How Firm Thy Friendship- O-H-I-O!

Oh come let's sing Ohio's praise
And songs to Alma Mater raise
While our hearts rebounding thrill
With joy which death alone can still
Summer's heat or winter's cold
The seasons pass the years will roll
Time and change will surely (truly) show
How firm thy friendship ... OHIO!

I have some great friends! I have some that I have known since 1st grade, and some that I gained in High School that are treasures. These girls are steadfast friends, lifelong ones that I could not exist without. I feel blessed to have them still as my dearest friends.
I have tons of pics of these two and I throughout the years, even more memories, since they date back the furthest, but honestly, I don't know where they all are! So, you will have to be content with images that we grew up together, went through the ugly tooth phase together, big hair together and amazing fun adventures together.
Lisa and Christy lived only a few blocks from my house growing up. Christy's mom used to drive me to middle school, every morning for those 3 years! She was so nice. Lisa's family had this great boxer dog that was a really great dog- Sunny was her name and we loved her. We had slumber parties, stayed up late in Lisa's basement watching movies, and just hanging out. Time passed, we grew up, but in HS were still always together- Lisa ended up driving Christy and I to school everyday after she got her license- a year before me, since she has a fall birthday. She got a brand new purple Grand Prix when we were Juniors and it was a sweet ride. She never complained about picking us up everyday or driving us home- she was so nice. Honestly, these girls were the best friends I could have ever chosen. We went to prom together in a limo with our dates, and even had our graduation parties scheduled different dates so they didn't overlap. I can't remember much of my growing up without these two girls.
Times change, huh? I left for OSU, meaning I moved into the dorms- Christy stayed home, and went to OSU, soon later getting married, and Lisa went to Franklin and lived at home. I still loved these friends, but we didn't seem to see each other as much or spend the time together that we did in High School. Still, it didn't really matter, we knew our friendship was stronger than that. We all graduated around the same time, and would see each other here and there. Life moved on. Christy had a son, Lisa and I weren't even married!! I married Dana the next year and both my friends were at my reception. It was awesome. Last year, Lisa got married, and Christy and I got to attend her shower. We now have that in common and one more thing to keep us connected.
Through the years, despite moves to other states and family additions, we have stayed in touch. Never have either of them missed my birthday - either a call or a card, and usually both- and I have tried desperately to not miss too. Even though the visits are few and far between, we still have a kinship like no other friendship I have with any other girlfriends...this means a ton. Last month, Lisa came to visit and we all had lunch together...here we are now:

My other set of lifelong friends I met in High School...I have mentioned them before- they are my "girls night out" girlfriends...and I cannot tell you how much I love them, too. Renee, Angie and Wendy I met back when I was a Freshman. Again, I have many pics (somewhere) of those years, but more memories, and that is so much a part of our friendship. They are all a year ahead of me in school, but we managed to hang out back then and even more so now- despite having families and crazy schedules. We manage to escape from our hectic lives about every couple months for our get together. Last night was our Christmas girls night- and even though the weather was snowy and so cold, we were kept warm with laughter and fun stories until very late in the night, or should I say early morning?! No, we were early this time- we should just stay all night- but we don't - but I so think we should plan that....anyway...

Wendy didn't make it this time, sadly, she had a migraine, so it was just Angie, Renee, me and Gert- still never a dull moment! Since I have been on Facebook recently, I showed them some of the people that I have found, or have found me, and we just had a blast laughing till our faces hurt! Seriously, there was no alcohol involved!

We don't have shoes on, and I just tower above them! If they had their boots on, different story!

This pic we took this summer at Renee's pool where we hung out many times- there are three of us, and seven kids!! I am the youngest and have the most kids...go figure!

It was challenging to get everyone to look and so Leah and Nathan aren't focusing, but for the rest of us, we take what we can get!

The lyrics at the top are of Carmen Ohio- Ohio State's Alma Mater and I just love them, because they truly define these girlfriends' friendships in my life. How blessed I am to have amazing girls who are now women in my life- and for how they have enriched my life!

Leah's First Lost Tooth!

On Friday night, about 10 minutes after I put her to bed, Leah comes running downstairs very much excited to announce to me that she has her first ever "wobbly tooth"! She has called them "wobbly" ever since reading Charlie and Lola - one of their books about teeth falling out. I said, "wow- now go to bed!"- kidding, of course I indulged her a minute or two- she was so happy! So, on Saturday, when we went to visit Es and her kids, she of course told everyone, and discovered that Ethan, her cousin had his first loose tooth too! The same one! So, she wiggled that tooth all day and all day on Sunday too! Monday she woke up, and told me about it again, and had me feel it- I told her it probably had a few more days in it before was ready to come out- well, she apparently didn't want to wait that long, because as soon as she got in the van after school, she showed me, so proudly, her empty space and a tooth in a baggie! She had pulled it out in school- all on her own! Now, this is a first for me, because I have pulled ALL of Alex's loose teeth out of his mouth- he can hardly stand to do it by himself! I should have known that is Leah- she is determined, that girl of mine...she was so cute.

So, Monday night, the tooth fairy came, and this is her Tuesday morning:

She was even happier with the dollar- honestly, it doesn't take much to make her happy- they are all about the cash right now. Actually she spent it already- she bought Christmas gifts for her family that night- such a sweet girl. Just love her. Now she already wiggling the one beside it- pretty soon the tooth fairy will be broke!

Me, Love Christmas?! You decide...

Gift wrap or gift bags?
I love to wrap! I love to buy paper-and I have so much that I have to buy a new container for all the rolls! I have to steer away from the pretty papers when shopping for gifts. I seriously have to not even look because I could buy it all- I think I have another addiction...
I do like bags, though, and yes, I recycle them too!

Real or artificial tree?
Well, if I had my ultimate choice and it was my decision alone, I would choose a real tree- but, in the marriage of compromise, I lose this one, and we have a crappy $24.95 Walmart tree that we got in 2000. Every year I long to get a new one- even attempting to hit Home Depot last Friday at 6am for a pre-lit, but to no avail. Maybe next year. The real reason we don't ever get a real tree? Our first Christmas, we got one, and while we were in Chile, Dana's wonderful brother forgot to water it, and it died....therefore causing needles all over my carpet and when sweeping them up, broke our first vacuum. So there's the real story for ya.

When do you put up the tree?
Always the day after Thanksgiving. I love it- probably one of the best days of the year.

When do you take down the tree?
Before New Years Day. I get a little down after the big day, so getting my house back in order becomes top priority, and getting the new gifts out of the front room is even more important!

Do you like eggnog?
To be fair- I have never tried it- though I hope I never do, either.

Favorite gift as a child:
I would have to say a Cabbage Patch Doll. They were super hard to find, and when they were at a store, it became pandemonium to get one. It was an insane phenomenon. I cherished all of my dolls, and these kind were my favorite.

Hardest/easiest person to buy for:
I have several hard people to buy for: my dad, my brother, and one of Dana's sisters' (the one who has everything already!)
I have several easy people to buy for: Alex, Leah, Celeste, Dana, my mom and just about everyone else!

Do you have a nativity scene?
Yes, we have 3- one I started collecting before we were married- a Dreamsicles one- we bought one in Chile for Dana's mom, then she gave it back, and last year we got the Little People Nativity- and it is now my favorite.

Mail or e-mail Christmas cards?
I mail mine- Dana chooses to email- and I say it's tacky and impersonal. I still send them out, and he emails his to other friends...sorry if you have been one of them!

Favorite Christmas movie:
Elf for sure- National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is next- and Serendipity.

When do you start shopping for Christmas?
It depends...for my kids I can shop very early. If I find something cute for anyone, I pick it up, but generally I don't really start until October/November. I like to get it done with, but still shop the crowds, just don't try to have to get the hardest to buy gift during the rush.

Favorite things to eat during the holidays:
Christmas Eve, my family gathers at my parents house where we have all sorts of appetizers- each year they differ, but some stay the same, like Rotel dip and shrimp cocktail..can't wait!

Favorite Christmas song:
Dana just said that we have more Christmas CD's than any other kind! We love Christmas music, and I have too many favorites- one CD is just a variety of artists and we love it- the best song on there is by Bruce Springsteen- "Merry Christmas Baby"!

Angel or star on top of your tree?
This is the first year we have put a star on the top- usually we have just ribbon or a bow. I was just waiting to find the perfect star, and last year after Christmas I found it....at Target!

Open gifts Christmas Eve or Christmas morning?
I try to change tradition every year...I don't win!! I hate the wait! I am so impatient, and so I try to get Dana to let us open a few early- he never concedes...so we exchange with each other on Christmas Eve, and with my parents, and the kids give each other theirs too- so Christmas morning it is all fun stuff from Santa. We give the kids gifts from us- always clothes- they are never that excited...!

Most annoying thing about the holiday season?
Slow cashiers!

Favorite ornament theme/color:
We have a kid tree- and all the ornaments, though kiddish are my favorites. My dad has been getting me a Hallmark photo one each year, that I put our whole family picture in that we take Christmas Eve. I love it because I can see how we have all changed through the year- they are my favorite to put up. Oh, and our first Christmas ornament- I love that one too.

Favorite Christmas dinner:
We eat at my parent's and my dad does a yummy ham. We have great side dishes, and sometimes my brother will bring these delicious twice stuffed potatoes they sell at his deli. My dad does Prime Rib about every other year- I don't eat it, so I get something different instead!

What do you want for Christmas?
Peace on earth, goodwill to men!
Oh, and a Wii Fit! (Actually I already know it's waiting for me!)

Now, if that was fun, and you want to play too- it's your turn! Merry Christmas to you...23 days early!

The Wonderful Wells'

Dana's sister, Esther and her family drove up this year for Thanksgiving, too! They stayed at his sister, Ivy's house for the weekend, and it was so fantastic to see them! We saw them on our way home from vacation in August, but that was nearly 4 months ago! The kids have all changed so much since then!
Her kids' birthdays fall two days apart from each other. Isaac is the 23rd, Ethan the 25th, and Evey the 27th- and she was 1 this year!! So, in addition to seeing them on Thanksgiving, we got to see them again last night for the birthday party! I forgot my camera, but thankfully Alex remembered his, so these are ones he took. Once Es posts hers, I will have to snag them, because I took them with her camera! Here are the cuties:

We got to bring Granny along to the party with us- they all love Granny!

Ethan turned 6 this year- he is quite the jokester and funny man- we love him!

Here's the birthday girl eating her own cake with her sweet momma!

Isaac is almost always rocking out to something!

Keep in mind Alex took these- but he did a pretty good job!

He and Isaac had a ton of fun playing Rock Band at Aunt Ivy's house- she has all the fun stuff and they rocked out for a long time! We hope to see them soon- twice a year is just not enough- my kids said they really love their cousins!! We love them too!

Thanksgiving Traditions 2008- New and Improved!

Ever since Dana's parents moved to California, we have had Thanksgiving with my parents at their house. With the exception of 2001, when were at Sean's, we have been there. Every other year, Sean and Steph and the girls come too, but we are there no matter what. This year, we broke the mold, and did things a little differently- it was great!
Sean and Steph decided to host dinner at their house with her family and ours. There were 10 adults and 8 kids- who thinks that sounds fun?! I was thinking she was crazy for doing it, but she was amazing- she did so much and it was more than great! Between her, my mom, her mom, me and her new sister-in-law to be, we got everything food wise made. It was so yummy. I couldn't have asked for anything else- our family all together with her family, who we've known for years and years- all partaking of the wonderful festivities of Thanksgiving. Here are some pictures:

We all fit at her wonderful dining room table-so much food and such great people.

All the kids ate in the kitchen, and they loved it!

Uncle Sean with all the kids- he is just like them!

So, are we up next year?! Perhaps if we get a bigger house...we shall see!

A Daddy's Girl...

Yes, I am a Daddy's Girl- 100% - always have, always will...despite getting older, not much changes with that relationship. I love my Dad- his 65th Birthday was last Wednesday, but due to my late night partying with Madonna and next day recovery, I failed to blog about it. His birthday always falls the week of the OSU vs. Michigan game- and if they are playing at the Shoe, he always gets a ticket! This year, my brother was the giver...they had a great time, and enjoyed the awesome win!
I once was asked to give a talk in Sacrament meeting on Father's Day, years ago, and so I wrote about my relationship with my Dad. It was heartfelt and probably one of the best ones I have written- sadly it is saved on a floppy and I can't access it to share it with you, but I will try to impart a little of how I feel about him.
I had an amazing childhood- really, truly, my parents are more than I could've ever requested- they love unconditionally and with their full hearts- my dad especially. I don't really remember him being furious with me, even as a teenager- well, I remember arguing with him about whatever, but he never stayed mad at me for long and always spent time with me afterward to help me mend. He took me on all sorts of learning excursions, including hunting...surprise to all you who think I am a "girly girl"- I didn't say I loved it, but it was interesting. I only went once, by the way. We went camping all the time, and he taught me how to catch "craw dads- or crayfish, the correct word"- can you even picture me doing that now?! Funny thought, huh? He tried to make a fisherman out of me, too, but that failed when I started to get motion sickness every time the boat stopped moving. Sorry, dad...I treasure those memories, like when he taught me how to water ski, and a boat nearly ran into me while I was in the water- he was screaming a few choice words at the other boat for that! Thanks for always saving me, dad. But also, thanks for the time that you made me return the "sail naked" shirt that I bought while on vacation! I may not have been happy with you at the time, but now I see the wisdom in why a 13 year old shouldn't have a shirt like that!

I have posted before about how he never missed an important event in my life- ever- I really can say that he was always there for me when I needed, wanted, or even when I didn't want him to be.
When something happens in my life, he is still one of the first people I call. He knows so many people, and can almost always save the day for me. He is a great rock in times of need, and I love him more than these words can say. He and I are more alike than we probably can admit, but both very stubborn when we want to be and very opinionated at times, too. Take it or leave it, you always know where we stand. I love that he has fostered so many traits for me- though sometimes now he is grouchy, and as Leah calls him, "grumpy", he is still there for me and still loves me no matter what. He would support me in any choice I make- and that is something I cannot fail to mention- even when I tried tap dancing, gymnastics, and didn't do so well, and then cheer leading and playing the trumpet, which I did- it didn't matter, he was always supportive.
They say that a girl looks for a husband that is like her father. Though on the outside Dana and my Dad aren't that much alike, they have the qualities that mean the most inside. They are full of love and devotion to their wife and children- sacrificing all to make them happy. What more could I ask for?!

My Dad and Grandfather in 1945- I love this picture.

Me and my Dad- 1980- love this one too.

And now:

Happy late birthday, daddy- your little girl loves you forever.

Twilight Last Night...

Here we all are ready for our show to begin: Suzanne, Jackie, Katie, Ashley and me- the oldest ladies there, I think! We went early- in fact, we were afraid it would be super crowded, so we were the first ones in the theatre, and therefore chose the perfect center seats! Luckily for us, it was not crowded at all. So, here are my thoughts:
1- I am in love with Edward in the book- so in love, in fact, that Robert Pattison just wasn't good enough to be my Edward - IN THE BEGINNING OF THE MOVIE- but, can I just say that by the end of the movie, he was super super hot! I was soaking up all the scenes at the end- he just evolved into my Edward, and I ended up loving him! In the beginning, he was so ghostly, almost corpse white that it was distracting and too unrealistic- for a vampire, anyway!
2- I didn't really like Bella in the beginning, either, but she warmed up and again, I liked her by the end, too. I really liked the actor who played Mike, he was fun, and also Jessica, who reminds me of a typical teenage girl in so many ways.
3- The cinematography wasn't that great, though the studio that produced it isn't that big, and so I hear that New Moon will be much better and smoother. I am hoping for that.
4- It was a bit cheesy, and like Liza, I feel like there were a few quite moments and way more laughter than I thought. I feel like it could've been so much deeper and better put together, but for all intents and purposes, I had a good time. Will I see it again- probably...it is a great story, I mean one that I could read more than once, and there aren't too many that I feel that about.
5- The love story between the two went far too fast for me- I realize movies have a time sensitive issue, but it just developed much too quickly. Don't get me wrong, I love their love story, and when they finally kiss, and I mean, finally, it is worth the wait. I loved that part- it is so sincere and sweet- what a romantic I am...I guess.

Anyway, we had a great time despite the so-so movie. I love girls' night out and these girls just don't disappoint. I love that everyone has different opinions on the movie, and that we will all go to the next one hoping to love it more.
Here is my favorite poster: Told ya he was hot!

M.A.D.O.N.N.A.

The Material Girl in me came out Tuesday night as Liza and I went to Detroit to see the one and only true Material Girl in concert! Thanks to Ivy's generosity with the tickets and her sweet brand new car- and Liza for choosing me to go with her- we made the 3.5 hour journey to see her live! WOW!! It was truly awesome, I can honestly say that there are only a few major stars I would love to see in concert in my lifetime, and she was so on that list. Not that I love all the things about her, but come on- it's MADONNA! She rocked the stage in every way- she is an unbelievable performer- she danced and sang non-stop for the entire 2 hour show. She did lip sync every once in a while- she had too- her dancing was phenomenal. I was in awe- she is 50!! Did you know that?!
I loved it all, and Liza and I had a great time. Here are some side notes of the show:
1- we left here at 4:30ish for a 7:30 show 3 1/2 hours away- you do the math- we were not going to make it on time!
2- we got there at 8:15- parking was $30!! We found a garage for $15- but it took us 45 minutes to even get out of it! Now we see the wisdom in paying more!
3-we get there and at the same time so is everyone else!! Seriously? We are like, "why is everyone just now getting here, and who is her opening act that we are all missing?"
4- it's Madonna- she has no opening act!! Oh, and she takes the stage whenever she wants!!
5- she did it at 9:30! Apparently everyone else knew that already!
6- we sat in front of a bunch of drunk moms who obviously don't get out much! They were a bit obnoxious!
7- she sang a ton of her new songs that we weren't totally familiar with, but we loved anyway.
8- yes she was a bit trashy- but that's Madonna, right? You expect that.
9- she rocked "Like a Prayer" and Liza and I did too!
10- the special effects and lighting effects were tremendous! Dana says, "uh, it's Madonna, of course she has state-of-the-art effects!

All in all, I was just speechless about it. Only downside- the drive home- lost in Detroit at 1am! It took us over an hour- (after getting out of the garage) to actually get on the real highway. Consequently we got home right before 5am- and the next day for both of us started at 8am!
The things you do for fun, right?
Check out our fun- (my camera isn't as great as Liza's- so I will have to wait to add more clearer ones when she does her post- but for now)...

Her set was so cool- anchored on both ends by these M's that lit up during the show- so cool.

These are my camera zoomed all the way in and then edited...we were a ways up, but still center seats- they had these screens up, and that is what I watched most of the time!

Liza and I wore our Buckeye gear, since this is the week of the BIG game-

We saw a few others with the same idea, but we saw more that were dressed for the concert- in true Madonna fashion- sadly I didn't think to take any pics of them- but trust me, it was interesting!!

So, thanks, Liza and Ivy for a truly memorable night- and early morning- which I am still feeling the effects of- boy, I am getting old- I used to bounce back in my younger days much easier!

Popcorn Popping...

I found these pictures I took last month, but forgot to blog about. When we went pumpkin picking with Sean and the family, he bought us an ear of Indian corn for us to pop. Have you ever heard of this?! Well, I hadn't and so he assured me and then challenged me to pop it. He said you put it in a brown paper sack and microwave it for a few minutes- 2 I think. The girls were very excited to try, so we did. Here is how ours turned out: So, ours didn't turn out as good as it should have, but maybe we didn't cook it long enough.
The girls try it anyway...they decide it is not really as good as the "real" kind, they say.
I encourage them to try it after I put lots of spray butter on it...
Celeste is the only one who keeps trying, and even I do- but no, it's not that good!
Sean said that he ate it at his work and it was okay. Maybe next year we will try again. Has anyone of you ever tried it and it worked and you actually ate it? Ours didn't even come off the ear that well! I think we will stick to the "real" microwave popcorn...but hey, at least we tried!

Update and Tag Along...

For those sweet friends of mine who were concerned about me during our little plumbing crisis, I would like to give you a little update on how things are going:
I know I didn't take a before picture for you of what our basement looked like, but it was okay- decent, in fact, that I knew pretty much where things were...except that I found this while cleaning it out the next day after the plumbing disaster:

Do you see what I see?! Yep, that's a sewer pipe all right! Right smack on the basement floor, right where the plumber said it wouldn't be! When I saw this I nearly cried...well, in fact I did...I was so upset that the whole disaster could've perhaps been avoided...but then I took a deep breath, and moved on...now this is what my basement looks like: (after nearly 4 hours, mind you). All my seasonal things in boxes, clealy labeled, and my other important things that I can't keep in the garage all nicely stored and protected in plastic bins. I was exhausted after this, but it was sooo worth it!

I even found a lot of things I had totally forgotten about, and a lost box of pictures! It was awesome! I found old letters and my treasured ancestor pictures. It was a good day.
Today I bought a vent cover for the new, unneccessary hole in my bathroom. I have yet to install it, but this is what it will look like:

I also have to put on new baseboards, but after that it should be good as new...or whatever acceptibility I determine. Oh, and I got a hold of the insurance adjuster for the plumbing company that ruined my walls, and I am putting together an estimate on re-doing those walls damaged- and the adjacent ones, since I can't just re-do 2 of them! I am anxious to see how it all plays out- hopefully in our favor and we can get things resolved and redone quickly.

Okay, enough of that! Dana's cousin Elizabeth tagged me. I have to list 7 interesting things about me- there is barely one or two, so this is a bit difficult, but here goes:

1- I was a shorty all my youth. I didn't grow in height until about 10th grade- and then I grew about 6 inches- to my current height of 5'7.

2- I would love to be an interior designer, but sadly I lack the creativty that it requires.

3- I have a strict laundry schedule- Mondays and Thursdays- I have about 3-4 loads each of those days and I stay to doing them those days and if I don't get it done in the mornings, I start to feel out of sorts.

4- I love to read teenage books! The Twilight Series are my current love and Dana thinks it's hilarious that his students at school (8th graders) read the same things his 30 something wife does!

5- I could not live without girls' night out! I long to hang out with women that I care truly about. I get together with several groups of girl friends at various times, and I cherish every minute of it. My next two outings are coming up and I can hardly wait!

6- The only buffet restaurant I will eat at is a Chinese buffet. There is one that I really love that is near our house. The only downside is that we try not to pay attention to some of the other patrons!

7-Besides my love of designing, I long to take pictures professionaly. I look at my friend Laura's and Autumn's pictures and I get so jealous of that talent. I snap photos all the time, but mine are not as wonderful as I would hope. One day I will hopefully be able to afford that hobby- for now, I will have to just love my little digital one- it is good enough.

Now, it's your turn: Jamie, Jamie, Jen, Tina, Lish, Suzanne and Melissa. If I forgot you or you want to play, feel free! Have fun!