Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Double Dare



Yup, it's a snapper! We were up at mom and dad's Monday night so that Anthony could ride his four wheeler when dad spotted something moving around and sticking his head out every now and again... After a little more consideration and some investigation, it was determined to be a rather large, but slow snapping turtle. But that didn't stop Tony any, from antagonizing it and poking and proding him and even picking him up by the tail. The kids really got a hoot out of it and went screaming and running. The cats on the other hand were just as curious as ever! I think that was the best part, watching them go check out the situation. My favorite is the ever so brave "Tipper," challenging the turtle to a dare... I can't believe after all the torment, that turtle didn't just stick his head out and snap that paw right off of that cat!

Friday, May 25, 2007

Whatever happened to May?!



Ok, so I'm in the midst of finalizing the details of a contract with another agent and he's emailed me the final signatures on the counter and I respond with thanks and a heads up regarding inspections... My "signature" in all my emails includes a link back to my blog, for free "sneak peaks" and whatnot. So, after reading my email and checking out the blog- he sent me the link to his really cool site on FlickR- HE UPDATES IT DAILY!! Wow, now I really feel like a slacker! :O)

So, I thought, gee, it's May already, I've got a few posts... I'll check my May 2007 pictures folder and see what I have new and wonderful to post... NOTHING! I've got a few shots of my kids after garage saling and picking up some new Fisher Price Roller Blades for my son. THAT'S ALL! Then it really dawned on me that it's the END OF MAY!! Wherever did the time go!? Well....... here's my life in a snapshot... Still working on Real Estate~ in fact, I'm now also working with Janet Brooks (another agent gone wild in my office) as her transaction coordinater and then some, I'm growing my virtual tour business- taking pictures and making tours left and right!! I'm in the middle of weekend number two, day 4 of 5 in mom and I's GINORMOUS, SUPER HUGE GARAGE SALE! and I'm turning into neurotic-mom with a KINDERGARDENER-2-be!! So, needless to say, I've been a little busy and my blog's not the only thing that's taken the backseat lately- you should see my house!! AAA! Thank goodness for Social Suppers! (I think?!) Oh yes, and did I mention, Bunko, Social Suppers, Pampered Chef parties and more?!

So, for all you parents out there... I'd love to hear from you and get your opinion: Public School vs Private School?! Lutheren Schools? Is there really that big of a difference? Sorry, I don't have the time, patience or sanity for home schooling...





My Mother's Day Plate that we made for Great Grandma Jones...

"Wednesday Kids 2007"

Anthony and Isabella, May 2007 (I just couldn't resist this one!!)

Wednesday, May 09, 2007

Happy Mother's Day - "Chapstick"

I received this in an email and thought it only appropriate to share:

Interesting Mother's Day Memory

While we may not all be Moms, I think we can all appreciate this story because we've all had experiences with KIDS!!! So, we had this great 10 year old cat named Jack who just recently died. Jack was a great cat and the kids would carry him around and sit on him and nothing ever bothered him. He used to hang out and nap all day long on this mat in our bathroom. Well we have 3 kids and at the time of this story they were 4 years old, 3 years old and 1 year old. The middle one is Eli. Eli really loves chapstick. LOVES it. He kept asking to use my chapstick and then losing it. So finally one day I showed him where in the bathroom I keep my chapstick and how he could use it whenever he wanted to but he needed to put it right back in the drawer when he was done. Last year on Mother's Day, we were having the typical rush around and try to get ready for Church with everyone crying and carrying on. My two boys are fighting over the toy in the cereal box. I am trying to nurse my little one at the same time I am putting on my make-up. Everything is a mess and everyone has long forgotten that this is a wonderful day to honor me and the amazing job that is motherhood. We finally have the older one and and the baby loaded in the car and I am looking for Eli. I have searched everywhere and I finally round the corner to go into the bathroom. And there was Eli. He was applying my chapstick very carefully to Jack's . . . rear end. Eli looked right into my eyes and said "chapped." Now if you have a cat, you know that he is right--their little butts do look pretty chapped. And, frankly, Jack didn't seem to mind. And the only question to really ask at that point was whether it was the FIRST time Eli had done that to the cat's behind or the hundredth. And THAT is my favorite Mother's Day moment ever because it reminds us that no matter how hard we try to civilize these glorious little creatures, there will always be that day when you realize they've been using your chapstick on the cat's butt.

Missouri Flooding...


Ok, so maybe you haven't heard enough yet about the Floods of 2007 and how they are comparing this to the Floods of 1993 and the expectation to be even worse...
Of course all this just takes me back to those infamous floods and the devastation that they caused. It really did affect me personally as I was planning my wedding on the Mabel A Truss bridge at English Landing park in Parkville, set for September 5th, 1993. And as if that wasn't bad enough.... I was in Maryville, MO attending my last semester of college at NWMSU facing more devastation and flooding there. I lived in a basement apartment with my roommate Darcey, watching the water come in and just get deeper and deeper! With wedding plans and invitations to address getting moved up higher and higher to avoid the flooding and try to stay dry. We had about 2 feet of water throughout our apartment and everything was ruined! For some reason I remember us climbing on the counters in the kitchen to get to the fridge to try to get it unplugged to avoid electricution in the rising waters. I dunno, maybe that wasn't the smartest thing in retrospect?! But needless to say, we did survive and so did the invitations! Our landlord got the water out and much to his chagrin, he even took the mildew and molding carpets out and I think he might have eventually even replaced some of it?!

So, back to Parkville... I remember coming home and just going downtown to visit and view the devestation... It was just overwhelming as they had the roads closed and sandbagging efforts were nearly abandoned and almost useless... The water was over the tracks over the highway- making the park literally non-exsistant! It all seemed hopeless and at that point all we could do was pray. I did a lot of that! And the water did go down. Eventually. You can still visit some of the shops, the bank, the firehouse, and other various buildings and landmarks to see the markings of how high the water got. Although the water did go down, it was mearly a swampland by my wedding date and although I argued, begged and pleaded; it just wasn't happening there.... much too messy and for a sunset wedding in a swampy mesquite breeding park, probably not the best place to say our vows. (Good thing we had a back up, in case of "rain.") It still makes me sad though.... I always say that maybe one day, we'll reinact the wedding or renew our vows down there as we had originally planned, but first I think I'll have to shed a few pounds so I can fit back into my original dress?! someday....

Sunday, May 06, 2007

Beat the Rainy Day Blues!

Break out of the party scene and get the girls together for Margaritas & Markers! Or why not try Painting on the Patio? Big Yellow Box is where the fun isn't just for kids.... Contact me today to find out why!


Now's a great time to plan and stock up for the next rainy day in your life. Feel free to check out my website at www.bigyellowbox.karisma.net or contact me for a catalog, to place an order, to have a product demonstration in your home, to become a consultant or just find out more! I'd love to help!

Friday, May 04, 2007

Quote of the Day

"Everything works out in the end- If it hasn't worked out, it is not the end!"

May Is Nathional Home Remodeling Month

Ways to Implement Green Remodeling into a Home

It's hip to be green! Green remodeling is not only easier on the earth, but it lowers costs and provides a healthier more comfortable home. Homes that are remodeled green can lower energy consumption by 30 to 50 percent as well as incorporating recycled materials and those that will tread more lightly on the planet's natural resources.
Green remodeling can be done in small ways and doesn't have to encompass the entire home.... It's easy to pick and choose elements to fit each individual homeowner.
  • Non-toxic paints and sealants
  • Programmable thermostats
  • Energy efficient appliances
  • Natural flooring
  • Natural fiber rugs and fabrics
  • Recycled material roof shingles and tiles
  • Energy efficient lighting
  • Insulated hot water pipes
  • Tankless water heaters
  • Quality insulation
  • Native plants for landscaping

Information from BUILDING BUSINESS NEWS, May 2007 www.kchba.org