shoot with Matthew - I love to photograph him just as much as taking shots of my own kids. When I was proofing these shots they just made my heart stop!! I love this kid:)

We have picked a tree.......

Jeff and Brendan thought this was funny!!!

The "Brendan is FREEZING" pose

Whitlee Jane "drinking" raindrops off the trees

Whitlee Jane singing the "I'm looking for a worm" song

Son, what are you doing with that saw????

Jeff - he decided was a Tree monster --- I still don't know what a tree monster is!!!

The Yamashita Family and their TINY TINY tree

Sharlene and Steven

Whitlee Jane "feeding" Uncle Steven a worm......Yummy!!

I'm outta here --- off to finish my 20 DOZEN sugar cookies!!!!

4:15 AM ---- BLACK FRIDAY............

I have never participated in "Black Friday" before --- The throngs of people has never "been my thing" --- I was at Joann's this morning at about 4:45 am -- I was 6th in line -- I was on a mission -- Cricut cartridges -- on sale -- $37.88 each -- normally they are $89 or $99 each. That is a deal I WILL GET UP FOR!!!!

I got what I wanted and was out -- home for a nap -- Feeling a bit off today - not sure if it is because I am tired or the fact I've been thinking of Hawaii A LOT!!! Tomorrow is the day -- the spreading of Ricks ashes -- I really want to be there -

That's all...................................

Sent From Steven..................................

A young man named John received a parrot as A gift. The parrot had a bad attitude and an even worse vocabulary. Every word out of the bird's mouth was rude, obnoxious and laced with profanity. John tried and tried to change the bird's attitude by consistently saying only polite words, playing soft music and anything else he could think of to "clean up" the bird's vocabulary. Finally, John was fed up and he yelled at the parrot. The parrot yelled back. John shook the parrot and the parrot got angrier and even ruder. John, in desperation, threw up his hand, grabbed the bird and put him in the freezer. For a few minutes the parrot squawked and kicked and screamed. Then suddenly there was total quiet. Not A Peep, was heard for over a minute. Fearing that he'd hurt the parrot, John quickly opened the door to the freezer. The parrot calmly stepped out onto John's outstretched arms and said "I believe I may have offended you with my rude language and actions. I'm sincerely remorseful for my inappropriate transgressions and I fully intend to do everything I can to correct my rude and unforgivable behavior." John was stunned at the change in the bird's attitude. As he was about to ask the parrot what had made such a dramatic change in his behavior, when the bird continued, "May I ask what the turkey did?

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

40 years and 1 day..........

Yesterday was my 40th birthday --- I'm not freaked out about turning 40 -- I'm just not - should I be??? It was a good day -- Whitlee woke up about 6ish and to quote her "Happy Birthday mom cause your old", she rolled over and went back to sleep. Life is just that easy when you are 4. It was a school day for Brendan -- he wasn't feeling well -- he and I went round and round about if he should go to school -- It was his first basketball game of the season - so he took some anti-nausea medicine and off he went. I really don't know how he made it through the day -- I'd say pure stubbornness -- Thankfully, he has a great coach -- when in the 2nd period Brendan turned completely white he pulled him out knowing something was wrong -- When he asked Brendan what did my son reply -- "nothing". At half time I took him a Gatorade and meds just in case ---- His coach asked my if Brendan was ok -- and I said no -- Let's just say he wasn't surprised that Brendan told him nothing was wrong:) He kept him out of the game until he had drank most of his Gatorade --- seriously, I don't know how the kid was standing.

We went to dinner at The Rock -- Brendan really really wanted to come home but managed to make it through dinner -- I am keeping him home and I don't know if he will go to school for the 1/2 day on Wednesday --- I'd rather have him get well than anything anything else!!!!!!

It was a good day -- and there wasn't a turkey cake in sight!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Guess where Brendan and I went?????

we went to see Twilight!!! Brendan wanted to see it!! I'm not sure if he really wanted to actually see the movie or if all the talk of the movie at school (by the girls!!!) peeked his interest OR if the fact that the guy that plays Jasper Cullen is from Auburn and went to Cascade Middle School -- maybe it was all of the above -- whatever it was I am glad that we went!!!! I wasn't holding out high hopes for the movies -- it is such an excellent book!!!! I liked it A LOT!!!! I didn't even mind paying full price (I hate paying full prices for a movie that sucks!!!!!) -- I'd even see it again!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!!!


Brendan took a couple of shots with his cell phone

The cast -- Jasper is the dude all the way to the right in the back.....................

I really thought that this was a stunning poster ---

Like I said I am glad that we went -- Brendan now wants to read the books -- I can't wait for the second one to come out --- I think Brendan and I will be catching the midnight showing of that baby!!!!!

Brendan has a parent/teacher conference.....

Well, truth be told Brendan had 5 parent/teacher conferences and 1 parent/coach conference....

BRAG ALERT!!!!
It was wonderful!!! I learned that Brendan is very smart, a hard worker, reliable, a joy to have in class, helpful, someone to count on and he always gives 110%

it was a good day to be a parent:)

Well done my son!!! Your Dad and I are so very proud of you!!!!!!! Your a rock star!!!

Random Thoughts........................

Today it has been 11 months -- it seems like 11 minutes -- missing still hurts -- memories bring smiles -- today has been 11 months.....................

I had an amazing conversation with my niece last night --- she is such an amazing woman!! She has and will continue to bring great things to this world. I am lucky to have her in my life:)

Someone I know is a bad ass hunter!!!!!

Great-Aunt by definition is a sister to the grandparent(grandfather or grandmother) -- now, I have a Great Auntie -- my children have AMAZING Great Aunties -- my question is am I old enough to be a great - auntie??? HELL YES!!!! Thrilled and excited are just a couple description words of what I am feeling -- sad, yes for what could have been - but you can't live there SO I CHOOSE TO LIVE IN THE NOW AND RIGHT NOW I AM SO FREAKING EXCITED!!!!

..............Now, some may shake their heads wondering.............that's OK --- I don't have specific permission to discuss anything further so I won't

Brendan brought home his 7th grade pictures a couple of days ago --- I can't believe how grown up he is. He is playing basketball -- Games start on the 24th -- he can't wait!!!! Got his report card -- straight A's!!! He was so proud - as he should be!!! We are so proud of him!!! His parent/teacher conferences are tomorrow -- I am interested in what his teachers have to say.

For Emily:)

Where is your mobile phone? pocket
Where is your significant other? computer
Your hair colour? greying
Your mother? gone
Your father? unapproachable
Your favourite thing? offspring
Your dream last night? peace
Your dream goal? organization
The room you're in? den
Your hobby? creating
Your fear? being alone
Where do you want to be in 6 years? alive
Where were you last night? book-club
What you're not? confident
One of your wish-list items? new kidney
Where you grew up? getto
The last thing you did? potty
What are you wearing? jeans
Your TV? CMA's
Your pets? Fish
Your computer? "Baby"
Your mood? content
Missing someone? always
Your car? mommobile
Something you're not wearing? shoes
Favourite shop? Ben Franklin
Your summer? relaxing
Love someone? yes
Your favourite colour? Purple
When is the last time you laughed? today
When is the last time you cried? Monday

To Emily.........Thanks...........grateful!!!

And the heart breaks...............

yesterday after Bob's service Brendan and I went to Sports Authority looking for a headband(he is so fighting cutting his hair). After he picked out the NON-1970's huge terry cloth one we went to Zumies (currently his favorite store) to check out possible Christmas presents. We were walking back through SA getting back to the car -- Brendan REALLY wants a guitar for Christmas. A real guitar -- I casually mentioned "ask Santa" -- the response was a smirk and shrug -- it literally stopped me in my tracks. I knew this day was coming --- He is 12 1/2 after all --- the pain from ripping my heart out was still there however -

Me: Whats the smirk for?
Brendan: Mom, I know that Santa isn't real
Me: (bursting into tears) Oh
Brendan: I didn't mean to make you cry
Me: It's been a rough day
Brendan: So, is now the time to tell you I know about the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy too!!
Me: I need a glass of wine:)
Brendan: Don't worry I won't tell Whitlee
Me: Just so you know you STILL have to do the Santa AND Easter Bunny photos
Brendan: Seriously?
Me: If you want the presents you play the game!!
Brendan: DEEEEAL....and I won't tell Aunt Ginger either
Me: Deal

So, with that my "baby" took yet another step towards adulthood. It turns out that he has known since last year -- evidently there was a HUGE lunchtime discussion -- He asked if he could "help" this year.............................................................. (heart breaking.............)

Today..................

was Bob's funeral --- Man I am going to miss him!!! His jokes were the WORST -- half the time they didn't make sense!! But it didn't matter:0). It was rough on Brendan -- Bob always treated him like a grandson. I was asked to bring my camera -- Bob was a Veteran -- The folding of the flag and Tapps brought tears!! I shot the entire thing as requested by Bob's wife. There were a couple of people offended but I don't care -- the people it really mattered to wanted me to do it and will treasure my photos for a lifetime!!!

I'll miss you Bob and every single one of your crappy jokes:)

Just BREATHE......take a second.....just breathe

really it is easy --- in and out in and out in and out..............................

Everyone is entitled to their opinion -- it is your right!!! It has been shocking to read some of the post or comments on peoples blogs --- seriously, people really.........are you so better than anyone else that you so quickly resort to name calling and direct attacks??? To so quickly jump to "you drank the kool-aid" or any number of equally rude and offensive remarks. Was it necessary to send the texts or the emails stating "all white people report to the cotton fields at 6 am for orientation?" How offensive - it makes me sad, it makes me want to throw up.

There is currently a majority out there (in the United States) that is happy -- there are people out there that are not - they are scared - for any number of reasons. Breathe, just breathe...

Is it your right to try to bully someone into your beliefs?? There are HUGE differences between the political parties. There are HUGE differences between Conservatives and liberals. It is the foundation of this country -- the differences are what makes this country a great place to live.

While no one is perfect -- it is not my place to judge -- I TRY to follow this -- am I perfect -- HELL NO. I wouldn't force my beliefs on someone I also don't want someone to force their beliefs on me. You can't tell me who I can or can't marry. I wouldn't dream of telling you. F.Y.I. allowing same sex marriages DOES NOT create openings for the "what if someone wants to marry a goat" situations. It is yet another knee jerk reaction for someone being scared. You cannot tell me what I can or can't do with my body - it doesn't matter what it is an abortion or botox (NO, I AM NOT COMPARING the two). I wouldn't dream of telling YOU what to do. Breathe....just breathe.

Not having the same beliefs is OK really it is. Breathe...............Nothing will be fixed overnight - it has taken YEARS to get to this place (we are talking decades here folks). Breathe............ My belief (remember everyone is entitled to theirs) is that we are on the right path. It's my belief - it doesn't need to be yours...I still love you for whoever you are:) Breathe......................

Come And Play In Eugene....

So, this past weekend (Saturday, November 1st) I went to Eugene, Oregon. Why would I go? Well, I have blogged about it before -- COME AND PLAY IN EUGENE!!! Joy, Toni and I drove 4 1/2 hours.............yes, that is right to Eugene and Jill's house. Now, I was SO excited to go:) Being creative AND Ali was going to be there -- I love her:0) I was a bit nervous -- I mean would I like Jill, Emily and Tricia???? What would it be like??? Joy kept assuring me it was casual - I'd love it - We'd have a BLAST. I thought Joy was smoking crack:)

There is a couple of things I learned on my trip to Oregon -- 1) No sales tax RULES:) 2) Subway has drive thru's as does Jamba Juice 3) If I take a road trip again and Toni is going LET HER DRIVE -- She is amazing and we made super good time:)

We got there a bit early -- we found a seat and settled in because we were there for a day.

Jill had some yummy cider goodness.............check it out

Me, Joy and Toni

The yummy table -- check out Ali's cheese flower -- she was SO proud
A group shot...

This is the REAL Ali Edwards!!! I adore her -- so creative

A "nice" shot
And a true shot of me:)

Me, Tricia (From Cocoa Daisy) and Jill

Emily and me

It was a wonderful day and night --- Spending time with such creative and beautiful people. My "think outside the box" mojo is refilled. I can't wait to do it again:) If I learned one thing I learned this......If you are cooking a frozen lasagna -- TURN ON THE STOVE:) Wait I learned 2 things...Pizza hut pasta is good!!!! Thanks ladies YOU SO TOTALLY ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!

Something heard.............

In this election...

In this moment...

Let us reach for what we know is possible...

A nation healed...

A world repaired...

An America that believes again.

~~President-Elect Barack Obama

A Little Bit Of Halloween................

Thought I'd share a bit of Halloween - since it is NOVEMBER!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We went Trick or Treating with Steven, Sharlene And Matthew. I think the kids had fun..........Enjoy

Brendan as Slash from Guns N Roses -- I'd like to say it was my wonderful rocker influence but, alias, it is because of Guitar Hero!!!!

Whitlee...She wanted to be a MUMMY -- that developed into a pink mummy -- that developed into a pink mummy princess --- please note the mummy cat (she said she didn't want to be a lonely mummy)

Matthew is some kind of storm trooper guy:)

Can you sense it???

Change..............Hope..................Obama:)


I voted today!! I took my children with me as they have been involved in the process -- many questions, many definitions. What is a democrat?? What is a republican?? And although Jeff and I have our personal beliefs we urge our children to decide on their own.


I watched the results tonight...........I held my breath............I watched John McCain graciously concede. I watched him hush those that would boo. I watched him be respectful to his country and I watched him pledge help and support to the President-Elect. I saw his wife stand there (OK like a robot) and I watched Sarah Palin hold back tears (she is one crazy lady). While the future is at hand and it won't be easy I feel hope.

Then not more than an hour later I sat up a bit straighter................I watched him accept being President Elect. I cried when he spoke of his grandmother and I laughed when he promised his girls that they would be getting the puppy they want. I watched him be steadfast and humble. I watched him pay respect to all those who had come before him. I watched him with a spark in my heart for myself and my children.

Come January 20th, 2009 there will be change. It won't be easy. There are many many angry Republicans -- it's ok -- it really is going to be ok!!!

I feel privileged to have been able to vote, to have voiced my choice and my opinion. I feel privileged to be an citizen of the United States Of America. I feel lucky............I feel hopeful

Seriously????

I mean really is this necessary???? In order to "join" the AARP (American Association Of Retired People) you need to be 50!!!!!!!!!! HELLO!!! I am only going to turn 40 on the 24th of November ---

I wonder how many people get these?????

I can't even stand it!!!!

First, I am sicker than a dog --- no scratch that YESTERDAY I was sicker than a dog today I am only as sick as a dog:) The next 48 hours are going to be fast-paced and crazy!!!!

Tomorrow (Halloween) I am selling popcorn (I think) then as soon as I am done there I am setting up my Halloween backdrop and shooting the photos for Brendan's 1st middle school dance - shooting the dance from 2:30 to 4:30 - rushing home - unloading all my gear - trick or treating..............home -- sleep (I hope) up at 6 -- shower, dress and up to Joy's house cause..........

We are going to OREGON!!!!! I am SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO EXCITED!!!! Playtime in Eugene!!! a full day of creative mind!!!! It's gonna be great!!!!! We are leaving early (getting coffee -- must have coffee) stopping at a super cool scrapbook store in Salem, a bit of lunch and then on to Eugene:) I can't wait -- I really need to refresh my creative juices.

I'll try and get on to post some pictures of Brendan and Whitlee!!!!

hummmmmmmmmmmm

I just don't know --- I really like the idea of "personalizing" ones blog I think that I should not be deciding what the blog will look like when I haven't slept in more than 24 hours.......

hum.............................

I don't really have time to play with it right now -- I have a school photoshoot in the morning (see....I'm blogging instead of preparing).........................YIKES!!!!

A different look.............

playing around..............Do I like it or not???? We will see:)

RIP Bob

Found out that the grandpa of my god-children died on Friday -- he had been fighting cancer -- Death SUCKS!!!! Brendan started crying when I told him -- He asked why do so many people have to die -- how do you answer that..............

How do you explain it????

death..........to a 4 1/2 year old???

Sadly, my children are no strangers to death --- Since Brendan was born we have lost in no particular order -- Wilma (Jeff's Grandma), Bill (Jeff's Grandpa Rowe), My Mom, My Step-mom, Tim (My Cousin), Bachan (My Grandma), My Uncle Rick and Rick (My Brother) -- tonight while I was proofing some of the 600 or so photos I took of our annual trip to the pumpkin patch with Steven, Sharlene and Matthew I was I'ming with someone who had questions about the memorial book I made for my brother. Whitlee asked what I was doing so I told her I was answering questions about the book I made about Uncle Rick - she then burst into tears.................................

"I miss Grammy and Uncle Rick" she wailed as only a 4 year old can do. Now, I get that she misses Grammy -- the kiddos loved the heck out of her!!!! But, she had never met Rick -- she had talked to him on the phone -- but she had never actually met him. We tried to find him when we went to Hawaii shortly after she was born but couldn't locate him. She asked for a photo of Rick -- it is next to her bed along with the picture of her dad, brother, a popsicle stick and her most- awesome high school musical photo. She said she missed him and when I said "I do also sweetie" she asked if we could call him on the phone -- How do you explain that you can't --- and then explain the follow up ..... WHY??? She asked if I had his phone number in my phone -- without thinking I said yes.....How do you explain that the thought of deleting your brothers phone brings you to tears??? Maybe you don't -- Maybe, you just hold on to your little one - hug them - and talk about fond memories.

Brendan only talks about the people we have lost when it is just he and I. I think it has to do with his age. He misses everyone -- he has such a gentle soul -- it's hard for him -- being 12 and trying to "be grown up".

My boy.............

Last night my boy proved to be wise and mature above his years. While I will not go into the situation, Brendan on his own and against my personal wishes (because I wanted to shelter him!!!) stood up and spoke his mind for what he believed was right. To speak the truth even though it directly contradicted someone who he considers a friend. And, when "other" adults who are not his parents spoke for him when given the opportunity to speak he spoke for himself and spoke the truth --- He has grown into such an amazing young man.

November 1st............

Look where I am going on November 1st!!!! I can't wait!!!
http://comeplayeugene.blogspot.com/

I am going with my friend Joy --- she has been down there once --- to say that I am excited is an UNDERSTATEMENT!!!!!

When Joy came back last time she RAVED on how cool it was:) :) I was green....not ill...green with envy:)

AND...to top it off ALI EDWARDS WILL BE THERE --- we all know my love and affection for ali:) - who by the way is pregnant with a baby sister for the amazing Simon!!!

What a great super amazing exciting way to start off my birthday month!!!!!!

ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME????

So, here's the story --- When I was pregnant with Whitlee (and my water broke) I was on extreme total under no circumstances get out of bed bed rest. Both Jeff and Steven knew that this was a disaster waiting to happen. The solution???????? Get Stephanie a laptop so she isn't shooting people from the bedroom window:)

Now, if you know me.........and if you are reading this odds are you do........we all know what a ginormous KLUTZ I am!! Now, I embrace my inner geek fully and completely!!! But knowing me and after Steven scarred the infant working at the Best Buy by going into great detail of how they (Jeff and Steven) were going to use the laptop to start a porn website (that story STILL cracks me up) they got what we refer to as the idiot-proof warranty -- this means I could literally DUMP a bucket of water into the laptop and they have to either fix it or replace it. This warranty is PERFECT for me!!!!!! The Warranty is for 3 years...........this makes the warranty end in 2006 -- in 2006 we renewed the warranty for another 3 years -- OK, 2006 + 3 = 2009 - the current year is 2008........Now, since we got the computer we have replaced the mother board twice, replace each of the fans (there are 2) twice and replaced the power port 3 times. Each time there has been no issue things have been handled fairly well

About 3 months ago the screen on my laptop started blinking --- like there was a short in it -- Steven has been telling me for a while that I need to replace the computer -- get one that will suit my needs better. Well, when we got our tax return (yes, I know taxes are done in April BUT we did ours in August) I was able to get a new laptop -- since "the beast" my old laptop is still under warranty this is the plan -- FIX IT!! Then Brendan can use it and he and Jeff won't have to jockey for the big computer. So, off we go to talk to the "GEEK SQUAD" YIKES!!!! What concerns me is that people LET THESE PEOPLE WORK ON THEIR COMPUTERS!!!! The genius that was working that night literally argued with me for 15 minutes that we DID NOT renew our warranty --- FUNNY, how once I asked to see not only the geek squad supervisor but the store manager ------ HELLO HOUSTON!!!!! We found your warranty. Dude, seriously..........it's under the same number look at the dates!!!!!! IDIOT!!!!! I explain to the brain child that is "helping" me that the screen is blinking and the power port is overheating again. He informs me in his "I am a member of the GEEK SQUAD and simply know more about computers than you" voice and attitude that laptops don't blink like there is a short in it......Sadly, my mommy patience is running VERY low at this point -- I said really never??? (in my dude, seriously this is going to end up as a major fail for you voice). I power up the laptop and GUESS WHAT???? The freaking screen is BLINKING!!!!!! What????.........it's what???? blinking???? I thought that laptops NEVER DID THAT!!!! hum.............What??? I knew what I was talking about --- yes, genius other wise I WOULDN'T BE BRINGING IN MY FREAKING LAPTOP TO GET IT FIXED!!!! BAM...we fill out a work order -- it will take 1 to 3 weeks to fix it. 7 days go by and I get a phone call -- Hi, it's Katie from Best Buy Geek Squad -- I just wanted to let you know that your laptop is back and fixed you can pick it up anytime. WOO HOO KATIE ROCKS!!!!!!!!! We (Brendan and I) wait for Jeff to get home from work -- we have dinner and then run up to Best Buy to pick up "The Beast" I power it up....no blinking screen things look good...............HOUSTON we have a problem........when facing the computer I glance down at the lower left portion of the laptop and imagine my surprise when I CAN SEE INSIDE THE FREAKING COMPUTER!!!!!!!!! That's right in their "haste" to put "The Beast" back together they didn't put it back into the casing correctly causing the thin area below the touch pad to crack........that's right CRACK!!! I pointed this out to Katie who, by the way was WONDERFUL! She immediately made out a new work order for them to repair the computer (a new housing case). She apologized PROFUSELY and said they would call as soon as it came in.

I'm sitting home today.........ring ring...........ring ring..........

ME: hello
VOICE ON THE PHONE: Hi, Mrs. Cunningham?
ME: Yes
VOICE ON THE PHONE: this is Katie from Best Buys Geek Squad
ME: Oh, hello
VOICE ON THE PHONE: I wanted to let you know that your computer is back -- I check it and it's fine.
ME: They gave it a new case???
VOICE ON THE PHONE: yup
ME: perfect I'll be in tonight
VOICE ON THE PHONE: Great!!

I get off the phone call downstairs to Brendan --- I let him know that "The Beast" is back and we would go get it after dinner.

Now, it is fair to say that Brendan is REALLY excited -- he has been trying to remain calm about the entire thing -- but he is excited that he is getting the laptop. He is so excited about getting the laptop that he doesn't mind the fact that he will only be able to access the internet from downstairs -- we trust him but he is in fact a 12 year old boy:) No internet in room:)

We go up to Best Buy --- I hope to see Katie........................NO, guess who is working tonight?? The freaking genius who tried to convince me that laptop screens don't short out ---------------

He goes into the back to get "The Beast" --- brings it out ---- hum........it looks the same.......I open it up............well, I see that they have at least put it back together correctly ------BUT THEY DIDN'T FIX THE FREAKING CASE!!!!!!!!!!!! It is the same case and although the computer is put back together correctly there is STILL A CRACK IN IT!!!!!!!!!!!! After 20 minutes of "NO -- This is NOT ACCEPTABLE!!!" This is my deal --- I PAID FOR THE IDIOT PROOF WARRANTY!!!!! The warranty is STILL VALID!!!!! YOUR SERVICE DEPARTMENT BROKE THE CASE ON MY COMPUTER WHILE THEY WERE FIXING IT!!!! I AM NOT ACCEPTING "they won't fix it" HELL YES I WANT TO PRESS THE ISSUE --- YES, let's take it to corporate --- No, I don't have any problem calling them myself -- NO, I AM NOT SIGNING THE RELEASE --- YOU have to fix my computer ---

Am I wrong??? I don't think so!!!

I called Jeff to make sure I wasn't being "emotional" or "overly sensitive" - he said I wasn't. Steven said the same thing -- in fact, Steven pointed out that even if I didn't have the warranty -- the fact that THEY broke the casing while THEY had the computer means THEY have to fix it. We'll see what will happen in the next few days.

TO BE CONTINUED...

happy............

BIRTHDAY TO YOU.......................



HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU....................................



HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR FAVORITE SISTER IN LAW SHARLENE........................



HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Birthday Matthew!!!

Before the day gets away from me.............

Happy Birthday Matthew Steven!!!!!!

How crazy is it??

I simply haven't had the time to blog ----

I am currently doing "a week in the life" with Ali Edwards --- I'll try and blog about it tomorrow. I am excited to see how this comes out.

and the beat goes on..............

Went to the Doodlebops today!!! had a blast --- will post more later -- I am proofing 7 gigs of pictures!!!!!!

Let your freak flag fly............

If you have just asked yourself.......Is Stephanie smoking crack??? Has she been drinking wine again???.....or, What the heck is she talking about all this freak flag talk............

YOU ARE NOT ALONE:)

Our Seats.............Not bad..........
One of the "perks" of Jeff's job is occasionally we are offered a great deal on theater tickets (we were able to purchase Diego live tickets before even the pre-sale). Jeff's firm offered tickets to the pre-broadway show "Shrek, The Musical" --- It is slated to open on Broadway December 14. Brendan didn't want to go --- Whitlee was WAY WAY excited and I wanted to see what it was all about...................................

Brian d'Arcy James as Shrek

Sutton Foster as the "adult" Princess Fiona

They had 3 different people playing Princess Fiona. A young Fiona, A teenage Fiona and the adult Fiona. --- they were AMAZING!!!!

Christopher Sieber as the WONDERFUL AMAZINGLY FUNNY Lord Farquaat!!! Seriously!! This guy performed on his knees!!!!!!!! We LOVED the scene where Lord Farquaat was taking a bath --- "Magic Mirror" was scrubbing his feet and was fighting hard to keep it together --- Let's just say "Magic Mirror" laughed his ass off!!! We LOVED IT!!!!!

Sadly, I couldn't find any photos of Donkey --- LOVED HIM!!! What a freaking voice!!!!! and the woman who was the dragons voice --- WOW!!!!!!!!!! she blew me away!!!!!!

My 2 favorite songs..............Donkey Pot Pie (sung by the dragon) and FREAK FLAG!!!!! LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!!!!!!! They have not recorded the soundtrack yet.........they are waiting until they get to Broadway and it will be available in January -- I am SO getting it!!!!

Here are some shots of Whitlee Jane -- Brendan was having NOT PART OF THE PICTURE TAKING!!!!! For a boy who DID NOT want to go it said it was probably his favorite (even higher than RENT) YIKES!!!

It was AMAZING!!!!

Whitlee during intermission --- love how she winks at my cellphone camera!!!!!

If you have the chance to see this show............RUN DON'T WALK!!!!!! It says that it isn't for small children........If your child has seen the Shrek movie -- no problem............

It was to put it simply "AMAZING"......oh, wait!! I have already said that. Let's see...engaging, fun for parents as well as children. The music oh the music --- we all had favorites

As if it couldn't get any better..............What they had PINK GLITTER SHIRTS!!!!! We got one for Whitlee and she exclaimed............(Ready Amy:))............

FAB---LEE---US!!!!!!

It was so fun!! I am thrilled that my kids love the theater!!!! Jeff even enjoyed himself but held back when I asked if it was better than watching a football or soccer game???? He said it was better than watching the Seahawk/49er game today..............That being said I'll close with this.....I saw the last 3 minutes of the game........LOVED IT.......(but than again I am a 49er fan:) :) :))