It's Been a While

So... we did our 1st Christmas dinner with just the two of us. Since Mama and Daddy got me the greatest slow cooker ever, we decided we'd use it for our big day. Usually we're at dinner with the families, but Justin's Mama is in CO and my Florea family dinner was last weekend, so we were on our own. It was kind of weird. I reckon we should get used to it.

Justin's grandpa fell yesterday and broke his hip, so iffin you could say a prayer for him... we'd greatly appreciate it. Once he got to the hospital, I guess they found out that he had quite a bit of blood on the brain so they took him to surgery this morning. Like I said, if everyone could say one extra prayer, we'd all love it. Thanks, in advance, for your assistance.

We're gonna head to Keokuk next weekend (on New Year's Day) to spend time with Justin's family. I guess the girls will have to be on their own again. They seem to like having run of the house anyway. I'll prolly bring them home a special gift (they're so spoiled).

Well, here's wishing everyone has a wonderful/safe holiday season!

Guess Who's Goin' to the Finals...

The Bearcats are the stuff!!! 41-7 vs North Alabama. This means that for the 4th consecutive year my boys are (by the by... we are the second team ever in the history of DII football to do this) gonna show their stuff in Florence, AL. This deserves an extra-special BOO-YAH!!! You best believe I am gonna be rootin my boys on next weekend (featured on ESPN2).

On a side note... I got my hair cut today - the shortest it's ever been.

This is the first time in my 27 years here on Earth that my hair has been too short to pull into a ponytail. It's still pretty new to me, but it usually takes me a few days to adjust to a "new do." You'd think with the various lengths/colors that I've done, I'd be used to it. Not just yet, I guess.

I reckon I'd better finish doin' my Christmas decorations (otherwise they won't have much time to be out and about) and finish one of my Christmas trees. I think we're getting our real tree tomorrow. Iffin' I don't get my decorations out, it just won't be Christmas. :)

I hope alla y'all have a wonderful week!

NWMSU is on a Roll, Baby!

We are back from Keokuk and we had a lot of fun seeing everyone. We took off Thanksgiving morning, so we had to leave at 6:30 in the morning (didn't quite make it by 6:30... but we were really close). We made it pretty close to 11, but they hadn't started lunch yet, so we were okay.

The day after, we (by that I mean Justin, Jess, Derek and I) put up the Christmas tree in the formal living room and helped Debbie decorate. Being the giant Christmas nerd that I am... I enjoyed that quite a bit. Derek and I also did a bit of karaoke at the Halftime Bar and Grill. Let me just tell you... we sure know how to butcher Love Shack. :) Derek did multiple songs for us, so the rest of us gals were his "groupies" in the audience.

Northwest also won their quarter finals game against ACU in Texas Saturday. This means we are going to the Semis, which will take place in my hometown of Maryville. Trust me when I say that I will be decked out in my NW gear on Saturday. I even wore my jacket that I stole from my little brother for the game this weekend. I think the team knew I was backing 'em up. ;)

Anyway, I can't wait for the next game. We have been runner-up for Champions the past three consecutive years. I think it's time for us to regain our title. Go Bearcats!!!

What To Do For The Holidays

I guess this year we will be going to Justin's family's house for Thanksgiving and visiting my folks for Christmas.

Justin's older sister will be having an operation, so Debbie will be helping out Dawn while she's recovering (which is very thoughtful). I know after I had mine (and it wasn't even a big deal) I had trouble for a few days.

Hope everyone is doing well!

And... We're Back

Hey, all!

We got back home last night (Justin was at a convention in Florida and I went to the 'Ville to see family and whatnot). I told Jus when he came to pick me up at Grandma & Papa's that I sure missed him... but I also told him that if he tells anybody I said that... I'll deny it. Ah, the romance we share is priceless. :)

Daddy has been sick, so I didn't get to see him as much as I usually do. I did get to see DW, though. It just cracks me up that my little brother is getting so big. In a few months he'll be old enough to get his own beer at the bar. I planned on going barhopping with him when he turned 21 in May because he wanted to get all of his free birthday shots, but his birthday is on a Sunday.

For those of you who are not aware of all of Maryville's rules, the bars are not allowed to be open on Sundays. In fact, when I was younger the businesses weren't even allowed to sell alcohol on Sundays. The grocery stores would tape the section off on Sunday. My how times have changed. I guess they realized that not selling in a college town was not their best solution - even if it is supposed to be a "dry campus."

And for those who haven't heard, the elliptical is kicking my butt. I used to run on the treadmill for 30-45 minutes, but on the elliptical I have to go in two 15 minute increments. I just do the weights in between the two. Guess I'm working out a few additional muscles that I wasn't on the treadmill and the 'mill was motorized, so I just had to keep up with it. :) One of the resistance levels in particular is killing me, but I am determined that I will prevail... or have a heart attack in the process... one of the two.

Well, that's about it for now. Hope everyone has a really great week!

Northwest Rocks

Okay, so my final pumpkin is complete. Personally, I think it's a little masterpiece. Okay... maybe not a "masterpiece" per se (as I am still a sucky artist) but I do dig it. Unfortunately we didn't have enough room to put the Bearcat paw print that we had drawn up. I was really disappointed about it. Even if we had added it, it would have been hard to see.

Sorry the photo is kind of blurry but nevertheless, here she is:

For those of you who will be out and about tomorrow, whether you're trick-or-treating or just plain going out on the town, be careful and have fun!

The House

Hey, all!

Okay, some of you had been asking about the house we bought in March '07 because not everyone has had a chance to stop by. I figured the easiest way would be to post the pictures.

Front of the house (my car in front - as we were using my side of the garage to move stuff in):

Us with Tim and Grace (thanks for helping us move):

And us with Debbie & Wally:

My family also helped us move, but I don't have any pictures of that... sorry. We don't really have many pictures of the inside of the house (and don't expect too many until we get the horrible carpet redone).

We did get the downstairs living room repainted after we got the new furniture, but the formal living room is still pretty white. I must admit that I've been thinking about the new colors to do the rooms, but I'm still hesitating until we decide on carpet and the tiles for the bathrooms upstairs (we don't like the one we have in the main bathroom).

Anyway... I'm sure that will all be a ways down the road. We have so many plans in our head (to expand the shower in the bathroom and expand the kitchen - which would mean we'd have to expand the outdoor wall). I know Jus is a very handy dude, but we're still a little leary to start on any of that yet. We often try to bite off a bit more than we can chew, so we'll take that one step at a time. :)

Pumpkin Carving Complete (almost)

Hey, all!

Justin went and got four pumpkins yesterday for us to carve on Saturday. Unfortunate incident #1 - the designs that came with the carving kit are a bit scary for my taste. I tend to go with cutesy Halloween decorations instead of the scarier ones, so we decided to do our own.

Hey, if little ones are coming to our house to get candy and/or non-candy treats (which we get in case any little diabetics come to visit who are restricted on sugar intake - that's just unfair for them) I am certainly not going to intimidate any wee ones with scary decorations. I was 15 when I was diagnosed (right before Halloween) and I remember how nervous I was about the whole "extra shots for any candy and balancing out the extra sugar with protein."

Unfortunate incident #2 - the tools are about worthless. They are itty bitty and made of cheap plastic. Needless to say, each pumpkin took forever and carving isn't exactly my thing. I'd just rather pay someone to do it for me. :)

Justin's tribute to his favorite beer (yeah... his is better):

And I bet you can't guess who made this one up (ha ha). Hey, cut me some slack... I really can't draw too much of anything aside from pretty pathetic pig:

I'm not sure what we will "create" with the next two, but I have decided that I'm not even attempting it tonight. I could be wrong... but I'm guessing the next one will be a NWMSU one (of mine, that is). I'm not really "artsy-fartsy" or "talented" with this, but at least Justin's will look nice. Mine will just be all about Northwest (yeah, baby!)

I think I've "officially" decided on my costume. I'm just gonna stuff a pillowcase and write "oats" on it. Then, when I sling it over my shoulder, I'll be "haulin' oats." Bah-duh-duh!

Okay... those of you that know me, know I only do really stupid costumes. A couple of years ago, I did this little number where I wore my boots and hat (and mushroom earrings) and went as a western omelette. Me and some buddies from work also went to IHOP for lunch (and you know what I had to order):

Well, I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and are getting their costumes in order.

Smooches!

Whoo-hoo Branson!

So we're back from Branson... ate ourselves beyond stupid. We actually went to Marvel Cave (me and Jus) in Silver Dollar City. I am so afraid of heights that I could only look when we were on an even level, but I am assured that the experience was awesome.

We went to a few different places and had a pretty good time. Personally, I appreciate the plethora of food, so a lot of the "shows" I couldn't give a darned about. I wanna eat! ;) I just enjoy an excuse to gain weight.

The fam got to see a few neat places. We went to see Quigley's Castle (a part of Eureka Springs, AR - http://www.quigleyscastle.com/). The castle took a lot of time - and is more impressive in person - and is amazing, in terms of the amount of work that went into it.

We also went to the fish hatchery that is located near Branson. We got to feed the fish and (surprisingly) it was more fun than I had imagined. I loved it when I was a kid, but I thought I had matured since then. Guess not. :D

We got a toy for the girls (one of those raccoon tail thingees that's attached to a ball) and they really aren't too hot about it. However, they are really interested in the new laser light deal that Jus got from Mama. Poco and Bella have been chasing it all over the house since we got back.

I have to admit that I missed Poco and Bella (and their annoying habit of waking us up at 3 a.m.). What can I say... I'm kinda fond of 'em. I was so happy to see their goofy faces when I got home.

Well, I hope everyone had a good time while we were gone.

Back from Keokuk

Hello, everyone!

We just got back from visiting Justin's family in Keokuk and had quite a bit of fun. His Grandpa Glenn is doing well and seems to be his usual, ornery self. Grandma Bertie is just as spitfire as ever. We went back to check up on Grandpa Glenn and to say happy birthday to his other Grandpa Winkler. He turns a fantastic 94 years old today, so happy birthday to him.

Justin and his dad also played 18 holes of golf yesterday, so I think they were tickled to do that. He was a smidgeon worn out when he got back, though. :)

On Saturday morning, before we left for Keokuk, we stopped by the Pumpkin Run/Walk (http://www.pumpkinrunwalk.org/), which is a memorial for Jared and Jayne Coones. The proceeds from this walk are donated to (I believe) seven separate organizations and charities. You should really check out their site.

Anyway, they allowed (bless their hearts) for some of Elli's wristbands that her parents had made, as well as information about CDH to be passed out. It was so wonderful that they would give others an opportunity to spread the word. I would like to thank them for their thoughtfulness and generosity.

And this Wednesday morning, Justin, myself and my folks will be headed off to Branson. I am looking forward to it! So if I don't get a chance to post for a while, I apologize. I'll let you know about our trip when we get back (I'm sure everyone can't wait for that - ha ha).

Anway, I hope everyone has a great week!

Yeah, They Won!

Boo-yah! My boys won 35-10! I was so excited to see them take the game. Pitt State is ranked #6 and NWMSU is ranked #7.

Who's laughing now?

Oh, yeah... that would be Bobby Bearcat laughing!

Anywhoo... hope all things are going well for everyone!

Smooches,
-Jenny

It's Fantabulous

So we got the elliptical, but we're missing a few parts. We contacted the seller and the nuts and bolts that we need will be sent shortly. The machine is very, very quiet so it will be very exciting to work out and actually hear "Friends." (Don't laugh... since it's so hard to hear the t.v. when you're running on the 'mill, I have to watch a show that I "know" and don't have to listen to) I have pretty much every "Friends" episode memorized. I realize that sounds really sad.

And guess what's going on this weekend? Yeah... you bet your tail it's the Northwest vs. Pitt State game. Who's gonna get whooped? Oh yeah... NW is gonna kick the Gorilla's hind end. We're gonna sweep 'em, we're gonna sweep 'em (insert cutesy theme song here). I didn't get to see the game last year (first one I've missed in many, many years) but I am TOTALLY gonna be all over this one. I am so stoked. GO NORTHWEST!!!

In a couple of weeks, Justin and I will be headed for Branson (yeah, I told Debbie the wrong date). I have to admit, I am a total nerd for Branson and I absolutely love the stinkin' town. Everyone makes fun of it and I can't get enough of it. Who's gonna lie? I love the food there and I eat myself stupid. That's my favorite part.

Well, hope everything is going well for everyone!

Yay! Decision Made

Okay... after much research, we finally purchased our elliptical machine. I have been checking out about 60 different models online and factoring in the pros and cons. Then today we went out and checked the local stores and fitness shops trying to compare comfort and stability. The cheapest one that we found that we liked in the store was $750 at a fitness shop.

Earlier I had told Jus that I was really interested in the Schwinn 418, as it had fantastic customer reviews, was reasonably priced (in comparison to others), and even won the 2005 Best Buy award. Since there aren't too many to find around here, we had to compare it to the 430 that they had at Sears. It was as nice as they claimed.

Then we went home and he looked at all of the price comparisons that I saved (like I said... I did my research). We decided to go with one of the bargains that I found. Instead of getting it for $500 + s&h, we got it for $359 and free shipping to the house. If you want to see what we decided on, just click here and you can check it out. This isn't where we got it from (obviously) but it gives a pretty detailed description of it. Plus, it was at a much better price than the ones we found in the stores.

Last Tuesday we went to see "Burn After Reading" and it was pretty amusing. It contained a little more violence and foul language than I was expecting, but I laughed quite a bit. We both enjoyed it. Justin also did a sweet thing for me on Thursday and brought home the "Sex and the City" movie for me as a surprise. I had completely forgotten about what day it came out last week, so he took it upon himself to bring me home a nice little gift. Yeah, you bet your tail I watched it that night. How cute.

Well, I have rambled on a bit (enough for you, I'm sure). I hope everyone has a great weekend!

My Apologies

Sorry for not posting for a while. I guess we've been a smidgeon preoccupied lately.

I guess Grandpa Glenn (Justin's step-grandpa) is doing pretty well. He is an absolute hoot. He pretty much cracks me up whenever he's around. I adore him.

Jus & I didn't do that much this weekend (like I've said previously... we're pretty lame). Pretty much, we slept in, we fixed dinner, and watched some movies. Woo-hoo!

Again, I know I'm asking a lot of everyone, but an extra prayer for B, Cassi and little Elliott Arcile would be greatly appreciated (it's been two weeks since Elli earned her wings, but it feels so much longer). B is back to work and Cassi is hoping to be soon. As much as they have been through, they could probably use the extra prayers. They are truly fantastic parents.

Thanks so much to everyone who keeps "looking in." Hope I'm not too boring for you.

Elliott Arcile

So, the items are in place for Elli and B and Cassi would like donations to be made at the Ronald McDonald House. The link to that page is listed in my link list, in case anyone wants to donate in Elliott's memory.

Also, I added a blog page for Sofia Rose (http://babymiller08.blogspot.com/) - also in my link list - in case anyone would like to say some prayers for her and her family. I just didn't post it yesterday, for obvious reasons. Sofia was also born with CDH and her family (as well as little Sofie, herself) will need some additional prayers. This is such a tough battle that all CDH families have to go through and everyone can use extra help from God.

Thanks so much to everyone who has put in prayers for my family. I, as well as Jus, B, and Cassi, truly appreciate all of your support.

Little Elli

Well, for those of you who have been following the story, there is a new, beautiful baby angel in Heaven. Elliott Arcile passed away this morning at the Children's Mercy Hospital. If everyone could please say an extra prayer for my cousins, B and Cassi I would appreciate it, as they might be needing some extra strength. They are an amazing couple and to have the courage that they have is truly inspiring.

I don't know all of the details yet, but I am sure that B and Cassi would like for people to donate to the Ronald McDonald House, as they have been very helpful to them. I didn't realize what a wonderful contribution they make to the families that stay there. It is truly incredible what they do for those who need to be with them.

Update on Elliott... and Me

Elli has her insides on her insides now. Yay! She is such a trooper and I am so proud of how strong such a tiny little baby can be. If it were me, I'd prolly still be crying about my IV in my skull or feet or the fact that my insides had to hang out on my outsides. She's amazing.

There's not a whole lot going on over here on our end. We're being our usual boring selves and don't have much planned. It's kind of sad, but it seems like Jus and I get more excited about what we're gonna fix for dinner than what we could actually go out and do. Yeah, we're an "old married couple" after two years. Pathetic.

We are actually excited about a Brian Regan special that's coming on t.v. (again... pathetic). If you haven't been exposed to Brian Regan, I'm sorry. He's a hoot! This is a great skit of his that he did on one of his specials (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ogZo9YreQ4&feature=related). You can thank me later. ;)

Hope alla y'all enjoy the show and love you bunches!
-Jenny

After Our Big Night

Just to clarify on Elli, I was incorrect about the silo. She does have one, but it has her stomach, large and small intestines and part of her spleen. I misunderstood and thought her liver was in there instead of her stomach. Anyway, if everyone can continue their prayers for Elliott, B, and Cassi, I know the family would appreciate it.

Well, we went to The Capital Grille last night and ate way too much food. Justin, of course, went way out of his way... typical Jus. They even had a rose on the table for us because Jus had told 'em it was our anniverary. Since we couldn't decide which appetizer we wanted, he got both (like we needed more food). We had the calamari (my vote) and the beef carpaccio (Justin's). Then I had the swordfish and Jus had the porcini rubbed delmonico but it had a 12-year aged balsamic. Then he decided we needed dessert (yeah right) so we ordered creme brulee, not knowing that since the restaurant knew it was our anniversary... they brought us a complimentary chocolate cake (which was too chocolately for both of us). But the creme brulee was fantastic. I just couldn't take more than two bites. We felt horrible when we left.

After we got home, we just sat and watched a movie in misery. I know... not too exciting, but we had a good time. Since we ate sooooo much food I don't think we could have done much else anyway. It was difficult to move. I got up this morning and finished my swordfish for breakfast. It was still good. :) Anyway, we had a lot of fun. Couldn't ask for a better companion to spend the time with. What can I say? I'm a lucky girl.

Elli - Part II

So Elliott is doing amazingly well after her surgery to move everything that was supposed to be in her stomach into her abdomen. She has, what they call a silo, that her liver, intestines and part of her spleen are incased in until they are ready to replace them into her abdomen. I tell you... this girl is a toughie and I am uber proud of her. Jus's mama and I are completely addicted to their website (http://www.babygirlreed2be.blogspot.com/) and can't seem to help but watch it closely.

Jus and I are celebrating our 2 year anniversary tomorrow, so we are going to The Capital Grille on the Kansas City Plaza - aka my old turf - (http://www.thecapitalgrille.com/) for our big day. I'm afraid it's ridiculously expensive, but Jus swears that we only do this whole "anniversary thing" once a year. Apparently, he's still kind of fond of me. ;)

Well, if everyone can keep up their prayers for Elliott (and B and Cassi), I would be truly appreciative. They are an amazing couple with an amazing daughter. They deserve about as many prayers and thoughtful comments as they can get. They should know how many people care about them and their miracle baby.

Have a phenomenal evening!

Elli

Okay... Elli is having her surgery today. The docs decided it was a go-ahead so I am asking that everyone please, please say extra prayers for Elliott, B and Cassi today. Like I said, she's my family so, of course, she's tough. I just know this little miracle baby is going to blow our minds with her fabulousness.

Thanks for all of the extra prayers!

Just An Update

Well, last Wednesday was my last day at Kids at Heart. Yeah, I cried, but I blame Sally. She was the gal I worked with and I am a huge fan of hers. She's a riot and I will certainly miss seeing her on a daily basis (as well as the kids). A couple of the moms cried too, so that didn't help.

My new baby cousin is here and Elliott is precious (then again, she's my family... so how on Earth could she NOT be?) She's being a real trooper too, so we're really excited that she's been doing pretty well. We've been to see B and Cassi and Elli a few times. You wouldn't believe how strong my cousins are being. I am just so impressed and proud of how tough they are being. They are a true testament of strength.

As far as my appointment with the neurologist was today... he was a little concerned about the recent seizure and it will be another six months before I can drive since my last one. He also wants me to start taking folic acid, as I guess since I'm "pregnancy age" (and just so you know, there are no baby plans right now) and my anti-seizure meds can reduce that in my system... he just wants to be careful. In addition to that, he wants me to take a 24 hour EEG, since my regular 30 minute one didn't show anything. He said that some patients don't show anything on regular EEGs, so he wants me to take a 24 hour one to get more accurate results. Fun fun.

I also learned from my daddy today that our buddy, Bud Luckert, passed away at his home. The world has one less geniunely good human being and it's a shame. He was an honorable, sincerely wonderful person. If everyone can please say a prayer for his wife, Madaline, I would greatly appreciate it. I'd also love it if everyone can say an extra prayer for B, Cassi and Elli (as she will be having her surgery on Thursday - and they may need just a little extra strength).

Hope everyone has a wonderful day!

Exciting News!!!

Well, my cousin and his wife are having their baby and I am totally excited! I cannot wait to see this beautiful, baby girl. While she will be born with CDH, we are all still praying for her safe delivery (and I hope that everyone who reads this can do the same).

I haven't heard much back from the doctors regarding my seizures or the problems with my liver and intestines. I am not particularly happy about this, but what can you do? I guess that this is just a stumbling block for me.

I had another seizure last Wednesday evening, so I am starting back on the anti-seizure medication again. I had stopped taking it because it was making me act funny, but Mama assures me that is normal.

Since work is not happy about me having a bajillion doctor's appointments, I will be leaving. My last day will be this Wednesday. I suppose I will go and use my degree now and get a decent paying job. Seems like the thing to do.

Well, I suppose that's all I have to fill everyone in on. Hope everyone has a wonderful day!

Brad Paisley

Okay... so on Friday Justin and I went to see Brad Paisley in concert. You have no idea how excited I was about this. I'm not totally sure that Jus was quite as excited but he "endured" the country music for me.

I will admit that I was a total nerd. I was singing, like, every song at the top of my lungs. I'm sure Jus was pretty happy about that too. But it's not like I don't know every song of his, so I think that was just a given. I will even admit that I cried a little bit. The only other artist I've ever done that for at a concert was when I saw Cher (and please... hold off your ridiculous comments on that one for a while).

I also had the CT of my abdomen, but I haven't heard back from that one yet. They did get the results from my EEG on my brain and said that it looked "pretty unremarkable." I'm just hoping that they mean they don't see anything to be concerned about as opposed to my brain being unremarkable... I might have to be offended over that one.

Anyway, hope alla y'all are doing well and hopefully we can see you soon.

Almost Finished

Okay... so Daddy and DW drove down to help me and Jus move my stuff (the big stuff) from my apartment today. Some of the stuff is still left behind, but we are planning on grabbing it tomorrow. Hopefully we will find enough room for everything... ha ha ha.

I must admit that I will be very, very sad to let my apartment go, but I suppose that it's time. I just hate to leave it behind. I love that place so, so much. I guess I have to grow up sometime.

And just so you know... I am going to see BRAD PAISLEY next Friday!!! I am so uber-excited it's not even funny! I cannot wait!!!

Well, I s'pose that's about as much as I have to share right now. Hope alla y'all are doing well and I hope to see you soon!

What's New

Hello, all!

We've finally decided to get rid of my apartment, so we'll have some moving coming up. I know Daddy's gonna be really happy about moving that couch again. It was so much fun for him to move it the first time (ha ha ha). I have to admit that I'm gonna miss that place. It's just so awesome and I never have to worry about parking on The Plaza. Oh well... I guess I should just learn to embrace being a "Kansan." Goo.

We also replanted the Venus Fly Trap today. It is now in a giant vase that will give it much more room to grow. We're hoping that eventually it will be very large. We read on Wiki that they can grow to be quite massive.

Here's hoping!

Keokuk... Here We Come!

Obee kaybe! We are headed to Keokuk for the weekend/4th of July. We're leaving tomorrow morning and I'm assuming we'll head back to KC on Sunday. This is my ABSOLUTE favorite holiday and I'm kind of excited to spend it somewhere different. I've spent the last two years in KC for the holiday and the 25 years before that in the 'Ville.

My folks and the little bro are in town for the evening so we're going to dinner with them and we will decide what the plans are from there. I'm pretty happy because it's been a couple of weeks since I've seen the fam and I'm kind of a family nerd.

As far as my "health update" goes, I guess my intestines aren't working correctly. Fantastic for me. I just met with my doctor yesterday and he gave me the good news. I guess this is common for diabetics (as well) but I wasn't aware of it. Who knew? Apparently diabetes can screw everything up.

On a much happier note... my buddy Tim-may is engaged!!! Yay, Tim-may (he hates when I call him that - ha ha ha).

Venus Fly Trap

So, I'm sure you all were totally worried about this, but Jus and I got our very first Venus Fly Trap. I have always wanted one (they look like they're from Little Shop of Horrors) and I just thought they'd be cool to watch. I named the two taller ones Seymour and Audrey, but I haven't named the 8 or so little ones - they're harder to tell apart. There is another one of the smaller ones that is sprouting quite quickly. I am thinking of calling it Dr. Scrivello, DDS (I know - what a nerd).

After the first several days, we realized that we didn't really have any flies or anything in the house for them to feed on. So we decided to start placing them out on the table on the deck and still... nothing.

Well, for our fantastic announcement: Seymour finally got one! Well, actually Justin caught the bug and placed it in for Seymour. The only problem was Jus was holding the dish so I totally couldn't see it when Seymour got his prey. Apparently, however, it was pretty cool because Seymour clamped down on the bug and my tweezers that Jus was holding it with. Okay, it's not so much a "clamp" but it does close down pretty quickly.

I ask you... seriously... how cool is that?

Update

So we went to the 'Ville for Grandma's b-day and Father's Day. Turns out I was wrong and she turned 93. Isn't that nice? I forgot how old my Grandma Lewis is. Makes me sound like a loving, caring grandkid, eh?

We started our first "Water Play Friday" last Friday at work. Yeah... that is total chaos. We get out several of the little kiddie pools and fill them with water. We also get the Finding Nemo sprinkler out that I picked up for the kids at Target. It's so cute. It's a little Nemo that shoots water and spins. Unfortunately our hose valve is outside of the playground so we can't turn it off to hook up the sprinkler to the hose. Yeah, let's just say that I got very, very wet because it wasn't easy to hook up.

On Sunday, poor Justin was his usual sweet self and helped out a couple of my friends. Stacia's alternator went out. She and Megan had to walk to the auto store and buy a new one but they didn't know how to put it on. They called me to see if Jus knew how so he fixed it for them and didn't charge them (and it was ridiculously hot out). Then Marlene asked me to go with her and her dog on a picnic at the park. When she found out about how he helped Stacia she jokingly asked if he knew how to fix brake pads. So... bless his heart, he offered to help her with that too. Poor sweetie! I guess he's now a software developer and a mechanic.

Well, I hope everyone is doing well and I have a small request. As many of you know, my cousins B and Cassi are expecting a baby girl but the baby was diagnosed with CDH. Things are going to be rough for them in the next few months. I'm just asking that my friends and loved ones could say a prayer for B and Cassi and the baby. Thanks, in advance, for your help with this.

Hola!

So, hello to everyone!

My pancreatitis is better and I am finally done with the pills they gave me to take for it. I am happy to say that I am feeling a lot more like myself... though I'm guessing most people prefer me when I am not feeling in tip-top shape and don't talk as much. :)

One of our cats has been sick lately so we are trying to figure out what's going on with her. We've kind of decided that she's prolly okay, but I guess we're just paranoid. They're kind of our girls.

Jus got a new computer from work and it is pretty fancy. His boss ordered a new Apple MacBook Pro for him, Allen and Luke. It's mighty fancy... if I do say so myself. Even the keys light up so if he's typing in the dark he can see what he's pressing. (P.S. How dorky have I become that I am excited over his new laptop?)

My Grandma Lewis is turning (I believe) 94 tomorrow and my folks just celebrated their 38th wedding anniversary. How cool is that?!? Jus can barely stand me for more than an hour, but my folks have put up with each other for pert nert four decades.

Anyway, hope all is going well for everybody is doing well and we hope everyone has a fantabulous Father's Day. Hope to see y'all soon!

Update

Hey, all!

So as many of you know, I found out I have pancriatitis. I guess it's really common for those of us with diabetes. I've just never had this fun little surprise before.

I am starting to get better and I managed to keep everything down this weekend (even though I didn't exactly follow the doc's recommendations). He said to limit carbs, have very little protein, and no dairy. I haven't had dairy and I always watch my carbs, but I do loves me protein. I think it's one of those things (kind of like your hair) where you want what you can't have.

Wally and Debbie came down for the weekend. Debbie wanted to see the new furniture and paint job in our downstairs living room. She also showed me how to plant some flowers in the front (they're red, white and blue... of course) and we went to see Sex and the City! Okay, so I've already seen it with Mama, but I'll see it a thousand times.

Now, if only Friends would make a feature film. :)

I think for the most part of this week, I will be working on my CDA... gooh! Oh well, I guess knowledge is always a good thing. It's just the boring process you have to go through to get these silly credentials.

Hope all is well with everyone!

Hello All

Hey, everybody!

I have finally broken down and decided to give this whole computer page thing a go. We all know that I am not exactly computer savvy but that's why I keep Jus around. ;)

Justin is going on a trip for work this weekend (personally I think he just wants to go on it so he doesn't have to go to the Sex and the City premiere) so I'm going to get a group of us girls to go.

We have finally, finally, finally gotten the downstairs living room finished (hooray!) except for one shelf that we were going to add to the wall. Since we're going to rearrange the furniture and stuff, as we don't like how the room is set up now, we are holding off on putting it up. Plus, we'll have to work around the 7ft screen so we're waiting until we've figured out how we will set it up before we decide to put holes in our wall.

Other than that, I'm still working on getting my CDA (nothing like wasting my other degree that I'm still paying for) but I suppose it's just something I have to do. I will admit, though, that it's difficult coming home after teaching 17 three-year-olds all day to read books and take tests. At that point... taking a nap seems more like what I'd like to do.

Well, I hope alla y'all are having a great day and hopefully we will get to see you soon!