First Day of School 2008-2009

First day of School!!!!

Here's Sadie on the first day of fourth grade. She has Mr. Eisenhower (husband of Madeline's first grade teacher last year) and is excited about it. As you can see in the picture the ACA PTO added lunch boxes to the Spirit Shop this year, she chose the "earth" colored one.
Here's Mads in all her first day of school glory. She chose the "toxic green" lunch box. Can you say "extreme differences" in sisters?
I had to run (OK, I walked) down the hall so I stuck my camera in Sadie's room and got her sitting down to her desk with all her stuff.
And, when I poked the camera in Mads' room, she was already hard at work.
Very exciting stuff, this first day of school. I'm so happy to have them back to school. Anna starts on Sept. 2. I'll catch some pics of that, too.

Anna's 3rd Birthday post

Today is Anna's 3rd birthday. The house is all atwitter with excitement and her sister, Sadie, has already made brownies - all by herself - for her. Anna must have helped lick the spoon and bowl though because the spots you see on her in this picture are all chocolate. And she held up that knee to make sure I got it in the picture.
Three years ago at this moment, Jon, Mom, Aaron and I were sitting around playing cards, I think having some lunch just waiting for "that" moment when I knew we would need to go to the birthing center.

Conrad might have been playing cards with us, my memory is a little fuzzy but I know he was here.

Then eventually we went over to the birthing center and "God Bless America" the rest is history.

And now we have this lovely child who brightens our day, every day. She will now wrap her arms around you, spontaneously, and say "Mommy, I love you". If that doesn't make you want to forgive the impishness that dominates her life, I don't know what will.

Just a bit ago, I walked into the kitchen, where Sadie was making the brownies and I hear a spraying sound and Sadie tells Anna not to spray that. Anna says to me, "Mommy, Sadie is spraying this". So far, the truth and untruths are not real clear to her. It will come. Although sometimes she'll tell me someone is "wying" (her "l"s aren't too good yet, either).

She repeats everything you say and is very instructional. She'll tell you all the steps for something or tell you just how she wants things.

Ketchup is her favorite food and she'll eat most meats if it has ketchup on it. If I would allow it, she'd have ketchup on her sandwiches, but I cannot, will not allow that. It's an abomination to sandwiches everywhere.

She doesn't always warm up to people right away. Poor Elsa, she's been loving on Anna for a year now and Anna still won't give her the time of day. But, she will talk about her and remembers that she gave her a really cute pair of pants everytime she puts them on.

She's very independent, as we try to raise all our children to be - if for no other reason than the fact we like not having to get up on Saturday morning to pour a bowl of cereal - and I have no doubt that she would not starve to death if for some reason we were the only two in the house and I was medically or otherwise unresponsive for 24 hours. She'd find some food. Better yet, she'd probably find a way out of the house and go across the street and, if a car didn't run her over, get my neighbor Lisa to wake me up.

She prefers no clothes to any clothes and only wears underwear because we insist. But, she knows when she looks good and says "how do I look?" when she is dressed. And she loves sunglasses. Especially ones that actually fit her.

And as I am typing this she is recounting something she has just seen. I don't know what it is but I can tell because she said "the kids do this" and she's rolling around on the floor. Now that I think about it, I'm not sure I want to know.

I am really having fun watching her grow and hear her voice and see her personality. I think we're in trouble with this one. She'll get away with alot more than her sisters, probably, and I don't think that will be in her good interest but it's probably going to happen. We will try to be vigiliant to the contrary but if 3 years of history bears out, woe be unto us.

Happy Birthday, my precious Anna. I'm so glad you're here.

NSU!

Aaron flew in on Wednesday afternoon and we left from the airport to drop the girls off at Autumn's (our niece) house and on to Shreveport we went to spend the night. Our ultimate destination was Natchitoches (pronounced nakodish for all you Texans and other outlanders) for Aaron to audition for a scholarship at NSU (Northwestern State University - the one in Louisiana). When we got to Mom's the first thing I noticed was the odd arrangement of her shoes in the doorway of her room. See for yourself...
However, we decided it was odd enough that we wanted to add ours to the collection.
Yep, those pink ones are mine. Autumn had a pair of crocs (real ones) that she didn't care for and she gave them to me. I LOVE THEM!!!!! And, yes, I can tell a difference in real ones and not real ones. Real ones almost feel like your barefoot.

The next morning, as we were getting ready to leave, Mumsey asked me if I had seen her bird. I hadn't been there lately so I said I hadn't. On the fan on her patio, a bird has built a nest and laid at least one egg. It has already had one baby up there and it's already grown and gone. Now she's on number 2. Honey, I got her beat to heck and back. Try 5!

The bird is on top of the straw on top of the fan. You can't see it's head, just it's body.

When we got to NSU, Nikki (I hope I spelled that right) the best recruiter at NSU took us to the theatre building and we met the head of the theatre department (I hope that's his title - if not, it should be). He took us on the tour of the department then took Aaron for his audition. While Aaraon was doing that, we went back to Nikki's office and filled out all sorts of forms. Turns out, Aaron got an out-of-state tuition waiver because of his SAT score and his GPA. WooHoo! But, wait, it gets better.

When we went back to get Aaron, we went into the office of Dr. Burrell (I'm assuming he's a Dr. because most people in his position are, sorry if I'm wrong) and he told us he was going to give Aaron the biggest scholarship they give to Theatre Tech people. Theatre Tech people are people in the theatre who are backstage making the people on stage look good - lighting, sets, costumes, etc. We were thrilled. And he made it sound like they were thrilled to have him. Well, my goodness, who wouldn't be? They seemed impressed with his portfolio and happy he wanted to go there.

So we went for a celebratory lunch at Merci Beaucoup and this was my meal...

It was a baked potato smothered in crawfish etoufee topped with a fried jumbo shrimp. YUMMY!

After lunch, we went and toured where Aaron will live. Yep, this is his dorm.
It's very nice inside. It's a 4 person unit, 2 people to a room with a living space between the two with a fridge and microwave. He'll be on the CAPA wing (creative and performing arts) so he'll be around others who are involved in the area of study he's in. Very cool.

This is Nikki, the best recruiter at NSU. Thanks Nikki! Defy Gravity!

Oh, after we talked scholarships, Dr. Burrell invited us to stay for the dinner theatre production they were having that night. We had a great seat and at our table were also the freshman advisor, the director of the play and the reigning "Lady of the Bracelet" (Miss NSU) and her friend. What a nice group of people, Mandy (LOB) was a very down to earth sweet girl who I wouldn't have known was in pageants until someone randomly brought it up, asking her if she had done any pageants this summer. Then we found out all about LOB and such. There really is a bracelet that she wears and apparently it's really big.

During the meal and intermission, all these kids in the theatre program kept introducing themselves to Aaron and telling him how glad they were that he will be there this year. That made quite an impression on all of us, making us feel a little famous.

The play was "Sylvia" about a man who brings home a dog and his wife is NOT happy about it. The dog is played by a person and talks and does dogish things like fetching balls and sniffing crotches. (If you are easily offended, please skip this part) The young lady who plays "Sylvia" came and introduced herself to Aaron and was talking to him for quite some time. I finally remembered to take a picture and after, they both looked at me and I said to her "I'm going to need you to sniff his crotch". She was a little aghast at that and Aaron was totally embarrassed as was the rest of my family. Personally, I thought it was funny. And, after the production, I apologized to her (again) and she told me then that she thought it was funny. Won't it be awful if that is Aaron's future bride and the first words I said to her were I'm going to need you to sniff his crotch? Hey, you never know.

That's her in the white sweater. (pre-embarrassing mother comment)

After the production, they put up on this screen animals that are at the humane shelter that need adopting. These two kitties came up and we started clapping in glee and everyone around us thought we were crazy until I said "my sister just adopted those kittens yesterday". Then they were all impressed. I think it's safe to say that NSU is impressed with our whole family. Well, maybe not me...
This is Mandy (the aforementioned LOB). I couldn't resist taking a picture of her and her shoes.
Here's a close up of those ruby slippers. Make the picture bigger so you can see the sparkles on them.


All in all, it was a great (long) day at NSU. Aaron is now a demon. Yes, that's their mascot. Their fight slogan is "fork 'em, demons" while giving the longhorn sign (yeah, it's supposed to be a fork but all you Texans know the longhorn sign). I'm so proud of him and happy that he's happy about where he will be matriculating (how's that for a college word?). I'll keep you posted on his progress.

Car wash

In anticipation of a trip later this week to Shreveport with Aaron, I cleaned out the van today and then the girls helped me wash it. Then, Sadie had the bright idea to have a car wash for the whole neighborhood. I figured, heck, it's 106 degrees outside, water cools you down, it'll keep the girls occupied, it's a win-win. Sure, have a car wash. She wanted to charge $5 but I told her anyone could go down Collins and get the machine to wash their car for $5 so they (Sadie, Mads and Olivia) decided on $1. Mr. Ricky was their first customer and he paid them $2. I think they told him $2 and he paid it but on the sign they made, it was $1. Anyway, they ended up washing 6 cars and made $19. So, as you can see, nobody only paid them $1.
This is them washing "Uncle Stacey"'s car.

They did a good job. I was official "rinser" and "dryer" since I was the only one who could reach the windshields and I didn't want them forgetting to turn off the water.

And now a bit of randomness...Can anyone tell me where the clip for my hair or the other 5,489 ponytail holders that have lived in my house for the past however many years have gone? I can't find one anywhere. It's driving me crazy. And, while my hair isn't that long, it's too long to be down on these 106 degree days.

Sunday visit

Yesterday, Conrad went and picked up Richard (his younger brother) so we could all go visit Peggy. Richard gave Anna these sunglasses. She loves them and thinks she is "all that and a bag of chips plus a pickle" when she has them on.
When we got to Peggy's place, there was a group singing, playing guitars and in general being very lively. Peggy went and sang with them for a few minutes. She's the one in the hat and vest.

After that, we sat and chatted and Peggy showed Richard her room and while they were gone doing that, this lovely lady came around...
Her name is Doris Madeline Hudson (OK, her middle name is not Madeline and her last isn't Hudson, but in case someone uncivilized reads the blog I didn't want them to have her full name) and she came up to us and just started talking up a storm. She asked our names a bunch of times and how old Anna was about 20 and when Madeline walked up, Doris had found a friend. Madeline wasn't afraid of her in the least and would actually talk and interact with her. I'm sure most children who go up there aren't like that. However, Madeline grew up going to nursing homes with me so she's used to the people who reside in them. She knows they're not scary, just old and happy to see young people. I love that about Madeline. She let Mrs. H kiss her cheek and talked to her for a bit. It was lovely to see.

Then we took Peggy for ice cream. When we got back, she wasn't quite remembering where her room was but was sure she would be able to find it even though I offered to take her there. She also didn't remember that she'd just eaten ice cream. That made me very sad. Not that she forgot the ice cream but that she'd forgotten already. Keep her in your prayers.

And for any family members with your doubts about where Peggy is, please know that she seemed perfectly fine and seemed happy with her surroundings although she was excited to go somewhere when we signed her out.

As I knew it would be, my question about the bird was answered surely and swiftly. The very first answer came from my sister and I will share it with you because it made me smile.

That is an immature cardinal, my bird-identification-challenged sister. I say immature as in "young," not as in foolish, though I will say that getting caught by a cat was not the smartest thing to do...I suspect he's still not good at flying which is why he got snagged. I'm afraid I don't have high hopes for his survival either, but then, one never knows...

Thank you, all who responded. I don't know the fate of the bird, I saw it hopping around yesterday. In my world... (you're gonna love this!) he hopped to the bird infirmary where he is being treated for dehydration, starvation and a good scare. His wing is healing nicely with some stablization and antibiotic ointment. He should be released tomorrow or the next day.

At it again

I was sitting at the computer, doing something life changing - I'm sure, when I saw Rosie, aka "bird maimer", with something substantial in his mouth. Yep, another bird. This time it wasn't a Blue Jay. I'm not sure what kind of bird it is, if any of you have a clue, feel free to let me know.
I, of course, always pick them up with bags so as not to get my smell on them. This one seemed to be an adult so there isn't the whole parent-not-wanting-it-because-it-smells-like-us thing going on.
I know this picture is a little blurry, but, it shows it's color alot more than the other pics I have.
We put it outside so it could do whatever it needs to do to survive. It has a hurt wing and is bleeding a little and it hopped around in an effort of finding a hiding place. Unfortunately, all the hidey holes it found are also favorite spots of our cats. I don't have high expectations for the survival of little bird but, we've at least gotten it away from Rosie (for the time being).

Did I shave my legs for this?

OK, so I hear the water running in the bathroom and that's never a good sign. I enter, begrudgingly, and find Anna at the sink, also never a good sign. She is washing a Webkinz, which I have told them a million (no exaggeration) times to not get wet but somehow, always, there is at least one wet Webkinz in our house.

So, we squeeze out the Webkinz and I, yet again, reprimand about getting the Webkinz wet. Then I notice the razor as she is telling me that her leg hurts. I ask her if she has used the razor and she tells me "yes, to get the peanut butter off my leg". Oh my goodness. When I asked the question, I thought the answer would be yes. I just didn't think it would involve peanut butter.

Obviously, there is still peanut butter on the right leg and on the left you can barely see where she sheared off a little skin in her first attempt at proper leg hygiene (on the fatty - like there's fat - part of the calf). Frankly, she did a better job at her first attempt at shaving than I did. I remember a huge piece of skin coming off my shin bone. Remember that, Mumsey? Ick, I get the heebie jeebies just thinking about it.

When you opened this update up, "Did I Shave My Legs For This" should have been playing. Wendy, you can see her blog here figured out how to put music on hers and I'm trying to but haven't perfected it yet. You'll know when I do!

Enchanted

I am truly enchanted with Enchanted the newest Disney movie out on DVD (and Blue-Ray for all you techies out there). I did not go see it in the movie theatre but I wish I had. It is a fairy tale for all ages.

It is animated in the beginning and then goes to real-life (well, as real-life as movies are). Madeline got the DVD for her 1/2 birthday party last weekend and we had TiVO'd it but now they can watch it in the living room, although except for the sleepover this past weekend, that hasn't happened. We all watch it in our room and enjoy every minute of it. Anna really likes it and calls it "chanta". This is my favorite scene. If you plan to watch the movie, I apologize for letting you see this already, but it so sweet.

I was afraid I wouldn't be able to put it on here or find it anywhere but, my goodness, YouTube has EVERYTHING! Thanks YouTube!

Oh, and, Nancy, the lady that Robert (Dr. McDreamy) introduces (she has black hair and dances with Edward, Giselle's prince) played Elphaba (the Wicked Witch of the West) in Wicked on Broadway. Just a little FYI for you.


It just takes you back to when you first danced with your "true love" and that mushy feeling in your stomach. I love movies like that.

Owwies

Anna got a big ol' knot on her head tonight. She was walking in Mr. Ricky's yard and tripped and hit her head on his cement bench. Massive knot ensued. You can't tell from this picture how big it was but it was huge! She actually didn't cry as much as I would have if it had happened to me but if we ask, she says it hurts and did NOT want the ice pack on it. I'm sure she would have gotten a stitch or two if we had taken her to the ER but I think she'll appreciate that scar later in life. Blood wasn't profusely flowing so I think she'll be alright.

Blue Jay Festival

Saturday must have been "Blue Jays Learn To Fly Day". We had Abby and Katelyn spend the night with us on Friday and Saturday morning they found a baby Blue Jay that had fallen out of it's nest, almost ready to fly. They wanted to take care of it and had it in the aquarium that sits outside for such occasions. They even wanted to get it some bird seed (even though I told them they still eat worms regurgitated from their parents). They weren't willing to do the worm thing so bird seed it was. I let them walk up to Save-A-Lot with Andrea to see if they or Dollar Tree had any but, alas, no birdseed.

While they were gone, I went outside and parental looking Blue Jays were out there swooping, carrying on like they were looking for their baby so I brought the aquarium out to the front yard so they could find their baby. The cats also found it...

This is the baby, up close. I think it's very pretty.
We finally left it on the ground so the parents could find it and actually, we thought we had seen it fly up to our neighbors roof so we thought all was well until...That same neighbor, Mrs. Ruth called and said there was a baby bird in her backyard, and asked if the kids would like to take care of it. So, now we have the bird back. We gave it water and it looked as if it might have fended off an attacker or two. It died about 10 minutes later. After a proper burial in the backyard, the girls were off onto the next project.

Then...Madeline comes running to me saying "Mom, Mr. Ricky's back yard is infested with Blue Jays and there's a baby bird out of it's nest and Rosie got it!". Oh yeah. That's always good news. So, we couldn't find Rosie which probably meant he brought it in the house. I went into my room and this is what I saw...

That bird was not happy to be in the clutches of Rosie (imagine that!). So, being careful not to get my smell on it (not thinking my smell was all over that bed), I picked it up with a plastic bag and brought it outside and let it go. It eventually hopped across the street and I have no idea where it is today. In my world, the parents found it and taught it to fly and all is well with the world. I love my world, sometimes.

This video is of Anna talking to Blue Jay #1 of the day. Too cute not to share.

Update

I could't resist putting this picture of Anna on here. Sadie took it yesterday while they were playing "Queen and princess have a picnic". They dressed up in their finery and had a picnic in the front yard. I thought this was a precious picture.

On to the update... This is the nuclear wasteland that was our oven. Notice how even the light is covered with soot. It has what looks like cobwebs and everything. Totally nasty. While I was at the store yesterday, I bought some Easy-Off (makes oven cleaning easier - tell me you didn't sing that!) and planned to spray it in there last night and let it do it's job while we slept (you'd think I wouldn't do that but...

I had a PTO "workshop" last night and while I was gone, my sweet husband sprayed down the oven. When I got home, he let me watch Josh Hamilton (of the Texas Rangers) absolutely SMASH the home-run derby record by hitting 28 home runs (the previous record was 24) while he sponged out the oven. I would see Josh hit another home-run and run in and tell Conrad "you wouldn't believe how far that one went!".

I will tell you he had already watched the home-run derby but told me that he didn't remember what happened, leading me to believe that our Josh didn't fare well. When I was watching, I thought surely he remembered this but updated him frequently anyway. I finally figured out that he wanted me to be surprised. What a sweetie. However, he Tivo'd it for me and Josh took so long with his turn that I didn't even get to see the second round so I went to bed not knowing if Josh had won or not. I saw that it came on again at 2am so I Tivo'd it and first thing this morning, I turned it on and what it recorded was the recap, not the actual derby. So I finally gave in and just listened to the guys on ESPN sing our Joshy's praises. Go Josh Hamilton! What a lovely come-back story. If you don't know it, just google his name and I'm sure you'll read all about it. By the way, he did not win the derby, he tired himself out in round one.

Back to the oven...This is what it looked like after Conrad cleaned it. Notice the heating element is broken into pieces. That's why the bottom is not clean, Conrad figured no point in cleaning it if we can't use it. So, now I have to figure out if we can get an element for this dinosaur of an oven. If not, I think a whole kitchen remodel is in order. Yeah right!

Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale. It's a true tale. A tale of horror, heroics and hedonism (OK, there's no hedonism but what alliteration!)

It all started on Friday night. We went to Billy's funeral Mass and then to Dana's (Conrad's first born sister). Conrad had already decided to spend the night out there and that was fine with me. However, he was in charge of bringing the brisket for the next day's get-together. So, when I came home I put the already-smoked-all-day brisket in the oven at 225 to cook all night.

Now, I know from experience that when you put the already-smoked-all-day brisket in the oven that it can have consequences. One, you'll end up with a lovely smoked brisket and all will be well or two, the brisket can leak juices all over the bottom of the oven and a fire is a distinct possibility. So, here I am at 2 a.m. with the briskets in the oven, children finally asleep in the living room (a bonus for them since Daddy was away) and me lying in bed figuring out my "in-case-of-brisket-juices-catching-on-fire-plan-of-escape". Once I had the plan solid in my head, I was able to fall asleep. And, in case you were wondering, the plan was to fling open the patio door and fling the children out said door while calling 911. Big plan, huh? It was enough for me.

Well, lo and behold, Saturday morning comes and we're all safe and sound and the house smells like yummy, delicious brisket that I can't wait to dig into. No fires. Whew!

Now, I notice when I take the briskets out that there is alot of run-off in the bottom of the oven so I tell Conrad on the way home from Dana's on Saturday that I want to do the "self-cleaning" option on the oven because we need the oven for Sunday because we're supposed to be having a fish-fry with Lisa and Phillip and I want make corn casserole so the oven needs to be clean. Not because I believe so much in a clean oven but because of the aforementioned fire possibility.

So, we get home very late. My children are hyped up for some reason and it takes forever for them to go to sleep (except Anna, who fell asleep on the drive home). So, Anna's in her room, Madeline's in the living room and Sadie's in her room because she just wouldn't go to sleep and I banished her to her room - oh the horror!

Finally, I feel like I can lay down then I remember the oven. So, I figure out the self-cleaning option and I crawl back in bed. It's about 2 a.m. About an hour later, I wake up and I can smell the self-cleaning thing and it's awful. For some reason I get up to check on it and notice that there is smoke EVERYWHERE. I have now breathed the very definition of acrid. It was stinky, smelly smoke. At this point I'm not too worried but it only took about 30 seconds for me to figure out that this was not a good situation. I think I wasn't too worried because the smoke alarm never went off. If figure if it's not enough smoke for that , then we must be OK. Wrong! I go open the front door, open the kitchen window, and turn on the exhaust fan on the stove. I woke up Conrad and told him the house was full of smoke from the oven. He gets up and starts doing something. I'm not sure why Anna was up but she was and I sent her outside (yes, by herself - what a great mom) then woke up Madeline and Sadie and told them to get outside. Everyone's outside except Conrad.

I go back in to find him and truly realize the depth of the situation. I can't go from the front door to the sliding glass door without feeling the effects of the smoke and, in fact, threw up outside the sliding glass door from the effects.

So, I went back to where the children were, not breathing in the air. It was then I realized all I had on was a tank top and underwear.

Now, I didn't think we would be calling 911 but at the same time, I don't really want my neighbors to see me in this dreadful get-up. So, one last time, back in I go to find some shorts. Successfully clothed, I go back outside.

Finally, we're all in one place. All the doors to the house are open, the oven and A/C turned off and so now it's just a waiting game. So we decide to sleep in the van. Can I just tell you that that was a good decision in theory. I don't think anyone but Madeline slept. Sadie moved and made noise the whole time, Anna may have drifted off after awhile, she was on my lap so I could tell she wasn't asleep. Conrad and I were not comfortable enough and I was just plain worried and feeling less than intelligent for the predicament we were in. Luckily, there was a nice breeze out and we had all the windows open so it wasn't too terribly hot.

Finally, about 5 a.m. Conrad went to check the house and he sounded the all clear and Madeline went immediately to the couch and fell asleep, Sadie and Anna went in Sadie's room and Sadie was reading books to her and Conrad and I feel exhaustedly into bed and promptly went to sleep. Much needed sleep.

So, my internet friends and family, that is my tale. I don't have a moral of the story for you just a caution. Don't decide to sleep in your van. It's not very comfortable. OK, it's really to check your smoke alarm. We will be checking ours today to find out why it didn't sound off.

Cool video

Someone sent this to me in an e-mail and I thought y'all might like it. I thought it was very appropriate for our family right now. Enjoy.

Billy's obituary

William Wangler
Wangler, William Cecil Marshall (Billy) 52 of Grand Prairie, departed this life on 7/1/08. Billy was an avid reader, wrote poetry, & enjoyed math. He served in the US Air Force, an Honor Graduate in Aircraft Maintenance, & was recognized for superior academic achievement. He was honorably discharged as Staff Sargeant, & received among others, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. He graduated cum laud from The University of Dallas. He is survived by a huge family. Billy is dearly loved. Rosary Service: Friday July 11, 5pm followed by Mass. Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.400 N. E. 17th St, Grand Prairie, TX. Published in the Dallas Morning News on 7/10/2008.



This was Billy's obituary in the paper today. Thought I'd post it here. Sorry, the picture didn't come through.

If you would like to see the obituary online, here's the link: http://www.legacy.com/Link.asp?I=LS000113080531X

First, I would like to say "thank you" for all your prayers and thoughts during this difficult time for the whole Wangler family.

The last post was a picture of Conrad's brother Billy who took his life on July 1. I cannot imagine the depths of dispair he must have been feeling to do such a drastic thing but we are all feeling the pain of not knowing how much dispair he was in. Not being able to do anything about it, even if we had known. I do know this, we have seen the love of our families (Wanglers and in-laws), that that love and prayer will get us through this and the Wanglers are all about helping each other heal. May God bless that endeavor. And, again, thank you for your prayers and concern.

Now, for something that will hopefully help you smile. As you know, life goes on. And when you have 3 young girls, it will go on with music, dance and theatre. The girls put on a show last night. They danced to several songs, sang to one or two (not loud enough to pick up on the video or you would see that) and then ended with their "secret" handshake. I actually got video of all three handshakes that they have. Enjoy.

There are no words

In loving memory

William Cecil Marshall Wangler

1955-2008

Stuff we did today

Let's see, we'll start with last night (again, I apologize for not being able to start at the top but you know, Pamela's persnickity computer and all...) We watched "There Will Be Blood" and "Dan in Real Life". Both good movies for very different reasons. And, if you ever want to expound on the meaning of "There Will Be Blood" you'll have two very eager beavers ready to listen. Frankly, I thought Daniel Day-Lewis did a better job than the guy in No Country for Old Men but, I am not, as of yet, an Oscar committee member so his Oscar will have to stand. The "Dan" movie was good and I highly recommend it.

Then, this morning, we got up...OK, really it was early afternoon because we stayed up late into the night watching movies and expounding on them and trying to figure out if what we were seeing on the balcony was someone embraced in a very long smooch or a reflection of some inanimate object below. Turns out, it was an inanimate object but man, it was fun trying to figure that out.

OK, yeah, we got up at some point and Pamela needed some scrapbooking supplies. OH, wait, that was me, I needed something (one thing) from the scrapbooking store and so we went. Then we hit the dollar store and bought about $400 worth of supplies for about $40. Pamela is actually going to make a scrapbook about her trip to Ireland and her friends there so most of that stuff is for her, but I get her leftovers! WooHoo!

We also hit an outlet mall which actually has a Croc store! They're about $10 cheaper than at a regular store (mostly card shops for some reason) where you buy them. I still can't get a pair but it sure was fun looking at all the different ones they have. We went to a bunch of other stores, too. My sister and I are the only ones I know who like to go shopping even when we don't have any money. But, we find it fun just looking.

Then, we almost got hit by the Titanic...
According to all the available propaganda, this is the actual to-scale ship used in the movie "Titanic". It's kinda cool to see.
We flat cracked this house up! OK, it's actually a Ripley's Believe it or Not museum. Very cool to look at.
Pamela and me in the foyer of the main building of our condo.

Oh, the first picture was of a sign for a restaurant called "Sadie's".

And, by way of "housecleaning": Yes, I traveled with sewing machine. It's part of my emergency kit. You never know....OK, really, I'm going to try sewing paper together (this is Lisa's sister--and I just want to let you know that my sister is nuts). My friend Jessica did it and it was really cute so I'm going to try my hand at it.

And, no, we didn't go into the fudge shop (yet).

Any other burning questions?

This is my vacation blog. Because I cannot work my sister's laptop, you'll just have to deal with my typing starting where it did.

OK, the above photo is my sister Pamela gracefully showing you the Arkansas sign. Woohoo! We made it to Arkansas!

When we hit Little Rock, well, actually Conway, we met our cousin Taylor and his son, Aaron, for lunch at El Chico's and then had to hit Starbucks since, apparently, Taylor is addicted, I mean very in to Starbucks. He even has a card (envision a gift card) with his order on it. He even knows every one there by name, and they him. In fact, one of them took a picture of all of us, but, you won't see it on here because, although I haven't seen it, I can't imagine it is doing me any justice and since it's my blog...

We were seeing lovely vistas out the windows but by the time I would get my camera turned on it would be gone. I tried taking one just holding my camera (tightly) out the window and this is the result. Not too bad, but really, a road?
Admit it, if you went through a town called "Toad Suck" you'd take a picture, too. Really and truly, that was the name of the town.
Missouri! We couldn't take a picture by the sign because we would have fallen off into the raven. Yeah, I know it's ravine but it's a family joke.
Finally, after being in the car since 6:30 a.m. we finally arrived at Holiday Hills where we were staying. OH. MY. GOODNESS. I was glad to get out of the car, only to get in again to go to Wal-Mart for provisions.
While driving through town, Pamela says, "Look, dead people on top of that building!". I, of course, had to take a picture. Not the best one, but it gives the same effect.
Pictures of our place. This is the living room. Obviously, I have already started scrapbooking.
OH yes, I plan on using this big ol' bathtub, soon!
Another view of the living room. Obviously, Pamela has started working, too. The coffee table looks like a sleigh!

Oh, yeah, we played scrabble last night. Now, you might be thinking "Lisa, are you crazy? Your sister is getting her Doctorate in English!". Worry not, my dear internet friends, I trounced her like she was an ESL student.

(She cheated! She is evil and she cast some sort of wicked spell, took advantage of my tiredness, and otherwise cheated, cheated, cheated! Yea, I had the best words, but somehow HERS always got on the triple word squares. I called my mother and aunt to inform them that they had raised a wicked, wicked, wicked cheating child. EVIL, I tell you, EVIL!!!!) lovingly written by my sister, Pamela. She hijacked my blog!

It's a really nice place and we're happy to be here. It's very quiet (in our unit). Happy, happy, joy, joy.