For Jason

Dear Jason,

Today you turn 30.  And I wish so much that I could be there (or you here) to celebrate this milestone.  But alas, life calls and I can't.  It's funny how you think of milestones and wonder where you will be.  Where will life have taken you by your 21st, 30th, 40th, 80th birthday?  Hopefully somewhere good.  Somewhere you can be proud of.  I would have never imagined that on the day you turn 30 I'd be spending the entire day in an Autism Training Workshop.  Trying to learn how to teach and enrich the life of a child I haven't even met yet.  Nope.  I thought I'd be where ever you were.  Living it up.  Celebrating a life 30 years in the making.  A life that I've spent every day of my life being a part of.  I guess this is what it means to be a grown-up huh?  *sighs*

You are the very best brother a person could ask for.  No question.  I can't imagine my life without you.  And I know I wouldn't be who I am today without growing up with you.  

[Since you weren't too impressed with your mention in a previous post - Here's your shot-out...]

You are someone who would do a 'favor' that ended up taking the better part of two days to do.  No complaints.  No wondering what was in it for you.  Just doing it.  B/c you could.  I know you wanted a pic of Nick actually in the car cheezin' but what can ya do...this is what I have.

Before:

During: who knew bumpers had so many little parts to attach?  This wasn't even the worst of it.  

After: gleamin'

You know, not just anyone could do that.  That is a talent, my friend.  And you know how much we appreciate it.

[there was that better?  I hope so.]

So anyway- back to the matter at hand.  I guess my main question is this - When did we get old?  I remember you turning 12, 18, 21, 25...I remember how I couldn't wait to be that old.  

I remember thinking I'd never get to that age.  But also wondering, when I did get that old, what I would be doing.  

And now?  Well, I have to tell you...I am not in a hurry to get to 30 (just sayin').  So maybe you could just stay at 30 for a few years.  ;)  Although the idea of it is not as scary as it once was to me.  Who knows where we will be when I turn 30.  Or when you turn 40.  Maybe the 'where' we will be or the 'what' we will be doesn't even matter.

I suppose what really matters is 'who' you are and 'who' you have surrounding you.  Even if every 'who' isn't quite in place yet.    Maybe you're like me - working and bettering yourself today for someone you haven't even met yet.

So Happy 30th Birthday!  To the very best brother (and friend) a person could ask for (yeah I may be a little biased - but srsly it's true).   I hope you took the day off (can't be shaving too many more GDD years off of your life).  I hope you take some time time to sit back and enjoy your day (although I hope you don't get too crazy - but know that I will travel up there to pick you up if necessary).  I hope you drink a BLL (or two) for me.  And I hope you know how very lucky I consider myself to be your sister.

Happy Birthday!

I love you.

For Dad

I don't remember much from that day...

I don't remember where exactly we were.   It was a lake somewhere (I want to say somewhere in Virginia).

I don't remember what year it was.  We were little.

I don't remember why we were there.

But I do remember all of us playing in the water.

You picking us up, throwing us up in the air and into the water.  And I remember feeling so happy.


I may not remember much from that day...

but it is still one of the best days of my life.

Happy Father's Day.  I'm so lucky to be your daughter.

I love you.  Always.

"Freedom is never free."

A Joke:

From:  http://www.forwardedfunnies.com/awesome_senior_moment_002477.html?awt_l=FQnIV&awt_m=1dmmSZ3_HIB9bL

Here's a quote from a government employee who witnessed a recent inter-action between an elderly woman and an antiwar protester in a Metro station in DC. There were protesters on the train platform handing out pamphlets, on the evils of America. I politely declined to take one. The elderly woman was behind me getting off the escalator and a young (20-ish) female protester offered her a pamphlet, which she politely declined. The young protester put her hand on the old woman's shoulder as a gesture of friendship and in a very soft voice the young lady said, "Lady, don't you care about the children of Iraq?" The old woman looked up at her and said, "Honey,  my father died in France during World War II, I lost my husband in Korea, and a son in Vietnam. All three died so you could have the right to stand here and badmouth our country. If you touch me again, I'll stick this umbrella up your a** and open it." A Quote: It is easy to take liberty for granted, when you have never had it taken from you.  ~ M. Grundler A Thought:  *drags soapbox to the podium* It's easy to forget or confuse just how much the members of the US Military do and have done so that we can continue living in ways that we are accustomed to.  It is always important to remember that "freedom is never free".  It's not free for those fighting to keep our freedom intact.  It's not free for the families and loved ones carrying on at home, waiting for their return.  It's definitely not free for those who give their lives and the families who must carry on knowing their loved one is never coming home.   You may not agree with the politics and you may not agree with war in general - but you better stand up and support those who are out there giving their all, sometimes their lives to keep our country free.  That's the very least you can do.  *steps off soapbox* And just because I like this: If you can read this, thank a teacher.  If it's in English, thank a soldier. *** This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.  ~Elmer Davis Happy Memorial Day!   To all of those who continue to fight and for those who have given their lives for our freedom and our country.  I love you Dad.   I'm proud to be your daughter today and everyday.

Happy Mother's Day

Growing up I'd always thought my mom's whole purpose in life was to be my mom. That's how she made me feel.


~ N. Wagner


P.S.- You still make me feel like that.  

To the Best Mom a girl could hope for,

Even though we don't live in the same house or even the same city anymore...I know you're always there for me.

Happy Mother's Day!  I love you.  Today and every day.

TGIF Randomness

Dear, Sweet Friday. I thought you would never come. Srsly. I was beginning to worry. I thought perhaps you'd left me forever. I'm so glad you found me again old friend. I missed you.

TGIF Randomness

1. I needed to break out the memory card in my camera to send a parent some pics of her kid's b-day class party tonight. Which turns out was waaay more interesting than I'd originally thought it would be b/c I found a lot of pics I didn't know (well to be honest- had forgotten) I had.



So first - I give you camera (and camera phone) randomness...



What a goober. And just LOOK at Thomas. See! He stares at Jason in an adoring manner too. Ok not really - he's probably plotting to lay and shed all over his 500 thread count comforter and then pee on it. - Nah actually - Thomas is just thinking "This shiz is hockO sticks. WHY does everyone keep taking pictures of me?!? And look at this crazy mother f***er right here [jen note: ahem... censor that -I like to keep it clean] ... crazy nutzo beside me. WTF?"

And speaking of Jason - Who Else would get it in their head to WAIT to start shopping for the FIRST Christmas present until 2 days before (which in turn made it so I had to postpone some of my own shopping)? And you KNOW how I L-O-V-E traffic. Yeah. This isn't even the worst of it. At least I had a legit excuse to drive like a psycho. [silver lining baby]

and what?!? Did I capture the all-elusive-picture-phobe Nick? I think I did. amazing.

The BEST. PART. EVER of shopping with Jason?

The Vest.

I mean this pic doesn't even begin to do the 2 sizes too small vest justice. Not. Even. Close. First of all - I talked him in to trying it on in the middle of the store. Second- it was all "fat boy in a little coat". I don't think I've EVER laughed that hard in a public place -not even caring that Jason was mortified (probably b/c it was all he could do to get the vest OFF since I was no help - Hey! Laughter can be debilitating) and everyone was staring at us trying to figure out why I was gasping-for-air-rolling-on-the-floor-dying-of-laughter-in-the-middle-of-the-store. Good Times I tell you. Good times.

Kate!!!

You always make my heart happy. No questions asked. I heart finding pics of you on my camera.

Thomas the Devil Cat.

Missy - you might have a point.

Irony=the borrowed Left Behind book is separated from the mountain of books Thomas chose throw/swat/kick onto the ground and then perch upon like it would burn him or something. [jen note: sorry Mrs. Phillips - I do treat your possessions with care - it's Thomas who has NO respect]

Proof

I mean that's some creepy horror movie PURE EVIL right there

"I'll eat your soul"

2. Kid funnies. Again.
Yes, I had them write to explain why they were in trouble. You'd think I'd be tired of this crap by now and that I wouldn't get a kick out of getting them to document their thinking. You'd be wrong my dear sweet naive friend. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. I just like reading their reasoning. It really has nothing to do with punishing them - b/c to be honest it brings me serious LOLz. They never disappoint. Shhhh...just don't tell them.

Since I Fail at life using the scanner and these f-ers scanned really small and grainy- I'll read and translate:

I was not on green because I was talking in line. An(d) something else. I just don't remember.
When I have a kid....I want him to be as cool as this one. Srsly.
I didn't Want to Do math. time. But Next time I will. Do it. and I was playing With my coat

I don't know about you... but this one kinda makes me feel like I SUCK at teaching. I mean with as many periods he has in there - you'd THINK at least one of them would have found its way to the end of the sentence. Just a thought.




I was talking to the monitor. I telled on -----. I should not tell on nobody. I am sorry. I am in first grade. I am a big girl. I am a big girl.

What. The. Fu WTF?!? She's f-ing with me right!??! She totally STOLE my motto.

How did she KNOW that I sit in front of my mirror EVERY MORNING and give myself this pep talk: "You are a strong, confident woman. You can handle anything life throws at you today. You are smart, funny and you are rocking that crazy f-ed up hair style. You go girl. You are a first grade teacher. You are a big girl. You ARE a big girl. Big as in grown. Don't get a complex. Go get 'em tiger. You are a winner. Everyone wishes they could be 1/2 as cool as you."


No but srsly. How did she know??

Now I'm paranoid.

A Toast...

to 2010...may you be better than 2009.

to Peace...cause heaven knows we need more.

to Love...because you can never have enough.

to Hope...because sometimes it's all we have.

to a family that loves and supports everything I do...I love you guys.

to family game nights...even if we are throwing each other under the bus the whole time.

to Siblings who "bring out the crazy" in each other.

to Girl's Nights that never happened...because we will never speak of what happens during them.

to Movie quotes that are run INTO THE GROUND with our constant quoting.

to Eating bologna roll ups and cookie dough...just because you can (and because it seemed like a good idea at the time).

to learning to love the life you have.

to learning to accept what you have and where you are in life.

to a husband who cooks...because I can't, cleans the bathroom...because I think it's gross to clean the tub and toilet, and moves furniture around on a whim without complaint...because sometimes I just feel like a change.

to remembering to stop more often to appreciate the beauty in this world.

to intentionally and unintentionally making up new words (yutz, ish and H -E -'dovel- hockO sticks')...because "it'll catch on".

to "nights we won't remember with friends we'll never forget".

to being "the [insert number] best friends that anybody could have".

to secret obsessions and best friends to share them with.

to having friends with which no TMI exists.

to 500-600 thread count sheets...because Heaven is in the small things.

to laughing so hard you can't breathe.

to a loving family, loving friends, good health, comfortable shoes, a warm bed, clean clothes, good food to eat, a place to call home (and maybe high speed Internet)...because really... that's all we need.



to 2010 - may you be the best year yet!



Happy New Year!

Facebook Stalking

I'm just gonna throw this out there - Facebook is awesome. I admit I was late to jump on the bandwagon and join FB - and the only reason I did was b/c I was peer pressured into it. But really - it has to be one of the best things out there. I mean where else can you see pictures from friends/family/complete strangers that 'tag' one of your friends in a picture... not only can you see all the pictures - but you can see them almost immediately after they are taken. No longer are the days when you have to go home to see the hard copy after they've been developed or have them sent to you in an email.

I'm rambling...

Point being - having almost instant access to pictures is nice. Especially when you are not expecting what you see.

Case in point:

Jason's Halloween pics surfaced sometime yesterday. I had no idea what he was going to dress up as since I FAIL at coming up with cool/hip/currently in style Halloween costumes. So you can imagine my surprise when I happened upon this photo.

Really?!? A MONK?!? Really? I'm actually glad I saw the picture b/c otherwise I would have never believed it. Our conversation probably would have gone something like this:

Me: So what did you come up with?

Jason: A Monk.

Me: *snicker* no really

Jason: Really.

Me: Yeah ok. NO srsly though. What you didn't come up with anything?

Jason: I told you. A Monk.

Me: um... ok do you not want to tell me?

This probably would have ensued for at least 25 minutes.

My brother...the Monk. There are no words. And srsly though - what/who is that dude next to you?!?!

However; the best part of fb stalking is seeing complete strangers. I've already decided that this next costume is the best EVER. Sorry Jason - even better than the Monk getup.

Are. You. Freaking. Kidding. Me? Oh you know which one I'm talking about.

Ok - I'm not even gonna say too much about the other two guys in this pic. Tom Cruise?!? Risky Business? Really?!?

Nope. Not even going there. Risky indeed... (haha I'm lame) I guess I could give you some points for that.

I have NO idea who the next one is suppose to be. But that hat is pretty pimpin'. It would go right along with my pirate costume.

And yeah there's Jason the Monk again.

But SRSLY?!!?? ALAN?!? From The. Best. Movie. Ever. The Hangover?!? OMG. So much WIN right there!

I about died. Not only is that the Best. Costume. Ever. - but hold on now -is that the same exact shirt?!? And do you actually own a pair of white pants like that?!?!

Or is this sold as a costume somewhere? Cause if it's NOT - You are awesome my friend. AWESOME.

Srsly compare the two pics.

It is the SAME shirt. Please don't rain on my parade and tell me it was a costume - b/c it is way better in my head if you actually own those articles of clothing.

I mean Phil is waaaaaaaaay better but Alan definitely the next best thing in that movie. Seeing this picture made me want to watch the movie again and re-live some of the best lines from my 2 fav characters.

Alan:

"That's right! You better walk on. I'll hit an old man in public!"

"...I'm a steel trap. Whatever happens tonight, I won't ever ever speak a word of it. Seriously. I don't care what happens. I don't care if we kill someone."

"How's my hair? Is it cool like Phil's?"

"Oh you know what? Next week's not good for me... the Jonas Brothers are in town..."

Phil:

"Would you shut up and drive before these nerds ask me another question."

"Would you PLEASE put some pants on?!? I feel weird having to ask you twice. "

"Hey it's Phil. Leave me a message - or don't. But do me a favor; don't text me. It's gay."

Happy Father's Day!

(Yes - I am recycling the picture. Get over it. Or I could use the awesome ones I took when I got Mom's Whoa Face picture...)


In celebration of Father's Day - I will give you the top five reasons why I have the best dad there is.






1. My dad is funny. He always knows what to say to make me laugh. Even when I don't want to.





2. My dad doesn't mind being picked on. "If they're/you're picking on me - then everyone else is being left alone."





3. My dad is generous. He will literally give you the shirt off his back. I remember one Halloween when we were out trick or treating when my basket was full. Well of course we weren't ready to head home yet (I don't even think we were halfway through the neighborhood) - so he took off one of his shirts, rigged it up and poured my candy into it so my basket was empty again.





4. My dad is brave. He served 20 years in the Navy going around the world, having to spend 6 or more months at a time away from us. I still remember the day I came home from school and realized he was finally home from his LAST deployment!





5. My dad is loving. I know for a fact that my dad would go to the ends of the earth for any of us. He always is there to listen, talk, (slowing learning to email *woo hoo!*) and anything else we need.
*Also - he secretly loves all of the animals at home. He may act like he doesn't want to take in anymore strays or extra pets but if you listen closely you can hear him talking to them out on the deck when he doesn't think anyone can hear him. Also he's a big softie and lets "outside & garage only dog Kate" sleep IN THE HOUSE when no one else is home. We're on to you. :)




I may not say it enough so I'm posting it here for all to see.


So thank you Dad, for being the best Dad anyone could ask for. I'm glad you are mine. (Wow maybe I should go to work at Hallmark. I swear I did not steal that off of a card!) :)





I love you! Happy Father's Day! Thanks for giving me a Happy Heart. Hopefully you have one too now.

Happy Anniversary

Happy 33rd Anniversary to the best Mom & Dad in the whole world!!! Srsly. (If you dare to disagree - I will cut you. Or perhaps I will simply put a fork in your neck. Either way...)












(33 right?)






I mean it's hard to keep track after so many years. :)

There Mom - you happy? I think that's a beautiful picture of you!
Am I forgiven for exposing the 'whoa face'?

P.S - please forgive the crappy quality. I had to scan these.

P.P.S - Check out them curtains. Those are some srsly AWESOME curtains. I'm glad those have been retired. ;) Wow. I really need a new pic of you guys there. So much has changed. The mantle, the clock, the furniture.... Yep. Definitely getting a new picture next time I come home. You have been warned.

If only I had some older pictures (I don't know...like the ones with those stylish 70s plaid pants ...DAD). Oh you wait until I come home next. I'll be swiping some old pics to scan! :) *evil laugh*

I know...I know... I'm a day early. I guess I just couldn't wait. :)

This ones for you Dad...

Since I can't have you checking the blog daily and coming up empty every time.

Disclaimer: I only post this b/c I don't think it's such a terrible picture. Even if Mom does. But as I am in need of a good hardy laugh lately - I couldn't resist.

Behold - I give you Mom's "Whoa" face.

HOW did this picture come about you ask? Well I'll tell you. You might remember me playing around with my camera one night (or not depending on whether you were there or not obviously). Well... in snapping a bunch of crazy pictures of Mom, Dad, my toe (more to come on that front later), and any other random picture I could snap without giving myself away - I captured this wonderful moment in time. While Mom was enjoying her favorite reading obsession, I turned the camera on her and instead of a quick flash - it put the red 'spotlight' on her before taking the picture. So in that quick moment she disengages herself from the wonderful world that is Twilight - and looks up saying "Whoooooooaaaaaa". Hence "The whoa face".

Needless to say it has to be my FAVORITE picture ever! Even though mom may think I have deleted it. (Oops.)

*goes to find a good hiding spot*

I had to keep it b/c it totally makes my heart happy. And ANY picture or thing that makes a heart happy should definitely NOT be deleted or forgotten. Right?

So I ask you... what makes your heart happy?