Mystery Poster

Well, if any of you read the posts on the blogs like I do, I received one from redhairblueface. His goal is to post random thoughts on random blogs to gain "hits" on his own blog. I don't care, but thought this was funny if a little irritating. And, I'm all about pancakes and honey ham, so more power to him, but I guess he's caused a stir in the blog community. Just so you know, I do not know this strange individual, but was slightly amused by his blog. Have a great day.

Mr. Wonderful

My husband is amazing! Since I was gone to Emporia yesterday until 12:30 at night, Daddy and Erin spent the day together. They built a snowman, Erin colored herself with sharpe markers, and had lots of fun educating daddy on a day in the life of a two-year-old! Today, I hosted a facial here at home, and our home was a MESS when we went to bed last night. My husband, aka "Angel Man", got up (earlier than me) to help start cleaning up. He cleaned right up to the time the doorbell rang, and my guest arrived. He then trooped upstairs, persuaded Erin to take a nap, and worked on laundry. WHAT A GIFT this man is to me! THANK YOU DAVID! I LOVE YOU!

New Consultant!

Hey! Great news! I have a new consultant on my Mary Kay team, Linda from Emporia! She has been one of my customers for about a year now, and decided she wants to share what she's found to be a wonderful thing with others! So excited to have her on my team! I currently have three consultants, Linda, Shannon, and Tina, and am anxiously waiting for them to become active! I know they will all be great!

I traveled to Emporia on Saturday to help Shannon, my team member in the Tri Sigma house, do her first skin care class! We had 5 guests, and a few "walk through" guests, and had a great time! Haven't laughed that hard in a few days! I also made 6 deliveries, had dinner with my dear friend, Kelli B., and did a class in the dorms in the evening, where I met a girl at a snack machine and sold a Cadillac Bag! What a great day!

Puppies and Poop

I know, I know ... I should be going to bed, but I wanted to share about Erin's busy last few days. Monday was so beautiful, we played outside for quite a while in the afternoon, blowing bubbles, playing "soccer" (or some version of it that involves me kicking the ball and Erin running to it, picking it up, and throwing it up in the air to hit her head), and rolling around in the grass. We also had the joy of playing with the neighbor's four 7-week-old puppies, Libby, Sugar, Roly-Poly, and ... I can't remember. They are some sort of a small pug dog, and so ugly they're cute. They were so small, and their main body almost fit into my hand! Of course, as puppies do, they licked Erin's face, ran around and jumped with her, and ... peed on me. This was okay, though, because it was a great day, and not even puppy whiz was going to put me in a bad mood! David came home from work, we ran to the bank, where Erin got her second batch of stickers for the day, and tried to confiscate the manager's family picture :) Nice, Erin. After the bank, we piled back in the car, headed home, and played outside for a while, but it was getting dark and cold, so we went in and made quesedillas for dinner. A FUN day!

Now, I was really looking forward to today, after such a great day yesterday, but woke up feeling horrible. Erin was kind of a mess all day, and wonder of wonders, didn't take a nap (those of you at Phat Tuesday can probably attest to this from the grumpiness factor!). After fighting with her for a few hours, I gave up, hopped in the shower, and tried to get ready for the Mary Kay "Trash It Night". I dropped Erin off with Sean and Lisa -- THANKS! -- and ran to pick up my guest for the meeting. Now, this in itself doesn't sound so bad, but the worst happened while I was away. Erin, who loves to watch movies in Caleb's room on Phat Tuesdays, accidentally got stuck in the room alone. Apparently the situation was distressing to her, and she had a messy (to put it nicely) diaper. While calling for help by knocking on the door with one hand, the other hand was busy making a mural out of Caleb's full-length mirror on the back of the door. I'll be you can guess the medium (and no, we were not so lucky as before when she colored her wall with purple crayon)! Yep, the princess smeared nasty poop all over herself and the door of Caleb's room. Lisa and a few of the other girls disrobed Erin and threw her in the tub, then dressed her in some clothes in her diaper bag (a KSU Wildcat shirt - great way to make friends at KU!). I guess this upset her terribly, and she cried for a while. David then took her downstairs to play the drums, I guess to work out her aggressions. It worked, but when I arrived, she immediately began misbehaving again, so a fun evening was had by all! Oh, the budding artist alive in our daughter!

Two great things about today -- we got to have a lunch date with David at Mr. Goodcents in DeSoto. Erin fell asleep on the way home, and we didn't have to fight about bedtime! Yeah! Well, I really do need to go to bed now, I'm a tired mama! Tomorrow is another day ... it will be great! Have a good one!

Trash It Night!

Tuesday, January 25th is Trash It Night for Derrell's Driving Divas! Our Mary Kay meeting in Olathe will be extra fun this week as we invite our guests to bring old non-Mary Kay products to "trash" in our big trash can, and receive special discounts on your new Mary Kay products for doing so!

Trash 1 item - 10% off corresponding MK item
Trash 2nd item - above + 20% off corresponding MK item
Trash 3rd item - above + 30% off corresponding MK item
Trash 4th item - above + 40% off corresponding MK item
Trash 5 items or more - above + 50% off corresponding MK item

Now, don't panic, if after trying Mary Kay products during the facial, a guest does not wish to trash the current product, that is fine. However, to get the discounts, the guest must trash their corresponding item.

I know many of you would have a great time at this event -- I'm so excited, it gives you a chance to clean out your cosmetic drawer, cupboard, counter tops, and boxes and fill them with products 1. you love 2. you will use 3. come backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee ... that are on SALE! How much better does it get? You say "They could be free!" Well, here's your chance ... for giving us your opinion about our meetings and business plan, you will be entered into a drawing for $100 in FREE Mary Kay product!!! This is a January promotion only, so this week is your last chance to enter! Now, I think we've covered the bases on why you would want to come! Also, it is a FUN evening out with the girls, full of compliments, positive affirmations, and lots of laughter! I'd love to have you as my guest! Please call me, or email, or post to let me know you're interested!

We'll meet in Olathe at the Machine Shed Restaurant, at I-35 and 119th and start at 6:20. If you'd like to eat there, try to be there at 6:00 to order. If you need a ride or directions, please let me know! Can't wait to see you on Tuesday!

Candyland!

The recipe was a success! David's persistence with the candy thermometer and stirring paid off and provided us with a smashing batch of Pecan Brittle -- he literally smashed it in a zipper bag! It tastes great too! Erin really liked it, and we did too, as it kept her little mouth busy for a while and kept her a little more quiet than usual! Thanks to mom Rahija for providing the candy thermometer and pecans!

Candy

David is trying a new recipe (for us) tonight. He's making Pecan Brittle. You might keep us in prayer that we don't 1. Burn our home down 2. Burn ourselves or Erin 3. Get so frustrated that we throw the stuff across the room -- quite a sticky mess to clean up, I fear! We'll let you know the outcome later!

Skunk Song a Big Hit

Hey! Just wanted to let you know that my grandma got to come home from the hospital yesterday! The doctors removed 1000 cc of fluid from the cavity in her ribcage around one of her lungs, and the other side drained itself -- that's a lot of fluid! Anyway, she's not so happy because she's on a low-sodium diet, and thinks she won't be able to eat anything that tastes good, but is otherwise in good spirits. Erin and I got to talk to her two days ago on the phone. She requested Erin sing a song for her. After much deliberation (like 2 minutes of silence!), Erin chose the Skunk song ...

Well, I stuck my head in a little skunk's hole

and the little skunk said,
"Well bless my soul!

Take it out! Take it out! Take it out! Take it out!"
Psshhtt ... I removed it!

Quite the charmer, eh?

Anyway, it seemed to lift the spirits! Thanks for all of your prayers for her, and my mom and grandpa. They have had some great ministry opportunities with other families who have been in the ICU, and also with the nursing staff. God was at work here!

Earning the Ring

Friday is the big day -- I earn my first real piece of Mary Kay jewelry! Our National Sales Director, Stacy James, issued a challenge for everyone to do 6 phone interviews or bring 8 models to meetings this month, and if we met the challenge, we would earn a ring.

I've done 5 interviews this month, and have two scheduled for Friday, so I will earn my ring this week! I am super-excited about this also, because as of now, one girl has filled out an agreement and is waiting on a credit card number, another girl is waiting until her check comes in next month to sign up, and the woman we interviewed today really wants to be a consultant too, and is visiting with her husband about it this evening.

Now, for those of you who have followed my Mary Kay journey, situations like this have risen and fallen through, but even if none of them become consultants, I know I can book and hold several interviews in a month! I am trying to be patient and wait on the Lord to provide a team for me, which will be a ministry and source of even more extra income for my family. He always provides enough, and when I am faithful, He blesses in abundance. Abundance does not always mean overflowing money, but whatever my need is at that time. I know He has equipped me far beyond what I think I can accomplish, and I am excited to travel the next part of the journey! Thank you for all of your support!

Marriage Proposal

Yesterday I received a very strange marriage proposal ... from my two-year-old daughter. During her post-nap diaper change, Erin looked sweetly up at me and said, "Mommy can you marry me?" I was taken aback, and asked her if she could repeat the question, which she did with clarity, and I was again, taken aback. What should I say? I first kind of laughed and told her no because I was already married to daddy. Then she giggled and said, "No, you're my husband, silly mommy!" Again, what to say?! Erin enjoys bantering with anyone over what is "hers" (ex. grandma's red car, my bed, Kailee's toys, ...) and so I could see this was just a playful banter. So, I finally told her that I would marry her if she wanted. She gleefully responded with a big smile, got up, and ran off. She didn't mention this again, so I assume I answered to her satisfaction -- I thought it was interesting that she got the husband/wife role (at least partially, anyway), and wanted to take part in that. What a funny little mind that girl has!

Dancing out Loud!

Hello all! Time for a dailyish post. It was a busy day, for a Saturday, as we had worship practice for tomorrow morning this morning at 10:30. Before that, however, I took Princess Erin to meet grandma and grandpa at Sonic, where they whisked her away to a Barbie Princess and The Pauper birthday party, in honor of Miss Princess Birthday Girl, Kailee Lynn! Haven't heard the results of the party yet, but we spend a lot of time last night and this morning visiting about how the presents today were all for Kailee, and not for Erin. Hopefully this stuck with Erin throughout the duration of the party!

Anyway, back to practice. We added two new members to the team this morning, which was great, and David's back to playing bass, which was his hope in the beginning! The Evanesence song is actually coming along very well, and although Carl and I are nervous, I think it will be fine -- to God's GLORY! After practice, David was playing his electric guitar, and doing the ever-familiar and versatile chord progression G C D. Now, this is the backbone of many songs, but the one that popped into my head was the ever-popular children's camp/VBS song, "Pharoah Pharoah". I started singing, and all of a sudden, a twitch took hold of me, and before I knew it, I was tearing it up, doing the motions to the song. Now, had it just been David and I, this would have possibly been mildly embarrassing, but nothing to worry about. However, most of the band was still there, and watching in amazed horror as I cut the rug (thankfully not the cheese!). For those of you who know Carl Kinser (C Bone), just ask him what a terrific dancer I am!

Later, David and I went to Mass St. Music today, where David purchased a new guitar -- merry Christmas, David! The old electric was just to the point of no return, I fear, so instead of investing money to try to prolong its death, we just didn't. What a happy camper.

Then, we went to Quinten's Bar and Deli on Mass St. for lunch -- great potato soup in a breadbowl!!! -- and watched part of the KU/Colorado game. We have become KU BB fans, and are enjoying it very much!

After lunch, I came home (David stayed in Lawrence to fix Carl's computer), finished watching the Jayhawks beat the Buffaloes, and took a nap -- wow, that felt great! David came home, woke me up, and after I fixed soup for supper, we watched the movie Twisted, and now are getting ready for bed (still tired, even after the nap!). Hope you all had a great Saturday, have a stupendous Sunday, and are ready for work on Monday morning. I have a skin care class tomorrow afternoon, which I'm hoping will go really well! Please keep my business in prayer as I strive to keep God first in everything I do. I have a new recruit pending right now, from Tennessee! May God's will be done as I try to follow it! Until another time ... farewell!

Praise about Grandma B!

Wonders never cease! On the way to Kearny via ambulance this morning, my grandma's heart "righted" itself. The strange "other" beats stopped and she was back to her normal. The cardiologist said that he is sure that she had an allergic reaction to a medication they gave to her in Smith Center. It is very rare that this would happen, but as the numbers have it, it happened to her. They are planning on keeping her for 2-3 days, as they have to remove some fluid (I'm not sure from where), and have to wait for her normal blood thinners to leave her system before inserting the large needle for fluid removal. Anyway, the report is GREAT! Mom and grandpa are staying in the hotel within the hospital, and don't have to get in and out of the weather during the hospital stay, so that is one less stress for everyone.

Lord, thank you for healing Grandma, for your glory!

To all prayer warriors, thank you! Love you all!

Grandma moved to Kearny, NE

Well, things are not looking good for my grandma. She went by ambulance to Kearny, NE this morning, to be under the care of her cardiologist. My mom and my grandpa went too, but had to go home and pack/shower first, so grandma was going to have to check herself into the hospital. When mom and grandpa were leaving the hospital, I guess the goodbyes were very teary, and my dad said mom was very worried and feeling helpless -- something mom doesn't do well. Please pray for mom and grandpa and grandma to make good decisions, pleasing to God. They will need peace, strength, and wisdom, as well as comfort. Thank you all for your prayers. It means so much to us.

Erin Tales

Well, someone requested Erin stories on my blog, so here's the first "big" one. Today, while Erin was coloring in her room (the latest obsession around here!), I heard a strange noise, much like a swooshing sound. I of course sounded the concerned "Erin? What are you doing" call, and the sound increased in speed, intensity, and decible. Becoming very concerned, I lept down the hallway towards her room, slowing before crossing the threshold, and took a deep breath before entering. As one of my fears was realized, I saw my daughter boldly adding color to her wall in great sweeping motions. "The Color Purple" is no longer just an early Oprah movie, it now describes a portion of the wall in my child's room ... in our rental home. Thank goodness for washable crayons and Mr. Clean Magic Eraser! Tomorrow we shall tackle that cleaning up project!

Another joyous part of the day, was Erin's bubble bath. We get to take one about once a week, as it's not healthy for little girls to take bubble baths very often, and she LOVES it! She cooks with the bubbles, splashes them, hides her bath toys under them, squealing with delight as they pop to the surface covered in bubbles. Well, today, toys weren't the only things in the bubbles. Yep, you guessed it, Erin pulled the infamously sneaky poop-in-the-tub trick. This happens about once a month, and happens so quickly, even a trained observer (aka: me) can't see it coming -- only floating. It's always a party when this phenomenon occurs, and surprises me EVERY time! Someday I'll learn, but for now, the sneaky trick still gets me every time!

Well, that's it for this session of Erin Tales. Tune in next time when Erin will ...

Grandma Update

Well, according to my dad, my grandma is not doing so hot as of this evening. Earlier in the day, they were going to send her home tomorrow, but not now. Her trouble has been with the aortic valve, (she's had arterial fibulation for several years now) but this evening one of the ventricles started doing a strange beat, out of sync with the others. This is not good, as in if it continues, it will result in a heart attack. Grandma doesn't seem to notice any discomfort during these times, and mom's chosen not to tell her about the severity of the issue, in efforts to keep her stress level low. One of the times this happened, she was brushing her teeth for bedtime. David, in an effort to be humorous, said that maybe she just needs to quit brushing her teeth. This quickly moved from funny to frightful. Those of you who have seen grandma eat know why! Yikes! Not only would we see the food during meals, but for the duration of the day as well ... hopefully this does not give you nightmares! Humor aside, it seems as if grandma's heart is giving out, and slowly telling us it can't work much longer. I ask for your prayers as we prepare for this time, be it tomorrow, next month, or down the road even further. My grandpa will be lost without her -- they've been married for over 50 years, and still flirt, do devotions together every morning, and pray together multiple times a day. My mother will be lost too, as grandma has been her best friend, I think, for many years now. It seems their roles have reversed in the past few months/years. Mom referred to herself as a "sandwich mom" yesterday, which I took to mean parenting on both ends of the generation spectrum. I don't know how this will affect everyone, but God does, and that's what matters. It's His timetable, His "say", His child! We can rejoice in that ... I know she does. I can hear the two of them singing "Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say REJOICE" after devotions! What a gift to our family! Thank you for your continued prayers - we know they are heard and answered, even if we don't "get" the answer! Have a great Friday!

Everything Quiet

Just so you know, David finally got Erin to sleep (safely) last night, around midnight. She has been going through this "phase" of wanting to be awake all day (and night) long. Naptime is easier than bedtime, but it is really frustrating. Her comments like: "I need mommy to 'nuggle me" - after 30 minutes of snuggling -- cease to be cute after about 10 pm. She slept late this morning, and seems to be a bit demanding and sour already, but I'm hoping that me being positive with her will help smooth that little wrinkle away today, as it's a busy day and evening. However, we're going to the bank today, which she LOVES, and that should be a high point! It's the small things!

Well, today I've got lots of Mary Kay booking to do, as well as 3 MK interviews, worship practice for Sunday, grocery shopping, and I'm sure there are other things as well! First, however, I need a shower! So, on that note, I leave you for the afternoon. Have a great day, and I shall return later!

What Day is it?

You know, I am typically a confused individual, but today has been ridiculous! I think I have been convinced that today was Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday at different times today. I don't know which end is up!

Erin's in the other room screaming for me, but it's a quarter to midnight, and she's had plenty of time to relax, so I think we're going to let her cry it out, as long as she stays in her room. Why was it, again, that we didn't put the crib up upon moving to Eudora??? I think that was a laps in parenting judgment!

I had a skin care class tonight at the spur of the moment. We did a "get skin ready for bed" routine instead of the makeup routing. Kind of fun. The girls were even in pajamas!

Haven't heard anything on my grandma today, but I assume that is good news. Mom is quick to pass along the potentially bad news it seems. Thank you for your prayers.

David just rushed into Erin's room to put her back in bed. It doesn't sound like it's going well. I don't think he realized she wanted more music on, and now there's loudness coming from both of them. Might be time for mom to intervene. On that note, goodnight, sleep well, and check out the blogs of my friends and family sometime. Quite the bunch!

Prayer Request

I just got word from my mom tonight that my grandma went into the hospital and has congestive heart failure. She is fine, but will stay there for 3-5 days. She has a weak heart and weak immune system. My grandpa, who had heart valve replacement surgery just before Thanksgiving, is doing well, but he needs to stay calm and not get worked up to prevent backwards progress in his recovery. Please pray for their peace as they both work to heal, and for my mom, who is the rock in the storm for them. Thanks!

Opening Day

Hi, yes, due to popular demand (by an overwhelming THREE people), I am starting a BLOG! I don't necessarily have much to say, except that I guess I am glad to be joining the "blogging community". I have read several posts on blogs of friends and strangers alike, and am kind of liking this way to keep in touch, yet ramble (something I'm extremely good at) all at once! I'm sure that my blog will not be as fancy as many of yours, but my techie geek husband will probably help me out some in that department, as he so graciously does so often! Talk to you all later!