Times, They Are A'Changin'

Christmas in NY and a nasty dog...

2010-12-11T20:15:00.001-08:00

Dichotomy

2010-07-29T20:52:00.000-07:00

I wish this were not my arch nemesis.
There is no logic behind my fear. I can't tell you how many times I've been advised that my NASCAR-like driving skills will make my trip to heaven a million times faster than US Air.

I understand that each slight bump that is less than the dip in my driveway will not plunge me to a hurtling death from 35,000 feet.

I know that if it truly is my time to go, I probably won't even know it.

I also know I could step out of my front door tomorrow and get hit by a bus.

Probably the same chances.

But what makes me most upset is not the fact that Kory has to talk me through a panic attack every time I board a plane (althought that MAY be Kory's least favorite thing in the world). Not that I break out in a cold sweat, thereby defeating any chance that my Lady Speed Stick has to work. Not that my hands shake so badly that it's hard for me to hold a coke. Not even that I took two antihistimines and two Excedrine migraine tablets and was still too riled up to sleep.

What I hate most is that I don't get a chance to truly appreciate this.

Why do I not understand that I am one of the few privileged enough in this world to witness this view?

Why do I not recall when I'm close enough to touch them the verses that read that one day I'll see Jesus Himself sitting on these clouds?

When will I sit back, take a deep breath, and just look at where I am, knowing full well that the God Who make this panorama holds me in the palm of His hands?

I want to be right here...

2010-07-16T12:46:00.000-07:00

Our retirement plan

2010-07-10T10:20:00.000-07:00

Manis and Pedis, Aunt Jenny style...I'll make a girl out of her yet!

2010-07-07T19:24:00.000-07:00

Who the heck gave birth to these hobbits????

Life is Precious, Life is Sweet.

2010-07-03T19:34:00.000-07:00

The Garden State

2010-07-02T09:18:00.000-07:00

KC Corporate Challenge

2010-06-12T18:22:00.000-07:00

My freaking strong, amazing husband...

my flowers

2010-06-11T19:44:00.000-07:00

This afternoon, Karen and Kyla--Kory's sisters--and his parents sent me this bouquet of flowers. They did it because they love me.
I love them, too.

SOMEBODY is using their outside voice...

2010-05-24T20:18:00.000-07:00

So my 80 pound boxer bully dog who is supposed to protect me from stranger danger is a little afraid of a bright blue bucket.

Who's not afraid of a bucket or two?

In laws

2010-05-17T18:33:00.000-07:00

I've got two pretty amazing parents. (I can say that because I'm so much like both of them!)

But I also married into an awfully good family, and Kory's parents are cherished and loved.

New Furniture....and a hungry dog

2010-05-12T07:56:00.001-07:00

Spring is here

2010-05-08T20:39:00.001-07:00

My deck from the dining room; nice view, huh?

I just love a good, plush fern.

Do you see how spoiled Charlie is? He has 3, count 'em THREE, soccer balls.

Guess how many he shares.

None.

What do I do with rosemary? I've got basil covered.

They're not Jersey tomatoes, but they'll do for now.

Not a huge fan of pink geraniums, but the red ones were all sold out, and I love geraniums too much to be prejudice.

Treats

2010-05-04T19:59:00.000-07:00

I got a new camera!!!!!
YAY!
Can you tell I'm excited?
It's a Nikon D200, and it's definitely a step up in the photography world, which is awfully nice considering I have three weddings, a reception, a family reunion, and a few senior portraits coming up.
Plus, my poor other camera has seen enough of Charlie's drool to last a lifetime.
Can't wait to start shooting!

Who Has a Big Head?

2010-04-27T18:41:00.000-07:00

Wyatt does!
Noggin and I have played that game since he was small enough in body

and large enough in the dome to look like a lollipop.
He's a stinkin' nut.
He loves to yell.
He loves his bike.
He loves his dog.
And that kid loves his mama.
He also likes to karate chop stuff, but that's beside the point.

I kinda want to bite his face off.
In the most loving way possible.

Don't let the vest deceive you.

Intelligently, I did not share the idea of doggie kisses with Wyatt as I did with Jamin.
I just don't think I could have handled it.
But he'll get a kiss, kiss, kiss, muah, muah, muah until he's 17 or 29 or 36 and doesn't care that Aunt Jenny is a lunatic.
I hope he knows how much I love him.

The Gloves, but if you have a weak stomach, DON'T scroll down...

2010-03-27T20:37:00.000-07:00

A few months ago, I bought Kory a pair of leather gloves that he uses when he wrestles with logs for the fireplace. They are pretty heavy duty fireproof, splinter proof gloves that have been worth every penny of the $10 I paid for them.
Especially since Charlie thinks they are somehow his.
Sort of.
Every time Kory (not me, mind you, only Kory) puts on these gloves, Charlie goes nuts, as only Charlie can do. I can only liken them to falconer gloves when master calls beast and beast obeys.
Only Charlie doesn't obey. He attacks.
It's like Man vs. Beast in our living room. Or COPS, animal control.
It's bizarre.
I wish I got the shots of Charlie leaping off all four legs into the air and lunging at Kory who pushes him down only to have a leaky, frothing animal lunge at him again.
This is our nightly ritual. Right after House and American Idol and right before the news.
It's entertainment at it's best.

At first it starts out innocently...

A little roughousing, a little pushing...

Then comes the growling and the jumping...

Then invariably, the lunging leaves Kory on the ground...

Until the biting begins. Daddy hates biting. Can't you tell from the awful frown on his face?

But then Daddy has to show Charlie who's boss...(do NOT scroll down if you get queasy at the site of ugly...)

Because if Daddy doesn't show him who's boss, aliens from the Underworld invade the sanctity of our home and possess our puppy...

and this is who shows up...

Amazing Giveaway

2010-03-08T20:16:00.000-08:00

You have to check this one out...
http://www.haveanepiphanie.com/home/2010/2/28/epiphanie-give-away.html?lastPage=true&postSubmitted=true

Valentine's Day Residue

2010-03-02T16:34:00.000-08:00

Kory, in addition to taking me to the Melting Pot, for Valentine's Day, also sent me 4 dozen roses at work...three days early...so I could brag that I got flowers first.

Little did he know I not only was first, I was only...it paid off twice.

I never have the heart to simply throw flowers away, especially when Kory gives them to me, so I turned my dining room into a florist shop. I kinda like 'em.

MY photos of the snow day...

2010-02-22T13:26:00.000-08:00

Snow Day

2010-02-22T04:05:00.001-08:00

Danielle Ackerman from www.kmbc.com

We have another snow day today, although there is only about an inch on the ground. The real problem is the 2 inches of ice underneath the dusting. I got a call at 5:45 this morning--after I had gotten up, after Kory had spend 20 minutes scraping ice off the SUV and the car so I wouldn't have to, after several of my co-workers already started off for work. But it's all good.

Because right now, it's 6:08, and instead of being in the cold car on the way to work, I am sitting in my pjs on the couch sipping a cup of hot coffee listening to Charlie sniffle.

By the way, he smells like a dirty fishtank.

Charlie, not Kory.

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-07T14:28:00.000-08:00

Uh oh...broken.

2010-01-26T17:29:00.000-08:00

So, just how much trouble am I gonna get into since the mammoth dog across the street was barking and bellowing so loudly that when I banged on the window pane, I broke the glass?

That was NOT a great idea.

Future Plans

2010-01-25T19:07:00.000-08:00

I've decided that for the rest of my natural life I would like to do nothing but sit in front of my fireplace.
I have a sinus headache that is making even my hair hurt.
And I don't want to move.
Ever again.
ever.

In School Suspension

2010-01-21T19:21:00.000-08:00

I am the yearbook advisor. I haven't worked on a yearbook since the days of t-squares and orange grease pencil, but since we didn't have an advisor--or even a yearbook--I offered. It's pretty easy. Take some photos. Upload them to a site. A lot of clicking and dragging. Nothing noteworthy or award winning. Just 68 pages of random memories...and a lot of misspellings.
But today was different.
We started late--5 months late, and I lost my entire staff from last year.
Today the ISS squad showed up.
Seriously.
Even administration laughed when I named my roster.
I don't know why the worst kids in the school decided to come to yearbook after school for 2 hours, but they did.
I groaned.
I inwardly protested.
I think I even stomped a foot.
But only when no one was looking.
And then I introduced these kids to the wonders of yearbook.
Only, they were already prepared.
They don't take books to class or even go to class on a regular basis.
But they came with lists of pages they wanted to do.
They came with categories for superlatives.
They had ideas.
They had excitement.
They wrote stuff down, offered suggestions, made changes.
And they didn't want to leave.
Not even for pizza.
And the two who are by far the worst...not the worst of yearbook, the worst in the school...were my best.
I chose them as Editor in Chief and Assistant Editor.
My prinicpal laughed.
The assistant principal snorted.
And the lady who works in the office got misty-eyed.
She felt where I was coming from.

The Bug

2010-01-17T16:26:00.000-08:00

Saturday was my niece's birthday.

She turned 13.

She, like me, was the first: first child (for my little brother), first grandchild, and first niece.

I know I sound like a sappy grandmom, but I remember exactly where I was when my brother announced she was coming. I was at my grandmother's house mourning the loss of one of my favorite uncles. As one life ends, another begins.

My very first thought of Victoria was one of comfort.

I wrote a letter to her the day she was born, not even fully realizing how amazing that kid was going to be.

She is one of my favorite people on the face of the earth.

There are parts of her that are all her daddy. Some of her is just like her mama.

And then she's got quite a bit of Aunt Jenny in her.

I've apologized to my sister-in-law countless times for this.

Some fun facts about Victoria:

When she was little, she wanted to be a girl farmer. (emphasis on the girl)
She is smarter than everyone I know.
As I drove her home from kindergarten one day, she posed a rather interesting question as she sat with my beagle in the backseat of my brand new car, "Dogs don't like gum, do they Aunt Jenny?"
She always loved perfect shoes and fancy dresses.
She is not a fan of "the fizzy kind"(soda) and she hated (or loved??) pizza with spots.
She has a belly laugh that will bring tears to your eyes.
When she was little and her mama turned on praise music and cleared out the living room furniture, Victoria would dance and make me cry.
She loves having her back scratched, and for a while, the fountain song was her absolute favorite.
She has a vocabulary that most adults don't know. When she was about 8, she knew how to use the word "plethora" correctly.
She thought for a while everything red was "Bob."
She is genuinely happy.
I owe her $20 because she didn't cut her hair for months before my wedding.
She told me, at the age of 5, that she was a news kind of girl.
You want the entire world to end when you see her cry.
She can read a classic novel in about a day and a half.
Kory says she is the coolest girl he's ever met.
I miss her every single solitary day of my life.

Back to Work

2010-01-12T18:09:00.000-08:00

Today was amazing. I had my first class in 6 months, and it felt so good to be with the kids again. I only have one course I'm teaching, but it was so much fun. They came in literally cursing and yelling that they had the "mean" teacher (they used much more colorful language, but my niece reads this occasionally!), and by the time class was done, they were complaining the bell rang too early.
THAT is the mark of a good day.

The answer to my question is...

2010-01-10T17:57:00.001-08:00

Nope, don't have to go back to work tomorrow.
Guess a school building without water is NOT a great idea, so we have another day off (well, technically not off since we're still meeting, but since I don't have to get up at 5:30 AM to get to work at stay until 5 PM, I'm good to go.)
Laziness prolongated.

Aw, man!

2010-01-10T14:10:00.000-08:00

Do I really have to go back to work tomorrow?
I was just getting used to doing nothing all day. I kinda like wearing pjs until 3 in the afternoon and not brushing my hair until minutes before Kory came home.
I actually enjoyed cleaning my house everyday and doing laundry.
I'm not buying the line, "oh, you'd get bored after a while."
No. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't.
I'm industrious. I can find things to do.
And I think I might be okay with bored.
BUT...I'd be a stay-at-home mom, but I don't have kids, and try as I might, Charlie does NOT count.
Guess I have to go back to work.
man...

Repeat

2010-01-05T20:42:00.000-08:00

Snow Day!!!

AGAIN!

Of course, I still have to go in, but later than usual.

I don't mind.

The building is quiet; for the few of us there, there is time for comraderie; we all get so much work done, and all is well with the world.

(PS. It hasn't snowed in days, either. We're only getting the day because it's supposed to be -15 tomorrow, but who cares why!)

The dark part is a shadow on the snow that packed up against the door. It was about a foot above the door jam, and some even sneaked underneath and lined the floor inside!

Took me a minute to even get the door open!

Poor Charlie couldn't understand why his feet kept sinking. He gnawed on his paws a few times to get them up in the air.

So Lazy

2010-01-05T07:28:00.000-08:00

After two almost-full weeks off school, one day back at work was just too much.
So they gave us today off.
Actually, it was -2 degrees outside this morning when the kids were supposed to get on the buses, so they called it off. I can't imagine anyone sending their child out in weather like that on UNPAVED roads after two weeks of snow, but it happens.
It's stupid.
But it happens.
So instead of potential lawsuits over freezer burned toes and buses sliding into trees, we get to stay home.
There are some days I love being a teacher north of the equator.
Miami never had "cold" days off school.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T17:51:00.000-08:00

I would write about something spectacular, interesting, or even mildly exciting...but I won't. I can't.
The reason why?
I've been lying on the floor wrapped in a blanket snuggled between Kory and Charlie in front of a blazing fire for the past 8 days.
I am not sure I'd trade that spot for all the fireworks in the world.

Christmas Eve

2009-12-24T16:53:00.000-08:00

Oh, the weather outside is frightful,

But the fire is so delightful,

And since there's no place to go,

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

God hears every prayer.

Since we couldn't go home for Christmas, I prayed that we'd have snow.

Fa La La La La...

2009-12-13T19:50:00.000-08:00

I'm so ashamed....

We Wish You a Merry Christmas

2009-12-05T20:23:00.000-08:00

Funniest Story...

2009-12-04T18:40:00.001-08:00

I don't know how it happened, but my brother and sister had the six cutest kids in the world...and I really don't think many kids are cute. Actually, I think MOST kids are weird looking and will usually brush off any obligatory "cute" comment with an ambiguous, "Aw, look at them!" So if I've said your kids are cute or adorable, I really did mean it.

BUT This is Sami, my little sister's daughter.

She has a lisp.

She screeches.

She has a HUGE pouty lip.

She believes that she is an actual princess.
She eats more ice cream than Ben AND Jerry.

She wears big girl Dora panties.

She stutters when she gets excited.

And I want to bite those chubby cheeks right off her face. Even if they are caked with yogurt and play doh.

Irresistible.

When Kory and I went to my parents' house for Thanksgiving, I got tons of kisses and hugs and tickles. And not nearly enough Aunt Jenny time. With any of them.

One morning, though, I made a huge Aunt Jenny breakfast: bacon, eggs, toast, and mini pancakes slathered in syrup. Sami ate, as she always does, with gusto and pizazz (remember the cheeks?)

But when I was cleaning up with my mom, Sami came in the kitchen with no less than a scowl on her face. "I don't want my meat."

huh?

"I don't want my meat."

My mom and I looked at each other, realizing she must have squirreled away a piece of bacon. "Okay, but what's wrong with it?"

"Ith's in hith mouf."

and she visciously pointed to this...

Can't imagine what happened...

O Christmas Tree

2009-12-01T16:58:00.000-08:00

Since my husband is a bit on the Christmas tree allergic side, and he's already sick from traveling 640670670576 miles to visit my side of the family for Thanksgiving, I figured I'd "sacrifice" and get a fake tree this year. And then, after looking at the most pathetic looking, cheap plastic yet ridiculous price tags, is-that-color-really-green-or-dark-teal trees, I decided that if I'm going fake, I'm going all the way. Here's the result...

I actually love it, even though I thought I'd hate it, and Kory really likes it a lot, too.

And a few nieces and nephews thrown in the mix...wish they were here to celebrate with me...

Oh God, for these I am thankful...

2009-11-29T19:49:00.000-08:00

What on earth were we thinking...seriously.

2009-11-17T15:58:00.000-08:00

And some more photos

2009-11-16T19:34:00.000-08:00

Kory insists we need a new pose...I kinda like this one.

My new favorite photo of us...and yes, I have a shirt on underneath the purple; it's just the same color as my skin...

Ask me why I wore a mini-skirt and flip flops to a canyon...because they look great with my brown zebra sweater, that's why.

Currently my favorite dress...with my favorite guy...aw shucks...

Ansel Adams wannabe...

Red Rock Canyon

2009-10-31T10:52:00.001-07:00

This one is for my brother...

Happy Birthday to Me!

2009-10-29T19:14:00.000-07:00

My day started out with a gentle kiss on the head followed by "Happy Birthday, I love you." It was 5:40 in the morning, but I can't imagine a sweeter way to wake up.

When I stumbled out to the kitchen to get my coffee, on the table I saw a paper plate note that read, "Happy Birthday, my love. I love you so much. Thank you for marrying me. Love, Kory."

You can't start a day much better than that, even though the weather wasn't cooperating.

I had a call from my mom and a call from my Noggin who gave me an invitation to come to his house to eat the brownies they were making me for my birthday. I hope they were good.
At school, my awesome co-workers gave me this:

And tonight, Kory let me open the HUGE box that's been sitting on the living room floor in front of the fireplace. In it was a plum colored cable knit beret and these....

And on the bottom of the box were these....

And THEN, Kory took me here...

I can't even begin to tell you how much I ate, but for someone who lives a relatively vegetarian life with the occasional turkey burger thrown in for good luck, I ate more meat than a cheetah in the zoo at feeding time. UN...BE...LIEVE...ABLE... I never knew a cow tasted so good.

And to top it all off, we ate this...

wow.

It was a good birthday.

I love being 37.

And these were only on the plane...

2009-10-22T10:19:00.001-07:00

Guess it doesn't matter if man calls it Sin City;

I think God had a bigger part in making this place...

We even got a rainbow from Him!

Kory and I are going to Red Rock Canyon tomorrow. Can't WAIT to get those photos!

Honeymooniversary...Thanks, Uncle Ray.

2009-10-18T17:10:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, Kory and I will be leaving rainy, cold Kansas City and going here...

the Hilton Grand Vacation Club on the Las Vegas Strip. Please know that I will be spending most of my time here...see that chair off to the far left? It's mine...get out of it. NOW.
Since Kory is well, Kory, I know we'll be here a few times, too...the girl with the booty kinda looks like me, but not really. I'm a hot mess when I work out, and I NEVER keep my hair down. BAD experience on a weight machine...
And Kory is SOOOO much hotter and buffer than that guy...

And then afterwards, I most assuredly will be here. Hopefully with a fruity concoction that has a pineapple or two on the top and one fantastic book. Or not. But at least a bottle of suntan lotion.

I'll post my own pictures soon. Gotta find my bathing suit right now!

2009-10-15T17:25:00.000-07:00

In 10 days, I will celebrate my first wedding anniversary.
Other than Aunt Jenny, I have loved no other name more than "Mrs. Kraft."
I really love my husband, and I thank the Lord for giving him to me.

SOMEONE doesn't like to share...

2009-09-23T14:35:00.000-07:00

Unbelievable

2009-09-14T18:19:00.001-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoM4ZZJ2UrM

Another Mrs. Kraft

2009-09-07T19:07:00.000-07:00

Kory and I went to his/our nephew's wedding this past Labor Day weekend. Ryan is a decorated Marine sergeant, and it was an honor to be a part of his and his bride Chelsea's special day.

It was held at the Stafford Plantation in Virginia. What a gorgeous setting for a

late summer wedding.

I'm not sure if Marines are supposed to smile, but this one couldn't help himself when his partner couldn't find the casing for his sword after their salute.

I wasn't allowed to get in the way of the hired photographer, so I hid behind a tree and got some shots of my own.

Ryan and Chelsea worked at the Lego factory together.

These girls were the life of the party. The blond is the sister of the bride, the one with dark hair is the nephew of the groom.

Only Mommy Loves Me...and even that's not ALL the time...

2009-09-01T20:17:00.000-07:00

Pay no attention to my crooked bottom tooth.
Please.
I have enough issues already.

2009-08-25T18:22:00.000-07:00

So anyway...I started school again...and I'm the one sitting behind the desk this time. Well, actually, I'm not sitting behind a desk. I'm sitting on the couch. In my jammies. Eating homemade ice cream. Praying I won't spill it on the computer. Again.
ANYWAY...I've started grad school. My current class is Ed. Psych, and I have NO idea what I'm doing...what the HECK am I doing...
wow.

I love my husband.

2009-08-23T18:19:00.000-07:00

I know you know it, but I just wanted to say it again...it's worth repeating.

Another Storm

2009-08-16T18:33:00.000-07:00

These clouds were my view the other day out of my "office" window.
I use the term office quite loosely since I'm enclosed in a former cloak closet in our 98 year old school. It's actually a pretty cool room (I'll post photos later) complete with original coat hooks and solid wooden door with pane glass window.
The window at the back of the closet may or may not have been there almost 100 years ago, but it's big enough that it kinda freaked me out when I saw these puppies forming. I was looking for the nearest desk under which to hide.

Had a problem; found a solution

2009-08-14T21:10:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I've been having some issues lately with people (well, one person) stealing the photos off my blog and websites and using them without my permission (which is a sticky problem for a number of reasons.)
So, for all you (all three of you!) that read my blog, I've found a code that actually disables the right-click-save option and protects your photos (especially thinking of those of you with kids...)
I tried to copy the code onto this post, but blogger reads the code, so here's the website: http://pubs.logicalexpressions.com/pub0009/LPMArticle.asp?ID=41.

It was SUPER easy and it really does work!

Surprise...

2009-08-12T19:59:00.000-07:00

First things first, to my very own P...A...I...G...E (who is so much like her Aunt Jenny it must drive Daddy and Mommy nuts--but especially Daddy because he already grew up with me once)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!
I love you more than mint chocolate chip ice cream, the green kind, to the moon and back and to infinity and beyond!
Many, MANY doggie and shark kisses to you!
Next...
how cool is this (although not nearly as cool as Paigity-waigity's birthday)...
I got a violin.
Not an ordinary violin.
An electric violin.
The art teacher at my school played at Carnegie Hall.
She's gonna give me lessons.
Yay me.

It's Been a While...

2009-08-09T15:32:00.001-07:00

I miss these faces more than anything.

I can't wait to see them (plus two more!) again...

cool giveaway

2009-07-31T17:44:00.000-07:00

One of the blogs I regular has some seriously (no pun intended) great giveaways: http://www.reallyareyouserious.com/2009/07/gala-glass-review-and-giveaway.html
Check out the jewelry she's got going, and promise you'll share if you win!

My New Favorite Place

2009-07-19T14:32:00.000-07:00

Parkville, MO. Kory took me up here for the first time on the 4th of July, and I immediately fell in love with it. Missouri has not been my favorite place to live, but if the Lord wants us to stay in this area, we'd like to live here. (Charlie really likes it, too, although the 2 mile walk around the park on the bank of the Missouri River got him a little tuckered out!)

Bad Doggie...Again

2009-07-03T18:12:00.001-07:00

Do you think maybe...JUST MAYBE Charlie was mad that we left him alone?

He was sent to his room (since he destroyed his BRAND NEW BED.)

2009-06-26T13:17:00.000-07:00

We're NOT going back east next week to see our families.
The corporate headquarters of the school I work for is not paying me my overlap checks until mid-July: a week after we planned to leave. Those overlap checks were to pay me for the old teacher contract I had which overlapped the pay period of my new IC contract.
Those overlap checks were our vacation money.
Which won't come until after vacation.
I really wanted to see VPJWS.
I really wanted to see Eli who's not even born yet but will have been which is why we planned our trip for July.
I just miss my family.

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions...

2009-06-25T16:28:00.000-07:00

2009-06-22T11:13:00.000-07:00

I Married a Rock Star

2009-06-20T20:37:00.000-07:00

Anybody know what this is?

2009-06-17T20:17:00.000-07:00

Storm's comin'...

2009-06-17T20:10:00.000-07:00

My New Project

2009-06-16T18:58:00.000-07:00

ABCs of Me

2009-06-10T17:22:00.000-07:00

A- Age: 36 1/2
B- Bed size: queen or loveseat when I snore
C- Chore you hate: all of them all the time: putting away laundry
D- Dog's names: um...CHARLIE?!?!?
E- Essential start to your day item: KLOVE in the car; coffee
F- Favorite color: right now, red or gray
G- Gold or silver: white gold
H- Height: a whopping 5'2"
I- Instruments you play: used to play piano
J- Job title: teacher turned Instructional Coach
K- kids- 1,568 that have passed through my classroom doors
L- Living arrangements: Kory, Charlie, me...big house; lots of rooms to clean
M- Marriage: going on 8 months
N- Nickname: Kraft; JKlo in olden days
O- Overnight hospital stay: Sleep lab that proved I do not have sleep apnea; I just snore like a grizzly bear in December
P- Pet Peeve: inconsideration
Q- Quote from movie: "Sloth love Chunk"
R- Right or left handed: right
S- Siblings: 1 brother and 1 sister, and a million brothers and sisters-in-law
T- Time you wake up: ugh, 5:45 AM
U- Underwear: yup; I wear them often
V- Vegetables you dislike: brussel sprouts
W- Ways you run late: well, I run late, walk late, drive late, arrive late
X- X-rays: MRI of ovaries and the Lightsaber ray; that one was FUN
Y- Yummy food you make: lemonade cake
Z- Zoo animals- zebras

I borrowed this from mynotsohurriedlife blog. Have fun!

I Love Summer

2009-06-09T17:05:00.000-07:00

Found it!

2009-06-05T21:18:00.000-07:00

Yay, me! I found my missing sock that I accused Charlie of eating!
As an English teacher, I pride myself on my selection of exact, precise diction, so I was rather disappointed to find I had not chosen the right word to define the disappearance of my sock.
Let me tell a story.
When I was putting Charlie in his kennel out last night, a peculiar smell assaulted my nostrils and a curious color and texture stained his flannel blanket. When I pulled his bedding out, a trail of vomit followed. And tucked deep inside the blankie he so cherishes was my once white yet now orangey-brown sock. Covered in slime and gastric juices.
Charlie did not, in fact, EAT my sock; he swallowed it. Whole. And then puked it up.
I made Kory throw it away.

The list...

2009-06-03T19:50:00.001-07:00

oranges--with peel
dried sticks from maple tree
feces from unknown animal
asparagus
Irish Spring
bits of paper, staples included
tinfoil with dried barbeque sauce
one recently used, dirty gym sock

This is not my Walmart list or even a compliation of items found strewn around the house and yard. It's not even a collection of items at the bottom of my trash can.

It IS, however, a recently updated list of things Charlie has eaten.

Filthy Dog, Clean Mouth

2009-05-28T07:13:00.001-07:00

Haven't Been Here for a While

2009-05-22T16:59:00.000-07:00

It seems like quite a while since I've blogged anything. All of a sudden, life got unexpectedly busy--in a good way, but busy nonetheless. School with its final exams and graduation, opportunities to photograph a variety of people and events, and even photography classes have made the past few weeks pass by in a blur, but it's been so much fun.

A few of my seniors asked if I would take their senior pictures, and I was honored to do so. The Lord has perfect timing, too, because I am taking classes at church from professional photographers who are teaching me SO much; I am inundated with information, but I've been able to use it all to make my pictures that much better; that much more special. I love it

The location of my portraits is a local hot spot--at least to my students. It's the JFK Memorial in a rougher part of town that has secluded this one little area and left it beautiful and serene. It's a bit multi-faceted, as it has a gorgeous stone and wrought iron bridge, a fountain area where children and animals can play, and a Spanish-style gazebo area that overlooks a lush backdrop before the skyline of the city breaks through. It's breathtaking, really.

Lovin' that Man of Mine

2009-05-03T18:46:00.000-07:00

As a senior class sponsor, I often get to revisit some of the "fun stuff" of high school, and as May rolls around, so do the end of the year activities that all 12th graders count down (with the help of their eager English teacher) starting at day 289 way back in August. (we're now down to day 18 before graduation!)

But...we've had the Senior Dinner, academic awards, school presentations, and even the prom. My faithful husband has attended every one with me, and I am so proud and pleased.

Everyone that I work with loves him (how could they NOT), and I never thought I would be able to love him more, but each day I do. He truly is the better half of me.

This is from the senior dinner. I don't have our Prom Photo yet!

How Much is that Doggie in the Window?

2009-04-30T10:23:00.000-07:00

He's free...any takers?

Happy Anniversary

2009-04-28T07:15:00.000-07:00

Saturday was our six month anniversary, and Kory surprised me by sending me flowers at school on Friday. He was disappointed when he first brought them home because they were still closed and not yet bloomed. I told him not to worry. Give them a few days. And we were rewarded with this...

Happy Easter

2009-04-14T14:02:00.000-07:00

Kory and I celebrated our first Easter together as a married couple, and the day was just wonderful. The weather wasn't so cooperative, but I don't think even a blizzard in April could have dampened our spirits. We spent the day at church followed by dinner at home with Kory's nephew and niece, plus two friends who can't simply be called friends. They are family.
I am so grateful to my Savior. Not only has He given me a beautiful life here on earth and the most amazing man with whom I am able to share it, but the promise of eternity in Heaven is almost more than I can bear. The thought alone brings me joy inexpressible. I can't imagine how it will feel to truly be in His presense.
Thank you, Lord, for everything. And I do mean everything.

I have to show photos of my table--I know my mom and grandmoms will be proud! I couldn't find a tablecloth to save my life (and I had to cover two different tables because we couldn't find the leaf!), so I made due with one old white one, some yellow paper grass, yellow ribbon, and a couple of pretty blue and yellow cloth napkins that I was saving for summer. It wasn't what I had originally envisioned, but you have to make it up as you go along; at least that's what I'm learning.

And my ham was incredible! It actually melted in our mouths! (no picture of the ham-it was cut too quickly and isn't so photogenic cut up in tupperware! but trust me, it was good!)

And thanks, Aunt Tina, for the dishes!!! They finally photograph as beautiful as they are in person! I've had SO many compliments!

So tired

2009-04-09T10:41:00.000-07:00

I haven't written in a while. I guess I am just exhausted. I'm not sure why, but I am tired all the time. I get up tired. I go to work tired. I come home tired; and at around 7:30 every night, I just about fall asleep on the couch. By 9:15, I'm snoring.
I'm so happy summer vacation is only 7 weeks away.

2009-03-26T20:22:00.000-07:00

Flowers in her Hair; Flowers Everywhere...

2009-03-24T17:47:00.000-07:00

Leader of the Band

2009-03-22T15:35:00.001-07:00

Cool Change

2009-03-18T06:18:00.001-07:00

I love spring break. It's sort of its own holiday in my mind, celebrated for no other reason than winter is finally behind us and I can pack away my bulky sweaters and fuzzy boots for next year as I break out the mounds of rubbermaid containers in search of my flip flops and t-shirts and (cross my fingers here) a pair of shorts.
I love this time of year. My students in Chester argued that it was my favorite over fall; I think they got a kick out of my peep-toe sandals in hot pink and blue while everyone else was still wearing parkas. But when the first hyacinth is brave enough to poke her head out, I get brave, too.
Yesterday it was 82 degrees. I actually sunned myself on the deck.
The other excitement that rivals vacation from mounds of books and essays is the arrival of Kory's (well, mine, too!) nephew and his wife/our niece from NY. They are so fun and so energetic and so welcome to be with us. They both were offered jobs at the school where I teach, and yesterday they arrived with cars packed to the roof. They both reminded me of myself when I went to Miami. I had nothing but what could fit in my Cavalier. I had no place to stay, no idea of what I was about to do, all the fear in the world, and all the adventure a 22 year old could muster. I went with the thought of staying for three months and going back home if I hated it. I wound up staying for 8 years.
I pray the same for Jake and Jamie. And I am so excited they are here. They might be a little old for magic make up bags and color crayons and doggie kisses--yes, I am absolutely sure doggie kisses are reserved for Jamin alone! But for right now, Aunt Jenny gets to have sleep overs again, for at least a little while.

God Bless the Child...

2009-03-04T06:47:00.000-08:00

I miss my nieces and nephews.

Let It Snow

2009-03-01T18:18:00.000-08:00

What on earth is wrong with blogger? or me? or both?
I have attempted to post numerous times, and it keeps kicking me off. I'm beginning to hate this thing.
ANYWAY...my beautiful 70 degree weather has left us for 4 inches of snow and freezing temperatures. All week, too. I had to put up my flip flops and dig around in the back of the closet for my fuzzy boots Kory bought me for Christmas. I am so missing spring right now.

Memories

2009-02-26T19:43:00.000-08:00

Mizundastood...

2009-02-26T19:15:00.001-08:00

Ok, I officially suck at this whole blogging thing...I was so confident, so cocky, and so wrong.
I erased my ENTIRE blog under the missklose name, and now I have to start over (not that big of a deal) but my memories and notes from just before my wedding day are gone. I am sad. How could I have screwed THAT up???

She's Got It...Hey, Baby, She's Got It...

2009-02-23T19:20:00.001-08:00

Bill Gates, you better move over. I think I've got this whole internet stuff on wraps...I don't really know what that means, but my students say it all the time in reference to things they understand or have completed. I'll just use it here and pray the connotation is correct.
I was hoping I wasn't going to lose my entire blog; I've spent a lot of time putting this little thing together; I would have hated to see it go. But I did it...I changed my email, my google identity, my email address and my password. The only exception being the url site name, but that's going to have to stay until another day when I learn how to import a blog from one place to another. I can't believe I have so much time on my hands!!!