Finding Jean

You know she is your BFF when....

2012-01-31T05:38:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago Tonya came down to Wichita to see me. It was simply the!most!fun! I've had in a long time. We'd planned an overnight in Emporia (halfway) but at the last minute Tonya decided to make the trek to the big city. I hadn't yet accomplished getting our hotel room in Emporia, so I just made a quick priceline visit and snagged us a cheap!cheap!cheap! hotel room. It was actually an extended stay place, and awesome. :)
We met at Logan's b/c we couldn't get into our room yet and the second I saw her car pulling off of Kellog I got (sorry Tonya) giddy. I was so excited to lay eyes on my sweet friend.

I know we talk nearly everyday (weekends are busy, y'all) and I always see her when we go home to Topeka and stay with her nearly every time, too. But our families are there and distract us something fierce. And our phone calls are great, but you just can't get down to the "real" stuff. The stuff you know is going on. The stuff you can hear in each other's voices, but know you can't really ask b/c there just isn't time in between class and work and ball games. Plus, I needed to see her face! She isn't a good faker. ;) I can read her like a book. Okay, fine. She can read me like a book, too.

So, we squealed like school girls. My Maggie just had a new friend over this weekend so I can tell you that we most certainly squealed like school girls. :) Hearing them made me miss Tonya all over again! Anyway, we ate a yummy meal @ Logan's. I think the hot roll count hit double digits before our meal even came. And you know what? I didn't care one tiny bit!

We checked into our hotel and after 10 seconds started changing out of our grown up clothes into PJ's (you know the kind that are still kinda acceptable in public) and headed out the door to Walmart. We grabbed the essential supplies (movies, soda, popcorn, m&m's, frozen pizza) and were back at the hotel by 3pm. Giggling we carried out haul up the stairs past the front desk who pretty much thought we were crazy and ran into a couple in the hallway. We would meet this same couple four separate times in our visit. It was the most awkward exchange all four times. I have no idea why, but it sent Tonya and I into a fit of laughter each time we were out of their earshot. Once back to the safety of our room...well, girls lean close....i have to make a note of this b/c it is funny...ya know in the 60's those things that got burnt? Ya, they were off like a...well...I used to have a really funny "off like a..." comment, but it isn't funny anymore b/c it involved a dress and it really isn't appropriate now that I think of the implications. ;) so off like a light will have to suffice. @3pm. GREATESTDAYEVER!!! We were super excited that our hotel room had a full kitchen so we loaded up the fridge and started the movie fest. We watched a ridiculously sad movie. "One Day". If you haven't watched it, be warned. We started our pizza in the oven and broke out our cards.

Tonya and I used to go to coffee shops and play Phase 10 for hours when I lived in Topeka. We met some super nice older people who invited us to come play with them. They even had a crocheted card caddy. I was super impressed and actually used to go play with them on my lunch breaks. Tonya didn't and made fun of me relentlessly. I think she knows she is going to get a card caddy for Christmas one of these years and is just waiting on pins and needles until that day. (ifanyoneknowshowtomakeacardcaddyiamwillingtopay)

We started our card game and I was getting soundly whooped when we started really talking about more than just the bullet points in our lives. We "catch up" everyday. But the bullet points don't tell you the real stuff. The real stuff is hard! But, it is what makes real friends REAL. Somehow the pizza came out of the oven. It was sliced and served. The cards got pushed to the side and Tonya got out her laptop to play DJ. We listened to everything under the sun and finally got to some Jesus music. God does special things in your life if you just let Him. In that extended stay room smelling of popcorn and pizza, He met us there. He heard Tonya. He heard me. He saw the pain and frustrations that were being carried. He already knew the fears and burdens that were being ignored. We sang along to some awesome music and let our hearts be comforted by the One True God. And let our hearts be filled with the promises He has for us. Slowing down and worshiping Him has to be one of my most favorite memories now of my friendship with Tonya. I'll not soon forget that stillness and His presence with one of my very most cherished people on this planet.

The next day was more of the same goofing around.
Brunch @ Jimmy's Egg.
Shopping and laughing.
The eventual resigning ourselves that our super!fun!time! was needing to draw to a close.
Our people were waiting on us. :)

True friendships are so precious. Take a minute today to reconnect with someone who has been or is very important to you. You won't regret it for one tiny second.
I promise.

Love ya, Nana!
I can't wait to see you!

Getting to the heart of the matter

2011-10-12T13:26:00.000-07:00

My last post talked about some "medical" issues going on in our family. I've since cleared the info with our security department (Seth) and have been given the go-ahead to blog about it. He isn't a terribly public guy, but is very understanding that blogging helps me. Such a trooper.

Two Sundays ago we went to the ER because Seth's heart was out of rhythm. We didn't think much of it. We've been dealing with this issue for five years now, so we knew what to expect.

Only, we didn't have a clue what we were in for. Since we've just moved, Seth hasn't gotten a cardiologist yet so the ER doctor kind of freaked out and would not do anything for him. We were quick to tell him that we'd been through this before and he just needed his heart shocked back in rhythm and we'd be on our merry way. Only, he wasn't gonna do that for us. He was going to admit Seth to the hospital and we'd just go ahead and see a cardiologist on Monday. He threw around terms like "heart attack" and "death" so I "convinced" my husband that he should stay. Much juggling of kids and schedules ensued. Refer to my last post for that info.

So, he stayed in the hospital Sunday and Monday. He came home after the doctor still didn't shock him back into rhythm but did set him up for a surgery on Friday afternoon. This was to be an ablation that would zap the areas around the heart so the bad rhythms couldn't get through. And, yes, those are all technical terms. So Seth did the best he could and just limped along at a heart rate of around 180 bpm. It was awesome. Since we were supposed to be at the hospital at 7 am and the kids can't go to school until 8, we were in a bit of a pickle. My mom came down from Iowa to help us with the kids. Again, like I said in my last post, my mom was rollin into town and the surgeon's office called Seth to say there had been some emergent patients life flighted in and he got bumped until Tuesday. My mom was a major sweetie about it and we just tried to enjoy the weekend. Seth worked Friday because he is a man and kind of crazy like that. He also worked Monday with his heart still out of rhythm. Dude is crazy.

Tuesday came and we dropped the kids off at school and headed to the hospital (via his doctor's office for some quick labs) and got ready for the ablation. They rolled him back and I finally sat down and took a quick breath in the cardio waiting room. Big mistake. Huge.

My mind started racing and I started pacing. The last ablation Seth had performed was back in Topeka and I had a waiting room full of people to keep my mind busy. This time I was alone (many people offered to come!) and I was a bit of a mess. Nearly five hours later (the doc was over an hour and half late b/c he is honestly a very important guy) the cardiologist came out to talk to me. I mean to tell you I love this guy. He is amazing. He is the perfect doctor for Seth. He is super caring and kind and walked out to a strung out Jean. Poor sap. He pulled a chair up and explained in no uncertain terms the disease we are dealing with.

He gave me good news.

He gave me bad news.

He gave me worse news.

In the end he took my hand and patted it and told me he was on the case. I physically restrained myself from hugging him. He left and I slumped into a pile of tears and tried unsuccessfully to pull myself together. A sweet woman named Jo came over and sat in the chair in front of me.

She took my hands and drew me and hugged me for a good long while. Let the record show that she didn't even know my name. She was there waiting for her mother to come out of surgery. But she saw that I was a mess and had heard (small waiting room) all that the doctor had told me. She said she couldn't let me sit there alone anymore and had to come over to me. God is so good, people. Jo and I became fast friends. I like a woman who won't let another woman cry alone. Seth was being wheeled back to his room so I had to go, but handed her my card so she could let me know how her mom was doing. Seth and I made our way down to his new home away from home. Only one of us can remember that stroll. :)

He came through the ablation really well! The doctor was very confident that he has killed the rhythm off that has been plaguing Seth for the past five years! We'd been sent home in Topeka on the same day as his ablation and thought he would be discharged that same day again.

Only this hospital doesn't let you go home on the same day, so he was stuck. I took the kids up to see Seth that night and we were all in great spirits. Seth wasn't in too much discomfort and we were very much looking forward to him coming home the next day.

Luke had a field trip Wednesday morning to the Botanical garden in Wichita and then a pumpkin patch in the afternoon near Derby. Seth was in Wichita and would be released around 11 so I was going to run over during lunch, grab him and drive him home and then head to the pumpkin patch. It was all going to work our perfectly .

Only that isn't the way it worked out at all.

I was on the phone with Seth laying out the above plan and heard someone come into Seth's room and ask him if he was OK and if he "felt" that. Seth quickly got off the phone and I began to get pretty stinking nervous. After numbly walking Luke around the butterfly house I texted Seth about said worry and waited for a response.

No response.

Ten minutes later Seth texted and asked me to call him. I stepped away from the group and got him on the line. Seth was a bit of a mess and told me he was not getting out of the hospital today.

They'd picked up a V-tack rhythm on his heart monitor. I've watching *just enough* ER to know that ain't good for nobody. He then told me that they were keeping him and that on Thursday they were going to put in a pacemaker. A pacemaker. In my 40 year old husband. Apparently the doctor was throwing those "death" and "widow maker" words out again. So we didn't have much choice in the pacemaker. Needless to say, I was a train wreck. Keep in mind, I am still on a field trip with 80 first graders and their parents and teachers. I had sunglasses on but you could tell tears were streaming down my face. It was pretty awful. I told Seth that I would continue on the morning part of the field trip and just have to tell Luke I couldn't make it to the pumpkin patch. Luke took it like a champ and latched onto my promise that I would take him to another pumpkin patch. He has already cashed in on that promise. :) I called a friend who prayed her heart out that I could make it the rest of the field trip without totally sobbing. Thank the Lord, I made it out.

I raced up to the hospital and flung the door to Seth's room and found him sitting in his chair with a blanket wrapped around him looking as sad as I've honestly ever seen him look. It just about ripped my heart out. I went to his side and much hugging, assuring, disbelief, and, finally, acceptance took place. We began the painful process of letting our family and friends know the situation. I called Miss Lisa who covered my office with her amazing office manager, Malynda, so I could be at the hospital. She called in reinforcements and found me a babysitter who I could call at a moments notice. She called our boss who sent sweet texts because she was flying all over the country, but I knew she cared. She started a prayer chain who knows what else. I think she might have even called the President, just in case he needed to know. I flat love Miss Lisa. While I was sobbing my eyes out on the phone I ran into Jo from the waiting room. She immediately wrapped me back up into a huge hug and let me cry for a few minutes.

Offers to drive down from Iowa and Topeka were coming from family and friends alike. I knew our Cindy was coming down from Topeka. She insisted and I didn't have the strength to even fain resistance. I was just so glad she was coming. My phone was beeping and buzzing and I finally turned it off. I just sat with my sweet Seth as we tried to wrap our minds around all the information the doctor had given us and the reality that he was going to get a pacemaker the next day. I brought the kids up to see Seth again that night. Each kids took a little time alone with Seth I kissed him goodbye with a heavy heart before we left. The kids were a bit of a mess by the time we got home and I was just as emotionally raw. I was trying to get them into bed and noticed that Maggie had gotten really quiet. While saying her prayers she just wanted to know that Seth was going to be ok. I assured her that he would be and tried to sound as confident as possible. The truth was I wasn't quite sure that was true.

The next morning we woke with the chickens and got out the door ASAP. I'd planned to drop Brock off at friend's house, but his friend hadn't texted back yet. So I just drove to their house and knocked on the door at about 7 am. I *big puffy heart* Derby. The boy's mom came to the door and welcomed us in and gladly took Brock to school. She later texted me her number and told me to text her anytime. :) I headed to the little kids' school ,where I thought they could get in early and eat breakfast, but noticed that the doors were still locked. A teacher let me know the doors wouldn't open before 7:40 and THEN they could eat breakfast. I needed to be at the hospital before 8 to see Seth before the surgery and that would mean leaving Derby by 7:30. I was in trouble. I remembered Miss Lisa had called reinforcements! One such reinforcement lived right behind the school and was on my speed dial. This SWEET older couple had told me call them if I needed them. One call and the kids were dropped off, offered fresh cinnamon rolls and a hug! I *really big puffy heart* Derby!!

I got on the highway and called my bff, Tonya Kay. She talked me through my drive to the hospital and gave me *just enough* encouragement to face the day. We laughed and cried a little. We ran through the "what if's" and cried some more. We found dumb things to laugh about and the 182 miles didn't seem so far after all.

I ran all the way from the parking garage to Seth's room, trying to make it before they wheeled him back to surgery. He wasn't in his room so I went straight to the desk to find someone who could help me. As I whipped around I saw Cindy and immediate relief swept over me. I gave her a quick hug and went about my pursuit of finding someone to get me to Seth because they'd told me the day before that I could see him if he hadn't been taken into the actual surgery room. The nurse told me I was too late and we went down to the same waiting room as a couple of days earlier, so I knew the way. Just as Cindy and I were setting down our purses and getting ready for a real hug, a nurse in surgical garb came and found me. She had a mask and hair net (a look I rocked) and took me back to my man. I got to smooch him and tell him I loved him and then went back to the waiting room. I am very thankful for Nurse Annie. She was a sweetie!!

Cindy and I made light work of the first hour or so, catching up on all the events of the past days and even managed a few laughs. Miss Lisa came up the waiting room armed with soda and snacks. I was very happy to see Miss Lisa and very, very happy to see the snacks. ;) It is hard to compare the two waiting room visits. One was oppressive and lonely; the other happy and kind of (don't tell Seth) fun! Three hours later they wheeled Seth back to his room and we followed with a sigh of relief. Cindy, Miss Lisa and I greeted a very sleepy Seth back in the room where they gave him quick pats and a big smooch from Miss Lisa. They took down the elevator to Starbucks and we got settled in. Seth was in some pain so I found a nurse pretty darn quick. The doctor came in a gave me largely good news and looked a bit grim as he told us how he'd had to cut through a lot of muscle because Seth is quite a bit younger than his normal pacemaker patient. I thought I saw Seth flex a little bit, but I am not really sure.

The rest of the time is a bit of a blur. Miss Lisa was confident Seth was in good hands so she left to head to the office. Cindy saw we were okay and headed out to do a little shopping, but mostly she left because she knew I needed a little nap. It ended up being a three hour nap in the unused bed in a double room. I am not sure if they charged the insurance company for the second bed, but it was worth every penny. I woke to an uncomfortable Seth and went in search of a nurse. Truth be told, the nursing staff and all the doctors were flat amazing at St. Francis. We couldn't have been more blessed.

Like I said, the rest is kind of blur mixed with texts and phone calls and voice mails and letters and flowers. We are such a blessed family. We want to thank all the people who stepped in and helped us. The ones we know about and the ones we don't. We want to thank you all for the prayers and you sweet comments and offerings of help. We couldn't have made it through the past two weeks without you all. Seriously, thank you!

We firmly believe God was in this thing from the very first day at the ER and are eternally grateful.

Because...

If they would have shocked him at the ER in Wichita like our hospital in Topeka would have shocked him the cardiologist in Wichita wouldn't have insisted on an ablation.

If the cardiologist in Wichita wouldn't have insisted on an ablation he wouldn't have been bumped for that ablation til Tuesday.

If he wouldn't have been bumped til Tuesday for that ablation and he wouldn't have had that ablation.

If he wouldn't have had that ablation he wouldn't have had to stay the night like our hospital in Topeka let him go home.

If he had gone home he wouldn't have been in the hospital when he had a V-tack rhythm.

And that is all the "if's" I am willing to face.

I am a total liar, but He is not.

2011-10-03T13:30:00.000-07:00

My blog heading says this blog will be "fo real".

What-ever.

I aM total faker most of the time. Never putting the "fo real" stuff that happens on this blog.

Mostly to protect myself from you all thinking our family is stinking crazy and should be locked up. Mostly because some of my family would not like me posting stuff about them because I am "for sure" they would NOT like what I think about them sometimes.

Mostly because the real life stuff is just *so* stinking hard.

So, to protect the innocent, I am just going to say that I am struggling!

We have some medical issues going on in our little family of five and it is almost more than I can handle on my own. I keep going to the Lord and asking for strength. I am mostly just faking how alright I am right now. Totally faking. Totally, totally faking. I feel like I just might implode with stress of trying to manage all of this without my Topeka friends and family. They have been my life line over the past 15 years and we just up and moved. I honestly didn't think about this part when I decided it would be an awesome idea to move our family away from all of our support system. I didn't think about the fact that our family has medical issues and we sometimes need people to keep our kids at the last minute and for overnights at the hospital. I took for granted the last second tearful phone calls asking for a favor and how very much I needed them. How very much I needed their quick hugs and encouragement.

I have to say that God has been faithful, even to the point of ridiculously working out the details here. I have a new friend named Lisa. I really didn't want any new friends. I wanted my old friends and I missed them. I wanted to feel the pain of missing them and felt like I would be dishonoring their friendship if I made new friends. I am loyal. Shoot me. I was not planning on reaching out and making any close relationships here. Lisa was very sweet, but I knew I would be keeping her at arms length and that was about all I could manage. But when this really neat gal needed me through a tough time in her life, I really had no choice but to jump in and do anything I could to help her. Whelp, God knows me too well. Helping her bonded my heart to hers I just can't help but love her. We have become really good friends and walk together most nights. I've listened to her "stuff" and she has listened to mine. And when we had to take a family member to the hospital she just "happened" to be at church where our kids were and just "happened" to have a suburban big enough to load up our troops and just "happened" to have access to a block party to keep the kids happy all day long. God has been so good to provide friends here. I have so many people texting and calling and asking what they can do to help us. I have good, good friends in Topeka and Eastern Colorado calling to pray and encourage. I honestly had that "make new friends, but keep the old" song running through my head each time I would hear from one of my "lifelong" friends and giggled.

My family in Iowa is amazing. My sisters have called and texted and offered anything from a prayer to their first born. ;0) They are good sisters.

My mom got in her car and drove five hours down here to help us during surgery. She was pulling into town just as I got the message that surgery had been postponed until this next Tuesday because they'd had some other emergency patients flown into town. Hard to be cranky about getting bumped for emergency patients. Hard, but not impossible. We all tried to have a good attitude about it and really, truly enjoyed our visit with my mom. We even took a trip to the zoo with the grand kids! It was really nice for her to get to be the hero for our family. I was so happy she'd made the "grand gesture" and came down. Thanks Mom.

See? Blogging makes you feel better!! I started this post discourage and reflecting on how God has provided made me lift my head up and know that He has walked through this mess with our family with me faking all the way.

Thanks, God. I am glad to see that even when I am a total liar, You are not.

Are you sick of hearing about Hawaii?

2011-08-12T12:40:00.001-07:00

If I promise this will be the last time, will you read on? ;)

Seth and I were blessed beyond belief with a trip to Hawaii.
I work for an awesome company and achieved a level of a sales, and was
rewarded greatly with a trip for two. Seth demanded I take him. ;0)

He pouted until I agreed.

He promised to be super relaxed.

And to protect me from wild boars.

And to master the hang loose hand signals.

And to watch out for sharks.

He took us to a volcano. It was really cool.

And hot. (Steam vents. WAY cool!)

I know I look like a dork. But I'd run through the park. It was so fun!~

We found some unbelievable snacks.

And stumbled onto a little airport.

And found a little plane.

And Terry. The pilot who was reading a worn out copy of "The Old Man and the Sea".
Terry was very willing to let us rent the plane for a few spins around the island.

So we decided to take a ride. Yes, Seth is too tall for this plane.

Terry thought Seth looked like an awesome pilot.

He let Seth TAKE OFF in the airplane. All the way from the ground

up to 500 feet. Seth was a pro. He pulled back and throttled and leveled out the plane.

I nervously laughed at our "luck" in finding a pilot who didn't mind sharing the duties.

Seth was HAPPY. And nervous. And glad Terry was driving again.

It was amazing!

We saw beautiful waterfalls and valleys and ocean.

But my most favorite part? Seeing the birthplace of some famous guy from the air.

And not having to walk 14 miles on bumpy ground to see it!

We decided this little stunt was probably not our best idea ever.

We agree to not ever get in a small engine plane again.

Well, maybe.

We went to a Luau and met this SWEET couple who won their honeymoon on Oprah.

They were cute as can be!!

The girls were half naked. That is all I am going to say about that!

These two crazy kids had a great time.

This a shot of "ice shave". Not "shaved ice". We were on the Hilo side of the island.

That is a big debate on the Big Island. I had mine without the beans (yuck!) that most islanders opt for.

A big ol bag of coffee. The coffee was todiefor! No bitterness and yummo.

This back on the Kona side.

A sweet older lady who sang while we ate breakfast by the ocean.

I have no great pictures of the stop. It is the City of Refuge.

I snorkeled out five feet from the shore and the ocean floor dropped at least 50 feet.

It was the single most beautiful thing I have even laid eyes on. I am afraid the snorkel/scuba bug has bitten this Midwestern girl. A-mazing!!!

We went to this sweet little church called the painted church.

Very cute!

I mean to tell you something, friends. There is some GOOD FOOD in Hawaii.

This guys is workin out of a tiny kitchen in Hilo. Tiny! I don't know the name but Seth had watched Anthony Bourdain go to his place. Anthony was right on the money. Seth has gotten *so* adventure prone.

This was his meal. Maco Loco? I think. Local delicacy.

Some pretty shots.

At the north point. Taken for Seth'd dad. They are trying to find life/radio signals from other plantets. Um. Okay.

These are steps make by thousands of walks down to the Green Beach.

Oh holy cow, this place was breath taking!!

This is our driver, Paul. For twenty bucks he drove us three miles of the roughest, craziest, bumpiest roads you can imagine. IT WAS WORTH IT!!

GREEN SAND!

There are fruit/veggie stands everywhere. No workers, just take what you want and leave your money. Happy Jeannie! Those avacados were like butter!!

BLACK SAND! Hawaii has green, black, white and normal sand beaches.

We hit them all!

At the black sand beach I fell in LOVE with sea turtles.

I started crying. On a beach. Seth totally made fun of me, but the were so cute!!

The dolphins at our hotel.

OH THIS WAS SO COOL!

In Kona, there is tons of lava. The locals make huge signs, memorials, marriage proposals, etc with white rocks on the black rocks. An American Family agent made this huge piece of work.

I changed out and then changed back the sign so I could put my name on it.

This is going to get blown up and put in my office. I LOVE IT!!!

Dinner view. Seth had fish tacos. Three times. ;)

Bite me fish market. Bahahaha.

We went to see the waterfalls.

And the pretty flowers.

It was very nice. And VERY humid. LOL

And finally, the reason we went... The All American dinner.

I flirted with Elvis to get Seth a scarf. I am not proud of this fact.

Me and Tony. I am his honary daughter. Makes me happy!

Sue!! I lived in Tony and Sue's basement for five months.

I love them!!

me and my man!

We had a great time!

What I do all day...

2011-07-23T09:20:00.000-07:00

These photos were taken over two month ago.
They are out of order.
Please deal with it.
And I must move on!!
So here it goes.

I had an open house for my office in Derby.

Three insurance queens of Derby!
Me, Lisa (American Family) and Kristin (Farmers)

My open house was sponsored by ServiceMaster
YUMMMMMM

This is my office view.

This is my front office. Like the new couch?

Craigslist. The day before the open house.

Here is our prize wheel. Isn't it lovely!

Another couch. And my babies.

Another view of my office. And more pictures of my kids.

Some of my fav's and my LUTCF diploma.

Ridiculously;y huge diploma? Yes, I think so.

One of my favorite bday presents from Cindy Glenn.

I love Cindy Glenn.

The outside of my office.

My sign. Very exciting, huh?

Close ups of the kids. Did you know Tonya is the greatest photographer, ever?

She is. And I am not biased.

The full view of my office.

My amazing office manger, Angie. I luv her. And couldn't do it without her!

Me and Darcy. She stopped by to sweat to death in the heat with us.

Did I mention it was 106 degrees outside? It was. And that was NOT fun.

I took a little break.

Just chilling before the party.

Let the prizes begin!!

These balloons were taken by my children home.

They took a lot of balloons.

A lot.

But it made them happy so whatever!

My Luke typed me a note. My heart melted off.

I love him!!

I have tons more pictures, but they are at home. So I am posting without them. :)

Wordless Wingnuts

2011-06-23T06:44:00.000-07:00

Their dad, my man.

2011-06-17T09:01:00.000-07:00

In honor of my sweet hubby for Father's day. A few photos that I can actually get to in our crazy not yet organized life.

I love Seth because he isn't afraid to love on his momma!

He is leading our children down the long corridor of this life.

He is funny.

He makes a mean s'mores

He is teaching our children to have a love of reading.

He goes on hay rack rides

And can get a rare smile out of a 12yr old boy.

He loves his family and takes them on countless cabin adventures.

He loves his boy.

Carries the heavy loads.

He loves me.

Alot.

Alot!

He is an amazing coach. And always takes time for the waterboy Brockie!

He loved this pub because it was one of the earliest pubs in the country (Boston trip) and the fact that our founding fathers drank there. I liked the cool big booths. He is so classy.

He flat loves his girl.

Always has.

He is good for a shoulder ride, anytime.

Even though it may kill him. ;)

He is SILLY!!

He is SILLLLLLY!!

He takes us to cool places like a Roy Roger memorial in a zoo.

Random? Yep.

He wears a "spouse" name tag to our American Family events.

And he is actually proud to wear it. He calls me his "Sugar Momma" and is behind me 100%!

He knew his grandpa was sick and drove to see him, even though his grandpa couldn't really remember him. I love his heart.

He LOVES his boy. He had so much fun watching him play football. He didn't even try to coach him during the games. He stood off to the side even though *I* know he is AN AWESOME COACH!!!

Loves his girl. She is so secure in her Daddy!

Loves his boy!

Even when it is hot as hades in Disney.

Even when some strange guy is taking our picture at the Cubs game. Seth was ready to bolt if the guy tried to steal our camera.

Always lugging these kids!

Nobody gets that smile from Maggie except her Daddy

Our Brockie. Huggin on his pops

At a graduation. So proud of this guy

My brother, brother in law and our little princess.

Daddy and Lukie

Everyone says she gets the silly from me. I am not convinced. :)

Sethie,

Thanks for being such an awesome dad. Thank you for believing in our kids and wanting the very best from them and for them. Thank you for standing beside me in our journey together

for the past 15 years. Thank you for believing in me and loving me for who I really am.

We love you,

The Garinger clan

Nana

2011-06-08T10:41:00.000-07:00

Our daughter went for a couple of days to spend some time with her grandparents in Topeka. She was ready to come home and Seth was going to go get her. We have been meeting halfway in Emporia, but he was going to drive the whole way so I got to thinking. My Nana (Tonya Kay)is in Topeka. Well, Maple Hill, but whatever. Close enough! So I told Seth I would make the trip and stay the night. He thought I was a little crazy, but I didn't really care! I jumped in my car and raced up the highway to get our daughter and see my very best friend.

Why?

Because she makes me laugh like this.

And smile like this

And she knew me when I was younger. And going through my Snow White phase

She is the goofy face

to my goofy face

We can crank out a photo opp on vacation.
Even when she has altitude sickness

She gave my baby girl a best friend.

She gave my baby boy a best friend.

And they are still going strong

She loves dessert

And even shares with her savory friend

she can lift really heavy furniture with our sweet friend, Cindy

She rocks a multi colored beaded necklace.

She is really, really good at the staring game.
(I won. After MUCH preparation)

She is a hugger

We've been BFF's since these two were babies.

Teeny, tiny, adorable babies
(Brock and Emma)

Brock and Emma at her first b-day party

I love her because she has always, always loved my sister, Chris Ann
She has treated her as another sister.
And they are the only two I call by their middle names almost every time.
And they LOVE it when I call them by their middle names.

She loves my kids. Each one of them, warts and all.
Although, seriously? How could you not just love this curly headed baby?

She looks good in black and white.

She isn't afraid to cry publicly when her best friend is leaving.
She even throws a party so her best friend could cry, too.

She has the most amazing blue eyes I've ever seen.
They get bluer when she cries.
So I try to make her cry a lot.

She is the most fun bed mate on a girl's weekend.
It is assumed we will be bunking together. Rich even gave up his spot for me last night.We giggled and talked til way too late last night. But she put a pillow as a buffer. I'd missed her so much I think she thought I'd try to spoon.
*good thing she had the pillow*

One of my very favorite things about Tonya is that she doesn't know a stranger. She has a twinkle in her eyes that reminds me of my grandma. Her whole face lights ups when she really smiles at you. Her sweet heart opens up and really listens to what you are saying. She is truly interested in you! She is awesome like that.

She is also so generous. She basically clothed Maggie for the first 6 years of her life. Right up to when Mags' feet got almost as big as Emma's. :) She would have a new bag of clothes ready for Maggie each season. It was a huge blessing for our family. She never asked for anything in return. She gave freely. And I have watched this of her for 11 years. Anytime she knew of a need she went to her storehouse and gathered up whatever she could and gave it away. I know her crown in Heaven is big and fancy because of her sweet spirit.

She also comes running when you call. I was thinking today of when Luke was a tiny baby (5 days old) and we had to put him back in the hospital for jaundice. I called her (hysterical) and told her they were admitting him. She asked me exactly where I was and told me she was on her way. She came, squeezed me and took Brock (needed to go to school) and Maggie (not even two) and herded Emma (4 yrs old) and Eli (tiny six month old baby) and went down the elevator to watch them while I stayed at the hospital with Luke. I can't tell you how many times I've called her like that.
Knowing I won't be able to anymore, kills me.
I know she'd come if call. She would. I am just so stinking sad it is two hours now.

I love this girl.
We directed many musicals together.
We watched our Emma sing her first solo this last year.
I was so stinking proud of Emma. So thankful we had directed which gave her the chance to spread her adorable little wings and try something really far from her comfort zone.

I love this photo. Tonya was there. Just like she always is.

She loves me even when I am dressed in weird clothes.
Hey random sneaking in our photo guy.

I am sure you can see why I love her. She is awesome.
Her photos show you how flat beautiful she is. If we were single, I'd totally be the wing man. But what the photos don't show you is her heart. She is sweet. She is tough (mush on the inside, people) when she has to be. She will be a ferocious lion if you come at her family or friends. She loves to laugh. She snorts, I'm just sayin'. She loves her husband in a way it makes me want to be a better wife. She loves her kids and takes joy in them! She is a hard worker and just got a 4.0 in college. She went BACK to college at 36!?!?! Who does that and gets a 4.0?? I am so proud of her. I love that she followed her dream of working with injured people and helping them get well again. THAT shows you who she is. The pictures can't.

I love my Tonya Kay. But, who wouldn't??
By the way? She is NOT looking for a new bff, so just keep it moving. :o)

Moving day pics

2011-05-31T05:32:00.000-07:00

My camera was in Derby because my life was in upheaval. So these were taken with my phone. They aren't great, but they'll do the trick.

Mags in, quite possibly, the greatest photo ever.

She wanted to know if the truck could be her new room.

And if she could pose for 1,000,o00 pictures

I figured it was the least I could do

Our old house which will (God willing!) become a rental.

Much mayhem on the empty truck!

Seth and our pops, Roger D. Hood

Our brother Ryan!

Luke and his doughnut!

Brock's friend, David Walker. He worked like a champ!

Brockie!

Our sweet friends Emma and Eli!

Luke Owen and little Jay

Mags and Uncle Ryan

Let's get this party started

There is my friend Brad Noller. 128 claims and 14 hour work days and he stilled showed up to carry some boxes. :) Tonya had her camera and I'll post a good photo.

I big puffy heart this girl. And her staff.

We filled her up. I was *sure* we'd have extra room. Tonya Kay told me I'd be surprised at how quickly it filled up. I'd taken a million loads to Derby and stored in an extra office so I was sure she was wrong. We left behind some stuff. This is me eating crow.

And our friends Jim and Rich!

The real driver. Who risked life and limb driving on bald tires. It will go in my report.

The boys

Ditto

WE MADE IT!!!!!

Cindy and Brock showing off their muscles.

Eli and Luke helping in the kitchen

Eli and our Cindy

Luke and Cindy Lou

Luke and Cindy. She keeps encouraging him!!

Living room antics. We were all slap happy by this point.

Brock benching Eli

And walking on our poor Richard's back. He'd worked hard!

I'll post the ones Tonya took later. :)

We made it!

2011-05-29T17:35:00.000-07:00

After an exciting phone call I which I may or may not have lost my temper...we got a uhaul to move on Friday. It took three hours and a crud load of gas and Seth driving clear to Manhattan to pick it up. But we managed to pack up the house and be ready for our friends and family to arrive at 8am for the loading to begin. Our friend Rich McDaniel is a
loading stud. He got to our house and I asked what he wanted done first. He said he wasn't I charge. I told he we both knew how this deal was going to go down and just to start bossing folks around. :). He seriously could do this for
a living. ;).
We kept to the time schedule to a "t". Leaving T town right in time our caravan of friends made
our way to Derby. We stopped at *almost* every reststop and loaded up on snacks that cover the cracks in the heart.
We arrived right time and barely got the garage door open before reinforcements showed up. Some teens from a local
NAzarene church came and WORKED like dogs! I could not believe the work ethic of the young people. The had our truck unloaded in nothing flat and wouldn't hardly let me feed them lunch. We were so blessed. Several others came
to help unpack and Lora even saved the day by falling a guitar shop and taking Brock's six
sting in to get the neck repaired. It was one of our only casualties.

The helpers all left and it was just the McDaniels, Glenns and the Garingers.
We enjoyed our evening together. Or as much as tired
to the bone people could!

They all left on Saturday morning. That was pretty painful for all
involved. It was hard. Too hard to put into words. But I'll say that watching their cars pull away was a lonely feeling that I still haven't been able to shake. All of our kids (mcds and g's) were pretty sad. I felt so sorry for Emma and eli. Their sweet little
faces were blotchy and it flat broke my heart. Our Luke couldn't say what he was feeling so he wrote it in sidewalk chalk. That made us all laugh. :).

Our family of five spent the day trying to make our house a home. We decided that decorating the kids' rooms would be the way to go. Off to walmart we went. $60 later we had more wall stickers than any familly *really* needs. We also got Brock a bunch of orange bathroo
stuff. It looks pretty cool. His room will also double as our guest so I hope y'all like orange. :).
It was a good first night.

We went to church today. It went pretty well. I know it will take time.
We also went to Rock River Rapids here in Derby. It is an awesome water
park which I got us season passes to. It was fun!!! And I'd met a gal a chamber of commerce meeting and she had a boy Brocks age. She just happens to be a big wig at
local rec center and needed a model for the summer catalog. So our boy did a little modeling work today. His pay was getting to go down the slides a million times when the park had closed.

We are finding our way.
We can't find half our stuff.
Like our laptop.
We seriously can't find it anywhere.
So I types this on my phone.
Thanks for checking on us.

You can take the reservation, but you can't HOLD the reservation

2011-05-25T11:26:00.000-07:00

I am actually living out a Seinfeld episode.
I get to my office this morning and field a phone call on my cell phone. It is the uhaul company. I am expecting their call, so I assume they are calling to confirm the time I am planning on picking up our van. You know what happens when you assume, right? Well, it happens. The guy, Nate, tells me that he is very sorry but they don't have a van for us on Friday. I assure him that he is inccorect because I (OCD extrordinar) have resereved our van well over a month ago. He assures me that they don't have any vans in Topeka. I mention the "over a month ago" thing a couple more times and he tells me he is very aware of how long ago I placed my reservation. Again, he is very sorry. I just about pulled out the "put your sorry's in a sack" but held my compossure. I held my temper and my compossure all the way up until he told me the only possible solutions were for ME (I am 5'1" and can barely drive my minivan) to drive a 27ft truck from Wichita to Topeka where I would have to drive it all around Topeka including Luke's kindergarden graduation OR to pick a truck up in Manhattan. Which is an hour away from Topeka. Oh, he did give me third option. He could cancel our reservation and he could give me $50.
That is about the time I started crying.

I mean, come on!
Dude we aren't moving across town.
We are loading up the truck and moving to Derby!
People are in place in Topeka to help load the truck.
Timelines are already mapped out.
People are in place in Derby to help unload the truck.

WE NEED THE TRUCK!!!!!!!

So I told him this was his problem and to call me when he'd figured out a solution.
I really did say it as nicely as possible.

I head to the bank to get yet another cashiers check for our rental house in Derby.
Why my check isn't good enough after the background check we had to endure to rent this stinking house I am not sure, but I needed another cashiers check. Which I get to pay for everytime. I am in the line at the check out and Nate gets me back on the phone. I ask for his supervisor when he says he doesn't have another solution. I at this point asked if THEY could drive to Manhattan to pick up a truck and he told me "no". They don't do that. I am trying to write out a check to my bank for the cashiers check and I can't figure out how to write thousands. I tear up 3 checks before I tell Nate I will have to call him back. I try to focus one more time on the check I need to write and just start to cry. The cashier bats her eyes at me like I am full on crazy. I keep trying to compose my self. I bite my lip and wipe my eyes because I am NOT one of those people who CRY at the bank!!
My personal banker who started my accounts sees me across the bank and rushes over to find out why I am crying. She give me a hug and gets my check for me in two seconds. I leave the bank a little humiliated. Ok, a lot humilitated.

So, I have no moving truck.
We are scheduled to be back in Derby in less than 48 hours with a truck load of stuff to unload.

Wouldn't it have nice if uhaul had HELD our reservation?

The post you've all been expecting

2011-05-17T11:51:00.000-07:00

So we decided to take the house OFF the market and just rent it out for a year or two.
We interviewed several management companies and I think we picked the right one for us.
But, honestly? How in the world will we know until there is a problem? I would like to have a small pity party for myself, but there honestly isn't time.

My TO DO list is ridiculous.

I still have to work this week.
We are (thankyouJesus) heading out of town this weekend to Great Wolf with my sister and her family. That will be awesome!! Yes, I know it is really bad timing. I don't care.
Then we are being showered with love from our friends at church with a going-away reception on Sunday afternoon. That will be so very hard. :(
Then I have to go back to work next week.
I take possession of our house in Derby on Wednesday and am going to clean it up on Wednesday night. I don't understand why our house in Topeka has to be professionally cleaned, but our house in Derby isn't. This annoys me, but what can I do?
I plan to stay the night in Derby and get up at the crack of dawn's early light and race to Luke's kindergarten graduation at 8:30. Cue major crying.
Seth can't come b/c it is his last day of school. UGH!!!!
I will go back to our Topeka house and get working there.
We will pick up the moving truck on Thursday.
We will clean and pack Thursday/night. Probably into the morning hours.
Friday morning our friends and family will arrive at 8am. (typing this has caused me to cry)
We'll pack up the van.
We'll clean up the house.
We will leave Topeka.
Holy cow.
The caravan will leave Topeka and head to Derby.
-I have no earthly idea how I will drive.

I am just sure you've all been expecting me to freak out.
I am just not going to do that.
He has a purpose for all of this.
He had a plan.
I trust Him.

I used to sing a song every month or so at church.
I am holding on to His promises today.

Still I Will Trust You
by Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir
from CD: Favorite Song Of All
Words and music by Vonnie Ewing Lopez

I've climbed a mountain, I've walked a valley low
And there's a hand guiding me where go to
So I will not qustion when storm clouds come my way
for I have placed my trust in You and You alone

Chorus
Still I will trust You
Still I will follow
Still I will listen to Your every calling
Whiel the storm rages on and I can't find my way
Still I will trust You Lord

When in my dark hour
You restored my weary soul
You led me to that resting place and made me whole
Now I cannot question
Though stormy billows roll
My faith is secure, safe is my trust in You alone

Books stink

2011-05-11T14:29:00.000-07:00

I have taken to books on tape like a duck to water. My long drives back and forth from Topeka to Derby and Derby to Topeka have given me ample time to listen away to stories of victories and triumph. Stories where God has been the victor. Stories of silly families and fun place.

And then I started listening to a really stupid book about two friends. I won't give the name b/c I am not sure if I can get sued by the book's author. And I don't want to get sued. Anyway, it is a super loooong book. 18 hours. Most of my BOT have been 8 hours. So I am invested in this stupid book. I am 16.5 hours in with only the very end of the book for my ride home tonight. Except, now I don't even want to listen to it!

It all started when, well, when I started listening to the book. :)
It is a story of two friends. Best friends.
One girl was driven and loud and filled up a room when she walked into it.
-they called her a hurricane.
The other girl was insightful and deep. Kind to a fault and loved fiercely.

Guess which girl I am?
-I'll give you a hint...Gaul force winds anyone?

The main problem with this book is that I have a best friend.
Miss Tonya is so much like the other girl that it hurts me to see the other side of the friendship.
The side where Hurricane Jean comes sweeping into a room and sucks all the air out. :(
The side where I come in and try to solve all the problems. Sometimes without being asked. :(
The side where I think I know best. UGH!

I could almost forgive this author for creating characters which will challenge me to be better.
To listen closer. To ask for permission before I start off creating solutions. To be more insightful.

Almost!

But I won't be forgiving any author today.
Because you know what this author is doing?
She is killing off the best friend.
Not the hurricane gal, either.
The sweet, kind, loving and gracious best friend.

And that flat ticks me off.

Tonya called today while I was driving listening to the book.
I was crying and told her the book was killing her off.

She laughed at me.
Out loud. LOL. ROLFMYBO kind of laughing.

And now? 16.5 hours in what am I supposed to do, NOT listen to the end?
I HAVE to listen to it.
I must finish all things.
Even crappy books that make me cry big ugly tears.

I will finish it.
I will cry.
And I will NEVER listen/read another book by this author.
Even Nicholas Sparks isn't this bad.

Renting is the new black.

2011-04-21T06:21:00.000-07:00

I came to a startling realization this past week.

There is no way I am selling my house, getting approved for a loan as a self employed business owner, finding a house, close and being ready to move in 35 days.

It just isn't going to happy.

Cue major freak out.

I then put away my pipe dreams of it all working out famously (house sells *just in time* and we find an amazing house with an ocean view in Kansas and the loan officer begs me to take a loan and hands me the keys to our house with a hug and smooch) and pressed on towards finding my family a place to sleep. It didn't happen easily. My office assistant/rockstar employee started to worry about my mental health. I was vacillating between super excited and almost to cry moments. In the same breath. Which is kind of awesome because I think she is afraid of me now. ;)

We've own a home almost as long as we've been married and I was stuck in the thought that we would own the rest of our lives. But, folks? That ain't gonna happen this time. We are going to rent. For a year. Or two depending on when this amazing housing market decides to play nice and give people an actual sale of a nice home with a huge backyard in a great neighborhood. Because the market now is a bully. A big bully! And just so you know, everyone is renting these days because they can't sell their houses. It is crazy. And apparently Derby is a majorly hard place to find a rental. I looked at townhouses and drove through the town looking for rentals. Because I am apparently a house stalker.

I went to look at several rents this week which only contributed to my mental health crisis.
I looked at a three bedroom and considered making a room for Brock under the stairs. I was stopped short by Seth asking if we were trying to make him Harry Potter or a hobbit. I didn't get either reference but I concluded that wouldn't have been a good idea.
Plus my bff Tonya Kay reminded me that my children (Maggie) might look around a tiny house and ask where our friends would stay when they came to visit. Which is another thing I've promised would happen. So, no pressure, but we are going to need some visitors in Derby.
I looked at some HUGE houses that were a stretch for my budget which I still don't really know what my budget will be yet but I still think it would have streeeeetched my budget. So I was going a little crazy.

Until the skies opened an a bright light shone on the perfect house.

Okay, I found it on craigslist.

It is a bit retro. It has a lot of tile. It has plaster-like walls. But it is big. Four bedrooms, three baths. Fenced yard and a two car garage. And my experience at looking at the other rentals made me a shrewd business woman and I realized you can haggle on the asking price of a rental. Who knew? But haggle I did and got it at a *reasonable* price. Only a tad more than the house where Brock would have been a hobbit or a wizard. And we'll have plenty of room for company.

So I am excited!! I awoke this morning and this strange feeling came to me. I thought I recognized it, but I couldn't be sure. Then I knew it was PEACE!
It's been awhile, Peace. But I hope you are here to stay!

Another one bites the dust!

2011-03-09T11:11:00.001-08:00

One more month down, three-ish to go.

My business is thriving.
The family is surviving.

Your typical "one step forward, two steps back" story. I flat LOVE my job. I love the people I am working with. Love my customers, love my assistant, love my manager, love the family I am staying with during the week.
I flat hate being away from my family. I miss the kids, Seth, my friends and going "home" at the end of the day. I miss the goodnight kisses and the prayers at bedtime. I miss sitting on the couch with my hubs eating popcorn and fighting over the remote. I miss all of that.
I do know we are *almost* halfway. I do know it WILL be worth it! I know all of that. I just want time to hurry up already.

Except, I also know that at the end of the next three-ish months my family of five will be packing up and leaving the only home we've ever know. The friends with whom we've shared so much of our lives. The family we love and have taken for granted they'd be there in a moments notice. The church family where we know everyone and everyone knows us.

We are going to have to start over.
I am 37 and am starting over.
The new people at church won't know I am just kidding.
They won't know I have a wacky sense of humor.
They won't know I often put my foot in my mouth b/c my mouth works faster than my brain.
They won't know my kids.
They won't know Seth.
They won't know "The Garingers".
And people? That is one scary group.

Ugh, I guess the whole picking up and moving is just on my brain tonight.
I absolutely know God has a plan and He has shown that over and over.
I just need to hold on tight and trust in Him.

Mama said there'd be day(WEEKS) like this

2011-01-27T08:39:00.001-08:00

This week has been tough.

I don't know why. I can't pinpoint it. But by Tuesday night I was ready to get in my car and
GO HOME.

Luke has been way out of sorts. He has cried all week and almost driven Seth crazy.
The kids have been hard, hard, hard on Seth.
And there I sit every night, wishing I could help, but knowing there is nothing I can do two hours away. It is such a helpless feeling.
To hit large credit, Seth hasn't complained. He is still the rock I've known him to always be.
And, he has been sick all week.
But God has been so present.

Seth's heart went out of rhythm on Tuesday night. He'd already been dealing with Luke Owen who was having major fits ( I could call them nicer names, but let's just face it already and call a fit a fit) and he was about DONE! He felt his heart racing out of his chest and decided he'd had enough fun for one night and went to bed.

He started to pray and ask God to help him. He plead his case and asking God to help him; he was the only parent at home; really needed to have heart go back in rhythm! As he was about to close out his prayer Seth felt his heart slow down and go RIGHT BACK in rhythm. Praise God!
What an amazing and powerful God we serve. I am so grateful that God touched Seth's heart and let him KNOW He was listening and wasn't alone.
It also touched me knowing God was listening and taking care of my family when I can't be there. So, even though it is not ideal being separated, we are not alone. The Lord is faithful!

I am headed out of Derby at 5 o'clock on the dot to race home to see our Brock play basketball.
His game is 7 and it is a twoish hour drive. I will be haulin'. I can't wait to sqeeze my people.

A new adventure in Derby, KS

2011-01-20T12:16:00.000-08:00

I've posted briefly on facebook and have tried to let our friends and family know, but it is official.

We are moving to Derby, KS at the end of the school year.

It is two hours southish of Topeka. Two hours away from our family and friends. Two hours more away from our Iowa family. Two hours away from our church. So, those two hours stink. But God has such an awesome plan for my little family of five. It was totally His doing, so you'll need to take it up with Him. :)

I found out about this awesome opportunity a few months ago, applied and got the job. I'd talked with Seth, of course. He was so supportive and willing to let me pursue the position. I love him for that! I am taking over an existing American Family agency of a sweet man who is retiring after 35 years. I also get to work for a really cool manager, Holly. She is very supportive and I can't wait to see how much I grow as an agent under her direction. It is a bigger agency than I owned in Topeka, which will be great for our family.

Getting the job meant I would have to start in January. I will have to commute for about five months because Seth still needs to finish out his teaching position and we didn't want to move the kids in the middle of the year. So, I plan to go down to Derby during the week and head home on the weekends. I had planned to camp out in my office so I didn't need to get an apartment down here. But God totally provided again. An awesome family has taken me in. :)

Sue and Tony are some wonderful folks. They kindly offered me a room, but it has become so much more than just a room. Sue makes me dinner most evenings and calls me to check on me.

We play games and watch the Jayhawks (thank goodness they weren't Wildcat fans). It is such a blessing. I am so thankful.

Seth is bearing the lion's share of the workload at home. He has to work full time, transport the kids to our friend Candy's house at an unheavenly hour where she takes them on to school He picks them up after school and then does dinner, homework, bath and bed, lunches, book bags and feeds the dog. He is such a good guy. I totally appreciate his willingness to do all of this without complaint. We've come a long way baby! I have gotten several raised eyebrows at Seth doing all of this. Which surprises me each time. I guess I have taken for granted the fact the Seth and I are a team and work together. I am so thankful for him. I

The kids are doing okay with the transition. The first night I was in Derby they cried. They haven't really cried on the phone much since, for which I am glad. It tore me up and I know it adds stress to Seth. The kids' teachers have been great. Maggie's teacher called letting me know she had an ear ache and had Maggie walk with her cell phone down to the office to get some medicine. Who does that? She is great. Luke seems to be doing good and has gotten very close to Seth. He is even picking Seth over me which is unheard of! I love seeing their relationship growing. Brock is a pre-teen. That is all. ;)

I am missing my friends terribly.

Tonya Kay surprised me on my first day in Derby. She'd made the trip with me the week before to help unpack and get me organized but it just didn't happen. The office was filled with people saying goodbye to the retiring agent so we didn't get as much accomplished as we'd hoped. So Tonya showed up around 10:30, shocking the socks off of me. I couldn't believe she'd dropped her kids at school and hit the road. She spent more time in her car than she did at my office unpacking and getting me organized, but she did it with a smile and just her presence put me at ease. I am *so* thankful for that girl.

I get to meet with my prayer group girls this weekend. That should fill my friend/love cup up for a little while. :) Get ready girls, I am a little needy.

We have so many amazing friends in Topeka. Such great family. So it is hard to leave. If I didn't know beyond a shadow of a doubt that this was God's plan for our family I would pack up my office and take myself back to Topeka. But I truly believe it is.

I love Derby. It is the sweetest town. Nestled right outside the big city of Wichita. So many, many nice people. One who gave me this lovely picture that her husband painted I snapped a photo of at the beginning of the post. I can't wait to have it framed. It is a print and I've seen it all over town. She is a gem and wanted to welcome me to Derby. So sweet! I have new insureds who are so kind and welcoming. They are already huggin on me and thanking me for coming to help them. HA! I should be thanking them for the job! Plus a huge bonus to living in a smaller town...Sonic is not busy. At all. Like, I've gone twice and pulled up (no drive-thru) and ordered, paid and pulled back out within 2 minutes. Died/gonetoheaven. I went to a Dillions yesterday that must be an original. Tiny, tiny, tiny. And the checker was at least 80. I loved him and his gray wavy hair. So cute!

I love it here and can't wait for Seth and the kids to join me when school is out and we can all be together.

So if you think about us, offer a prayer of thanksgiving for God's provision. We are blessed.

Walmart is a time machine

2011-01-18T07:38:00.000-08:00

On Saturday we were knee deep in packing boxes and fixing up our house. My BIL, Sean, needed some drywall meshy stuff (that is the technical term) and I ran out to grab it. I was FREEZING cold as the weather in KS rots. I cinched my coat up and was about to race into Walmart in my normal, I have a task, fashion.

Out of the corner of my eye I saw two little older (okay OLD) ladies trying to get their groceries in their car. They looked like sisters and they were fighting the wind, just like everyone else. They were struggling a bit, so I walked over and asked if they needed any help. The older sister eyed me like a hawk and as if I might steal their ice cream. The younger sister smiled a huge smile and thanked me. I started loading in the wheat breads and ice cream and the jello. My heart lurched a bit thinking of my own sweet grandma. She'd loved ice cream and jello. I finished my work and offered a hand to help the younger sister into the car. She gladly accepted.
The moment I took her hand I was taken back to the countless times I'd offered my grandma a hand to get in or out of the car or down the hall. This sweet woman had the same thin skin and firm grasp. She trusted me with herself as I helped her into the car and gave me a soft pat on the arm as I settled her into her seat. My eyes filled with tears as I turned to go.
I would relish the chance to help my grandma into a car or sit with her and help her cut coupons. Or listen to her stories. Or just hold her hand.
And I am grateful to two little sweet sisters who let me be a granddaughter again for a quick minute.
I may be hanging out at Walmart more often. Cruising for "older" folks. :)

You are better than this

2010-12-28T14:29:00.000-08:00

Just so I don't forget....

Christmas night my kids were OUTOFCONTROL.
Hopped up on sugar and soda.
Strung out tired.
NUTS
and it was only 5 o'clock.

So what is a good mother to do?

Feed the animals and put them to bed.

Don't feel sorry for them. Feel sorry for me. They were being awful.

So, during dinner (cuz I am super smart and like to torture myself) when asked if they were going to bed early, I answered with the truth. Like the Lord Jesus requires.

If you could have heard the sobbing and witnessed the projectile tears that started flinging across the room, you would have made them skip the dinner.

Needless to say, it wasn't pretty.

I pretty much stuffed the food into their mouths and had to drag them bodily down the hall to
brush their teeth. People, they were hopped up on sugar. You can't skip the brushing of the teeth.

Seth tackled Maggie and I (oh happy day) got to tackle Luke.
Never mind that he is 6 and nearly to my equal in height. Or at least nearly to my shoulder.
You try undressing and dressing a thrashing 6 year old hoppeduponsugar and strungoutfromtired and get back to me on the judgemental attitude about the 5ish bedtime.

Luke proceeded to throw a major fit.

I was calm.
I was cool.
I was understanding.
I offered hugs.
I offered a story.

Luke proceeded to continue to throw a major fit.

I finally turned his sweet little face to mine and offered a word of encouragement.

Momma- Luke, need to calm down. It will all be okay.
You are a better boy than you are acting like.

Luke- (not to be outdone) Well, you are a better mommy than you are acting like.

I started laughing so stinking hard it caught him off-guard. He took a breath long enough to realize what he'd said and we both fell into a pile of giggles.

Now, he got mad and started crying again when I scooped him up and tossed his sorry sack into bed, but at least we'd had a good laugh.

Christmas-Take One

2010-12-25T15:12:00.000-08:00

My mom and brother and sister came down from Iowa, DC and Iowa, respectfully.
WE HAD A BLAST!!!!! (We were missing Randi Lynn, of course!).

They came the week before Christmas which turned out to be a really super good idea b/c Michael would have been in big trouble getting back to DC cuz they had themselves a big 'ol storm! We relaxed and ate, and then relaxed and ate some more.
I could not have had a better time.
I went to bed happy everysinglenight.

We opened presents

And more presents

We stopped for photos.
This is me and my mom, Lori.

Our nephew, Cody.

Two silly boys

Two other silly boys

Mags, Kit and Jadelin

Seth and his new blue ray. He has an awesome sister in law

Luke and the new dino his Uncle Mike gave him.

Baby Joel looking at what his cousin got.

Mags and her new blanket (Kit's blanket) Grandma Lori made her to match the one she gave me. I love it!

Michael and his new calendar. I just knew he would LOVE IT!!

My new purse my super awesome sister gave me.

Three silly boys.

Grandma Lori and Luke Owen. He didn't get out of his PJ's all weekend.

Chris and Jeff

Jadelin and Lukey

Me and my bro

Me and my bro, take two.

Brock and Cody's Ipod touch. He was coveting.

The group.

Cody!

Mom and Jeff

Joel and the mac and cheese

The rest of the group

Three of the four of us

Me and Mike

Jadelin and Luke and the leapsters

What are you playing?

Leave it to Brock

Auntie Jean and Jadelin

Joel baby

Uncle Sethie and Joel baby!

Mags and Grandma

Maggie's grin summed it up. We had a super awesome time.

We've already made plans to do it again next year.

The Christmas mus-i-cal

2010-12-25T14:36:00.000-08:00

My BFF Tonya Kay and I have been co-directors of our church's Christmas musical many years. This will be our last for the foreseeable future. Which made it really, really hard. She and I cried. Alot.
There were many "lasts".
And that was hard. Really hard.
We don't have a picture together. Cuz we were crying. Alot.
I love my Tonya Kay. So I just snapped some pictures of our kids. Except I don't have one of our Emma. They are coming over tonight for "friend Christmas", so I will snap one then.

Best friends. Luke and Eli dressed in their country garb.

Mags bursting onto the scene at Granny

Mags as her normal country gal

Mags and Momma

Best buddies again. We are so proud. Such smart looking boys. :)

Okay, at least Eli looks smart. :)

Handsome Luke

Back to the stage
Have you seen a cuter Joseph or Wiseman in blue?
I didn't think so.

I love the angel. She loves her some baby Jesus

Mags back as Granny.

She was hilarious!!

You can see the play at thelawn.org

Maggie and the Indians

2010-12-25T14:03:00.001-08:00

Maggie's class put on a play at school. The same day as the gingerbread houses.
So, you will see a costume nonchange for the momma.

This picture is so you can see just how very long Maggie's legs are.

Maggie and her grandma Marge. Aw. How cute??

See what happens when you have ridiculously long legs?
You are very tall.

Another Grandma Marge photo op.

*we are thankful for you, too, Maggie!!*

Mags and Momma

Okay, it is the same pose, but I liked them both and it's my blog.

All in all a very good day to be a momma.

Luke and the gingerbread house

2010-12-25T13:31:00.001-08:00

I am behind. Very behind. But the weather outside is just fine. But I ain't goin out. I am nestled under my blanket and have my "son's" new Jeremy Camp cd in and I plan to knock out about 19 blog posts. So hold on to your cocoa.

Luke's class went downtown to make gingerbread houses.

Me and my littlest gingerbreadman

Luke and his very tall teacher, Mrs. J

Why is Luke always surrounded by little girls? And why does Luke

always have a cheesy grin on around the girls?

Santa, you are interrupting me.

My children are so stinking serious. Am I this serious? no. not really

Luke's two teachers. Mrs. G and Mrs. J
They are about as sweet as honey. And they LOVE our Luke.
But, who wouldn't? Look at this boy.

Finished product. Very proud. Very proud, indeed.

Riiiiicola

2010-11-05T08:27:00.000-07:00

On Monday I wasn't feeling very well. I was tired and a little cranky and my throat hurt and I was stuffed up. But, I have to work, don't you know, so I sucked it up, grabbed some meds at Walgreens and headed to work.

About 10 am my stomach started doing a little dance.
By 10:30 I was in a full on rumba.
By 10:45...break dancing.

It was not pretty.

I couldn't figure out what was going on! I wasn't feeling feverish or nausea.
I was just congested and my throat was raging.
I re dosed my dayquil and kept sucking on cough drops.

Then I looked at the bag of sugar free Ricolas that I'd gotten a *great deal* on at Walgreens.

There was a whole lot of info on the back of the bag and waaay down at the bottom of the bag was the "other information" section. Let me sum it up for you.

Other information
*Phenylketonics, contains phenylalanien 1 mg per drop
*excessive us may have a laxative effect
*store in a dry place
*Product may be useful for diabetics on the advice of a doctor

One of the above MAY need a more noticeable placement on the package.

And...I think they should change the advertising from

Riiiiiicola
to
Pooooyourpants.

Did I tell you Brock is a football stud?

2010-10-22T12:25:00.000-07:00

Because OMG...he is.

And I know that I am his mother and I have to say that, but seriously?

I am going to forget putting money away for retirement and just be really, really nice to this kid.

div>

Grounded? Nope, just get me a nice house someday.

Do the dishes? No way! Just take me to Hawaii when you go to the probowl.

Stay out late? Sure, no problem!

You do realize I am totally kidding, right?

Good.

Wanna see some pictures?
I knew you did!

Just look at his arms, will you He is a beast!

Mags and Uncle Ryan

Marge and HER boy!

Look at all the fans!

Brock, Candy and all of the Sonic cups in the world.

Brock and Grandma Marge

Look at that boy reading the play!

Brock and Cousin Isaiah

Brock and his momma!

Brock and our Cindy Lou

Brock and Grandpa Roger

Brock and Uncle Ryan.

Did I tell you Maggie had a birthday?

2010-10-22T11:44:00.001-07:00

Actually, all three of our babes had birthdays, but I only have pictures of Maggie. Because I am cool like that. Boys, my apologies. I took Mags and several friends to see Ramona and Beezus.
It was so fun. And CRAZY. I underestimated how many bathroom breaks would be needed with eight little girls and two boys. And myself. If I hadn't had one Emma Grace I would have been dead meat. She was a total lifesaver and I am pretty sure I still owe her a little gift from her auntie Jean. Seth was supposed to be there but the night before there was this freak lightning storm and he had to replay a football game smack dab in the middle of the party. *please see above need of Emma Grace* who I think is owed a little something from her uncle Sethie. We had soda and popcorn and silly straws. Overall I think the kids had a great time.
Several times in the two hours I considered crying from the stress, but I don't think they knew.
Happy *late* birthday Mags. We love you to pieces!

Maggie and her best friend in the world, Emma Grace

One happy girl

Maggie and Ariel

You've got a friend in me.

These two are best buds!

Two happy little guys. Do you see the huge pile of popcorn on the floor.

Yeah. That was us.

I love silly straws.

No, I love silly straws.

Do you see my girl? She is *so* happy.

Did I tell you we went to Sesame Street Live??

2010-10-22T10:07:00.000-07:00

Notice a theme here, people. I am way behind on photos/posts.

This is one blessed boy!!

A sweet friend got Luke and I tickets to SSL last month.
He even got us the super awesome Meet and Greet passes.
Without which you don't get within 50 feet of a character.

You are allowed one picture. One.
Luke didn't care. He was HAPPY.

"this is taking forever to start!!

Just some of the guys

Please take note of the spoon in the mouth and the spoon loading up
more yummy ice cream. He was two fisting it.

Yummmmm

Somebody got some binoculars!

I love my boy.

Rubber Duckie...you're the one...

My boy was HAPPY

We love Big Bird yes we do. We love Big Bird how 'bout you?

My boy!!

It was like Marti Gras in the after the show.

We spend about 30 minutes picking up all the streamers.

Cuz that is how we roll.

Did I tell you guys we went to Boston?

2010-10-08T07:05:00.001-07:00

Seth and I won a trip to Boston through my most awesome company.
It is called All American and each year if you meet certain requirements they send you somewhere. Last year was supposed to be Cancun. Next was supposed to be Cancun. But both of those got cancelled (swine flue/violence), we got Boston for this year but NEXT year is Hawaii. I am totally stoked for that!

I digress. In July, Seth and I boarded a plane and landed in the heat wave of Boston. Please forgive me now for the sweaty brows. We were HOT.

We went to a museum.

Walk like an Egyptian.

Really cool pot. I am sure it has some type of historical reference.

We looked at mummies.

Okay, this is funny!
See that hallway waaaaay back past all the super cool pictures, I mean, paintings?
Well, Seth had walked me all around the city and I was so tired I thought I might die.
So I sat on one of the comfy couches and told him to go crazy looking at all the really cool old stuff and I was just going to rest a little bit. Rest, indeed. I feel ASLEEP. Like hard. I was gone and drool was happening. It was heaven. Until a customer called my cell phone (call me anywhere, anytime) needing me b/c of a claim. I jumped ten feet in the air and wiping the drool off my mouth answered in my *most* professional voice. The guard must have been watching me b/c he started laughing. Like hard.

Old Ironsides

Seth and I on the boat headed out to "Old Ironsides".

It was hot as Hades.

Cool cigar bars were everywhere

We found this amazing bread shop and got these authentic Italian subs.

YUMMY

Some beautiful Church.

The 'Tipton" hotel. Zack and Cody

I think the is the original state house.

some old historical building.

some historical building

Seth and I at the convention dinner. He is so professional.

Me and my man!

Me and a super sweet agent named Alice! So stinking cute!

Brad and Seth at Cheers!

Me and Tiffany at Cheers!

Brad and I singing at a SUPER OLD bar that was from like 1890.

We were in the Ostyer bar district. (okay, i am just totally making up these names from memory/date, too) They are taverns that the founding fathers drank at. Smelled like the original seats, too. Smoky.

Seth relaxing thinking about all the founding fathers

We really had a great time. So enjoyed getting to spend some time together!

I highly recommend it. :)

It's not you, it's Anthony Bourdain

2010-09-10T09:06:00.000-07:00

Brock and Maggie stayed the night with Grandma and Grandpa Hood last Sunday night. So Seth and I just had our Luke. We decided to make a day of it and headed to the park. My good looking boys!

Then we went to lunch at Jose Peppers. It was yummy!! I had a super yummy chicken pallo burrito thingy (I had no idea what it was) and ordered Luke .99 cent appetizer cheese and chips. Best stinkin deal in town!!

I noticed that Seth ordered the shrimp tacos. I've been married this man for nearly 14ys and have known him for going on 20 yrs.

I have never once known him to deviate for the norm.

He is a boring orderer.

I order adventurous stuff. Sometimes I hate it. Sometimes I love it. But I like to try new stuff. And if I don't like it, Seth always chastised me for not just ordering what I KNOW I will like.

So when I saw his obvious deviation from the normal boring food.

I was so proud of his new found ordering flair.

And so the story goes...

Jean: Honey! I am so proud of you for ordering something totally new and different!

Do you like the tacos?

Seth: Ya, they are good.

Jean: Are they something you think you would order again?

Seth: No. I would try something different.

Jean: What?? You never order different stuff! I must be rubbing off on you!

Seth: It's not you, it's Anthony Bourdain.

Jean: *stunned silence*

20yrs I have put into this relationship. Anthony Bourdain comes along and shakes it up.

Thanks Anthony.

The following occurred between 7am-8:15am

2010-08-27T08:44:00.000-07:00

This morning started out with giggles and laughter and ended in screaming (me) and crying (them).
We awoke with happy hearts and joy. We were all in Maggie's room chatting and having a good old time.

It lasted 5 full minutes.

I asked Brock to get the kids cereal while I got ready.
Five minutes later, I asked him again.
Then I screamed (from the bathroom so really I wasn't yelling, I was just projecting my voice) to get the flipping cereal in the bowls.
I then heard Maggie crying because Brock wouldn't give her milk.
Then I heard Luke crying because he didn't want to have to go the same school for six years. (what in the world?)
Brock and Maggie tell him CPLS is a 12yrs school and he went ahead and bawled.
(it is actually 13yrs, but I wasn't going to correct him).
I left the bathroom haphazardly covered in a towel and told them all to eat their cereal, brush their teeth and GET DRESSED!
Maggie, you have to take a bath again this morning because you hair --omg, your wild hair -- is crazy again. So eat, teeth, bath, dress.

For crying out loud eat your cereal. Seriously, EAT~!!!!!

I go downstairs to get dressed and get ready.
Luke follows me down, still crying over the outrage of having to go the same school for 6, I mean, 12, (doesn't know it is 13) years and how boring that is to have to go the same place all those days and not even get summer.

You will get summer, Luke.

He then criess more "b/c summer is when Daddy says home with me and I *miss him* so much during football season".

GET DRESSED!!!!!!

Brock, I don't care if you don't like those shorts. They are the ones you are wearing and so help me if you don't get them on I am going to loose it!

Luke, get dressed. Please.

Maggie, get in the tub. NOW!

Has anyone brushed their teeth?

I have gone hoarse.
Now, if you are judging me I have one word for you. What-ever.

We finally get everyone in the car (Brock carried his shoes out and ruined his brandstinkingnewsocks in the process) and headed to school.

We picked up Noah L. on the way and got to school right on time b/c yesterday we had a similar morning due to the fact that Luke DIDN'T want to get to school early b/c it is boring to be early and you have to wait for-ever and Brock DID want to get to school early b/c it is *really* important to be early or you will be late and then the world will fall apart b/c you weren't early.
I can't make this stuff up people.

Am I the only one who has mornings like this? I hate it. I envision calm and peace and teeth brushed and hair combed. Sibling helping each other with cereal and seat belts. Why does it have to be so stinking hard?

Back where we belong!!!!!!

2010-08-25T09:46:00.001-07:00

So, God is pretty awesome, right? Ya, I know!
He has blesses us beyond our wildest hopes and dreams.

Our kids are back at Cair Paravel Latin School.
Seth taught there for 7yrs and coached football and our kids went there with him.
Until 2 yrs ago. Lots of reasons, lots of heartache over taking the kids out.
But God has totally restored us!

About a year ago (well, to be honest theverydaytheyleft) I started praying like crazy, asking God
to find a way for my kids to go back to CPLS. We just love it there. We love the Christian teachers and the Biblical teaching. We love the families who attend. If I were to put an ice cream size on it...like it, love it, gotta have it....we gotta have it!! So, I prayed. And God was silent. Our family went along. I kept praying.

And then...Seth lost his job up in Bern due to budget cuts. That was no bueno. Or so I thought! We about croaked from worry, but God provided. Seth got a great job down in Osage City in a teaching market as dry as the Sahara. God majorly provided! (Thanks again, God!) Seth was secure and I kept praying about the kids' school. We had no earthly idea what we were going to do. Keep them here, send them to Osage City (please Jesus, let me send them to CPLS).

I crunched the numbers.
I paid off our Honda Fit.
I crunched the numbers again.
I asked my prayer group girls to pray asking for discernment.
I asked my in laws to pray for discernment.
I asked some of my close friends to pray for discernment.
And God would not let me commit. I just didn't get the go-ahead for all three kids.

Until one bright and shiny Monday morning. God opened doors and provided a way for all our kids to go. I'd stopped by the school to fill out some forms for Brock and several teachers stopped to pray for our family.
Praying for provision and for God to move.
And move He did! He has provided. I got the green flag and the go-ahead to make the commitment! Amen and hallelujah! We are trusting Him to provide and thankful
So thankful for the ways He already has provided.

I think the smiles on my kids' sweet little faces are worth a million bucks!

The kids ready for 6th, 2nd, and K!! (aren't they the flipping cutest? )

Obligatory picture! Brock was about *done* with pictures, but a few idle threats got me this smile.

Brock and Mrs Guenther, his very first teacher
(he smiled for her.) She is officially sweet as honey.
She was one of the teachers who prayed for us!

Luke and HIS teacher (one of them. Mrs G and Mrs J couldn't
agree on who got this little love, so they are sharing. Such
good examples.

My Maggie. Esta tic Maggie. My friend, Tonya had an awesome idea how
to tell her she was going back to CPLS. I grabbed the jumper she has on from the
uniform closet (I like to think of the uniform closet as God's little gift to me) and told her
I'd gotten her first day of school outfit. She ran upstairs thinking I'd gotten her some cute
little outfit and when I handed her the jumper and the recognition of the FACT that she was
going back to CPLS resonated in her sweet little brain...she fell out. She started crying and
thanking Seth and I profusely. She thanked Jesus and God and the queen of England. :)
She was so thankful. It made my heart happy in places I'd long since forgotten were sad.

Thanks for checking in on us. We are just happy as can be!!

We went to the mountains

2010-07-01T13:00:00.000-07:00

The day after school got out we loaded up our rental van and headed for the mountains. We stayed in an awesome little cabin right by Pike's Peak and Garden of the gods.

Luke and Maggie like climbing

It was beautiful!

Luke liked riding on his Daddy's shoulders.

We had to park "illegally" to get this shot.

Brock had to climb "illegally" to get this shot.

We went to the Cheyenne mountain zoo. It was so stinking cool. The giraffes where in an area that you could feed them.

Seth though he could give the guy a little smooch, but he was too slow.

We goofed around in some tribal huts.

Maggie stopped to look gorgeous.

Then clowned around with Luke in a pot.

Then they got their faces painted. Maggie was a snow leopard.

Luke was a very scary tiger.

We took the sky tram. These three didn't like it.

These two did. Luke and I rode it 4 times. Up and down. We loved it!

We headed up to the Will Rogers Shrine, which is super cool. You get to drive through the zoo. Really crazy roads, but the kids loved it. I was just afraid they would fall.

Brock and Mama Jean. Dude is now taller than me.

Mama and Mags. She is still shorter than me...for now.

Then we headed back to the cabin.

The kids played for HOURS in this little stream. The water was FREEZING!!!

They didn't care.

The next day we went to Denver and the History Museum.

We practiced pretending to be animals. Not a far stretch for us. :)

Brock's big ears

And since we were in Denver...we headed to Casa Bonita.

We got awesome seats, right by the cliff divers.

AND THEN......THE McDANIELS CAME!!!!!
Oh my word. They had a hard time getting there, but that is their story to tell. I just stayed up half the night waiting for them. They got there in the afternoon the next day. We were just so glad to see them.

Tonya and Emma

Twister in the living room

Eli and Luke

Emma and Rich and the start of the most awesome dam ever.

Rich...greatest dam builder, ever.

Brock. This one is for Tonya

me and my boyfriend.

Two of my boys. Playing ski ball with daddy in Manitou Springs

Mags and Em. Holy cow they are cute.

Me and my bff. I love this girl. See how cute she is? She is also super funny and kind and I just really kind of love her.

The fab five.

My man and my Mags. She *loves* her daddy.

Mags and Nana

'da boys

Have you ever seen a cuter couple. No? I didn't think so

The last day Tonya Kay set up her tripod and we got some shots. I going to get this blown up so you can see us better. I just want to freeze this moment forever!

The boys getting one last hug. I love them both!

Our crazy shot.

The McDaniels

The Garingers

Looking back at these pictures has made me a bit weepy. We had such a great time. 8 days together without interuption is amazing. We had a blast hiking and eating ice cream and playing dominoes. We loved hanging out with our friends and laughing til all hours of the night. Just good clean fun. We were so truly blessed and I thank God for the opportunity to spend time with some peeps I love. I am hoping we can make it an annual tradition.

Deep thoughts...or not

2010-04-29T13:26:00.000-07:00

I love spring. Except the allergies that come along with it.
I love working out. Yep. I said it. I've been going to a bunch of different classes at our club. and I really like them.
I make one of my instructors nervous. I think he thinks I am going to have a heart attack and die in his class and then my family is going to sue him.
I like saying "our club". It makes me feel like I should change my name to "Babs".
The sun is beautiful, except it hurts my eyes really bad.
I have to wear sunglasses at all times if I am outofdoors. I have worn my daughters Ariel sunglasses more times than I'd like to admit.
I *think* I might have ADD. I can't focus on anything.
Funny story-
When Maggie was very little I would always get her attention by saying, "Maggie! Focus!".
She would look up at me with her deep blue eyes and with all the intensity of a linebacker say,
"You, focus!". It was hilarious. So often we've used Maggie's line!
Funny Story II-
When Maggie was very little she would put her cute little feet on the floor, come racing out of her room and, with all the amazement she could muster, say "Mama, hungy again!". As if she could not believe she was hungry again this morning. She was so funny!
We got our car back from the shop. After the car wreck with Luke.
Luke saw how shiny the car was and scratched it with his finger nails. Deep scratches. Seriously.
Brock is as tall as I am. His voice is deep, too. When exactly did I get a pre-teen?
Seth is still looking for a teaching job for next year.
Who knew that teaching would be a tough job to get.
Gotta run.

Only Luke, two.

2010-04-19T07:21:00.000-07:00

Luke Owen Garinger.

Such a wonderful boy with a mop of curls and a grin that will melt your heart.

Luke Owen Garinger.

Such a fun loving, blanket carrying, ball of love.

Luke Owen Garinger.

No fear. No concept of danger.

Yesterday we went bowling after church. We had a great time and Brock whooped us all. We laughed and ate pizza and drank pop. We teased each other and hugged a lot. We headed home and Brock and Mags and I started working on laundry and Luke and Dad were headed out to grab some groceries for the week. Seth had to run back in to grab our cash (I am blaming this whole incident on Dave Ramsey, BTW).

Luke decided play with the gear shift and knocked the car out of gear. When it started moving, he decided to jump out. Of a moving car. Which was rolling down the driveway. And into the street. And into the neighbors mail box. The back door, which my five year old jumped out of, was still open so the mailbox ripped the door forward and the mailbox went through the window. Seth came back outside (keys in hand) and saw a little black car rolling and hitting the mailbox. He saw Luke standing in the road looking at said little black car. He said his brain just wouldn't let it compute. He called me and I came outside. I was strangely calm. I didn't scream or get too upset.

I just kept looking at Luke.

Totally unharmed.

Not a scratch on him.

Dumbfounded.

We cleaned up glass and rolled our car back into our driveway. We cleaned up some more glass and hugged Luke a few thousand times. We cleaned up some more glass and wondered what on earth we are going to do with our son. We cleaned up some more glass and thanked the dear Lord in Heaven that He protected our boy.

Seriously, what are we going to do with this boy??

He jumps out of cars.

He climbs on counters railings.

He eats candy off the ground.

He has no fear.

He knows no danger.

He doesn't understand consequences.

He has *very little* impulse control.

What am I going to do with him?

I am weary from the fight. I know God has him in the palm of His hand. I know because he still has air in his sweet little lungs and a beat in his sweet little heart. I know because without God protection my boy could have been hurt terribly or killed. And not just yesterday.
He's given us more panic than the other two combined.
How do we protect a kid like Luke?
How do we keep from loosing our minds?

Seriously. How?

I am so thankful for God's protection. Don't get me wrong! I am just weary.

What I should have said

2010-03-19T08:54:00.001-07:00

*last picture I have with her. Jan 2010*

I just got back in town from my sweet Grandma's funeral.
She got a bed sore after her hip surgery and was in a nursing home to recover.
The bed sore got gangrene. It went to the bone and she died from the infection.
It was terrible. I did get to see her last weekend before she died, but she was so drugged for the pain I didn't get to say goodbye properly. We came home on Sunday and she died later that afternoon.

At the visitation on Wednesday, the priest asked if anyone would like to share a memory about Grandma. My sisters looked to me and I walked to the pulpit with a lump in my throat. My head was swimming and the only thing I could think to share was the memory of her cooking breakfast. It was in the forefront of my mind because Seth and I stayed at her house when we'd come up the past weekend to see her and my mom cooked breakfast. Seth and I were just waking up and the smell of bacon came across the house and to our room. I burst into tears. I shared at the visitation that my mom worked super early in the morning and she would take my brother and sister and I to my Grandma's house each day at 4am. We would go back to sleep and awake to the smell of something wonderful from the kitchen. It was so wonderful to wake up knowing somebody was already preparing for you. She was up long before anyone else, and had a smile on her face when I would round the corner from the bedroom. She would hand you a plate and drag her stool over to sit with you. So I shared that the smell of bacon would forever remind me of her and that I was proud to be her granddaughter.

What I should have said....

She was wonderful.
She had a smile that would light up the room.
She had a twinkle in her eye that made you feel special.
She loved every single one of us as much as the rest.
She was a great wife.
-I loved her story of how she and her first husband, Grandpa Porter, painted the house.
They did it in 4 days. He painted the top on a ladder and she painted the bottom on a stool. Side by side.
-I loved how she and Grandpa Zean would smooch every day after he shaved.
She was a great mom.
-My cousin, Paul, shared at the visitation that his mom was in nursing school when he was born. My Grandma had my mom late in life and her first grandchild, Paul, and my mom were almost the same age. So my Grandma took both my mom and her first grandboy to work with her every day. My grandparents owned a dry cleaning business and worked super long hours. But, she took those babies with her and got the job done. My aunt was a nurse because of my Grandma.
-I already mentioned the fact that my siblings and I went to my Grandma's house so my mom could work. She was in her late 60's at the time. Seriously.
-She stood by her kids though the rough times, never giving up hope that they would succeed.
She gave a ton of second chances.
She loved hard.
She loved fiercely.
She loved like a pit bull.
You didn't mess with her family.
She was fun!
She loved to laugh.
She loved cards. ( I am *sure* this is where I got it!)
She wasn't afraid to speak her mind.
She was tough.
She was a hard worker.
She was smart.
She knew how to handle her money.
-I will never forget the day I was talking to her about my paycheck. I was so excited to be able to buy some stuff. She turned me to herself and looked me in the eye and said, "It never hurts to put up some money for a rainy day". Sound advice from a great financial advisor. :)
-She gave freely to anyone who had a need. She also wrote it in a ledger and expected you to return it. She knew it was for you own good to return what you borrowed. She never asked for it back. But you knew it was in the ledger. :) You also knew if you were in dire straights, you could count on her.
She kissed you right on the lips. Every time.
She loved to hold your hand.
She was a wonderful letter writer.
-While I was away at college she wrote me all the time. I loved her handwriting.
She always had a bedroom ready and waiting.
She was an AMAZING cook.
-holy cow how did I almost forget this??
-She cooked pies. My sister, Chris Ann, bought her a chocolate pie plate YEARS ago. It was a blatant ploy to get more pies out of Grandma. And it worked. They had a good thing going for yrs. Chris would put out the pie plate in a very visible place in the house and the next time she came, it would be filled with chocolaty goodness.
-She used to make birthday cakes for our birthdays. One year she made me a pineapple cake with this stiff peak frosting. I oohed and aahed. It became MY cake. Every year after that, guess what my cake was? And just between you and me...I really only *kinda* like it. But I knew she was thinking just of me when she baked it, so I oohed and aahed every year.
-She made the most amazing cinnamon rolls. They were big and fluffy and ohsogood.
-She knew I loved her pecan rolls more, so she always had those ready and waiting for me when Seth and I would come to visit.
-Everything she cooked was intentionally made for the people she was cooking for. So thoughtful. She re-used everything. Foil, ziplocks, envelopes. Seriously everything.
She made all my sister and my clothes when we were little girls. Polyester short outfits. Awesome retro fabrics.
She rocked a polyester pant suit.
-plaids and flowers go together, don't you know!

She was simply wonderful.

I will forever love her and be grateful for privilege of being one of her grand daughters.

I am on Vienna's side

2010-03-02T13:14:00.000-08:00

Yes I am aware that 99.9 % of you will think I am crazy.
Yes I know the whole country thinks Jake is an idiot.
Yes I understand she is socially ackward.
Yes I get the fact that she puts her foot in her mouth.
Yes I grasp the concept that she talked smack and didn't make friends.
Yes I watched the same show as you.

But I can't help it.
I am on Vienna's side.

All of the girls, including America's sweetheart, Tenley, talked trash. Sure, Tenley did it in the sweetest of voices and with doe eyes, but she talked trash on Vienna. Don't get me started on Allie. I may not be able to watch the next season. She was the biggest trash talker. EVER. She plotted against Vienna from day one. She was very threatened by her (rightfully so) and treated her like trash. Me no likey Allie. I watched her on Jimmie Kimell last night. Good grief. Great, what am I going to watch on Monday's instead of The bachelorette? Just great.

Anyway, back to Vienna. She is a sweet girl who flat captivated Jake. He was funny and at ease with her. He laughed and played and seemed very *himself*. He looked at her like she was the only one around. And that ticked off those women. It would tick me off, too. And she WAS quick to speak up about her dates. But lack of social graces doesn't equal evil. It just shows some immaturely.

But all the rage and hatred?

A bit much in my opinion.

I hope it works out for them. I really do.
I, for one, am rooting for them!

My Grandma (update)

2010-02-24T09:24:00.000-08:00

Two weeks ago my Grandma fell and broke her hip. I left that night and headed to Iowa and stayed for a few days. I wasn't prepared for what I would see of hear. At all. My grandma, who has never let out a wince in my lifetime, was a mess. I got to the hospital at about 9:30 and relieved my cousin, Jimmy. I stayed the night with her and she was doing OK. She was majorly drugged and that was a very good thing. She was still smiling sweetly and was very kind to the nurses. She offered me ice cream from the freezer (her long standing bedtime ritual) and remembered my favorite (butter pecan). She wanted me to hop up on the bed and watch TV with her. She held my hand all night long. These were precious hours I got to spend with her. I was so glad I'd come.

And then the morning sun broke.
And all heck broke loose.

Some nursing students (I love all my nurse friends. Do not take this wrong, please!!!) came in and *had* to give a 96 yr old broken hip lady a bath. I stalled them as long as humanly possible and then got overruled by my aunt, who told them we'd be happy to leave the room. We walked down the hall to the waiting room and came back about 15 minutes later. Poor sweet thing was in terrible pain and was a red hot mess for the rest of the agonizing day until surgery at 4pm. It was simply awful. I hated to hear her crying and boy was she crying.

I have never in my life witnessed my Grandma cry. It broke my heart and I was in turn a red hot mess. I often pride myself on keeping it together. Pride comes before the fall. I arrive at hospital scenes ready to be the strong advocate. (I learned my mad skills from Tonya Kay, but that is another post while I *must* write very soon!) I dress the part and wore my work suit to the hospital. Shallow, I know. Judge me if you must. After her bath, my dressing the part when right out the window. I looked like a televangelists wife. Make up everywhere. Hair matted. Clothes wrinkled. Crazed look in my eyes. And every time she would cry out for me or anyone to help her, dread and grief filled me. I felt so helpless. We begged the staff to help her and they moved up her surgery.

She came through the surgery just fine. The waiting room was filled with her children and grandchildren and great grandchildren. We nervously made small talk which ended up a time of telling Grandma stories. That was fun! She finished her surgery much faster than expected. Which was awesome! She went back up to her room and was pretty out of it, so I went home for the night. My sister, Randi, stayed with her. I stayed with my sister, Chris Ann. We couple up on DVR shows and had a good time. I even found an iphone app that makes noise like a fan. Saved my bacon in the hospital the night before. I slept right through my sweet nephew Joel's midnight feedings and the early morning craziness b/c I had my earphones in. Greatest invention ever.

I headed back up to the hospital thinking I would just go to say goodbye and head back home. That did not go as expected. My poor Grandma was a mess, again! She was in terrible pain. The student nurses were back again and got her up out bed and put her in a chair. There were 10 student nurses in the room and she was begging us to get her out of there. Heartbreaking!
I finally had had enough and told the nurse to tell the doctor that we needed to STOP moving her immediately. She is 96 and her heart was freaking out due the pain/stress. Mercifully we got a nice doctor to issue the cease and desist order. They left her alone the rest of the day and the next. I finally left on Saturday. She was still doing badly but I had to get home before the 28th snowstorm of the season came in. My Grandma still didn't know who I was and that was pretty tough. I left crying my head off and proceeded to cry the three hour trip back to Kansas. Tough stuff.
She started recognizing people on Sunday. Praise God!!
She is doing much better now and has left the hospital. She had to enter a nursing home to get physical therapy. Estimates are 8-12 weeks and I sure hope it doesn't take that long. She hates being away from her house. She's lived independently for all these years and having to be under someone elses care is hard for her. Please pray it goes quickly and she gets done sooner.

Thanks,
Jean

Grandma Lorraine

2010-02-10T13:00:00.001-08:00

My sweet grandma fell today and broke her hip. She is 96 and I am a bit freaked out. I am leaving tonight to go to Iowa and be with her/my family.

Here she is with my boy, Luke. I love that she is smiling! She just love little kids. This was just a couple of weeks ago. :)

Thanks for praying.

Jean

Really? No.

2010-02-09T13:24:00.000-08:00

I gave up soda about 2ish months ago. I am almost to be able to say 3 months ago, so let's just say 3 months b/c 3 months seems a lot longer and let me tell you something...2ish months is a long stinking time for a former pop aholic. I love pop. I love soda. I love diet coke and diet dr. pepper and diet pepsi. I even kinda love diet mt. dew. I just love it all. And I gave it up in hopes that my stupid migraines would stop. Well, they haven't. They are "better" as in better than getting hit by a Mack Truck and still get hit by a Volvo. You are still gettin hit.

Anyway they aren't better but I am still off pop b/c I can't go back on after 3 months. ( we are just going with 3).
And I am actually really enjoying water. I *know*, right??
Me, the former pop guzzler, bought a purse the size of TX just so I could carry a 2-liter, card carrying "I hate water" not just a member, but the President.
I like water. A lot.
And I have found a little secret weapon.
Sonic.
Sonic will give you a Route 44 ice water for the bargain price of $.49.
Sounds like a rip off unless you (I mean me) stop to think of the thousands of dollars I have wasted on pop over my life time. Seriously, I did the math. It was scary. It *might* be what is keeping me from getttin off the wagon.
Back to Sonic.
Anyway, today I was busy at work so I couldn't get out until 3pm. I ran to the grocery store and got some salad and drove through Sonic during Happy Hour. I was excited b/c I was gonna get a deal.
I got a deal, alright. $.49.
Apparently, they don't Happy Hour water. "Because that is the cost of the cup".
Yeah, right.
So my water cost me $.49 and a little bitterness. But, it works. I get a cup in my hand and a straw and some super yummy ice. It is almost as good as a pop.
Really?
No.

Early wake up call (also titled-Iamgoingtolooseitifhewakesmeuponemoretime!!!)

2010-01-19T10:03:00.000-08:00

*These events occured between 4am-7am January 19, 2010*
*location}Garinger's house of horrors*

Luke came downstairs crying his sweet little head off at 4am. He was mad at me b/c I didn't tell him I was going to bed, or something like that. I couldn't really tell what he was saying b/c, you know, he was SCREAMING AND CRYING. I scooped him up and raced out of my bedroom b/c Seth has to get up at 5am and I didn't want to bother him b/c, you know, I don't work or anything like that! I sit around and eat bon bons. Just so you know, Seth knows he is bad at the nighttime stuff. I am not making it up or over stating that he has gotten up with our kids in the middle of the night (alone) like 10 times. Total. In almost 12 yrs of parenting. 10 times. Not that I am bitter or anything. 10 is a good number. If you are playing basketball and it is the number of assists you had. In one game. Not in almost 12 yrs of parenting. Not that I am bitter. No way. I am much to mature for that.

Back to Luke. I'll catch you up. SCREAMING AND CRYING. Now you are caught up. My ears have not yet recovered. I get Luke upstairs and tell him to go to Maggie's room. Why is Maggie's room empty? Oh, yeah. I forgot to mention that Maggie came down and woke my up at 2am b/c she'd had a nightmare. Poor girl. She rarely, like almost never, bothers me in the night. Please take notice that I said bothers me, b/c she knows not to go to her *I am a bear if I get woken up* father's side of the bed. And so b/c I am an awesome mom, I let her crawl in bed with me. Plus, she is like a little heater and I was cold, so it worked out pretty well!
So Maggie's bed is empty and I sent Luke to her room and shut Brock's door b/c he was still sleeping and b/c I am good like that. Luke proceeded to SCREAM AND CRY for the small amount of time I needed to excuse myself to the ladies room and I had a hard time not loosing my mild-mannered temper. I scooped his sweet little bottom up and carried him to Maggie's room shut the door. I told him it was, you know, 4 AM, and it was NOT time to get up yet. Amazingly enough, he disagreed. And proceeded to disagree for the next 3 HOURS. Seth had a 2 hour fog delay so he was able to tag team in around 6 am. He tried to let me go back to sleep, but I could still hear the crying, so I just gave up. Needless to say, it was a rough morning.

I gave Luke some hand weights around 7, and told him to burn off some energy. And low and behold, it worked. He was all smiles and happiness. Stinker. He is happy as a clam and I am flat exausted.

Taking it off facebook/stream of thoughts, no edit.

2010-01-13T12:24:00.000-08:00

I am taking my blog link off of facebook. I have been hesitant to write stuff on here b/c I had it set up to go over there. So I am taking it off. I want to be able to blog about my life with out my 750 friends on facebook getting a notification, so maybe I will feel a little freer (it is a word) to talk.

Stream of thoughts-no edit

I am tired. I went to the gym yesterday and it kicked my butt. I am way out of shape. I started a program called "cool runnings" couch potato to 5 k in 9 weeks. Yeah, we'll see. I hope it works. I am tired of being fat. Yeah, I said it. I will give it a try.
I have a stupid migraine again. I am sick of migraines. I take the daily meds, gave up pop and I still get them. Stupid migraines. Costing me a fortune. Plus, they hurt. Boo hiss.

Had a super crappy time in Iowa last weekend. Even though I am off facebook, I won't put in details to protect the non innocent. Because I am nice like that. Just don't want world war three and b/c it kind of is not worth the trouble. Just saying that sometimes family stinks. I did get to see my super sweet, kinda old grandma who is 96. I love her. I also cried my head off when I left her. She IS 96 and I was just so sad hoping and praying it would not be the last time I saw her. I had a couple of people say she *did* get to live 96 yrs and that is pretty good. Some people nearly got slugged. :)
I also got to spend some good time with my super sweet sister Chris and her family. Every time we are all together I am so thankful for her family. My kids and hers just flat love each other and it is good to have some normal family time. I also am kind of in love with her daughter. She love me, too. It is goooood to be Aunt Jeannie.

Work is slow. I need to get out there and "drum up some business". Period, end of story. I need to work harder.

Seth and I are in a good place. It is nice and somewhat surprising when you are in a good place. If you've been married awhile you know the ups and downs. It is good to be up.

Head hurting. Still stinks.
I miss my friends. I haven't spent one on one time with them and I am getting a little needy.

I am grateful for my job. I'd better get back to it.

Awesome end of the year.

2010-01-04T08:28:00.000-08:00

We've gone sledding

Put up our Christmas Tree

Mags decorating the tree

Me getting some Lukey love

It IS MY YEAR TO PUT THE STAR UP!!!!!-Brock

Me and the Mags

All three by the tree (parents with more than one kid understand how easy this is to accomplish)

}What if we opened presents on Christmas Eve? Yeah, Okay!

Luke and his loot

Mags and her loot

Brock and his loot

Mags and her favorite gift *first one she opened*

Brock and his ipod= happy boy

Luke and his truck- he loved the boat!

Spidey and Maggie's glasses. So cool

We went to Great Wolf Lodge with our Hood family

Christmas time in the loft

Either stop and let me take your picture or you are grounded.

Happy brothers!

The two Marjories

Luke and Grandpa Roger

Maggie and Lukey!

We headed south to Branson, Mo

Our friends and travel companions Jen Warren and Megan!

Maggie and Luke decided it was too cold to walk. ( I agreed!!)

Seth totally cracked me up!

Hold it right there!

Bad boys bad boys

We got out of the cold and headed down to Marble Cave

Warren and Megan!

Me and Brock it is steaming down there!

Me and Luke (half frozen)

*most* of us on the train at Silver Dollar City

Our family at Dixie Stampede (wortheverysinglepenny!)

Jen Warren and Megan

Swimming at the hotel

Jen Warren and Megan at Lamberts on our way home

Warren and his new best friend, Salad.

Mags and her Daddy

L is for Lamberts and lots of food.

God has so richly blessed our family in 2009.

We are s0 grateful to have been able to celebrate our Christmas season with family and friends.

We had a great time with the kids. Since we were planning to leave on Christmas morning for the Great Wolf lodge and then to Branson, we decided to let the kids open their gifts on Christmas Eve. It was really fun to tell them that! We had so much fun!

The weather tried to ruin our trips, but we took little Honda Fit (got it stuck 3 times) and went for it, despite the weather.

The drive to GWL was kind of scary, but once we got there we couldn't have cared less. 83 degrees....bliss. We enjoyed the water park and then gathered together as a family for Christmas dinner. The ironing board served as the buffet table. Leslie( my sister in law) gets extra points for creativity in the category of serving area ideas. We microwaved ham and potatoes and turkey and corn and all the fixings. It was super yummy. We then let the kids open presents from Grandma and Grandpa and Uncle Steve and Aunt Brianna. The kids loved the presents. Our family gift was the night at GWL. Such an awesome present and we truly enjoyed ourselves!

The drive to Branson (once we finally decided to go for it!) was not bad at all! We got out of KC and the roads were just fine! We loved our time in Branson. We froze our tushes off at Silver Dollar City, but the kids had a great time anyway! We road "Fire in the hole" about 5 times and watched some shows and then the "fabulous light display" and Brock, Megan, Warren and I went down to Marble Cave. It was really cool (and really warm compared to the frigid and I do mean frigid weather outside). We rode the train and heard the story of Jesus' birth told by an old grandpa who looked *just* like Seth's grandpa Ed who passed away this year. It was so beautiful. I cried a little, but you couldn't tell b/c my tears froze to my face, due to the extremely cold wind.

We had an awesome time at Dixie Stampede. We ate like pigs b/c they just kept bringing us more food. :) We could not refuse their kindnesses, could we? Nope, I didn't think so. Our family was fortunate enough to get to see one of the last performances of the year of A Christmas @ Dixie, so we got to see a live Nativity. It was so precious!

We swam our hearts out at the hotel pool and worked up an appetite for Lamberts, home of the throwed rolls, on our way home. Seriously, don't eat for 5 days and then go eat at Lamberts. The food was amazing and the size of a small child. It was insane. We pushed through and managed to do some damage. (I started running this week).

I just hope you all have had a blessed end of the year and took time to love on your family and friends and have taken a moment or two to thank the Lord for all His goodness and mercy. I know I thank Him!

Why do I Black Friday??

2009-12-08T11:40:00.000-08:00

A few shots of our latest and greatest Black Friday

Let me at 'em!!!

See what two highly motivated gals can do in 30 minutes!!
(Well, 30 minutes after 5. We arrived at 3:45)

Tonya Kay} I am ready, let me at em!!!
Tonya Kay} I got my ticket. Emma is gonna be so happy!!

Our checker at Walmart. She was very sweet.

Oh my goodness, I am so tired.

{also could have been named}

Old Navy had the longest stinking line in the world.

I told Tonya to leave a line we were in and it turned out

(shock of all shocks) that the new line was super slow

b/c the checker had to KEY IN everysingle item

Good move, Garinger

The top of our heads

Our actual heads

My truck. Who knew a Honda fit could "fit" so much stuff!

Tonya taking of me taking a picture.

Why do I drag my self out of bed @ 3:30 am? Brave the crowds?Grab pj's and barbies like they are my very source of existence ?

Why do I do it?

To laugh like there is no tomorrow. To eat IHOP with 50,000 other shoppers. To make friends with strangers in loooooong lines. To save a little money.

But most of all....to spend some one on one time with my best friend, Tonya Kay.

I luuuv her! We have a blast together. And with work/school/husband/kids/life we need a day to recharge the friend batteries. And black Friday just does the trick.

Hey Tonya, it's only 352 more days until next black Friday!!!! Yippie!!

Secret Servant (update)

2009-12-07T09:54:00.000-08:00

The love has been flying in the Garinger household. We all have stepped up the the kindness. Luke was mortified when Brock figured out who Luke's person was, so we had to re-draw names on Friday night. The "secret" part was super important to Luke. We've instructed our two older kids not to even guess who Luke drew. Much crying would follow. And did.

Some of the kindnesses I've witness}
Luke making Maggie's bed
Maggie giving Luke a hug
Seth scraping my windows
Me doing Brock's job of the dishes
Brock is working on it for this week :)

What is great about this little experiment is the "purposeful" kindness. I had Brock last week and it was easy to assist him with his jobs and give him an extra hug. And a little extra grace when he needed it. Seth had me and I so appreciated his extra kindness. We had a super fun weekend together.
I was glad to see so many responses on facebook. I hope your family adopts some modification and has a great time!

Secret Servant

2009-11-29T14:00:00.000-08:00

In an effort to spread Christmas joy and kindness in my home.... I've come up with a plan. Over lunch today, I called a family meeting. I explained that I wanted to have a "Secret Servant" for the holiday season. We would all draw a name and be extra kind and loving to that person. The kids immediately thought this was a gift game, but I quickly told them it has nothing to do with gifts. More about being sweet and overly generous to your person. But, you have to "throw everyone off" by being nice to more people than just your drawn name.
Yes, I am a genius. The kids and Seth and I drew names and today has been a love fest. My kids are on fire. Much "Can I get you something" and "No, you first". I actually cried a bit. "Please" and "Thank you".
Be still my heart.
I am totally aware we can't sustain this level of "good" for 25 days, so we are switching people on every Sunday. You can't have the same person twice, so we should all get a chance to have each member of our family. Who knows, this could be a yearly tradition. This could start a "movement" in our house. Kindness, gentleness, patience. Good grief, we might even act "Christian" to one another.
Be STILL MY HEART.

Knitted hearts

2009-11-24T09:47:00.000-08:00

*written over a month ago! Just found in my posts*

Yesterday Seth and I went to our college's homecoming. We just had Maggie b/c Brock was at a party and Luke went to grandma's, so it was just us and the girl. We arrived just as the game was starting and were walking up to the line to pay and I saw some of my college friends. I called out to them and much giggling and hugging started. And pretty much didn't stop for two hours. We talked about the old days. And laughed! Lisa W. and Brittany and I were in our own world for a little while. I could almost smell Rice Hall. We laughed of procrastinating papers and food runs. We laughed about the biggest word processor in the world.

It was really great to revisit those memories.The best part, however, was to see what God has done in each person life today. The young people I knew have been replaced by strong, confident, peaceful people. They are no longer searching for who they are going to be, as it looks good on them.As we were coming home I kept thinking about friendships. I've been so fortunate as to have had good friends over the years. I have some of the most amazing women in my life. GREAT friends who I love more than my luggage. But today I couldn't stop thinking about my *old* friends. I am always amazed when those friendships are revisited and you pick up right where you left off. My friendship with my sweet friend, Stacy, is the same way. We have gone *gasp* over a year without seeing each other. Life just gets so crazy, but seriously. When we meet up, we laugh about the old times and talk about our lives as if we'd seen each other everyday.

My heart has been knitted together with my old friends. I love them. They walked with me during difficult times; live changing times. We knew each other when we were so sure of ourselves and were still dreaming of what might become of our lives. We were full of dreams and possibilities. We saw failures and loved each other through them.

Ups and downs.
Happiness and grieving.
Weave in here.
Weave out there.
The knitting of hearts.

I love how God does that.

The One where I ask and answer my own questions

2009-11-11T08:07:00.000-08:00

Has it been forever since I posted?
--yes, it has.

Have I been too tired to post?
--you got it.

Are my migraines trying to kill me?
--yes.

Was the migraine medicine making me a little loopy?
-- No. It was making me a lot loopy. In fact, my memory was going to pot. I was freaked out.

Did I call the doctor and beg to be taken off this medicine 6 weeks ago?
--yes.

Did he do it?
--no.

Did he about have a fit when I went for my last appointment and told him I was at stop lights and couldn't remember where I was going and also forgot an entire trip to Virginia?
--yes.

Did I want to scream that I'd already told the nurse all of this 6 WEEKS AGO?
--yes.

Was I a good girl and didn't freak out?
--yes.

Was my new medicine super cheap?
--YEP!

Are we moving on to a new subject?
--yes.

Is football season FINALLY over?
--Yes, thank you, Jesus, it is.

Was this the longest football season of my 12yrs of football seasons?
--yes it was.

Why was the longest season?
--b/c my kids were gone until 7pm every night. I missed seeing there sweet little faces. :)

Are the Garingers so stinking happy to see each other at 5 o'clock like a normal family.
--yes. We even help the kids with their homework. Cuz, we are good like that.

Did the kids have a great 1st quarter in spite of our spotty parenting?
--Yes. Cuz they are good like that.

Did I get all glassy eyed and happy when the teacher told me Luke was a "model student" that I didn't see the "Can you buy and cook the class turkey?" coming?
--yes, I did.

Can I find a turkey for less than $30?
--nope.

Did we have a super fun time on Halloween with our super awesome friends the McDaniels?
--yes. Only my sweet friend was not feeling well, but she took my kids out to get their pictures taken anyway. Cuz she is REALLY good like that.

Are the sneak peeks that I've gotten of the above mentioned pictures so incredible that it makes me want to drive to her house and beg her to show me the rest?
--Yes, but I've restrained myself. I am going to her house on Friday....so I hope to keep restraining.

Did my bff Tonya Kay and I make our own laundry soap?
--yes, we did and it was so much fun!

Will I share the recipe?
--of course! I am not stingy. Just ask in my comments and I will email it to you!

Do I need to get to work?
--yes.

Sunday at the Lake

2009-10-26T11:14:00.000-07:00

We had a blast at the lake on Sunday. Our SS class had a potluck and we joined in.

Lest you think I am leaving Brock out, he would only hold still for *one* picture.

The other two are total hams. I wonder where they got that from. Seth was being pretty funny, too.

Field trip fun

2009-10-23T07:41:00.000-07:00

Hello, my name is Luke. I am going on a field trip. I am so excited, I am about to squeal.

My mom can't ride the bus with me, b/c there are 4,000 kids, but she is following in the car.

I am making my own pizza. Well, me and this girl.

He is bringing the sauce.

I clap for cheese.

I worked hard. It was good.

Very Good.

Then I had to do the dishes!

This is Jake. He works for CiCi's. They were amazing!

My mom went with me. Don't look at her hair. It rained really hard. I think she is still super cute. And funny. And nice. :)

Strumming tunes by the campfire

Singing tunes on the train

Still singing-I loved that guitar

Crawling on the floor was fun.

Would you stop taking my picture already????

I am 45 inches tall.

Cooking on the prairie.

Riding the train.

I had a really fun day with my mom. I think she had fun to only she is really out of "shape" because she fell asleep on the couch at 7 last night. And she is still complaining today about how teachers should get paid more $ or something like that b/c apparently it is hard work. :)

Iowa Trip

2009-09-25T09:01:00.000-07:00

We stopped by a sunflower patch in Kansas

There were lots and lots of bees

We had a border war

Jeff did some carrying

Lily showed her mom where to go (my sister Randi Lynn)

Mags and Jadelin

Dancing fools

Grandma and Joel

Joel Maggie and Jadelin

Our Joel

Maggie and Joel

My sister Charity and Joel

My brother Nate

Nate and Chris Ann

Maggie, her gold chain, and my youngest brother, Caleb

Me and my Dad

My brother Nate

Caleb aka dorky and me

It was a quick 24 hour visit and just Maggie and I went. We got to visit our newest nephew, Joel.

I also got to go out to my dad's house and see my younger siblings minus Josh. We all became facebook friends because they really, really wanted to. They practically begged me to accept their friend requests. We got to visit with Grandma. She doesn't have facebook. How lame.

Friday Night Lights

2009-09-25T08:26:00.000-07:00

I love watching Seth Coach. He's good. And the boys always look at him like he knows just about everything. Which I tend to believe. :)

My boy and his *brandnewmydaddy'school* sweatshirt!!

Me and my new friend Carmen. She grew up with and we super good friends with my IRL friend Candy noroomtoswingacat.blogspot.com

Luke and Mags. (Does this girl ALWAYS have on some piece of random jewelry?)

Coach Garinger and the water boy.

Water boys} Brock and Christian

Country Birthday

2009-09-24T12:07:00.000-07:00

Mags and her girls

Luke had to tag along.

Luke's horse served as the present express

My girl. So big. Someday she'll rethink the gold.

She found my circa 1985 gold chain in my jewelry box and hasn't taken it off.

I'll get it off one night in her sleep. I have plans to mail it in to Gold.com and get at least

$2 for it.

Maggie turned 7 this month. And... this month is almost over so I'd better get the pictures posted. We usually do a mother/daughter birthday breakfast for Maggie's birthday, but this year she wanted a birthday party with her school friends. You know, the school that is over an hour away. Yeah, that is the one. Sure, no problem. I am on it.

My super awesome office manager, Margie, made the cake for me. I think she loves me and I know Jesus loves her extra special for taking pity on a poor overworked mother. (that's me in case you aren't following along).

Luke and I rode up with Candy @ noroomtoswingacat.blogspot. to Bern b/c she is from that area and she was heading home for the weekend. Maggie wanted the party @ the Bern park so we loaded a cake, some juice boxes and made it happen. Presents, cake and a few games of Red rover and Horsey, Horsey, Pig. Bing, bang, boom. Party over.

We did all this right before the big homecoming football game. I love small town live.

Go big or go home.

2009-09-05T19:16:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday night Brock was my date to a fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Club of Topeka's Harley Davidson Event. American Family Insurance is one of the corporate sponsors, so as an agent, I get to go. It is an awesome event and they have super yummy food and a silent auction and then a live auction. And....they give away a Harley Davidson motorcycle. 1000 tickets are sold (your entry into the event) and you have a 1/1000 chance at walking away with a 2009 Harley Davidson Motorcycle. The numbers are put on a wall and one by one they are taken away. It is fun night, until your number comes off the wall, that is painful. The last few years Seth and I have been the 13th number left on the wall before we come off. 13/1000 isn't bad. But is sure is painful. Then we were 11th. 11/1000 isn't bad but it sure is painful.

This year Brock was watching the numbers all.night.long.
He and our friend Megan pulled up 2 chairs in front of the guy pulling the numbers and watched like hawks. And guess what????

TOP TEN BABY!!!!!!!!!!

THAT'S RIGHT YOU GOT IT STOP THE PRESSES!!!

TOP TEN!!!!!!!

Brock and Megan about croaked. He came RUNNING
up to me so excited.

Brock and Megan.

Mom and Brock high 10ing it.

We were so excited because when you get to the final 10 you get to a chance to auction off you ticket. A 1/10 chance at Harley brings a few takers. :) Knowing this was going to happen I discussed with Brock along with several other people at the party. We discussed the pros and cons of selling the ticket or holding out in hopes that we would win the Harley. The tickets generaly sell for a decent amount of money so it is a big decision. Since Brock has watched the numbers on the big screen all night like a mother chicken to a baby egg, he was pretty sure it was his ticket. I agreed and told him it would be his decision.

He decided to "Go big or go home".

So we did.

We waited it out and were the 994th ticket to be eliminated.

I really didn't care. I was proud of Brock for having the guts to stick it out. I like that. Gumption. Tenacity. Shear will. Never give up. That's my boy. :)
It's better than any Harley we could have won.

Oh, and he got his first "tat" that night.
Awesome!!!!

Mamma Mia

2009-08-23T20:42:00.000-07:00

Mama Mia}
Tonya, me, Karen, Susanne
Kathy, Melanie and Cindy

Tonya and Susanne Note the bluest eyes...ever!! Both you girls!!

Melanie and Kathy

Melanie and Karen

Tonya Kay and me. Is it just me or all my friends SO pretty!!!!

The girls popping acting like the back up singers in Mama Mia.

I think they are ready for the play~

Chiciquitata, tell me what's wrong.....

Buddy! It was his birthday! Happy 5th!

Thanks for letting us come over and crash your party!

They are going on the road.

Super Trooper

Pointing to her girl, Allie. We all teared up a little.

Well, once we stopped laughing!

Does your mother know?

Swing those hips!

I know it is blurry, but this girl needs her props. She ran a 5k the morning of the party and was
going STRONG until the very end of the night and I *pretty* sure

she is the best dancer in the group. Her "take it easy" was spot on.

Mad props to you, Cindy Lou Who

My Don King hair.

Mel and me. Whatcha holdin, Mel?

Cindy Lou and me and our 50th take. We couldn't stop laughing!

Oh, what a night!

I needed the laughs and you girls did not disappoint. You made me remember how much I really wanted to be a Broadway star, but I am gonna settle for back up to you girls!

Thanks for letting me let my hair down (or up) and go a little crazy. I love it!!!

Can't wait for the next time!!

Jeano

Worlds O Fun

2009-08-18T16:13:00.001-07:00

Brock was out of town in North Carolina on his birthday so we didn't get to have his kid's party this year. I took him to Worlds of Fun instead. B/C that is how I roll. Plus, I really, really love roller coasters. Jen and Megan tagged along (drove us) and we had a blast.

We did get rained out and poured on, so we drove to Legends and watched G-Force 3D.
It would have been a great time if I hadn't been FREEZING!!!!
We ended the evening with ice cream and pulled in town around midnight.
I'd say we made up for the lack of a kids party. :)

Meg and I on the last ride of the day. See how dark it got? Yeah, we got rained out, too.

Jen and Meg getting ready to launch.

She saved my life

2009-08-11T04:38:00.000-07:00

Not to be over dramatic, but my bff saved my life last night.
It was after bunko and after I'd stayed too late in the parking lot (again). My good intention was to run out the door and race home to spend some quality time with my peeps but my girlfriends got me monologging and it was too much fun. It was all fun and games until time for hugs and goodbyes and my friend Mel takes a look at my sad old "paid for" car and asked if I was going to turn it in for Ca$h for Clunkers. I was just insulted. I mean honestly. Who would think such a thing. I gave her my thoughts on the matter and proceeded to my "paid for" vehicle. It is a 98ish Old or Buick, I seriously can't remember b/c this was Seth's car before he had to get the reallynicecarbecausehedrives4000milesonewaytoschoolandofcourseheneedsanicecarandsureIwilljustdrivetheoldoneforevernoproblem.
Ahem. :)
I speed dialed Tonya Mac and was throwing a suitcase in our friend Susanne's car and mumbling something about Ca$h/clunkers as Tonya is picking up and saying on last goodbye to Susanne.
I jump in my car, pull the ancient door shut and start my evening gab with Tonya.
No sooner than I put the car in reverse....the car dies.
***NOTE we've been having battery cable issues. The kind that aren't big enough to actually pay someone to fix, just annoying enough to make you get out on a hot summer day at a garage sale, pop your hood, wiggle your battery cable, get back in your car and go about your merry way. But, no biggie.
So, back to the reverse, car dying.
I am talking with Tonya and feel a panic come over me. This dying while in reverse thing had never happened before. It was just weird. I told her my car died. She said try to start it. ( :
I put the car back in park and knew I would have to get out and wiggle the really awesome battery cable so I used my phone to light the car because it was pitch dark in my car b/c the battery cable being disconnected...made the car really dark!!! I found the hood switch and popped the hood and reached for the door handle.
It was locked.
Automatic locks.
I started to sweat.
A lot.
Jean: Tonya! I can't get out of my car!!! Will you come back and help me??
Tonya: What do you mean you can't get out?
Jean: Where are you? Will you come back, please? I can't get the door open!!! Or the window down. The battery is dead because of the cable thingy and I can't get the lock to release and I am getting a bit panicked!
Tonya: I am pulling back in the parking lot now. Just push the button.
Jean: I did push the button! It didn't work. I can't think how to get out of here.
Tonya: Jean, push the other one. The one that goes up and down.
Jean: Oh.

She saved my life and I will always love her because that might not seem scary but I was in a dark car and those locks were electric and I could not figure it out and I have never thought I would break out a window but just let me tell you....I would.

Oh, Tonya Kay. I just love ya!

And Mel...I think you may be on to something!!

4th with the Fosters and the Wrays

2009-08-06T20:02:00.001-07:00

I am so behind on blogging. I found these pictures along with the last group. I barely remember this night b/c it was the night of my last (thank you Jesus!) migraine. I thought my head was going to explode and we had to had to leave early so I only got a few pictures. We left the big kids behind and Ben and Joy let them stay and brought they brought them home later. I was in bed trying not to die. And I am not being over dramatic. :)