Blanchard Business

More basketball...

2012-02-07T22:31:00.001-06:00

JV and Varsity boys beat School of the Osage tonight by quite a margin. I caught the above shot right after Thomas made eye contact with his PaPa.

He scored on this lay-up. Yay!

:)

2012-01-30T08:11:00.002-06:00

I had made green bean casserole to take to Dad's for family night dinner. Mia says, "Is that going to be as good as Grandma's?"

"I don't know...probably not," I said.

"She set the bar pretty high, didn't she?" Mia said.

Just another one of those moments that brings tears to my eyes.

Out of the mouths of babes.....

2012-01-27T21:39:00.003-06:00

Mia and I were watching Titanic. It got to the part where Jack and Rose do it in the back of the car in the "storage" part of the ship. Mia pointed out that it was dark when they "started" then light when they "finished."

Mia-"They did it 'til morning!" I start laughing hysterically. Then she says "Who DOES that?" I laugh even more hysterically. Then she says, "I was figuring more like an hour or so."

~
I nearly wet my pants laughing.

Hmmmm

2012-01-20T23:02:00.003-06:00

Sydney called me while I was driving home from Thomas' ball game this evening to tell me her throat hurt.
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"Take some Advil, " I said.
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"But it hurts to swallow."
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"What do you want me to do about it, then?" I asked.
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"Wave your freakin' Mom wand and make it feel better!"

I laughed hysterically. She didn't.

I don't think my "Mom Kit" came with a freakin' Mom wand. Go figure.

Healing of the Heels

2012-01-16T19:34:00.002-06:00

I know. OUCH. This isn't my foot, but this is what I got to do on Friday. Cortisone injections for my heel pain. I finally decided it was time to go to a podiatrist, after MONTHS of heel pain.

Ever kicked a podiatrist in the head? I almost did as she poked around on my feet and hit the "hot spot." Oh. My. Gosh. It hurt SO bad.

Plantar fasciitis is the diagnosis, she gave me the cortisone injections and a prescription for physical therapy, twice a week for two weeks. I go at 8AM tomorrow for my first session. She also taped up my arches with a special padding to support the arches to wear for a few days.

Thankfully, the injections have helped SO much, but I know it probably won't be permanent relief. I've just got to stick the therapy and see what happens. I've had just a twinge of pain since the injections.

SBC vs. North Callaway

2012-01-16T19:10:00.001-06:00

Family Night.

2012-01-08T21:54:00.004-06:00

We all planned to go out to the house Saturday night for dinner. I made 3 big pans of chicken and rice. I had to take one pan out to the house to put in the oven there, since there wasn't enough room in my oven for all three. I was worried that I had made way too much, but it turns out we only had 5 drumsticks left. Kathy brought a big salad, Michael brought rolls, and Amy brought dessert. I had also put a big pot of Mom's home-canned green beans on to slow-cook for the afternoon. Dad commented while we were filling up our plates buffet style, "Seems like you went to an awful lot of trouble." I told him we were happy to do it and that it was easy, since everyone contributed.

The last two times we have all been there, there have been arm wrestling challenges. Little brother Jake on the right, beat big brother Adam on the left. Don't think big brother didn't take a lot of teasing about that.

I love this picture of my big brother...

and my little sister.

Amy and Adam. I know, at first glance it looks like Amy is flipping me off.

Michael and 2 of his 3 boys.

Dad.

After dinner, we finished up on the thank you notes for all those who sent flowers, food, etc. The list seemed endless, but we got them done.

We are all settling back into "normal," I suppose. The month of December was simply a blur. It amazes me how it just "hits me" that Mom is gone. Yesterday when I was out at the house putting the chicken in the oven, I opened the utensil drawer looking for a spoon, and just started crying. I couldn't stop. I know this will get easier, but it is just so hard.

Christmas Morning

2012-01-03T10:42:00.003-06:00

I did most of my shopping on-line this year. I can't believe I haven't been doing this more. I suppose it was because I didn't want to pay shipping and handling, but it turns out that all of the places I ordered from offered free shipping! I think I'll be doing all of my Christmas shopping on-line from now on.

The kids each got a lottery ticket in their stockings. No winners, though.

Sydney bought me this WONDERFUL blanket. Looks like mink, doesn't it? It is SO WARM and snuggly and just the right heaviness. The girls snuggled under it after all the presents were unwrapped. Funny, it seems to disappear from time to time. I have found it in Thomas' room and in the girls' room. Perhaps I will have to see if they have any more left and get each kid one.

Miss you Mom

2012-01-01T05:35:00.005-06:00

Where to begin? It is 5:40AM and I have been awake since 4 AM. Awake thinking about Mom.
~
The month of December has been....what is the word?....there are so many words. Difficult. Emotional. Terrifying. Exhausting. Precious.
~
On December 7th, our family was stunned to learn that Mom had liver cancer. She had been ill for some time, though she attributed her symptoms to "stress." A visit to the doctor on December 6th revealed extremely high liver and pancreatic enzymes. A CT scan on the 7th and a visit from the oncologist in the emergency room confirmed the worst news we could have imagined. Breast cancer that had spread to her liver.
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Family had begun to gather at the hospital. Amy and I were at her bedside when the diagnosis was announced. As Amy and I stood there, tears streaming down our cheeks, Mom looked at me and said, "Chin up, girls."
~
I will always remember those words. I don't recall Mom ever shedding a tear over her diagnosis/prognosis. Perhaps she did in private. She'd always been the stoic one.
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Dehydration and profound fatigue and weakness prompted an admission to the oncology floor. Her doctor discussed immediately beginning chemotherapy. "We've got to hit this fast and hard if we are going to get a response." Translation: This is bad.
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The next day Mom would receive a port-a-cath in order to receive her chemo, as well as a breast biopsy of the mass she had apparently been ignoring for some time. That evening, she got her first chemotherapy infusion. We took her home the next day, Friday.
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The next 5 days found us taking turns staying at the house, sleeping on an air mattress on the floor in Mom's room. She was so weak that she stayed in bed the whole time, sitting up for us to drink water and try Popsicles. Her throat was already so sore from the first chemo treatment. Percocet was used to control her pain.
~
On Wednesday the 14th, we returned to the oncologists office for follow-up. Mom was so weak and fatigued. She had not eaten any solids....unless you count jell0 as a solid, in days. The oncologist recommended admission to the hospital for IV nutrition and pain control. He said that on a chemo toxicity scale of 1-5, she was a 4. He informed her/us that he could not give her the chemotherapy that was planned for that day, and that we would make a decision later in the week as to whether or not another chemo dose was appropriate.
~
So she got admitted to the hospital and was given IV nutrition and morphine for pain. She continued to get weaker and only wanted sips of liquids, as she continued to have nausea and vomiting and no appetite, and the single dose of chemo had made her mouth and lips so sore.
~
On Friday morning, the oncologist came in and offered her another chemo treatment. He gave her the option of just going with palliative/comfort care, or proceeding with another treatment, one that would probably make her just as sick as the first one did. Mom just looked at him, not giving him an answer. He left the room to allow her time to think about it.
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I sat with Mom for a few minutes. I held her hand, and allowed her (and myself) to process what she/we had just been told.
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"Mom, what do YOU want to do?" I asked. She looked me in the eyes and said, "I'm miserable. I want this to be over with as soon as possible. I want you to keep me as doped up as possible."
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"So, no more chemo?" I asked. She shook her head.
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I lay my head on our hands and cried. Amy walked in. We cried over Mom. Mom closed her eyes. I explained what had just been decided and went out to tell Dr. V what Mom had decided. I respected her decision. I didn't want her to feel as bad as she had after that first treatment. To me, and to her, that was not quality of life.
~
We were visited by the palliative care coordinator, who we LOVED....Jennifer. She was so kind and accommodating to all of us. She visited us daily throughout the rest of the hospital stay and met with us as a family, talking to us about what to expect as Mom's condition continued to proceed to the end of life.
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Mom's sense of humor peeked through the dark clouds of her illness one evening, as I prepared to leave the hospital. I was making sure Mom was comfortable...
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Me-"Do you need anything? A drink of water?"
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Mom-"No."
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Me-"A Popsicle?"
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Mom-"No."
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Me-"A kick in the pants?"
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Mom-"I'm not wearing any."
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I laughed hysterically. Mom just smiled.
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The decision was made to move Mom home with Hospice care. When Mom found out she got to go home, her facial expression changed. She smiled slightly, her tired eyes brightened.
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On Friday morning, the 23rd, I stopped in her room when I had a break. (Labor and delivery is on the same floor as oncology.) She was drowsy and I told her, "We are going home today!" She nodded slightly and smiled just a tiny bit.
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Hospital bed and equipment had been delivered to the house and ambulance transport was set for 1:00PM. I made sure I was able to go over and "see her off." The nurse gave her some Versed, a sedative, for the ride home, so she would be comfortable. She almost immediately fell asleep.
~
I helped the ambulance crew place her on the stretcher with tears flowing, kissed her on the forehead and told her I'd see her at home later.
~
I finished out the day and got to leave at about 5:30, and headed over to Mom and Dad's. She was all tucked into her bed and sleeping, very difficult to awaken. I spoke to her and she opened her eyes. I said, "You're home...did you know that?" She barely shook her head. That was the last time she responded to anything.
~
The next 5 days found lots of people in and out of the house. Us kids, hospice nurses, chaplain, social work, Pastor Ron, family, and friends. Suddenly the refrigerator was stocked fully by caring friends and family.
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Mom slipped into a coma and we surrounded her with love. We talked to her, told her how much we loved her. Watching her slip away from us was the hardest thing any of us have ever had to endure, but I would not trade spending even one second of that special time with her for anything in the world. Being able to just sit and talk to her, hold her hand, bathe her and make her comfortable were privileges.
~
On Wednesday afternoon, December 28th, somewhere around 3:45, Mom left this life. It had been 3 weeks to the hour since we had gotten the news of her illness. Dad was the only one home at the time. The hospice nurse told us that time and time again, she had seen terminally ill patients "wait" until everyone was gone. That's what Mom did.
~
Friday, December 30th was the memorial service. It was a lovely tribute to Mom. Adam and Amy were the ones able to "hold it together" and spoke in Mom's honor. Adam read a favorite poem of Mom's by Maya Angelou. Amy had prepared a eulogy that left all of us with the perfect balance of laughter and tears.
~

I am humbled and overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from family and friends throughout Mom's recent illness and death. The past 3 weeks have been a blur of emotion and we are so thankful for all of those who have sent cards, flowers, prayers, food, and offered kind words to all of us.
~
Our hearts are left with an emptiness we cannot even begin to describe, but we know that Mom is resting in eternal peace and that her spirit lives on in each of us.

Christmas Party with Grandma Darrell

2012-01-01T05:24:00.004-06:00

I can only hope to be this beautiful when I'm 92.

Grandma with Mary Grace and Dayton.

My crew with Grandma.

Aunt Glenda "Auntie" to all her nieces and nephews with Grandma.

Blue Grass Terrace had a lovely Christmas party for the residents. The dining room was decorated so beautifully and there was more food than we could eat. The residents also did a gift exchange. It was a lovely afternoon spent with Grandma.

Always a pleasure to beat Hallsville

2012-01-01T05:13:00.001-06:00

Getting ready to go in.

Going for the throat!

SBC JV tournament

2012-01-01T05:05:00.001-06:00

Early December was our JV tournament. Our boys took 1st place. The championship game was against Moberly, who had beaten us in a game a few weeks prior.

Oh Tannenbaum

2012-01-01T04:49:00.003-06:00

One of our family's favorite ornaments.

Thomas adding "his" ornaments. Each kid has a nice starter set of ornaments for when they leave the nest.

Mia got the giggles as she and Sydney gazed at the tree from underneath it.

A little help putting the Santa hat on top. We decided to let our angel tree topper have a break this year.

Enjoying the tree from the floor.

The girls decided to start acting all crazy after the tree was up.

First home game.

2011-12-02T12:55:00.006-06:00

One of the starting five!

Waiting for the whistle/jump ball.

It doesn't look like this guy has a chance, with Brice towering over him and Thomas right there, too.

My photos were a lot better in our gym than they were in Moberly's gym.

A win! Not bad, huh?

Tonight we travel to Westphalia for Freshman and JV boys games.

2011-12-02T12:44:00.002-06:00

We traveled to Moberly for our first JV game last week.

Our boys trailed the Spartans for pretty much the whole game, and then got things together in the 4th quarter. We still came up short and lost 52-51.

#2 on the jersey, but #1 player in his momma's heart!

2011-12-02T12:33:00.003-06:00

The Grovers came over the Saturday after Thanksgiving for dinner. The house smelled YUMMY all day.

Cousins!

Thomas was nearly starving by the time dinner was served. I can't count how many times I heard "Is it ready yet???" throughout the day. I think he ate two plates full. I have to say, the meal was delicious!

Aaaannnnd then Thomas beat us all in Scrabble.

Girly cousins!

Visit to Grandma

2011-11-22T23:11:00.001-06:00

We visited grandma/great-grandma before the games tonight. I wanted grandma to see Mia in her cheerleading uniform.

Wounded

2011-11-22T23:09:00.001-06:00

This is what happens when your head collides with one of your teammates during basketball practice. Ouch!

7rh grade tournament

2011-11-19T18:35:00.002-06:00

We had our 7th grade tournament this past week. Both girls and boys teams won 1st place.

I was really happy to see so many high school students there, supporting the 7th graders. I know lots of them have little brothers or sisters that play, but it is nice to see that they take the time to attend.

Soup Scrimmage

2011-11-19T18:30:00.004-06:00

High school basketball has started, and no, I haven't yet perfected my gym photography. I just googled a bunch of stuff/tutorials, and will try again at the first official game.

Last night was the inter-squad "Soup Scrimmage." For 2 cans of food per person, to be donated to the food bank, you get to see the varsity boys battle it out. My boy got some playing time! It's so good to see him playing again. One of my girlfriends was asking Thomas if he heard her yelling for him during the game. He said he doesn't here anything while he's out there, but that "I listen for Dad's voice." :)

Basketball Cheer

2011-11-11T08:26:00.002-06:00

This will be a short basketball cheerleading season. The girls are not going to any of the away games. Mia says, "Because there's no room on the bus for us." :( I have mixed feelings about it. On one hand, it's less money in gas I have to pay to drive to away games. On the other hand, I wish the girls got more cheer time.

These were taken at our games against Columbia Catholic. Girls won, boys lost.

Boys

2011-11-11T08:22:00.001-06:00

Thomas and Dillon tossed around the football on a beautiful fall afternoon last week.

Girls Night Out

2011-11-05T13:43:00.005-05:00

We met up at my house and drove down to to Jefferson City.

First stop....Prison Brews for dinner. It was also game 6 of the World Series, so lots of Cardinal fans showed up to watch the game. We were there until the score was 2-2. That place was going crazy!

I'd never eaten there, and the food was really good.

After dinner we went over to the Missouri State Penitentiary for our Ghost Tour. Doesn't Tami look thrilled to be there?

A group shot before we went in.

This is shot from the front entrance, up the side of the building. Rather daunting at night.

One of the cells. There is so much history here. Our tour guide was fantastic. In addition to talking about some of the history of the prison, she told of ghost sightings and paranormal activity that is reported there.

The paint on the walls, cells, and ceilings is peeling EVERYWHERE. This is a shot of a 12 Step Mural on one of the walls.

A shot up onto the cells/walk-ways during the "sit down" portion of the tour, where she talked more about the paranormal stuff. Very interesting and intriguing.

This was in the dungeon. Poor Tami. She didn't like it ONE BIT.

The gas chamber was the last thing they showed us.

Going on the tour has really sparked an interest in reading about the history of the prison. I'm going to search for books at the library and learn more.

While none of us on the tour experienced any ghost sightings or strange happenings, it was definitely a great girls night out.

Middle School Pep Assembly

2011-10-28T00:17:00.003-05:00

The middle school had their fall pep assembly today. I am off work this week, so I got to attend.

The cheerleaders practiced their dance quietly as the students arrived to the gym.

My dance photos didn't really turn out. This is the only descent one, because the dance was a fast one, and most of the photos are really blurry.

The formation at the end of the dance. Look at that smile!

Sitting on the sidelines while the middle school sports teams were introduced and recognized.

After that there were relay races between 6-8th grades, each class picking like 6 students to compete. The kids really got into cheering for their classmates. Then there was a dodge ball game between those same students and the middle school faculty, which was hilarious to watch.

Mrs. Rogers, the 8th grade reading teacher, also challenged the middle school to collectively read 1 million minutes by spring. She "did the math" and broke it down into exactly how many minutes each student needed to read in order to achieve the goal. When divided out into 300+ students, over the next weeks, it really is quite attainable. And the reward??? A trip to Silver Dollar City for the entire middle school, paid for by the school! How awesome is that? Mrs. Rogers really seemed to get the kids excited about it, and they started chanting, "YES WE CAN! YES WE CAN!"

Sounds like a fun trip to chaperone!

I DID IT!!

2011-10-28T00:11:00.002-05:00

I passed the NCC exam! I got my envelope in the mail today and tore it open at the mailbox to see my results. If I'd have just been thinking, I could have looked at the address window, as it was addressed to Susan Blanchard, RNC-OB. I'm thrilled!!

Answer to my prayers

2011-10-24T23:17:00.003-05:00

I've been having BAD heel pain for months. Pain so bad that I have seriously considered going to see a podiatrist, until my friend Tina said she had her heels painfully injected with cortisone. The thought of needles going into my feet did not appeal to me in the least.
~
I had talked to several co-workers that had experienced the same issue, and they all had the same recommendation.....Dansko clogs.
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I was skeptical. I mean, how can something that looks so uncomfortable actually help heel pain? My friend Anne said that one of the orthopedic docs told her that Dansko clogs are the ONLY shoes that healthcare workers should be wearing, and that they are endorsed by the American Academy of Podiatry as the best quality shoe for healthcare workers.
~
So Anne brings me a pair of her Dansko clogs on Sunday to try out, since we wear the same size shoe. I was completely amazed at the difference they made. Everyone tells me they work because the arch is so high and it makes you stand different, and hold your posture differently. Whatever the reason, they WORK and I am thrilled. I thought it would take a long time for me to notice a difference, but after wearing them for 12 hours yesterday, I came home with nearly pain free heels AND I didn't limp around last evening at home. When I got up this morning I didn't limp around in pain. They are AMAZING.
~
This is the pair I just purchased on-line for 50% off. They usually run from $115-155, and I got these for $65, with free shipping. I can't wait to get them. They weren't my first choice, but they were the ones I like best that were on the clearance sale. Frankly, I don't really care what they look like. I'm just relieved to be pain free. Finally.

So You Think You Can Dance Season 8 Tour FINALLY!!

2011-10-20T23:02:00.006-05:00

Saturday the girls and I left for St. Louis for So You Think You Can Dance. We stopped to drop Thomas off at Warren's and the kids posed for a photo with him.

Sydney helped Mia with straightening her hair and even let her wear one of her shirts. She even wore a little make-up....it was a special day!

Sydney right before we hit the road.

Amy, who danced at CDA with Sydney for years, went with us. We stopped first at Red Lobster and did some damage on the "Endless Shrimp" promotion they have going on.

We had a lovely dinner and did lots of laughing. Sydney and Amy hadn't seen each other in quite a while and did a lot of catching up, too.

These are three VERY excited girls. Our seats were 4 rows up from the floor. The only thing I didn't like, was that we were on the left side of the stage. The girls, however, said the seats were PERFECT.

I didn't take my 'real' camera in, as they don't allow professional cameras, and had little battery life left on my phone, but I managed to get a few pics. This is Melody and Marko. They were partnered at the beginning of the season, and did some amazing dances. Melody went on to win the title of "America's Favorite Dancer." She is a contemporary dancer from Georgia.

That's her in the red.

The top 10 dancers of the season were on the tour. We got to see a lot of our favorite dances from the season, and some new stuff, too. The show was so fun! The girls were yelling and cheering, and jumping up and down. During a couple of the dances, there were tears, too. For the final number, all 10 dancers did a really up-beat dance that got the crowd involved. Amy, Sydney and Mia were really getting into it, dancing and carrying on, so much so that Ricky, one of the male dancers, actually acknowledged them, pointed at them, smiled, etc., and they LOVED IT. I think that was one of their favorite parts of the whole night.

We didn't want to leave and wanted MORE DANCING! All in all it was a wonderful evening and we truly enjoyed ourselves. Their performance on Sunday would find them in Tulsa (Michelle Hodge!) and the girls tried to talk me into taking them to that show!

I'm so glad we had such a great time and that the girls and I have that memory to share.

2011-10-20T22:37:00.005-05:00

I took these first few shots at our last home football game. I can't say I'm sad that it's over, as much as I love watching these girls, but it is getting much cooler and too cold to sit in a stadium without being bundled up and wrapped in blankets. We have basketball cheerleading to look forward to, which starts November 1.

Our neighbors have some of the most beautiful mums I've ever seen. Every year they are so pretty. I called Lena and asked her if she minded if I brought Mia over to pose in front of them in her cheerleading uniform. She was more than happy to have us, and said, "You don't need to ask me....just come on over!" I know she is so proud of her flowers.

So I was able to get some really pretty pictures of my girl.

I've never had luck with mums. I've bought them, planted them, and killed them. Simple as that. Lena says, "Well, I'll just have to give you a lesson." If I can have mums as beautiful as these, I'll gladly take a lesson.

When we came back over to our house, Thomas was out shooting baskets. High school basketball practice starts Oct. 31, so he's been going to open gym during the week and practicing on the driveway, too.

Homecoming 2011

2011-10-03T07:16:00.006-05:00

My beautiful niece, Hannah, at the game Friday night. We beat Hallsville!

Dayton was a junior attendant. So handsome!

I had someone come in an hour early for me on Saturday so I could get some photos of Thomas and his girlfriend Darian before they went to the dance. We were quickly running out of daylight, so I scrambled to get them.

Are they a cute couple, or what? Doesn't Thomas' new smile look great?!!

This is my favorite. I dropped them off at the dance around 7:40. They said they had a good time when I picked them up at 11.

They were telling me that every student entering the homecoming dance had to do a breath-a-lyzer test. Really? Is this what the world has come to? I thought maybe it was random testing, but Thomas and Darian said EVERYONE was tested. Hmmmm. There was also a rumor about a drug dog, but they said there wasn't one.

2011-09-24T14:24:00.002-05:00

I took my Inpatient Obstetrics Certification exam yesterday morning. There were 13 of us that took the exam, some of us OB nurses, and some nurses that work in the Intensive Care Nursery took their exam. Boone paid for it. $250.00. If we fail the exam, we have to pay it back.

I sent a text message to one of my co-workers who took it and asked, "What did you think?" Her response...."I think I need to come up with $250 and FAST." I asked her if she thought we should have a bake sale to raise money for the pay-back.

All kidding aside, I really have no idea how well (or NOT well) I did on it. I don't feel particularly bad about it, nor do I feel really confident. Our manager, Sherri, has told us in previous weeks that NO ONE comes out of there feeling like they passed it. I guess that makes me feel better?

Time will tell. They say there is a 5-6 week turn around time for results, but some gals from work who took it a few months ago said they got their results in 3 weeks.

I'm just glad it's over and don't have it hanging over my head anymore. Now all I have to do is wait!

And they're off!!!

2011-09-21T12:03:00.002-05:00

This is right before he went in the morning to have his braces taken off.

And this is after, sitting at iHOP, waiting for our breakfast. What a great smile!! LoVe this boy so much!

He has a permanent bonded lower retainer that they put in today. They also took impressions and will make his upper (removable) retainer that we'll pick up next week. He just has to wear that at night.

More Cheerleading

2011-09-21T07:55:00.005-05:00

What a beautiful night it was last night for our first home game vs. Eldon. Both 7th and 8th grade teams won by quite a margin once again.

Sydney was able to go, too. She loved watching her little sister cheer and commented that she missed cheerleading, too.

Mia came up into the stands to visit at halftime.

The girls looked sharp! Go Eagles!

Homemade Bubbles

2011-09-18T16:12:00.002-05:00

She googled the recipe for homemade bubbles after finding 2 bubble "wands" in the garage. I have to say it worked pretty good. She had to move her bubble making to the porch, though, when it started rain (pour.)

Love love love this girl. :)

Home Improvements

2011-09-18T14:00:00.006-05:00

I got two tickets to the Mizzou game last night for Thomas and a friend. Kick-off was at 6, so Mia and I dropped them off at about 5:30. I was reminded why I never go near campus when there is a football game.

We went to Golden Corral after that for dinner. Not my first choice, but it was what Miss Mia wanted. We got there just in time. Right after we sat down with our food, a busload of football players and cheerleaders from Scott County came in.

Our next stop was Lowes. Not Mia's favorite thing to do. She was getting tired of "going around in circles" and said she was "losing patience" with me. Ha! I wanted to get stuff to put shelves up in the pantry/laundry room.
~

Next we went to Shoe Carnival. I needed new tennis shoes. My heels have been bothering the heck out of me. I must have a spur or something. (Surgery in my future?) I found a pair of Nikes and bought heel inserts for them, so we'll see if there is any improvement in my pain.

We wanted to go to Barnes and Noble, too, but Thomas called me while we were at Shoe Carnival and said they were ready to be picked up. I knew it was too early for the game to be over, but he said, "It's 49-0 (MU) and Dillon doesn't have a jacket." I guess they were bored and cold. I was glad they wanted to leave early, though, as that helped miss some of the end of game traffic.

I've been wanting to put extra shelves up for storage of small kitchen appliances, etc., forever. I finally did. By moving a lot of these items to these shelves, I have more counter space and cabinet space. Three extra shelves on the pantry side leaves more room better organization of the food items. It feels good to have it all done and it looks so nice!

Middle School Cheerleading

2011-09-13T22:48:00.002-05:00

That's my tiny girl in the middle. These girls did such a GREAT job tonight at the first game of the middle school football season. The 7th and 8th grade boys both beat Hallsville 40-0 and 38-0, respectively.

Mia and Katie.

Mia was absolutely radiant. Her smiles were infectious! I can honestly say, and not because she's mine, that she is an AWESOME cheerleader! Her movements are sharp, precise and just perfect! She does not look like a first year cheerleader. It's amazing. I am so proud of her.

At one point, their cheerleading coach leaned over to some of us and said, "Is it just me, or are they all so freakin' cute?!!?" We all had to agree. They have worked so hard in practice and it really shows.

Sydney was not able to go to the game, and I sent pictures to her on my phone. She sooooo wanted to be there, and looks forward to going to next week's home game.

In this shot, she's mouthing to me "STAND UP!!!" They were doing a cheer that requires the fans to stand, and I was too busy snapping photos to pay attention. My bad, Mia. :)

I wonder if her face will hurt tomorrow from smiling so much.

On a more serious note, the Hallsville quarterback got sacked from behind and was taken to the hospital by ambulance. There were about 2 minutes left in the game and we had a long delay.....long enough for the ambulance to get there from Columbia. Pretty scary stuff. Some of our dads had talked to some of the Hallsville folks and it appears that he's going to be okay, and that the trip to the hospital was precautionary. I sure hope he's okay.

That Day

2011-09-11T21:14:00.005-05:00

I'm sitting here in stunned silence with Sydney, watching footage from the tragedy of 10 years ago today. I have a sick feeling in my stomach. I cannot begin to imagine the horror those people endured.

~
That day Sydney was 10 years old, in the 5th grade, Thomas 5, not yet in school, and Mia a toddler of 2.

I was off on that day, having just gotten home from dropping Sydney off at school. I turned on the TV, something I rarely did in the mornings. I don't know what made me turn it on. My eyes were met with footage of what was happening in New York. I remember, like everyone else, thinking "what a terrible accident." And then I watched footage of the 2nd plane hitting, and I was aware of the magnitude of what had just happened.

I remember somehow making it through that day, taking care of Thomas and Mia, my eyes glued to the TV. I kept my babies close that day, acutely aware of the many things we take for granted every day.
~

And I remember when my sweet 10 year old walked through the front door that day after she got off the bus, tears streaming down her face, looking at me and asking, "Mommy, why would someone do that??" I remember it like it was yesterday.

~
Sydney was to have dance class that day. I remember the call from Miss Jeanne, the teacher, saying that she was cancelling classes for the evening. Everyone needed to be with their families that day.

I kept my babies close that day.

Kyle and Sarah

2011-09-09T10:18:00.001-05:00

My oldest nephew got married this past weekend. Congratulations Kyle and Sarah!

"Thomas wants you to come out and take his picture."

2011-09-09T09:38:00.003-05:00

"What's he doing?" I asked Thomas' friend, Dillon, who had come into the house to tell me this. "Just come out and see," Dillon says.
~
This is what I found. How he got up there, I'm not really sure. I think a chair and some standing on shoulders were involved. The basketball goal is on the driveway below him.

Crazy kid.

I had windows open in the house, and pretty soon I hear is, "Hey Mom, throw us up some pillows!"

They stayed up there for a while, watching cars go by, and trying to get the drivers' attention. Somehow they got themselves down safely.

2011-09-09T09:27:00.001-05:00

Mia is so excited about cheerleading. Her first football game is next week. She's been going to cheerleading practice 3 times a week after school and practices A LOT at home. Sydney asked me last night, "Mom, did I practice that much when I was a cheerleader?" She did.
~
I am so glad they had a uniform small enough to fit my tiny girl. It looks like it was made for her, it fits so perfectly. The black body suit underneath is the one Sydney wore in her first years of cheerleading. I ordered warm-up pants for her last night on-line, along with a sequins hair bow. We are really looking forward to the first game!

October 15, here we come!

2011-08-28T23:10:00.001-05:00

We are looking forward to going to the So You Think You Can Dance tour in St. Louis in October. We LOVE that show at our house, and when we found out they were going to be in St. Louis, we got on-line and purchased tickets. Sydney, Mia, Amy (Sydney's former dance friend) and I will be going and we can't wait!!!

The 10 finalists will be performing, so it should be a fabulous show.

2011-08-23T16:00:00.001-05:00

I just finished this wonderful book and I can't wait to read another Genova novel. It chronicles Harvard professor Alice's diagnosis and descent into early onset Alzheimer's disease and her family's account as they watch her cognitive and emotional decline. It's a sad, though inspirational read.

First day of school.

2011-08-17T08:22:00.002-05:00

They don't even complain anymore about the first day of school pictures. They just followed me out the front door when I told them we were going to take them.

First day of 7th grade!

Sophomore!

This was last year. First day of 6th grade and 9th grade. What a difference a year makes.

Destin 2011

2011-08-08T10:31:00.018-05:00

We stopped in Jackson, MS, the first night. We decided not to drive the entire trip in one day like we did last summer. That was miserable.

The kids found the pool and we all went down to relax.

Thomas and Dayton played football at the pool.

CANNONBALL!!!!

Amy thought she was done in the pool. Dayton thought she needed to go back in.

He "helped" her with that.

More football.

We arrived in Destin late in the afternoon on Saturday. This is a few from our front porch.

A view from the porch to the left. The pool was just a hop, skip and jump from our condo.

Heading to the pool.

This is "our" pool. It was 3000 square feet. After swimming in it for a week, our own pool at home is going to seem so small...like swimming in a dog's water dish.

Thomas chillin' out.

The girls enjoy supper out on the patio.

Sydney, Thomas and Dayton getting ready to eat.

Beach beauties.

Waiting for our table at Pompano Joe's, which was conveniently right across the street from our condo.

Waiting. Look how tan I am. NOT.

Thomas and Syd at Pompano Joe's.

Thomas wanted to try crab legs for the first time. I had my fingers crossed that he would like them, since they aren't cheap. He loved them.

Amy, of course, put on a "puppet show" with the crab legs.

He even shared some with Sydney.

The water was so pretty.

Mia and Mary were practically joined at the hip all week.

Aunt Amy and Thomas.

Having fun Mia?

One of the highlights of the trip was the jet ski rental. Dayton and Sydney rode first. Big Dayton took Thomas out after that.

Mary and the tube.

Lounging in the surf while Dayton and Thomas were out on the jet ski.

Thomas and Dayton.

Dayton and Mary.

We made taco salads one night.

Mary being silly.

We tried to talk Amy into doing braids on the beach for money. I bet she could have made a lot. Her braids are awesome!

More beach time. It was HOT and humid every day. We got rain just one evening. Thank goodness we had the gulf and the pool.

Amy and Sydney rolled themselves in the sand, "like donuts rolled in sugar."

"Sand stands."

This is "Grover Dome." Dayton purchased it several months ago at Dick's Sporting Goods for $38. It has mesh sides, so the breeze could get through. It can accomodate 4 people. The beach chairs/umbrella set-ups on the right rent for somewhere between 150 to 200 bucks for the week, and only accomodate 2. Yay us!

Of course you can't make a trip to Destin without going to Fuddpuckers. We had a long wait, but there was live music, AND you get to watch live alligators down in the pit.

Don't ask.

Waiting for our table.

We had an amazing meal at home of surf and turf. Dayton grilled ribeye and Amy fried fresh shrimp. We served it with pasta alfredo with broccoli, corn on the cob and rolls. It was simply delightful.

2011-08-08T10:19:00.002-05:00

More Destin.

2011-08-08T09:41:00.005-05:00

Forgive our hair....it was windy.

Cousins!

This is one of my favorite pictures.

The whole gang.

Sand yoga.

Destin wildlife. Ewwwww.

Amy made an all Italian meal to celebrate the premiere of Jersey Shore on Thursday night. I'm not a big fan of Jersey shore, so Mia and I snuck of the Surf-n-Style store and then to TCBY for frozen yogurt.

Mary and Mia on our last night in Destin. I told them to show me their "I don't want this vacation to end" faces.

We stopped in Franklin, TN on the way back. Thomas really wanted to drive the whole way home, but he was out-voted. It's so much nicer to split the drive up. We got home at around 4:30.

What a wonderful vacation it was. I feel relaxed and rejuvenated and ready to return to work.

Coolin' off

2011-07-11T14:43:00.002-05:00

Thomas' friend Jay spent the night last night and they were in the pool early in the afternoon.

Love you too, buddy.

Slam dunk contest.

Catchin' some air.

Blocking Jay's shot.

So this is what normal feels like.

2011-07-10T11:21:00.001-05:00

This is my new bedtime buddy. The machine. Not the guy in the background.
~
I have joined the CPAP club and I am utterly AMAZED at the difference it has made in the way I feel. The daytime drowsiness is GONE. I feel like I had been living in a fog for yeeears, and now I'm out of it. It's crazy. I now know what it feels like to wake up refreshed.
~
After my first night using it, I took my book out on the deck to read. Before CPAP, I would read a chapter or two and almost immediately start to feel drowsy, and lay my head back and doze off. I discovered that I had read 8 chapters with NO drowsiness!!! It is truly amazing.
~
I don't wake up numerous times during the night now, and when I do wake up, I realize that I've been in the same position for a long time, because I'M SLEEPING SOUNDLY!!! I laughed and told the girls at work that now I have to worry about getting bedsores from not moving during the night!
~
What a blessing that piece of equipment is.

Evening Swim

2011-07-10T10:59:00.001-05:00

Saturday night after I got home from work we got in the pool. The water was perfect and we had a blast. These two crack me UP. We had lots of laughs.

Silly.

Today is supposed to be hot Hot HOT, so I'm sure we'll make good use of the pool again.

Rain, Rain

2011-07-10T10:49:00.001-05:00

Mary spent Thursday and Friday with us since her big brother had gone camping with friends. Thursday afternoon they were outside playing and felt some sprinkles of rain, so they insisted they needed to get out the umbrellas.

Here they are waiting on the rain. Mia has started to dislike my photo taking. I knew it was just a matter of time. "Mom, you ALWAYS take pictures when I have someone over." Suck it up, sister. One of these days you'll thank me for all the pictures I have taken.

And rain they got! Note that the umbrellas have been ditched.

Soaked to the skin!

Failed....

2011-07-01T21:44:00.003-05:00

....my sleep study with flying colors!! Monday night I spent the night at the sleep lab at the hospital. I was hooked up to so many wires and monitors that I looked like something out of a sci-fi movie.
~
The folks at the sleep lab are so nice and made sure I was made comfortable. They fitted me with a CPAP mask beforehand, and turned it on so I could see what it felt like, so that if I met the criteria for the institution of CPAP, I'd already be fitted and they could just wake me up and put it on me. They explained that there are criteria that have to be met before they use the CPAP, and I was pretty sure I'd meet those criteria.
~
I settled into bed, lights out, at a little before 11. Wouldn't you know, someone who has excessive sleepiness had trouble falling asleep! I'm not sure what time I finally fell asleep, but they came in and put the CPAP machine on me at 3:00 AM. I'm pretty sure I was still awake at 1230 or so, so I met the criteria in 2 1/2 hours!
~
The next morning I asked the tech what she could tell me about the study. She was able to tell me that I had about 30 "events" per hour. They weren't apneas, where you stop breathing all together, but they were what are called hypopneas, were I was taking very shallow, infrequent breaths, and LOTS of snoring. She said I never got into REM sleep until they put me on CPAP. My sleeping efficiency score was 74% without anything, and 97% with the CPAP. So that explains why I'm so drowsy all the time!
~
So, I'm getting a CPAP machine, and honestly, I can't wait to get it!! I'm looking forward to feeling rested and AWAKE during the day! Problem is, I have to go to St. Louis to get it. That's the only way I can get my co-pay and deductible waived and for there to be no out-of-pocket expense. I know....sounds crazy, but that's insurance companies for you.

Cheerleading Camp

2011-07-01T21:34:00.002-05:00

The middle school cheerleaders had 3 evenings of "camp" at the high school from 4:30 to 8:30 this past week where they were coached by an MU cheerleader. I got there a little early on the last night so I can take some photos. The girls are doing a great job!

Happy 20th Birthday to my girl!

2011-07-01T21:16:00.001-05:00

Twenty years?!? Wow. It just hit me. My first-born is 2o. The above picture was taken when she was 3 months old. It's one of my favorite pictures of her. I got one of her photo albums out this morning and was reminiscing. Sigh.....

Here she is with her birthday mini cupcakes this evening. The heat of twenty candles might have set fire to the house, or made the air conditioner work harder than it already is (100+ today) so we settled for 2.
~
I love you so much Sweet Girl. Happy Birthday.

The Show!!!

2011-06-20T21:55:00.009-05:00

I put this picture in here to demonstrate that there is always at least 1 dancer in the 3-4 year old class that dances to her own tune. Soooo cute when they do NONE of the choreography that everyone else is doing. It always gets a good laugh from the audience.

Sydney's hip-hop class performance.

I worried that her pants would fall down...

This is Sutu Forte, one of Columbia's finest entertainers/musicians, introducing the Beethoven Ballet, complete with Beethoven wig.
~

This year we were treated to LIVE music for the Beethoven Ballet. This group of fabulous musicians (the guitarist is Miss Jeanne's husband) put a rock spin on Beethoven's music that was absolutely incredible. Pete, the guitarist is a BEAST on the guitar. I found myself watching him just as much as the dancers.

This is Miss Julie, the level 5 ballet teacher. I've talked about her in previous posts. She's AMAZING. This is one of my favorite photos of the evening.

I don't know if anything could have taken the smile off Mia's face. She's becoming such a beautiful dancer, following in Sydney's (dance) foot steps! LOVE LOVE LOVE these costumes!

Sydney worked for weeks and weeks and choreographed and performed an absolutely amazing lyrical dance to "Starstruck." I hadn't seen any of her choreography....I didn't even know what song she had chosen. My brother, Michael, said that someone sitting behind him put it best. "Wow." She again took my breath away with her grace and beauty.

I love this.

Sydney's class did a beautiful lyrical dance.

Mia's tap class did a routine to "Pick Up the Pieces." Very cute!

So very proud of my girls. Thomas wasn't thrilled about having to go to the recital, but I think he enjoyed watching his sisters.

My beauties.

~It was a long day of rehearsals and a wonderful evening of dance. Mia and I went to iHop after the show to eat. Sydney had gone out with friends and Thomas wasn't interested in iHop. We got home a little before midnight.
~

I LOVE show day. The build up to it, the excitement, the culmination of all the hard work of the dancers. A little sad that it's over until next fall. At least we have that to look forward to, though I really don't know how Miss Jeanne is going to top this year's show. We shall see!

Growing Up

2011-06-15T09:02:00.001-05:00

I was sitting out on the deck yesterday afternoon, having just put chemicals in the pool, enjoying the beautiful day and Mia came out to join me.
~
She's growing up so fast. I see more and more of Sydney's features in her. I wish I could freeze her right where she is. I don't want my baby to grow up.
~
She's so funny, and makes me laugh a lot. Yesterday, she was helping me clean out my purse and found a pair of medical scissors. "EWWWWWW! Is this what you use to cut cords with???" I laughed so hard. Yes Mia, we cut the cords and then throw the scissors in our purses for next time.

Splash!

2011-06-09T22:04:00.003-05:00

I really don't know what was so funny here, but they were laughing about something.

Mia had her friend Katie over yesterday to swim. We finally got the pool water clear and it's up and running. We've enjoyed it so much the past few days. Hopefully we'll get a lot of use out of it this summer.

7 v 7 Soccer

2011-06-09T21:45:00.004-05:00

We started 7 v 7 soccer on Wednesday evening. I was dreading it all day, because of the heat. It turned out not to be so bad, as the sky was hazy, so we didn't have the direct sun on us. The second game, at 7:15, was actually quite pleasant to watch, since there was a nice breeze blowing. Too bad it can't be like that every week.
~
Thomas' team lost both their games, the first one to Rock Bridge 3-2 (Thomas scored!), and the second one to Jeff City, something like 5-1.
~
And guess what? His soccer cleats don't fit. We thought they were going to be okay when he put them on at home. He complained of them feeling tight, but we just thought it was because he hadn't worn them since November. After playing in them in the game, though, we determined that they really are too small. Looks like we'll be shopping for cleats this weekend.

2011-06-06T22:11:00.002-05:00

I finally had a three day weekend off this past weekend and it was perfect for hanging out in the pool

We decided to string white Christmas lights in the big tree right by our deck to turn on in the evenings when we swim after dark. I tested 2 strands. They worked. We put them on the tree and only one strand worked. Grrrrr.

Thomas climbed the tree to put the lights up higher.

I think she's singing.

Zzzzzzzz

2011-06-04T22:45:00.003-05:00

I love sleep. A little too much, actually. I could probably fall asleep anytime, anywhere, on just about any surface. If I layed my head on this computer desk, I'd probably doze off within a few minutes. I have perpetual daytime drowsiness. I snore...sometimes waking myself up. So, I finally decided to consult with my doctor and ask about getting a sleep study.
~

She had me complete the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. They give you about 8 or 9 scenarios like sitting reading a book, watching TV, being a passenger in a car ride for an hour, etc., and you have to rate your likelihood to doze off from 0-3, 0 being no likelihood of dozing off, and 3 being the highest likelihood. When I started scoring myself, it really put it all into perspective. I told the doctor, "Wow, this is going to be really high." When I got home, I looked up the scoring system on line. If your score is above 9, you should see a sleep specialist. My score? 17. Yep, that's right. One Seven. Geez.

I have a sleep study scheduled for June 27th. I'm sure that I have obstructive sleep apnea, which means I'll get a CPAP machine. I'm not really thrilled about having to wear that contraption at night, but I AM thrilled at the prospect of having a normal night's sleep and not being so sleepy all the time.

Recital Pictures

2011-06-04T22:23:00.001-05:00

She HATES this costume, but I think it's adorable. They are doing a tap dance to a Stevie Wonder song, I think.

What little girl doesn't love pink tutus...and HOT PINK tutus, too!

We went and had photos taken in recital costumes today. The girls were photographed by a professional, but I grabbed a few shots of my own. I didn't notice until Sydney pointed out that Mia had a major make-up line on her forehead. She put on her own make-up and she used my foundation and my complexion is lighter than hers. Consequently I had to edit the photos a little bit to make it less obvious. Now that I look at them on here, it doesn't look like I was successful. Oh well, lesson learned. I'll get better pictures on show night. Just wanted you to get the idea of the costumes.

Miss Jeanne (owner/instructor) told me today that she feels this will be the best show EVER. She's very excited about all the routines and the ballet. I can't believe it's 2 weeks from today!

Basketball Camp

2011-06-03T10:25:00.004-05:00

Not really a camp. More like 3 days of 8-9:30 AM practice time for the high school boys.
~

So far, so good with Thomas' feet/heels. You'll recall he didn't finish this past season because he was having so much heel pain. He's basically not done anything physical since January in an attempt to "let the heels heal." He says his heels are good, but the rest of his body is really sore. We're keeping our fingers crossed that his feet stay healthy.

2011-05-22T20:49:00.001-05:00

I had to make a grocery store run today (Walmart) and Mia and I walked through the garden department to get a few flowers. She put together this pretty arrangement of petunias and impatiens. I also got a really pretty hanging basket of petunias.

I looked out the back window tonight and grabbed my camera and ran outside to capture this sunset. The photos don't do it justice. It was so beautiful.

We are now on the countdown to the last day of school, the 31st. Summer will be busy for Thomas, with Southern Boone soccer camp, 7v7 soccer, and then MSU camp in July. Mia has cheerleading camp in June. Sydney is taking 2 summer classes and working. The girls will be busy getting ready for the dance recital on June 18 with rehearsals and extra practices. At the end of July it's off to Destin with the Grovers!!!

Looks like the Blanchards will not be lacking in things to do.

Finally.

2011-05-12T11:51:00.000-05:00

After probably 6 total trips to Lowe's- four by me and two by my neighbor, Carl, my lawnmower is up and running and it no longer looks like my property has been abandoned.
~
When I mowed the yard for the first time this spring, one of the belts on the mower broke. Sounds like an easy fix, right? Not so much.
~
I had Carl take a look at it. The man can fix anything. If he can't, he knows someone who can. He's one of the kindest, sweetest men I know, and is more than willing to help me out whenever I need it. He tells me which belt I need to get. This mower has 3 belts. I go to Lowe's, and, to make a loooooong story short, came back with the wrong belt 4 different times, on different days. Carl's temper started to flair at the lawn guys at Lowe's. The way he put it, "They don't know beans from apple butter." I guess that's a nice way of saying "ass" and "hole in the ground."
~
Carl makes it his personal crusade to go to Lowe's himself and get the right belt. He said he was going to "go up there and shake them up a little bit," going on and on about how "if they're going to sell that brand, then they need to be able to supply the right parts for it." I was at my wit's end, too, even though I hated for him to have to do it. He assured me that he would take care of it after he dropped his wife off at bowling, and that it wasn't a special trip into Columbia.
~
He came home with a belt on Tuesday and was pretty sure it was the right fit. It wasn't. Now he's madder than a hornet, in his own sweet way, when he calls and leaves a message on my phone at 7AM on Wednesday morning. He came knocking on the door at 7:30AM, wanting the old, broken belt, to take with him to Lowe's yesterday morning. Luckily I still had it.
~
Smart man that he is, he had the wherewithal to arm himself with the model number of the mower deck and not just the model number from the "top" part of the mower, and off he went to Lowe's AGAIN yesterday morning.
~
It turns out that the mower is made with a 2004 deck and a 2005 engine. What the hell?? That's why we/they had so much trouble getting it right.
~
Last night at about 6PM, I hear my mower come roaring up the driveway. It's fixed. He got the right belt. I'm saving the package it came in, so I know what to get if/when it happens again. I might even put it in a frame on the garage wall.
~
That Carl.....not only did he make two trips to Lowe's and replace the belt, he also changed the oil and sharpened the blades. It runs like a brand new mower. I don't have ghetto yard anymore.
~
I pulled Lena, his wife, aside and told her I wanted to get Carl a restaurant gift card-where did he like to eat? She said Jimmy's Steak House or IHop. "He's not an expensive eater," she said.
~
That is on my list of things to do while Mia is at dance tonight....get a nice card and a gift card, thanking my AWESOME neighbors for their help.

Day 2

2011-05-12T11:41:00.000-05:00

Terry started grouting at 9:15 this morning.

It's done! I LoVe it. It still has a bit of a light film over it. I can't mop it for 10 days, until the grout sealer is "cured" all the way.

Funny how getting new tile gives you an urge to peel wallpaper and then paint. And get new appliances.

I need a sugar daddy.

Tile Time!!

2011-05-11T12:28:00.000-05:00

This was taken at about 8:15. The tile guys arrived promptly at 8:45.

I asked Terry the tile guy if he minded if I took "progress" pictures. He jokingly told me I could, as long as I didn't get him in the photos, because then the FBI might find him.

I thought this would take all day, but to watch this guy work, it was amazing. He had an assistant doing the cutting for him, and they worked like a well oiled machine. I asked him how long he's been laying tile, and he told me "all my life...I'm a third generation tile layer."

They finished laying the tile in less than 3 hours. Amazing.

This was taken at 12:10. He'll be back tomorrow to grout it, which, he says, takes no time at all. I'm so excited to see the finished project, and I'm so glad I FINALLY decided to get this done.

Customer (Dis)service

2011-05-11T09:13:00.004-05:00

Monday after a trip to the orthodontist with Thomas, we went over to the mall so I could get a haircut. I desperately, by my standards, needed one.
~
Sydney's best friend Delora just graduated from cosmetology school and cut and colored it for me last time, and has since gotten a job at Cost Cutters. When she cut my hair last time, I was really happy with it, and told her she was going to be my new hair stylist. We joked about me not "cheating on her" and going anywhere else. She, however, was not working that day at Cost Cutters, so I decided to go to Master Cuts, where I've been going for years.
~
We walk into Master Cuts. There are two stylists there and no customers in the store. I think to myself, "Cool! No one here...in and out with a quick hair cut." NOT.
~
One of the stylists is sweeping up hair from her previous customer, the other (who happens to be the manager) is standing in the middle of an empty salon. It's 4:15. The manager says, "Come back at 4:30." I look around at the empty waiting area and say, "Really?" I leave my name and Thomas and I go to cafe court. He's hungry and wants Subway.
~
So there I sat, in cafe court, mulling over this scenario. It really ticked me off. I mean, doesn't the customer always come first?? The more I thought about it, the more it ticked me off. I'm having an argument with my conscience about going back at 4:30. I decide to go back, because I really need that haircut.
~
We arrive back at the salon at 4:30 on the dot. Now there are 3 customers in the store, 2 in the styling chairs. Nice. Miss (mis)manager looks up at me. I turned around and walked out. I won't be going back. Master Cuts corporate will be getting a letter.
~
We walked across the mall and went to Regis. There, I was treated like a queen. I spouted off my dissatisfaction to the stylist there. She said they hear a lot of complaints about Master Cuts and often have customers come there for "re-do's." She told me that Master Cuts stylists work for a flat rate and don't get commission, so no matter how much work they do (or don't do), they make the same money. At Regis, she said, they work on commission, so they WANT the business. Good to know.
~
I now have a great hair cut and learned a valuable lesson.
~
Don't cheat on Delora.

Belated birthday celebration with friends

2011-05-08T23:17:00.001-05:00

Since Mia's birthday fell just before Easter weekend, we had her party on Saturday. The girls met us at the roller rink for skating in the afternoon.

They all seemed to have a really good time.

Playing the Star Game, roller skating's equivilant to Musical Chairs.

Love this. Don't ask about the socks. I guess that's the "in" thing.

We got home and they played outside. I ordered pizza for them and they had a picnic on the driveway. It seemed kinda silly to me to eat on the driveway when we have a perfectly good patio set on the deck.

The girls got picked up at 9PM. Mia thanked me later and said it was a great party.

Middle School Band Concert

2011-05-07T23:10:00.001-05:00

Unfortunately, when the band sat down in their chairs, Mia's music stand blocked her face,

so I could only get photos of her during her solo. It was fantastic. So proud of you baby girl!

Workin' our tails off....

2011-04-30T22:18:00.003-05:00

It's been a long time coming, but I finally got so sick of my vinyl kitchen floor, that I bit the bullet and went to Lowes and ordered ceramic tile. Last Friday I started the looooong process of taking up the vinyl. The above photo was the beginning of the process on Friday night.

This was Saturday afternoon. Mia was a GREAT help to me, and scraped a TON, even saying, at one point, "I love doing this."

This is Sunday afternoon, Mia working at it some more.

This is what it looked like Sunday evening. I worked a little bit more on it Tuesday and Wednesday after work and then did a lot more on Thursday when I was off. I just have a little bit left to do where the refrigerator is, and then pull out the stove and do that, then my part is DONE. The tile installer came Thursday afternoon and did official measurements and we have a date for May 11th and 12th for installation. We have to put up with looking at a concrete kitchen floor for a week and a half.

I have to say, I'm VERY excited. It has been a lot of hard work and elbow grease, but I know the end result will be beautiful!

Prom 2011

2011-04-30T22:07:00.001-05:00

My handsome nephew and his date Ashleigh at Shelter Gardens before prom this evening.

It was so fun to see all the kids all dressed up. There were some BEAUTIFUL gowns, and then there were some that made me think to myself, "WHAT were they thinking??!" Ashleigh is a beautiful girl and looked like a princess.

Amy, of course, can't resist the camera.

The Grover four.

Happy 15th Birthday Thomas

2011-04-30T21:54:00.002-05:00

He started his birthday by reffing the 1st and 2nd grade soccer game this morning.

He then spent part of the day with Warren, who got him some golf clubs. Thomas has taken an interest in golf. He went to the driving range this afternoon and then was home for take-out pizza from Pizza Haus (his favorite) and ice cream cake from Dairy Queen. I didn't have 15 candles, so we put 1 and 5 on either side of the cake.

Being silly.

He practiced his chip shot out in the yard before it got too dark.

Happy Birthday my sweet boy. I love you!

Happy 12th birthday Mia

2011-04-22T12:42:00.002-05:00

We celebrated Mia's birthday Wednesday night with yummy ribeye on the grill

and then she opened her gifts, one of which was an aquarium.

We had confetti cake with pink frosting and chocolate ice cream.

It was just the four of us. We will be celebrating with her friends on May 7th with a skating party.

We got the aquarium all set up and the filter started. She's so proud of it. We rinsed off the gravel and added that last night. One more night of filtering and then we'll be able to go get fish on Saturday!

Dance Dance

2011-04-22T12:28:00.001-05:00

I took these photos at dance last week. Mark your calendars! The show is June 18th at 7:00 at Jesse Auditorium.

I've got to get Mia some new tap shoes. The ones she has are too small. I can't wait to see her perform on stage!

Sydney is doing a solo this year. I can't wait to see it! She's been going to the studio when it is closed and working hard on her choreography. I don't even know the song she has chosen. I'm sure her performance will take my breath away, like it always does.

What what???

2011-04-18T19:42:00.001-05:00

Thomas refereed the 1st and 2nd grade soccer game yesterday. My friend and co-worker Jennifer posted this picture on Facebook with the caption "Rachel giving Thomas lip over stopping her breakaway run for an injury on the field." Jennifer and her family live across the street from Warren's parents, so Rachel knows Thomas. I guess she felt comfortable giving him "lip."

She's Still Got It.

2011-04-14T20:17:00.004-05:00

I was sitting out on the front porch reading and enjoying the beautiful afternoon. Syd comes out to join me and says, "Wanna see me do a cartwheel?" Then came an exhibition of "tricks" from her former cheerleading days. Look at that height!!! Perfect toe-touch!

Oops!

2011-04-06T08:49:00.004-05:00

So yesterday morning at 6:15, I walked through the living room, to the kitchen to get my purse and keys to go to work. I notice that Sydney is asleep on the couch. I'm thinking how odd that is, wondering why she is there. Thinking she'd be more comfortable in her bed, I lean down, lovingly stroke her hair, give her a kiss on the head, and say, "Sweetie, why are you sleeping on the couch?" Her sleepy face turns to me and says, "Huh?" ~ "She" is not Sydney. "She" is Sydney's best friend.

Spring Break

2011-03-29T11:39:00.003-05:00

Who uses the second day of spring break to work on a school project? These two little ladies, that's who. Mia had Katie over on Tuesday to work on a science project they are paired up to do. They got most of it done and then played Just Dance on the Wii. The giggles were contagious.

Go Mia!!!!

She and Katie both found out Friday after school that they made both cheerleading squads (basketball and football) for next year. I was at work and Mia called to tell me. Sydney took her to McDonalds to celebrate. She is so excited. The other night we were sitting on the couch and she says, "I'm a Southern Boone Cheerleader!" I'm so happy for her, and looking forward to watching her from the stands next year!

2011-03-22T17:42:00.001-05:00

Mia had her friend Katie come over today after cheerleading clinic to practice for tryouts on Thursday. Hard to believe she's old enough to try out for cheerleading.

Mia and Katie.

Horsing around with big brother.

Hangin' with JBiebs.

2011-03-15T22:44:00.002-05:00

Sydney is responsible for these. I laughed SO hard when I saw them.

4 degrees to Oscar

2011-03-02T14:08:00.002-06:00

I'm actually stealing this blog idea from a friend's blog, who asked the question, "How many degrees from an Oscar are you?" She has a fellow church member who is the aunt of "Little Ed," who happens to be Ed Catnull, the president of Pixar, the company that produces the Toy Story movies, etc. Pixar has won several Oscars, making my friend 4 degrees from an Oscar.
~
I realized that I, too, am 4 degrees from an Oscar.
~
Years ago, Kate Capshaw taught learning disabilities at our school. I remember back then, thinking how beautiful she was. At the time she was married to our high school principal. She had perfect skin, beautiful hair , a perfect smile and a sweet personality. I even stood behind her in the lunch line several times and chatted with her.
~
She later married Steven Spielberg. God only knows how many Oscars THAT guy has.
~
So there you have it-

Me, Kate Capshaw, Steven Spielberg, Oscar!! What an elite group we are.

We have a letterman in our house!

2011-02-19T16:41:00.002-06:00

Congrats Thomas!

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T18:10:00.002-06:00

This is dessert at the Blanchard house tonight.
~

I had stopped and bought Valentine's treats for the kids last night on my way home from work. They insist on finding any "holiday" treats, i.e. Easter baskets, Valentine's treats, etc., when they wake up in the morning on the holiday. (I tried 2 years ago to get away with putting Christmas gifts under the tree as I got them wrapped in the week prior to Christmas. That went over like a lead balloon.) So, when I woke up this morning at 3:30 and realized that the stuff was still in the car, I got up and put together their treat bags. At 3:30 AM. Seriously.

The things we do for our children.

Like a weed

2011-02-14T17:56:00.002-06:00

I bought Thomas a couple of pairs of fleece sweat pants for Christmas. They fit perfectly on Christmas day. Near the end of January I noticed that they had gotten shorter, but chalked it up to laundry shrinkage.
~
He announces at the end of January, "Mom, these pants are too small." I stood him up by the kitchen door where we have marked the kids' growth since we moved in in 2002. He grew 3/4 of an inch in a month and a half. It's INSANE. It seems so different than with the girls. I mean, I know they grew, but certainly not by leaps and bounds like this! He's about a half an inch from catching up with me!! Won't be long before he's looking down at me.

Great Read

2011-02-09T13:10:00.001-06:00

I just finished a great book. If you like "ghost" stories and suspense, this is a great one. I found it very hard to put down.
~
Now it's on to The Lonely Polygamist, our book club selection for Feb-March. So far it's really pretty good, too.
~
So many books, so little time.

Happy Birthday Grant and Connor

2011-02-03T21:06:00.001-06:00

Last weekend Mia and I went to a birthday party for my friend Lauren's twin boys. I can't believe they are already a year old!

Mia with Grant.

This picture makes me smile every time I look at it. Mia took it while they were opening gifts. Grant had slid down off of Lauren's lap. We call this, "MOMMY!!! No. More. PRESENTS!!!!!

There had to have been at least 40 people there and a TON of kids. These little girls warmed up to Mia toward the end. So cute.

We had a lovely time. Thanks, Lauren, for inviting us!

We got a little snow out at our place......

2011-02-03T11:33:00.002-06:00

300 employees, including myself, were mandated to stay at Boone Hospital on Tuesday night during the blizzard. I had already stayed overnight Monday after my shift, anticipating the wintery mix stuff in the wee hours of Tuesday, and not wanting to have to drive in it. They wanted to be sure they had people to run the hospital, if people couldn't make it in on Tuesday night and into Wednesday morning.
~
Luckily, most of the night shift gals for our unit made their way in to the hospital early on Tuesday and just hung out until their shift started at 7PM, so none of us that were already there on Tuesday during the day had to work to cover any "no-shows."
~
Monday night I slept in a room on pediatrics. The hospital bed was SO uncomfortable. It's a newer bed that makes this humming noise every few minutes as it inflates the different sections of the mattress. Couldn't sleep with that going on, so I unplugged it, which resulted in the portion of the bed that supports your back to deflate almost completely. That didn't work either. Luckily there was a pull down "cot" in a cabinet in the room, so I pulled that down and slept on it. Not the most comfortable thing in the world, but better than what I started with.
~
I was utterly exhausted anyway, since LOTS of people came to the hospital with even the slightest cramp or pain, thinking they were in labor and not wanting to get caught in the blizzard. At several times during the day, ALL of our beds in L&D were full. It was truly a crazy day. We managed to keep the "keepers" and send the others home, and I think we delivered 6 blizzard babies on our shift.
~
I got up Tuesday morning and L&D was a lot calmer. I think we only had a few people come in to be seen and we had a few labors. It was a much nicer day.
~
They had mandated everyone to stay Tuesday night, and even had a "Command Center" to assign sleeping rooms/space to those of us that had to stay. Lots of staff were doubled/tripled up in rooms in bed/couch/mattress on floor fashion. I, however, was thrilled that I got one of the physician call rooms all to myself, with a real twin bed! I must say I slept MUCH better Tuesday night.
~
I was up before 6 on Wednesday morning. I knew I would be giving up my room to one of the people that was getting off of night shift. I moved my stuff to an empty triage room in L&D and hung out and read (I wasn't scheduled to work Wednesday) until I got the call from Mia saying they had come to clear our driveway. One of my old high school classmates/Facebook friends had offered on Facebook to clear driveways with his front-loader and I took him up on it.

I got home at around 2 or so and couldn't believe my eyes. Piles of snow everywhere I looked on the way through town. My driveway was PERFECTLY cleared. It was so good to be home.
~
I had to laugh at Mia on Monday. She called me at work and said, "Mom, can I make pretzels and tree bark?" I laughed and told her I'd prefer she use ALMOND bark.
~
She called on Tuesday, too and said, "Mom. HOW do you do it???"
~
"How do I do what, Mia?"
~
"How do you take care of a house and three kids by yourself?"
~
I guess she was trying to keep up with the house, bless her heart. So proud of her. The house looked pretty good when I got home.

2011-02-03T11:28:00.002-06:00

This is my friend Tami, with whom I went to check out the snow around 11AM on Tuesday. All the way down the stairs she's telling me she's going to make a snow angel. I'll be darned if she didn't do it!!! It was hilarious!! God I love that girl.

My back yard is nothing but drifts. So pretty, but dang, that's a lot of snow!

2011-01-24T21:02:00.001-06:00

Though we miss Thomas playing basketball, it is nice to be home in the evenings and have a meal together. Tonight was beef stew, cooked all day in the crockpot, and homemade bread. (Bread machine. Much easier than "hand made" bread.)
~
They all seemed to like the stew, but Sydney decided there was too much meat in hers. She spooned it over into Thomas' bowl. He says, "What am I, a dog?" We all laughed about it. They laughed about how, when they're at their dad's eating and say, "Dad, I don't want anymore of this," his response is always "Give it to your brother."
~
I suppose that would give the boy a complex.

Snow Days

2011-01-24T20:34:00.002-06:00

If the weather doesn't cooperate, I'm afraid the kids will be going to school until the middle of June. So far I think we've had 4 snow days in January. I will admit that it's been nice that I've been off on the days when the snow storms were the worst, and I didn't have to get up and drive in it.
~

We had a jigsaw puzzle to help with our "shut-in" days.

Mia found several different ways to do the puzzle.

She's the only one in our family capable of table top puzzle doing.

Mickey

2011-01-10T23:01:00.001-06:00

We bought this Baby Mickey for Sydney for her first Christmas 19+ years ago. Who would have thought that at almost 20, he's still her best buddy?

You can't tell, but he's naked. His clothes ended up in shreds long ago from too many washings. His eyes have been colored in several times with a Sharpie marker. His seams have been re-sewn at various times.

Warren has tried numerous times to make Sydney think that this is not the original Mickey, that he has been replaced with a new Mickey over the years. I can absolutely, unequivocally say that this is THE original Mickey. I mean, LOOK at him! He's a mess!

I never would have thought when I bought him all those years ago, that he would still be a part of Sydney's life.

Girls Night Out

2011-01-07T22:14:00.002-06:00

Some of the girls from work got together Wednesday night for a nice dinner at Longhorn. What's better than a great meal, spending time with friends, and laughing until your sides hurt? Oh, the stories we OB nurses can tell.

This is me with my friend Shannon on the left, and my BFF, Anne, in the middle. Anne decided that since we didn't get to go out and celebrate my birthday in November, that SHE was picking up the tab for my dinner. I love that girl. What a sweetheart.

And this is what got delivered to our table after Anne LIED and told the waiter it was my birthday. (At least they didn't sing to me.)

Class Reunion

2011-01-07T22:03:00.002-06:00

Mia's class from last year got together over break for a skating party. Their student teacher, Mr. Stark, now teaches in Maryland and was here visiting his family, so with the help of Ms. DeVore, Mia's teacher from last year, they planned the reunion.

They had a great turnout, but, unfortunately, one of the girls broke her arm. I was supposed to be that girl's ride home. When I arrived at the skating rink at around 8:15, several kids, including Mia, came running up to me and told me all about it. Skyler was evidently trying to help one of the boys up and he fell again, on her, and she broke her arm. Mia said, "Mom, I never want to see another broken arm." I guess it was pretty ugly. Poor girl.

Christmas Vacation.

2011-01-07T21:50:00.004-06:00

Huge icicles off the gutters of the house.

Mia playing the Michael Jackson experience Wii game. So fun to watch. I haven't played it. I doubt I could keep up with ol' Michael. The girls do a great job, though.

Mia playing her new Nintendo DSi.

Christmas love. She's not really crying. They were just being silly.

Christmas Morning

2011-01-05T13:33:00.007-06:00

We were blessed with a beautiful white Christmas. I had 5 days off in a row starting on the 24th, and we had the nicest, most relaxing Christmas ever. The kids went to Warren's on Christmas Eve morning for breakfast and gifts, and then to Warren's sister's on the 26th for their celebration.

It was a Michael Jackson Christmas for this girl. She's had her eye on this commemorative book for a long time. She also got the Michael Jackson Experience game for the Wii, as well as the latest CD that has been released.

As he was opening this, he was saying, "Red Nike Sweatshirt, Red Nike Sweatshirt." He got one last year and has worn the heck out of it, so I know he liked this one!

She HAD to have this. I haven't used it yet, but I bet it'll feel good after a long day at work. At one point over Christmas weekend, she even got Thomas to try it, and he enjoyed it, though he absolutely would NOT allow me to take his picture.

Everyone got a fleece tie blanket and they LOVE them.

2011-01-05T13:33:00.000-06:00

2011-01-05T12:55:00.000-06:00

A White Christmas

2010-12-24T20:14:00.002-06:00

The best part about waking up to all this snow this morning is the fact that I'm off for 5 days and don't have to get out in it if I don't want to. It seems every time we have bad weather, it happens on the days I work. NOT this time!

I have a stocked fridge and pantry, fleece pants, hoodies, and fuzzy socks to snuggle in a enjoy the holiday.

I am so thankful for my wonderful neighbors. Carl came over with his snow blower and cleared the driveway for us.

Christmas Cookies with the Grovers

2010-12-24T19:49:00.004-06:00

Amy had the best cookie of the evening.

Amy also had the raunchiest cookie of the evening.

Sugar high anyone???

Mia and Mary with the newest Grover...Charlie. She's sooooo sweet!

Charlie tries on her Christmas hats.

She was not thrilled.

Soccer Banquet

2010-12-15T17:38:00.004-06:00

Sunday we also had the soccer banquet. Only a couple of players weren't there. It was really nice. Coach Miller called each player up and talked a little bit about what each of them contributed to the team, and also had some pretty funny stories about some of the boys.

Holiday Band Concert.

2010-12-12T20:31:00.003-06:00

Sunday was the 6th-8th grade band holiday concert. The tiny girl in the pretty black dress is my girl! It amazes me that 6th graders come in all shapes and sizes! I guess you could say Mia is "snack size."

Mia got to play a solo, "Scarborough Fair." She did GREAT!

Freshmen vs. Moberly 12-7-10

2010-12-09T14:47:00.005-06:00

The girls and boys both lost Tuesday night in Moberly. Thomas got lots of playing time in his game.

He had complained of a sore throat Monday evening. Tuesday morning it was still sore, but only a little red and he didn't have a fever. He had sent me a few text messages throughout the day saying he was feeling a lot better.

When we got home from the game he was pretty tired, saying his throat still hurt. He was trying to do homework and kept laying his head down. He didn't have a fever, but looked pretty wiped out. I sent him on to bed.

Thursday morning I went and woke him up to see how he felt. He said, "Like poop." Still no fever, but still a pretty sore throat. I opted to take him to work with me and put him in an empty room until I could sneak away and get him either to the pediatrician or Urgent Care for a culture. Got to work and realized that was going to be hard to accomplish, as we were very busy.

I got brave and cornered one of the pediatricians who was making rounds. I told him my predicament and guess what? He was more than happy to write an order for a throat swab to be done there, at the hospital. He even said he would be happy to call in antibiotics if it was positive! Whew! I sent the order down to admitting, ran down there and registered him, got a culturette and swabbed his throat myself. Turns out it was negative for strep, which was good.

He did, however, sleep the ENTIRE morning and early afternoon, only waking up to eat the breakfast and lunch I brought him. He said his head was hurting pretty bad, so I gave him a few Advil. By late afternoon he was starting to perk up a bit. I knew he had to have felt pretty bad, because he never once complained about spending all day on the couch in an empty room.

This morning he's back to his old self and went to school. I'm so glad it was short-lived.