New Bed

Erin is excited to be getting a new bed tomorrow! The reason for needing a new bed, is her deconstruction of her custome-made "big girl bed". Strangely enough, a wooden toddler bed does not support two "big girls" swinging, Tarzan style, from the support board between the posters. As crushed as I was, Erin seemed to think Grandpa Rahija would forgive her, and she is anxiously awaiting her new bigger, big girl bed (a twin bed). Grandma even found some Blues Clues sheets on a garage sale, and we've been using the pillowcase this week.

Hopefully we can have her room cleaned by tomorrow evening, as grandma and grandpa are coming over to deliver the bed and eat dinner with us! I hope I have my kitchen cleaned too! Thank goodness for dishwashers!

Another New Consultant!

I have great news to report! On Friday afternoon, my team gained a wonderful new addition! We welcome Michele R to our team and are excited to help her get started! She has two very specific goals in mind for the beginning of her business, 1. to teach women how to and why it's important to take care of their skin and 2. to raise money for a move to a new city. The great thing is that she will definitely be able to do both things, and do them simultaneously. Also, she will be able to take her business with her when she moves, as Mary Kay has no territories or regions, and we are in over 20 countries world-wide! What a great opportunity for her! I am so pleased, because Michele is such a sweet girl, with some great life experience under her belt. She is going to do great things in Mary Kay, and I am pleased to be on the journey with her!

This brings me to a little problem. I have been trying to figure out a name for our team, and have come up with some ideas, but nothing that really grabs me. I want the idea of "seeking" to be involved in some way, as we are each seeking something, whether it be to reach women for Christ, make a few extra bucks, become a director or NSD, win the cars, ... we are seeking something. However, I don't like "Sarah's seekers" because it seems like they are seeking me, and that is not what I want to portray! It's nice to use alliteration, like our unit is "Derrell's Driving Divas". I've also heard Wanda's Wonders, Shaw's Shining Stars, ... Then again, there are some without, and that's fine too, SOOOOO, I'm asking for your help. I like words like seek, serve/servant/service, reaching, streatching, ... I also would like to try to use Sarah or Rahija as the beginning, but it's not necessary. I know some of you who read my blog are VERY word-creative, so unleash the creative juices and let me know what results! Please!

That brings our team to 6 this month! I am hoping to get back on target for the Vibe this month too, and as Michele is wanting to order a great inventory package, I think the rest of us can pull together to get us there! The company has some great incentives this month/quarter for us, too, and I can't wait to help my gals reach their goals and dream bigger than they've ever dreamed before!

Well, I need to get ready for our trip to Lawrence this afternoon. Have a great week!

Erin has Returned to the building

I picked Erin up in Salina today. She's been visiting Athol since Saturday, with Grandpa and Grandma Gerstenkorn. She was taller, browner, and full of stories from the farm (cows, mudpies, climing the guidewires from telephone poles, digging in Great Grandpa B's garden ...). She was also very tired, and needing some snuggling from mommy and daddy -- this made us happy! Upon arriving home, she began helping Daddy and Grandpa Rahija work on the Bronco. It was sure cute to see her two little legs sticking out from under the Bronco next to Grandpa's long legs. She soon tired of lying on the driveway, however, and resorted to tossing water in the general direction of the Bronco from the bench next to the house. It's good to have her home again, even if she didn't want to stay inside for a bath or stop coloring with markers at bedtime. Love her ... missed her ... glad to have had a little break from her! Thank goodness for Grandparents (on BOTH sides!)!!!


Oh, sidenote, congrats to our friends Jamin and Leah Will on the birth of their son, Levi Davis! What a precious little bundle of joy!

Grandma Boeck

Well, news for Grandma Boeck is that they removed 1300 cc of fluid from her lung cavity today. That's 1 1/3 liters -- when I think of that inside my very skinny grandma, it's kinda scary! She's doing much better, but apparently there was much more pain this time than last. However, they were on their way home this afternoon. Hopefully she can slow down some, instead of trying to have the most beautiful lawn in Gaylord, KS, and growing enough corn for everyone in the county -- they don't learn! Thanks for your prayers, she (and I) have appreciated them!

Funny Erin Insight

I have been meaning to post this for a few weeks, and keep forgetting, but it is priceless. As we are preparing for a new baby in our family, Erin's new cousin, or "cousint" as she used to say, we have been talking quite a bit about how the baby is growing in Aunt Chellie's tummy. I have the Mayo Clinic's Pregnancy and Baby's First Year book, from when I was pregnant with Erin, and it has some great pictures of baby development in the womb, with actual color pictures. I found these and thought it might help Erin understand that the baby was taking time to grow, and when she was done growing, then she would come out, but until then, she had to stay safe inside Aunt Chellie. This was great for a few days, and we had lots of neat conversations. About four days into this, however, I see a look of doubt and confusion on Erin's face. A few moments later, Erin places her hand on my leg, looks into my eyes with a look of pity and consolation, and says, "Mommy, I don't think those are babies in the pictures."

I can see how this might be confusing to her, so I asked her what she thought they were. Again, with the hand on my leg, patting me in sympathy for my mistake, she breaks the news as gently as she can ... "Mommy, I'm pretty sure those are squirrels. It's okay, mommy, but those aren't babies."

Now, I can see why she would say this, as the babies' cords are plainly visible, and their arms and legs are not fully grown. How, though, was I supposed to hold in the laughter??! Well, I couldn't, and although I think Erin still thought I was in denial, she laughed too. What a precious moment in my life! I laughed so hard I cried, and Erin laughed because she thought I was insane! See, there are plenty of joyful moments to outshine the negative ones! I would have to say this is the funniest things she's said, except maybe the time she first saw kiwis and ran into the room holding two of them exclaiming, "Look mom, hairy acorns!"

Yep, it's great to be the mom of a two year old!

Busy times

Yes, yes, it's been a while! With the Mary Kay year coming to an end, and lots of family things going on, it's been a busy two weeks! My Mary Kay team is doing well, and I am officially a Team Leader, which bumped my commission check up to 9% instead of 4%, which will be great this month! We had a great production, and are starting to function as a team! I also was a team captain in our unit to try to rally the troops to place an order to finish strong this seminar year. We didn't reach our goal, but did 50% more production than last month, so it was a success! Thanks to the ladies who worked hard to do that! The Driving Divas will wrap up the second cadillac in September or before! Congrats to Jill Derrell, our fabulous director!

Last weekend we stayed in Kansas City with Grandma Rahija while mom and dad were out of town. We enjoyed visiting with Grandma (Granny, for Erin), Jim and Pat, and the Parkway Baptist Church family. David and I helped lead music worship for the service Sunday morning, and had a great time!

This weekend is preparation for Michelle's baby shower (which is Sunday evening), and includes a visit from Krista! Erin is very excited (as are we all). I'm sure it will be fun, and hopefully we'll get John and Michelle's house pretty well finished! Baby Riggs is arriving soon, and we are all excited to meet her!

My grandma Boeck has fluid on her lungs again, much like she did when I started this whole blog thing. They are in Kearney, NE today trying to figure out what to do. Please keep her in prayer.

Well, I think that about does it. I have a new Mary Kay Look Book (catalog) for the new quarter, and my personal website has been revamped again, offering new options for everyone! The summer nail colors are hot, and the new lip colors (there are 22!) are great for summer, fall, and all year round! If you'd like to try anything, please let me know!

Enjoy the 4th of July weekend, and travel safe! As I always say, "Watch out for deers and drunks!"

Splash!

Erin has always been known for making a splash wherever she goes, but yesterday, she really did! It was warm, and we decided it would be fun to blow up Erin's little pool and let her play in it on our back patio (10x10 cement slab off of our kitchen). This was fun, I put my suit on, Erin was splashing around, and we all were enjoying the sun. However, it was soon apparent, that Erin was too big for her pool, and we were definitely much too big. Since it was Father's Day, and we didn't really do much on that end, we decided to go to WalMart and find a bigger pool, that we could all use. The one we found is just perfect for the patio, allows Erin to really move around, and David and I can both fit in it too ... at the same time! Erin is overjoyed, and we are looking forward to cooling off in it too! We also had to get Erin a new swim suit, as she is too big for the one she used last year -- a friend who stopped by said it looks like a rainbow threw up on her new suit ... it's very colorful, and she picked it herself! We will have lots of fun, and hopefully Erin will learn to float this summer! Hope you have a great week, and enjoy your life!

It finally happened

Well, I've been dreading this day for a long time ... the moment every parent hopes to escape, but few really do ... the dreaded "pant-pooping in a public place."

We took Erin to the park tonight, and she was playing nicely with some kids, I was visiting with a very nice woman and hoping to book her for a facial, because I was enjoying her company so much!

Then I saw it, a look of horror on Erin's face as she stood atop the firetruck on the playground. The panic struck, and she tried to decide whether to get down or stay and finish the job. This decision took too long, and although she tried, she just couldn't hold it in any longer. Thankfully, we recognized this agonized look, and took her to the bathroom, where she finished her business.

I didn't realize we didn't conclude all business in the bathroom, until trying to help her pull her panties back up -- they were not cooperating so well. Those panties went in the trash, in case you were frightened or just wondering, and needless to say, our park trip was cut short, as Erin needed a bath, not just from the extremely muddy conditions at the playground, but ... poor girl, now the memory/story will haunt her for the rest of her days :)

A good lesson learned here in Lawrence today ... "You can't hold it forever!" Have a great day!

Another exciting day in Mary Kay!

I am so excited to announce yet another team member on my quickly-growing Mary Kay team! Brandy B. came with me to a guest event last evening, and is now excited about the new possibilities awaiting her as she embarks on the journey of ownng her own business! She is a beautiful woman who has a heart of service. Although I have not known her long, I am excited for our friendship to grow, as she is such a sweetheart, and I know that God brought her across my path for a reason!

So, welcome to the team, Brandy! We are excited to go back on target for that 2005 Red Pontiac Vibe this month, and see if we can't just wrap the whole thing in one month! Wouldn't that be something?! I read about a girl who achieved her car from her FIRST class ... wow! Anyway, as God has planned, we will move with Him!

Erin

Wow, I had hoped that parenting would not be this frustrating until Erin was a teen ... however, this is not our luck! This week has been kinda horendous, as Erin has decided that as she is almost 3, she needs to revisit every boundary known to her and see if it is still in place. Therefore, we are back to needing almost an hour to get to sleep at naptime, throwing screaming fits, hitting, throwing objects, yelling/talking back to adults, eating food off the floor (this is my fault for not sweeping after every meal). Those are just a few treats we've been experiencing. Another one, and you'll be able to attest to this if you've called me or I've called you in the past week or so, is Erin's ability to know exactly when I am on the phone, and producing a scream that is just the frequency to really grate on the nerves of everyone within three rooms of her, and within probably about 6 feet of the phone of the person who I am trying to dialog with in a semi-civilized manner. That one has been really special. She has been whiny, demanding, naughty, and devious all week. Any suggestions?? She has had several spankings this week (which seem to be working a bit more since she's only wearing panties these days), lots of toys have been in time-out for an afternoon, and today at naptime, I took away her "blue softee pillow", which really did make a big impact. She went to sleep after that! I've taken away priveledges, put her in time-out, and anything else I can imagine. Again, any suggestions?

For those of you who enjoy her antics, I'd love to invite you to come enjoy her for a day -- I need some quiet!

We love her. We are trying to cherish these times, and probalby failing miserably, but we do thank God for the gift of Erin!

This is a later addition ... we also know that throwing candy away makes a big blip on Erin's radar, resulting in tears and yelling ...

"We never, ever, ever throw candy in the trashcan, okay Daddy?!" Oh the humanity!

Bambinos and Naughty but Nice ... what a combo!

Today was crazy! I had a facial in Lawrence at 11 and my mom-in-law was so great to watch Erin while I was gone, and feed her as well, so I traveled to DeSoto, Lawrence, DeSoto, and Eudora this morning/afternoon. This evening, I traveled to Olathe, Lawrence, and back to Eudora. I did the "advanced" training at the Mary Kay meeting tonight (it was my first time, and although I have been preparing for about two weeks, compiling thoughts, and trying to be intune with God's plan, I still felt like it didn't go over well -- it's been too long since I've prepared lessons for adults!) and then was late in getting to my friends Laura's birthday party in Lawrence.

I had a blast with the birthday gang, and although we started the evening at Bambinos (Italian restraunt in Lawrence), we ended it standing under the awning, out of the rain, at Naughty but Nice. Now, this might seem strange, but mainly, the two businesses are next to each other, and the parking for Bambinos is against the building of NbN. Still makes for a fun story! We were a little concerned when a police car pulled into the parking lot and the officer entered the store. Maybe he lost his handcuffs??? We had lots of laughs, and I can't wait to see the few pics we took! It's always fun to have a girls' night! Happy Birthday Laura!

Camping

As Krista mentioned, the Rahija family/friends Reunion 2005 took place over the past weekend. We camped at John Redmond Res. near Burlington, KS, and had a nice time. Erin enjoyed all the attention from her aunts and uncle, and her Dunley and new friend Matt. We saw snakes and blue herons in the water, heard lots of fish, and unknowingly fed one or more racoons -- I guess they really go after animal crackers, Nutty Bars, and baked potatoes! I would say the weekend was fairly "incident free" except for Erin tripping on Roscoe's tether and a tent tie. We were stinky and hot upon returning home, but in one piece, and fairly sunburn free, as well as minimal numbers of bugbites and poison ivy! And, ... a fun time was had by ... :)

Erin, it seems had the best time, as when it was time for bed Sunday night, she begged us to go back to her campin' trip. I was not keen on this. It was fun, but I'm glad to be home.

Graceful as Ever

Well, once again, my natural grace and poise shine through! Today, I was on a phone interview with a potential new consultant, and was sitting on my bed. I decided to get up and go into the office so I could take some notes on our conversation. My body thought this was a fine idea, and moved forward and up to start the process. My feet, however, had some reservations about leaving the warmth of being tucked into my pant legs, and refused to budge. As you might imagine, the result was not-so-nice. I plummeted to the floor, landing on my hands and knees, particularly my right knee and left hand, acquiring a "strawberry" on both. The noise was so loud, that Erin came running in to scold me for being too noisy, but found me laying on the floor, and immediately began worrying about me, rubbing my legs, and kissing my knee. What a sweet moment. I am fine, just a little bruised (pride and knees). Thought all of you would like to know, I'm still the same, old, clumsy me!

Garage Sale Season

It's here! It's here! The dreary days of winter have gone, and it's time for sun, fun, and garage saling! I don't know what it is about garage saling that is so addictive ... perhapse the "needle in the haystack" syndrom takes over, or maybe it's just nice to get a good bargain on something you want or need!

Speaking of bargains, today was a good day for that! Getting a late start (10am), we hit six or seven sales. Some of them were neighborhood sales, and we attended on at a church. I ended up getting five shirts for Erin, a cute hoodie jacket, two pairs of Gap pants, two skirts, and an overall for baby Riggs ... three games for Erin, a pair of large squeaky dice (for Erin as we learn to play Yhatze!), Backpack complete with a star pocket (from Dora the Explorer) and three nice books ... for the bargain price of $6.80. I thought we did pretty well!

Erin, however, is more than excited about her new games. She had to get them out as soon as we got home ... however they needed a little cleaning, so after her nap we broke out the Mean Green and got her Cookie Scale, Cooties, and Hungry, Hungry Hippos games clean and fully operational. Now, the only problem is to help her understand that the games do not have interchangeable parts, and do not need to be out simultaneously.

She asked us today what "garage sale" means ... I think she'll be excited the next time we tell her we're going to one! Have a great weekend!

Newest Erinism

A new "funny" to add to the Erinisms list. Today, when Daddy asked Erin who loved her (old trick the babysitters taught her ... adult says, "Who's the cutest baby in the world?" Erin replies "ME!" Adult responds with "And who loves Erin?" Erin triumphantly shouts, "Everyone!" Everyone laughs, agrees, and we create a complex for our young daughter). Erin responds with, "Oh, Krista, Aunt Michelle ... they all love me!"

Yep, it's good to be two (and a HALF!).

Get Motivated!

I went to a training seminar today called "Get Motivated!" with my parents and sister (in-law and heart!)and had a great time! Zig Ziglar was there, as well as former NYC mayor Rudi G., and several other very motivational speakers. It was a long day, but provided much food for thought, and also revving up for a great Mary Kay month! We have a big production goal this month, as well as a goal to bring in 6 new ladies on my team! I know that God will provide the ladies, and our team is going to flourish! I am excited to see what He is doing in my life, and the lives of those who don't even know that He's working on yet! Have a great rest of the week, and leave me a post with any good news you have -- even if we've never met and you're just trolling through random blogs!

Mary Kay Open House Saturday, May 7th

Just a reminder that I will be having a
Mary Kay Open House this Saturday, May 7th,
in my home in Eudora.

Facials start at 2, 3, and 4.
I will also have gift sets available for
Moms, grads, brides, birthdays, dads, ...

There will be drawings, snacks, and savings!
Come on over, and bring a friend! It will be fun!
Remember, if you heard about this on my blog,
mention it to me, and receive an extra discount!

Contact me for more details and/or directions!
Hope to see you in Eudora on Saturday!

Weekend in Athol

Well, we survived the weekend trip to Athol. Rhett and Christina are happily married, the Mary Kay part of the day went well, and it was fun to catch up with some old high school friends. The singing part went okay ... however, the church needs to invest in a new music stand, as the one we were using was so ricketty, the music fell off during our singing in two of the three songs! Oh well, we did the best we could, and in one case, I just had to bend down and pick up the paper off the floor and keep going :) Erin had a blast at the dance, and wore Grandma and Grandpa Gerstenkorn out, I think! We also set a new trip record, and made it to Athol from Eudora in 3 hours and 50 minutes! Yikes!

In other news ... we are excited to have a new couple joining our ministry, Tim and Bree! They came to University Church for the first time on Sunday. They will be the "house parents" for the ministry center when we find one, and are getting married this summer. We are also welcoming Jimmy and Rachel, from Oklahoma, to Lawrence in June! Recently, Sean and Lisa have also met several families that are interested in University Church, and it seems that our little group may be growing! This is exciting! We are currently in a discussion called "The Matrix" (not about the movie!) that is interesting and I'd love to invite anyone to join us on Sunday evenings in Danforth Chapel, on KU's campus to add, listen, and take part in that discussion!

Well, that about does it for now. I don't think Erin's done anything too outrageous in the past few days ... or, I am just desensitized to it :) Have a wonderful day!

Awkward Erin Moment

Well, I guess it was bound to happen someday ... I was just hoping it would be later ... much later!

We ran into Dillon's for a quick potty break, and after coming out of a really nasty bathroom, Erin spies two guys and a girl coming toward us. They are probably 18-22 years old, and having a nice time chatting together. Well, Erin, who earlier in the evening had requested a ball out of a "gumball machine" but we didn't have time to get one, sees an opportunity to find some common ground with this small bunch of people, and bursts out, arms flapping wildly (still drying her hands from the handwashing after touching every imaginable surface in the nasty bathroom), "Do you boys have any balls?"

Wow, what do you even say to follow that? I would have to say that 1. my daughter is very friendly and 2. I hope she learns some tact in the future. However, when it comes to building relationships and starting conversations, she's one of a kind! Have a great day and enjoy!

On Target!

Just a quick note of celebration! I am officially on-target for my first Mary Kay career car, the 2005 Pontiac Vibe!!! I may be driving FREE here in another two months! How exciting!

Thanks to my team of fabulous women, Kelli, Debbie, Linda, Shannon, and Tina! Also, thanks to my husband for his support and new job title (business manager) in my business! Thanks to my mom-in-law, Lisa, and Grace for watching Erin while I go to meetings and facials, and giving me a few minutes of peace! Thanks to Director, Jill, the Driving Divas, and my sister Michelle for your inspiration, guidance, and love!

If you'd like to know how I might earn the use of a career car, or if you could earn one, please ask! I promise, if I can do it, you can too!