A Brisket, Friends, & Me...All on a sunny day!

Summer Fun!

Thank you all for taking the time to come and visit with us! The food was great! The company was fun! The weather was perrrrrfect!! Now this is SUMMER!!!! I was so busy I forgot to take pictures, so if you weren't here, you'll just have to imagine all the fun we had. Let's do it again sometime. Thanks everyone for making our day complete!

Fiesta Time!!

Rick got a new Smoker (meat cooker) for father's day (Thanks Jamey & Kate!). We're gonna try it out on Sunday and have a party! You're all welcome to stop in!! Aren't the chairs AMAZING?!!

READY...SET...CUT!

So I was all set to update my blog. I've been waiting for a week or more to take a picture of the beautiful patio chairs that Rick painted for me! I got Rick's camera ready, positioned the chairs for their photo, & Wah-Lah! Camera doesn't work! Now we have NO CAMERA in the house that works!! I'm frustrated to say the least! You'll all just have to stop in to see them I guess. Anyone interested in a grand fiesta party complete with comfortable/gorgeous chairs should stop by! I wanna have a fiesta party. I think I may just have to do that. Only thing is I need the weather to cooperate and it doesn't like to do that here in Minnesooooota! So until we figure this camera thing out...you'll all have to anticipate the beauty or come out yourself to take a peek.
That's all I got! Have a great week!

Graduation and open houses

Another weekend of graduation open houses. At least the weather was a little nicer than last weekend. It's so amazing to go to these parties to celebrate a new beginning for all these former dancers. You know the ones I mean...all those little girls who danced in Just For Kix and later danced with all the passion and desire I had dreamed they'd have for dance team in High School. This year was the smallest group of open houses I had (only 6). I think it's because I haven't been coaching for 2 years and the girls tend to forget. I still wish them all the very best! They are all girls who exceed expectations in everything they do and worked soooo hard to git-R-done! I'm so proud of all of them. Tears well in my eyes at this very moment just thinking about the little pink tutu's or cute little blue and white sailor suits ! Oh yeah! The memories! God Bless you all. Now show us all What Ya Got!

Feels Good!

I finally had an evening that had no expectation or committment. It was sooo nice. A couple glasses of wine...my favorite program...my kitties by my side...Ricky Dean wandering around doin' his thing. It just felt good. Knowing I could sleep in tomorrow morning. Knowing we are going to fumble around the house and just do what we want to do. It felt good. I am happy with that. It's been several months since I felt this way ...maybe the last time was in Manzanillo,MX in February. I just hope the weather cooperates so we can work outside. Hopefully I can post a few pics. I don't have a camera anymore (one that works) and Rick has his camera set for too high dpi so I can't upload them. Oh well....we'll see if I can figure it out. If not...you'll have to imagine. But that's what we used to do anyway, right? Enjoy your weekend everyone!

Mole poison and Jelly Beans!!

Happy Birthday Ricky Dean!

My Honey Bunny!

Love...needs no words.

A Memorable Day of Recognition!

Congratulations Meggie Loo Hoo! We are Soooooo Proud!!

Congratulations to my beeeuuuuifullest daughter on her graduation from St. Mary's University!! Ok...so she really graduated in December but her ceremony is tomorrow. Complete with cap and gown. I will have pictures tomorrow! Way ta go girl!!!

Monday...Already Can't wait for the Weekend!

Ok...it's Monday and I am already looking forward to the weekend! Is that wrong? I have to say I had an exciting past weekend. I was invited by my lovely sister-in-law to go to a Kentucky Derby party in Minneapolis where the host has a poker tournament every year. I originally said I would be the cheering section for Michelle and her friend, Sherry, because I have never played poker in my life! After much discussion, persuasion (ok, ARM TWISTING) I was coerced into participating. So I laid down my $20 and told the 17 other players that they would have to help me because I had "No Clue" how to play! To top it off...I only knew 2 people at the party (Michelle & Sherry)! We start playing and things are looking good. I'm getting instructions, asking tons of questions, and generally BS'ing my way through the first few rounds. Within the first hour I was well on my way to holding my own little pot of gold. With utter amazement I continued to generate a ton of good luck (& chips)! As the players left the table, and more filled their vacated seats, the competition became harsh. My hands began to shake and my stomach felt queasy. I was doing my best to appear confident and in charge. How does one do that when they have absolutely NO IDEA what they are doing?! Hmmmm? I continued on and blazed a mixed trail of excitement and anxiety! Even Michelle and Sherry were kickin' butt and laughing up a storm! The three of us made it to the final table and round in the tournament. Every time I would take someone "out" I would grin and try to stack up my accumulated chips. By the end of the game...someone just brought me 2 plates and I threw half of them on the plates because they kept tipping over...hee hee! Fun! I can't even begin to tell you how surprised everyone was that I was still winning! Most people thought I was lying about never playing before. The finale was great! I was feeling pretty confident. In the end I ended up winning the entire "Texas Hold 'Em" tournament with a winning pot of $200! I completely forgot that there was a cash reward! I was too busy having fun, learning, laughing, and playing poker! I think I missed my true calling! Ha! Ha! I let the party host keep the trophy because I didn't know if I could make it up again next year. Michelle will have to play in my place (the winner has to come back next year). We arrived back at our hotel and ordered pizza and finally fell asleep at 3:30AM! uuuugh! I was dragging at work today! That's why I can hardly wait for next weekend already! Funny huh? Livin' life is such a good thing! No regrets! That's my motto. I hope it can be yours too.

Dining Outdoors!

Come on over and have dinner with me! :)

My Silly Son!

This is the intersection in Amsterdam that my silly son, Jamey, and his girlfriend Kate will be waving to the camera on Saturday, 12:00pm central time. You can visit his website and click on the link to go to the live camera in that intersection. They should be there waving to all of us! Check it out! It's truly amazing! Leave it to Jamey to come up with such an unusual event. Set your alarms!
Jamey's website address is www.sevnthsin.com/randomnotes/ You can click on the link there.

"Holla Out!"

A big "Holla" goes out to my Auntie Bev and Uncle Danny who brought this beautiful weather back with them from Arizona! Yeah!!! Thanky, thanky, thanky!

Make it Stop!!

Enough already! We need a break up here in Minnesota! Even a little sun would be welcome! C'Mon now Mr. Weatherman! It's time fo you to get it right. After all...it IS spring, right?! Uffdah!

I don't think the cold bothers these turkeys! They know it's spring even with the snow!

Get your Swatters ready!

A woman walked into the kitchen to find her husband stalking around with
a fly swatter.

"What are you doing?" She asked.

"Hunting Flies" He responded.

"Oh. Killing any?" She asked.

"Yep, 3 males, 2 Females," he replied.


Intrigued, she asked. "How can you tell them apart?"

He responded, "3 were on a beer can, 2 were on the phone."

A New Day!

Is it time to create a New Day?! A New Start?! I'm thinking about it....most seriously. After all...Isn't Easter about new beginnings?

Welcome Spring!

Today was another beautiful day. I began what will be called my "entrance" back into the workout world again. It felt good. It's good to be back. I stepped outside this morning to breathe in the fresh air. The birds were singing their early morning greetings to the world. All was peaceful. I allowed the moment to "Just Be". And it was. I tried to carry that moment with me throughout the day but it was hard. It's so easy to get caught up in life. I hope you can all take a moment each day to "Just Be". Happy Spring and God Bless.

On Wednesday, March 21st, 2007 my oldest born will turn
26 years old! How can this be?! Where does the time go?
Happy Birthday Jamey! You make us proud!

You Made It!

Congratulations on making it through your first day
of work Megan! We're proud of you!

Happy Birthday Dad and Gavin!!

Gavin, you're so tall now Megan is scared of you!! Hee Hee!

Dad's favorite past time....fishing....hope you get to do it again soon!

Ah Yes! Kickin' back on your birthday is a good idea!

Woo Hoo! It's my daddie's birthday today! And a huuuuuuge hollar out to my great nephew "Gavin" on his "golden 16" birthday! I hope you BOTH have a special day because you hold a special place in a lot of hearts! God Bless You on the day we celebrate your entry into this world! It wouldn't be the same without you!

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

A Little Birdy...

A little Birdy told me to update but I got nothin to say. The Job search is once again on since I just couldn't stand the thought of selling advertising and the stress was killing me. Sooo....I got nothin! Reeeally! Nothin! Just depressing.

Our Manzanillo, MX trip

This was my hangout for coffee in the morning and Siesta in the afternoon.
It was beautiful and sooooo relaxing. Wish I was there!

The view every day from our balcony.
Leaving the resort to go on a Snorkeling Adventure! Fun!

Our Beach...Great Snorkeling and swimming!
My Breakfast every day! :^)

Breakfast out on the patio every morning! ahhhhh....
A Sunset Dinner overlooking the ocean!

Rick's Sexy Dessert
A Romantic Dinner after a day at the beach :)

Many Surprises!

Cooking Chicken for lunch.
A Game of Hide and Seek...I Seeeee Youuuuu!

A Perfect End to A Perfect Day!

One More Day...

Just one more day to relax and sit in the beautiful sunshine. I hear you've all been having beautiful weather there too. Yesterday Rick and I went into Manzanillo and did some touristy things...shopped, had lunch by the ocean, and just walked around taking in the sights. It was fun! Then we came back to the resort and sat in the sun for a few hours. Rick made dinner reservations at a beautiful restaurant so we took a taxi ride to the top of a hill and had dinner on a patio overlooking the ocean while we watched the sunset and the waves crashing into the shoreline. "What a perfect husband...he's so romantic!" Tonight we will have a lovely dinner at on the ocean again. It will be a perfect way to wrap up our heavenly vacation. I'll see you when we get back!

A Sunny Day at the Beach...

I can't upload any pictures because we forgot our adaptor for the computer and you can't buy one that will work for our cameras here in Mexico so I'll just have to describe it in detail and post pics later...ok? It is in the mid 80's every day and sunny :) Yesterday Rick and I spent the day at the beach relaxing, reading, eating, and snorkeling(saw some beautiful fishes). Yes, we got sunburned. Today we traveled on the local public bus to a small town called Mirimar. If you've never taken the public bus before, you must do it. It's quite the experience in itself! We then spent time at the beach (again...I know you're all jealous) and went shopping in the local flea market. Fun! We sat on the beach and swam in the ocean. Rick even got his toes nibbled by some fish. Aaaaahhhhhh (sigh). Then we came back to our resort and ate a late lunch and swam in one of the 7 connected pools here at the resort (and yes...we got even more sunburned). Rick is taking a siesta right now while I hack on the computer. Tonight we eat on a patio by the ocean. I think it will be romantic. I can't believe you can eat in the open air with NO BUGS!! Aaaaaaahhhhh (relax). Tomorrow we'll visit the town of Manzanillo. We'll visit the statue of Snoopy (located in time square) and say hello. Did you know that Manzanillo is the sister city to St. Paul? That's why they have a statue of Snoopy (he's holding a fishing pole and wearing a fishing hat). It promises to be a fun and beautiful day. Every night Rick and I go sit out by the ocean and take in the beauty. All the lights in the surrounding hills by the ocean, the yachts and huge ships in the bay, and the quiet creeking of crickets accompanied by the waves hitting the shoreline. God's gifts to us! I will appreciate them and thank him for the wonder! Until later....may you all be blessed.

New Post...Blah!

I don't have anything to post...don't know how I feel about my job. I don't feel good anymore. Tired, Exhausted ALL the time. Waivering on the edge. Will it get better? Hmmmm....I wonder.

Wish Me Luck!

New job Monday! It's always nerve wracking to begin a new journey. Expecially heading into the unkonwn. I'm quite nervous. I know everyone says..."You'll be fine". I know that. Now tell that to my stomach, OK? Wish me Luck!

Happy 23rd Birthday Brianna!

Congratulations!

You're all growed up!!

The Good Times Roll...

Last Saturday afternoon was spend with 4 of my old High School Buddies. It was an amazing afternoon and one I hope we repeat again soon!
Jackie...you may recognize the girls since you and I graduated the same year. It has been over 20 years since I've seen 2 of them and yet, when we reunited, it was just like the old times again. How wonderful!

CONGRATULATIONS KOMETTES!!

Today was an exciting day spent at the Winter Carnival Dance Team Competition in Mounds View. The KoMettes Varsity Team began the day with a few problems (hopefully they will all be resolved soon) and struggled to keep their focus. They ended up taking home a 2ND AND 3RD PLACE trophy from the AA division. The Junior Varsity seemed to have a bit more luck on the dance floor. They took home 2 FIRST PLACE trophies and the Performance Team followed the Junior Varsity with the 2nd place trophy!! It was all amazing!! The girls did an excellent job and we're all looking forward to seeing the Varsity "UP THE ANNIE" at Sections in 2 weeks. It should be incredible. Thanks to my wonderful "cuzzin" KaTHY and Randy and Lindsay Rae for allowing Megan and me to come along with them. It was the funnest day I've had since before Oct. 1st. (And I'm not kidding....how sad is that?!).
For all of you who think I'm MIA...I'm baaaack! Because of the slow retail sales at the mall I will now be entering the 40 hour per week career oriented, goal setting, salary earning, community of citizens. I was offered a position with the Post Bulletin of Rochester in Executive Account Sales. It will be interesting and another challenge to meet. If the stress of this past Holiday season didn't kill me then I don't think moving into a new career will either (although my heart tells me different). Oh well. It is what it is and I'm thankful to have been offered such an exciting career opportunity. Wish me Luck!
Love you all!

The Road of Life...

New Ventures...New Demands...when will it end? Hopefully never! I wouldn't want to stand still in my journey on the road of life. Or is that the "Road To Life"! Yes! That's it. The road to life...

Today I got to play my hand at catching criminals trying to use fake money. It all turned out good cause they got em good! Now we only hope the police can actually prosecute them. Luckily I didn't take their money and so I didn't lose out! Yeah for me!!!! Now just get me OUTTA THIS MALL! I hope my children are having a grand time in Italy. Think of me while you're basking in the italian sunshine OK? I'm sooooo jealous!

Happy New Year?

I don't think so but I'm gonna try (or cry).

May the Angels in your life guide you through a Merry Christmas Season. God Bless you all!

How bout this one?

CONGRATULATIONS MEGGIE LOO HOO!

With a bright future ahead of you there'll be "No Looking Back"! I'm Proud of You!

God Only Knows!

How will this all turn out? I have no idea...pray for me!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!

A wish to everyone for a wonderful and warm Thanksgiving filled with good friends, family, and food! Yum!

Crystal Notion

Lots of new and different "Pretties" to buy. Come and Visit!

Thanks Everyone!

Thanks to all for the support and suggestions to help me with my emergency employment issues. I put up a sign at my kiosk for one day and got 2 good candidates for the job. I think I'll hire one of them tomorrow! I could do a commercial for Staples to say "That Was Easy"! Hee Hee! Love you All!

All Work and No Play!

Ok...so today is the first day I've had a moment to breathe in awhile. I don't work until tonight so I can get my hair done, and catch up on book work among other things. Sales are picking up and people are already shopping for Christmas. It gets earlier every year. Come and visit me at the mall. It's my new home until Dec. 31st! I'll try to get a picture of my crystal cart sometime soon. It's beautiful! God Bless you all!

Halloween Fun!

Halloween Fun for Jamey,Kate and Megan. Jamey looks mighty fine in his "Mr. T" Bling...Fool! Megan looks bewitching and Kate looks absolutely scrumptious as a "Cha-Cha-Cha-Chia" Pet! You guys crack me up!

Happy Howlaween!

Yep! Even dogs get to dress in costumes! Come see ours at PurrSniKitty-Bow WoWser in Apache Mall! We're handing out dog and cat treats on Halloween for a "Howling" good time!

You are the CAT'S MEOW! Did you know that?

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY MEGAN!!

Wow! 23 years of amazing experiences and challenges! We're always there to support you and lift you when you need it or celebrate life when it's good! You make us VERY PROUD! Love you always and forever! Please check back tomorrow or tonight for pictures...stupid blogger photo uploader is down! How incovenient!
May your days be blessed.

PurrSniKitty-Bow WoWser

Check out the new Kiosk in Apache Mall! I know you want to!

A Heartfelt Blessing...

"People travel to wonder at the height of the mountains, at the
huge waves of the seas, at the long course of the rivers, at the
vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motion of the stars, and
yet they pass by themselves without wondering."
~St. Augustine

Let your thoughts be still for a moment and travel within to the
Isle of You, that incredibly peaceful place inhabited by your Soul.
As your breath eases in and out, and all the world around you fades
away, you'll find yourself in the most restful, relaxing place on
earth. And the nice thing is, you can go back any time you like.


May your day be filled with all things good.

Steppin' Out of the Shadows

Here is today's Heartfelt Blessing.

"Man stands in his own shadow and wonders why it is dark."
~Zen saying

We stand in the shadow of our lives every time we tell ourselves
that something cannot be done because we are not good enough, or
strong enough, or rich enough, or young enough or thin enough, or
anything else enough. It is only when we boldly declare, "I am
enough!" that we are able to step from the shadow and into the
light of a beautiful new day.



May your day be filled with all things good.