There are so many things that I want to talk about with you!
Valentine Dinner
40 days of purpose
My amazing small group
Spiritual Growth
Mikki
College Acceptence
Sesame Street (yes, really)
Prayer requests
Dream Girls- JENNIFER HUDSON
Popcorn
Marriage
Little Miss Sunshine
Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat
Terrible Dresses
and about 76 other things.....
But, I am so tired.... it will have to wait.
What are you thinking about today?
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Friday, February 23, 2007
I am Blessed
In addition to being blessed with a great family, a great church, and a zillion other great things, I am blessed to manage and work with some great people. This picture was taken today at a district meeting. Active listening was the topic... which we all need, but it was sort of boring to tell you the truth! Anyway, here are a few of the folks I work with... 
(Left to Right) Angela, Lindsay (rear), Kari, and Amy. These ladies are not only great workers, but they are fun to be around too! Oh, yeah, when I told the girls that I was posting this picture, Lindsay reminded me to tell you all that all 4 ladies are single and looking!
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Will you help?
I don't know if this story is true or not. Either way, I think that it is a great thing for each of us to think about-
A story is told about a soldier who was finally coming home after having fought in Vietnam. He called his parents from San Francisco. "Mom and Dad, I'm coming home, but I've a favor to ask. I have a friend I'd like to bring home with me."
"Sure," they replied, "we'd love to meet him."
"There's something you should know" the son continued, "he was hurt pretty badly in the fighting. He stepped on a land mine and lost an arm and a leg. He has nowhere else to go, and I want him to come live with us."
"I'm sorry to hear that, son. Maybe we can help him find somewhere to live."
"No, Mom and Dad, I want him to live with us."
"Son," said the father, "you don't know what you're asking. Someone with such a handicap would be a terrible burden on us. We have our own lives to live, and we can't let something like this interfere with our lives. I think you should just come home and forget about this guy. He'll find a way to live on his own."
At that point, the son hung up the phone. The parents heard nothing more from him. A few days later, however, they received a call from the San Francisco police. Their son had died after falling from a building, they were told. The police believed it was suicide.
The grief-stricken parents flew to San Francisco and were taken to the city morgue to identify the body of their son. They recognized him, but to their horror they also discovered something they didn't know, their son had only one arm and one leg.
A story is told about a soldier who was finally coming home after having fought in Vietnam. He called his parents from San Francisco. "Mom and Dad, I'm coming home, but I've a favor to ask. I have a friend I'd like to bring home with me."
"Sure," they replied, "we'd love to meet him."
"There's something you should know" the son continued, "he was hurt pretty badly in the fighting. He stepped on a land mine and lost an arm and a leg. He has nowhere else to go, and I want him to come live with us."
"I'm sorry to hear that, son. Maybe we can help him find somewhere to live."
"No, Mom and Dad, I want him to live with us."
"Son," said the father, "you don't know what you're asking. Someone with such a handicap would be a terrible burden on us. We have our own lives to live, and we can't let something like this interfere with our lives. I think you should just come home and forget about this guy. He'll find a way to live on his own."
At that point, the son hung up the phone. The parents heard nothing more from him. A few days later, however, they received a call from the San Francisco police. Their son had died after falling from a building, they were told. The police believed it was suicide.
The grief-stricken parents flew to San Francisco and were taken to the city morgue to identify the body of their son. They recognized him, but to their horror they also discovered something they didn't know, their son had only one arm and one leg.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Working Hard
Today was a great day, even though I think I have worked harder than I have in a very long time. Once each year, our Board of Directors meets for a day of planning, and today was the day. I planned the event with the help of my new friend (and Board Member) Norty, who happens to be the owner and President of Moosylvania Marketing, our Board Chair, Tracy, and of course Cesar. Here are a few pictures:
The above picture is of a focus group discussing how the Highway 40 project will affect business. We expect to take a pretty hard hit once it happens, so this group brainstormed about what can we do to make things easier for our members during the nightmare construction. It was a good group.
This picture is of a few of my favorite people to work with... Steve and Tracy on the right, and Norty on the left... It was taken at the very end of the day. We had a cocktail hour at the end of the day with appetizers and drinks. It was a good time.
I am exhausted, and hungry, and my feet hurt after a very long day. But, I would say that in spite of all of that- today was a great day, and I feel like I was able to use the gifts that God gave me to organize, plan, provide intelligent information and be a good representitive for my employer! I am tired, but I feel good!
Maybe I will take part of the day off tomorrow and rest!
Oh- One more thing.... if you are local, and you ever need a place to have a meeting, give Norty a call at Moosylvania.... EVEYTHING WAS GREAT!
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Men and Women
Lifestyle and behavior choices that men take for granted, and largely fail to realize that women cannot...
Your last name stays put.
The garage is all yours.
Wedding plans take care of themselves.
Chocolate is just another snack.
You can be president.
You can never be pregnant.
You can wear a white T-shirt to a water park.
You can wear no T-shirt to a water park.
Car mechanics tell you the truth.
The world is your urinal.
You never have to drive to another gas station restroom because this one is just 'too icky'.
You don't have to stop and think of which way to turn a nut on a bolt.
Same work, more pay.
Wrinkles add character.
Wedding dress $5000. Tux rental - $100.
People never stare at your chest when you're talking to them.
The occasional well-rendered belch is practically expected.
New shoes don't cut, blister, or mangle your feet.
One mood - all the time.
Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat.
You know stuff about tanks.
A five-day vacation requires only one suitcase.
You can open all your own jars.
You get extra credit for the slightest act of thoughtfulness.
If someone forgets to invite you, he or she can still be your friend.
Your underwear is $8.95 for a three-pack.
Three pairs of shoes are more than enough.
You almost never have strap problems in public.
You are unable to see wrinkles in your clothes.
Everything on your face stays its original color.
The same hairstyle lasts for years, maybe decades.
You only have to shave your face and neck.
You can play with toys all your life.
Your belly usually hides your big hips.
One wallet and one pair of shoes one color for all seasons.
You can wear shorts no matter how your legs look.
You can 'do' your nails with a pocket-knife.
You have freedom of choice concerning growing a mustache.
You can do Christmas shopping for twenty-five relatives on 24th December in forty-five minutes.
Your last name stays put.
The garage is all yours.
Wedding plans take care of themselves.
Chocolate is just another snack.
You can be president.
You can never be pregnant.
You can wear a white T-shirt to a water park.
You can wear no T-shirt to a water park.
Car mechanics tell you the truth.
The world is your urinal.
You never have to drive to another gas station restroom because this one is just 'too icky'.
You don't have to stop and think of which way to turn a nut on a bolt.
Same work, more pay.
Wrinkles add character.
Wedding dress $5000. Tux rental - $100.
People never stare at your chest when you're talking to them.
The occasional well-rendered belch is practically expected.
New shoes don't cut, blister, or mangle your feet.
One mood - all the time.
Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat.
You know stuff about tanks.
A five-day vacation requires only one suitcase.
You can open all your own jars.
You get extra credit for the slightest act of thoughtfulness.
If someone forgets to invite you, he or she can still be your friend.
Your underwear is $8.95 for a three-pack.
Three pairs of shoes are more than enough.
You almost never have strap problems in public.
You are unable to see wrinkles in your clothes.
Everything on your face stays its original color.
The same hairstyle lasts for years, maybe decades.
You only have to shave your face and neck.
You can play with toys all your life.
Your belly usually hides your big hips.
One wallet and one pair of shoes one color for all seasons.
You can wear shorts no matter how your legs look.
You can 'do' your nails with a pocket-knife.
You have freedom of choice concerning growing a mustache.
You can do Christmas shopping for twenty-five relatives on 24th December in forty-five minutes.
Monday, February 19, 2007
AMAZING!
It has been very cold in St. Louis for the last few weeks. We have enjoyed snow and we've had ice that we haven't enjoyed so much...but it was awesome see. The pictures below were taken in Switzerland, and were sent to me by a friend. Seeing them made me feel guilty for complaining about the cold weather! Take a look at these...
I love weather... and I really enjoy seasons. I wouldn't want to live someplace that was 60 degrees all year round. I like storms, and snow, and sunshine, and even ice when I don't have to go out.
I also think that these pictures are awesome because they show the power and beauty of God. He is so awesome. It is amazing to me that anyone could look at such beauty in nature and then refuse to acknowledge God.
I am glad that I didn't experience the weather in the pictures first hand, but I am thankful that I was able to see them in the pictures! Thanks for sharing!
Saturday, February 17, 2007
VERY STRONG FEELINGS
In America...
we have the right to have opinions.
In America...
we have the right to disagree.
In America...
we have the right to have differences.
In America...
we have a right to have preferences.
In America...
we have a right to free speech.
In America...
we have the right to worship...
In America...
we have the right to a lot of things...
AND.... as Americans and as humans we have the RESPONSIBILITY to exercise our rights reasonably and responsibly. Our rights are only valid when we exercise good judgement and kindness. For example, we have the right to free speech, but can be sued for slander or deformation of character. We have the right to disagree, but if someone gets murdered for thinking differently or worshipping differently, the right no longer has any validity.
I am so fed up with the "eye for an eye" theory. Okay, so I may not agree with the war in Iraq (and maybe I do), but I don't spout off at elected officials or portray negative attitudes about the country in which we live. I may not agree with everything our President does or says (and maybe I do), but the long and short of it is....WE ELECTED HIM, AND FOR NOW, HE IS THE PRESIDENT- we need to make the best of it. And, we are kidding ourselves if we think that he makes decisions on his own. Perhaps those who are slandering our President and our county should vote in the next election, contact their congressmen/women or run for office themselves. If you can do better, by all means, I urge you to step up- but until then, PLEASE stop spreading negativity and causing more harm to America by promoting devisiveness and anger. We have a responsibility to be kind and respectful.
As Americans, we are SO blessed to have SO MANY freedoms, and it angers me a great deal that some people take those freedoms as a lisence to do whatever they want- even if it causes harm to someone else.
Freedom DOES NOT equal the right to do and say whatever we want without consequence. Honesty does NOT mean that we say everything that we think and feel.
Freedom equals RESPONSIBILITY.
And to the people out there who are so unhappy with America, and "what this country has turned into," you have the FREEDOM to move to another county whenever you are ready.
I am so sad for you that you can't see just how blessed we all are to live in such a wonderful country. Because most people in the world don't have 1/2 of the freedoms that we do in AMERICA!
we have the right to have opinions.
In America...
we have the right to disagree.
In America...
we have the right to have differences.
In America...
we have a right to have preferences.
In America...
we have a right to free speech.
In America...
we have the right to worship...
In America...
we have the right to a lot of things...
AND.... as Americans and as humans we have the RESPONSIBILITY to exercise our rights reasonably and responsibly. Our rights are only valid when we exercise good judgement and kindness. For example, we have the right to free speech, but can be sued for slander or deformation of character. We have the right to disagree, but if someone gets murdered for thinking differently or worshipping differently, the right no longer has any validity.
I am so fed up with the "eye for an eye" theory. Okay, so I may not agree with the war in Iraq (and maybe I do), but I don't spout off at elected officials or portray negative attitudes about the country in which we live. I may not agree with everything our President does or says (and maybe I do), but the long and short of it is....WE ELECTED HIM, AND FOR NOW, HE IS THE PRESIDENT- we need to make the best of it. And, we are kidding ourselves if we think that he makes decisions on his own. Perhaps those who are slandering our President and our county should vote in the next election, contact their congressmen/women or run for office themselves. If you can do better, by all means, I urge you to step up- but until then, PLEASE stop spreading negativity and causing more harm to America by promoting devisiveness and anger. We have a responsibility to be kind and respectful.
As Americans, we are SO blessed to have SO MANY freedoms, and it angers me a great deal that some people take those freedoms as a lisence to do whatever they want- even if it causes harm to someone else.
Freedom DOES NOT equal the right to do and say whatever we want without consequence. Honesty does NOT mean that we say everything that we think and feel.
Freedom equals RESPONSIBILITY.
And to the people out there who are so unhappy with America, and "what this country has turned into," you have the FREEDOM to move to another county whenever you are ready.
I am so sad for you that you can't see just how blessed we all are to live in such a wonderful country. Because most people in the world don't have 1/2 of the freedoms that we do in AMERICA!
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Good Things
Today was filled with good things...
prayer group
snow
safe travel to and from work
breakfast with friends... (and someone else bought! thnx again!)
hot chocolate on a very cold and very windy day
s...l...o...w... pace at work
long afternoon nap
comfort food for supper- blueberry pancakes... eggs... hashbrowns...
time with my hubby and girls
a new episode of Law and Order!
Nate is okay after a car accident! (still praying for you Nate)
and all the normal blessings on top of all of the special good things I enjoyed today! Did you have good things happen in your life today?
prayer group
snow
safe travel to and from work
breakfast with friends... (and someone else bought! thnx again!)
hot chocolate on a very cold and very windy day
s...l...o...w... pace at work
long afternoon nap
comfort food for supper- blueberry pancakes... eggs... hashbrowns...
time with my hubby and girls
a new episode of Law and Order!
Nate is okay after a car accident! (still praying for you Nate)
and all the normal blessings on top of all of the special good things I enjoyed today! Did you have good things happen in your life today?
Baby it's Cold Outside
Although it is only raining outside at this point, virtually every school in the St. Louis area is closed today due to the weather that is expected to enter our area today. Notice I said, "virtually every school." At this point Ladue is NOT closed... but our girls won't be going to school today... we'd like them to be safe. IT'S COLD AND WINDY AND WET..... I'd like to crawl back into bed... but I think I will go to prayer group and then head to work as ususal. Have a great snowy day!
Monday, February 12, 2007
"The Botanically Unexplained"
.
Okay, get this... Bekah is in the gifted program at school, and the class does a lot of unusual studies and projects. They have studied futuristic items, stock market, world cultures, 3-D design, pop culture, debate (including arguments for and against cloning, stem cell research and corporal punishment). The gifted class is designed for those with an IQ that meets gifted standards by the state of Missouri, and for those who are mature enough to handle the extra work and responsibility of being in a gifted program. Recently, the group started studying the paranormal. Bekah's group was assigned "Crop Circles" to research and study.
Today, Bekah came home and told me that the study of "Crop Circles" was offensive to a class member, and now they have to call the study "The Botanically Unexplained."
Does this seem a little unusual or a little over the top to anyone except Bekah and me?
Study of Cloning= acceptable
Study of Crop Circles = unacceptable
Who sets the standards of what is okay to study.... nationally accredited curriculum, or those who may be afraid of what they don't already know or understand? I just don't get it.
I am offended that Ladue chooses to have Middle School Events on Wednesday evenings, and that the High School has Gay/Straight Alliance Week.....but they didn't change those things when an objection was noted.
Okay, get this... Bekah is in the gifted program at school, and the class does a lot of unusual studies and projects. They have studied futuristic items, stock market, world cultures, 3-D design, pop culture, debate (including arguments for and against cloning, stem cell research and corporal punishment). The gifted class is designed for those with an IQ that meets gifted standards by the state of Missouri, and for those who are mature enough to handle the extra work and responsibility of being in a gifted program. Recently, the group started studying the paranormal. Bekah's group was assigned "Crop Circles" to research and study.
Today, Bekah came home and told me that the study of "Crop Circles" was offensive to a class member, and now they have to call the study "The Botanically Unexplained."
Does this seem a little unusual or a little over the top to anyone except Bekah and me?
Study of Cloning= acceptable
Study of Crop Circles = unacceptable
Who sets the standards of what is okay to study.... nationally accredited curriculum, or those who may be afraid of what they don't already know or understand? I just don't get it.
I am offended that Ladue chooses to have Middle School Events on Wednesday evenings, and that the High School has Gay/Straight Alliance Week.....but they didn't change those things when an objection was noted.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
okay....stop bothering me....
wow.... alright then. I posted about the variety show and then all of a sudden I have a half dozen emails telling me how "sad" it is that we don't have any pictures from the show.... so, I asked my good friend Brad to send me one that had Bekah in it... and he sent this one of us singing the opening song together. THANKS BRAD!
I had a great time with Bekah.... she is a natural performer!
I had a great time with Bekah.... she is a natural performer!
2007 McKnight Road Talent Show
Last night was the annual McKnight Road Talent Show. This year the theme was BROADWAY! Bekah and I were blessed to serve as the emcees for the program. We had a great time. It was an honor and a pleasure to work with Steve over the last few months getting things ready for the show. Here is a picture of Bekah and me right before the show started.
We are already looking forward to next year! We hope that you are too!
As always, Steve did a great job. He is an unbelievable musician. I can honestly say that I have NEVER met a more talented man as far as music goes. God truly blessed him with a gift. Since Bekah and I were on the stage for the whole night, we didn't have the opportunity to take pictures.... so I am posting this one of Steve that I took during one of our "jam sessions." He looks a little sleepy.... Today, I saw him at church, and he looked pretty sleepy there too.
The night was filled with great acts. I am amazed at the talent at McKnight. Wow. Now, I realized that I am a little biased, but I have to tell you, that our sweet Bekah was awesome. She sang, "As Long as He Needs Me" from Oliver! and was fantastic. We are so proud of her! Hooray Bekah! Some of my other favorites include: Alex, who played the saxaphone for tips, Mike, who sang "Music of the Night," Steve's rendition of "Hello Dolly," Becky's performance of "Embracable You," and of course Rebecca Schene and her songs from "Cabaret." I also really liked "Blessed Be Your Name." We had a few new acts this year, and Paul was the hightlight of that group for me! But, we also had a few missing- Carol got sick at the last minute, and Jenny was feeling a little too pregnant to be on stage! We missed you ladies....we will see you next year.
We are already looking forward to next year! We hope that you are too!
Thursday, February 08, 2007
A Pat on the Back for Conni
.
I had my review at work today! Not only are they going to keep me, but I got a raise too! I love my job... God has surely blessed me!
I had my review at work today! Not only are they going to keep me, but I got a raise too! I love my job... God has surely blessed me!
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Richard has Gone Home
After a long battle with cancer, Richard Dolan finished his time on this earth and went home to be with God last night around 11:30. Richard was a good friend and great mentor to many. Please remember his wife, Barbara, and their family during this difficult time.
Thanks to Brad Stevns for the picture.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Practice Makes Perfect
Well, practice makes better anyway.... perfection is not an obtainable goal. :)
Tonight we rehearsed again for the show on Saturday night. It was a lot of fun to jam with these good friends, but my voice is getting tired! Here are a few pics...
We had a great time tonight, and hope that we will have a better time Saturday night at the show. It is our prayer that God will be glorified because we are using the gifts He gave to us to praise Him.
Hope to see you all there!
Monday, February 05, 2007
Busy as Usual....
Here are my thoughts for the day...
It is crazy that I am too busy to write a real blog entry...
Prince looked rediculous with that rag on his head at the Superbowl... he looked like he should have been flipping pancakes instead of making music!
BEKAH MADE A VERY SHORT CALL BACK LIST FOR JOSEPH... now it is time for DANCE AUDITIONS!
Mikki sees the heart doc on Thursday.
I had a great time at the superbowl party I went to.
I was bored at work today...
I won't be bored tomorrow! (that's what I get for telling the boss that I am bored!)
Hey- I have been recognized as an outstanding woman executive.... (impressive, eh? Yeah, I didnt think so either- what a bunch of junk!)
Rehearsal tomorrow night, church Wednesday night, worship committee Thursday night, more rehearsal Friday night.... THE BIG SHOW ON SATURDAY NIGHT! Will you be there?
Time for bed..... goodnight!
It is crazy that I am too busy to write a real blog entry...
Prince looked rediculous with that rag on his head at the Superbowl... he looked like he should have been flipping pancakes instead of making music!
BEKAH MADE A VERY SHORT CALL BACK LIST FOR JOSEPH... now it is time for DANCE AUDITIONS!
Mikki sees the heart doc on Thursday.
I had a great time at the superbowl party I went to.
I was bored at work today...
I won't be bored tomorrow! (that's what I get for telling the boss that I am bored!)
Hey- I have been recognized as an outstanding woman executive.... (impressive, eh? Yeah, I didnt think so either- what a bunch of junk!)
Rehearsal tomorrow night, church Wednesday night, worship committee Thursday night, more rehearsal Friday night.... THE BIG SHOW ON SATURDAY NIGHT! Will you be there?
Time for bed..... goodnight!
Saturday, February 03, 2007
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Calling all Choral Singers....
.
I have been asked by my place of employment to start and direct an all girls choir. Needless to say, I am excited! Anyway, I know a lot of my blog readers have participated in a variety of choral programs over the years. So, I was wondering, will you please share with me what your favorite and least favorite choral pieces are? In other words, what did you like singing... or not like singing?
lalalalalalalalalala!
I have been asked by my place of employment to start and direct an all girls choir. Needless to say, I am excited! Anyway, I know a lot of my blog readers have participated in a variety of choral programs over the years. So, I was wondering, will you please share with me what your favorite and least favorite choral pieces are? In other words, what did you like singing... or not like singing?
lalalalalalalalalala!
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