A Princess & A Monkey

Remember

2011-09-07T11:17:00.003-05:00

Stiemy and I just exchanged a couple of emails and a quick phone call. My email subject was "Remember". I was sending him details that I was reminding him to take care of. When he called he thought at first glance of "Remember" that I was referring to "remember one year ago today."

One year ago today, our lives changed forever. He interviewed for a job that would offer him a completely new career and send our family in a totally new and different direction. He got it and made the call to me that said "are you ready to move?" I still get that I-want-to-throw-up feeling when I think back to it. Now, 12 months later we have made the jump to another part of the state and in some ways our old life seems so long ago. There is so much that I do miss about our old live, mostly my friends...well, only that (and maybe Target)!

"Dear Lord, thank you for presenting Stiemy with the opportunity

and the courage to go for it. You closed so many doors and windows on our

journey to that point. We knew when that door flew open, it is where You wanted us.

Please continue to guide us in the direction that You want us to go. Amen"

So today, I am now "remembering- one year ago" and I'm a more than a little sentimental!

New Beginnings

2011-08-22T08:51:00.002-05:00

Summer is gone, at least the days of no routine! We still find ourseleves enjoying the pool during the weekend. As great as it was to have freedom of schedules, it is equally as great to get back into the swing of school!

The Princess started 3rd grade and one of her best buddies in her class. Hope this works out!
The Monkey started at the "big school" and not only has a class full of buddies, but is sharing a table with a cutie, (she declares is her future husband). She has even told him so, but that's a cute story (at least I think so) for another day.

Stiemy is busy working 12+ hour days and I'm filling in my hours with lots of different hats. We are eagerly awaiting football season and opening up our home to friends and family!!! Speaking of, I'm off to do start a few projects to get us ready! Hope your back to school routine is off to a great start!

Summer 2011

2011-07-06T19:47:00.002-05:00

Summer 2011 has been super busy. I have no idea how July 4th has come and gone.

Here are the highlights. Take a deep breath...can you handle it?

The Princess Turned 8

The Monkey took Swimming Lessons

The Princess Skied for the 1st Time & to Overnight Camp for 1 week

The Monkey Annouced Who She Was Marrying & Told Him

"You have to come to my church because that's what boys do"

I gave up my IPhone. I think I'm almost over it.

VBS-Princess 2 different ones/The Monkey-Just Got 1

Stiemy's business opened!!!!!!

We still have several weeks of summer to go. Then I will have a 3rd grader and a PreSchooler

at the same school, AGAIN!!!!!

Hope you are having fun summer days and able to enjoy slow summer nights!

Happy Birthday, America!!!

My Father's Hands

2011-05-23T09:33:00.002-05:00

Over the weekend our local swimming pool opened for the summer. The girls were thrilled to take their first dip in what seemed to be icy cool water! The Princess jumped right in and picked back up where she left off last year. The Monkey didn't seem to wait too long to adjust either. She definitely still needs someone she trusts in the pool with her!

Both girls took off immediately for the slide. I admit that seeing the Monkey climb the ladder and go down alone, startled me a bit. However, I noticed that her "buddy boy" aka Daddy was in the pool waiting for her. She went down the slide several times with no fear, as long as Daddy's strong hands were there to catch her the minute she hit the water.

I was immediately struck with the symbolism of Our Father's Hands. Is it really so different? His Hands are always holding us. He may let us dip under the water, but He will always bring us back to the surface and He never lets go even when we slip. How blessed would we always be to remember and have the same confidence of a child in a pool with her Daddy.

Happy swimming and blessings for the strong grip He keeps on us,

even when we are "drowning".

Mommy Moments from Faith Begins @Home

2011-03-22T09:43:00.002-05:00

We recently moved and joined a new church. They are in the midst of launching a new program based on Maria & Mark Holmen's "Faith Begins at Home" and Faith @ Home Ministries. Part of the program includes a book "Faith Begins @ Home MOM." Last night I began the book and each chapter will include "Mommy Moments" for the reader to consider. One of the questions in "Mommy Moments" in the first chapter was what advice would you give to new mom's. There is so much, but my favorite piece of advice is this...

"YOU WILL SLEEP AGAIN."

The princess was that perfect baby. She would eat, sleep, wake, eat, sleep. She slept through the night at 5 weeks old. Then, we met the monkey! She would eat, eat, cry, eat, eat, cry, sleep for a second, then wake to eat AGAIN. She didn't sleep through the night until after I went back to work and she was probably 13-15 weeks old. Of course, there are mothers reading this (probably not really) that are like "my child is 2 yrs old and still doesn't sleep" or "my child had reflux" or any other horrible story of newborns. Let me just say it was still tough compared to the princess. Not impossible and not the worst it could have been, but still I like to sleep. I require sleep!

No matter how tough those hours are that you are awake with a little baby never forget that you will sleep again. I'm sure when my girls are dating, driving and staying up all night with slumber parties, I will need to remind myself:

"YOU WILL SLEEP AGAIN!"

A Comparison

2011-03-21T10:19:00.004-05:00

It seems that on a daily basis, my girls tell me "Mama, we are going to do everything you ask us to, use our manners and be so good from now on!" How long does it last about as long as it takes for one of them to take stickers away from the other!

As I listened to this solemn promise again during Spring Break it hit me! Is this really any different than our daily promise to God? "Dear Lord, help me to do all you want me to do and keep me from evil. Please forgive me of all my many sins and help me to be more like Him."

Daily He forgive us and daily we mess up again. Again, I am reminded how similar God's love is to my love for my girls.

Dear God, thank you for forgiving us daily. Please grant me with the same patience and forgiveness.

Happy Birthday, Monkey

2011-01-07T08:51:00.009-06:00

I remember the day my doctor discharged me from the hospital after having my 2^nd baby. Hubs was asleep in the room and it was still dark outside. I told the doctor that I felt fine, but that I didn’t feel like the baby was really mine. Please don’t judge me here, I loved her and she was perfect. The issue was that I had had 3 ½ years to fall into the deep love and connection with the Princess. This precious Monkey had only been in the world 1 ½ days. Now, almost 4 years later I know that she is mine and it didn't take but a few more hours to know she was. Well, mine that God has given me on loan from him.

Tomorrow is her 4^th birthday and I can’t believe it. That little monkey looked at me this morning and told me she wanted chocolate cupcakes for breakfast tomorrow! She grinned so big when she heard me say we would have shrimp Saturday night to eat. This little girl has brought so much joy to our lives. We laugh at her daily and just shake our heads. For the longest time, we thought it was just us. However, after years of observing she bring smiles and laughter to nearly everyone she comes in contact with!

She is so different from her sweet and older sister. She is our clown. She loves to watch football and thinks every team is the Bulldogs. She has a MSU baseball hat that you seldom see her without. Her favorite clothes include her “shorts with pockets”, MSU hat and a MSU tshirt or sweatshirt. She also has a Tate 2011 t-shirt she really likes. Her sister has always been easy to dress and compliant with almost anything we ask her to wear. This little one has a fashion sense of her own and wants pockets in everything. This definitely alters how I shop and buy for her!My Monkey “snoozes” (most refer to it as snores) and has a deep raspy voice. Her teachers at school and church always tell us that she is “the mother” of the room. She helps everyone and keeps everbody in line. We think that it is their nice way of saying she’s “bossy”. She and her sister have a precious relationship. Princess almost always gives in and gives Monkey what she wants. Hence, Princess is trying to keep the peace (like her Mama) and Monkey is determined and persistent (like her Daddy). She can play by herself much better than her older sister. They share a room and most nights end up in the same twin bed, which I love! I pray they will always be close and have each other. For nearly 8 years, I’ve heard how much the Princess looks like her Daddy and she does. The Monkey though is mine! It is fun to have one that people think looks like me. I’m not really sure who she acts like yet. Hubs and I both insist we didn’t act like she does when we were 4. I might act more like that now, but not then. She keeps us on our toes for sure!

One of my favorite things she said to us recently went something like this:

Me: “Monkey, please don’t talk so loud and use your inside voice.”

Monkey: “Mama, I can’t help it my mouth is just loud”

Seriously, what can I say back to that?

I love you baby girl and never forget “nobody loves you, like I do.”

The Elf & Kat

2010-12-17T10:22:00.002-06:00

So, while I struggle a little with why I do this blog (and I am not dedicated, sorry MSKS.) However, today I'm going to take the direction that maybe one day my girls will look back at it and there will be stories about them (since the scrapbook/baby book mom, I am NOT).

So, Oliver our Elf has been with us regularly for a few years now. This year Kat has been even more about it and curious as to his reasons for lurking. I've also noticed over the last few weeks that she may be scared of our little red friend. She doesn't want to be anywhere that her back will be to him. I think it's funny and also a trait that I learned from my father and maybe she has from Stiemy. We do not like to sit with our back at the door, we like to know who is coming towards us. So, this morning there was an uneaten bowl of cheerios in the kitchen because Oliver was hanging out behind her! Bless her little heart!

Emotional Train Wreck

2010-12-14T20:55:00.001-06:00

I saw this commercial last night and have been an emotional train wreck since.
27 Dresses-Cried
Hugging a friend that we went to Maine with-Cried
Holding 4 week old Mary Winston McCraney in my arms-Cried
Crazy Game Show Minute to Win It-Cried
Biggest Loser-Cried

Here's to hoping you can hold it together better than me!

Tis Our Season...Really it is HIS Season

2010-12-13T08:36:00.003-06:00

As I was making a list of all the things to do this week, I couldn't help but think about this current season of our life. Two small children, one major career change that is resulting in a phyiscal move to another part of the state, one without a job for the first time in 13 years and it is Christmas. While so much of my family's life feels up in the air and unsettled we do know a few things that are THE most important and for these I am especially thankful today:

1. Abundance of friends
2. Loving, supportive and totally dependable family
3. GOD'S PROMISE of Love, Protection, Forgiveness and Provision

How can I worry or be anxious about anything when I have more than so many people on this earth. At this time of year, the feeling of being overwhelmed seems so natural. Is that the natural that God wants us to feel? I think...actually I KNOW not. While I write and think these things, I say them as a reminder for myself more than anything.

Lord, as the uncertainty of our day to day lives continues here. Please help me remember your Promise and this is your SEASON, not mine.

Attempt at Rededication

2010-11-22T09:44:00.003-06:00

It has been a while and as my precious friend, MSKS, pointed out it is time to rededicated my life to my blog! So, to ease back in to it here we go. I'm home with the pack this morning and they are already asking what they can do. So, I thought I'd let them provide me the information for today.

It will be funny to look back at their answers over the years. I've done this several times with the Princess, but never posted. I do think her BFF hasn't changed over the years!

How old are you? The Princess-7 Monkey-3

What do like to do for fun? The Princess-Color Monkey-Christmas

What is your favorite subject/thing to do at school? The Princess-Art Monkey-share

Who is your best friend? The Princess-Maris Monkey-Brooks

What is your favorite color? The Princess-Light blue Monkey-red

What do you like to wear? The Princess-My jammies Monkey-red

What is your favorite movie? The Princess-Belle Monkey-My baby ones

If you go on a trip anywhere where would you go? The Princess-The beach Monkey-Go with Millie

What are you thankful for this year? The Princess-My family Monkey-Mommy

What is your favorite song? The Princess-Jingle Bells Monkey-Jesus loves the children

New Life Lessons Aren't Always Fun or Easy

2010-08-24T13:45:00.002-05:00

Earlier today I was on a conference call and they asked how summer was? I commented that we were starting week 3 of school, so my summer was over.

The Princess entered 2nd grade and my Monkey started K3. They are both at the same school now and this totally helps in so many ways. Uniforms!!!! Same drop off and pick up!!! They see each other at Pep Rally's, etc....

Last week our school experienced a tragic loss. In what seems a senseless and careless act at this point, one of the school's extra-curricular teachers was killed in a car accident. She was unmarried, no children, 35 year old and was an only child. We want to question God and often we do. We have to understand that His plans no matter how painful will end with joy. Maybe not as soon as we think, but at some point there will be Joy.

So, as I waited on the school to release that the horrible news was true. I prepared how I would explain this to my sweet and innocent child that had her in class just the day before. As we tucked in for the night, I explained to her that her teacher had gone to live with Jesus. That at all different ages God decides He is ready for one of us. God takes people that are 100 and he takes babies and people in between.

These were hard words to find. She just stared in to my eyes as though trying to understand. Her first question, "who will be my teacher in that room?" I explained that someone very special would be in there now and the school would make sure of it. We prayed for her teacher's parents, friends, teacher friends and students and that we knew the next day would be a very sad one at school.

While I thought we were finished for the night, I had not given much thought to the fact that the Monkey was listening to every word. She had tears rolling down her cheeks and told me that she didn't want to die. How did she get that? So, for days later she has continued (sporadically) to tell me she didn't want to die. I finally asked her what that meant. She thought for a moment and said "to go live in another house." Well, she's right! We had said the day before that the teacher had gone to another house with God.

How do they pick up and understand so much so soon?

Thank you, Lord for giving me the words to share such sad news with my children. Please continue to comfort the family and friends whose lives have been forever changed as a result of this accident.

Funny Road Trip

2010-07-29T16:06:00.002-05:00

We recently returned from the "big" family vacation with my parents, brother and his crew and my gang! It is always total chaos, lots of fun and a little drama (with 4 kids ages 3 1/2 to 7 what do you really expect).

The Monkey did incredibly better with the sand this year. There was no screaming because her toes were touching it. Now, in her eyes...screaming was a little present. The Princess now refers to it as her "happy place" (because I'm sure the rest of her "places" are just terrible)! I'm not sure the beach is your "happy place" when you want to always be at the pool.

The trip to the beach involved my mother chauffeuring while Big Daddy read books on his Kindle (great Father's Day gift) and I sat between two car seats in the back, JOY! The quote of the road trip happened as follows. My girls always hear me say that "if your nose is itching then company must be coming". It is just one of those "old fashion" sayings that your Mama said to you and her Mama said to her. So, all of a sudden The Princess is scratching her nose and says "I have visitors in my nose."

Needless to say, my mother and I lost it totally and were laughing uncontrollably. What happened from there you ask? Tears and crying because we were making fun of her. Did I mention there is always DRAMA?

Today:June 25, 2010

2010-06-25T16:08:00.004-05:00

Today, I wish the City of Jackson Water Crisis Part II had continued from yesterday and

I could have stayed home!

Today, I should not have eaten so much Mexican food at lunch.

Today, I wonder when my Friday night activities started including cardio.

Today, I am excited that my niece, favorite nephew and all time best brother are coming to visit tomorrow (we will miss you Beth).

Today, I'm wondering how having 3 girls ages 7, 5, and 3 1/2 in my house alone will be.

Today, I wonder what it will be like to go to my hubby's 20th class reunion (3 years early) will be in Indianola.

Today

2010-05-19T11:28:00.002-05:00

Today, I wish we hadn't been late.

The Princess got her 1st tardy slip on the last day of school.

Today, I'm glad that the dancing recital and dress rehersal are done!

Today, I feel so blessed that I got to see my precious friend Mallory & her daughter Olivia last night at the recital.

Today, I'm really looking forward to wine club this weekend!

Today, I'm wondering how to make it to the last minute Dance Camp presentation at school and keep my job.

The Postmistress by Sarah Blake

2010-03-18T09:48:00.002-05:00

Three weeks ago on a trip to Las Vegas for work, I needed new reading material. So, I shopped around (in the ATL) and read different book reviews to find the perfect new read. I stumbled across The Postmistress and I had not heard of it or the author. What grabbed me was this on the cover:

“I’m telling everyone I know to read this book.”-Kathryn Stockett, author of The Help.

Kathryn Stockett wrote possibly one of my favorite books of all times. I totally fell in love with all the characters and still wish I could find a Minnie to come live with me in Mississippi. So, after reading Kathryn Stockett recommended it, I was sold on the overpriced book in the ATL bookstore!

Honestly, I pushed my way through it and none of the characters really grabbed me (like Minnie). MSKS gave me the book The Sanctuary of Outcasts and I was really eager to get started on it. Finally last night I read the last pages of The Postmistress. While Stiemy tried to ask me questions about what I was reading (don’t you love when someone is trying to talk to you and you are trying to finish a book?) Of course, by the title he was convinced (or maybe just irritating me) I was reading some trashy love story about a “mistress”. I tried to explain to him the setting was during WWII (World War 2 not Weight Watchers) and the postmistress is the lady that ran the small post office. He was not convinced, men!

There were several different key characters in the story. A doctor and his wife, a female war correspondent (that’s what we call them today), a paranoid man worried the Germans were going to invade America and The Postmistress. Of course, in the end all these characters evolved and came into each other’s life. Although, this was strictly fiction there were parts that were true and historic. Several of Edward Murrow’s radio broadcasts were quoted, the Jews were under horrible scrutiny and being forced to leave their homes.

I believe one of the key points to Sarah Blake’s story was that while all these horrible actions are going on in other parts of the world (outside of the US) Americans are oblivious for the most part. We continue to go to the movies, work, church, Starbucks and the mall. Spring Break trips and summer vacations and what the kids will wear for Easter in 2 weeks are on everyone’s mind
Yes, I realize how shallow and self-centered the last few lines were and I’m as guilty about these actions as my other fellow Americans. What I hope to learn as I store this book on a shelf, is to never forget the nightmare so many others in this world are experiencing. To remember that God loves them as much as He loves me and that I’m thankful to live in America. Today, I’m praying extra hard that our government doesn’t take these freedoms away from us during this administration.

Will I recommend this book to others? The verdict is still out on that one.

Today: March 2, 2010

2010-03-02T11:17:00.009-06:00

Somehow another month has lapsed and the world kept spinning even though I haven't posted. Actually, I heard that the 8.8 earthquake in Chile knocked the earth's axel off by like 1/2 cm or something. Apprently, NASA reported this and it happened several years ago with the earth shattering Tsunami.

As an effort to attempt re-entry into the blog world here goes another easy and fun posting:
today I wish I was in my comfy bed since it is cold and wet outside. today I want to find a way to get me out and exercising. today I hope Ted Levi finds comfort and peace with his battle for cancer. And that his daughter my friend, Joanne Mathison will find peace too. today I want all the local caterers to submit awesome budget friendly bids for 2010 Mistletoe. today I would like flowers in my office and at my house. I watched a movie on a plane over the weekend with Jennifer Aniston and she was a florist. today I want a really springish and fun OPI color.

Happy Tuesday.....ughhhh

Today

2010-01-30T19:22:00.004-06:00

Today

Today it snowed outside again (this is rare, but common this winter).

Today I don't want my baby girl to be getting sick.

Today I wonder if I can make headboards for my girls' room.

Today marks one week until I reunite with friends I haven't seen together in 17 years.

Today I wonder who wrote some of the cheesy Miss America introductions.

Today I am really loving my Uggs!

Today is almost the end of January.

Today I pray for Haiti.

Today I enjoyed visiting with my friend, Manda.

Today I look forward to welcoming the man of our house home on Sunday.

11 Years & Still Going Strong

2010-01-09T17:00:00.005-06:00

Happy 11th Anniversary, Stiemy!

I so vividly remember looking out the windows of the church parlor on that cold Janaury day and thinking no one was coming. Exactly eleven years ago, at this very hour the doors of the 1st Presbyterian Church in Clarksdale opened to a beautiful sanctuary filled with friends and family from all over the country and I became your wife.

I love you and it's not just words when you hear, "I love you more now than I did the day we married." It may not feel the same as when we first said those 3 little words, but it's because now there is history, memories, trials & celebrations with one another. When I run through the last 11 years, here are some of the parts that speed through like a fastforwarded movie!

Our excitement of buying our 1st house & the crazy neighbor thought I was your Mother.

We scraped pennies to go to the movie...the paychecks wouldn't show up until the next day!

I left Ridgeland Tourism and moving to State Tourism

You left the banking business

You started a career in pharmaceuticals

MSU Football Seasons

My crazy travel schedules

We had our first baby girl

We closed on house #2 in the hospital with baby girl

You lost your Dad

All the times your companies bought, sold and realigned

You had the chicken pox and I was pregnant

We had another baby girl

We both had strep throat and laid up and watched movies, while girls went to school

You had a job loss and a 6 month search

Beach trips with the Kittle Clan.
Awesome trips to NYC, Miami, San Francisco & Las Vegas

Oh, how I wish I was a journaling type person. It would be so much fun to go back and read what we did before we were a family of four. My prayer is that we will always put the Lord first and each other 2nd. It is so difficult with so much going on in the craziness we call life. I am more proud of you than I could ever put in to words and know that you are exactly who the Lord made me for. It does not mean that it has always been perfect and we know that it never will be, but I wouldn't have done it any other way!

I can't wait to look back in 10 more years and then in 20 to what zips through my memory then.

One thing is for sure...I look forward to it!

Thanks for making me your wife and giving me the 2 most precious gifts!

I Love You.

A Letter to the Monkey-Happy 3rd Birthday!

2010-01-08T14:08:00.005-06:00

Dear Monkey,

Three years ago today, we were waiting to meet you. I love surprises and we wanted to wait until you were born to find out boy or girl! I convinced your Daddy the only time he would get any attention during this was when he walked out with you to announce your arrival, girl or boy and your name. When we found out we were expecting you, the due date was my birthday, January 12th! Daddy and I got married on January 9, 1999 and I was adamant that you had to have your own day!

Around 4:00 that afternoon, we were told it, “It’s another Girl!” Of course, one of the nurses remarked, “Two Weddings Dad!”

A nurse went down the hall to get your big sister (3 1/2 years old) to come meet you before everyone else did. The nurses bundled you up tight, handed you off to your Daddy and he marched down the hall with his 2 girls to meet the clan!

Your middle name is the same as your Daddy’s and his Dad’s. We weren’t really sure what your name would be until about 2 days before your birth. If you had been a boy we still were firm on your name. It was between John Hamilton (Jack) or Turner Hamilton.

You have forever changed our world! We will also strive to not compare you with your sister, but personality wise it is hard not to. When I think of you here are a few things that come to mind:

-You can be so mischievous one minute and the next be holding my face between your two hands planting a kiss on my lips!

-You were bald headed for almost 2 years and we loved it!
-You call your sister “Sissy”
-Your teachers and friend’s moms say you are like “a little mother in the class”. We don’t see this at home, maybe because you are the baby.
-You and your Sissy absolutely adore each other! However, recently you have started copying her and making fun of her…pretty typical for a younger sibling.
-You can be a real flirt.
-You love to watch football and more recently hunting shows.
-You already love the bulldogs!
-You do not like the mud…or the sand (hoping to change that soon)
-You have carried a big pink silky blanket around since you were born. You call it “Baby”
-You suck your thumb, but we are trying to convince you to quit

You complete our precious little family. There are so many things that I can’t wait to do with both of my girls and share with you! My prayer is that we will be the best parents we can for you and teach you to love Jesus with all you have. Baby Girl (you and Sissy fight over who my baby girl is…I tell you that you are both my babies); you have an awesome life ahead of you.

Happy 3rd Birthday Katherine Hamilton McCaskill!

September 2007 -You weren't old enough to have an opinion about sand!

Christmas

2009-12-21T10:40:00.006-06:00

The week of Christmas is now here. I left Target last night saying "I'm done with my shopping" and last night I wrapped my last gifts...I thought. Only to remember 2 more that I stashed away from little hands and eyes. Then last night the Monkey decides to tell Santa she wants a Choo Choo Train...what? I haven't heard this before now? What do I do now? The good news/bad news is that her birthday falls only 2 weeks after Christmas, so I can shift gifts around.

I will have to post pictures from our visit with the big Red Man last night later. My Princess was mesmerized and didn't hesitate to climb on his lap. The Monkey however...is just a big talker. She kept her distance, but there was a sparkle in her eye! Maybe next year.

It has become a tradition for our little family to go nearby and visit the City of Lights. The temperature varies from nice enough to not need a jacket, to hats and scarves and mittens! This year was freezing and as returned home the snow began to fall. You just never know! Included in this tradition is trying to snap a picture on the exact steps in front the of the same tree and lights each year. I'm notorious for getting there and my camera batteries dying, so I can't find the shots from 2008. Watch our family grow and change....

2005

(before the monkey)

2006

(the monkey was less than 1 month away from joining us)

2007

(the Monkey's first Christmas trip)

2009

Merry Christmas!

Lord, please equip me with the answers.

2009-12-08T10:04:00.003-06:00

Jeff Foxworthy is host of "Are You Smarter Than a 2nd Grader". Unfortunately, I'm not sure I'm even smarter than a 1st grader. She doesn't want me to read to her anymore, she wants to do it.

On one hand this is great because she can entertain her sister.

On another hand it is frustrating because if she wants to read to me, it takes a little longer than if I read it. Selfish? Yes. Will I be pleading for these moments back soon, of course!

Finally, I feel so blessed to know she is in a Christ centered school and is learning so much. This is the same smart little girl that when I apologized for saying an inappropriate word (it was only "crap" by the way) last week, she asked if it started with "sh". Yikes....maybe she was thinking shoot? I will just think so.

So, last night on our way home from basketball we have this conversation:

Princess: "Mama, why does God make sick stuff?"
Mama: "Ummm...like what?"
Princess: "Like fever and colds and swine flu?"
Mama: "Ummm...good question. I think sometimes we get sick because God wants us to slow
down and listen to him. He wants us to depend on Him and spend time with Him. I also, think He wants to show us that only He can make us feel better."
Princess: "But God doesn't want us to be sick?"
Mama: "Ummm...you are right."
Princess: "So, I don't understand."
Mama: "Baby, there are so many things that we don't understand and that we never will. We just have to know that God is going to always love us and take care of us."
Princess: "Mama, they have a snow globe in their yard."

One hour later at the dinner table:
Princess: "Mama, did you tell Daddy what I asked you?"
Daddy: "Yes, she did." (Of course, I had to give him a heads up on a good response)
Princess: "Well, Daddy what did you say. Why does God make sick stuff?"
Daddy: "Your Mama was right and there are a lot of things we will never understand we just have to trust that God loves us."
Princess: "Can we put the lights and decorations on the tree now?"

Their minds are like sponges and it scares me to death. We are responsible for loving and training these girls to know, love and fear the Lord. Wow! Lord, please equip me with the answers to make sure these babies grow closer to You and develop their own sweet and precious relationships with You!

By the way, "Mama's right" are some awesomely sweet words to my ears!

The Trip to Starkville...worth it!

2009-11-16T15:29:00.005-06:00

Saturday afternoon, I headed to Starkville with friends. Arrived in time to head to the Sigma Chi House for the precious Memorial Dedication to Jennifer & Jon Steckler. I was able to hold Steck's sweet 1 year old nephew, one of Sherman's girls sat quietly in my life and my favorite part was hugging Mrs. Steckler's sweet, precious neck! There were definitely some memories shared and my favorite was Steck dressed in a Super T tshirt hanging off the old balcony at a party one night.

Mrs. Steckler is a tower of strength that even in my wildest dreams, I could never compare. I surely do not even want to experience 1/3 of what she has. She has the strongest faith of anyone that I have ever known. The quietest and most genuine ways. It is so obvious by spending any amount of time with her that her priorities are in the order all of ours should be.

1. God First.
2. Family Second.

The mother of 11 children, her job in life was to raise her family to love God, others and then maybe themselves. Thank you, Mrs. Steckler. You are a beautiful woman on the inside and out and you shared with many of us one of the most precious gifts in my life...your 5th child/3rd daughter-Jennifer Dale.

2 Years and it is still fresh...

2009-11-13T21:02:00.003-06:00

Tomorrow I'm heading to the home of 4 years of awesome memories....Mississippi State University. I will travel there with an emptiness in my heart. Two years ago this month, a very dear friend lost a fight with leukemia. Actually, she may have lost this earthly battle but she ran in into the arms of her earthly father, big brother and Our Father! Have you heard Steven Curtis Chapman's song about what Heaven looks like to him (he lost his little girl last year and his view of heaven is her waiting for him)? In my view of Heaven, I see my precious friend grinning at me and waiting to show me around.

Fortunately, I made it almost 33 years before I lost a dear friend. I have lost loved ones over the years, but never something like this. Her diagnosis, her battle and her death have been a consistent struggle for me. I can think of her and smile and then just as easily be in tears. I found out 3 weeks ago that the fraternity (where we spent the majority of our college years) plan to dedicate a memorial to my friend and her brother that died in 1992. Tomorrow I will once again enter the doors of that fraternity house after almost 13 years and together with friends we will memorialize my amazing friend.

Rarely a day goes by that I do not think of her and tomorrow I look forward to seeing her beautiful family. I only wish that her face was the one I would see tomorrow. I miss you more than you know, Steckler. I have no regrets except that I didn't carry you out of your house that day in October and to have a beer on the banks of The River that last visit!

Now, if she could talk to me right now this is what she would say. Go give my mother and which ever siblings are there hugs and kisses. Then, go grab a beer and head to the football game and cheer for the Dawgs to beat Alabama! That is exactly what she would say and I will do just that!

October, Seriously?

2009-10-12T09:22:00.007-05:00

As usual, so much time has passed since my last post. We have been super busy and here are the highlights that come to mind:

1. The Princess lost her first tooth. Stiemy wasn't quite ready for this and really just wanted her to leave it alone. However, I was set to pull it!

2. The Monkey is completely potty trained!!!

3. We have been to 2 MSU football games and both girls made it through all 4 heartbreaking quarters.

4. I assisted in welcoming 36 Europeans to Tupelo, Indianola and Tunica for several days.

5. Stiemy fixed his first ponytail in 6 years...not his own!

It is hard to believe that October is here and this week we hope to seal the decision on our Halloween costumes (for all of us). If you have any suggestions for the parental unit costumes, we are open to suggestions. We have a party to attend and the theme is "tv characters".

In June I posted about "The Same Kind of Different As Me". Ever since, I know without a doubt that God is preparing my heart for something big. Over the last several months, He has been gently closing doors. Some even felt like a slam at the time. I know that He has an amazing plan in store for me and my family. I am cautiously waiting to see what this plan involves. In the meantime, I keep coming in contact with people and stories that are living out His plan for them. Bethany came to our Sunday School class several months ago and she is preparing to leave for Cambodia. Katie is in Africa impacting hundreds of children. The Mayernicks have 6 children and the best I can tell 4 are their's biologically and 2 are adopted. At this very time, they are waiting to bring Josie home to the U.S. Right before the Mayernicks were preparing to fly home with Josie, routine medical exams showed that she was HIV positive and had TB. She was unable to fly home with her parents and is staying with Katie, mentioned above.

Now, I am not indicating that I believe God is going to have us move to a 3rd world country, but what if He did. Would we willingly go? I am amazed by the stories of these people. I know that God doesn't ask all of us to leave the comfort of our country to make a difference and there are plenty of ways to do that here in the U.S.A. What is it though? What is He calling me to do? Stay tuned and I hope to be able to tell you.

Real Life Heroes

2009-08-18T15:55:00.004-05:00

When I started in the tourism industry in 1997, KB warned me that once you get in to the tourism industry it is really hard to get out. The people are just so great and you spend so much time with them that if you get out...you want right back in. Fortunately, I haven't had to get out yet and "most" of the people are great!

There was a very short amount of time that I was able to get to know the girls from Oxford Tourism at the time. It was just a very casual hi how are you and maybe sharing a table at a conference at that was bout it. 11 years later, she came back on my radar through a friend's friend. Got to love the southern connections. First, I was looking for bible study options and someone gave me Robyn's name, so I randomly contacted her via email (she had written studies for her church, wow). Then a friend that lived in Oxford for a couple of years mentioned her to me and told me I should check out her blog. Her husband was in the National Guard and was about to be deployed. So, I start reading about this family. He writes about his time away from his family, his home and his country. She writes about their family activities (3 active children) and how they are coping without Daddy.

I admit, I am probably a little too self-absorbed with my own little world and do not pay enough attention to the outside world. What can I do to change any perception of our country? What can I do to change the situation in Iraq? I mean, I pray for our country in church, during elections and during the patriotic holidays and maybe other times? Unfortunately, I bet I'm in the majority on this and that millions of Americans totally take for granted what is going on to protect us and our innocent babies. What can we do? PRAY.

Well, the Tannehills have made all of this a reality for me. The courage each family member has had to find to be without their husband and father around has amazed me. It is in the little things that Robyn shares that I find myself saying, "I would never have been able to do that". Then it is Rhea's words that I find so brave and vulnerable all the same time. Most importantly, I have realized that yes we live in a free country, but it is not by luck. There are thousands of men and women out there. They miss their families, their friends, their lives, the green grass in the summer and a cold beer on the porch with neighbors.

Recently, Rhea was able to travel home for 2 weeks for leave. As I sat at my computer, I could picture the reunion and cried while I read about this family that I don't really even know. Then today, I read about their goodbyes when he had to return. You can hear the worry and concern in each of the words they type. We are so FREAKING blessed to have these men serving our country. You can also find their blog under my Amazing Gents section, I bet you can figure out which one it is!

We have real life heroes protecting us every second of every day. Thank you, Rhea & Robyn and all of you heroes and by heroes I mean- husbands, wives, mothers and fathers, children and friends that are sharing the person you love more than anyone else with us.

MSKS, no wonder Strat thanks servicemen and women that he sees in public. We should all do it!

"God, please bless our troops and their families.

Please help them each to return home safely & quickly,

Amen."

Funniest Book, Ever!

2009-08-16T21:13:00.005-05:00

I'm not sure who to thank for this recommendation, MK for suggesting Jen Lancaster to MSKS or MSKS for loaning me all her books! "Such a Pretty Fat" is hands down the funniest book that I have ever read (and it's true)! There were so many favorite parts and I wouldn't want to spoil the plot. Ok, plot may be a loose term for ending for this book.

There were nights that Stiemy would climb in the bed and I would just be laughing so hard and I wanted to share every bit of it with him. He got tickled just watching me laugh. In one chapter Jen refuses to weigh herself and decides instead to photo herself without clothes. When she downloads the photos on the computer she wonders when Jabba The Hut (sp?) moved in with her. Maybe it hit too close to home for me!

I saw so much of myself in Jen (and I can't say that is a total compliment). I do think that if I were to ever write a book and I would love to one day, my writing style would be similar to Jen's (again, not a compliment). Her writing style exhausts me quite frankly, so I have a new appreciation for all 5 of you fans and those that are kind enough to listen to my never-ending stories!

Last winter I joined the Edward Cullen cult and read the Twilight series. I found myself in such a slump afterwards. Thank goodness the slump is over (I still have a crush on Edward...even mentioned him to Stiemy this morning in church). Thanks again ladies for sharing Jen with me. What's next? Pass it on!

Would You Have Done That?

2009-08-10T14:59:00.003-05:00

So, I'm sure there is some rule in blog world that states potty training topics or bathroom humor should never be used. However, who can help it! The Monkey is being potty trained. I will avoid some details and just let you know that at school she is doing great at home, we are a little more lazy about it. She has not mastered the code browns in the potty yet. How easily we forget that the first born had a similar issue. However, this one may be taken a little longer. I digress...

On Saturday afternoon, the girls headed across the street to the Reeves to jump in the blowup thingy. I can't imagine the sauna temps it must have reached in there. As they walked across the street, I shared with Heather that the Monkey did not have anything under her shorts. We were trying a new approach. She said it was fine and she would just 409 any accidents that occurred. Little did I expect that she would leave the Reeves a small gift! Was I mortified? YES! However, it was a little too late for apologies. The hound dog noses of the girls found the present and Mrs. Heather took care of the little deposit! Thank heavens it was found before they laid down that night. Lesson learned....don't let the Monkey leave without something under those shorts! Another lesson learned is I have taught my girls how to leave a hostess gift! Ready for us to head to your house to show our appreciation for your hospitality?

So, my question was posed in the title. Would You Have Done That?
1. Would you have sent your own monkey over in the same situation .
2. Would you have cleaned up after the monkey if it wasn't your child or would you have called me to do it myself.

3...If you have any tips on how to successfully complete this potty training issue...we would welcome it!

An Oops...Moment

2009-08-03T21:53:00.002-05:00

Have you ever noticed when you walk in the church you immediately are a little more careful about the words that come out of your mouth? I know the reason is that it is God's House and we are to respect and honor him. Pretty much like being mindful of things you may say in front of your parents (no matter what your age may be). Truth be told God can hear us everywhere but when we are in His House we are naturally more reverent, I hope!

All this I have stated to really set myself up for an oops moment! Sunday I was working the nursery pod, as I have for several years. I enjoy seeing the kiddies (and families) grow while visiting with friends and meeting new people. Anyway, yesterday the rush hit and an old friend of Stiemy's walked up. The conversation that followed went something like this:

Friend: "Hey, I saw Stiemy yesterday"
Me: "Oh great, at the Wildlife Extravaganze"
Friend: "Uh, no....."
Me: "Oh at Hooters or Bass Pro Shop"
Friend: "Uh, no..."
Me: "Oh, of course not...he wasn't there either"
Friend: "At the Grocery Store"
Me: "Perfect sense, that is exactly where he was"

Oh, man did I just totally say all of that? Funny was it was in front of a friend that lost it with laughter and not so funny, in front of a complete stranger. Classy and impressive in God's House, right? Way to go KK! Just telling the truth and see where it got ya!

Hope you don't have any oops...moments this week!

Post Beach Read: The Choice

2009-07-31T15:55:00.002-05:00

So, the reading worm has hit me again and I can't get enough! Thank goodness the deep hole I found after my highs from the Twilight series has passed. My college roommate of 4 years, Holli, and I have swapped books for close to 17 years now. Wow, is that even right? She recently sent me some of her recent favs from Meridian and I picked up the first one: The Choice by Nicholas Sparks. Wow, I haven't read one of his in a while and they are always easy and not to intense. This started out so perfect and challenge free that I thought, I could have written this (I was enjoying it though)! Last night I finished the book with tears streaming down my cheeks. I thought I'm going to have to finish this tonight or I will NEVER read another book she gives me again. I just could not predict which way it would go. Needless to say, he (Sparks) did it again. Surely, this will be a movie in the making soon. Hopefully, I won't be any smarter by then and when I go see the movie I hope that I don't remember how it ends (so I will be surprised)! Happy Friday and happy reading, can't wait to pick up a new one tonight!

Beach Book Review: My Sister's Keeper

2009-07-22T21:05:00.003-05:00

So, on day 3 of the family trip I completed My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult. I think I mentioned in a previous post that the first few chapters had me and I wasn't sure I would be able to emotionally complete it. The story is about a sister that was conceived with the primary purpose to be for her to supply blood from the umbilical cord for her older sister with leukemia. So, the child was diagnosed at age 2 (the age of my Monkey) and the story is told from the parents and siblings points of view. I was told it ends differently than the movie and is not what you expect in the final pages. It hit many different emotional strings with me as a mother with small children and someone that lost a dear friend 1 1/2 years ago to leukemia. So many of the medical terms used in the book were things I heard for the first time when Steckler was sick and fighting the battle that eventually took her precious and young life.

I am ready to see the movie, but am very skeptical of Cameron Diaz playing the mom. I just wonder how a single female that has never been married and is without children could truly portray the mother in this film.

Easely Amused

2009-07-17T16:06:00.007-05:00

How often do I think that I am easily amused? Probably too often, but doesn't that make me easily happy to? Recently, a few gals and I have ventured out without the boys (although I think next time I will grab the hubs to go with me) and had a little girl fun. There is a really fun place,

Easely Amused, and you should check it out! Here are some samples of my masterpieces!

The Princess was so excited about my bird's nest and very proud!

Much to my disappointment, she did not have the same level of enthusiasm about my angel!

I just knew she was going to beg for it to go her in room. The only response I got was, Hmmmm

where are her wings and what is the white stuff?

Great, nothing like a 6 year old to subtly let you know to keep your day job!

Jen Lancaster Book Reviews (the only thing scarier would be a publisher finding my blog and publishing it)

2009-07-07T20:56:00.007-05:00

As mentioned in previous posts, my friend (MSKS), and I enjoy passing books back and forth to each other. I love a good chick read and she reads topics a little more thought provoking. I keep thinking when she has kids one day that she won't be able to think and/or process too many deep thinking themes. Anyway, she has passed along several books by Jen Lancaster. I have to admit they are nothing I would think she would read. Bitter is the new Black and Bright Lights, Big Ass are the two I have read fairly recently.

I felt so shallow reading the first one. Brian asked if it was a true story and I said, "NO, thank heavens". The next day MSKS said "Did you not see Memoir on the front cover?" Gosh, I don't feel quite so bad about myself. At least I only blog about my uneventful life (for my readership of 2) and this chick Jen Lancaster has written a whole series about her. What is even crazier is now she has like 4 books and blogs. Maybe I will make Ms. McMurchy proud and be able to dedicate my first book to her afterall (that is what she wrote on the front cover of my 6th grade autobiography). Maybe this weekend while visiting the parental unit, I will be able to dig up the masterpiece!

I think my favorite part from the first two books was when she offered to pick up a runners packet for the Chicago Marathon (for a friend). She has gained a good bit of weight through the stress of unemployment and ends up losing it with all the "fit" people she found herself in line with! It was hysterical and so something I would probably do!

I have the 3rd book in the series, but think I'm going to head for a more serious storyline-My Sister's Keeper. I'm sure I won't be able to head back to Mrs. Lancaster fast enough!

Hurt Feelings & Another Birthday for America

2009-07-02T11:08:00.004-05:00

I knew the day was coming when I just wouldn't have an answer for the Princess. It has been a rough little week for the 6 year old. It took 6 years for a member of my McCarty Rabbit Hutch to lose an ear and less time than that for my Parlevelous OPI (purple) nail polish to shatter all over the bathroom floor. Then came Wednesday and I heard "they don't like me and they like each other better." OH NO, she is only 6! Her sweet little feelings were so hurt and she did not understand why a 7 year old and 4 year old didn't come right back when they said they would. This immediately brought her to tears and a protruding bottom lip with the thought, "they like playing with each other more than they do me." I knew this day would come and I just didn't have the answer to make it ok. All I could say was, "That is so not true. I know your feelings are hurt, but you have known the 7 year old much longer than the 4 year old has and you have been at summer camp all day playing while they have been at home bored." Nothing seemed to make this scenario acceptable, so finally I changed the subject and told her I would beat her at Mario Cart on Wii. Drama diverted!

This weekend marks another birthday for our amazing country. During my time of travel for work, I have learned how precious it is to live in the United States of America. We are allowed to fly our flags whenever we want, vote in every election and listen, read and worship exactly like we want. Also, as I have grown up (never ending process) I have a very small idea of what a sacrifice it is for so many of our men and women in the armed services to protect our freedom. Over the last several months, I have found a blog through a blog from someone I worked with for a small amount of time 10 years ago. I have heard her name off and on through the years through mutual friends and now am an avid reader of the blog they have for their family. Her husband is currently serving time away from his 3 children, wife, family and law practice. This week he blogged about attending a service for one of their fallen soldiers and that he will never forget the sight for as long as he lives.

Thank you to our veterans and real life heroes that are currently protecting our country and keeping our freedom as our founding fathers meant it to be!

Happy 4th of July and Happy Birthday America!

Book Review I: the same kind of different as me

2009-06-12T10:12:00.007-05:00

Last summer I kept a list of books that I read recorded in a section of this blog. I wonder why it is there are never Spring Book List or Winter Book List. As adults, it isn't like we don't have to work during the summer and get to lounge by the pool for 3 months. I have always loved to read. During the winter months, I read every book in the Twilight Book Series. I became an E.C. fan like so many others out there. I have still not seen the movie because you know what they say, "the movie is never as good as the book." I have Edward Cullen pictured in my own beautiful way and the movie actor could never do him justice.

A friend of mine is also an avid reader and we do not necessarily enjoy the same type books. She has read every Harry Potter book and knows the date of the next movie release and has no interest in Edward Cullen or the series! We occasionally pass books back and forth and like different ones for different reason. I'm crazy about a good love story and she would rather read a great novel with no mushy, lovey dovey details! So, when she recommended that I read the same kind of different as me I started it a little skeptical.

Honestly, it took at least 1/3 of the book to wade through the character building before it hooked me! I loved it! I became completely enthralled with Ron, a successful art dealer, and Denver, a professional homeless man with a "bad" past. When I had probably 1/4 of the book left, I flipped to the front cover and saw that this was a true story. I'm talking... standing in the middle of the kitchen waiting for fries to cook, couldn't put the book down... great!!!

As I read the last page, I felt completely challenged to do something to impact another life. To form a bond with someone who society may not place me with. If that isn't what I'm called to do by God than I hope to hear what is He wants me to do. There is no way you can read this book and not want to make a difference in society. The book combined with our Sunday school discussion last week, left in my mind that the bible says "there will always be poor".

So, as you begin this weekend what does that statement mean to you, "there will always be poor". Is God calling you to step out of your comfort zone and make a difference? I pray that God will allow me to rest, to listen and be patient for what He wants me to do for Him!

Vacation Bible School...What An Experience

2009-06-05T15:38:00.008-05:00

This week marked the annual Christ United Methodist Church Vacation Bible School. Today at lunch, some friends laughed that include the "vacation" in it, but IS what it is called! This the Princess' second year to attend at our church and she loves it. I have never been able to volunteer (last year I think I was working....and watching Wimbledon) and this year I could carve out a couple of days to assist.

Little did I know that I would have a group of 6 upcoming 2nd graders with only 2 little girls! There were 4 boys in my group and I was a bit intimidated about how they might behave. They could not have been any politer (is that word) or sweeter than they were. It totally made me think for about 1/2 second of chancing it again to get that boy of my own!

Many of my friends and family have always made fun of me and referred to me as "the emotional one". If someone is going to tear up during a reality tv show or sweet song it will probably be me. That said, I found myself tearing up several time yesterday as VBS ended. There was just something about being surrounded by 550 singing little children that just makes you proud.

Children are so innocent and the kids there love God and it showed. It was an awesome experience for me about the importance of parenting and mentoring. Working with the 7-8 year old little kids was the best! They didn't know enough to try and act cool and not participate (at least my boys didn't) and they sang their little hearts out with movements and all. I'm sure the friend sitting with me last night could not figure out why I had teary eyes during the program, but the music was so special and those kids were worshiping the Lord! It hit me that this is such a crucial time to grab those kids and pour into them everything we can because we only have this one chance!

I am also thankful for the experience because I know that I did not choose the wrong major in college. Thank goodness there are some wonderful and patient folks out there to be teachers. The energy and stamina it took for the whole 2 1/2 days I participated was draining! Who would have thought I would be happy to sit behind a desk and try to translate conversations with people from Argentina today!

If you have volunteered or worked with VBS, thanks! If you haven't, please go find a Vacation Bible School this summer to assist with and it will touch your heart, I promise (even if you need to take personal time off to do it)!

Spontaneity!

2009-06-01T13:28:00.006-05:00

Over the weekend, my family experienced a little spontaneity! It is just not in Stiemy's blood to NOT have a plan, he can't help. He always has one and if it doesn't go the way he thinks...ouch! It is simply his nature!

For example a normal Thursday conversation may go like this.

Stiemy: "KK, what would you like to eat this weekend."

KK: "I don't know, maybe a filet and sweet potatoes?"

Stiemy: "No, I was thinking fish on the grill Friday night and ribs on Saturday."

KK: "Ok, if that is what you want to do, I just kinda would like some red meat."

Stiemy: "Well, we can do that another night."

So, as you can see he already had it planned out and I just shouldn't have even made a suggestion. Well, over the weekend we had plans to gather with some friends until one of their little ones got a tummy bug, so we called off the activity. I convinced Stiemy to just roll with it and let's see what happens. He didn't hurry out to the grill, instead headed to a new festival in town and then with some other families to eat somewhere we hadn't been. I was so proud of him at the end of the night because he had been "wild with some spontaneity!"

It is fun to be a little spontaneous sometimes and you can grab fun pictures like this to prove it!

Happy Birthday, Princess

2009-05-29T16:32:00.006-05:00

This week we are celebrating the Princess' 6th birthday. I have no inclination where the time has gone and yes, I realize that every post lately has been an apology on my lack of postings! So, since I must not have the time or creativity to come up with my own clever ways to honor those closest to me, I will borrow from a friend her ways...sorry MSKS!

A-Always happy to see me!

B-Beautiful inside & out

C-Cuddling Pro

D-Darling

E-Everything I could have wanted and more

F-Forever my little girl

G-GIRLY

H-Helper

I-Innocent, may you always be so

J-Just the best

K-Kind

L-Your laughs make my heart smile

M-My first born

N-"Nobody loves you like I do"

O-Obedient (for the most part)

P-PRINCESS

Q-Quiet when you wake up (for 10 minutes)

R-Ready to go, always!

S-"Sissy"

T-Terrified of Millie when she jumps

U-Understands about lip gloss and a deer skinning pen

V-Very INQUISITIVE

W-Always Wonders what is next

X-Explains what the "monkey" is trying to say, perfectly

Y-Yells impatiently until someone comes when you call!

Z-You like Zebras? Ok, so I tried-this was much harder than I thought!

I love you , Princess!

Where Does the Time Go?

2009-04-30T09:01:00.005-05:00

Somehow it is almost May? Seriously, can the time go any faster and I find myself so frustrated that I do not blog more regularly. My friends ask how I even have time and obviously, I don't! How have you even survived without me (all 3 of you)?

So, here is the run down on our crew in the last 6 weeks. We added to the family! A four legged addition not 2 legs. The girls uncles (my lil bro and Stiemy's big bro)bred their yellow labs and we came home from the Delta with a puppy. Stiemy wanted a male with a one syllable name. We got a female and named her Millie. Another day in the life of living with all girls for our Daddy! At this point, the girls Crocs all have teeth marks and the black foam around the AC coil is all over my backyard. We have chicken wire wrapped around my wooden columns and a lot of little bombs in the backyard that we have to be careful not to step in! Other than that, we love Millie.

The Princess is wrapping up her year in K5 and is reading books for homework. It is so hard to believe that she will begin 1st grade in the fall! The Monkey finally has enough hair to wear a bow. We are slowly introducing it and hoping she will eventually leave it in! Everyday she looks more like her big sister but they really couldn't act any more different!

For instance, the Princess barely hits Millie and says in this sweet voice "no, Millie". Now, when the Monkey wants Millie to get down it is a hard push and adamant "NO MILLIE". I think Millie takes her a little more serious! Last night on the way home from a church picnic there was a small squabble in the back seat and next thing I heard was from the Princess, "Mama, she called me hard headed". Yep, the Monkey learned that one in daycare and thought she was something! Just to make it clear the hard headness quality comes from their father's side of the family!

Wow, what will it be next and don't you feel completely caught up on the fun times with our family!

I Love Ice Cream...What flavour are you?

2009-03-10T16:46:00.003-05:00

So, I was blog hopping...do you ever do that? I ended up on 2nd Cup of Coffee and found this fun test! What is your Icecream Flavour! Have fun and let me know what flavour you are!

As for me, I'm Cookies n' Cream. Smooth & Creamy with a few rough bits mixed in. I'm a real treat! I am probably very popular amongst your friends. Remember too much of a good thing is not always good! Don't lay it on too thick!

What is your Ice Cream Flavour?
Find out at Go Quiz

P.S. Something about spelling flavour that way, make me feel very international! By the way, my favorite is Baskin Robbins Peanut Butter & Chocolate (smooth and creamy with big rough chunks mixed in)

I was Tagged, so I Googled...is that a true verb?

2009-03-06T13:52:00.003-06:00

Immediately following my last post, I was tagged by D! She told me to google myself and lists what I found. So, here in 2009 I was tagged, googled and blogged about it. Who knew 10 years ago that any of the above mentioned actions would occur, much less exist. I googled myself and here is what I found:

Kristen needs…to re-think the top (actually kinda like the pink sweater and scarf I'm sporting today...I thought). Did Stacy and Clinton spot me in the Woolfolk elevator and report it?

Kristen needs…to lay her eggs (what else can be said...)

Kristen needs …a new connection (no doubt you readers will line up to support this one)

Kristen needs…a cocktail (It is 5 o'clock somewhere and always true).

Kristen needs …to get over herself (wow, reality check)

Kristen needs…lovin (in case my parents or nieces read this, I will not comment any further)

Kristen needs… a miracle (don't we all)

Kristen needs…a bubble bath (if this is possible with the earlier cocktail, I'm game)

Kristen needs…some deep cleaning (I know my house does, but I showered this morning. I thought I was good for another week, at least)

Kristen needs… advice (consider it solicited and send it on)

Kristen needs… acting lessons (to prevent me from being a drama queen?)

Now, consider yourself tagged and get to googling!

If Life Were A Song

2009-02-22T08:56:00.005-06:00

Almost 2 months, really? In the last 6 weeks I have celebrated my baby's 2nd birthday, 10 years of marriage, Thirtysomething years of my life, Valentine's Day and been out of town a lot for work. There have been so many times I have wanted to post, but the keyboard was calling my fingers to other projects. To try and get back in the swing of things, I stole this idea from my friend, MSKS

Here is what you do: Pick a singer/artist and use only one song title to answer each question

The band/artist: Keith Urban
1. Are you a male or female: “God Made Woman”

2. Describe yourself: “Won't Let You Down”

3. How do you feel about yourself: “God's Been Good to Me”

4. Describe your ex boyfriend/girlfriend: “Stupid Boy”

5. Describe your current boy/girl situation: “Once in a Lifetime”

6. Describe your current location: “Roller Coaster”

7. Describe where you want to be: “Shine”

8. Your best friend is: “Man of the House”

9. Your favorite color is: “Where the Blacktop Ends”

10. You know that: “God's Been Good to Me”

11. What’s the weather like: “Raining on Sunday”

12. If your life was a television show what would it be called? “Days Go By”

13. What is life to you: “Live to Love Another Day”

14. If you could change your name what would you change it to: “I Thought You Knew”

15. What is the best advice you have to give: “Some Days You Gotta Dance”

2008 In Review

2009-01-09T16:28:00.004-06:00

So another month has come and gone since my last post, not to mention a year! I have thought many times of you my faithful readers (all 5 of you now) and different incredible happenings I wanted to post. However, the days and weeks have flown by without a post being penned (or typed). I will try to make it brief, because I’m sure you have a life and don’t need to take too much time reading about our’s! However, if you know me personally you know that I type like I read and tend to make a short story a novel! Without wasting anymore time, here we go!

I asked Stiemy when we thought back to 2008 (many years from now) what would we remember about that year. Here is a combined list of what we came up with:

1. We went to Las Vegas and that was the first time for both of us in Sin City!
2. I went to China for the first time and was invited to a Wimbledon match
while in London for business (AMAZING)!
3. The princess “graduated” from her daycare/preschool where she had been since
she was born and moved on, to where she could be until she leaves the next
for college! She loves it!
4. The monkey slimmed up from all her walking and has truly taken on a
personality of her own. The back of her hair may resemble a mullet, but in
2009 am sure that will change. She is a very unsettling mix of both
families!
5. Obama was elected as the first African American President for the
United States of America.

We are more than thankful for our meeting blessings bestowed upon our familiy. We look forward to seeing what 2009 brings. My your family be healthy and prosperous and may we all take a little time to stop and savor the moment. I don't want to say in 2010 where did the year go!

We're Back....

2008-12-10T10:09:00.004-06:00

Does anybody know what happened to November? It was a hectic and wild month for the McCaskills! Often my life feels like a Willie Nelson song. We were on the road again! Between Mistletoe Marketplace, a family trip to the deer camp, a work trip to China and Thanksgiving with my family, the month was gone!

December was off to a rocky start with strep throat for the parents and ear issues with the monkey! However, We're Back. Not only is our family back home for a few weeks (well, Stiemy Daddy is leaving for the deer camp again) but we had a guest when we returned from Thanksgiving. Oliver is back! It is amazing how much joy this little silly elf brings to our family for one month. Here is to wishing you a slower and fun Christmas season! Hopefully, your elf has found his way home.

Blogging Crisis......

2008-12-05T13:25:00.004-06:00

As you can tell, from your frequent visitors I'm currently in the middle of a Blog Crisis. Actually, it probably began from the first month I had the account. I really want it to be cute and fun to view. Everyone needs that honest friend, that tells them with things are pretty crappy. I'm so blessed to have an honest brother! He no doubt will deny to all of you that he looks at my blog. I believe he is secretly obsessed with it. Of course, he will never post a comment or anything, but he is a regular. I knew I was having a crisis when he made the comment about the Beach Boys "Wipe Out" music that obnoxiously played for a weeks (ok maybe all summer). He will also never admit that I hurt his feelings by not giving him a "shout out" on his birthday in July. He claims that I all but made his wife's birthday a national holiday and he got nothing! Can we say he is a little sensitive about the situation. All I can say is I have to love him, his wife was optional and I definitely got blessed with her!

So, back to the problem. The pink background was a bit of an experiment. I love pink and you can just ask any of my girls teachers (they have asked if pepto exploded in their closets)! What can I say we are girlie girls around our home (not to mention we love our Daddy in pink)! Anyway, the pink hurt my eyes and I would hate to scare away all 3 of you that read me. I changed it to white and do think it is much easier on my eyes (that now require reading glasses)!

Why all the babble about the blog? Great question, you want me to just get to the point, right? I need help. I'm not really willing to shell out money for a professionally designed one, but if you know of a website that offers free templates let me know!

Election Part II

2008-11-13T19:09:00.003-06:00

So, it is just over one week and everyone has come to grips that Barack is our new President-Elect. I was busy working at Mistletoe Marketplace last Wednesday morning and heard many moms mentioning how they "broke" the news to their children that McCain had lost. Somehow, my 5 year old wasn't too concerned with it because she never asked...that is until yesterday.

The Princess picked up this week's copy of People magazine with President-Elect Obama on the cover. I asked her, if she knew who it was and she said "yes, but why is he on the front, that's not who we want to win?"

Hmmm...I broke it to her easy that he did win. She said ok. Wow, if only the rest of us could have taken it so well! Again, lessons from a 5 year-old!

Election 2008

2008-10-28T10:28:00.005-05:00

Who are you voting for next week?

During a trip to the princess’ class last week, I noticed a board that read:
ELECTION 2008 and had pictures of McCain and Obama. So, I knew that they had been discussing the election.

Last night as Daddy picked up the girls from school, the princess had a questions for him:
Princess: “Who are we voting for?”
Daddy: “What?”
Princess: “Who are we voting for?”
Daddy: “Oh, your mother and I are voting for Senator McCain.”
Princess: “Hmmm, which one is he? The elephant or the zebra?
Daddy: “Excuse me?
Princess: “Is he the elephant or the zebra.”
Daddy: “Well he is an elephant, but the other is a donkey not a zebra.”
>
So, from the mouth of a kindergartener:
Are you voting for the elephant or the zebra?

Blue Jeans

2008-10-20T08:46:00.004-05:00

I love my blue jeans. If only we could incorporate that into my working wardrobe, all would be good with the world. Ok, maybe not all….

However, my love of blue jeans does not overflow into my girls’ wardrobe. I love to buy clothes for my girls, probably more than for myself. Wow, have times changed. I am of the mindset that my girls will have the rest of their lives to look older than their age and I want them to stay “little and innocent” for as long as possible. This being said, blue jeans have never been a real staple in their wardrobe. Let me make myself clear, I have no problem when other children wear denim. This is simply a decision I made about 5 years ago.

As many of you know, I travel frequently with my work. The trips are sometimes overseas and I normally am at least with one other person on my journeys. During the last 8 years, I developed a wonderful friendship with Bob “Sugar-britches” Harris. He has left the Deep South states and moved on to VA. Anyway, Bob and I have shopped and bought some really wild items together (including Burberry Speedos from the Burberry outlet in London). On one of our many shopping excursions, I made the statement that the princess didn’t wear jeans and that was really all that was said. Several weeks later on another trip, Bob and I had this conversation:

Bob: “Sugar Britches, I have a question for you.”
Me: “OK, out with it”
Bob: “You said a few weeks ago that the Princess didn’t wear blue jeans.
Is this some Mississippi rule, like no white after Labor Day?”
Me: Laughing so hard, I told him “No honey, just a rule I have for myself”.

Needless to say, I am frequently asked by Bob these days if the Princess wears jeans yet. Bob, I am happy to report that she has worn jeans to the deer camp a few times (only at her father’s insistence). !However, this year I decided to ease into the denim look for school with her first blue jean mini skirt. She is pretty confident when she busts out this denim. If you are interested in more fashion advice for little girls 5 and under, let me know.

Happiness is...

2008-10-03T09:11:00.003-05:00

Happiness is a clean house!

Late yesterday afternoon I called the hubby with a proposition. If he would take the girls to the park and stay away from the house as long as possible, I would clean the house. He agreed...can you hear the church choir singing "Alleluia"?

He picked up the girls and took them across the street to eat pizza at our neighbors and then took our 2 plus the neighbors 2 to the park! What a man! Two hours later, there was a sparkling clean house with a great scented candle burning. All that is left is for him to vacuum today and when we return from Ozark Deer Camp on Sunday...I will still be happy!

What are those little things that you make you smile?
Finish the statement: Happiness is.............

Welcome Home

2008-09-26T09:27:00.006-05:00

So the last 6 weeks have been extra busy for me. Mostly professionally I have been bananas, but there was 1 week of family va-ca worked in there. So I returned from the beach and had 2 nights in my bed before I headed to Oxford. So you may have heard that Oxford, MS is hosting the Presidential Debate tonight...well, they are suppose to. Personally, I'm sure this is going to happen but my man, McCain, has people really scratching their heads!

Anyway, the point is that once again I was out of town. When I finally walked in the front door, I was greeted by my lil brother and hubby. The house seemed very still, so I asked: "Where are my girls" and was told the bath. Great, right! Right, until I heard from my bathroom, "THE MONKEY JUST POOPED IN THE TUB".

The girls were thrown in the shower to fend for themselves and once again out came the comet and bleach. So you ask where were these hands-on Dads at this point? Shouting, "we're going to pick up the food be right back".

Any tips from stopping baths from turning in to enemas would be greatly appreciated.
Fabulous. Welcome home Mama. Welcome home!

Where Has The Last Month Gone?

2008-09-16T20:53:00.004-05:00

I know that you have been driving yourselves crazy wondering where I have been. How can October be so close. Decisions of Halloween costumes will need to be made soon. I knew that September would be busy. I spent last week working and escorting 26 international friends around the MS Delta. Just think of every Juke Joint, Cotton Field and Museum you could find in the area and I was there! Hopefully, I will have pictures and post them soon. Last Thursday was one of those once in a lifetime experiences. I spent the day with royalty in the presences of a King...B.B. King that is. Last weekend the new B.B. King and Delta Interpretive Museum opened in Indianola. He may be one of the most gracious men I have met.

On Sunday I arrived home for just enough time to throw out the dirty clothes and throw in some bathing suits. The Family headed to the beach for the 6th Annual Vacation. 4 kids 5 and under with 5 adults (Stiemy is headed down tonight). Pictures from the "holiday" will also post soon. So far, the monkey is sleeping in the bathroom and my nephew may be in a closet somewhere. Everyone seems content and no hurricane is in the forecast. So far so good!

In honor of my lil bro (my most loyal reader) I will attempt to get Wipe Out removed. I must agree that laughing cackle at the beginning is very obnoxious!

Back to School..Or Starting "BIG" School in our case

2008-08-13T18:53:00.004-05:00

August is here. The traffic in the mornings is heavy and the school buses are running their early morning routes. At our house we have reached another mile stone. The Princess started K5 last Friday. I picked her up early from after care because I was just going crazy to know what kind of day she had. Her response "why are you here early" (mind you it was 2:30 p.m.). I saw this as a sign that all was well! Her social calendar is booked with 4 birthday parties in the next 7 days. Sounds like the life to me. Her largest problem at the moment is reading her color words. You know brown, blue, black..those "b" colors are really confusing and if last night was any glimpse as to what the next 12 years hold for her parents and their patience with homework...begin storming the heavens!

While the princess works hard to identify her color words, Michael Phelps consumes his 10,000 calories a day (sounds like a problem) and works towards winning the most gold in history! Wow, I guess we do all have problems. My problem for today was what to do when you have 2 girls in the tub and the youngest monkey has a BM issue. Any advise on how to sterilize the tub would be most helpful. I threw out all the rubber ducks and frogs (wanted to clean those out anyway) and am going to run the cups through the dishwasher. The fam may have to evacuate the homeplace tonight because the master bath smells like clorox and bleach may have exploded!

It crossed my mind to snap some pics of this latest "monkey" incident, but really who wants to see floating...you know. Instead I will share some shots of the Princess leaving for her first day of K5 and the monkey screaming because we were making her leave home without her blanket. Wow, what kind of parents are we. Do you think she will be scarred for life? Maybe the bath scene was pay back!

August? How is that possible...

2008-07-28T18:59:00.006-05:00

How can August be here in just 3 days? Where has the summer gone? How can my baby be starting K5 in less than 2 weeks? It is hard to believe that time truly goes faster and faster. We haven't even been on a family break anywhere and it is already August? Hopefully, we can work a little time in in September if everyone's schedules will allow.

It seems like most of my summer has been tied up in work trips. I have been blessed to go some really cool places and this summer I had 2 great work trips. In May, Stiemy and I headed to Sin City for an international marketplace. He stayed through the weekend and I was left in Vegas for 3 more nights. If you have never been, 6 nights is too long. We went to some great restaurants, shopped (the only time I can get him to leisurely shop is when we are out of town) and went to see a great Cirque show. I also was able to see Blue Man Group which was so stupid I had to laugh.

A few weeks after Vegas, I went to London for an annual sales mission that we do every year. However, this one truly offered me a once in a lifetime experience. I was offered the chance to go to Wimbledon and watch Ana Ivanvic on Court 1. Did I mention that my seat was on the front row in the center of the court? I could touch the line judge (if I had wanted to be thrown out). It was amazing. We then watched 2 other singles matches of some guys that I'm not familiar with.

The rest of the summer has consisted of swimming for the girls, the princess K4 graduation, time with the grandparents, a fun 4th of July weekend with friends and this past weekend a wedding for the old fraternity crowd. It was quite fun and great to see all my hubbies old friends. I continued to be amazed at how mature everyone looked and acted. Several of the guys in the wedding were in our wedding 10 years ago. Everyone looked great, some have gained some lbs, some have lost hair, some of them are finally engaged and most of them are Daddys. How bizarre that our conversations revolved around feedings, sleep patterns, school choices and responsibilities. We couldn't help but laugh and say "these are just like conversations we had at the SAE house".

Here is to hoping you have had a wonderful summer. We are headed to buy Back to School supplies this week. Wow, seems like I just strolling the aisles at Wal-Mart in the Delta looking for that new trapper keeper!

KK's Summertime Favorites

2008-07-01T13:25:00.005-05:00

Oprah has her favorite things, so why can’t I? Well, I guess I can but does anyone care? Will the companies send me hundreds of free samples to pass out to my friends, doubt it. Here it goes anyway:

“KK’s Top 5 Summer Favorites”

1. A Pedicure. What southern belle does not want her feet looking pretty in her peep toes? Of course, I’m sure sitting in white fluffy robe, sipping some bubbly while someone rubs on your toes and feet is ideal. However, for $25 you can find clean places here to massage, scrub and paint. The end result with both a little time for yourself and pretty feet.

2. Hobo Lauren Clutch.
Over a year ago, I became obsessed with wanting a pale pink hobo lauren clutch with the teal paisley interior. I stalked ebay to find the best deal for weeks and finally found a bargain I could not refuse. I have not had buyer’s remorse at all over this purchase that I am definitely still getting my money’s worth!

3. Amy Head Eyes & Lips. At least 5 years ago, I was introduced to Amy Head Cosmetics. A couple of times I have swayed to Bobbi Brown products, but always return to Amy Head. Once or twice a year, I book my complimentary appointment and go in for new eyes and lips! Honestly, I can never quite get it to look like they do, but I still love the colors.

4. The FitFlops. What a great gimmick-shoes that help tone your buttocks and legs! I am not a huge shoe shopper. I like shoes and I think they can really tie an outfit together, but I don’t like to wear them and I am extremely guilty of finding my favs and wearing nothing else. I went for years thinking my Birkenstocks were THE most comfortable shoes ever, next Merrill’s followed by my CROC flip flops. This summer I heard of Fit Flops from a friend, then saw Oprah listed them as one of her favorites and I was off to spend that economic stimulus check. The Fit Flops are THE MOST comfortable shoes I have ever worn! Am I toned because of all the wear? Nope, but I would buy them without that added benefit.

5. Trefethan Double T Wine.
Last summer the hubby and I went on a wonderful trip to San Fran and Wine Country with our good friends the Nations. We did the nighttime tour of Alcatraz (very cool), private wine tour (best way to not get a DUI), rented the convertible and drove to Big Sur (wonderful). One of the wineries that a friend scheduled for us was Trefethan Family Vineyards. There we tasted Double T and it became my favorite and I can find it here in Mississippi so it was meant to be.

Let me know what your summertime favorites are. In the meantime, you can find me with Double T in one hand, my Hobo in the other wearing my Fit Flops with my pretty toes and Amy Head lips!

Happy Birthday, Stiemy!

2008-06-20T10:39:00.003-05:00

December 1995 I remember my best friend and college roommate talking about this boy they called Stiemy. How he was so cute and she thought he was a really great guy. All I really knew about him was that when I was a Sophomore, I think I was in a car returning from the Landing that gave him a ride. His last name was the same as one of my closest friends and that was really all I knew of him.

February 1996 I had a date to a fraternity party with this guy that played football for the bulldogs. We headed to Anthony’s in West Point for a great meal with a huge group. Stiemy was in the group and he had a date with a girl and they really didn’t seem that in to each other. I recall giving him a really hard time and looking back on it am sure this was just my way of flirting. Fast forward a few weeks to the night before spring break was to begin and a big group of girls were out celebrating Holli and Steckler’s 21st birthdays. Again, Stiemy was there (was he beginning to follow me)? I went to sit down and visit for a bit and this is how the conversation went:

Me: “hey”
Stiemy: “hi, you can’t sit there”
Me: “excuse me?”
Stiemy: “you can’t sit there that is someone’s chair”
Me: laughing…”you mean her’s” (as I point to the girl headed to ladies room)
Stiemy: “yeah”
Me: “fine then” as I got up to move he backtracked a little.
(Obviously, the date he had been on earlier had gone better than I thought.)
Stiemy: “what you doing for spring break”
Me: “headed to Orlando with Ashley”
Stiemy: “why?”
Me: “well, we have interviewed for jobs at Disney for the summer and I’m just
going down to play”
Stiemy: “if you live in Orlando how will I ever talk to you?”
Me: “we don’t talk now, why would you want to talk to me this summer?”
(now who is playing hard to get…hahaha)

So it began, the relationship with Stiemy. Long distance all summer from Orlando. My parents say that when I came home one weekend to visit, they had never seen me so nervous as I waited on Stiemy to come visit me. I was at Disney for his birthday and sent him a care package that included: a turquoise polo t-shirt, I Like You book and a stuffed Eeyore. Little did I know at that point that everyone in the family watched each other open ALL of their presents and past cards around the room. Can you imagine the look on his face when he pulled out the book and a stuffed animal?

All of this was 12 years ago and today he will once again open presents for his birthday. June 20th marks his 34th birthday. He told me this morning that he felt old today and I told him it must be the 3 hot and beautiful younger girls he lives with and that we would keep him young!

There are 3 important men in my life: Daddy, Hart and Stiemy! Most girls are lucky to just have 1 and I have 3. He loves me for exactly who I am. He gave me the two most beautiful gifts I could have ever imagined. Nobody can make me so easily frustrated or make my heart flutter like him when he gives me that Stiemy grin (not even Keith Urban). The grin is what I get when I say something to him that he really thinks is silly or when the girls do something that make us so proud. Happy Birthday, Stiemy!

Happy Father's Day-BIG DADDY

2008-06-13T10:56:00.007-05:00

This weekend is Father’s Day and while my husband is an amazing hands on father, I would like to give a shout out to my very own Daddy! If you have ever met him, he probably made an impression on you that you won’t easily forget. As an adult with children of my own, it is fascinating to watch different characteristics of your children reflect their parents. I am no different than many other children and am an interesting combination of both my parents. My height…my Daddy. My healthy teeth…my Daddy, my frankness (let me tell you what I think attitude)… my Daddy.

So, I wanted to make a list of memories I have of him and with him. It started out as 10, than 20, than I was going to do one for every year I have known him and it just kept going. By the way, I am not 42…I just had to stop it somewhere! I don’t expect all 3 of my readers to read the entire list and that is fine. It isn’t so much for you as it is for me and My Daddy!

1. Taking me to the circus in Memphis. I was asked to ride on a float and play a musical instrument and afterwards when I went to find Daddy he had moved seats.PANIC!
2.He took me to my first movie, "The Jungle Book"
3.Weekends at Island 66
4.His treading water in the deep end at the country club and bribing me with Baskin Robbins if I jumped off the “high” dive.
5.The phone call many years ago on Valentine’s Day that we hung up he said we were moving to a new house (the house I had my wedding reception in)
6.His crazy tv commercials, bikini clad girls in minks, jumping out of airplanes “but Daddy you forgot your parachute”
7.Finally agreeing that I could get my ears pierced (summer before 6th grade), but he wasn’t paying to have holes put in my ears (Papa-his dad-gave me the $20 bucks to do it).
8.Chaperoning on my 6th grade field trip to Hunstville, AL for Space Camp. All the boys wanted to ride with him.
9.Dancing with him at my 6th grade dance (wish I had a copy of that picture to share)
10.Agreeing to go frog giggin with him and the roads were so muddy and slippery that we had to turn around
11.Teaching me how to water ski.
12.Disneyworld and the trip that Hart ruined because he was no fun to be around! Hahaha…really just threw that one in for little brother’s benefit!
13.The look he had on his face when BJ, our old black lab died.
14.The time he found a brown La Baron convertible and insisted it was the perfect car for me and would paint it any color I want it (I refused to drive a doodoo brown boxcar)…to say he was disappointed in my behavior would be an understatement. Which led to #15
15.The time he was scared to come home from work because he had told Mama and me that the Black Buick Regal I had been driving for a week was going back to the dealership, because he could find a better deal. He sat under a tree outside until I went and climbed up in his lap. Oh yeah...I got the car.
16.Spring Break when he took the family to Memphis for several days and insisted we all go see “Dancing with the Wolves”. All of us were dreading it because it was such a long movie, we loved it!
17. Chaperoning the mission trip to Mexico with my church youth group and T. Kay.
18.Parachuting in Mexico and when he said have fun “dumplin” the guy asked me if that was my name (for real?)
19.The dinner at the Ranchero when he and Mama wanted to make sure I didn’t drink too much on the senior cruise because it would really ruin my trip (the sun, alcohol, don’t mix). They said that since I was underage they knew my drinking experience could not have been too much (they weren’t too off). However, my little brother was another story.
20.Conversations about Nova Scotia duck tolling dogs over Thanksgiving lunch for several years, until he finally brought Mattie home to us!
21. He called every boy I ever talked to a “Momar” which meant something foul in some other language (I think that came from Lewis Grizzard).
22.Dancing with him at Lead Out (Lee Academy’s version of Prom for the Seniors)
23.The pride he felt when I returned from a weekend at MSU my Junior year and vowed to never go to that cow school with those stupid cow bells!
24.The horror that his daughter was going to be a MSU Bulldog and the relief that she had finally made a decision the spring she graduated.
25.The incredible bragging rights that he “never signed one check to send money to ‘that’ school”
26.Traveling to Starkville and sitting in the truck sleeping the entire football game, only to spend a few minutes with us on homecoming weekend.
27.In 1996, taking me to Oxford for a Ole Miss vs. MSU basketball game. Ole Miss won and they were obnoxious. He thought it was great. I thought it was great we ended up in the Final Four that season.
28.One November 26th, when one of the dogs had gotten away and he was so distracted by the disappearance that he forgot what day that was (Mama’s birthday)
29.Asking him when Brian asks if he can marry me not to tell Mama. I wanted to be the one to tell her we were engaged.
Daddy: “What’s the boy waiting on”
KM: “I think until he can afford me”
Daddy: “Baby, he is never going to be able to afford you.”
30.The bottle of Dom Perignon he bought and saved down the street so Mama wouldn’t know Brian had proposed
31.A last minute trip to the Egg Bowl in 1998 as father and daughter, the wedding was just a month away. (MSU won)
32.Watching “Father of the Bride” with Steve Martin the week of my wedding.
33.Dancing with him at my wedding reception in the beautiful backyard tent.
34.The surprise 30 year wedding anniversary dinner at Madidi for Mama
35.When I tried to tell him we had an addition to the family, he asked if we got another dog? No. Cat? No. Gerbil? No, it’s a baby. “A What?”
36.The look in his eye and the sounds of his voice, when he told me how special it was that I named my little girl, Anna Hartley. He had no idea that I had wanted that name since I was a little girl (Mama, kept that one a secret)!
37.When Hartley V was born and spent so much time in Philly, Daddy and I seem to develop a deeper bond. We were the only ones left here in MS that really understood what the other felt. We were scared and sad we weren’t with the rest of our family.
38.The way that he says “Big Daddy” and signs his emails in all caps BIG DADDY
39.Cigars.
40.Driving through downtown Clarksdale to count the out of town license plates.
41.The fun trips to the beach with all of us.
42.The bottles of wine when we all get together.

Happy Father’s Day, Daddy. I love you and can’t wait to continue adding to the list for many years to come!

Happy 5th Birthday to the Princess

2008-05-27T20:51:00.003-05:00

Happy Birthday Princess (a.k.a. Toots)!
It is nearly impossible to believe that 5 years ago tonight, I was in the hospital just waiting for you to decide to enter this world. They admitted the night before to begin giving me meds to prepare for inducing labor. You were one week past your due date and this was no sign of your punctuality and organization you possess today. You were a complete angel from the first day we brought you home. Daddy and I laugh that we watched every "Rocky" movie the first 5 weeks on Sunday nights. After 5 weeks you decided it was time to sleep through the night and you never looked back.

You are so much fun to be around, although you do talk non-stop. We have decided you must have picked this up from your Big Al. You are an awesome big sister and truly love school. To think that you are starting K5 in the fall is something I thought I was ready for, until the packed with your school supply list arrived in the mail.

Your Daddy and I are already so proud of you and no matter what you do in life we will always be here for you. Never, ever forget that nobody loves you like I do!

Happy Birthday

Weekends with the McCaskills

2008-05-26T18:25:00.008-05:00

How can it really be the end of May and another Memorial Day is done? It is so hard to believe that 5 years ago this weekend, I was packing up a house, as big as a whale, and praying that my baby would not decide to make its appearance into this insane world. I was over 5 days late from my due date and had agreed with the doctor to wait until the 28th to induce. Who had time for labor, I had a house to pack up. More on that in my next posting....(I'm sure you can't wait).

First, thank you to all of our veterans who have allowed us to live in THE best country in the world. Also, thank you to those currently serving to protect our families from the many terrorists out to get the Americans. The separation from your families is more than I can imagine and then you compile that with the day-to-day tragedies. Wow, and we just feel bothered when the milk is empty and we have to run to the grocery. It surely makes my "problems" very petty, to say the least.

The last couple of weeks have been busy for every parent that I have come in contact. One of my dear friends said that the month of May was busier than Christmas. Does that give you any idea of the craziness involved with end of the year activities? You see, my problems are so "petty". Anyway, we have had a lot of moments in the last 10 days to make new memories with our children and friends.

During the Memorial Day Weekend, we loaded up and headed to "No-zark" (a.k.a. Ozark Hunting Camp) with Mimi and the Nations. The kiddies were super well-behaved and more than exhausted by sunset on Saturday night. When you head to the deer camp, you just have to leave the city girl act behind you. We worked hard to convert Ms. Kennedy into the delta girl, her grandparents would love for her to be. She definitely busted out with the quotes for the weekend:

"I'm going out on the terrace" (interpretation:the wooden deck with four wheelers parked below)
"I'm going to go out and look at the stream" (interpretation: the flooded Mississippi River)

We hope that you had a beautiful weekend with your loved ones and that we didn't scare the Nations away for future visits on the "terrace"! It doesn't look like we will be able to return if Mr. Lee doesn't go with us.

A Weekend Just for the Princess

2008-05-20T10:27:00.012-05:00

What a weekend! It seemed to completey revolve around the princess. She will turn 5 next week and over the weekend we celebrated her birthday and her first dancing recital. Friday night our backyard was turned into Luau Central and Saturday we saw nothing but tutus and sequins. The perfect way to mark her 5th birthday! Enjoy the pictures!

More Lessons Learned by the Princess

2008-05-11T20:57:00.018-05:00

We can thank mother nature for our Daddy being home every weekend for the last month. Ozark (the deer camp) has been flooded so Daddy has been "trapped" home with the girls. We are actually quite impressed that he has been so easy to be around and hasn't seemed to suffer from his girl time too much. He has been quite the productive man around our house!

So, Friday night we headed out to the Rez for the annual Pepsi Pops event. We have lived here for more than 10 years and have never attended. It was so much fun and a great atmosphere that we will definitely participate in for years to come. The weather was perfect, the friends were of course fun and the kids were able to run around and be kids. The monkey hung in there as long as possible and then she gave it up and snoozed in the stroller...happiness is a child that sleeps! While at the Rez I becamse aware that this might be a life-changing weekend for the princess and one full of life's little lessons:

LESSON #1: ELVIS IS DEAD

I'm sure that due to my professional life this struck a chord with me that most parents would just shake off. There was a tent with a whole Elvis theme happening.

The Princess asked: Who is that man in those pictures over there?

Mama: That is Elvis, toots.

The Princess: Who is that?

Mama: He was born in MS in a 2 room shack with his parents, he had a twin brother that died at birth and lived here until age 11. He bought his first guitar in a hardware store, where he really wanted to buy a bebe gun, but his mother talked him out of it. He then moved to Memphis, became famous, married a teenager....and then died. OK, so maybe I didn't give her all those details, but I could tell you about it in my sleep if you were interested.

What I really said was "He was a famous singer."
The Princess: Did he die?

Mama: Yes, baby.

The Princess: So he is in heaven with Big G (her great grandmother who died over a year ago).

Mama: Yes, baby with Big G. Now if you knew our Daddy's grandmother this alone that she and The King of Rock 'n' Roll are up there together is good for a giggle.

The Princess: Is he with Dutchess? (That was our Dog that died 4 years ago)

Mama: Yes, baby and I'm sure they are singing "Ain't Nothing but a Hounddog Right Now."

The Princess: Ok (and then she was gone)

LESSON #2: You don't always get to win

When we are all in the car we often play the quiet game. If you have an almost 5 year old who talks ALL the time you understand. She & her daddy were playing. She won the Round 1 & he won Round 2. She obviously wanted to win both games & winning one was just NOT an option. This was the moment where Daddy decided to teach her "You don't always get to win." Let's just say it didn't go very well. I'm not sure he got the point across, but he never gave in & said ok you won (I was ready to 20 mins. into it).

LESSON #3: Church is not a toll bridge We are not a cash or checkbook carrying family. So to all those potential thieves out there we are not a good target for you! After buying plants the day before (at a nursery that only excepts cash or checks) and literally counting pennies and dimes to find enough change, our cash was wiped out. As we drove into the parking lot at church yesterday morning, the princess asked for her money. We give her money to place in her Sunday School offering on most Sundays. I would have even given her a quarter, if I could find one. Needless to say, we were out of cash. So here goes the conversation:

Mama: Baby, we don't have any cash this morning so we will bring some next week, ok? The Princess: But Mama, they won't let me in if I don't have money to pay. Mama: Oh, well we don't give them money to pay for us to come in. This is church it is free. The Princess: Why do we give money then? Mama: Well, Jesus tells us to and then the church takes the money and gives it to hungry little children who don't have any money to buy food. The Princess: OK. So, as I dropped her off in Sunday School I saw her sweet preschool director and laughing I shared our brief conversation and suggested that, we might need to work on the tithing lesson for the kiddies. Her quote to the Princess: "Honey, this isn't a toll bridge."

The Concert

2008-04-28T14:07:00.012-05:00

Girls trips are the best! Don't get me wrong a weekend (or week) away with your husband is fabulous and important, a vacation with the family (without killing each other) is memorable and time away with your kids and husband is fun! Guys do the deer camp and golf course thing, but girls...they just don't quite seem to escape that easily. Even a day of shopping and pedis seems to get muddled with the other things you should be doing (cooking, cleaning, ironing, work, etc...). Again, don't get me wrong I enjoy the day out for shopping or night out with the girls, but there are always these responsibilities that loom over our heads that we can just not shake.

A few days ago, 5 of us headed to ATL. We bought tickets for a great concert before Christmas and it took 3 months of planning childcare, work schedules and such to get this pulled off properly. Who ever would think that 6 hours in car could go so fast with 5 moms talking and laughing. We were not a very rowdy group to say the least. There were some late morning risers in this group and that did not seem to bother anyone. The nights were not that "crazy" either because we didn't arrive until after midnight the first and then the second night, we just collapsed in our room late again to laugh and discuss our new crush. It has been many a moon since I had a crush. I don't think the hubby is too jealous at this point, but one more concert and the jealousy bug could bite!

Did I mention who we went to see (or do you say hear)? Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban! Wooohooooo!!!! If you are a regular to my page you know that I love some AI so to see the winner from several years ago make it so big was fun! Carrie Underwood has an amazing voice. I cannot imagine what harm she is doing to her vocal chords every night, but that girl can sing! If you know me at all, you know that I can be a tad-bit emotional. When she sang "Jesus Take the Wheel" I was a little teary. However, not as teary as Carrie was when she sang "Don't Forget to Remember Me". The girl just had to quit singing because the tears wouldn't stop! I'd like to think her Daddy had just called her and she was missing him.

Now, I have to say...."Carrie who" because once Keith Urban came on stage....wooohoooo, have I mentioned that I already? He was amazing. I know a few gals from this area that have become a little infatuated with some "KU" and have now seen him FOUR times (I think). Well, Keith on stage was well worth the 12 hours in a car with girls. He was amazing (I think I may be repeating myself, now). Ladies, turn the lights down low, the music up high and enjoy the view!

To my gals on the trip-thanks for a great time. Jen, thanks for being the perfect and aggressive driver. Hubby, I love you and thanks for understanding a girls trip is sometimes the perfect trip!

B is for Birthdays & Beth

2008-04-22T20:51:00.000-05:00

So, I had this grand idea like another cool blogger (actually, she is the whole reason I have a blog). Anyway, it was to do the alphabet and have some great word for each letter. So, what happened to A? You would think it would be so easy since my oldest child starts with A. Oh well, you hear enough about how they may be the cutest girls in the whole world. We will just skip A and get straight to B.

B is for birthdays! I am a believer that we should receive more gifts on our birthday than for Christmas. Christmas is about Jesus and a birthday is for just for you! Also, maybe parents should receive gifts on their children's birthday...you know it just makes sense!

B is for Beth. The Lord blessed me with an amazing family and my sister-in-laws are included in this. In 2001 my little brother gave me one of the best gifts of all times and he is a great gift giver (I'll save this for the Hs maybe). When all of us get together as the Kittles, it is a blast (crazy too). Brian, Hart, Beth and I were all at MSU during the same time. We know almost all the same people from school and have friends in common. She was a Jimmy's kid so we don't ALL the same folks. To say that we lack for conversation is putting it mildly.

All of this said, what has happened in our lives the last 21 months. On July 23, 2006 the Kittle name was granted through another generation. Hartley Weems Kittle V was born. He practically came into the world so quickly that the only people that made it to the hospital were Hart, Beth and one of her brothers. The rest of us were soon to follow just not quick enough. V was born with passing health reports, 10 fingers and 10 toes. Everything parents pray for and want. Then our worlds changed forever. V was transported to UMC with a heart condition and within 72 hours of his birth he was flown to CHOP where he spent the next 10 weeks or so of his life and his parents. He had several open heart surgeries and has since returned for one more. I am happy to report that if you run into him somewhere, you will not be able to pick out the child that has been sick. He is the happiest little almost 2 year old boy you can find. This background is necessary to understand Beth.

Never once have I heard her complain. Never once have I heard her ask why me? Never once has she been harsh with a nurse when her child was uncomfortable. I even heard one nurse call him a her and she didn't correct her. I suppose it should go without saying that I politely told the nurse she was a he, but those of you that know me and Big Daddy know that we just had to speak up for her and him! Never once when I have been whining about the difficulties God has thrown my way has she said, "KK get a grip, do you know what I have been dealing with? Your problems ain't nothing." If you know Beth can you EVER hear her saying any of that. Nope, but can't say you weren't hear me say it or at least think it.

When I have heard someone comment to Beth about her dedication and how well she has handled everything, she says you would have too. She is right, we would do it it's your baby, but to handle it with the grace, the faith and the no questions asked...I'm not so sure I could do it so well.

Beth , thank you for teaching me how to not ask why me and just deal with it. Thank you for my precious niece and nephew and for loving my brother (I know that is no easy task)! You are an amazing mother, loving wife and fabulous sister-in-law. Most of all you are my friend and I love you. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Kinichiwa!

2008-04-13T17:43:00.007-05:00

I know all you blogging friends have just been dying to know where I have been for the last few weeks, right? Nope, all two of you (MSKS and MKM) who read this were with me on this work trip. For the last week, I have been in Japan for work. First in Tokyo and then Osaka and Nagoya. This was my second trip to Japan, but I really feel that I was able to take in more of this fascinating country than the last time.

I wish that I had blogged or at least kept a journal everyday, but of course I didn't. No surprises there, I am the mom that hasn't finished her almost 5 year old's first year book and do you think I have started on the second one's? Nope again.

Here are a few things that stick out to me about Japan:

1. The Japanese have a system for everything including how to put your luggage in the line to be loaded on the bus.

2. It is still not customary to tip in Japan. They are insulted by this because they are already being paid to service you (bellman, taxi drivers, concierge, waiters).

3. Japanese menus do not prevent you from ordering. There are pictures for everything on the menu and most of the time so pre-prepared plates sitting outside for you to have an idea what to order.

4. We scheduled an appointment with Toyota's travel agent department and they planned lunch at a local restaurant and we paid. No typical discussions like in America of "let me get the check" just a fact they expected us to do it. (I do not find this insulting just a different way than us)

It is wonderful to be home. I walked right into a house that had been cleaned by my sweet mother-in-law and with motormouth Princess not letting up at all! Also, while I was gone the monkey figured out where her nose was when you ask and I am now working on the belly button. This should not be a problem since it pooches out so far! As you can see, the girls got gifts when I returned (what parent doesn't return from a trip without them?). I learned years ago that gifts are a great bribe to them warming up to you and getting that big welcome home hug you have been planning to get!

The monkey is much more interested in the "baaaallllll" as she calls it that looks like it came from a gum baaaallllll machine than the kimono that cost 26,000 yen. Impressive that the state pays me that kind of money, huh? Don't be that just calculates to $26 USD. If I had time and if I had started this blogging 3 years ago, I would have a really funny story about Super Chikan and the yen from my last trip to Japan.

I would also be remiss to not ask what in the world happened on AI? I leave for one week and my guy gets the boot? Give me a break. At least Priscilla is still dancing on DWTS! I caught up on my reality tv last night and this morning from 2-4...jet lag ya know!

Be Careful What You Ask For...

2008-03-26T18:34:00.005-05:00

So, the princess and I were in the car going home from ballet. The conversations went like this:

The Princess: "Did you have a meeting, Mama?"

Mama: "No baby, I needed to meet with Ms. Mary Beth at work so Daddy took you to ballet."

The Princess: "Oh, do you work with Ms. Mary Bef?"

Mama: "Yes, she is my boss. She's pretty isn't she?:
The Princess: "Yes m'am"

Mama: "Is she as pretty as Mama?" Am I fishing or what?

The Princess: "Yes m'am"

Mama should let it go now, but NO....

Mama: "Is Mama prettier"

The Princess in her serious voice: "No m'am she is much prettier."

Lesson learned: If you don't want to know don't ask. When I told the hubby about the conversation he just laughed. I said, "You wouldn't have said that would you". Again, laughter!

So not that I'm asking for comment or even for you to be the judge just want you to see what I'm up against! Not to mention the brunette is amazing herself! Also, I have to add that I think this is a horrible picture of me, but just want you to see what I'm up against!!!

Happy Alleluia!

2008-03-24T10:12:00.008-05:00

What a blessed weekend! It was Easter and the weather was beautiful. The bulldogs one won great game on Friday and then sadly lost by the Memphis Tigers yesterday. As you can tell my blogging idea about AI has failed. Immediately following my post, I received a harassing phone call from my lil brother that I had way too much time on my hands and what did I do sit and take note? Of course, he then insisted in informing my hubby of my abudant amount of free time and that he should stay in tuned about our internet time. Huh!

Anyway, my idea did not completely fail because of my ridiculing but more because I didn't have as much time as I thought I would. Also, now Dancing with the Stars is on and that does compete with my AI time, hmmm what's a girl to do? By the way, I am really fascinated by Priscilla Presley. Now, I think she is a little "tight" but she was married to ELVIS!

So back to the weekend, I wanted to post pics. The activities began on Thursday because Kat got shoes! Yes, she is 14 months but she has been just fine. She had those cute Robeez shoes and I was waiting on spring to get her to buy the guppy sandals from Stride Rite. After screaming when they sized her foot (tried bribing with gummies), we determined they were the perfect fit. I went to pay and she threw herself on the ground and refused to walk. What did I do you ask? Laughed at her and then bribed her to walk with animal crackers..and we wonder if she has a weight problem! She immediately pulled herself together and decided that shoes weren't so bad. As we walked out she laughed and was pointing at her toes!

A tradition that I seem to have is to buy flowers for Easter morning so we will have something pretty and "spring" like to pose in front of for pictures. It must be bad because I told the princess we were going to take pictures and she asked, "In front of the flowers". Of course we had to pull them in last night because of the cold snap! I hope that you had a beautiful and blessed weekend. What a reason to celebrate! HE LIVES!!!

American Idol Count Down

2008-03-12T16:24:00.004-05:00

So, do I really have a life? Yes.
Do I really have time to post about American Idol? No.
Do any of you even really care about AI? Probably not. Is this going to be earth shattering info? Absolutely. Will I be able to do it for the next 3 months? Doubtful, but I get an A for effort, right?
The judges (Dawg, Paula and Simon) keep saying this is the best year yet. Time will tell if this is the truth or not. If you are not familiar with the concept and how songs are chosen, keep reading. Each week the contestants are given an artist, decade or genera of music that they must pick from. This week it was Lenon & McCartney. should really have watched since she is thrilled that Paul and Heather are done. However she was at a victory party for Charlie Ross, so am sure that she has not had the opportunity to watch AI yet.
1st up-Unimpressive young thing and apparently so unimpressive that I do not remember her name or the song the chose. KK Score: 4

2nd up-Chikeze, now with a name like that, he is destined to be remembered. He formerly worked security at LAX and now is on stage performing for the world. I was definitely entertained and it made me smile. KK Score: 8

3rd up-Ramiele, she formerly poured soy sauce into those little plastic take away containers. She sang “In My Life” and dedicated it to her friends that had already been sent home. Last week she did not handle one dudes (or dudettes) departure well at all. I thought it was boring and apparently the judges agreed. You know that if Paula starts out with “You look really pretty tonight” she is not going to give you rave reviews. I guess it is something about start with a positive and try to end with a positive motto. KK Score: 4

4th up-Jason Castro, he is a white boy with some thick dreadlocks. He sang “If I fall” and played the guitar. Now, I think if you can play a musical instrument and sing that you might truly have some talent in ya. He did fair but it seemed to be a safe performance. KK Score: 5

5th up-Carley, a girl from Ireland. First, this is AMERICAN Idol, right? She nailed her performance (tattoo and all) of “Come Together” and I think is a real contender in the race.
K Score: 8

6th up-David Cook, he is a rocker. I have a history of not being big supporters for the rockers on AI (remember Chris Daughtery, but he now has top hits out there). He sang Éleanor Rigby”.
KK Score: 6

7th up-Brooke White, a really beautiful blonde musician. She seems so real and I think we could probably be friends. She was a Nanny for twins prior to being discovered on AI and I loved what one of her signs said last night: “We Love Brooke” but we miss our Nanny. Brooke played the piano (barefoot because she can’t play in heels) and sang “Let It Be” it was beautiful and she was so emotional afterwards. KK Score: 10

8th up-David Hernandez, a communication and broadcast major. That alone should have him as one of my top picks but it wasn’t quite so. He sang “I Saw Her Standing There” and I was less than impressed. What did impress me was that one of his courses he took in college was all about the music of the Beatles. didn’t offer anything quite so cool when I was there, maybe Dr. Ford should look into Beatles 101. KK Score: 4

9th up-Amanda, the skunk hair girl that is another rocker. She rides Harleys with her family and the stripes in her hair matched the stripes on her pants, interesting look. I liked her performance last week, she has this Janis Joplin voice and I think she will go far in the competition. Maybe if she is looking for advice on her hair and wardrobe she will find this blog and contact me for assistance (I know so much about fashion and hair, ha). KK Score: 6

10th up-a hot Aussie. Again an international dude from Australia on AMERICAN Idol. He has lived in the USA for 10 years, but still that doesn’t make him American, does it? He coaches tennis on the side for some money and he is the hottest guy on the show. Performance was forgettable but for some reason I am scoring him on his looks and performance. KK Score: 7

11th up-Kristy Lee somebody from Oregon. She said she was country, is Oregon considered country? She looked great in her jeans and sequined top, but her performance was lacking. She took “Eight Days a Week” and tried to make it country…it didn’t work. However, once again her looks averaged in with her talent score makes me give her a-KK Score 5.

Finally-Archuletta and he must be about 12. He sang “We Can Work It Out” and he forgot the lyrics right out of the gate. Now, who am I to be too critical but if they didn’t want to be judged by American than they should not have tried out for AI. KK Score: 3

If I was a betting girl-which I’m not (just throw money to me if you want to throw it away) I would be that Archuletta is on his way home tonight and I am sure that “soy sauce” girl will once again be an emotional basket case.
So, as I conclude my American Idol summary all I can say is “Peace Out, Dawg!” Oh, and if you are on the seat of your pants wondering who is going home tune into tonight on Fox.

2008-03-06T11:46:00.003-06:00

Well...over the weekend, I thought of another that just has to make me laugh! wwwhhhhooooorrrreeee red fingernail polish!! Now that is a classic Holli!

March 7th is Holli’s Birthday! Happy Birthday to my dear friend who put up with me for more years than anyone else would have ever tried. We went to school together from 6th grade until we graduated from college. She and I roomed together for all four years of college and then some! I’m not going to reveal her age (because that would tell mine). Below are 33 things that make me smile when I hear them and I think about my precious, precious friend!

1. Critz Critters
2. Tallahatchie River Floats
3. Peach wine coolers
4. “oooohhhh silky”
5. “is it ok to leave my purse in the car” to the parking attendant in NOLA
6. Judith McNaught books
7. Blank-blank
8. Chi-O Floor
9. The Long Hall
10. The Back Hall
11. “the list”
12. Derby Days
13. Late night calls from Gabe
14. Papa Johns and coke for breakfast on Saturdays
15. The Pink Palace
16. Decorating with empty coke cans
17. 325-HHKK
18. NOLA
19. EX Rush Parties
20. Papagallo dresses that tied up the back
21. Steckler, Tres and Holli having too much to drink on MY birthday, so I drove
22. The Landing
23. Flo & Eddies
24. Mulligans
25. Disneyworld Lifeguards
26. Neck braces
27. Howl at the Moon
28. NY Spring Break
29. Beach Trips
30. Black Cars
31. Cross-stitching the EX Crest
32. Shells & Cheese
33. “Chiggers, chiggers…die chiggers…ahah”

Happy Birthday Holli! I love ya. Kittle

The Letter....P

2008-02-07T08:32:00.000-06:00

Mama to the Princess: "How was school today? Did you stay on green?"
The Princess: "I'm on green today, Mama."
Mama: "Great"
The Princess: "Guess what letter we started today."
Mama: "ummm...z....."
Princess: "No, Mama....P, silly"
Mama: "So what letters start with P?"
Princess: "porcupine, penguin, pink, purple, popcorn..."
Mama: "plate, paper, pretty, princess"
Princess: "I know what else starts with the letter P..."
Mama: "What?"
Princess: "Something you do in the bathroom but we don't talk about" (huge smile on her face)
Mama: "Who told you that?" (muffling a giggle)
Princess: "Nobody I just know."

Wow, again how do you respond. Of course once again she was right!

Quiet Time...how?

2008-02-05T09:00:00.000-06:00

So for the second time this week (it is only Tuesday) our alarm has gone off earlier and I have actually put my feet on the floor and gotten up. Did you know it is still dark outside at 6 a.m.? I am notorious for being late for work and getting up before 6:30 a.m. seems to be a struggle. However, I decided Sunday night that if I ever wanted to have that "quiet time" I need to beat the rest of the family up. Yesterday, I sat showered iand wrapped in my robe with a cup of coffee and had my quite time with God. It was so peaceful, relaxing and enjoyable. Wow, what a great start for a Monday.

Now day 2...the alarm went off and for once I heard it before Brian (praise God). So up I went, I peaked in the kitchen and setting the timer on the coffee pot worked...so far so good. Out of the shower and wrapped in my robe, guess who I ran in to...Stiemy. So I'm not alone that is ok. I climbed over the folded clothes (thanks hubby) and around the toys on the floor and settled in with my coffee and a devotion for the day. Guess who walks around the corner...the princess. I suggest she go get in my bed (did I mention it is still dark outside) and off she goes. 2 mintues later she reappears and wants to stay with me. She climbs on the opposite end of the couch and asks why are we up so early today? Good question little one...why did you get up? I let her know this is my quiet time and that we will talk later. She lays back down and out walks the hubby again..."I was thinkin...today when you...." I just looked at him and kindly asked "Can we do this in 10 minutes?" He obliged and walked away.

So, my whole point or question to this is...How do I get quiet time in the mornings. Am I going to have to get up at 5 a.m. and if I do is everyone else going to follow? Now, I got the time in this morning and amazingly enough was in the office at 8 a.m. Now if you don't believe in miracles you should now because... me.... early..... to work? Not normal! Here is to Mom's that find that early morning quiet time!

Another Weekend with the Family

2008-02-04T08:44:00.000-06:00

Well, somehow it is February again. In a way I am happy that January is behind us, but then again it makes me a little sad that my baby is now officialy 1 year old. We had a perfect weekend. Friday night was spent in Indianola with Mimi because I had an appointment in Greenwood early Saturday morning. After a great lunch and hugs for everyone, the McCaskills were back in the car headed south again. Over the years I have decided that if we had a song it could be "On the Road Again". Our friends in Jackson wonder why we even have a home here at times! All 3 of the McCaskills girls napped while "Lucky Daddy" drove us home. What a life!

So besides the boring details of our weekend here is what we thought was our funny moment. We overslept Sunday morning and Stiemy thought we could still get 4 dressed and out of the house for Sunday School that started in 1 hour (we live 20 minutes from church). Now, it takes him alone 45 mintues to get dressed (maybe a good blog topic for another time). So at 8:50 I recommend that we slow down, eat breakfast and just get to church for "big church". He insists that we can make it and I willingly attempt to get 3 of us ready (I can only do so much). At 9:17 we pull out of the driveway and head south for church. Finally, as we are nearing the church he says "Krispy Kream"? Wow, spontatnity at its best! I say sure because we were going to be 40 minutes late for Sunday School. So, as we make our detour we watch the Princess's reaction.
"We took the wrong way" she said.
"No baby we are going to make a stop before church" the parents reply.
"We have to go to Sunday School now...let's go" she answered.
"Well, we are running late and we just aren't going to make it" we muffle with laughter at her disappointment.
"Why are we late? We have to go NOW" she insists.
"Baby it is our fault but we slept too long and we don't have time. You are right we should have gotten up earlier. We are sorry." we explained.
"Where are we going then?" she asked
"We have a treat" we answered not trying to make a treat sound better than church.
"It isn't Christmas though" she told us.

Of course we are not encouraging parents to skip church for donuts and how do you explain this is ok to children. However, all of this to say this was one of those moments when we thanked God for letting us be parents and teaching her that we are suppose to be in church on Sundays and that Jesus loves her. After some sugary treats, we did make it to church and she had communion which in my opinion may be one of the most precious parent moments to watch her take the bread and dip it in the cup, while the preachers tells her "remember that Jesus Loves You."

Did I mention that one day last week when we were leaving her daycare that the bells were chiming and she said, "Mama do you hear the bells? We are suppose to pray." So we did just that.

You just have to love St. Francis of Assis that she and the monkey attend. I had another one of those moments when Ithought...she loves Jesus and may we just always keep this little girl so sweet and innocent and protected. If all of us could slow down and remember the basics and take the time to pray kinda out of the blue like that. It was also a moment that reminded me one of my favorite movies "The Sound of Music". I could just picture the nuns walking through the gardens and the when the bells chime they stop to pray.

Amen!

Weekend with the McCaskills

2008-01-27T09:48:00.000-06:00

If you are at the McCaskills during the weekend, it is like a box of chocolates, "you never know what you are going to get". Since at least one of our girls has been sick since Monday, we have been homebound. Daddy actually is at church without this morning which seems yucky to not be there with him. After sending the Princess back to school on Friday and letting her play all yesterday morning with the neighbors, we have decided to treat her ailments as the stomach bug (yikes MSKS).

Friday our house was fun and full with 5 girls ages 4 and under (The Princess, Chunky Monkey, Carter and our buds the Edmonsons). My Princess was quite upset that the other younger girls would not let her dress them up or put makeup on them. Carter did finally give in and did seem to enjoy it, watch out Hart & Beth! The younger Edmonson also got in to it towards the end and became slightly attached to the flashing tiara! The only picture I could snap quick enough her eyes were closed but by the smile you can tell this is royalty in the making!

Late yesterday evening, we snuggled down under the blankets and watched the Dawgs romp the Rebs! hehehehahaha The Dawgs are now 5-0 in the SEC, not too shabby!

Hopefully, whatever you did with your family this weekend you enjoyed being together and stayed warm, we did!

He Said Something Really Funny....

2008-01-25T08:15:00.000-06:00

My husband has a dry sense of humor. It is at the most random times that he can make me crack up. Laughing is so much fun in a marriage. So, last night he was looking through an old textbook from college trying to get a reference for something.

As he was thumbing through he said "College seems so long ago and it is so foggy."

The supportive wife that I am replied, "Baby, it was a long time ago...you were a freshman 16 years ago."

As he shook his head he said, "I know, but I can't imagine how foggy it would be had I smoked dope."

Now, there is just no response to that, so I let him have the last word for once!

Home With Sick Ones

2008-01-24T12:16:00.000-06:00

I am working on day 2 of being home with a sick monkey. No fever since she left school Tuesday, but she has this ugly rash and we are worried her friends will make fun of her or actually that the other Mothers will grab their children and run out the door. Now, on day 2 we have received a call that The Princess complained of a stomach ache, had lost all color in her face and wanted to lay down instead of eat (not characteristic of a McCaskill or Kittle).

So now I’m home with two sick girls and now what? I just called the Princess in to ask her some questions that I came across yesterday while searching another blog that I like to check out. I do not know the Scotts, but am fascinated by any mother that can stay home with triplets! So, she had asked her 3 kiddies these questions and I thought it would be fun to copy/steal her idea. Maybe I will remember to do this every so often.

1. What are you good at doing? “What do you mean Mama?…ummmm….…color”
2. If you had ten dollars, how would you spend it? “umm….A picture”
3. What are you afraid of? “uuuummmm…..monstors
4. ”Who are your friends? “uuuummmm…..Claudia and Chloe and Kate”
5. What is important to you? “What do you mean…a wall”
6. What is your favorite book? “Ummmmm..Do Princesses Really Kiss Frogs”
7. What is your favorite food? “Apples”
8. What is your favorite thing about school? “Ummmm….pray”
9. What is your favorite thing to do? “Ummmm….ummmm…go see Sara Carson”
10. How do you show your family you love them? “Ummmm…..love”
11. What do you want to be when you grow up? “Ummmmm…a grownup”
12. Why? “Ummm….because if you eat food then you growup”
13. What are you thankful for? “Uuummm….pictures”
14. Tell me something about God. “uuummmm….angels”

So, there you have it. Looks like we may be slacking in the speech area. I wrote down her exact thoughts and included each ummmmm…as you can see. Oh how badly I wanted to give her some direction and just had to bite my tongue to keep from saying how about....

Now all of a sudden she is ready to help me around the house and wants to play. Do 4 1/2 years olds know how to play "hookey", really?

Do You Remember

2008-01-23T13:43:00.000-06:00

In the last week it seems our family has begun a new tradition. Hold on to your hat because you may get sucked in to our idea! We have started watching "Little House on the Prairie". I think that Daddy and the Princess watched an episode last night and now twice this week our routine has included reruns of this old classic. Last night there was a really heated brawl (as Carolyn would call it) between Sleep Eye and Walnut Grove's baseball teams. It was a tight game, but of course Walnut Grove won in the end. The Princess did seem to narrate and talk the whole way through, but we were snuggled on the couch in our warm pjs and under a warm soft blanket. We laugh and tell our oldest that she sometime acts like Nellie Olson! We think it is much more funny than she does! Oh well. If your family wants to join the fun you can catch an episode on TBS at 7 p.m. tonight.

Sometimes it just feels good...

2008-01-18T20:41:00.001-06:00

First and foremost, Praise God for protecting our little man yesterday during surgery. V has done well today and we hope that tonight brings more healing and rest for all of our family that is in Philadelphia.

This has just been one of those weeks and we have been all over the place it seems. It may have been my first full week back in the office since way before Christmas so maybe that has something to do with it. Thank goodness we have a long weekend. Right now my living room looks like Katrina blew through at 5 p.m. and we won't even talk about The Princess' room. My adorable niece (a.k.a. Pie) is asleep in KK's bed and hopefully I can move her shortly so Princess and I can snuggle and snooze!

OK, now that all the fascinating details of my life are complete. Sometimes it just feels good to be really out of the way nice. I know that God charges us to be Christ-like and that we should be nice to everyone we come in contact with (hate to end a sentence with a preposition, but this is one of those moments). Anyway, I stepped on the elevator this afternoon in the glorious Woolfok Building (MSKS and I fondly refer to as Shawshank). For lack of a better word, I think I may have flirted with a shall we say old man (who I will now call Mr.) He was dressed nicely and had his hearing aid in one ear. I didn't speak at first except to say "Going down". Then in the way we do in the south Mr. brought up the weather and how he thought the temperature was really dropping, but he never really made eye contact with me because everyone knows on the elevator you just look straight ahead or up at the numbers as you pass the next floor, right? So, I said "is it really" thrilling conversation so far, huh (it was only 5 floors)?

As I was looking at this man that was visiting the building, I noticed what fabulous hair he had. It was a pretty silver color with salt and pepper and that was a lot of it...more than Big Daddy or Stiemy! So of course thanks to my father who can talk to any stranger, I commented on it to him. (I did not get noticing men's hair from my father, let me make that clear).

When was the last time you told a strange man that he had pretty hair? The reaction I got was "excuse me" so I repeated it to him and actually touched my own hair in case the hearing aid needed new batteries.

Mr: "Thanks, I just got it cut."
KK: "Well, they did a nice job."
Mr: "I go to this lady in Highland Village and I think she cuts only men". Now if you have been to Highland Village you know that it is one of the higher end shopping areas in Jackson. There is a barber shop in there, but I am thinking Mr. probably goes to a salon.

The last thing Mr. said to me was "I wish my wife could hear you say that".

Now I was a little tickled and told him "Well, you better not tell her. She may not like a strange female flirting with her husband."

As the elevator door opened, he knew the man standing waiting for the next ride up. I think his chest puffed out a little and I couldn't help but think you made him smile today. I also think that the other man that spoke to him told him how good he looked (but have been something in the old air of Woolfolk). I bet he was on cloud 9 all the way home!

Lesson for the day: Compliment on old man on his (only if he has some to mention)!

Random thoughts about friends & prayers

2008-01-17T11:10:00.000-06:00

There have been so many songs written over the years about friends. The first one that came into my head this morning on my commute in to the office was Michael W. Smith’s “Friends”:

“Friends are friends forever if the Lord’s the Lord of them. And a friend cannot say never and the welcome will not end”

Now the one that pops into my head is “I’ve God Friends in Low Places”. Man can my mind go in a million and one different directions. Guess that is just like any conversation someone has with me, it is all over the place.

The reason for the ushy gush so early? Good question. My heart is full of prayers right now for some very special people. First, my nephew Hartley is heavy on my heart. As I type he is preparing for open heart surgery. He is 18 months old and is receiving a new heart valve this morning at CHOP.

My sister-in-law Carmen (married to Brian’s brother) has just found out in the last week that her father has cancer that is already in Stage 4. They are still unclear which path they will take medically, but cancer is just crap in my opinion.

Also, my sweet friend Leigh is working hard to take care of her father who is hospitalized after a horrific car accident before Christmas. Thankfully, he is going to be ok but the weeks that have passed have been draining for her physically and emotionally. She and her family and the other families involved need our prayers.

I often wonder what I would do without my Heavenly Father and without my friends. Thank the Lord that my parents taught me how to love and trust God, value my friends and to be quite frank…how to pick’em! I have some of the absolute best friends that anyone could ask for in the whole wide world.

We have friends that we talk to daily, friends that we talk to weekly and friends that we may not even see yearly. It never ceases to amaze me that after long periods of time of not talking or seeing some friends that you pick right back up where you left off. Those friendships are treasures. One of these type friends of mine, Molly, sent this great devotion to me today about things we should try to do as mothers so our children will see God through us. It was great and I will save it for another day to share. In the meantime, here is something that the devotion said that also struck a chord with me.

“When times of crisis, conflict or confusion arise, I will hit my knees before I hit the phone knowing that by my example my children will discover that although friends are important, God alone is the one who holds the solution to life's every problem.”

This hit the nail on the head. God alone holds the solution to life’s problems. Lord, my prayer to you right at this moment is that as our family goes in to kiss Hartley’s forehead one more time that they will feel the comfort of Our Healer wrapping His arms around him. He is not only in the doctors hands today, but always in God’s!

If I was in Philly, I would be wiggling his toes for fear of spreading unwanted germs. Maybe you can feel the wiggle now, V! It use to make one of my most amazing friends smile.

Happy Birthday, Chunky Monkey!

2008-01-08T08:32:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday, Chunky Monkey!!!!

Give me an H, give me an A, give me a p-p-y. Give me a b, give me an i, give me a r-t-h, give me a d, give me an a, give me a y.....Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday!

(Thanks to my sweet friend, Molly, my family sings this song on every birthday occasion now!)

It is so hard to believe that my sweet little baby girl is one today. Officially, not until around 3:30 this afternoon, but at this point last year the whole process had begun. Labor was induced, family and great friends were gathering in and the epidural wasn't far from being received. Then the wait began. Boy, girl, would she look the Princess, would he look like his mom, would the baby have red hair and most importantly would he/she be healthy?

I remember them hurrying the doctor to get there so she wouldn't miss it and what seems like the paparazzi without the cameras (a.k.a. doctors and nurses) all rushing in to take their places. Never knew so many "official" people needed to be in the room at once. Daddy had taken his place next to my head and about one push later, the baby was here. Dr. Nichol's said "Call it Dad" and he and I both said "girl?" Immediately, one of the nurses replied "2 weddings dad". Kick him while he is down!

The Princess shortly came into the room and she and her Daddy walked hand in hand down the hall to introduce Katherine Hamilton McCaskill to the rest of the crazy world waiting her arrival! Honestly, the next few weeks...months are a blur. The Monkey was not the best sleeper and now we think it was just that she was always so hungry. She has been more than a complete joy and we are daily in awe of the joy that she brings into our home.

Her sister has been amazingly loving beyond belief. Just last night (364 nights after the monkey's birth) she screamed that she needed help, her sister was messing up her room! Maybe now the 1st year is behind us and the sisterly debates will begin. I am so excited about watching the two of them grow up together. There is no doubt that there are some trying days/nights ahead of us. In the meantime, I am going to savor the moments that she just simply looks at me and laughs. She thinks that we are the funniest people in the whole wide world. She loves us unconditionally and if she is fussy we feed her or put her to bed and she is the happiest baby in the whole wide world (we think).

She is about to take off and walk any day and she loves to suck her thumb, when she is sleepy. She stood unassisted on Christmas day and she is beginning to attempt a wave and reached up for me with her arms extended Sunday at her birthday party. Obviously, she is learning how to already pull at my heart strings. We had her family party on Sunday in Indianola and she must have known it was her day. She was all smiles and had a blast playing with her cousins. Today is the actual day, she and Elvis! Who knows what the rest of the day has in store for her, probably a little more cake before she goes to bed tonight.

I thank the Lord daily for my precious babies. They are truly the most amazing gifts I could ever ask for. Happy Birthday, baby girl and always know that we love you!

Another year...how does that keep happening?

2008-01-01T20:26:00.000-06:00

My best friend was telling me just last night that she was really having to think back to how old my princess is. I recall that my parents just recently disagreed on the number. Of course, my mother could remember where each birthday party had been and she was right, 4 years old.
side note...I slipped and told the now 4 1/2 year old this morning at 1 a.m. that it was now 2008 and she would turn 5. I guess after a rockin' New Years Eve party (if you call watching the weather channel at 11:59 p.m. to make sure we didn't miss the new year/with 2 kids in tow rockin). Now, I am normally better about telling her things too far in advance, but apparently the sleep deprivation did not allow logical thinking at the moment. A great majority of the morning was spent discussing how she would be 5 this year (not until May 28th). Seriously, our party last night was exactly how I like it, we were missing a few of our good friends but the last bash at Muirwood Circle was great, thanks Edmonsons!

Anyway, I digress (as usual). How can it be 2008, already? I have been driving for 18 years, I graduated from high school 14 years ago, college 11 years, started dating Brian 12 years ago and am about to celebrate my 9th wedding anniversary. Did I mention that on top of the anniversary next week, that I also celebrate my 33 years of life (the same age Jesus was when He died, I believe) and my baby, Chunky Monkey, will turn 1! How does that keep happening?

Of course, the McCaskills have listed their goals for 2008. This is something that Stiemy has had us doing for several years now. There are always those reoccuring goals and I would love to tell you this time next year that we will have been a success at them all. I guess I will just need to keep blogging to keep you in suspense. Out of privacy for my family (Stiemy already thinks I have welcomed the world into our home via this site..what all 4 readers now) I will not list the goals. I wouldn't want you to think we were failures 1/2 way through the year.

For now, I will end my rambling and just simply say Happy New Year. Maybe this year we will all take time to slow down and enjoy the passing days and our growing children.

God bless you and yours in 2008!

Here is to 37 Years Mama & Daddy

2007-12-31T15:16:00.000-06:00

This past weekend my parents celebrated 37 years of marriage. Congratulations. They have taught me more than they will ever know and mostly just by their actions. Here are just 10 of the ways they have showed their love for us and different ways they have taught me to be the kind of parent that I want to be.
1. They love and trust the Lord.
2. They love each other.
3. They love me unconditionally.
4. They gave me a brother that includes now a great sister-in-law, a beautiful niece (and goddaughter) and an adorable nephew.
5. They taught me that words can never be taken back so be careful what you say when you argue with your spouse.
6. They allowed me to be myself and never tried to force their interests on me.
7. They supported my decision to go to bulldog country (although Daddy still says he never 8. signed a check to that institution). Honestly, I think they were just glad I made a decision on which college.
8. They encouraged my brother to be a bulldog (think they knew their rebel blood would find them in O-town more than Starkville and that could cause problems).
9. They show me daily how you will do anything you can for your children to be happy and that a parent’s heart as much if not more if their baby is hurting
10. They taught me the importance of surrounding yourself with good friends…no great friend

Ok, so I had to include one more. If they had not loved each other enough to have me, I would never have my beautiful girls to love the same way!

Here is to 37 more years together!

Get To Know Me (and you) during Christmas

2007-12-19T16:10:00.000-06:00

The whole reason I am even trying to be cool with this blogging stuff is my friend MSKS. I found this list of questions from her blog that I do think she copied from someone else and I thought- “fabulous idea”. So here it goes. Let’s get to know your Christmas traditions….

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? I do love a wrapped present and how it looks under the tree. However, most of the wrapped presents under my tree now are because I bought them and the store did the work for me. I have never done those corners well. Always wondered about the movie presents where they just lift the box off the top with a beautiful ribbon. Not sure if that would be fun or not. However, I must admit that I am guilty about a bag and tissue paper as it gets closer to Christmas day. The husband hates it and thinks that is the easy way out, don’t see him helping wrap though!
2. Tree--Real or Artificial? I have ALWAYS had a real tree. Just last year my mother gave and bought a pre-lit artificial. My mother-in-law did that this year and offered to buy us one. I just hate the idea of my girls not growing up with the excitement of going to find “the” tree. However, I must admit that some of my vivid Christmas memories include my Dad sighing heavily and trying to find the tree from Ms. T’s that didn’t have a crooked trunk. I think taking the stand with us to have the “pros” put it in the stand is worth paying for a tree alone. This year the McCaskills have 2 trees: a fun white pre lit with colors artificial tree in the kitchen (with the retro Christmas tree skirt I grew up with in Clarksdale). This tree dons those ornaments that the girls love and that we have inherited that really don’t “match” the red, gold and purple theme I have going on the real one!
3. When do you put Christmas tree up? Always after Thanksgiving. This year it went up and stood “naked” for a few days, then we added the lights and about a week after that the decorations went up!
4. When do you take the tree down? I grew up “knowing” that the tree must come down before New Year’s Eve or it was bad luck. When we return from celebrating Christmas, I am pretty much ready for the tree to hit the street or a lake to attract the fish!
5. Like egg nog? Not the store bought type. I have always grown up with my Granny bringing Egg Nog from Memphis and it is ALWAYS in the “egg nog” Tupperware container. Not sure it would taste the same. I can’t say I love it, but it isn’t Christmas with our “spiked” egg nog in a Christmas mug on Christmas morning. Just one mug full and then off for something else.
6. Do you have a nativity scene? Of course and it is one of the first things we put out each year (probably because it is the easiest. My in-laws started my Fontanini collection before I married into the family. It is fun to unbox each piece and have the princess place it. When you come in to our house, you will know who has decorated that area. It is either Daddy or the princess because everything is in a perfect line (of course she does have everyone looking right at Baby Jesus). One of my memories I have of growing up and playing at my grandmothers’ in Shaw, MS is her nativity scene. I am sure it was nothing “fine” but I remember it had a light that would switch on and off and I know exactly which cabinet it was kept in and would play with it year round. Wish I had it now to share my girls.
7. Favorite gift received as a child? There are many gifts that stand out:
The Barbie multi story mansion with the elevator, the dollhouse that the princess and my niece play with now that is at my moms, my Olivia Newton John “Let’s Get Physical” record (little brother got the Michael Jackson Thriller that year). Also, it seems that I got the twin Cabbage Patch kids that year (Andrew and Annalise). Obviously, it was all about the dolls!
8. Hardest person to buy for? Probably my daddy. Anyone else out there shop for someone that insists he wants nothing?
9. Easiest person to buy for? My husband.
10. Worst Christmas gift? I can’t think of what my worst would be (plus why would I say if that person still buys for me, I might get coal this year). However, I do remember my dad giving my mama one year a jigsaw puzzle (fun for the whole family), a swiss army knife (practical) and a whirlpool/Jacuzzi bath mat to place in the bottom of a tub (it had a hose that attached to the pump). Wow, what a year! However, he has made up for that over the years with great jewelry!
11. Mail or email a Christmas Card? Snail mail all the way! I love getting the cards out of the mailbox each afternoon, opening to see everyone’s kids and hanging them around my house. Also, it is fun to have mail that isn’t a bill!
12. Favorite Christmas movie? Does “Meet Me in St. Louis” count. Seems like there was a Christmas scene in it. Also, “The Sound of Music” I like to watch it on Christmas night when the network shows it. Other than that I do like “Christmas Vacation” and “It’s a Wonderful Life”.
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I buy my first gifts in July when Judy C. Martin’s puts their Christmas china ½ off for Christmas in July. After that I bought my nephew something in San Francisco. Then I thought I was in good shape since I had started “early” only to find out 2 weeks ago, that I better get on it!
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Not on purpose. Well, now that I say that I may have recycled some Christmas napkins that were given to me one year.
15. Favorite food to eat on Christmas? Hmmmm…..lobster in Clarksdale on Christmas Eve, followed by pluckin bread on Christmas morning and then beef tenderloin with twice baked potatoes followed by Death by Chocolate for dessert. Did somebody say food?
16. Clear or colored tree lights? As you will see from the above answer to #2, colored lights don my white artificial tree and white go on “my” green tree. However, I am really into the “funky” décor right now and think I could do color everywhere!
17. Favorite Christmas Song? I just have to say “Christmas in Dixie” (…down in Jackson, MS…). Also, I love “Drummer Boy”, “O Holy Night” and if you haven’t heard “Happy Birthday, Jesus” (sung by a 4 ½ year old) I will try to download it after the princess Christmas play on Friday.
18. Travel during Christmas or Stay home? We leave before Christmas and come home after we have done the tour of the delta! One day we will stay put, for now we are travelers!
19. Can you name Santa's reindeer? Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixon, Donner, Comet, Cupid and Blitzin and Rudolph. How many were there? Still not sure when Rudolph became part of the team because he is not mentioned in the “Night Before Christmas”
20. Angel or Star on tree top? Gold star on mine and of course a pink one on the fake in the kitchen.
21. Open presents on Christmas Eve or morning? Always Christmas morning. We do Christmas with the McCaskill clan a few days before but only because of the traveling schedule. Growing up we did open 1 on Christmas Eve and it was always pajamas to sleep in.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? County Line Road and the songs that mention snow, because here in the South have you ever seen snow on Christmas morning? Most importantly, the stores and people that refuse to say Merry Christmas because of the Christ that is mentioned. Anyone remember without Christ there is no Christmas. Even the princess can tell you that! If you took away all the gifts, Santa, the tree and all that comes with that it would still be Christmas. “Happy Birthday Jesus. I am so glad it’s Christmas”….

The Thoughts of a 4 1/2 Year Old

2007-12-18T20:48:00.000-06:00

So often the thoughts, ideas and temper tantrums that come out of a 4 1/2 year old are amazing, special and frustrating (sometimes all at the same time). All in a one hour time frame tonight, we:
1. Threw a fit because our new sweatshirt with our cute initials on it hurt (how can it hurt, please tell me)
2. said that Daddy was going to be so "proud" that we bought the princess fruit snacks at the grocery (proud her word, not mine)
3. As we closed our night, she prayed for Mama's friend Jennifer Steckler to feel better.

You will see from previous postings that I lost a dear friend 5 weeks ago tonight to a hard fought battle with leukemia. I am still looking for those perfect words to share what she means to me, but am not quite there yet. We explained to the princess that Mama's friend that we prayed for for 2 years was not sick anymore and that God had made her better. She had a lot of questions that night mainly wanting to know how she got to heaven with God and what was she in getting there. Do you say a box, a coffin, the dress she was wearing?
Mama answered: "I believe angels came to get her"
Princess: "What color was the angel?"
Mama: "White" (what would you have said)
Princess: "no, not white"
Mam: "well do you think the angels were a lot of colors?"
And finally, the princess: "Yes ma'am. Good night, don't let the bed bugs bite?"

Now, we have gone over several times in the last 5 weeks that Steckler is better, and sometimes she says "Thank you for making Jennifer Steckler feel better" and sometimes it is "Please make Mama's friend, Jennifer Steckler feel better".

Again-Wow, the thoughts that go through her head amaze me. Maybe she knows that Mama still wants to hold on to those prayers and hear that precious friends name said by a 4 1/2 year old.

Good night to my little princess. I hope the bed bugs don't bite. Good night to my precious friend, Jennifer Steckler. Sherman and I shared in a smile in your honor this morning via text messaging! She heard a song that reminds us of riding around in Starkville acting like college students. Man, those were the days (that is the 2nd time I have thought that today).

Tis the season...to meet Oliver

2007-12-13T10:43:00.001-06:00

Tis the season for what?

Chaos, fun, stress, decorations, smiles, tears, Santa...the list goes on. A friend who is a new mom just said to me this week that having a baby really changes Christmas. It is so true, try having 2 and one that really understands more and more about the season.

The Princess has been rehearsing for her Christmas program at school for weeks. What it does to my heart to hear my 4 year old sing every word of "We Three Kings of Orient." She is apparently a "mean" sheep in the program and has a great line that she demonstrates valley is really more than 2 syllables. Try 5! Vaaaaaallllllllleeeeeyyyyyyy. Maybe I will get it downloaded when we get the video to share.

We have been on Santa's lap twice so far and I know we should run into him at least one more time before the big night. The other fun we have at our house is Oliver. Oliver is our elf that joined our family last year. If you do not have an elf member in your family you should really fine one. Our Oliver is a hoot and entertains us daily with his fun places he likes to hide. Every morning we wake up to find where Oliver shows up and the Princess has an eye for this little fellow. So far we have been in stockings, the kitchen, our bedrooms and last week he even left a note wondering who the lady was in our guest bed (it was Bebe, by the way). This week he even made a visit to our freezer we think it was way too warm on his return trip from the North Pole (where we hope he told Santa we were good that day). Yesterday morning we found Oliver upside down in a mint julep cup (only in the south, at least we know our elf has some southern roots) and this morning he appears to be swinging on the stars from our dining room chandelier.

Stay tuned on more adventures of Oliver and no doubt the McCaskills!

Merry Christmas.

Happy Birthday, Mama!

2007-11-26T21:25:00.000-06:00

As November comes to a close my family always has one more day to celebrate, Mama's birthday. The grandchildren call her Bebe because when I was pregnant with the first grandchild we referred to that unborn baby as Butterbean, which turned into to BB and from there somehow BeBe was "born". Guess we couldn't spell it BB because that would be too confusing with two royal BBs in Mississippi (The King of Blues and the Queen of our Hearts)!

As one of her gifts, I will not reveal her age. I will tell you she is not in her 60s and if you go higher than that in your thinking you are wrong!! Mama and I have always had as close of a relationship as possible. I can't think of but one fight we ever had and guess who was right about that one (not me). Of course it had to do with a boy that she didn't want me to date anymore and I was so wise at 15 that I defintely knew what I was doing, right? Wrong again!

I am more than sure that we had disagreements or at least the respectful role of the eyes or "uggghhh" comments behind her back. However, none of those seem to be anything that I remember specifically. I do remember many fun shopping trips to Memphis, trips to the beach (oh, make that 2 fights we have had, I am sure at the age of 9 I had to be right), holding my hand at many doctors appointments for my headaches, a great trip to NYC, all those nights and days after both of my babies were born...the moments keep coming and coming and now the tears are flowing just as easily.

This woman is amazing to me and my entire family. How many people do you know can say that their mother graduated from Ole Miss (year to be witheld), loved Ole Miss football, went to games with her father-in-law, only to raise 2 children to choose MS State University as their home! Not only did they become Bulldogs but they somehow got their mother to convert as well. You could probably hear her yelling at the TV when MSU scored during last week's Egg Bowl. By the way, it was yelling for excitement not frustration. You see, she wants MSU to win because she knows how much enjoyment her children and their spouses get out of it.

She is a friend and support to all who know her, she is the hostess with the mostest and she is the glue that holds our wacky and fun family together. I love the fact that when the four Kittles are together with our spouses and now kids (4 under 4) that we have a blast. If I can be as wonderful a mother to my girls as she has been to me, I will have succeeded.

I love you Mama and here is to many more!

Team Steckler

2007-11-15T14:49:00.000-06:00

The night that I posted my last posting. Election Night. The I'm so Proud to be an American night, I received devastating news. I say devastating, but not unexpected. Something happened that will change my life forever-my dear friend, Jennifer Steckler, passed away. I am still looking for exactly the right words to describe how I feel and more importantly the impact she had on my life. For just over 2 years she fought the most courageous fight with Leukemia. She has now left this earth to join our Heavenly Father, her earthly father and her brother, Jon. The funeral was one week ago tomorrow and while I still search for the perfect words and pictures to memoralize my friend I wanted to post her obituary and an incredible letter that she wrote about herself while we were in college (probably in 1994).

Obituary for Jennfier Dale Steckler
The funeral Mass for Jennifer Dale Steckler, who died Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2007, at Natchez Regional Medical Center, will be at 2 p.m. today at St. Mary Basilica with the Rev. David O’Connor officiating. The Rite to Christian Burial will follow at Natchez City Cemetery under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.

Miss Steckler was born March 11, 1975, the fifth child and third daughter of Dale Holloway Steckler and Dr. David Robert Steckler. Miss Steckler graduated from Cathedral School in 1993, representing the student body as Student Council president and homecoming queen. She was equally active in the Natchez community serving on the Mayor’s Youth Council, volunteering for Stewpot and tutoring for Holy Family Catholic School and St. Mary’s Catholic Youth Organization.

Miss Steckler attended Mississippi State University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in International Business in 1998. While at Mississippi State, she was an active student, serving as secretary for Mississippi State University Student Association, president of Chi Omega Sorority and secretary and treasurer of Mississippi State University’s chapter of Ducks Unlimited. She represented the Mississippi State University as a Roadrunner, a Student Recruiting Officer, Pan-Hellenic Representative and an executive council member of the Catholic Student Association. Jennifer was also a member of Mortar Board and Order of Omega honorees, College Republicans and International Business Club. In 1996, Miss Steckler was honored to be voted Miss Mississippi State University by the student body. Also while attending the University, she completed internships with the office of Congressman Charles Pickering in Washington, D.C. with Federal Express in Melsbroek, Belgium, and with Comercard S.A. in San Jose, Costa Rica.
She was employed by Citigroup Financial in Tampa as a Financial Analyst and Management Associate, in Long Island, N.Y. as customer service representative and manager of human resources for North American Operations, and in Silver Spring, Md. as assistant vice president of Organizational Leadership and technology Development.

Miss Steckler also received her master’s degree in Economic Development from the University of Southern Mississippi, after which she completed internships with the Center of Community and Economic Development in Hattiesburg and the Southwest Mississippi Partnership in Natchez. She was employed with the Tennessee Tomorrow, an economic development consulting group in Nashville, Tenn.

She was preceded in death by her father; and brother, Jon Stephen Steckler. Survivors include her mother, Dale Holloway Steckler; maternal grandmother, Iris Letort Holloway; brothers, David Robert, Gerrit Joseph, Wesley Richard and Mark Andrew Steckler; and sisters, Stephanie Steckler Bryson, Suzanne Marie and Mary Margaret Steckler.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jon Stephen Steckler Memorial Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 1402, Natchez, MS 39121 or call 601-442-4823.

"Why I am Special" by Jennifer Steckler
Here I am sitting in the chapel trying to get an inspiration that will get me going on my “Why I am so special” paper. It’s funny how some days your mind is full of thoughts, and others blank. I was hoping that if I sit in the Chapel of Memories that God would send something to me. Well, as you can see, I have not received anything yet. I would have to thank God for making me special. He is one of the reasons why I am special. I am very grateful for being blessed by God. He has been the root of my life. From His deep, strong root God produced a strong trunk: my family. My parents are wonderful and I love them dearly. They have nourished me through thick and thin. Their love never dies; it is an unlimited growth. With their love and support I am able to reach out and give love and support for others. This is an action I love to do. Helping others is not only making someone else feel good, but I feel like a champion. It is funny how the greatest and strongest feelings are the smallest and simplest actions. So I thank God for the wonderful gifts he gives me that make me special. My family has given me confidence and encouragement that contribute to why I am special. I love my family dearly and I am proud of my family.
Not only does my family make me special, but my friends do, too. I feel that the way people treat you influences the way you treat others. Therefore, when my friends and people on this wonderful campus treat me as a special person, I treat others the same way. This is how God’s love spreads and grows like the mustard seed. All it takes is a spark to get the flaming [sic] rolling!
You know, I am special to have shared as much time as I could with my brother, Jon. I was able to spend precious time with one now in Heaven. This makes my heart jump. Jon makes me special because he brought me guidance and strength that I am able to pass to others. Even though I get upset sometimes, deep down my heart flips that I was closer to him more than anybody. I was the one who knew how he felt and thought. This makes me feel special and warm inside. There is a quote that keeps me going, and Dr. Abraham, I have always wanted to tell you so that you may tell it to your Road Runners (if you feel that it is appropriate). This quote keeps me going, reaching for the top:
Do not pray for an easier life,
but pray to be a stronger person.
This quote makes [me] not to [want to] slack in my life, but to become stronger.I conclude that I am special from God, family, and friends that keep me going. I am a people person like State is a people university. I must end thanking God for all his love; and, I would like to thank you, Dr. Abraham, for being the special person that you are.

Vote Today!

2007-11-06T12:07:00.000-06:00

Who knows why anyone who has a blog writes what they do.
I guess everyone does it for different reasons. Some feel there are actually people out there that care, others want friends and family to know what is happening in their life and there are even some that use it as a tool to journal for their children (thinking some day that they might care). I guess I do it for a little bit of all the above.

Anyway, after dropping two little girls off this morning and before running to do a work errand, I decided to go ahead and vote. Who knows if with ballet on Tuesdays (the princess not me), picking up girls and the normal after 5 p.m. duties if I would have another chance. If you have never driven the Madison to downtown Jackson route, you can’t truly understand that going home at lunch is not that easy. Thank you Dick Hall, I guess.

So far, the theme seems to be “I Guess”. As I approached my polling place the campaign signs were covered on both sides of the street. I got that patriotic feeling that I do not think anyone can truly get if they don’t live in America (sorry to my international readers, I am sure they are numerous). I began to think of how many millions of people out there would love to have the freedom to do everything I have done today and the day is not ½ done. I was able to watch cartoons and the news, have a choice for breakfast, a choice of clothes to choose from, drive my girls to school and listen to sports talk, political talk, country, pop or Christian radio (which I listened to some part of them all during that timeframe). The sun is shining, the wind is blowing and there were some diehard supporters out waving their gloved hands and their signs for the passing traffice. Once inside the polling place, the energy was high and I just felt so proud to be in America! As I pulled back into traffic, I saw one of the waving campaigners help an older gentleman with his cane across traffic. The next thing I saw can only happen in Mississippi. He put his cane in the gun rack of a four wheeler, climbed on, cranked it and off he went. I think the must have lived just behind the some trees on that piece of land. Now, not only is it great to be an American, but to be from Mississippi!

Make sure you get out today and vote!

Halloween 2007

2007-11-02T09:25:00.001-05:00

Each year we wonder what should they be
And 2007 turned out no different for me.

There were ghosts, heroes and more than a few Hannah Montanas,
So it only seemed fitting for one of ours to need a few bananas.

Our oldest, the princess was the frilliest kitty cat you can recall,
She ran and she twirled, then jumped and danced with them all.

And the youngest was the cutest monkey with pink ribbons she donned,
She made her appearance and entertained the few that she saw.

The cat did reach a point when she told us she was home bound
No trick or treating she wanted, she heard there were ghosts to be found.

After just a little coaxing on the hayride she was gone
I don’t think she noticed her Daddy got lost and left her as one.

Once Daddy appeared she had not missed a beat
All this occurred while the monkey was asleep.

The black tutu and cat ears were put away for a while
Scrubbing the whiskers off of her face left a permanent smile

It is hard to believe that October is no more,
Halloween was blast and the fun was times four.

We look forward to seeing what next October will bring
I am sure that our girls will be out ready to sting?

It is true that a poet I am not
Does anyone know what to do with a pumpkin that has rot?

Does any of this really make a difference?

2007-10-16T16:09:00.000-05:00

You know in this crazy world there are somedays that you throw your hands up and ask, "Am I doing anything that really matters?" I have a very special friend fighting for her life with a dreadful disease and she ask that I pray for peace. My precious and miracle baby nephew is heading back to Philly in a few weeks to get what we hope is glowing reports.

What is on my list of things to do today that really matters?

1. Get out of bed (check)

2. Get everyone ready for the day (check)

3. Try to get to work on time (hardly)

4. Be productive while at work (mostly)

5. Get the princess to ballet (stay tuned)

6. Dinner for the family (only b/c I bought a frozen casserole yesterday)

7. Baths and bedtime stories (absolutely)

8. Dancing with the Stars elminination night (very important)

As you can see the list goes on and what is that I will do today that will make a difference in all this rigamarole? Well, I came across this picture on my church's Preschool Sunday School blog today. Maybe in some part of what I do during the day, I allow my girls to see the Lord shine through me and know that if we put Him first and allow Him to shoulder all our concerns we can make a difference!

Meeting the First Family in D.C. (well kinda)

2007-09-28T09:25:00.000-05:00

I know that it has been a few weeks since my last post. The Kittle Family Trip to Perdido was healthy, storm free and lots of fun at the pool. It seems that my precious niece and nephew do not like the sand to touch their feet and my oldest only wanted to be there for about 10 minutes before returning to the pool! It was a different sort of trip, but great. I now know that my brother, Hart, could be a gourment chef. We had the BEST meals in the condo and his sous chef, Stiemy, was tremendous! When life slows down and I don't have anything exciting to post, I will share some pics!

In the meantime, I must fill you in my fun experience this week. I have a fun job and work to promote tourism to Mississippi. In the last 8 years, I have met the German Chancellor, traveled to the US Embassy in Japan and sat in on a meeting with Toyota and Governor Barbour and havebeen to Europe for several trips and made many memories. However, this week my boss pulled one of his best yet. Wednesday I traveled to D.C. for a one night trip. The Travel Industry Association of America held a summit for the industry to blanket Capitol Hill to encourage that some new tourism laws be passed. Before the Summit began I went to the White House with several other MS delegates. We met at the Northwest Gate and were escorted inside the grounds. I heard some dogs barking and who did we see, but Miss Beasley and Barney. We were told that Barney's favorite food is hamburgers (I don't guess he is not too worried about his cholesterol). We went through the hall that connects the Oval Office to the White House. Walked through the Rose Garden, which we were told is not named for the roses by the way, out behind the Residence and were on the lawn. Our view included the Washington Monument. We waited in the blazing sun for about 20 minutes and then the helicopters began flying in. There are always 3 so terrorists will not know which is going to actually land. At 2:20 p.m. with snipers in the bushes, Marine One landed on the lawn of the White House. The President, First Lady and Jenna all exited from the helicopter and waved. The President went straight to work in the Oval Office while the ladies of the family went in the White House. I am sure they were preparing tea and lemondade for us and just forgot to send us the memo!

This was an amazing experience. I am only regretful and I was not able to spend more time in D.C. This was my first trip since I was in a stroller and I only know that because I have seen a picture of me in front of the Washington Monument. Hopefully, I will make the trip back to D.C. soon and get to see more of the area. However, it would be tough to beat this trip with a viewing of the First Family and meeting Senator Lott. How do you top that?

We made it!

2007-09-09T21:29:00.001-05:00

Well, it only took two SUVs, 3 pack and plays, 1 high chair, 4 car seats and no telling how many diapers! The Kittle Family Vacation has begun. For those of you who have kept up with my life the last several years know this began in 2002. That trip started out with Brian and I annoucing that the BeBe and Big Daddy were going to be Grandparents! Once arriving at the beach that year we made the decision to not participate in the voluntary evacuation for an intense tropical storm that was approaching. Let's just say we won't do that again.

The next year followed with the Princess only 3 months old (and we thought that was an adjustment). In 2004 my brother and his wife announced that they were expecting. One of the hurricanes that year tore through the Gulf Coast and we had to reroute to Hot Springs (fun, but not quite white sand).

In 2005 immediatly following Hurricane Katrina we made the tough decision to continue with our vacation to the beach and to support the Alabama and Florida economy. After loading up with a 2 year old and 4 month old we got to the beach for everyone to get a stomach bug. Great fun with the family. Last summer our little man, Hartley V, was born and 1/2 of our clan spent the summer at CHOP with him. We didn't quite make it down here then but I can remember standing over his bed in Philadelphia telling him how much he would love the beach!

So back to this week. As we played in the pool this afternoon, I cannot tell you how rewarding (and crazy) it was to watch those babies all be here. Honestly, it is not the quiet relaxing days that we once enjoyed, but to see Hartley with us and that smile on his face as he splashed in the water was amazing.

God is good and V is our little miracle. I will try to get some pictures posted while we are here. Have a great week!

The Modeling Debut

2007-09-05T09:10:00.000-05:00

It is great to work in an environment where you have technology savvy people! Thanks Steve for scanning my picture. Watch out Elle McPherson, I am sure that C.M. will be stealing your contract soon. If not Elle, than Kirstie Alley for sure. If Kirstie can walk on Oprah in a bathing suit than no doubt in my mind that C.M. can do it! That's right girl you can do anything you put your mind to. Now, how is that for some motherly advice?

Now what?

2007-09-04T19:47:00.000-05:00

So, I made this "awesome" page, now what. I have changed the really cool colors up since I created it and now I am a little unsure what's next? Honestly, I wouldn't have this post if it wasn't for my biggest fan, MSKS. Maybe I should mention the only reader at this point, since I haven't told anyone how cool I am yet. Hopefully, she will teach me the cool tips (like the not having to use a stale template and how to link to another site without it showing...hmmmm)As stated in my early (and only) post my mother is probably the only person that cares, m friends ywill think I am psycho and my husband may cut off our electricity or telephone (whatever makes my computer run) to keep me from posting about our personal life (it is very juicy).

My life is no doubt full of adventure. This morning Chunky Monkey (C.M.) decided to attempt her fate at flying off the bed. Is it necessary to explain that what goes up must come down? A scream, many tears, some spit up and one carpet burn to the head later, she was laughing and kicking. Now the Princess is another story. Her day consisted of staying on green all day at school (which is a good thing), ballet with Ms. Allison followed by a gourmet dinner of mac & cheese and ice cream. As you can tell, she could use any calories that C.M. doesn't.

C.M. did have her modeling debut over the weekend. She was pictured in the St. Francis of Assisi 20th anniversary ad in the local paper. Maybe one of my savvy friends will scan the picture tomorrow and I can post that. Now isn't that earth shattering stuff....

What Have I Done?

2007-08-28T21:18:00.000-05:00

So here I am in my early 30s (no need to be specific) and attempting to act cool and about 10 years younger than I actually am. I have been hearing for months (ok, I'm not the sharpest knife in the block) about these blog pages and thought I should make a lame attempt to be cool. My friend and co-worker, Mary Straton, has one and I think she is super cool and hip! She is the one that has encouraged and/or inspired me to give this a shot. She also was my inspiration for WW and we see how that ended up for me. However, I am not giving up on that quite yet either. She looks great and I am so proud of her will power and envious. Could her 7 year age difference and not having 2 kids make that much of a difference...doubt it!

I can not even imagine that anyone except my mom will even look to say what earth shattering words I might share from time to time. So without going overboard on my first entry, I will close for the evening. My husband (less cool than me, but totally adorable) will think I have finally lost it and that this in completely insane. Not to mention some of my other friends will accuse me for giving up what little security and privacy we have left.