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