It's Here!

My Michael Vick dog chew toy finally arrived. I ordered it back in August. It arrived in a small envelope- so small I thought that they might have actually forgot to put the toy in it. My boys have been hearing about this for six months "wonder if my Michael Vick toy will arrive today." We've had several promised deliveries but somehow it never made it.


Here's Cooper playing with the much heralded toy.

And here's what it looked like after about 10 minutes with Cooper's incisors. The web site said "extra durable design for Pit Bulls." Well not quite. Those feet chipped off like a cracker. He looks a bit like that Barbie doll I saw once that caught on fire at the Chuck E. Cheese. She was stuck in a pretty pink cake- and they lit the candles without noticing that um her arms were like kindling. (and I laughed so hard I bout fell out of my booth!)

Oscar

After church I made three batches of homemade noodles. One of which became Sunday dinner! The sermon this morning was about "Get a Grip" ~ what do you grab on to when the storms of life hit. Pretty relevant huh!

Messing with an annoyed cat is never a good idea. The funny thing is that school pictures are on Tuesday~ boy is it going to be good.

The highlight of our Sunday was Deb's Oscar party. She had a full spread of good to eat things including of course Oscar Meyer hot dogs and movie popcorn. My Mom brought her prized winning M & M cookies~ which were very prized by Erin. She kept picking off the M& M's so some of the cookies were a bit naked.

Speaking of naked. Lauren shared with us her anatomically correct farm animals and showed us the boys "toot bottles." She believes this is what gives them their farting abilities. Hence the toot.

Saturday

Deb and I were greatly blessed by listening to Joel Osteen's words of comfort. They spoke right to our aching hearts and offered a lot of wisdom and hope. It was amazing to see 15,000 plus people praising God. Lauren was excited to see Joel "out of the tv."

Something amazing happened. Granny's ticket was for a wheelchair. And late Friday one of Deb's friends called to tell her that she wouldn't be able to go to the show because she'd just had foot surgery and was still in a wheel chair! She enjoyed the show from Granny's seat!

Joel Osteen

Joel Osteen is the pastor of the largest church in America- Lakewood in Houston. And he's bringing his message to KC today. Deb and I were at his booksigning at the historic and very beautiful Uptown theater. Ok. We were the first people in line at 9:30 A.M.! It was a bit bittersweet because we were supposed to take Granny to this shindig. She loved, loved, loved this man. And she loved the positive way that he related the hope and joy of Jesus. We'll be sitting next to her empty seat tonight at Kemper. We were planning to rent a wheelchair and she was most determined to go.



He was very impressive in person. He genuinely cared about every person that he met. Because of the throng of people we weren't able to get our pics- but we did get a pic.

The crowd was most amazing. Young and old, black and white, and from all walks. Deb says it was what a church should look like- and the folks were all very friendly and kind. People were taking pictures of each other.

Burying Our Granny

Today we buried our Granny. Somehow we got through the day. We traveled hill and there on ice covered roads. It sleeted most of the day, and we traveled through rural black tops. We about lost it on one particuarly bad stretch through Orrick. An industrial truck with a load of something big and blue jack knifed right in front of us but somehow righted itself- which is a good thing cause we were free falling for about 20 feet.

So on this weather weary day- we gathered to bless Granny's journey. And family members ventured out into the winter to bid her goodbye. There was absolutely no interaction between Dad and us (nor her family who came along for the ride) and only the most minimal between Dad and the rest of the family.

The saddest part of our day was the "graveside" service. No tent, no chairs. Maybe 3 minutes of service. With pelting ice chopping at our cheeks. Many of Granny's friends, her sister, her best friend who couldn't be a part of the service in the city had trekked out and I'm sure where just shocked at the abbreviated service. And then the weirdest thing of all is that they actually buried her right there before us- men jumping down into that hole and doing a pulley thing with ropes and the placing of the stone across the hole. Jackson found it fascinating, but it was totally inappropriate.

The majority of the family made memorial gifts to help maintain the cemetary. Deb and I will honor Granny with a full blown memorial service- for all of her friends and families in either March or April. (complete with good food and lots of good memories)

Now on such a dreary day. I have to share with ya something just down right funny. We packed food and drink to sustain us through our journey (no stopping for lunch or anything). And right after the funeral service we were driving down the black top and John didn't know that the road dipped after the rail road tracks and he proceeds to do a dukes of hazard move just as Jackson took a big old sip of his drink. Well he was just drenched. Looked back about 5 minutes later and he'd solved the problem.

Did I mention how down right cold it was! He looked so funny. We' d all been through so much, we decided not a big deal. But funny. Really funny.

Country Flowers

We've all been a bit melancoly lately. Check out my goof ball puppy.

We are preparing our hearts to bury our Granny tomorrow. And to deal with the evil that awaits us.

I asked the florist to create something very unique that really reflected Granny. She did a great job. The arrangement truly looks like it was picked in a field. And it doesn't look like funeral flowers- but something that Granny would have loved.

Dress Clothes for 12 Year Old Boys

12 year old boys and dress clothes don't exact mix. But somehow we got the deed done tonight with the purchase of a nice pair of black pants and a maroon shirt. I think Granny will be very proud of how he's gonna look.

I also ordered funeral flowers for Granny. A beautiful arrangement of 'country flowers' - sunflowers and daisys. Deb and I will hand carry the flowers because we fear that otherwise our flowers will just be thrown in the trash. How sad is this.

Granny's obituary appeared in the Star today.

Micha Young
Micha Young, 88, Smithville formerly of Keytesville, MO died February 16. She is survived by her son Ron Young, two granddaughters Diane Young Myers and Deborah Calhoon and three great- grandchildren Jackson, Lauren and Erin. Funeral service 9:30 am Mount Moriah North Kansas City Thursday, Feb 21 Published in the Kansas City Star on 2/19/2008.

And as soon as my Dad saw it he threw a fit. He called me in a nasty rage. What kind of cretin doesn't want their mother to have an obituary? And the funeral home told me that there were no plans for an obit.

The Sweetest Thing

My friend Sammy made me this beautiful picture today. On the back she had written with great care "no body wanted granny to die. i'm sorry for your loss." It was so sweet it made me cry. Don't ya just love Sammy's new hair cut.

Sunday

Jackson and I (and Brady too) went through pictures today to find good one's of Granny. We had a lot of fun together with Granny, and have a lot of great memories.


My thoughtful sister gave me these beautiful flowers yesterday. (my favorites!) and 2 beautiful lillies that arrived in the store about the same time as Granny was arriving in heaven. We know that there is quite a reunion in heaven this weekend. A lot of good people were waiting for her.

My Granny

My Granny died early Saturday morning. We loved spending time with Granny. She loved to laugh, to joke, and to accompany us on our adventures. She had a great sense of humor, and a beautiful smile.

Happy Hearts Day

Happy Valentine's Day! We had a big blow out for the sixth grade featuring beach volleyball, dance dance revolution and a cupcake walk. We feasted on Papa John's pizza and chocolate fondue. I'm the grade level chair so it's my gig to make it all work. The kids had a great time.

Valentine's day is always a special event for my sister and I. We've exchange carefully selected gifts since we were in college. I made these cute crocheted purses for the girls.

And these pretty little cakes for the entire family.

Here's Deb modeling hers.

It's a bit hard to celebrate a happy hearts day when yours is broken. Granny condition remains about the same. Granny's doc recommended that the evil one's spend the night at the hospital- and they left at 8:30. Stayed just long enough to prevent people who love her from visiting.

My Granny has truly been surrounded by Angels. Debbie and I have been visiting her despite the evil one's attempts to banish all love from her presence. We were there this morning and had a wonderful visit with her~ singing, and praying and telling her of our love. This pic is of Deb speeding down the highway after we were told by hospital personnel that we had every legal right to be with our Granny and that they could NOT block our love. (and I'll have to tell you the picture was taken several days ago- we just didn't want to give the evil one's clues about our activities!) God gave us a beautiful woman named Guerda this morning. Who came to clean Granny's room. She gave us great comfort and big hugs. The social worker tells us that although no one knows when- that she is down to hours or days.


When I started this blog one of my goals was to keep it real. No sugary coatings. No Stepford wife type glossing over things. Little did I know how real life would be. But I did want to give you something warm and cozy and full of awwwwwws.

Cooper at 8 weeks. This was his favorite bed.

Cooper at 1 1/2 years. Still his favorite bed.

the poops

My poor baby is still sick today. I took him to the doctor and just kicked myself for not bringing the camera. They stick us in this room- oh how to describe this room. It was electric sea green- Jackson said it should be called dizzy green. With a theromstat stuck on high- and the afternoon sun blaring in. To make it worse- there were pictures of mean looking clowns on the walls. Diamond eyed, creepy smile clowns. The walls were so thin between these little rooms that we could hear everything on the rooms to either side. Which in our case was a baby screaming at full throttle. I told Jackson that these would make good torture rooms- and he agreed that prisoners would agree to anything just to get out of it. And torture they did to my poor baby- the this-is-gonna-be-bad-and-just-deal-with it nurse jabbed a q-tip through his nose up into his brain and then down his throat (not the same q-tip thank God) He's negative for the influenza and for strep. And we escaped minus any meds. We like our pediatritian- but oh my I think it's time to find some where else to go!

There is much to keep my mind busy. (because of course my heart is with my Granny). Plans for the sixth grade Valentine's party, and the school carnival and even still the 6th grade DARE graduation. 4 loads of laundry, and a house that benefited from the adrenoline of anger that jabs at my being. And of course tending to my sick baby.

I let Cooper and Colby outside to play and a while later looked outside to see him sitting serenely in the very middle of the yard carefully looking around like one of the Brady brunch kids. Thought it was so funny I went outside to get the pic! He is the most "natural" dog I've ever had. He really likes to be outside- and has the tightest "prey" instinct I've ever seen. Bout rips your arms from the sockets if a squirrel or a bird crosses close. Of course he much prefers to be with his pack. If you have a dog that you just keep outside- or worse yet in a pen- or even worse chained to a tree....... you should just get yourself a nice stuffed animal dog cause you didn't really want a real dog.

My Girls

I got a new picture of my beautiful girls. Erin is 2 and Lauren is 5.

Baby It's Cold Outside

Erin looked so cute heading into library story time. Check out those sparkly shoes! We read and sang about colors and some about Valentine's Day. Her favorite part though is picking out the library books that she gets to bring home- "mine's books"- that she and Lauren play with and read all week long. Today's selections included books about Bob the rooster, a turtle and of course a couple Franklin books.

Jackson is back in school today. But talk about embarrasing. He bent down to pick up his pencil and his pants ripped. Luckily it was towards the end of the day- and he just sat back down and pulled his hoodie as far as he could.

We spoke with the hospital social worker who had been assigned to Granny today and he was very supportive. Deb and I are going to meet with him tomorrow.

Happy to You

Happy Birthday baby! Today is my hubby's birthday. We are celebrating with the entire family on Tuesday so today was a quiet celebration. I can't wait to hear my niece Erin sing. She loves this song- second only to Winkle Winkle- and she sings it at the top of her lungs "happy to you." Somehow the birthday part gets cuts. Jackson and I made this yummy chocolate cake and we had take out Mexican. I didn't even say anything when he watched basketball all afternoon- the Celtics. I hate basketball. Nothing personal. But those dang squeaky shoes drive me nuts as I'm waiting for the never-ending game to just get those final 2 minutes over with so that I can see my hockey game. Oh they watched the pro bowl too.

My sister and I are still being blocked from visiting my dear Granny. Just another way for my Dad to hurt her and us. He's done it for years. What a sick pathetic man. Please pray for Deb, Granny and I. We are trying to talk with hospital personnel so that they can let Granny know that we love her and that we are not allowed to visit. I can imagine she must be out of her mind wondering where in the world her girls are.

Friday was a very bad day. My Granny's condition is worsening and my Dad refused to let my sister and I visit her. There will be a special place in hell for him and his witch of a wife for denying my Granny this bit of love. Please pray for my sister and I.

I went ahead and attended the church dinner tonight. It's a benefit for youth and youth ministries. It featured a chinese new year theme complete with a chinese dinner, silent auction and a quarter fortune auction. They'd announce an item and if you were interested you put quarters in a vase and then held up your paddle. If they called your number and you had quarters in the vase you won. John works on Friday nights so I went stag. (wonder if they still call it that?) This is my table of fellow football, Underwood and confirmation folks bidding for a Waldo pizza. One of the things that I like about our new church, Grace United Methodist, is that they really take serious their efforts to develop faith in children.


My former church Woods Chapel United Methodist just didn't get it. They decreased the number of children's rooms (and we live in a community that has to build a new elementary school every year to accomidate the number of families moving into our community) in their building campaign at a time when we couldn't recruit teachers because of the overcrowding of the current rooms, had 4 different children's ministry directors in less than 2 years and 5 different directors who handled 5th and 6th graders in the same time period (and who instead of recognizing that this a prime age for faith formation saw them as a royal pain in the neck who didn't fit in anywhere within the youth structure). See why I'm so glad to be gone! Just reason #32 of how frustrating it was. Grace seems to authentically care about kids, it's a true part of the DNA and fabric of the church community.

Jackson was still sick today. But at least he's starting to feel human again. Deb sent him the peg game that he enjoys from Cracklebarrel. And he spent the day with his trusty side kick Brady by his side. He kept saying that everything tasted like cold or warm mush. But last night nibbled on some Sonic popcorn chicken and enjoyed his beloved cherry slushy which I paid for with the remainder of my roll of quarters! Well, I had to spend them somewhere huh!

A Sick Day

Jackson has the creepy crud. He's trying to relax on the couch but for the company of Brady and Cooper. Notice that Cooper is entertaining himself by trying to remove Jack's sock. If you are laying down Brady thinks you should be loving on him.

The Lenten Journey Begins

We attended Ash Wednesday services tonight.

A Super Fat Tuesday

Today is the last day of Mardi Gras- Fat Tuesday. We made King cakes afterschool. Hidden inside each cake are two little plastic babies. The person whose piece of cake has one of these babies will have a lucky year. (maybe a chipped tooth as well!) We also had a pancake super.

Today was also the Super Tuesday primary. We are preparing for one of those storms of the century and we've had a drenching ice cold rain all afternoon. So Jackson didn't get to campaign as long as he hoped. But he did stand 25 feet outside our poling place with his sign.

I spent the majority of the day with my Granny who is having a rough time with pneumonia and heart issues. Please say a prayer for her and my family.

Monday Mornings

Erin and I love to hang out together on Monday mornings. The theme of today's story time was colors. Here's Erin doing the hokey pokey "you put the red streamer in. you put the red streamer out." It was a big hit with the kids.

Then we had lunch with my special friend Edward. He likes carrots. He lives with his friends the girl elk and a nice herd of buffalo.

All of Lee's Summit feeds these guys.

More please!

I also had lunch with another of my special friends ~ Lauren! I surprised her when she got off the bus from Kindergarten. We are enjoying a beautiful spring like day. And she had lunch on the patio so that she could enjoy the breeze in her hair!

A Super Sunday

It might not have been a perfect season ~ but it was a champion season none the less.

We made these great football helmet cookies for Jackson to take to his confirmation class Super Bowl party. The icing was grey and we added the sprinkles to match the red face masks. Poor Jack he went to the party to watch the game. The other kids were more interested in playing in the new youth room and eating. Yesterday John was asked "where will you watch the game- to which he replied "from about 10 inches in front of the tv."

Our pregame festivites included dressing the dog in a jersey.

Wandering in the Woods

It was warm enough for us to hike in the woods today. This is one of my favorite trails because it threads through a 'holler' and then winds along the lake.

The trail was, as expected, muddy. But I somehow stayed standing even while navigating muddy hilly spots while maintaining control of one very excited pup.

Here's my view from behind the leashes. Colby is such a lady she doesn't need a leash once we get into the trail.

We stopped to let the dogs drink by this scenic overlook.

As we were~ February. Round 2 of the monthly picture.