Excitement in Ladue

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There is much rejoicing in Ladue tonight. For the first time in 6 years, the Ladue School District will be closed tomorrow due to weather conditions! I personally know 2 girls who are pretty excited!

ICE!

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Well, the weathermen (and women) got at least part of it right. St. Louis is a very cold and icy place right now. Here is a picture of what things look like on our front porch right now. Sorry, I couldn't get a beautiful picture of ice hanging off of trees or off of the house, but it is so cold, I wasn't willing to be out long enough to look for a beautiful shot!

There is a lot of ice out there and there will be more before the snow starts in a few hours. They are predicting that before it is over, many in the St. Louis area could have somewhere in the neighborhood of 10 inches of the white stuff! I think in our specific area, they are predicting between 4-6 inches, but our friends in St. Charles are likely to get pounded.

I like to watch movies, play games, eat pancakes (yes I said pancakes), and work on some writing projects when I am snowed in. What do you like to do?

Do you think you'll be going out anywhere tomorrow?

Some guys in my prayer group normally golf on Fridays.... even when it is cold. I am betting they won't go tomorrow.

Ice and Snow?

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Is it coming to St. Louis tonight and tomorrow?

"Weather girl Conni predicts...2 inches of snow."

What do you think?

Question of the Day

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Today's question of the day is....


Which do you prefer:

A. Plain
B. Peanut
C. Dark Chocolate
D. Peanut Butter

Oh yeah, one more thing...

.

THE CHRISTMAS TREE IS UP! HOORAY!

I may be crazy...

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I may be crazy... and I may be tired... but guess who is done Christmas shopping?

Sleepy Girl...

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2:30 a.m. Conni can't sleep, so she gets up.
3:30 a.m. Jason's alarm goes off
3:47 a.m. Stop at 7-11 for coffee
4:02 a.m. In line at Kohs
5:34 a.m. Eating breakfast at IHOP (YUM)
6:18 a.m. Braving the crowd at Target
7:14 a.m. A quick stop at Old Navy
7:30 a.m. A "supposed to be quick" stop at Borders (LETS GO HONEY!)
8:12 a.m. Off to the mall...
SHOPPING, SHOPPING, SHOPPING..... OH Look, there are our new friends that we met this morning at 4:00 a.m. at Kohl's! HI FRIENDS! More shopping!
10:54 a.m. Leave the mall, and heading for the most dreaded place... WAL-MART!
11:03 a.m. Looking for a parking place.
11:10 a.m. Still looking for a parking place.
11:15 a.m. Shopping, and fighting the crowds... LOOK- $3.00 NEW RELEASE DVDs!
12:27 p.m. Checking out, spent less than we thought.... I am hungry.
12:45 p.m. Sitting to eat lunch with my honey at Casa!
2:00 p.m. I am so tired... Can we go home now?
2:15 p.m. On the way home, OH WAIT- one more "quick" stop to get ornament hooks.
2:17 p.m. Entering Michael's- HELLO, like I can make a trip into Michael's a quick one!
3:30 p.m. Leaving Michael's with lots of supplies to make decorations for the house.
3:52 p.m. We're home now.
4:06 p.m. Finishing unloading the car.
4:10 p.m. Jason is taking a nap, Conni lays down, but can't sleep.
4:20 p.m. Conni starts making a wreath for the front door- IT"S BEAUTIFUL!
5:15 p.m. Jason goes to get the girls, Conni straightens the house.
6:15 p.m. FAMILY TIME!
7:56 p.m. (present time) Conni can hardly keep her eyes open, but wants to blog.

Anticipated:
8:00 p.m. Conni will be snoozin! zzzzzzzzz
8:00 a.m. Mom is picking me up for round 2 of the biggest shopping weekend of the year!

Hugs and Kisses to all..... and to all a good night!

Thanksgiving 2006

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Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. We just have so much to be thankful for. I wish that we spent more time as a country focussing on what is good in our lives and all of the blessings that God has given to us.


Today we went to mom's for Thanksgiving, and while we anticipated a stressful day (for a multitude of reasons), overall it was a great day. We had a good time. We ate a lot, talked a lot, ate some more, and talked some more.

Another big event for the day was playing with the dogs. You can see them in the picture... (L-R), Sugar, Millie, and our sweet Mikki!

It was also great to see a few members our family who we haven't seen in a while.

This picture shows (L-R) Brianna, Jacki, Jason, Lauren, and Susie. It reminded me a lot of when Grandma and Grandpa were still with us and we all used to get together at their house.

It was a good thing for the kids to be together too. Since Jennifer came to live with us, we don't get to see Andrew much anymore. He is growing up so fast. We miss him a lot.

We had a great day and we hope that you did too. The kids are safe and sound at Grandma's house, we have settled in to watch a bit of TV, and we are getting ready to hit the hay so we can get up early and keep our shopping tradition at 4 a.m. Look for a recap of our shopping experience tomorrow! Love to all- I am thankful for you!

Mikki's Big Day

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I realize that I already blogged today, but I had to share these pictures with you. Mikki had a busy day today. She finally got to meet her big sister, Maggie. Maggie was born in a previous liter, but was born to the same parents as Mikki was. It was kind of weird to look at them side by side because they look so much alike. Mikki liked Maggie, and they played well together, but Mikki was VERY protective of me. It was hysterical to watch little, tiny Mikki barking and swatting at a dog twice her size! It was even funnier that Maggie backed down from her! Here are a few pics...

Here is Mikki on the ride over to meet Maggie. She is stylin' in her pink and white polo and bow! HOW CUTE!Finally- the 2 sisters met.... I think that they like each other!

After our "play date," Mikki had a vet appointment. She got the last of her shots (for now), and a check-up. We found out that she has a heart murmur, which is a bit sad, but we are holding on to hope, and praying that it takes care of itself. We also learned that she has gained 2 pounds in 4 weeks! She is 6.4 pounds now. Wow- watch out, she's turning into a beast!

Well, now we all know what Mikki did today- and now I am wondering if it is weird it is to blog about a dog and their day...?

Getting Ready for Thanksgiving

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Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and I can't wait! I love to cook, and spend time with family. I also love it because I know that the day after Thanksgiving is a big shopping day. Here are a few cartoons that I thought were appropriate as we prepare for Thanksgiving.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Confessions of a Party Girl!

Dear Blog Readers,

I am writing to you from a wireless connection at my favorite local bar. From where I am sitting, I can see many Chip-n-Dale type dancers who are barely dressed. I am thinking of taking one home with me. So far, I have had 2 strawberry daiquiris, a pina colada, and an entire pitcher of sangrias. I haven’t had to pay for any drinks, as several gorgeous guys have paid for them all. Of course I am spending plenty of cash on the slot machines. So far, I have only spent about 80% of my paycheck, so I figure I am doing pretty well.

My family is at home, and they are really hungry because I haven’t gone grocery shopping, and I certainly haven’t cooked for them. My desire to party comes first. They can deal with it. The girls haven’t seen me in weeks because I am out partying all the time, but hey, they’ll be okay- who needs a mom anyway?

Well, I better close for now, there is a real cutie over there who wants to chat with me, and hey, if I can pick up yet another man, I should do it! Maybe I can get him to bye me another (hiccup) drink.

NOT!

Whoever the anonymous commenter is who is ragging on me about having ONE drink with friends… KNOCK IT OFF. If the above story were true, you may have something to gripe at me about, but since it isn’t, you really should go bother someone else!

For those of you reading this who are confused, please see the comments on the last post.

Tailgate 2006

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Wow- what a great and tiring day! Yesterday was the 3rd annual YMCA Tailgate Party at Glen Echo Country Club, which serves as our kickoff for our Partner Campaign. Here are a few pictures from the day:

Bekah was asked by my boss to offer the invocation. She did a great job. She shared a story and offered a prayer. She did a fabulous job! HOORAY for Bekah!

Here is a picture of (L-R) Lindsay, Angela, Nicole, Chris, and Amy B. This picture was taken as we were setting up the food tables. Everyone worked really hard. GREAT JOB!

Here are the 2 big dogs for the day! This is my boss, Dona and our Our board Partner Chairman, Steve. They both seemed very pleased with how the day went.

Here is Jason, and Dona's husband, Tom. Tom always introduces himself as Mr. Dona Sherwood. He told Jason, "Get used to it...when your wife is an executive in the YMCA, you quickly become an extension of her." Jason said he didn't mind being Mr. Conni Harbison...well... he says it is okay sometimes! Jason and Tom were great helpers today. THANKS GUYS- YOU ROCK!

This is not a great picture, but I wanted to share what it was like to watch the game on really big screens. It was awesome.

Today's event was a fundraiser and a HUGE success. We raised more money than the event has ever raised for children and families in need! Thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make the event a success!

Just like home... The event wouldn't have been complete unless someone had fallen asleep on the couch while watching the game. We are glad that people had a good time and felt comfortable. SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!

It was so tiring, but worth the effort. Plus, it means that I only have to go in for a little while today! I am going in late, and coming home early!

New Car!

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About a week ago, I blogged about our car. Yesterday we secured our financing and today we went car shopping. It wasn't nearly as fun as I remembered it being. In fact is was a HUGE drag! We were lied to- multiple times, had one car sold right from under us, had 2 prices inflated, after we had been promised a certain price, and on and on. Finally, we decided on a car, and while we weren't thrilled with it, it was okay, and it was a good, solid, family car.

As you know, we didn't even consider fixing our car. We just couldn't see putting that kind of money into an "older" car. A very wise friend and mentor told me that it didn't make a lot of sense to buy a new car, but I didn't listen. (Sorry M.R.) I argued and said, I don't want to put that much money in my car. He told me that it was a lot cheaper than a car payment. Arg! Why does he have to be right all...well most of the time?

Anyway, we went into the office to sign the papers, and God spoke to us. (NO- we are not hearing voices!) Something just wasn't right. My gut was screaming- DON'T DO THIS! Maybe it was yet another lie that we were told that came into light. Jason and I walked out of the dealership without a new car, and we've decided to get the old one fixed. It will be done on Monday night. Our decision saved us over $20,000.

Sometimes we fall into the "stuff" mode, and we get too materialistic. The car belongs to God, old or new... so why does it matter what we drive?

So, we learned a lesson today... well maybe a few lessons. First, don't trust car salesmen, no matter how honest they seem..., listen to friends who are older and wiser- they usually have something to share that is worth hearing... and finally, when you listen to your gut, you just might save over $20,000.

An Evening With Friends

Today was a great day! I was very, very, VERY busy, but I got a ton done! Tonight a lot of us went out to dinner to wish our friend and co-worker, Amy, well as she starts a new job. We had a great time- here are a few pics!

Here is Amy with our boss, and District Vice President, Dona. Amy has accepted a position at another YMCA in the area that will provide her with a lot more opportunities for management and advancement. We will miss her very much, but she is only about 30 minutes away now.

These are my friends Angela and the "other" Amy. These girls are a lot of fun to be with and talk to. We have great discussions about a lot of things, and I am encouraged by our religious discussions. Angela went to Harding, so we have lots of college stories to share since we both went to church of Christ schools, and Amy goes to the Journey, which is a church that Jason and I have talked about visiting. They are great girls!

Here is Amy again, Lindsay, and Chris. I love working with these ladies!

Amy, Amy and our waiter, who was very nice and a great server too!

Here is another shot of Dona with Michelle. Michelle is Cesar's wife (Cesar is our Associate executive.)

Anyway, we will miss Amy being with us everyday, but we know that we are all good friends, and your place of employment doesn't decide who you have relationships with!

Good luck Amy, miss you already!

SNOW?

It has been a pretty yucky day in good old St. Louis. The weather man is saying there will be snow on the ground in the morning... do you believe it will actually happen? Will it be white outside when we get up tomorrow?

UHOH!

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Guess What?

(I'll give you 3 guesses!)

Tailgate Party

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The Mid-County YMCA is having its annual Tailgate Party this Sunday at Glen Echo Country Club. As an employee, I just happen to have some complimentary tickets. (They are normally $25 each) If you are up for watching the Rams beat the Panthers, eating a bunch of free food, enjoying a cold beer, glass of wine, or soda, hanging out with Rams Cheerleaders, and having a good time, please let me know, and I will get you a few tickets. You will also get to hear Bekah tell an inspiring story about someone you all know, and she will also offer the invocation. Also, free childcare is offered on site. (OH, just a bit of fair warning.... this is a fund raiser, and they will ask for donations, but that doesn't mean that you have to give a lot, or give at all. ) Just come and have a good time. So, let me know if you want FREE tickets!


I don't have an UNLIMITED amount to give away, but I do have several, so please let me know soon!

Impressive

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Alright, this is pretty awesome. I think someone has way too much time on their hands to orchestrate this thing, but it awesome none-the-less. This "show" was put on with Diet Coke and Mentos ONLY. I just have 1 question.

1. Who has to clean the mess up?

Rapunzel...Rapunzel....

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Rapunzel, Rapunzel.... Let down your hair!

Congratulations once again to our sweet Bekah, who just got word that she has been cast as Rapunzel in the spring musical, "Into the Woods." She called me from school when the cast list was posted, and she is pretty excited. Rehearsals start soon, but the show isn't until the Spring. I am betting it will be a great show.

Bekah is attending a theatre workshop on Saturday at the High School, and sometime next week she is auditioning for their musical, "The Music Man." She is staying pretty busy with all of this theatre and music stuff! The good news is that her grades are still great and she is still active with the youth group. Now, if I could just get her to clean her room!

We will keep you posted as to when the dates of the show(s) are. We hope to see you there!

Beautiful Day!

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Today was a beautiful day in St. Louis. Jason and I both worked and the girls were of course in school, so we didn't have much time to be outside. I thought this cartoon was cute, and summed up how I felt today, sitting behind my desk working on budgets.

I am still loving my job. I think one the things that I like the most is that it actually takes brain power. Today, I can honestly say that my brain was tired! It is a great feeling to do something that requires some level of intellect and be able to accomplish it by the deadline! It was difficult, but the budgets for 4 out of 5 of my branches are complete! I had no idea how hard it was to manage that much money! It may have been easier if it had been 46 degrees and raining outside. It was necessary to concentrate on the budgets, and all I wanted to do was go outside and walk through the leaves, enjoy the sunshine, and be reminded of how awesome God is by looking at His beautiful creation. Oh well...maybe it will be nice this weekend!?

Were you able to enjoy the beautiful day today?

I wonder if there is a www.fresh-air-and-sunshine.com I will check it out and let you know.

How Long?

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How long did you wait in line today when you went to vote?

I went at about 8:40 and waited about 25 minutes.

Election Day

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I cannot believe how many people are not planning on heading to the poles tomorrow! Several people that I have talked to today said that they don't plan to vote because their vote won't make the outcome swing one way or the other. I wonder how many people are out there saying that?

Will you vote tomorrow? What is the most important issue to you on tomorrow's ballot?

Sudoku

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Over the course of the last year I have seen many books, web-sites, and hand-held games containing SUDOKU puzzles. I have flipped through the books and visited a few of the sites, but never really gave much thought to doing the puzzles. I wasn't even sure how to do them until recently. Someone told me the basics of the game, and I thought I'd give it a try. Now I am addicted! I love this game.
The above picture is a sudoku puzzle. They are so much fun! Does anyone else out there enjoy sudoku? If you want to give it a shot go to http://www.websudoku.com/ Let me know what you think!

Presenting...Mrs. Trenkler

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Well, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is now over. The kids at Ladue Middle did a great job. In fact, I think it was the best show that we have seen at the Middle School. Bekah played a crazy woman, and gave a great performance. She delivered the opening monologue to the show, and I was impressed! Here are a few pictures from the show...

Mrs. Trenkler (aka Sweet Bekah).

Here is Bekah with a couple of her best theatre buddies, Anna and Deila. They are sort of the senior members of the theatre program at Ladue, and have been in several shows together. They are looking forward to sharing more theatre experiences in High School together.

Thanks to everyone who came out and supported our girl. We will keep you posted on when the next play will be!

Singing Sensation!

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Congratulations to our sweet Bekah, who was selected today to participate in the St. Louis Honors Choir. Hooray for Bekah! We are so proud of you!

Two Crazy Girls!

As I have said many, many times...I love my job. The picture below was taken at work on Halloween. I am not really one for dressing up for Halloween, but as a staff we decided to do it, so I participated. You mat be wondering who the other woman in the picture is. This is Dona, who just so happens to be the best boss in the world. She always feels short next to me, as she towers in at a wopping 5'0, so she decided to stand on a chair for the picture! Sometimes she is so silly. She is a lot of fun.


Dona is not only a great boss, she is a great example to me too. She often reminds me to think first, pray often, and take every opportunity to grow and learn something new. She is teaching me so much about business and how to be a good manager. She recognizes my strengths and helps me to identify areas in my life (both professionally and personally) that could use a little improvement. She offers suggestions of how to do some things better, and has asked me to teach others some of the things that I do well. She has encouraged me to use my talents for the glory of God, and to put God first, family second, and job third.

I am thankful for my job. It is great to work some place where God is shared openly, and where there is always something fun going on!