Million Dollar Mary's Musings

2009-01-31T08:47:00.000-08:00

Okay, okay....the only person who hasn't bothered me to put an entry in my blog is my sister, Ruthie. So, at the prodding and persistence of my mom and my sister, Peggy...here goes. Peggy always gives me topics to write about. Thanks, sis!!

I can't believe how quickly time flies. Maybe I can recap the last 8 months with this entry. Hope so!!

After the State Track Meet in June, 2008 Stef and I headed out to sunny California so that my brother could take Stefanie's senior portraits. We had a BLAST! One of Stef's friends and her mother joined us. We spent a week and took in lots of sights. We went to Universal Studios, Disney and a couple of times at the beach. My favorite time was getting to know my animated niece, Kate. Little Miss Sassy Pants was what I called her. I absolutely love her and could eat her up. I only wished she lived closer.

The highlight in July was a trip to Dallas, TX for Mary Kay's annual seminar convention. We earned a new pink cadillac (I think it's the 9th car I've earned from Mary Kay). This time I decided to take the car vs. the monthly cash option. The new pink cadillac CTS was delivered in October and I love it. It's not as roomy as the Sedan DeVille but it is hot and sporty.

Throughout the summer we went up to our land (4 acres about 80 hours north of us)and did a lot of fishing, boating & 4-wheeling. What great memories created when we do these fun family things!!

August marked the start of school for both Stef and Jake. Stef's senior year and Jake's 8th grade year and end of middle school. I broke my streak of taking a picture of Stef and Jake on the first day of school. Probably because their first days are different. I do however have a picture of them at Christmas time. Jake now towers over Stef and me! He's eye level to Scott (6'2") and they like to wrestle a lot. Scott works VERY hard to take Jake down. It's a scream watching them wrestle....

The fall marked football for Jake (with Scott coaching) and golf for Stefanie (a first for her). Jake's team had an awesome season and I have a permanent smile on my face when I watch him play. He loves the game and he hates to lose. Here's a picture of a coachable moment between Jake and Scott. Stefanie worked her way from the last golfer on the team up to the 5th golfer and was an alternate when the team of four went to Sectionals. Golf was a challenge for her and she rose to the challenge.

In November we turned a page in the chapter of history and elected Borack Obama as president. On election day it was Stefanie's 18th birthday....I bet she'll remember that one for a long time. We celebrated her birthday by doing all the things you can do when you're eighteen: buy cigarettes, buy lottery tickets, vote, visit the adult section of a video store (yuck), get a tattoo (she didn't really get one, just visited the parlor). I documented it with photos.....

December brought Christmas and holiday celebrations. How I enjoy being with family and friends. Peg and Mom celebrated Thanksgiving with us.....it was a fun day and definitely good food and even greater pies (thanks, Mom!). Christmas Day we spent at Scott's mom's place...then we went to Mom's the day after Christmas and played some crazy cards and laughed until we almost wet our pants. Literally!!

And, now it's January, 2009!! Another New Year and another year to look forward to memories and moments. We'll have Stef's graduation in May and Jake's confirmation in May, too. Stef will go off to Paul Mitchell Academy in Waukesha to get her cosmetology license. She one day wants to own her own salon. I know for certain that she's going to be really good in this profession. She's gotten a lot of flack for not going to a 4 year college and yet this is what she wants to do. How can we argue with that?

Stef still dates Tom...has for over a year now. It's been different because he is off at college over 6 hours away. She savors the times he does come home and we don't see much of her when he's home. They enjoy each other's company and spend countless hours on the phone.

Jake's focus is football, basketball, fishing and hanging out with his buddies. He shot his first deer last fall (right on the edge of Aunt Peggy's land)...he's got a couple of hummer fish being mounted now. Today Scott's going to the meat processor to pick up his venison. We love the summer sausage and the ground venison is very lean and goes well in casseroles, spaghetti and tacos.... Here's a photo of Jake, Scott and the doe he shot.

Okay...I've rambled long enough. Hopefully that will satisfy those of you who have been bugging me to blog. Now it's your turn.

The Best Gift Ever

2008-05-08T05:17:00.000-07:00

The other day I had my birthday and received the best gift I ever could have received. In addition to the great new cell phone/MP3 player from my husband along with a beautiful card from him, my daughter gave me a card (purchased with her own money, I might add....that's HUGE!). When she handed me the card she said, "Mom, I stood in the card aisle and read lots of cards until I found exactly the right one." Here's what it said:

Front: Mom, You've Given Me so Much

Inside: Mom, I look around and see
so many unhappy people
who don't seem to believe in themselves
or feel worthy of what they want......or have.
And I can't help but wonder--
if they'd had a mom like you,
how different their lives might be....
how much more confidence they might have,
how many more of their hopes
could have become realities.

Your love, time, and support
were priceless gifts.
Every day they are with me
in the joys I feel,
the challenges I face,
and the dreams I follow.
And every day I think of you
with appreciation and so much love.

Happy Birthday!

You can bet that I'll save that card for a long time!! Thanks, Sis for making my day.

And, this last week was busy with 3 track meets (2 for Stef and 1 for Jake) and then May Banquet (prom). Below are some pictures that captured the moments:

Jake showing his shot put form. He took second at the meet with 9 schools in attendance. He's a mighty big boy...now almost 6 feet tall....and only in 7th grade!! Yikes!! He took 4th in the softball throw, too!

Stefanie at the Lutheran Invitational Track Meet....She took 1st in both hurdles events and her 4 x 1 relay team won also.

Stef and her dad on the front porch before she left for prom. She's growing up fast....careful, don't blink!

Stef and her date..........they had a wonderful evening.

Now, Peggy, if you're reading this:

Blog, blog, get off the log!!

Stefanie Breaks the School 100m hh record

2008-04-22T11:46:00.000-07:00

Stefanie is having a great track season and recently broke the school record at her high school in the 100m hh race. She now holds 3 school records: 300m hurdles, 4 x 200 meter relay & 100m high hurdles. We are very proud of her

I Missed October....drats!!

2007-11-01T08:30:00.000-07:00

At the politely persistent prodding of my two sisters I am posting....time flies by quickly and this month sure has.

I forgot to mention that I was going to be taking a little get-away trip to Maine to visit my friend (who I met through Mary Kay) and 9 other Mary Kay sales directors....we had a BLAST!! The weather was beautiful and the company even greater. It was a renewing for my soul and was greatly needed. My friend was the travel guide extraordinaire. She had the 5 days packed with LOTS of fun things. We went to Kennebunkport...we took a gondola ride in the White Mountains of NH.....we had a private shopping experience at her favorite little boutique with wine and cheese and all (never mix wine with women and shopping....it can be deadly..lol)...we had a lobster boil and clam bake at her home (yummy!!)....we took a 3 hour cruise (not to be confused with the SS Minnow and Gilligan) off the coast of Maine and saw little islands with their lighthouses.....we drank lots of wine and had lots of women talk. It was wonderful. Here are some pictures:

This is the crew (minus me) sitting on the fence overlooking Kennebunkport, ME. Right near the quaint Episcopalian church where many Bush family members get married.

The crew near a covered bridge in NH....just before taking our ride up in the mountains.

The view from the top was breathtaking!!

Me in front of one of the most famous lighthouses in Maine (don't ask me the name of it....that's just trivial.)

Then...October flew by with football games, homecoming, etc. Jake's season ended 4-2-1....a very successful season. He's already looking forward to next year.

The highschool team ended 10-1. They were conference champs and had a very successful season. Homecoming was fun for Stefanie. She felt honored to be on court...she had fun riding in the parade (she had a friend of hers wear the school mascot's costume) and made the local newspaper. She and her boyfriend parted ways this month, too. So, that was sad and yet we know that the Lord has all the plans in the palm of his hand. Life goes on and Stefanie has learned many valuable lessons that will guide her, perhaps in the next relationship. She's a bright young woman with very high esteem (Christ-esteem) and knows that somewhere out there God is watching over that special someone for her....

That's all for now....hopefully I'll get another post in in November...who knows. Keep prodding me Ruthie and Peggy!!

A September Post....

2007-09-25T16:59:00.000-07:00

My sister's been prodding me to get a post in before September is over...so here goes:

The month has flown by rather quickly. I depart tomorrow morning very early for a 5 day weekend to Maine!! I've never been there and am joining 9 other Mary Kay director buddies of mine for a Girl's Weekend...it should be a blast. Our host has great things planned for us so I'll probably need a vacation when I get back...

September has been filled with football, football and more football. Our son, Jake plays on the youth football team for LLHS....He's a big boy ( 5'10" and 225 lbs.) He looks more like a highschool player than a 7th grader. Here's a shot of him--he's #90:

Their team lost their first 2 games and have won the last 2. It's great seeing them come together and work together and have a desire to win. Jake plays both on the offensive and defensive line and when he comes out for a break it is definitely noticeable....definitely. Scott coaches him and last week's game didn't start out very well. I saw Scott pull him off to the sidelines and really (I mean REALLY) get in his face and scream, "Jake, it is simply NOT acceptable how you are blocking. Now are you gonna go in there and do your job or do I have to find someone else that can?" You could hear it in the stands, Scott hollered that loudly. I cringed. I heard some parents in the stands comment....and then I saw Jake rise to the occasion, go back in and play football like he knows how to play football. Now Scott could have coddled him, but he didn't. He's actually probably harder on Jake than any other member of the team. I asked Jake once if he liked Dad as his coach. He said, "Yeah, Mom, I do. He's the only coach I have had so far that can get the most out of all of us." What a life lesson. Scott always worries that someday Jake may hate him for how hard of a coach he is and yet I think Jake will look back and say that he spent a lot of time, side by side with his Dad on a football field learning many life lessons.....

The other football games we've been watching are the LLHS Warriors (where our daughter goes to highschool). Her boyfriend is a starting offensive lineman and does quite well. He's 6'4" and 205 lbs....quite a difference from her petite frame. Both of them were just selected as the junior reps for homecoming court. It's an honor. They'll get to ride in the homecoming parade (except her boyfriend won't because he's on the football team and the parade is at 5 pm and the game at 7 pm). Maybe, just maybe, when the couples are presented at halftime he'll be able to escort Stef on the field in his uniform. I doubt it....our coaches are pretty intense and I think they feel that homecoming festivities take away the team's ability to focus. Maybe they're right....I'm not sure....So Stef said that she's going to have a life-size blowup doll ride with her in the convertible and then put Phil's jersey on it....it's a good idea anyway. So, here's a picture of the "homecoming couple" (from our last trip up to the cabin):

And here's a picture of Phil on the line: (He's #51...a left offensive tackle. The picture quality is quite poor....sorry for that. Phil's got on the long sleeve white underarmor...maybe that'll help)

Their team is 5-0 so far and ranked in the state.....it's a huge thing and the pressure builds each week....hhhmmmm....maybe a state-bound football team...Time will tell.

I just wanted to put this pic in. I always take a picture of the first day of school with the kids on the front steps. Here is this year's.....Jake used to be much littler than Stef....not anymore:

Oh, and one more football activity worth mentioning. Stef took Phil to a Packer game. His first regular season game at Lambeau Field. It was an exciting game because the rookie kicker kicked a field goal to win the game with like 2 seconds left. A great game to go to. Scott and Jake joined them. Here are a couple of photos:

There you have it....September in a nutshell. Or should I say in a football helmet?

Stef, Jake & Joe

2007-08-27T19:41:00.000-07:00

Here's the last picture we have of Joe. This was taken this past Christmas. Rest in peace, Joe....we loved you dearly.

2 Month 5 Day Recap!!

2007-08-25T08:11:00.000-07:00

Many apologies that I haven't made any entries lately.....it's been a whirlwind summer and I'm not as committed to this as my brother and sisters. Sorry, sorry, sorry......

My sister, Peggy gave me some ideas for posts and I'll just cover them all here:

Stefanie is gainfully employed!!......Stef got a part-time job at Applebee's this summer and her tasks include busing and hosting. She likes the people interaction but it didn't take her long to figure out that many people in the work force are quite lazy and will do only enough to get by. She came home and said, "Mom, now I know why you do what you do!" She also recruited two of the servers to become Mary Kay consultants!! Guess she sold my job quite easily.
Cabin.....We haven't been back up to our land since the beginning of the summer but we are making plans to go over Labor Day weekend. Scott....the man who can find a diamond in a goat's a**.....found a nice pair of waterskis for only $5....We'll definitely be taking them with us as Stef has taken a liking to the skis and Jake finally tried tubing and doesn't find it to be as scary as he first thought it to be.
My friend was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident......One of my dear, dear Mary Kay friends LOVES to ride her custom-painted pink Harley with her husband. They go on several big group rides every summer. In mid-July they were on their way home and a 29 year old woman driving her vehicle crossed over the center line and struck 5 of the 22 Harleys in the group. My friend happened to be one of them and she suffered the most injuries. It really is a miracle that she is alive. The car hit her cycle head on, Jodi's head hit the windshield and literally scalped her from above her eyebrow to the back of her head, she broke her C2 vertebrae and is in a traction halo, she broke her right arm and did severe damage to her pelvic area....they put her back together with pins and screws. She flew 15 feet in the air and came down on the top of her head. She never lost consciousness and suffered no brain injury. When I stood over her bed I really felt I should be standing over her casket, but God, in His infinite wisdom decided it was not yet her time to go home. I would have liked to have heard the dialogue between her guardian angel and God. She was medflighted to UW hospital in Madison, WI and stayed for a couple of weeks and as of this writing she's in a skilled care nursing facility closer to her home in Iowa for intense rehabilitation. She earned her first Top Director luxury trip to Sweden, compliments of Mary Kay, and she, unfortunately won't be able to go. The company will "bank" the trip for her and allow her and her husband to go on next year's trip to Munich Germany.....
Am I an Advocate of Helmet Laws? My friend and her Harley buddies never wear helmets......I was always bugging her to wear one. She chose not to....it was her choice. The newspaper article made the distinct point that the cyclists were NOT wearing helmets and said how the woman driving the car was wearing her seat belt and her airbags deployed. Like that really matters....what about the fact that she crossed the center line and was ticketed with inattentive driving? I am certain that if it's your time no helmet will save you. Would I wear one when riding or driving a cycle? YES...Did my husband just sell his motorcycle? YES....Am I thankful? A little bit.
MK Convention....At the end of July Scott and I headed to Dallas, TX for our annual convention. Our unit was recognized in the $450,000 Unit Sales Circle. I was proud of them. The message that I heard that hit me the most was: "If you're avoiding disappointment, you end up living disappointed."
Joe....Our dog Joe is no longer with us. This morning we decided to put him to sleep. We had been having behavioral issues with him and he was growling quite a bit and even snapped at Scott. We were fearful he might bite someone. Also, he had begun peeing and pooping in the house and he was 12 years old and quite arthritic and going blind. When we took him to the vet's office I wasn't ready for the surge of emotions that came over me. I'm sad....I'll miss him.
School started for Stefanie and it starts this week for Jake. Stef's a junior in hs and Jake is in the 7th grade. Stef opted not to go out for cc after much thought and prayer. She wants to focus more on basketball and track...her 2 loves. Football has started for Jake. He's doing great and seems so excited to go to practice. His first game is next Thursday. I'll be sure to post....tune in.

That's it for now.....a recap of the quick summer. Thanks for helping me "blog, blog and get off my log."

Great Story!

2007-06-20T14:01:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd share this one....hope it will be an inspiration to you. At the State Track meet a few weeks ago there was a senior girl hurdler in Stefanie's preliminary heat. I'm fairly certain that her incoming time was the second fastest of the 16 girls that made it to state. So, needless to say, she was good. Well, she made the finals with ease. During the finals I had my eyes set on her.....she wasn't seeded first in the finals but I was pulling for her because I just liked her style. Well, the gun shot pierced the air and she took off like she owned the race...she went over the first hurdle before anyone else in the field....it was a sure thing...she was going to win. Well, the second hurdle came and the runner tripped and fell hard to the track. She picked herself up and obviously had no hopes of winning the race and yet she continued the race ONLY to fall on the next hurdle....And, once again, with borrowed will, she rose and finished the race. She was about 15 seconds behind the rest of the field, but nevertheless she finished the race. Well I sat in the stands with goosebumps all over me. Many of you know my story about my tumbling at the State Track Meet in 1979....and I knew I just had to write that girl a note.

So, I sent her an encouraging note, reminding her NOT to let this race define her life (like I had for several years). I congratulated her for her accomplishments and I thanked her for the inspiration that she gave to many at that meet. I also enclosed the following poem....read it (you may want to get a tissue):

The Race

“Quit!” “Give up!” “You’re beaten!” they shout out and plead.
“There’s just too much against you now, this time you can’t succeed.”
And as I start to hang my head in front of failure’s face,
My downward fall is broken by the memory of a race.
And hope refills my weakened will as I recall that scene
For just the thought of that short race rejuvenates my being.

A children’s race, young men, young boys. Oh, I recall it well.
Excitement, sure, but also fear, it wasn’t hard to tell.
They all lined up so full of hope. Each thought to win that race.
Or tie for first or if not that, at least take second place.
And fathers watched from off the side, each cheering for his son.
And each boy hoped to show his Dad that he would be the one.

The whistle blew and off they went, young hearts and hopes afire.
To win, to be the hero there was each young boy’s desire.
And one boy in particular, his Dad was in the crowd,
Was running near the lead and thought, “Oh, my Dad will be so proud.”
And on he speeded down the field, across a shallow dip
The little boy who thought to win, lost his step and slipped.

Trying hard to catch himself, his hands flew out to brace
And mid the laughter of the crowd, he fell flat on his face.
So down he fell and with him hope. He couldn’t win it now.
Embarrassed, sad, he only wished to disappear, somehow.
But, as he fell his Dad stood up and showed his anxious face
That to the boy so clearly said, “Get up and win that race.”

He quickly rose, no damage done, behind a bit, that’s all
And ran with all his mind and might to make up for his fall.
So anxious to restore himself, to catch up and to win
His mind went faster than his legs. He slipped and fell, again.
He wished that he’d quit before with only one disgrace.
“I’m hopeless as a runner now, I shouldn’t try to race.”

But, in the laughing crowd he searched and found his father’s face.
That steady look that said again, “Get up and win that race.”
So he jumped up to try again, ten yards behind the last.
“If I’m going to gain those yards,” he thought, “I’ve got to run real fast.”
Exceeding everything he had, he regained eight or ten
But trying so hard to catch the lead, he slipped and fell again.

Defeat! He lay there silently. A tear dropped from his eye.
“There’s no sense running, anymore. Three strikes, I’m out. Why try?”
The will to rise had disappeared. All hope had fled away.
So far behind, so error prone, closer all the way.
“I’ve lost so what’s the use?” he thought. “I’ll live with my disgrace.”
But, then, he thought about his Dad, who soon he’d have to face.

“Get up!” An echo sounded low, “Get up and take your place.”
“You were not meant for failure, here. Get up and win that race.”
With borrowed will, “Get up!” it said, “You haven’t lost at all.”
“For winning is not more than this: To rise each time you fall.”
And so he rose to win, once more. And with a new commit
He resolved that win or lose at least he wouldn’t quit.

So far behind the others, now, the most he’d ever been.
Still he gave it all he had and ran as though to win.
Three times he’d fallen stumbling, three times he’d rose again.
Too far behind to hope to win, he still ran to the end.
They cheered the winning runner as he crossed the line first place.
Head high and proud and happy. No falling, no disgrace.

But when the fallen youngster crossed the line....last place
The crowd gave him the greater cheer for finishing the race.
And even though he came in last with head bowed low, unproud,
You would have thought he won the race to have listened to that crowd.
And to his Dad he sadly said, “I didn’t do so well.”
“To me you won,” his father said, “You rose each time you fell.”

And when things seem dark and hard and difficult to face
The memory of that little boy helps me in my race.
For all of life is like that race with ups and downs and all
And all you have to do to win is rise each time you fall.
“Quit!” “Give up!” “Defeat!” They still shout in my face.
But, another voice within me says, “Get up and win that race!”

- - D. H. Groberg

So, about a week later I got a note from Taylor.....a thank you note. She thanked me for the encouraging card and how it made her a lot happier and she also thanked me for the poem and how it was an inspiration to her....I think that somehow that poem will get put in a special place as a reminder to her of her winning spirit in ALL situations. My poem is matted and framed on my office wall. I still cry when I read it....I still think of my dad each time....and I know that rising each time you fall defines you as a winner....

Have a great day!!

State Track Meet Recap

2007-06-19T10:50:00.000-07:00

Sorry so long since posting. It's been "summer" busy around here....camps, social director, etc...you with children know exactly what I mean.

State track meet seems like a gazillion years away. And yet it was only a couple of weeks ago. Stef did well....she ran her best time of the season but it wasn't quite enough to get her into the finals. Fortunately she has a couple of years left in highschool to reach her goals of standing on the podium. She had a great season and she feels definitely blessed.....it's not good, or bad....just is...

After the track meet we headed up to our land...the slice of heaven that Scott calls it. Stef brought her boyfriend along and we spent Saturday through Tuesday there. The weather wasn't the warmest but we still got the boat out on the lake and Stefanie wanted to learn how to waterski. Her bf is an avid waterskiier so he was the instructor. A good one at that because she got up the very first time.....then proceeded to take a nose dive about 5 seconds later. The second time up she caught on and we pulled her around the lake for about 5 minutes....she loved it. Jake got a little freaked out tubing, especially after looking at the depth finder and seeing how deep the lake was. It was only 15 feet but that was enough to put this dreadful look on his face. So after cajoling him to no avail he got back into the boat with tears. Stef's bf was kind and told Jake that he'll do it the next time.....Jake's sister was not as kind and told him to "suck it up and just do it." Now isn't that encouraging when your irrational fear tells you that you don't want to do something. Well, needless to say it was too cold to get out the next few days so Jake wasn't able to give it a try again....even though he was ready to....

So, here are some pictures from the weekend:

That's Stef's first attempt up......she did it!!

Stef and Phil tubing......

Phil....an avid skier

Jake....thinking about tubing....

Jake 4 wheeling at our land....

Stef Advances to the State Track Meet

2007-05-25T10:03:00.000-07:00

Well...she did it....Stef advances to the Wisconsin State Track & Field Meet! Yeah, we're all so proud of her...She didn't advance in the 100 m hurdles...she just missed that by 3 1/100ths of a second. She was disappointed. No, I wouldn't say disappointed. She was really mad at herself. At the end of the race she looked to see her competitor and took her eye off the goal and hence, lost by a nose....But it made her that good kind of mad that comes from deep down within your gut and she wasn't going to let it happen again. So, she put her head back on for the 300 m hurdles and finished a great race advancing herself to State. Now she can say she is one of the top 300m hurdlers in the state of Wisconsin. That's a pretty big honor.

Here's a picture of her taken at the Whitewater Regional meet held on Monday:

We all went to the meet...Scott, Jake and me! And, we had the privilege of having Stefanie's Uncle Paul (my brother) join us. He's here from California to shoot a wedding and mixed in family visits. It just so happened that the Sectional meet fell on his visit and he said he wouldn't miss it. So he braved the yucky weather and took lots of pictures of his niece and the rest of the Lakeside team (who, by the way, won the girl's team Sectional Title!!) It was great having him join us.

And, Stef had another set of spectators at the meet. Her boyfriend and his mom and dad and younger sister came as well. That meant a lot to Stefanie and then after the meet we joined them for a meal at Culver's. It was a great finish to a great day!!

A Weekend Get Away!

2007-05-21T05:16:00.000-07:00

Well, the weekend came and went quickly. Probably because we looked forward to it with great anticipation. It was much needed and definitely not long enough. At Christmas time I gave Scott a weekend away to Door County at a quaint bed and breakfast in Ephraim, WI. It's called the French Country Inn and it is certainly a great way to relax and rejuvenate yourself. The Innkeeper is Walt ( and his wife Joan is rarely seen....she tends the gorgeous gardens surrounding the home) and he makes a scrumptious continental plus breakfast. Plus the conversations with him are so enlightening.

Our room this time had a private bath (12 years ago we went and shared a bath) and used to be a porch so it was graced with windows on both sides. Our bed was not the King size we're accustomed to so we got to snuggle.....didn't mind that at all. Scott just remarked that he felt like he was in his parent's home....lol

On Saturday we went to Bailey's Harbor and watched the Scottie dog rally.....rather eccentric people but aren't most dog people eccentric? (That one was for you, Peggy...lol) They had a parade with LOTS of Scottie dogs and there was a Arts & Crafts Fair on the Town Hall lawn.....found some unique buys (beach glass earrings wrapped in sterling silver wire and also a beautiful wreath for our front door) and thoroughly enjoyed people watching.

It got a littly rainy during the day so we were going to take in "The Glass Menagerie" play at the community theatre in Ephraim. Everyone else had the same idea so it was already sold out when we got there......so we hopped in the car and went to the "tip of the thumb" of Wisconsin and watched the shoreline for quite some time. Then back to the b& b for a wicked game of scrabble. Scott was boasting about how he was kicking my butt. Then on the last word I scored like 48 points and beat him....I tried to be humble, but it was difficult since he was being such a poor winner throughout the game.....

Anyhow, here's a picture of the French Country Inn at Christmastime.....if you're ever in Door County, Wisconsin and need a relaxed place to stay...this is it:

Today is the new season in track for Stefanie. Post season. She has her regional competition this afternoon. Please keep her in your thoughts....she's nervous, yet ready...

Have a great day!

Capitol Conference Champions!

2007-05-16T14:06:00.000-07:00

Well, the Lady Warriors did it again. Another Capitol Conference Track Championship!! It was an exciting day and the weather was miserable. I think that I should be a meteorologist.....it's just a guessing game...and they guessed wrong. They said the storms would be done by the afternoon....NOT!! It rained, it rained and it rained. And the kids ran, and ran and ran some more. Stefanie fared well. She won both the 100m and 300m hurdlers and her relay team 4 x 200m took 2nd. Unfortunately at the meet last Friday one of the relay team members went down on the track holding her knee... She had an MRI on Monday...waiting to hear the results...hope it's not a torn ACL.....Then at the meet yesterday ANOTHER member of the relay team injured her back long jumping and she had to scratch from every running event she was in.....So, it was disappointing for the sprint relay teams and yet the Warriors still pulled off the team win.....it was great.

Here are some photos of Stefanie at a past meet......(notice the sun!!!)

This is Stefanie handing off to the #2 runner in the relay. She was the one that injured her back yesterday......

And, here Stef's running the 100m hurdles on a nice day, with a dry track.

Have a great day! Thanks for tuning in!

Blog, Blog I'm Off the Log

2007-05-09T13:58:00.000-07:00

My sister, Peggy and I have this ongoing joke. Everytime we want the other to post something we leave a comment......"Blog, blog...get off the log." She started it....she must have thought she was some sort of poet that day.....but it's been ongoing and it makes me chuckle everytime I get the comment. So, here's to sister Peggy, sister Peggy, sister Peggy......

She wanted me to make an entry about our daughter's Prom this past Saturday. At her school they call it May Banquet instead....All the festivities are done right at the school....social hour, grand march, dinner, entertainment and then the dance. I think it's a great way to do it and keeps the kids contained which minimizes opportunity for trouble, etc. Also at her school everyone can attend, not just juniors and seniors. I like that too because it's not such a big deal. Stef says, "Mom, it's just a dance that we get dressed up for." True.....wise beyond her years.

Peggy also wanted me to post some photos......Here goes:

These are all of Stef's girlfriends. Stef's in the lavender dress. Such a nice group of friends.

Stef and her date Phil.....They had a great time. He got a little sick of all the photos but was a good sport anyway.....lol

We hosted the "after party" at our house. About 14 kids came and they had a great time. When they got here they went out back and made a fire. Then at 02:03.04 on 05/06/07 we took this picture. History in the making....this exact time won't occur again for 1000 years. I thought it was neat....the kids were like...okay....back to their party....

Kids started leaving at about 9 in the morning.....after little to no sleep. I caught this one on the front steps after Stef and Phil gave each other a good bye hug.....they still looked pretty refreshed....amazingly.

I then crashed.......because of course I stayed up all night long. It was my 45th birthday on Sunday and I spent most of the day catching up on sleep.....

There, Peggy....I'm off the log.....now it's YOUR turn....

Happy Birthday, Dad!! Happy Half-Birthday, Stef!!

2007-05-04T05:28:00.000-07:00

Well, today would be my Dad's 78th birthday here on earth. Instead he's having birthday cake with the King! Dad, remember to blow out ALL your candles, okay?

It's also my daughter's HALF birthday. She's 16 and a HALF. (That's a BIG thing to a teenager....it was even bigger when she was 12 and a HALF and she constantly reminded me that she was ALMOST a teenager). I went into her room this morning and wished her a Happy Half Birthday and she said, "It's Grandpa Bob's birthday today, too!" Then, a pause as she collected her thoughts and realized he isn't here anymore. And she said, "I bet he's having a great time up in heaven." I bet he is.

Dad's birthday always went with Stefanie's half birthday. And, somehow I believe it ALWAYS will. May 4th will always remind me of two people I love.....my dad and my daughter.

A Memorable Meet

2007-04-25T05:52:00.000-07:00

Well, at least the 1st track meet on the new track at Lakeside will be well remembered. It poured and it poured and it poured some more. But, since there was no lightning the meet went on. It was very well organized and went quite smoothly. Scott and I had fun timing (we were back up for the electric timing system) and our trigger fingers got a bit numb by the end of the meet (it was cold, too!).

Sis did well....once again she took firsts in all events she ran in...100m hurdles, 300m hurdles and starting leg of the 4 x 200m race. She's amazing to watch.....when she's finished with the race girls are still going over hurdles.....I marvel at her talent and speed.

And, the meet was against my highschool alma mater, Columbus High School. I'm not sure how we did as a team (I assume we won) but I'll be sure to let you know.

Have a great day!

UPDATE: The girls won 90 something to 50 something......my source of information? Proud Grandma!! I caught her 5 minutes before she was being picked up by her ride to take her to the airport for a visit to North Carolina! I know she's looking forward to this trip with great anticipation.

One proud Grandma and "Little" Brother

2007-04-23T10:05:00.000-07:00

Well Stef's "little" brother Jake was there on Saturday to cheer her on at the Marshall Invitational track meet. There were 9 schools present and Stef walked away with a first place finish in all her events: 100m high hurdles, 300m low hurdles and the starting leg in the 4 x 200m relay team. It was a beautiful day, a bit windy at times and we all got a little bit of sun. Stef's team won the meet also....so that was an added bonus. Both Grandmas were in attendance, as was proud mama (me) and papa, "little" brother and new beau.....
Enjoy the pictures from the day. After the meet we went home, with beau in tow, and went out for dinner and then took our new boat out on the lake for a little ride. A bit choppy but we got to enjoy a beautiful sunset. Then we headed home and played 3 rounds of euchre with Stef and Phil. He thought they'd beat the "old people" (as he called us).....wow, that was a shocker to be called "old"......but we won anyhow and I have a feeling that they'll be wanting to take us on again soon.....

Another track meet tomorrow night....Lakeside vs. Columbus High School (Scott and my alma mater). It should be fun. Scott and I will be timers for the meet. It's the first meet that our school is hosting on its new track....exciting....

Will let you know how it goes....until then....have a beautiful day!

The First Outdoor Track Meet of the Season

2007-04-10T05:19:00.000-07:00

Well it's the first outdoor track meet of the season for our sophomore daughter and typical Wisconsin weather is calling for 3 -5 inches of snow. Now, mind you, the snow's not supposed to start coming down until about 8 PM and so I'm presuming they'll try to get this triangular meet off the ground. It will be cold and I'll have gloves, mittens, hats, boots, etc. on. Lakeside is running against Beaver Dam public (our home town) and Portage public. The meet is being held in Portage (about a 35 mile hike).

I remember last year's first outdoor meet......no predictions of snow and yet cold and very windy. The meet was in Beaver Dam last year and I vividly recall my mom, my dad and my sister Peggy coming to witness Stef's very first track meet of her high school career. It was her first time ever running the 300m low hurdles. They were bundled in winter clothes and huddled in blankets. My dad had on his navy blue parka and you could hardly see him with his hood up. I could feel the butterflies in my stomach when they called, "Final call for girls' 300m low hurdles." It was like yesterday when I ran the hurdles back in highschool and those feelings NEVER go away for me. I wondered what Dad was thinking as he watched his oldest grandchild run that race. I wondered if he was taken back 26 years in his mind as he recalled watching me run those hurdles. I can still see him standing at the track meets in his orange Tracy & Sons spring jacket. His hair wasn't as gray and he wasn't as slight. His arms were usually folded across his chest and he had the seriousness on his face that I remember so well. I'd come over to him for the usual father/daughter pep talk and he'd always take one arm and put it on my shoulder while keeping the other arm folded across his chest and he'd look me in the eyes and say, "Mare, run your race....you'll do great!" And off I'd go.

The race I remember the most was the final race of the season at the State Track Meet at Mansfield Stadium in Madison, WI. I was a junior in highschool and that year was under the tutelage of a phy ed intern who, himself, had been a highschool state champion high hurdler. He took me under his wings and mentored me one on one. I learned so much from that man....he had me read Jonathan Livingston Seagull during the season, he had me visual a perfect race in my mind, he encouraged me and developed me into a top notch 200m hurdler. The last race was the race of my life....until the last hurdle.....I took my eye off my goal, saw myself in 2nd place and my steps were off and I stepped through the last hurdle and fell to the track in front of a crowd of 8000 people. My instincts told me to get up and finish the race. I did. The last time I saw my coach was when he walked away as my family was hugging and consoling me. I never thought to really thank him....I was a junior in highschool at the time. But his lessons stuck with me and were a part of who I am. I finally, about 20 years later, found him. He was teaching in Madison.....I went personally to thank him. And that was the last time I saw him.....he died an untimely death at 40 years old. I'm thankful that I got to personally thank him for what he gave me.

The other man that mentored me was my dad. After that same race he came up to me and in his usual serious tone, put one arm on my shoulder and said, "Mary, I was never more proud of you then when you got up and finished the race." A tear streamed down his face as he said that. The only other time I saw a tear stream down his face was on my wedding day. My dad was a lot like that phy ed intern who mentored me.....I was taught so much by what I caught from Dad. His character, his work ethic and the way he showed love for his family. I miss you, Dad.
Today more than other days. I'll think of you as Stef runs her race. And, hopefully I'll impart wisdom to her like you imparted wisdom to me. You were a great Dad......a really great Dad.

April Already!

2007-04-09T06:06:00.000-07:00

I failed to post anything in March even though my sister prodded me on March 31st that I still had time left in March to AT LEAST get in one post. Sorry.

Yesterday was Easter and the church bulged at the seams. All those C and Eers that, until most recently, politely irritated me. Well, not even politely irritated me...they just plain irritated me. And the conviction came from my 16 year old daughter who at Christmas time reminded me (when I was spouting off about how MY seat was taken) that church is for ALL the lost....including me. Warning heeded. So, I prayed more for myself this Easter because obviously I was in just as much need of the Savior's sacrifice as the C and Eers. I prayed that I would not be irritated and instead be joyous that the church was packed to hear the most powerful message of Christ's death and resurrection. My prayer was definitely answered and my soul was peaceful.

After church my mom and sister joined our family for an Easter dinner of mustard-glazed ham, garlic mashed potatoes and green bean casserole. My mom made the most heavenly angel food cake with whipped cream and pineapple filling/frosting. It was magnificent. And, then Peggy and I cleaned up the kitchen in a very quick manner and she was off to work on her taxes....UGH!! Certainly glad she could join us, though.

MARCH RECAP: Jake broke his 5th metatarsal of his left foot. A bit of a stress fracture and he is now in a boot and crutches. Trying to avoid having a screw put in with bone grafting. He's a whiz on the crutches and likes to poke me with them every now and then. He just got measured at school and is now 5'10" tall......yikes. He does look down at me now.

Stef started track and has 2 indoor meets under her belt. She's doing well and after the last meet they have decided to place her in the 100m high hurdles for outdoor season. She got asked to prom by one of her friends who is developing into a bit more. He's a gem and is a foot taller than her......more details and pics to follow.

Well, Ruth Anne.....at least I posted in April.....as always, thanks for the reminder.....

That Dog can Spell

2007-02-25T11:28:00.000-08:00

I never cease to be amazed by our black lab, Joe. Many of you know that he was an outside dog for about 9 years of his life. We brought him in this summer when it got so blasted hot and he wasn't getting around very well. Well now he's an inside dog and I think....know, I KNOW...he rules the roost. For a while he slept in his kennel/crate at night. We got sick of the howling. He now sleeps on a comfy-cozy piece of lambswool in our bedroom at night. We only put him in his kennel when we leave the house for an afternoon. Well, quite honestly, he doesn't like it and when he sees us put our coats on he goes up in our bedroom, stands on his lambswool and growls at us. Not a growl that shows his teeth, just a growl that says, "You're ticking me off, you're leaving and gonna put me in that cage and I'm not going!" It even got to the point when we said the word "kennel" he would start to show his dissatisfaction. So, then we started to spell it. It reminded me of the days when the children were toddlers and we had to spell things to avoid their earshot. And, now...when we spell k-e-n-n-e-l....Joe knows and decideds he's gonna stay on his spot and not budge. Well, yesterday I got the bright idea of getting his leash so he might think he was going for a walk....All this to get the dog into the kennel so we could go to a basketball game. Well, it worked....he perked up, stopped growling, wagged his tail and couldn't wait to get out the door. I walked him out the front door, down the sidewalk, down our driveway and right into the back door and into our family room where his kennel is. I thought to myself, "Gotcha!!" It worked again this morning when we were going to church. I just wonder how long it will work before Joe figures out that leash = kennel. He's one smart dog. Someday I'll come into my home and he'll be sitting at the computer playing Free Cell or something.....I'm almost sure of it.

Goliath is slain!

2007-02-23T05:32:00.000-08:00

Well, my highschool alma mater fell to Lakeside Lutheran highschool last night...
51-47. It was an exciting game. Lakeside was up 26-16 at the half. We came out at halftime and moved the score up to 36-16. Then Columbus inched their way back but didn't have enough time to seal the deal. So, Lakeside goes on and faces Jefferson on Saturday at 7 PM. Jefferson is ranked in the state and has a UW-Madison D1 recruit playing. But, little David is still carrying his sling shot!!

I'll keep you posted.

What's Been Going on Lately?

2007-02-22T08:35:00.000-08:00

Hello, All! I guess from the recent comment posted by my brother I better write to let you know what's been going on lately...

Well...let's see...basketball, basketball and more basketball. It's a wonderful season and makes the winters fly by but I must admit it's getting long and I'm looking forward to the track season and spring and green grass and warm sunshine on my face.

Jake is on a traveling basketball spring team coached by, none other than, his father. Jake is excited and he really likes having his Dad as his coach. Scott figured that he'd have to be there to take Jake to his practices, so why not just stay and do the coaching. Scott is certainly gifted when it comes to coaching the game of basketball. So we'll be spending almost every weekend in March and early April (yes...there's even a game on the Saturday before Easter which prohibits us from traveling to North Carolina to spend Easter with my sister and her family....boo hoo...). Scott says that he wishes he would have had the moves that Jake does at this age. Jake is truly a gifted athlete.

Stef ended her junior varsity season. In the lockerroom after the last game the coach commented on what a unique group of young Christian women were on this team. To help build team unity, at the beginning of the season, Stefanie suggested that each player prior to each game put together a little devotional. This created such team spirit and prevented a lot of the cliques that occur when you have high school girls on a team. I was so proud of Stef for stepping forward and making that suggestion. Each season the coach puts together a DVD featuring each player and highlights from the year. It's the coolest....This year the coach will read one of the devotionals that the girls wrote at the end of the DVD....Here it is....(and, for the record, this is WHY we send our kids to Christian schools). It was written by one of Stef's friends for the last game of the season. If they won they would be undefeated:

1 Corinthians 12: 12, 13a, 25-26---The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body. There should be no divisions in the body, but its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

It was really tough to choose a Bible passage for this game--not because I couldn't find one, but because there were too many in 1 Cor. 12 to pick from. The whole "one body, many parts" section seemed to fit our team perfectly. It's clear to see that this team is made up of many different personalities and abilities on and off the court. We have all originally come from different gradeschools with different teammates, different homes, different families and different friends. Each one of us carries our own unique characteristics that separate us from everyone else. But despite the differences, we all have one thing in common, and that is that every day after school we step out onto the basketball court and we unite. We conjoin to form one unit, one body that is strong despite any weakness we may have as individuals. A body that is strong enough that, up to this point, has been able to conquer any obstacle thrown its way. And, most importantly we form a body led by Christ. He is our Head and without Him guiding us and piecing us all together, we would cease to exist. As one body we are connected. When one part falls, we all bring her to her feet. When one part excels, we stand behind her. When one part must run a deep 6, we ALL must run a deep 6. This is what holds us together. I don't know where we'll all individually end up after tongiht, but I do have the certainty of being able to look back at my JV basketball team and have the privilege of saying, "I was a part of that body. The body that stood beneath those bright gymnasium lights and gave everything it had so that the Head could be seen." And, I'll be very proud of that.

They did win that game....It was the first undefeated season for her coach (he's been at Lakeside for 9 years). It was a special moment. I kept wondering why it was taking so long for the team to come out of the lockerroom. After the last game the coach has each player go around and say what they like best about every person on the team. Then the girls decided to share what they like best about their coach. My Stefanie, who doesn't cry much.....lost it....then the coach lost it and all the other girls lost it. So it took a bit of time for them all to compose themselves before leaving the lockerroom. At any rate, many of the players were selected to continue on and play during tournament games with the varsity team. Stef got selected and they won their first game Tuesday night. Tonight we travel to my hometown where Lakeside takes on my highschool alma mater. I will not have mixed feelings on whom to cheer for. My hometown team is ranked second in the state. Lakeside isn't supposed to stand a chance.....but, hey, no one thought David could slay the giant. With God on our side...ALL things are possible. Will keep you posted.....

So...that's what's been going on lately...

WARNING: Get Off the Road!!

2007-01-31T17:16:00.000-08:00

Well, the day has arrived. The day I have been dreading for a while. The day my 16 year old daughter got her license. It's hard to put in words the feelings I had after she passed her test and then drove her Jeep back to school (which is 35 miles away). Have you ever had a dream where you had something in your hand that you longed for? And in that moment between wake and sleep you thought in your dream that if you woke up that object would be in your hand? And then you wake up to the disappointment you feel when the object isn't there? Well, that's kind of how I felt. Stef in her fashionable shades driving off, alone....without me...her mother to protect her. I had a similar feeling when she went off to kindergarten. I stood at the door of her classroom and tried to hold back the emotions that were welling up inside me. And my little 5 year old said, "Mom, I'll be alright...you can go now." I cried the whole way home. And now it seems like only yesterday when she was off to kindergarten and it'll be like only tomorrow when she'll be heading off to college.....away from my watchful eye. And yet....she's a good kid....no...she's a great kid and I know that she's ready for the big world. And her guardian angels will be there just as the Lord promises..."I will command my angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways." And, I'm sure that promise is for me, too. It's another stage in my life....I'll learn to embrace it as I have others and I will be okay.....

You may just want to get off the road....lol

An Update

2007-01-11T06:13:00.000-08:00

Sorry to have left you hanging about my father-in-law. It's been a slow week or so it seems. My father-in-law was admitted to the hospital after going in to the ER with the high fever and rectal abscess. It wasn't pretty....they lanced the abscess (which was the size of a grapefruit---sorry to be graphic--it's part of my nature) and then the infection spread. I heard the surgeon say, "forneaze gangrene"---or atleast that's how I sounded it out as I was taking notes. Upon further research (thank goodness for web md) it was really Fournier Gangrene (named after the discoverer of the condition) and I was horrified to read about it and look at the pictures after the debridement of the dead tissue. It didn't look promising for my father-in-law. However, prayer is powerful and at the skill of the surgeon's hand they cleaned out the dead tissue (now my FIL has a hole in his buttocks area that I can put my fist in which has to be packed with gauze---miles of gauze, it seems--twice a day) and eased the distention in his intestines. My FIL was so filled with gas because of the infection that he looked 9 months pregnant and they were fearful his bowel might rupture which would have killed him.

I saw my mother-in-law stand over her husband of 48 years and it, all too quickly, brought back visions of my mother just a few months ago. I didn't like reliving it and yet I was thankful that I was at my MIL's side as the surgeon was explaining options. The dementia, it seems, is a blessing because my FIL's cognitive ability doesn't recognize pain. He should have been in INTENSE pain and yet he was so peaceful....that is a blessing. He has been on massive amounts of antibiotics for that past several days and is responding....it's amazing. It looks like they'll move him back to his assisted living home with the help of hospice nurses. They think he'll be bedridden for quite some time. So he has an airflow mattress to prevent bedsores and constant care. He is eating pureed foods but his ability to swallow is declining due to the dementia.

My son, Jake said a few weeks ago..."You know, Mom...I figured it out...when you're born you need to people to change your diapers and care for you and when you die you need the same." What wisdom from an almost 12 year old.

So if you could....keep my FIL in your prayers....thanks a MILLION!!

What Gems

2007-01-01T15:01:00.000-08:00

Forgot to post these photos from Christmas. Actually, the one of Stef and Jake was taken by Stef. I found it in her folders of "Special Pictures" (that was heart-warming). The one of Jake is him holding the knife he got from Uncle David and Aunt Ruthie. (More, I think, from Uncle David because of the note that was enclosed with the gift). It made me laugh out loud. It said something like he didn't want to hear anything about any emergency room visits or "mishaps" with the knife. Jake was elated to receive it and already talked about the big buck he would gutt with it.....yuck.....

And the other photo is of my father-in-law on Christmas day. We placed a plate of Christmas cookies in front of him and he looked joyful. I'm sure I'll have several posts regarding him in the months ahead. He's not doing well. He has frontal lobe dementia and is deteriorating very fast. He's at a care facility but was able to come home on Christmas day. He doesn't speak and is now moved around with a wheel chair. Ah, the lessons we learn as we care for those we love. My mother-in-law called today and said he has a 103 degree fever and a rectal abscess.....she sounded weary....I just listened. Hospice is helping out with Dad and since he can't talk it's sometimes difficult to know what hurts and how he's feeling......We continue to pray. Scott's Mom says she must confuse God because every morning she asks God to take him quickly home and every evening she thanks God for allowing her to have him here one more day. I'm sure God can discern her groanings. He always does.

Let the Festivites End

2007-01-01T14:06:00.000-08:00

Can't believe I haven't entered anything since Thanksgiving. But, then again, I can. The holiday season was hectic yet blessed. It started by having the troops here for Thanksgiving, then a holiday gathering with friends in early December, and it ended last night with a troop (12) of teenagers here to celebrate and bring in the New Year 2007. They had a blast.....I think. It looked like it anyhow. It started at 5 pm...I fed them and then we went to church at 7 pm (took up 2 pews), then we went to the local skating rink until 11 pm, then back home for pizzas and brought in the New Year with a bang. Then all the teenagers got a second wind and stayed up and watched movies until about 6 am. The boys stayed downstairs and the girls were all upstairs and Scott or I (we took shifts) were in between. I heard lots of laughter and pure teenage fun going on. The neatest thing was how they included Stef's "little" brother Jake in the fun. I never once heard Stef tell him to get out of their space.....that was priceless to me.

I feel very blessed that Stef has the friends she has. They are thoughtful, polite, kind and most of all neat Christian kids. It was fun to see and get to know more the kids my daughter hangs out with and to watch them have a blast bringing in the New Year together. Hope you had a blessed New Year's eve and hope you're looking forward to 2007 with wonder and awe.

Let the Festivities Begin

2006-11-22T05:49:00.000-08:00

It almost seems like Christmas is tomorrow and not Thanksgiving. That's because we put all of our Christmas decorations up in preparation for a houseful for Thanksgiving. I know that sounds odd, and yet I just wanted to have ALL the decorations up for Christmas for Thanksgiving. (that really sounded odd). So we have a 9 ft tall tree in the living room, a 6 ft tall tree in the family room, garland and lights adorn the front stairway railing and the fireplace mantel and I just love it. I also was given a candle warmer (it warms and melts the candlewax and the smell permeates your home with no smoke or soot....plus the candles last longer and smell stronger). I have a "pumpkin pie" candle simmering in the warmer and I just LOVE it. Scott is placing the red flood light outside this evening to illuminate the front door with wreath and the front stoop with an antique runner sled......simple, but beautiful.

We have Scott's cousin and husband and 6 children coming this evening. They'll spend the night and head off for other relatives in the morning. We're sort of their pit stop. Their oldest child is 12 and their youngest is 2. Kris and Erik should really do a blog because their family is never without something to blog about. Whenever we go to their home Scott says that is the best form of birth control. We laugh. And then I think to myself how truly blessed is their quiver full of children. I often think what a blessing is my little quiver of 2....sometimes I wish the quiver were fuller (more full....i don't know the correct word....i'm sure someone will let me know...lol).

After Kris and Erik and family head out we'll have about 14 more coming. Scott's 2 brothers and their families, Scott's Mom and Dad, my mom and sister.....it will be interesting.

I read an article in Better Homes and Gardens which labeled family members. It was a riot. You have THE HOLIDAY SQUATTER (the relative who hangs around way too long), THE GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST (the family scorekeeper that always dredges up old insults, embarrassments, and disappointments), THE WEIGHT WATCHER (that relative who has lost 30 pounds and is hungry to share all her newfound nutritional knowledge as you fill up your buffet plate), THE TIPPLER (the one who has a few too many alcoholic beverages and loose lips that tells one too many off-color jokes), and THE YULE LOG (that relative that parks their butt in front of the TV and never engages in conversation).....so which one are you?

Have a very blessed Thanksgiving holiday with your familes....we truly have a lot to be grateful for.

Hangers are like rabbits!

2006-11-17T06:57:00.000-08:00

I'm convinced.....somehow these little wire contraptions that we use in everyday life are like rabbits. They breed and multiply and need a place of their own. At least in our household. Yesterday I was feeling a sort of organizational moving and I set forth to clean and organize my husband's and my walk-in closet. Stupid...that's all I can say. I had some sort of assanine idea that I could get the job done in just an hour or two. Well....5 hours later I still had a mess in my bedroom, hallway and anywhere else you can thinkof. And it's all because of those stupid hangers. No, not really but they are a nuisance.

It's probably because my husband gets his shirts laundered (he has an anal retentive part of his nature that demands crisply heavy starched collars and cuffs...which I can't possibly create with an iron and bottle of spray starch...so I don't even attempt it). Each week five of those little blue wire hangers make their way into our closet...that's 20 per month and 240 per year...But, I swear, I must have found about 500 of them, or so it seemed.....Envision being in an empty room with 2 rabbits and within a very short time you're surrounded by a gazillion of the white furry creatures and you're going insane!! Well that's kind of how I felt yesterday.

Then, fortunately, my sister Peggy came over and I was able to give her a bunch of hangers (she said she actually to go to the store to BUY some of them---she must have neutered or spayed hangers at her house) and a box of clothes that I just simply don't wear anymore and she was excited to receive them......what a joy for me....

I realized a few things after my day with the hangers:

1) We have way too much STUFF!

2) It feels really good to de-clutter and give STUFF away to people who will have use for it.

3) I detest too many hangers!!

Have a GREAT day and weekend!

Bleacher Butt has Begun!

2006-11-16T06:02:00.000-08:00

It's already mid-November and I thought that we would have a nice little break between fall sports and winter sports. Not so. That little 2 week break went by way too quickly for my liking. Now we're full force into the basketball season. Sis will be playing on JV and Big Guy will be on the "B" squad.....

So the days become much longer for Scott because he waits at school until Sis is done practice which usually is around 6ish.....then add a shower and you guessed it they're not home until about 7:15....it makes for a long day. We're shopping for a third vehicle right now. Never thought we'd do that and yet it's almost a necessity. That way Scott won't have 13 hour days....only Sis will....

I have full confidence we'll find a great deal on a good pre-owned vehicle. My sister, Ruth Anne says that Scott always eats straw and craps gold. I always say that he can find a diamond in a goat's a**!! We're looking for safety and style. Sis will be getting Scott's Jeep Cherokee Laredo and Scott will be getting a new vehicle. Well, not new.....but new to him....

The first game of the season is next Tuesday....my butt will be numb by March....then it's a break (which won't seem like one, I'm sure) until track season starts.....Aaaahhhhh, life...it whizzes by.

The days are long and the years fly by.

Found Dog = Happy Boy

2006-11-06T14:24:00.000-08:00

Well, Joe was found. Actually when Jake came home from school and was inconsolable I decided to take a trip to the Humane Society and see if anyone turned him in. You see, his tags weren't on his collar cuz I'm sure we don't have him licensed....

Scott and I were gonna just let it slide and tell the kids that he wasn't turned in....I know...you're thinking pretty mean parents, huh? I couldn't do it...and I know when Scott got home from work he wouldn't be able to let it slide either. Probably cuz we knew we were lying to the kids.

Well...they had already inputted Joe into the computer so it took $25 to free him from jail.....then I have until the 20th of November to prove that his rabies are up-to-date and that he is licensed. Probably another $75. Oh, well...it's just money. We probably would have been buying a new dog anyway.

Joe seemed a bit tired upon returning home. He's old (about 9 people years) and his little jaunt today probably wore him out....HHHmmmm....wonder what else he did during his time away? I can only imagine....

The Party's Over

2006-11-06T10:14:00.000-08:00

Well, the Sweet 16 Birthday party went over well. Stef had 7 other 16 year olds there to celebrate her big day. She actually co-celebrated it with her friend, Sarah. They blew out 32 candles between them. They were laughing how the 32 lit candles lit up the room. I told them to wait until they're my age. They rented movies....scary ones and chick flicks....and then ended up going to bed at about 3 AM......a fun time was had by all, that's for sure...

Stef said in the car on Sunday, "Wow!! I'm almost 17 now, Mom!!" I said...just enjoy your 16th year and don't wish your life away. Geez...I think I heard that one from my parents when I was her age.

One of Stef's gifts was a navy blue cardigan sweater. They were laughing that they'd have to sing the song from Mr. Rogers everytime she wore it. Instead I thought of my dad...cuz every Christmas someone would buy him a new navy blue cardigan sweater....

And...if you could...please keep our dog Joe in your thoughts....he got out this morning and hasn't returned. Of course, his new collar didn't have his name or phone number on it. I'm sure after school there will be one sad little boy.

Sweet 16 and never been.........better!!

2006-11-03T05:58:00.000-08:00

At the nudging of my sister Peggy I'm posting a comment today about my daughter, Stefanie. Tomorrow, November 4th is her 16th birthday. Above are some pictures of her (she's the one in every photo with the huge cheesy smile and blonde very curly hair). Peg said I should post about my 16th birthday and then about Stef's. To be real honest, I can't remember much about my 16th birthday. I only remember I was a sophomore, in the middle of track season and probably VERY consumed by boys (or trying to obtain a boy) and getting my driver's license and what party to go to on Friday night. That was pretty much my life at that time.....Stef seems different...perhaps because I'm her mother and I see it from a different perspective. And yet in some ways it seems the same....

SAME: sophomore year and consumed with getting her driver's license.
DIFFERENT: the start of the basketball season, NOT consumed with boys or trying to obtain a boy and NOT what party to go to on Friday night

Stef seems more different than I was at this age. She seems to think deeper and think less of herself. She's realized after her most recent breakup with her boyfriend of 7 months that she doesn't need a guy to complete her. She realized that she didn't have any regrets about things she did with him because her standards were set so high and that true love waits......She's realized that friends will ALWAYS be there. She's discovered that dating is too complicated and she'll pass on that until she's ready to have God lead her to her future spouse. She's taught her mother a lot about forgiveness and unconditional love.

I've learned that she's as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. She's a blessing in my life that I am very thankful for.

Last week, a Mary Kay friend of mine lost her 24 year old son in a single car accident. This was the email message we all received from her:

Hello Area - it is w/a heavy heart I write you tonight. Today I was
notified that my 24 yr/o son Russell was killed in a car accident. It has
been a day of mourning, prayer and phone calls. I'm sorry to let you know
in an email, but it's a blessing too to let you all know so easily. When
the 3 fully uniformed Coast Guard guys came to my doorstep - I knew. As
strange as this seems, my very 1st thought was "I'm so grateful!" Russ had
become so close to his Savior this past year and was faithful in the Word
and prayer. God is faithful and good - Russ made it "home" safe. He was to
be the best man at his brother's wedding on Nov 11... but now he is at the
wedding feast that we can only imagine! We are leaning on God's promises
and can feel the prayers that have already begun for our family. Time is
short - I've said it for years and I'm so grateful that I had 24 wonderful
years w/my precious son. I stayed home w/him (thank you God for the vehicle
Mary Kay) his entire childhood and was able to travel extensively w/him and
visit him often during his Coast Guard years.(thanks again God for giving
me the money and the time). The years have flown by - the Bible tells us
that our life is "but a mist" - I pray that through this tragedy in our
family, you will see God's love and faithfulness shining through... and
realize that our eternity offered freely through Jesus is truly "what
counts"! sharon

Now, I know that I, too am grateful for the vehicle of Mary Kay so I could be a stay-home Mom with Stefanie and Jake. I don't know if I could have written such a beautiful email after hearing such tragic news of my child's death. But then again, are they really our children or are they the Lord's and we're given stewardship of them? I've had 16 years with Stefanie.....16 wonderful years. I love her so much and pray that I will be able to enjoy MANY more years with her.

Thanks for tuning in.....

A Few Good Laughs Today!!

2006-08-20T17:57:00.000-07:00

Today was a day of several good ole belly laughs. I ran across this picture of Dad....Christmas 2002....It just made me laugh. I've had several laughs today and over the past few days. I was chatting with my mother-in-law and she asked how I was doing with losing Dad and all. I retold the time of when I was caring for him for an extended stay (I believe Mom was on a long weekend either bowling tournament or a funeral, out east...I can't remember which) and I had the task of showering him. Dad was rather modest and always covered his private parts when I would shower him. I told him not to worry because Scott had one just like his. I made some funny comment like, "Yours is only wrinklier, Dad." He laughed and came back with this one..."That's because it's had more use!!" I about wet my pants in laughter.....his lucid moments were hilarious ones.

Another laugh today....we went to The Red Mill in Waupaca, WI. It's a quaint place about an hour or so drive from our place. It's near where my husband grew up. My in-laws took us there when we were dating and I have such fond memories of the romance and beauty of this place. We went to early church and got in the car right away so we could take advantage of the beautiful weather today. We took along Kyle, (Stefanie's boyfriend) and made a day of it. The few good laughs began at the restaurant we stopped at for lunch. We started to share stupid stories and about wet our pants laughing as we retold them. Like the time Scott accidentally pulled the chair out from under me and I landed on the floor and peed my pants in the process (bladders don't work as well after 11 pound children...lol). The reminiscing continued until our sides hurt. Everyone headed out to the car and waited for me to pay the bill. Kyle....the stinker that he is....hid behind a bush and waited for my exit. I was looking at the car and didn't see him when he jumped out and scared me....yes...I peed again....the laughter continued. Then when we got in the car Kyle started reciting lines from funny movies and we were all a little punchy and continued laughing so hard. Well...that just fed the boy to continue. It continued until Stefanie couldn't catch her breath from laughing so hard...it really scared me. I think I know what it means when people say, "I almost died laughing." But, all in all....everyone needs a day like today...good laughs and great medicine....

How Great Thou Art

2006-08-13T10:04:00.000-07:00

I wasn't prepared for the outpouring of tears I would experience in church today. One of our hymns was "How Great Thou Art." I love it...it's a beautiful hymn, packed with His grace and the gospel message. It also was Dad's favorite hymn. We sung it at his funeral. It didn't impact me then as much as it did today. The tears flowed freely as I sang each verse and thought of Dad, up there in heaven singing praises to God....forever and ever...Amen. I miss you, Dad...more than you know.

O Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder,
Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made;
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed.

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

When through the woods, and forest glades I wander,
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees.
When I look down, from lofty mountain grandeur
And see the brook, and feel the gentle breeze.

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

And when I think, that God, His Son not sparing;
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in;
That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin.

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation,
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart.
Then I shall bow, in humble adoration,
And then proclaim: "My God, how great Thou art!"

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

I'm Back!

2006-08-08T06:41:00.000-07:00

Back safely from Dallas, TX....my 15th annual trip went well. Our unit was #78....which is a great place to land, especially since there are about 2800 units in our division alone and about 14000 United States sales units overall. I was mighty proud of my group of woman. And, so many of them, there for the first time, caught the vision of what Mary Kay stands for...the mission to enrich women's lives. Even though Mary Kay, herself, was not present in the arena, I saw my gals, with tears streaming down their faces, catch the dream for themselves and their families. It never ceases to amaze me.

It was difficult for me, though. Especially through the debuts of the new National Sales Directors. A new NSD has a little video montage made and then her whole area of directors graces the stage, along with her family. I kept thinking of Dad and how he'll never get to witness that. I cried from the bottom of my toes.....I didn't think it would be so overwhelming. When I got home and told Mom about it she simply said, "It's okay, Mary...at least your mom will be there when you debut as a National." Now I have a job to do.....

Also, had a doctor's appointment yesterday...still having odd lumps and sensations in my left breast which has brought a lot of anxiety. I was told to wait to have my mammogram until the end of September and I just was getting anxious. One of my offspring directors just had a double masectomy with reconstructive surgery right away and she was urging me to go back before September if I was so anxious about it. So I did. I love my family doctor.....he treats the whole patient and just plain spends time to listen. He checked me out and the lumpiness was gone (cuz back in March they confirmed that they were just fluid-filled cysts). My doctor still believes that with my perimenopause has come the cysts. He said cancer lumps never go away, cysts come and go with menstrual cycles. When, thank goodness, mine come and go with the ebb of my cycle. That's a blessing. I will still have the mammo and perhaps another ultrasound in early September just to confirm that.

While in his office I lost it though. He asked me a question and I just lost it. We talked a lot about the grieving process and he asked if I wanted to talk. I didn't want to keep him from his dozens of patients waiting for him....but that didn't seem to matter to him. So we talked about my dad and he told me that it's okay....that I HAVE to grieve the loss. He said if I wanted anything to help me get through this time that there are anti-depressants to help. I don't want to do that. I told him that. He didn't push it. I was glad.

My best dose of antidepressant medication came in the form of my Mary Kay meeting last night. My commitment called for me to be there, even though I didn't feel like it. And, having to push through the evening was just what the doctor ordered. I got out of myself and got into my people and their guests and I left feeling euphoric.....just what the doctor ordered. I think I've realized that grieving is okay yet doing something great for others is the best anti-depressant anyone could ever take.

Getting Ready for the Heat

2006-07-27T07:01:00.000-07:00

On Saturday I leave for five days. I'll be headed to Dallas, TX for my annual Mary Kay Seminar. Haven't missed one since 1992. Wow....my 15th one. The usual happens before any of my Mary Kay trips. I generally get more done in one day then I do in a week. (Proves to me how much we CAN accomplish when we have a goal and a deadline). Of course, the shoe shopping is a must....as my husband says, "Let me guess....black pumps?" It's a standing joke in our house...I need a shoe closet for just my black pumps. And, of course, finding the right gown to wear on stage. Usually I rotate gowns and just re-wear ones I've worn before. You guessed it....black ones...lol..But this year I bought two new gowns. One for my National's awards night and one for the Mary Kay awards night. I must have been feeling awfully special cuz I don't splurge like that. I'll splurge on my daughter but never on myself. My unit will be recognized in the Half Million Dollar Circle of Achievement and I'll stand on stage for about 5 minutes ( a huge 2000 square foot stage that resembles the Academy Awards stage) receive another walnut (or this year maybe cherry) plaque and a 4 carat diamond ring (only this year I'm taking the $4000 cash in lieu of the ring...I've earned 2 honking rings and this year's bling bling will be on my son's teeth instead...you guessed it...braces). It's humbling....cuz the first year we earned the right to receive such a beautiful prize it was ALL for me....the prize, the applause, the walk on stage....everything for me. This year, I really don't care. It's not about me....it's about my incredible unit members who will sit in the audience and say, "That's my director. I was a part of that." And then they'll spin their dreams of standing on a stage one day....and, somehow I know they'll make it happen.

It's also for my dad...for much of my life I've just wanted to make him proud of me. He laughed when I pulled up in his driveway in my first pink cadillac. I just wanted him to say how proud he was of me. He didn't to me.....but I know he did to many other people. Because they told me. I've always had a dream to sit on the Queen's throne at Seminar as the Queen of the Sapphire Division in Unit Sales.....I think I really just wanted to do that because when you do your whole family comes on stage and the company makes a big production of it. The person I wanted most standing on that stage with me was my father....just because I wanted to see the look of pride on his face when his little girl was crowned the queen. I'll never have that experience for real...but I will hold it in my heart. And, one day, when I am crowned the Queen of Unit Sales for the Sapphire Division I know my dad will know....I'll feel his presence and warmth and I'll receive that look of approval from him....I know I will....

Monday, Monday.....

2006-07-24T09:33:00.000-07:00

Ba...da....ba da da da....Ba....da....ba da da da....you know the words....that's how I feel today. Now try getting that catchy tune out of your head. The Mamas and the papas summed it up....Monday, monday...can't trust that day.

Sometimes that's how Mondays are for me. Can't trust how I'll feel....especially after a relaxing weekend at the cabin, topped off by a day at the beach. It always takes me a while to just get going on Monday. And, here it is, already noon, I'm still in my pajamas and trying to find my purpose for the day. It's been that way a lot lately. Don't know if it's Dad's death, can't really put my finger on it. Maybe it's that "mid-life, peri-menopausal" thought process. Who knows? As for me, I guess I'll just have to go through the motions while I'm sifting it out.....yeah, just sifting and sorting it out.

Insanity, insanity!

2006-07-20T06:07:00.000-07:00

Another eventful week in our household. This week we decided to add to the insanity by bringing in our dog. We have a black lab named Joe who is about 8 years old. He's been an outside dog all these years and we felt it was time to bring him in. First, of course, came a DEEP bath then the decision of where to put him. Well, his crate ended up on our 3 season porch and he has decided to confine himself to that room....never venturing out to the rest of the house. Until yesterday....he got brave and entered our family/kitchen area. That area has laminate floors and Joe doesn't like them. He's learned in the past few days to walk gingerly on them and is getting better at navigating from area rug to throw rug and back. Our two cats, Machito (Chito---he's NOT orange) and Tuxedo (he looks like a little man wearing a tuxedo, minus the bowtie) have also become braver. Chito is more daring of the two and he and Joe have even sniffed each other and walked around in circles with each other...like a little dance. Joe hasn't growled....I think he just got a little excited (actually a LOT excited) thinking that maybe he had a "partner". That's what happens when they're not neutered...lol. Tuxedo didn't get as close....maybe about 2 feet away...and when he did he got up on his hind paws and started batting at Joe. He looked like a little prize fighter....I laughed so hard!!

Now, Jake (our 11 year old) has the duty of morning and afternoon walks because he was the one that kept bugging us to bring him in the house. We've used the scare tactic that if he doesn't take him for a walk he's going to the humane society. I've never seen a little boy move so quickly.

So to add to our ever mad household we now have a man, a peri-menopausal woman, a menstrating teenage girl, a prepubescent boy, a testosterone-filled black lab and 2 neurotic cats. How's that for insanity?

Slow Down...I want to get off!

2006-07-17T06:09:00.000-07:00

Another weekend whizzes by us. Not much time to sit and relax and enjoy the scenery. Had a very busy weekend. Started with heading over to Port Washington, WI (beautiful little town right on Lake Michigan) early Saturday for their annual celebration Fish Day. Scott's cousin and wife live there and we had a fun day, capped off with an awesome firework's display.

Then Sunday, our nephew had his 11th birthday party so we were in Watertown celebrating that event. Lots of friends and family there and because of the extreme heat and humidity most people sat in the air conditioning. Some brave souls ventured outside to play hillbilly golf. If you're looking for a fun game to play, easy to make, similar to horseshoes and bringing out the competitive spirit in people, then this game is for you. I watched as people just about got their necks wrung with the flying golfballs, but it sure was fun(ny) to watch.

Our oldest daughter wasn't with us for most of the weekend. Her boyfriend was returning from a two week band trip to Calgary, Alberta Canada and she just couldnt go another day without seeing him. So she spent the time with his family and then they reunited with us at the birthday party.

The weekend just whizzed by. Like a ride....slow down...I want to get off!

Get off the Road!!

2006-07-11T08:50:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Stefanie got her temporary license (temps). And I was the first to sit in the passenger's seat and let her chauffeur me around the neighborhood. She did well.....other than going left to turn right at times. Then in the evening Scott was more adventurous and let her hit our downtown and roads with 45 mph speed limit signs. He, I must admit is more daring, AND patient then me.

Her Uncle Paul remarked that Stef was beaming with pride when she came home after her drive with her Dad. Hhhmmm....brings back floods of memories. I, too, enjoyed driving with my dad more than my mom. He was calm, cool and collected (at least he made it look like that) and my mom was white-knuckling the door and slamming on her imaginary brakes all the time while she raised her voice a notch or two to let me know, in no uncertain terms, that I sucked as a new driver.....

Her temporary license picture is a great one. Big cheesy smile. Usually driver's license photos look like mug shots. The lady who took the picture remarked, "How could a girl this pretty ever take a bad photo?" She was right....

Back to Routine

2006-07-10T13:46:00.000-07:00

Well...it's back to routine after Dad's death and funeral. The sympathy cards still come rolling in and I find myself very emotional as I read them. It seems final and yet it doesn't seem possible that Dad's gone.

Mom came into my office today (she's my office assistant). I told her she didn't have to, but she just felt like she wanted to do something ordinary instead of the atypical (which we've been doing). I said, "Great!" My office was in serious need of my bookkeeper. She balanced the checkbook that she couldn't balance right before Dad's recent decline. I knew it was bugging her. A bookkeeper for as many years as she was couldn't possibly get that off her mind. It was a sense of accomplishment for her today, I'm sure.

Then she said goodbye to Paul, Nicki and the little precious granddaughter, Kate. That was hard. She sobbed long and then quickly tried to compose herself. In a way...another loss...her only son and daughter-in-law and newest grandbaby heading two thirds of the way across the country back to their home in California. It will be a bit of time before she sees them again. I will definitely encourage her to visit often. It will be easier now, because Mom is spry and she won't have the extra work that it took with Dad in tow.

And, I'm back to my Mary Kay meeting tonight. Surrounded by my other "family". I have received oodles of cards and calls and emails from them. It's nice to be so loved and remembered. I can't wait to see them and yet I know it will be another vale of tears this evening.

Robert B. Gero (May 4, 1929 - July 3, 2006)

2006-07-04T07:52:00.000-07:00

Well...the inevitable has arrived. My father passed away last night at around 11:15 PM central time. I was up at our cabin with my family. It was weird...I fell asleep watching Jay Leno. Scott turned the TV off. I woke up very abruptly at 11 and lay in bed unable to fall back to sleep. I now know why. At 11:18 PM my cell phone vibrated and I saw my sister Peggy on caller id. I knew...I answered the phone by saying, "Dad's gone, isn't he?" And, Peg said, "Dad's gone." I was okay on the phone and after we disconnected I laid in bed sobbing. Fortunately, Scott was there to comfort me and reassure me that Dad was in a better place. I know that. And I also know in a "blink of an eye" I will reunite with him.

Dad...I miss you already. You taught me much and loved me more. Enjoy heaven and the mansion God prepared for you.

You can read my sister and brother's blog entries as well.....

Time is Standing Still

2006-06-30T17:44:00.000-07:00

Normally time seems to just fly by for me. Not this week. I'm sure it's because of the events surrounding my dad. And yet, it's given me time. Time to reflect, time to pray, time to go to lunch a LOT with my sister Peggy and really have some nice talks. (I missed that for much of our adult years and I'm so glad to have that gift back). Time to watch Mom sit by the bedside of her dying husband and keep busy with knitting while she shows the undying love she's had for this man for the past 50+ years. I've learned a lot these past two weeks....just by watching my mom, my dad and my incredible brother and sisters rise to the occasion, link arms and be a family. What a priceless treasure.

I've also witnessed my Mary Kay unit step up to the plate. They've linked arms and become a "family" of wonderful women. While I was unable to do a lot of my Mary Kay work these past 2 weeks, my incredible unit pulled together and reached a milestone that not many Mary Kay units ever do...I am so proud of them...they just make me look so good as their leader.

June is the end of our fiscal year in Mary Kay....usually it flies by because there is never enough time to accomplish a huge goal. It didn't really matter this June....I learned a lot this month.

My Dad

2006-06-27T09:52:00.000-07:00

I sit at the keyboard to write and yet I don't know what to write. What was the point in putting on my makeup this morning? It's been washed away with tears. I should have known.

My Dad's not doing well. My brother and sister have posted entries about him on their blogs and they're much better at articulating the situation...so I'll just let you read about it there and see the wonderful pictures my brother has posted.

My sister Peggy and I live close to Mom and Dad so we are their support and the relayers of important information to Paul and Ruthie. It's hard to let go and yet it's even harder to stand over the bedside of the Dad you've known and loved all your life and watch him slip away. It makes you realize how fast life flies. I sat with my husband yesterday and had a conversation about how it just seems like yesterday WE were the ones consumed with getting our driver's license and what we'd be doing on our next date (that's my 15 year old and what she's going through right now). And Scott remarked that it will be that quick and our children will be having a conversation about their failing parents and what to do....oh, God....what to do.

Singer and songwriter Karen Taylor-Good says it well in her song, "Me There in the Middle" :

Dear God I've drawn this picture to make it crystal clear

I feel the need to show you why I'm praying hard down here

On the left there stand the very ones,

the ones who gave me life

The one that I gave birth to, is standing at my right

That's me there in the middle, two arms stretched out wide

Holding on for dear life, being pulled from side to side

Give me strength, help me be the rock

Give me patience, 'cause they've all become my flock

Give me courage, as they change please help me know

You'll give me the strength to hold them

And the strength.....to let them go.

I know you're watching over them, I'm not in it by myself

But it's taking all the faith I have, I need some extra help

Mom and Dad are awfully frail, and getting more confused

My 15-year-old knows it all, and hasn't got a clue

And me there in the middle, both sides leaning hard

They need all my energy, I need a stronger heart.

Give me strength, help me be the rock

Give me patience, 'cause they've all become my flock

Give me courage, as they change please help me know

You'll give me the strength to hold them

And the strength.....to let them go

Who made me the grown up?

I don't know which scares me more

Watching Dad behind the wheel

Or my child head out the door

Give me strength, help me be the rock

Give me patience, 'cause they've all become my flock

Give me courage, as they change please help me know

You'll give me the strength to hold them

And the strength....to let them go

Please continue to keep my dad and our family in your prayers.....

Off to the woods we go....

2006-06-24T05:27:00.000-07:00

It's off to our land today....our little slice of heaven in central Wisconsin. Well, I wouldn't personally call it a slice of heaven. I would categorize it as a hunting shack with NO amenities. And, no amenities for a reason....to keep the women away!! A few acres in the paperland country....true deerhunting heaven....a retreat for my husband and son Jake. And yet, we decided that "guy/girl" thing needed to end. The family time just wasn't happening together so we recently purchased a very nice travel/trailer.....not a mobile home...but a loaded camper (I wouldn't call it camping if I was camping with one of these).

So, Scott is off with the truck, the "camper", Jake and our black lab (Joe) to the land. (That's another story I'll tell you about someday). Stefanie and I will follow shortly (we have a parade to attend). Only after we know for SURE that the camper is set up and the toilet and water are flowing.

Our land is about a mile from the second largest lake in Wisconsin (Lake Petenwell...which is really a river flowage) so we plan to go to the state park and hike and swim and just have some family time. Isn't it funny how you have to drive an hour and a half (one way) to have some "family time"? I'm sure we will, though.

Okay....you made me do it!!

2006-06-23T05:23:00.000-07:00

Okay, okay!! My sister, Ruth Anne...who's been blogging for quite some time made me do it. Actually, after reading her entries daily I've discovered that this is a great way to record a bit of history. Someday, maybe my children will look back and probably laugh at the eccentricity of their mother.....but, then again, maybe they won't...maybe they'll just smile as they recount their history through my eyes.

So..here goes...my first entry into the blogosphere:

Where do I start? Name, dob, height, weight....well, we won't go there......Let's just say, I'm Mary from little ole Beaver Dam, WI (population 15,000..SALUTE!!) and lead a busy, happy life. I'm Mom to Stef and Jake (15 and 11) , married to Scott for almost 21 years happily and Sales Director to a large group of Mary Kay women. I'm sure my audience will be just my sisters and my brother...and that will be fine. That way they will catch a glimpse of my corner of the world.

Ruth Anne...now I can say I have finally arrived.