So Much To Do, So Little Time

This Saturday is Kaylea's BIG birthday soiree. This isn't the friends' party; this is the family party. I am going to have between 25 and 30 people at my house to celebrate Kaylea turning the big 1-0. Yes, this is a HUGE deal - she is finally hitting double digits.

Anyway, if you know me, then you know that I don't have people over to my house unless it has been cleaned - T H O R O U G H L Y! That means baseboards wiped; windows cleaned; carpet spots treated; ceiling fans dusted; etc. You see, I don't want people to think I live like a pig (even though my house can get a little disheveled sometimes.) So, today is Tuesday and I am still trying to get the housework done so that I can finish putting out the Fall/Halloween decorations. Then there is the grocery shopping to do - and the cake to order (note to self: call Food City to order the cake) - and the food to prepare.

Oh, and did I mention that I subbed this afternoon. I knew I had all of this stuff to do and accepted a sub assignment anyway. I guess I am a gluten for punishment. Anyway, the items are going to check themselves off my list, so I guess I better go.

But before I log-off I am going to leave you with another funny from Kindergarten. I was asking a child to tell me his/her birthday (something they are suppose to know). The child knew it was in February, but couldn't remember the day. Trying to be helpful and give a hint, I said, "It is the day after Valentine's Day." Suddenly the child's eyes brighten and a huge smile appears and he/she says, "Really, it is AGAIN this year!?!"

Happy Birthday To You! Happy Birthday To You!

Happy Birthday to ThiThi, Happy Birthday to you!!!!!!!

Yes, 44 years ago today this world was graced with the presence of my sister Missy. Of course I was nothing more than a twinkle in my Daddy's eye when she was born, but I'm sure the day was one of celebration for the family.

I have been very lucky to have her as a sister, though I would have argued with you had you told me that when I was a child. You see, our relationship hasn't always been what it is today. With each year that has passed, our relationship has grown and matured with us.

When I was born, I don't think Missy liked me too much. This is more than natural, since she had been an only child and an only grandchild for the almost 4 whole years of her existence. She was the center of attention and wasn't going to relinquish the spotlight without a fight. Rumor has it that she tried to snatch the little bow from my bald little head after Mom and Dad brought me home from the hospital. From that point forward (for many years anyways) the gloves were off.

Don't get me wrong, we didn't fight all of the time. Afterall, we did have to sleep ya know. But our house was always filled with its fair share of, "Mom, make her stop!" "Mom, she's bugging me!" "I'm telling!" and "You just wait until Mom gets home."

I know I was a pesty little sister (and probably still am) but I always wanted to do what Missy did. I begged her to play baby dolls and Barbies with me. When she got a 10-speed bike, I wanted one. When she got a skateboard, I had to have one. When she cut off her jeans and rolled them REALLY short, I had to wear mine the same way. When she started wearing make-up, I would watch her put it on and then paint my face the same way.

As teenagers and young adults, a distance was put between us. This distance was caused by us having different priorities and taking different paths in our life. Though we weren't living with each other any longer and we were living totally different lives, we still had that bond of sisterhood that could not be broken.

Once Missy and I both were married, our paths rejoined and our relationship entered a different phase. We shared everything, from weddings to the birth of Kaylea. Yes, Missy was one of my labor coaches during Kaylea's delivery. She has been a part of all of the most important days of my life: my birth, my marriage, and the birth of my daughter. She is truly the best friend I have in this world.

So sis, here's to you on your day. Today is a day for us to celebrate you and all the wonderful things that you are. I love you and will never forget all of the things you have done for me throughout my life.

Your sister and friend,
Jenni

Another Happy Day

Thursday my birthday present was delivered and here it is:

I am still waiting on two additional chairs, but they are scheduled to be delivered on April 24th. I guess my birthday will last all month long. Yeah Me!

Once the other chairs arrive, I will be ready for my BUNCO girls and all of the holiday meals. Now, I have seating for 14 that doesn't involve TV trays or sitting on the floor. Woo Hoo, lets have a party!

They Got Me!!!!!!!!

WOW, what a weekend. As you all know, last Tuesday was my birthday. Well, Sunday was Mr. Bob's and TrickyVicky's Birthday, as well. Sis decided to have a party for all of the April Birthdays (so I thought) at her house on Saturday evening. So Saturday, Mom, Sis and I spent the morning preparing food for the big birthday party. Sis finally sent Mom and me home about 3:00 so that we could get ready and return at 8:00 for the party. Imagine my surprise when I returned for the party and found that I was the guest of honor. Sis and Mom had organized a surprise birthday party for me! This was the first surprise party I had ever had. I couldn't believe how they had fooled me.

The guests included: Sis, Mr. Bob and Miss C; Mom, JimBob, Dad, Grammy and Pappy; Jill, Charles and TrickyVicky; and my Bunco Girls - Pam, Ellen, Emily, Sarah, Lisa, Linda and her husband Warren. I want to thank all of them for coming to the party. It felt so good to see all of them there. I often feel like I don't have that many friends, but Saturday night I realized that I have a lot of people that care about me.

Thanks to all of you; you're the BEST!!!!!!!! (And you made the BIG 4-0 a lot of fun!)