Make a Smilebox scrapbook

SO, IS 13 UNLUCKY??

I know! I know! It's been quite a while since I wrote to you! And you would think I would have all the time in the world, seeing as I'm not working. But I tell you, I'm busier now than I ever was!

Rick and I celebrated our 13th wedding anniversary today. We decided to take a little trip...with kids...to Branson for a long weekend vacation. We stayed at a GREAT new hotel with an indoor waterpark. The kids had junk (bunk) beds (as Emma called them) and their own flat screen tv! It was heaven...except for the fighting over who was going to sleep on the top bunk! I don't think they have fighting like that in heaven!

So last night, right before the clock struck 12...and it was officially our anniversary, I whispered to Rick in bed, "You know, I'm a little superstitious and I've never been with anyone for 13 years...I'm worried that this 13th year will be unlucky. What do you think?" Rick in all his wisdom...(or his need for sleep, I'm not sure which)..patted me on the shoulder, kissed me goodnight and flipped over, facing away from me in bed and said, "13 is just a number Kel".

Rick started snoring right away and I laid there, convincing myself that it really wasn't 13 years because we actually met 16 years ago...and I watched the clock hit midnight...then I faded off.

1:40 a.m....Jackson yells out..."MOM, I just threw up!" The kids' room was a little nook off of our bedroom...the whole nook smelled like vomit and it was all over his bed! Rick and I cleaned it up and thus started the first day of our 13 years together! As Rick came to the bathroom with a new fluffy white towel filled with vomit, I said, "Happy Anniversary Babe".

9:30 a.m... my cell phone rang..I let it go to voicemail--1 new message. Could it be for an interview..not so much! The low-level job I interviewed for last week--no good--you don't have image editing software experience..Thanks, but no thanks. Oh well, I didn't want the job anyway!

It still hadn't occurred to me that this in fact, could be an unlucky day, until.....

11 a.m....we stop in Springfield at a McDonalds to get lunch...my Overdrive On/Off switch starts blinking and the car shifts hard into gear as I push on the gas pedal. By the time we got to St. Louis, it was obvious the transmission was going out. We called Rick's cousin who works in a transmission shop and got the car right in for them to check...we'll see what they say. New transmission estimate--$2500-$3000!

Meanwhile...the conversation in the car leads to our schedule for the next few days, do we need to rent a car.....how much to invest in the Ford before we call it quits....what kind of car would we want to buy....can we even get a loan approved since I'm out of work....My cell rings..."Yes, Mrs. Daleen, it's Dr. King's ..the Vet watching Bubba..well, we noticed today in Bubba's bowel movement that he has worms and we need your approval to give him a shot to kill the worms...is that ok? Like I was going to say, "No thanks, we actually like the worms!" YUCK!

Rick decided at that point to take the two-lane back road home to save time...shall we say, a disaster in the making...next: WHY IS THAT CAR IN FRONT OF US GOING SO SLOW...IDIOT!!!! And then there was just a mess of profanities that I can not repeat!

5:00 p.m...The kids are tired, hungry and fighting over EVERYTHING....I'm at the vet's picking up Bubba, getting a lesson in tapeworms ..."Well Mrs. Daleen...Dogs get it from eating dead things like bunnies and /or being exposed to fleas...do you know if Bubba has eaten any dead rabbits? --Well,let's see, Bubba never leaves the house without a leash on...have I seen Bubba eating a dead rabbit while walking him on his leash?

....Actually Mrs. Daleen, the the worms cling to the feces and hair around the dog's butt (nice!) .. and here, Mrs. Daleen..is a picture of what the feces looks like and how the worms will look on the feces.--you can take this home with you and read all about it....

Well, Mrs. Daleen, yes, it can be contagious to other dogs if they have been exposed to the same dead animals or fleas"...Is Snickers a bunny eater?- I think I blacked out for a second...I just remember thinking about how I was going to have to look at Snickers butt hair and poop for worms! And lastly....

"Oh no Mrs Daleen, the worms don't get on other things like your bed sheets"...

WELL, THANK GOD FOR THAT!

Because I was just about to say that I was having an unlucky day!

I'll work on making a slideshow with the pictures I took in Branson. I'll also try and stay more current with the blog--it all depends on how unlucky I am...those unlucky stories make for good entertainment!

JACKSON WON 1ST PLACE IN THE SCIENCE FAIR!

Yes, that's right...
Jackson won 1st place in the 4th Grade Science Fair, for his project..."Only The Shadow Knows". It was all about what happens to an object's shadow when the distance from the light changes. When Jackson told me, I just kept saying, "Are you sure we got 1st place?" I mean, I've never won 1st place in anything...let alone a 4th grade science fair project. (Did I say that outloud?). Of course I mean, Jackson won! Rick took the Pinewood Derby project and I took the Science Project...a little healthy competition! Rick keeps teasing me about how he and Jackson won a trophy and Jackson and I only won a ribbon. Then I remind Rick that our project didn't win for being unique...it won for being THE BEST! We celebrated with sparkling grape juice, plastic champagne glasses and chocolate cake! Whew Hoo--Congratulations Jackson. All that hard work paid off!!

Snow Days Are Great!

And nothing like TWO IN A ROW!! The kids had a blast playing in the snow. I seriously thought Jackson was going to freeze to death..After being out, he actually looked purple! He would come in long enough to dry his clothes, down some hot chocolate and get a snack! Emma wanted to play outside so bad and I didn't really feel like getting all bundled up...So I compromised and let her play on the back deck. Jackson and I were standing in the kitchen watching her play when Jackson said, "What is that over there in the snow?" It was a mound of snow on the deck and there was something sticking out of it. It looked like a piece of gray colored wood. Jackson and I stared real close at it..."What the heck?...Wait a minute...Is that a bird's wing? OH MY GOD! Get her off the deck!" You know, I've just come to realize that my life just wouldn't be the same without a little Daleen Drama! For years, I would get upset...always with the drama...and now I actually find comfort in the drama. Sick, I know...but true! So then I was forced to get my boots, gloves, hat, coat and play with the kids in the front yard!

Life in The Slow Lane...Or Is It?

Well, I haven't spoken to many of you in the last couple of weeks...but I have officially kicked off my new life! Let me paint a picture of the life I now call, UNEMPLOYMENT!

First let me start by saying, I am truly blessed to have this time off of work...It's really been a lot of fun. But I can't lie...I like to be busy! So I've painted the family room, hung window boxes, organized all the bills/receipts from 2000 to 2008 and I'm still cleaning the basement! Every disorganized drawer I open becomes it's own mini project! I've updated my Social Security card with my married name (What? It's only been 12 years in the making!) and I've created a filing system that organizes all our important papers (that was only after I couldn't find my birth certificate and marriage license!). Check out the pics of our NEW FAMILY ROOM!

My mainstays have been creating the weekly grocery list, getting the mail, cooking dinner every night, doing laundry and cleaning out the dishwasher! I have researched online printable coupons, began cutting coupons and scoping out the weekly grocery adds! Last night, I jumped up at around 8 p.m...."Has anyone gotten the mail yet?" Rick looked at me like I had three heads. He said, "Are you expecting something in the mail?" I said, "Yes, there could be coupons...or maybe even a VALUE PAK!" The kids are now begging to eat out at a restaurant...Oh, how our lives have changed! Being an Executive responsible for $150 million in revenue, 100+ people and 300+ projects a year, you'd think I could figure out the laundry and the dishwasher. I can't seem to find a routine, so they both just run constantly! And every time I sit down at the computer to search for a job, I hear my Dad's voice, "Are you looking for a job or browsing for a job?" At this point, I think I'm loowsing...(that's sort of looking..sort of browsing!).

So here's to my first official month of unemployment! Can't wait to see what next month brings!

Pinewood Derby & Our 1st Science Project!

Pinewood Derby Time!

Well, it's been quite a week! We started it off with the weigh-in on Tuesday night for the Pinewood Derby. It was then that Rick and Jackson found out that their Red Barron Airplane (#63) was too big/wide to race. There were a few disappointed tears..followed by a lesson in being a good sport...attending the race to support "others", etc. Tough night!

Saturday came and we all went to the race. We arrived a little late because we knew we wouldn't be racing....but it was important to support our troop! As soon as we got there, the Scout Master said, "Hey, we've been waiting for you! We're going to showcase The Red Barron, solo on the track, in a special exhibition race!" Jackson was called up to the track for the exhibition and introduced to everyone. It was very cool!

All the scouts voted for their favorites......best paint job.....fastest looking.....and then.....most unique...Car #63...THE RED BARRON! Jackson was called to the track to receive a trophy! Congratulations to Jackson and Rick!

NEXT UP...Jackson's 1st Science Project

Have to admit, when they sent home the note that said that it was mandatory for 4th graders to complete a science project, I almost broke out in hives! I had flashbacks of being in 4th grade...overwhelmed...exhausted by the hours of research...scared to death of the stand-up presentation I had to give to Sister Bush, the meanest Nun at The Academy! Once I found out Sister Bush loved African Violets, I bribed her annually with them in hopes of getting a good grade on my science project! She seriously put the fear of God in me...how ironic that she was a Nun! Since Rick was helping with the Pinewood Derby, I took the Science Project.

At first, Jackson said he wanted to create an electric motor..."Yeah, this is mom helping you and I don't do electricity!". NEXT TOPIC PLEASE! Then we settled on "How does the distance from a light change the size of an object’s shadow?".

We had several tearful nights..."Why do I have to do this?"..."Are you sure I HAVE to do this?"..."I hate this!"...."Why do I have to do this again"...."My hand is numb from writing so much!"..."I'm soooo tired"..."Are you sure everyone in 4th grade HAS to do this?". I played the part of Mom, but have to admit that I totally remembered feeling the same way when I was his age.

Well, tonight we finished the masterpiece entitled, "Only The Shadow Knows!". And I must say, IT LOOKS AWESOME! Congratulations to Jackson...for finishing a very large project. He did an great job documenting all the steps of our experiment and helping to put the final last touches on our presentation! The Science Fair is this week--wish us luck!

And to Emma...she just couldn't understand why I kept taking pictures of Jackson all weekend! I managed to get a snapshot of her as she patiently watched Jackson this weekend!

Crazy Kid Quotes for the Week...

JACKSON: Hey mom...I was checking out your jewelry box upstairs..It's got a lot of stuff in it. You know, you could turn that stuff in and make a lot of money since you're not working. Have you seen the cash for gold commerical?

EMMA: When my boobies grow up, I want a purple bra, because I want to be a mermaid, like Ariel (Disney Princess).

Classic!

JACKSON'S DOUBLE DIGIT BIRTHDAY!!!

Yes, it's official! Jackson is 10...He's officially a DOUBLE DIGIT!! We celebrated all weekend. We started on Saturday with a kids' skate party at Great Skate. I even got on skates and managed not to fall once! Whew hoo! Then, Jackson's cousin Riley spent the night and we all went out to dinner at Kitaro's. It's a Japanese steakhouse where they cook the food at your table. Jackson was impressed with chef, but wasn't too keen on the food. After dinner he said, "Next time I come here, I'll order the chicken fingers and watch them cook your food Mom." On Sunday, we met up with all the Grandparents and Aunts/Uncles that were in town at Chevy's. Jackson wasn't feeling too good, but after they sang Happy Birthday and gave him his ice cream sundae, he seemed to be feeling much better! Funny how ice cream can do that! Took a few pictures over the course of the last couple of days...Enjoy!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Christmas 2008

Well, I'm a little behind these days! It's amazing how busy you are when you don't work! Below you will find a slideshow...some pictures I pulled from the various Christmas celebrations! Enjoy!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Kelly's Most Memorable Moments of 2008!!

I think everyone does some type of mental inventory on or around New Year's Eve/Day...Have to say, this was a pretty big year for me and my family!! So I thought I'd recap...Kelly's Most Memorable Moments of 2008!

1. Goodbye William Harris
To be honest, how could I not start my list without mentioning the passing of Rick's brother, Bill. Even though he passed away at the end of 2007, we were fairly consumed with celebrating Bill's life for the first few months of the year. Bill was so full of life! He seemed to find the goodness in every person he met...He made people feel special! He always had a huge smile on his face and he loved a good laugh! So about a week after Bill passed, I noticed that this wooden sign I have above my garage door that says "Enjoy The Journey" was crooked. It had never been crooked before, so I climbed up on a chair and straightened the sign. The next day, the sign was crooked again. So I climbed back on the chair and straighten the sign. This cat and mouse game continued for about a month until one day, I noticed the crooked sign and I thought, "Wait a minute!...I know I just straightened that damn sign!" And then it hit me...it was almost as if I heard Bill's famous laugh! So I said, "OK, funny guy! I got the message...ENJOY THE JOURNEY, right? From that day on, I have never touched the sign...and it remains crooked to this day!


2. Bubba "Gigantor" joins our clan!
How much is that doggy in the window? Arf! Arf! Let's just say, that doggy cost a LOT O' MONEY! Rick would call this my "spontaneous moment"...I think of it as my, "WHAT IN THE HELL WAS I THINKING MOMENT!" He weighs about 8 pounds now. He's extremely protective and he thinks he's the biggest dog on the block! He follows our other dog, Snickers everywhere she goes. Snickers helps keep him in line...she's the Ma Ma Dog! But seriously, he is very cute and cuddly and the kids absolutely love him. He's brought a lot of excitement to our house...like the claw marks on the leather couches...the chew marks on the baseboards (just found that this morning) and the orange crayon chunks in his poo (now we Ziploc up all the crayons)! Bubba's 1st birthday is January 9th...so Happy Birthday Bubba!

3. Here's to being an Aunt...TWICE!
Isabella Harris and Bennett Borgmeyer joined us this year! What a blessing these two are! They are both so beautiful! There is nothing better than being an Aunt. You get to do all the fun and crazy stuff with them and then plead ignorance to their Mom and Dad! You can discipline if you have to, but it's really all about letting things slide...letting them eat too much candy and ice cream, letting them stay up too late and just spoiling them rotten!

4. D Day
Tough one to write about...It's Diagnosis Day...or as I call it, "D Day". It's the day we received my mom's cancer diagnosis. It's the day that you never wish to relive in the doctor's office. It's the day we told Jackson. It's the day we bought mom's wig. It's the day Jack and I told my Dad. It's the day I actually stopped breathing and found out I could still survive! Today, that "D" also stands for Diminishing, Determination and Dignity! Love you Mom!

5. Here's to being 40, fabulous and in Atlantic City, NJ
These are the trips that don't happen too often. When you just say, "Who cares what it costs...We're all getting on a plane and going to Atlantic City, NJ! It's not everyday that Rick turns 40!! What better gift to give him than going home to NJ! There was nothing better than seeing Rick smile from ear to ear as he played in the ocean with Jackson! It was a short trip, but so great to be together as a family!

6. Goodbye to Angela, our Nanny, Ola Los Ninos Bilingual School and 4th Grade!
Just about the time that my mom was diagnosed with cancer, and I found out that Corporate Express was being bought...our Nanny, Angela gave notice! So we went into hyper-mode trying to find a school for Emma and before/after school care for Jackson. Mid August, we made our decision to send Emma to a very small, family-owned school called Los Ninos Bilingual Preschool. We went with our hearts on this one and just felt very strongly that Emma would flourish there! She loves going to school...and learning Spanish...and we couldn't be more proud of her! Jackson started 4th grade and he said the best thing about it was that he didn't have to ask to use the restroom anymore..guess you get a lot of freedom in 4th Grade! This year is all about growing two pant sizes in the first four months of school....riding the bus with his friends...NOT going to a baby daycare...and the mandatory science project that is due in about two weeks! Thankfully, it's also still about giving and getting hugs in public, holding my hand as we walk into the grocery store and him thinking that I'm still smart! So although goodbyes can be sad...our children are doing great!

7. Devon and Melissa's Wedding
Can I just say, Finally! Rick and I were both so excited for Devon and Melissa! Rick, Jackson and Emma all participated in the wedding. Rick was a Groomsman, Jackson was the Guest Book Attendant and Emma was a Flower girl. My mental highlights...Buying Jackson his first men's tie and Rick helping him tie it....Seeing the pride on Emma's face when I hugged her and told her she looked breathtaking right before she walked down the aisle...Isabella, in her bonnet, being strolled down the aisle in a white wagon by her brothers, Riley and Brandon.....Devon's face when Melissa walked down the aisle and Melissa dancing up a storm at the reception... What a great day!

8. Emma's Christmas Program
How could I not mention the Christmas Program? It was one of the highlights of my year...seriously! We always knew Emma had something special...and we all got to witness the magic of Emma the night of the program. I was so proud of my little Christmas Tree! I have always joked about how independent and head-strong Emma is...Watching her dance on stage...no fear...a giant grin from ear to ear...I was just so proud that she is who she is....she was comfortable in her own skin...and all at the age of 4! What more could a mom ask for? I'm truly blessed!

9. Jackson learning the secret of Santa
The word that comes to mind is "bittersweet". You know, you wish for your kids to grow up...stop using formula...get out of diapers...be able to do chores like cleaning out the dishwasher (that has truly been a blessing!)...and then WHAMO! You wish they were little again...when things were simple! For as much as he knows about the secrets of Santa, there were still glimpses of the little boy...like even after he knew about Santa and he asked me what we do on Christmas Eve to prepare and I said, "Well, we put out cookies and milk." And he looked at me with total shock and said, "You eat the cookies and milk?" And what did I learn? That there is a fine art of knowing how much to share and when to share it! Here's to growing up with your kids!

10. It's what I call...Unemployment
Wow, where do I begin. July 15th...Staples became the official owners of Corporate Express. September 11th (how appropriate), I was granted severance. November 24 was my last day in the office...December 1, my official first day of unemployment. I've learned a lot about myself...I've learned a lot about the integrity of others...and I've made some pretty incredible friendships through this that I know will last a lifetime. How amazing to be given a gift of severance at this time in my life. How many people get an opportunity to re-evaluate what they want to do with their lives...to balance the scales and take inventory of what is really important in life! There have been a lot of ups and downs through this thing...a lot of unknowns...but one thing that I just know in my heart...I'll be ok...I'll land on my feet and I'll make the choices on my terms!

What a year! For me both personally and professionally, it has been a year of growth and depth like no other!

Here's to 2009...Looking forward to enjoying the journey! (That was for you Bill Harris!)