Weather...Schmeather!

We hosted our 2nd Memorial Day Party in the Countryside on Sunday this weekend. And although the weather had been forecasted to be miserable...and in many places in Birmingham, it was...we couldn't have asked for a more perfect day!

Last year was going to be tough to beat, with fantastic sun and skies. We were certainly hoping for that to duplicate this year, with having the lake as an added attraction that we prepared with extra kayaks and a water trampoline. All week we watched as a tropical depression hung over Florida and the gulf coast and prayed it might miraculously disappear. And although the morning was miserable with rain and we moved the tables into the garage/barn just in case, at noon the skies parted and by 2pm it was sunny, hot and beautiful, perfect weather for fun in the lake and with friends. And apparently our place was in the minority, since just a few miles up the road it poured cats and dogs all day! I guess we had angels looking over us after all!

Thanks to all of you that stuck it out and took the chance - we were so glad to have you out to our place and enjoyed every minute of you being here! You all brought wonderful food to share, and it's always great to see how all the kids are growing. From the big kids who are kayaking and catching more frogs and toads than I would have thought possible, to the little ones that are making new creations in the sandbox. It's so great to get out of the normal routine of life and take a day to spend with all our friends, old and new, as well as their extended family and friends. And a big thanks to Aunt Kay, Crystal, and all of you that played "Hey, keep eyes on my kid(s) a minute!" for me while I ran inside to grab this that or the other needed item. And Angela for helping me do a little clean up at the last call of the night.

Here are some photos, again, I wish I'd have snapped more, guess there's always next year!

Lake Pics

Apparently I have a great memory, with the exception of things requested by my husband . So, for those of you that have been awaiting the pics of the lake that have not seen them on facebook...behold...Sterling Creek Lake!

This image was after the first full rain that took the lake level all the way up.

The following is a little more recent pic, taken closer to shore. For those of you coming to the party this Sunday - bring your suits - the water is GORGEOUS (Sterling Creek well named)!

Clare's Story

Quick post. Clare (my sister) is being featured today on the Live in our Skinz blog written by another survivor of melanoma. For those of you that are fans of Grey's Anatomy, you know how deadly melanoma can be. Click HERE for the interview and Clare's Cancer Story.

Mother's Day

I think this says it all!

Duke and Mae are Smiling!

That's my Grandfather Duke & Grandmother Mae Dickert. Because today, their grandson, John Dickert, my cousin, just was elected to serve the city of Racine, WI as Mayor for the next 18 months. The reasons for the special election are not something I wish to share, but suffice to say, John will finally have the opportunity to do what God made him for. To lead and inspire through public service. Congratulations John! Racine is a better place with you leading the way!

YaYa's Visit

After listening for the past 4 months of all the extras my Dad has been able to do to help my sisters in their daily lives since semi-retiring, I decided it was my turn and flew him down to Birmingham for 5 days to experience this phenomenon. I may claim swine flu status and move his flight home back about 2 weeks!

Since his arrival on Wednesday night, he's helped me complete this year's round of landscaping, stained two end tables that I've wanted done for at least 5 years, got a few holes drilled in my redwing crocks and spent an entire day at the zoo with me and the boys (drenching rain at the start and all!). It has been an absolutely fantastic time having him here...and he even gets to have his own "man cave" at night in our office which doubles as our guest suite. I don't think it could have resulted in any more perfect a trip (other than of course his staying over for about two weeks!)

Here are some photos of the weekend so far. Tomorrow we have church, followed by a little more landscaping and probably capped off by another cookout with the neighbors and some time in the lake, this time in the form of a leisurely dip rather than a sudden drenching (Dad got a bit too close to the edge of the dock while helping Cory put the new water trampoline in on Friday!).

It's not going to be easy putting him back on a plane on Monday. Hmmmm, Clare and Ali, maybe you need to start bribing me now. I've got LOTS of frequent flyer miles still saved up!

Small Moments in a LONG Week

I may have finally worn him down. Jack that is, and the bedtime struggle. The last three nights it's been between 1-2 hours of crying, screaming, throwing, you name it. The poor kid is hoarse from all of it, his little voice is all crackly. But tonite, 20 minutes into it and he's settled down with only an occaisional peep. Probably predicated on his being outside from the minute we got home until bath, but either way, works for me.



So, Daddy gets home later (much later, probably midnight according to his call at 6pm) and I have just a bit of time to wrap up the week. And what better way to do it then share a pic of the other kid. You know, the one that sleeps all night, seems happy, most of the time at least, and is genuinely still in the pre-terrible 2's. He has his moments mind you, man can he get MAD!, but overall, sweet kid, just happy to be here.



I put him in the tub tonite, and prayed for no pooping, I felt I was in the clear, but then again, who wouldn't have thought that after the third time on Wednesday. The affected toys, etc. were still in a bucket on the floor, which I didn't particularly think about when I put him in the tub and when I came back in after having gone into the other room for some reason, I found this

But thankfully, this was among the items I had bleached and rinsed after the mess and no, it had not been used since. Little stinker had reached out and grabbed it up. But priceless for the photo op.

Jack's teeth are seemingly fine, nothing loose, nothing swollen and nothing turning weird colors. So maybe all will be fine when we go for xrays week after next. I've asked him several times if they hurt and he tells me, no...and in this case I think he means it instead of the random NO!

And looks like my weekend is already looking up. Daddy just called (it's 9pm) and said he is actually only 45 minutes away! (Helps that NASCAR is at Talladega this weekend so all the fans are exhibiting their speed on the interstate) And not a peep in 10 minutes...I might just enjoy the silence for a little while.

Thanks all for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers...looks like they worked :)