The Waiter

Probably in the winter of 1999 I had a flat tire on my little Honda CRX. The cook at my sorority said that one of the waiters could change it for me and sure enough one did while I was at class. He even put it back together all neat and tidy. A couple of months later I didn't know how to check the oil, and that same waiter checked it for me. Of course it was low. That car took more oil than gas. I remember thanking him, but I have no idea what he said back.

Last week that same waiter changed the oil in my Highlander, while I was inside loafing around. He sweeps our kitchen floor daily, just like when I first met him. Of course the girls and I stand in the kitchen chatting while he cleans, in the way, of course. I am sure when he took his little waiter job years ago he didn't imagine it would be a lifetime commitment. I sure am glad he doesn't mind!

I love you Bradley!

Happy Anniversary!

Sweet Tess

Today Brad and I had the honor of witnessing our godchild, Miss Tessa Lynn's baptism. She was an angel the entire baptism and is such a little doll baby!

My girls were actually angels today as well. Right before the baptism I realized that Brad and I were going to have to sit across the church from the girls. They were so cute and sat in a pew in front of Sarah's family. Most of Sarah's family was up taking pictures, but the girls just sat there holding each other's hands. I could see them when I was up on the altar and they were just watching, Mia caught my eye and gave me a thumbs up.

Afterwards everyone complimented us on how well behaved they were, ha ha ha!

Little did they know that I had bribed them with baptism cake.

Lots of Lovin'

Jilli and I made these Valentines for her three teachers. I saw it somewhere online last year, but can't remember, so someone else deserves the credit.



Jillian loved tracing her hand and gluing on the sanitizer.

Instead of going out to dinner to celebrate, Brad and I ran together in the "Love 2 Run" 4 mile race at the downtown airport. We talked the entire run and finished together. It was fun to do something different!

Valentine's Day being on a Monday caused me to have to reschedule some classes to make it to Jillian's party, but I wouldn't have missed it. She was ecstatic that I was there and completely bummed that I left her after the party! Such a tease to come during the day and then leave.

She made this "Love Crown."

Note the cute handmade valentines above. Well, I got to Jilli's school for the party and I noticed that only her coat was there, no backpack. What!?!? The teacher Valentines and the ones for her friends were in there. The kids were outside playing so I texted Brad, who had dropped her off.

Jilli's backpack???????

No response. I knew he was on an inspection, but seriously, where is the backpack??? New text.

Always the backpack!! Her Valentine's were in there!!!!!!!! We worked hard on them!

Sometimes texting is bad, because the recipient can mistake your tone of voice. But the beauty of Brad and I's relationship is that we know. Obviously, my tone above was ticked. In conclusion, Jillian didn't even realize her Valentine's were missing and apparently one must announce loudly what items need to be taken to school. In Brad's defense, taking the backpack was a new occurrence.

Mia's party was just across the hallway and I made it in plenty of time.

Marshmallow on a spoon race.

I chose to post this picture of M.K. because she makes this face a lot!

It is her new expression, so funny.

As always, her sweet smile!

Plus, the 100th day of school fell on Valentine's Day, what a day!

Rockin' Egg

Living with and raising Jillian is an adventure. I have really never met anyone like her. The singer Laurie Berkner has a song that goes "this is me, this is me, this is me and my energy." That is Jilli, my energy. She is also the only person I know to re-invent "Last one up the stairs is a rotten egg." to her advantage, because folks she ALWAYS gets to the top last, but smiles and yells "I AM THE ROCKIN' EGG!"

Great Wedding!

This Labor Day weekend we enjoyed the wedding festivities of one of Brad's lifelong friends and his lovely bride. I was completely impressed with the Archbishop presiding over the ceremonies and his homily was fantastic. The wedding and reception were very elegant and we really had a great time! Best of luck to the newlyweds!

Last two photos compliments of Sarah Cretors.

While I was away on my blog break.....

1. We visited the Clifford Exhibit at Crown Center. I am saying it was a kind of a flop, might have been better if it hadn't been so crowded.

2. Brad was on (for about 2 seconds) Man vs. Food. He was eating lunch there one day in May when they were filming some footage of the restaurant, Papa Bob's in Bonner Springs, Kansas. He mentioned it then, but I read in the newspaper in July that it was going to be aired on August 11th at 9:00 p.m. I was actually shopping at Wal-Mart when it aired and he calls me "Um, you missed it!" I said "Well, didn't you record it?" So when I got home we had to review it in slow mo. The next morning after I came home from my run, Brad was getting ready for work and I said "You are not going to believe the paparazzi outside! You better sneak out the back door." It was fun to show the kids and make jokes about it. You know I love you Bradley, who is such a good sport!

A Mess, and I am crying while typing.

The last few weeks I have went through the motions of getting the girls ready for school, but didn't really let it sink in until they were in bed last night. Then, I lost it. I went in to MK's room and cried/prayed over her. Then I went to my room and as I was brushing my teeth and Brad asked "How was your day?" My response while spitting was "Fine" and then intense bawling.

Brad: Are you really crying?
Me: YES! I am sad and really crying about kindergarten!
Brad: Oh Stace, calm down.
Me: Well you know that next week she will make her first communion and in the spring we will shop for prom dresses! Hysterically crying, flopped on my bed.
Brad: Laughing You think she will find her boyfriend in kindergarten?
Me: No, but just yesterday we brought her home from the hospital. I am so worried that I didn't do a good enough job raising her these last five years and am just sending her off! Still crying.
Brad: You aren't sending her off to college, it is kindergarten.
Me: I know, but she can't tie her shoes!
Brad: She has velcro.
Me: I know, but school is rough sometimes, making friends can be rough. I KNOW! I taught them! What if she can't find someone to play with at recess? Full hysterics.
Brad: She will have her good and bad days, just like everyone.

At this point I just gave up, still sobbing, but no more explaining. I was being completely nuts, Brad was being himself, obviously practical and nada emotions or worries. Good thing, because if both of us were nut jobs we would really have problems. And yes, she is going to school where I taught for 6 years, plus work their a couple of days now. Yet, I was still crazy.

I then decided to read this book called "While They are Sleeping" and it is prayers for your children. I opened it up and noticed the inscription within the cover. It was a gift when I was pregnant with one of the girls, and it was from, none other than, MK's kindergarten teacher! She is in good hands!

This morning we walked her in as a family. I was holding back tears the entire walk from the front door in. I have thought about this day for years, always knew she would go to school here. I stood in that school while in labor and gave Kansas Assessments. People most likely thought I was rude this morning, but I couldn't talk, in and out, unless they wanted a real mess on their hands!

Back in the Saddle

Brad went back to work today. He also somehow managed to toast himself an english muffin for breakfast. I don't think I have mentioned, but in early May he began a new career (he ♥ his new job) that does not involve sitting at a desk. Therefore, working with a couple of broken bones in 100 degree weather isn't pleasant, from what I hear. He came home after his first inspection and had to ice it and nap. He was as white as a ghost, but arose from his throne (recliner) and went back for an afternoon inspection. Atta boy! He actually tried to drive, but came home and said that was jumping the gun, ya think?

I think he senses that sometimes I am maybe a smidge testy on the demands. Why he would sense that, I do not know. So he tries to do a few things without help. Like just now I heard a crash and it was the lamp. I had just sat down from getting him ice and a sheet, he needed the lamp off and didn't want to bother me. But instead knocked it all over and I had to rescue it all anyway. I love you Bradley!

I moved his recliner upstairs and he has lived in it for a week. At first during the night he slept with the feet part up. But couldn't get out of it alone, enter him calling me from his cell to my cell so I could come and let him out. One night I was helping him walk to the bathroom and I said, "Brad I don't feel well I am going to pass out." He said "Please hold my arm up, I have to go to the bathroom." So I held it. We walked to the sink so he could wash his hands and I continued to hold it and say that I didn't feel good. Next thing I know he is saying "Staci! Sit down! Staci! Sit down!" Apparently I passed out, hit the mirror with my head and was flopped on the counter. Weird huh?

Now he just uses the ball or ottoman, so he can get up alone.

I have tried for 10 years to get Brad to read a book. He then gets himself in this predicament and picks one up. Of course I snuck and took this picture.

His orthopedic doctor (who was a character, but I liked) smiled at me as he left Brad's appointment last week and said "For better or worse Staci, better or worse!" Brad and I just laughed.