Where's Waldo??

O.K., so I fell off the face of the earth again (see the earth is flat, haha). I am finally back in the blogosphere for the time being. Thought I'd take the time to let you know what has been happening.

Last I know I had been telling you about my nephews visit up here with me. Being from Atlanta, GA they are quite accustomed to nice warm weather in the summer. (yes, I am getting ready to rag on Mother Nature again). The high temperature averaged around 72 degrees the entire time they were here (3 weeks). With several mid sixty degree days and maybe 2 80ish days - let it suffice to say - burrrrr.

Weather aside, we had a blast together. Of course I still had my daycare going full bore along with the respite care that I do on the evenings and weekends, but we had plenty of time to go do things - We went to Turkey Days in Pelican Rapids, Itasca State Park (Mississippi Headwaters), and a number of trips to Fargo, ND for what ever reason we could think come up with.

I miss the Eddie and Chuck. They are wonderful boys, with lots of energy. They sure kept me busy - like I am not used to that - right? They went back to their Dad in Atlanta on July 19 - I truly tried to keep them, but my brother balked at that. ;(

Well, since they left I have been burried in kids, school board meetings, keeping up the house and best of all losing weight! Not that I have been intentionally trying to lose weight, it's just been happening. Woo Hoo! Oh yeah...The other best thing...We bought a 15 seat passenger van! I can get all the kids in one vehicle...another big Woo Hoo!

Will try to keep things more up to date... as with most things there are no real guarantees, but I will try ;)

Go, go, go...

It's not like I didn't do enough running with the kids Saturday, but I did it again on Sunday. July 12, I took the kids up to Itasca State Park. The weather looked as though it was not going to cooperate, but as we all know looks can be deceiving. The day turned out to be perfect - but like good little scouts, we were prepared for anything weather related.

On the way up there I saw the billboard for "The Logging Camp" restaurant. I had been wondering where it was considering I had been there one time a number of years ago as part of a large group from our family. I did not drive there at that time and therefore did not pay much attention to it's location (btw, it is well off the beaten path). I enjoyed it then and was quite happy to have another helping and allow my nephews their first experience there.

The atmosphere at "The Logging Camp" will take you back 100+ years. As you walk through the grounds you can take in the sights of a formerly working logging camp. Things such as logging chains (huge and heavy), logging sleds, sheds, coups for the chickens (chickens included).

The mess hall other small artifacts that really set this place apart as well. There are signs noting what the "rules" were such as no spitting, no alcohol and no talking. (the no talking one is not enforced - sorry men!). The tables are long bench, farm style split logs. Then there are the place settings all in metal - cups included.

The food is made from scratch and is served family style. The limited menu does not limit the value! The Menu: Meats: Ribs, Roasted Chicken with Stuffing, Pork, Ham, and Roast Beef. Added to that are the sides: Coleslaw, Baked Beans, Pasta Salad, Green Onions, Dinner Rolls, Cornbread, and a blueberry spread that is unbelievable! Drinks include: Lemonade, Water, Coffee (don't bother asking for an alcoholic beverage - they weren't allowed in logging camps). For desert a fresh hot doughnut just right to top things off! The limited menu does not limit the value, the meats and sides are all you can eat in as many combinations as you care to make. YUMMY!

By the way, did I ever tell you that I like to eat? I actually plan trips around food. On this one I just got lucky!

Well, we did make it to Itasca and had a blast playing in the Mississippi Headwaters, hiking and biking around the park and doing a bit of fishing (sorry, no fish for you). What fun!

Another day almost over

I am Totally tired! Wiped out! Exhausted! Are you getting the picture?

It is 11p.m. and I am just sitting down with the computer for the first time today with nothing else to avert my attention - unless you count "Saturday Night Live" (I had to ask my son how "they" spelled NIGHT - it could have been "nite"). I think I need my pillow!

Well, I took the kids (meaning my respite kids and my son and nephews) to Pelican Rapids for a full day of activities. First item on the agenda was to find a parking space. Talk about luck, we got a spot right outside the park. Amazing!

Once that feat had been accomplished time to soothe the beast that is a motorhead. There were wonderful vehicles throughout the park including the only corvette worth having, IMHO, a 1967. I think Eddie was pleased with the variety of vintage rides to feast his eyes on and wrap his mind around. The rest of us ooo'd and awed plenty of times during the viewing. Even the little ones had a favorite it was a Bel Air that was red and white don't ask me what year it was, but it was in mint condition - beautiful! I got a couple of pics of the Nephews with a GTO Judge that was not even in the show, but it should have been.

Next up: meet up with Mema (my mom - my son gave her that name and it stuck). She works at the Pelican Rapids Chamber of Commerce ( www.pelicanrapidschamber.com/visitcntr.htm ) It was fun to see her at her place of business. She looked like she knew what she was doing :) Anyway we set plans to meet up later on to have some turkey in the park, it is Turkey Days you know!

Quick, off to the water wars. Had to meet up with Tiffany over there! It was awesome to put my arms around her and let her know we are still behind her! Then of course we wanted to watch at least part of the water wars. I thought for sure the PRFD would win - who knows though, I did see them loose one round. Things that make you go hmmmm.

MOM??? Where are you??? Well, we are at the park getting food - you were supposed to be here. Oh...There you are! The turkey sandwiches were good. It was a fund raiser for the Pelican Rapids Rotary projects. Great job folks!

Food, fun, family, fast and fabulous cars - what more could a person ask for???

Answer: Shoes from Fargo, Demolition Derby in Detroit Lakes, and Fishing at Bucks Mill! YES, my son and nephews are being spoiled, and I am proud to be the one doing it! Tomorrow...Itasca State Park.

In the mean time - bed!

Nitey nite!

Next

Neat Nephews

What???? Boys that are tidy - NO WAY! But my nephews from Atlanta are 2 of the coolest kids ever. Here are some of the reasons that I use to support my position:

• They are very intelligent as proven by their acceptance to advance track classes
  
• They are into classic rock music and I mean into it. They can discuss the bands, the music, the instrumentation, the names of the songs and on it goes.
• They are quite capable of taking care of themselves.
  
• They are very independent minded.
• They are confident and sure of themselves.
• They are as different as night and day.
• They are siblings being raised by a widower father - who I might say is doing a great job allowing them to be themselves rather than carbon copy cutouts.
• They are cute as all get out. Chuck is the younger one, has long curly brown hair and a smile and personality that is beyond magnetic. Edward is the older brother - always looking out for the younger one but still getting his licks in. Eddie has straight, short, black hair and is quite the conversationalist.

I have had the pleasure of having them visiting for almost 2 weeks now. This has been the case for the past couple of years. I love having them come up to hang out with me. They are so outgoing that even the flight attendants fall in love with them during the short flight between Atlanta and Minneapolis.

Here they are visiting me, but I am continuing my work with the kids I take care of for daycare and respite foster care. By that I mean that I am busy with other kids all the time. You'd think they would be bored outta their mind, aggravated by all the other rug-rats or outright frustrated at not being able to go sightseeing. But, not these guys, rather they want to go ride bikes around town, go to the community center to swim, go to the city park to play or swim at the beach, go eat lunch at one of the local eateries (on their own), and they even check in with me from time to time to make sure I don't worry.

The other thing I truly love is that they eat what I fix for dinners - NO COMPLAINTS! The worst I have heard is "I don't much care for that, may I only have a small amount". WHAT? No "eewe, yuck, gross, ugh, blah and etc."

These boys have been nothing but respectful even when I have had to scold them for being too loud during "quiet time" for the daycare or for running through the house. The usual response has been a short silence, hung head, and a "sorry", followed by a "yes ma'am" to given instruction. WOW! I love it! They even come home when they are told to. Really, they do!

To be sure Edward and Chuck are 100% BOY! The bikes they are using may be in pieces by the end of their stay. All of the frisbies and other toss toys will certainly be on the roof of the house. And each child will have their share of sibling inflicted hand-stars and bruises. Not to mention they have an older cousin that loves to get in there and pick on them too. Can you say wrestlemania - Gosh I hope not, but you get the idea anyway.

I am certainly having fun with them being around. Sundays is our sightseeing day. We do, however, take the respite foster kids with us for some of the shorter trips on Saturday. As a matter of fact tomorrow there is a car show and a Turkey Days Festival in Pelican Rapids. There is no way I would be allowed to forgo these events as Eddie is quite the motorhead. We will have a blast even with the extra kiddos!

Hey, Jeff (my brother for those of you that don't know) nice job with the boys - thanks for letting me borrow them.

I Miss My Camera

I have had a Kodak Easyshare camera for quite some time now. O.k., it is about 10 years old, I think. It has more than served it's purpose, way out lived it's warranty, kept memories vibrant more than any camera I have ever owned. What's even better about this particular camera - I could use it and the photos would look good and that's saying something!

So, if you were wondering why my posts have been missing in action - now you know. It's just because I miss my camera. Since I had started this crazy blog this camera stayed attached to me like an extention to my arm. Thanks to the camera and this blog, I found out that I have WAY more fun than a person ought to be allowed. It is amazing how perspectives can be rearranged by truly focusing on the good things that are happening all around us. Unfortunately our brains are hardwired to remember the negatives. Going back and writing a quick blerb each day had refocused me into a more positive view of my live - which is huge considering that I am already quite positive and bubbly (or so I am told).

Any one know of a good camera that doesn't cost an absolute fortune, with good clarity, range, and is idiot proof? Help... I really need a camera soon. I am obviously going through withdrawls which is why the posts stopped for so long. While it seems I am starting to recuperate, it is still quite painful.......

The Suspect Honesty of Teens

Yup, that's what I said "suspect honesty". Kids are far too often looked at with a suspicious eye. They look different, act different and are searching for their own way in life by the time they reach their teen years. Heaven helped our parents get through our teenageism (a disease brought on by a determined # of years of life, approx. 13, and generally ending by 20th year of life).

This is a cycle that has occurred through out history. Kids know there must be a better way to live life than the way their parents do. Parents know the kids are just out to drive them insane with their antics. Adults on the outside looking in just look in wonder and amazement at the two cultures clashing all the while hoping they don't get any on them. :)

What do these things bring to mind:

1. A group of teen boys hanging out by a muscle car, music cranked
2. A mixed group of teens hanging out by a muscle car, rap music cranked
3. A mixed group of teens hanging out by a muscle car after dark
4. A teen couple sitting in a car at dusk in a remote area
5. A teen boy dressed in black with chains hanging from his clothing
6. A teen girl dressed in short, tight clothing
7. A group male teens walking through town with baseball bats
8. A group of teen girls giggling through the mall - not one of them looks like she has eaten a meal in forever
9. a lone teen, male or female, walking sullenly down the street, unkempt, tears in their eyes wandering aimlessly

I know, you immediately thought: Wow, look at that great kid or group of kids, huh?

Look again at the list and think about the post title "The Suspect Honesty of Teens". Kids don't hide themselves (thoughts, feelings or otherwise) very well. Often there are reasons for teens to dress and act in particular ways.

1. Hanging out at the park with the boy with the muscle car: COOL.
2. Wearing chain drive black clothing: need someone to ask me what's up, maybe depressed, angry or just plain like the style (is that really possible?).
3. Teen girls in short tight clothing: want to be noticed, experimenting with sexuality, going out to the beach to do some tanning, hmmm.
4. Teen couple sitting in the vehicle in remote areas: Better hope the parents had "the talk" or they could be discussing calculus.
5. Teen boys walking through town with a baseball bat: duh, pick-up game, unless of course it's a gang and then you can expect other gear to come out as well not just the bats.
6. Skinny girls giggling through the mall: Fasion conscious, media fed, social divas?
7. The sullen, aimless, tearful, unkempt teen: Please, someone ask questions - this person needs someone to talk to, they just got into a fight with their girlfriend/boyfriend or parents in which case they need someone to talk to. they are depressed/suicidal and they need someone to talk to. And the list goes on: They need someone to talk to.

So, what do you do when you receive a phone call from a couple of teen girls that say they have just found a check made out to you and they would like to return it? True story:

I had a check for $398 from one of my daycare clients that I was going to deposit in my account. I endorsed it and put it in my pocket then started getting the kids ready to go for a walk to the bank (the kids like suckers from the bank and like to stop at the park and the pet store on the way home). With kids loaded up, we went to the bank only to find the check was no longer in my pocket....ARGH! Not the kids fault and I can call the client and let her know. Of course I would pay the cancel fee, but ARGH!!!!!

So, off we went to the park to play, then home (we searched the ground as we walked for the missing check, heck maybe I left it on the counter at home) for lunch. No check to be found anywhere, bummer! I picked up my phone to call the client and found there was a message so I listened intently to the caller: A TEEN GIRL. The message went something like this:

"hehehe, uhhh, Terrie, this is , uhhhhh, Kiki and , uhhhhhh Whitney and I found a 400 dollar check made out to you. We thought you might like it back. We stopped by your house, but you were not there so call us when you get back."

The check was SIGNED - They could have CASHED it - They BROUGHT IT BACK TO ME not once but twice they came to my house to make sure I got it back. Oh, and by the way, they knew they could have cashed it - one of them "reminded" me not to sign a check prior to being at the bank or something like this may end up with someone not being as honest.

These girls were honest! I have known both of these girls for a number of years in a very casual manner (something to do with baseball teams). Both come from different backgrounds with different life stories, but both came to the same conclusion - HONESTY BENEFITS us ALL!

I rewarded their honesty with $20 each. A small pittance in comparison to what they could have had should they have chosen to just cash my check. What they gained from their honesty is immeasurable - strength of character!

Thanks girls!

Trying to get caught up

Where is all the time in the world when you need it? It has taken forever for me to get into the swing of things again. I have been working since Tuesday when I got back, but not getting anything done. Probably because I am having fun with the kids.

I guarantee you aren't getting much new news out of me today... I am finally getting the photos uploaded to this blog from San Pedro Lobsterfest 2009. For those of you that have never been to Belize - Go, get outta here and go - it is wonderful. I have been in some of the jungle areas of the mainland and have been on a couple of the cayes. AWESOME from the people to the places to the foods to the views and water....The photos are being posted to the original blog posts but I will be doing a wrap up post at some point in the future. Be sure to continually check back to see if there has been any progress. hehehe

Any way - I have been having a blast with the kids again. We went to the community center today and I am telling you those kids swim like fish....Man am I tired....They have worn me out!

Nite nite!

I did not fall into the sea

Contrary to the scuttlebutt I have heard bouncing around, I have NOT fallen into the beautiful crystal blue Caribbean Sea. As a matter of fact I am back home here in Detroit Lakes, MN. I have been here since Tuesday morning at 3 a.m. and was back to work by 6 a.m. that day! Where did my vacation go???????

The fog in my brain is finally starting to clear. San Pedro, Belize is a wonderful place to unwind, meet great people, have fun and just plain be yourself (a novel idea). San Pedro Lobsterfest is an amazing festival that celebrates the opening of lobster season for Ambergris Caye and the myriad of fishermen and women that make a living from the sea! Just wait til I get all the photo's uploaded. It will happen ya know.

Being back at work is a great thing - it gives me a reason to take a vacation and I get to play a lot. I think I missed my kids a little bit :) It has been busy though. None of the kids are on a schedule any more - go figure - so it is going to be fun getting them back into the swing of things. By that, what I mean, is the kids are going to have a heck of a time retraining me hehe!

Posts with pics coming as soon as I have time.............

OMG - I can't believe how time flies....

Belize time is supposed to run at a pace that is, shall we say, flexible. There is no way that it should be Thursday already, however that is exactly what my calendar says. ARGH... Where is my Belize watch...It should only be Monday night, right???

Oh well, let me catch you up on what has been happening since I dropped off the face of the blog...

Monday night - Fido's - what a blast - DANCE DANCE DANCE
Max followed a girl home, sort of and scared the poo outta me. He went for a walk on the beach from Fido's with a girl (cute as could be) and of course he didn't come back soon enough.

Tuesday we chilled
It rained off and on most of the day which for me is a good thing because it makes me slow down. Those of you that know me understand that I don't slow down unless I am forced to. What can I say - it was good to slow down :)
Tuesday afternoon we did go snorkeling at Mexico Rocks and Tres Cocos...AWESOME! Like swimming in an aquarium. Squid, Wrasses, Dori's Angels, Triggers (my favorite- undulated trigger) and of course corals! It was not at all like Hol Chan or Shark Ray Alley in that the marine life in the area were much calmer. Did I say AWESOME. Both areas were fantastic!

Wednesday - We chilled again - More on again, off again rain (not bad though)
We went shopping in town and had lunch at Blue Water Grill (always good)
By 6 30 the Fat Cats had set up at Pedro's for a couple of sets! Lobster Pizza anyone? Goes great with an ice cold Belikin! I made Wade the Gringo dance with me. Wade made his boss, Mike, dance with me. I danced with some other wonderful people including Walter (love his dreads). There were people there that I have talked to but had never met. Ya gotta love the Ambergris Caye message board. I met Purdy Girl, and ran into KC Jayhawk and his wife again, not to mention Colomojo and her hubby....I can't wait to meet the rest!
Speaking of rest - We needed some rest since we had a trip to the mainland set for morning. Made it to bed by 12 A.M.

Thursday - Up by 6 breakfast by 620 on the boat by 7 head to Lamanai (Pronounced Lam-an-I by the spaniards and picked up by by the rest of civilization) (Pronounced Lam-in-I-een by the maya) The difference is in the literal translation - the first is boggy bugs, the second is submerged crocodile.
We took a boat from the dock outside the resort (piloted by Sylvan and tended by Jovani of SEAduced) We stopped at Bomba Village - met some wonderful people
Went on the bus to the Lamanai Outpost where we picked up Eddie (our Lamanai tour guide
Then back on a boat to the Laminai Ruins. How wonderful.
Our guided tour was amazing. You will have to wait til later to hear more....

It's Monday in San Pedro

Another day in paradise - can you stand it?? Well just so you feel a little bit better - it rained off and on all day and last night was a tremendous thunder storm. Great sleeping weather!

Up by 5 out by 6 The search for coffee is on! Thank God for Sergio- one of the waiters at El Divino's - he's awesome and always has fresh, hot, strong, black coffee waiting for me. You have to watch him though - he will pick on people and if he can get away with it, he will scare you! What a riot he can be.

Lazy day = Dancing night! Fido's tonight! Lobster opener - Fresh lobster anyone???? Once again, I had one of the best meals. Food, Food and more Food.

Meet and Greet at Banana Beach

Jeet Yet?????...No djoo??? Shweat???? T'seat!

Well, I won't need to eat for another month I think. Man was that good!

Truly the start up to a week of festivities at the San Pedro Lobsterfest!
WHAT A BLAST! I had WAY too much fun last night. Banana Beach hosted the opener to Lobsterfest and did they ever do it right! Pull up a chair and join in on a fabulous meal, great conversation and some fantastic libations. Appetizer - Conch Chowder - YUM. Brazilian Rotisserie - Beef, Bacon Wrapped Shrimp, Peppers, Onions, Chicken Kabob - NUM! Add to that the roasted veggies and potatoes that are to die for. NUMMY! Wash it all down with a rum punch and a Belikin or two. Can you beat it???? I think not!

don't slip with that thing
Doug, Maclesh and Steve

YUMMY

Now it is time for a FEAST for the EYES! The San Pedro Dance Company totally blew us away with their routines. How wonderful it was too!

San Pedro Dance Company
Great moves

Now let's go out on the dance floor, shall we? Oh, definitely. Dance, dance, dance! The band was in rare form (like that's rare). You can bet I danced every dance possible. After the Fat Cats quit playing I went out with some of the local characters and danced some more at The Tackle Box (a local reggae bar). Care to dance?? Next time it's your turn!

The Fat Cats
Kerry Boyd, Guitar
Steve Ingberg, Drums (he really is in the picture)
Doug Newman, Vocals
Wes Horn, Bass
Shot from behind the band
Lots of people up dancing
WEELLLL ya wake up in the MORNING
Doug is really belting it out
More reasons you should have been there

Again: photos don't want to upload. Will have to get to them when I am back in the states apparently. Stay tuned! Finally done with the photos Friday, June 26.

I'm picking up what you're putting down

This should have been yesterday's post, but I was toooooo pooped to pop as Lucy might say. Maybe you will get a double post....You think 2 in one day???? HMMMM, can ya handle it????? Or better yet, Do you think I can handle it??

That being said, on with the post!

That's right, you heard me. I'm picking up what you're putting down. One of the things I wanted to do while I was here in San Pedro is to take part in the Beach Clean UP Campaign. So, I guess I wanted to pick up "OPT" (Other people's trash).

Here's the deal, I arrived on the island Friday night. By Saturday morning 8 a.m. I was down at the central park to join in on the beach clean up. This was a campaign organized by YWAM (Youth With A Mission) and Mercy Ships International. They are two wonderful christian organizations that do lots of missions around the world. What a blast we had. Must have been about 60 people taking part in the clean up. There were 6 different teams that went to different areas of the beach and picked up the garbage that had either washed up on shore or blown from peoples trash containers or were just plain littered. YUCK!

I was part of a team of only 4 people Christen, Nick, Bri and myself. We were a small but mighty group. We ended up collecting 11 bags, I'm talking giant double thick industrial strength bags of trash. All that between 8:30 and 11 a.m. By 11 a.m. I had to inform my tiny group that I would not be able to continue on as I had other commitments quickly encroaching on my time with them. I have to say I had an absolute blast with these people and will certainly remember them for quite some time.

Thank you YWAM and Mercy Ships for your willingness to serve in this beautiful community.

I'm trying to upload photo's but....Not going soooo well. Been waiting more than 20 minutes for 5 photos to upload, and still not going. Maybe later - previous post, hehe. I truly will get some photo's on here at some point

Everyone arriving at the park
Listen up here are your assignments
What a great group - Thanks YWAM
The birds appreciate it
People appreciate it
beach front businesses appreciate it

going, Going... GOING.....

ARGHHHHH I'm up! I'm Waiting! NO, NO! I CAN'T WAIT! GET ME OUTTA HERE!

Well, I am up it is 4:40 and I am sitting waiting for the airport shuttle. Can't get here quick enough!

So, back to Max's game: Coach let him leave early so we were on the road by 7:40 p.m. last night. COOL! Thanks Coach! Then when we got to Clearwater,MN Max decided to text a friend, Eiter, to find out how the game went (it was 10 - 1 when we left - in Max's teams favor). Eiter is the best. Totally had Max going. He let Max know that his team had let the lead get away and they were in the 13th inning...still tied at 13...and everyone had pitched except the shortstop - OUCH! Now he was on the mound - we will see what happens - text in a few...gotta watch this...

Do you think it occurred that there are no lights it is nearly 11 p.m. and these are traveling teams. Not to mention the coincidental "lucky" number 13 that seems to be cropping up. 13 innings and tied at 13?? Come on Max....He's pulling your leg.

Truth comes out eventually and we had a laugh, but Max wanted to reach through the phone to strangle his friend. All in jest of course.) The actual score was 11 - 1. YEA TEAM!

That's it...End of the game story. Shuttle time. Ready to GO!

TTYL

GONE! Went to the Minneapolis airport. Caught the flight to Houston. Waited for 3 hours for our flight to Belize city. Then WAITED again for immigrations to allow one of our group to enter the country. Finally got that done. Then saw another of our group - a straggler that went through Miami airport to Belize City, Leon, - standing in the immigrations lines. Of course that means we waited AGAIN! Then he went to claim his baggage and IT WAS GONE! Nothing to worry about, it just has THE CYMBALS IN IT! You know we are just here for the Fat Cats to play for Lobsterfest. No big deal, huh. They can pla without part of the drums, right? HMMMMM.

Any way, we finally decided not to worry about the baggage. It will turn up - we hope. Then we caught our tin can flight - Tropic Air (wonderful people) to Ambergris Caye. We have arrived. Woooo Hoooo!

We got our rooms all set up. Had dinner at El Divino's - Grouper for me MMMMM! Then went to Pedro's for after dinner drinks - yeah right. We went there to harass Peter! Ring, Ring, Ring the Bell - Shots all around. Jaeger - the walls of Pedro's are lined with the bottles - I wonder why!

It was good to see Peter and his girlfriend Laurie. By the way she took me over to see Saga, the Vet Clinic. She does a great thing for the animals here on the island. How in the heck did Peter luck out like that? She is cute and nice and she is compassionate toward other living life forms. another thing that makes a person go HMMMMMM.

Back to Banana Beach, then to bed for bonzo....

Good night. Pictures later maybe.....

Ball Game (ummm it's time to go...)

One more at bat and Coach lets us GO!
Thanks Coach!

Bye bye, DL
Ready for the shuttle
Minneapolis airport
He looks like the rest of us feel - Can't they
make this security check move a bit faster?
Now I know I am at the right place -
Goldson International Airport, BZ

Not quite gone

BUT ALMOST! As you can imagine, I am about to loose my mind with all the checking and double checking the to do list so we can get outta here. Max is at his ball game - Coach said they needed him tonight. Yeah, well- I wanna go on vacation. I guess we can't all get what we want. Coach wins! I suppose I can wait for a bit. Actually, I suppose I have to wait for a bit. OR, I could just leave him here with the team and....NAH....That probably wouldn't work either. Yep, I will wait. He is worth it!

Anyway, I am wasting time getting this blurb done. Will let you know how the game went later.

Til then......

Totally Caught Off Guard

My husband came home today right as I was fixing dinner for the family and the four kids that were to be here through dinner time. Of course I was expecting him to come in about then. Nothing out of the ordinary there what so ever. My son was already home and saying his usual "mom, what's for dinner". Again totally expected. It's that time of the day.

We, as you might imagine, are in the middle of packing for the trip. Lots of little things to ensure gets done. Go, go, go and do, do, do. O.k., that is also to be expected. "Honey, when is the dog being picked up? Dear, do you know how late the hotel rooms will be held? Did you water the plants? What time are you done working tomorrow? Did you pack your toothbrush?...." I am quite sure you get the picture of what has been going on around here.

Add to that the 11 daycare kids and the dachshund along with all that goes with that...Whew, I need a vacation. Soon. Very soon.

So, why was I caught off guard??? Well, when my husband came in he hugged me and said he had bad news. UT OH....BAD NEWS???? 2 days before our vacation?? Not cool.... You can tell what I was thinking, huh? Vacation canceled, right?

In comparison to what the news actually was, I feel totally selfish in my immediate thought processes. My husband broke the news as gently as possible. You see, I don't connect very easily with people, but I care very deeply for those I get to know. A woman I would be honored to consider a friend has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer that has metastasized to other areas of her body - prognosis is not good. She is beautiful, vivacious, bubbly, smiling, and giving. Unfortunately she may not be long for our world.

I feel so totally off guard not only by the news but to my reaction to it. G...Pull through please! Thoughts and prayers. Love and concern... So Sorry!!

Fight or Flight

It's never any fun having to fighting with anyone. But sometimes it's worth it in the long run. You have to know what I mean. And, No I am not in a spat with my husband or anything like that. Lucky for me an actual arguement has only happened when he tried to teach me how to golf (note to self - golfing is not for me).

Kids, in general, are not a problem either. Unless, of course, they are your own and they are teens or pre-teens or twenteens or.......just plain yours. But, I am not even fighting with kids. Mine or otherwise.

Day care parents you ask.......Nope, not them either. They have been awesome. Besides that they even take pretty good care of me. I guess you might say I've got a great crop of families in the daycare.

So, by now you are wondering who I could possibly be fighting with...

ID

That's who. ID, EGO, SELF. You had better bet that I put money on ME to win.

Here's the deal. It always happens (if you look back through the posts you will see what I mean).

Here I am getting ready for a trip and WHAM! I get whacked by the first punch. That's right, a sucker punch. Anxiety has snuck up and pummeled me good. "Do you have every thing done? Contingency plans in place? Are your daycare kids gonna be o.k.? Will your daycare families make it through without too much stress. Did you pay all the bills? You know you will forget something?"

Then there's the BOOM! You guessed it, sucker punched again. This time it is self-doubt! "You know you forgot something. You never do that right. You should have done that too." I know we all deal with this one, but it is never fun.

Oh, wait. There's a BANG to go with the other blows. This one almost takes me out. Creeping in to the scene is worry. How can that happen with so much planning? "What if something goes wrong? What will happen if you miss your flight? What if you oversleep? What if your car breaks down? What if the weather won't cooperate? What if you get sick? What if your family gets sick? What if........"

So, how is a person to react? How will I react.

That is easy........

!FLIGHT!

!!!!!!!

!!!!!!

!!!!!

!!!!

!!!

!!

!

!!

!!!

!!!!

!!!!!

!TO!

!SAN!

!PEDRO!

See, told you I would win! Leaving Friday! I'm packed! And, I DON'T CARE WHAT PUNCHES ARE THROWN! I'm ready to FLIGHT!

Why are Mondays so busy?????

BUZZZzzzzz.....Whack! Hummm/grunt.... BUZZZzzzzz.....Whack!

I HATE ALARM CLOCKS - ESPECIALLY ON DAYS THAT END IN "Y"!

Oops, I just realized I was yelling - just trying to talk over the noise of the ALARM CLOCK!

There, now that that is out of the way, back to the question - Why are Monday's so busy?? And, not only that, but why don't I ever get anything done on Mondays? Well, that's how it seems though I am constantly assured that things are often different than they appear.

Today was interesting. Started off with a cup of coffee, shower and get ready for a school board meeting. Nothing like starting off with a bang, huh. By the time my pot of coffee was gone, it was time to head off to the meeting which started at 6:30 a.m. (yes I said pot of coffee - so what, I have a big cup). I informed the board chair that I would need to be out of there by 8a.m.

Tic Tic - zoom... The clock struck 8 and I ran out, jumped in my car and raced back home to relieve my husband of child care duties (he makes a great "Mr. Mom") so he could go to his own job. I was greeted by cheers and amazement that I was back so soon. By the way, I had to promise to be back to the house by a few minutes past 8 so that I didn't have to have a different provider come in to do back-up child care for me. I am still not sure how much longer the meeting lasted, probably only 15 minutes or so, but they had to go on without me.

I never even had a chance to change out of my "meeting clothes". Right into the fire for me. "HI, kids!" Now they are covered in God only knows what. Thankfully they are machine washable!

The kids and I played, ate, read, sang, watched a movie, played some more. Oh, wait a minute we did get something done - we vacuumed the play area. We, of course, meaning the kids. Got the kids down for a quiet time and cleaned up the kitchen from breakfast, snack, lunch and more snacks. What a mess!

Groceries, dinner, a couple of phone calls, send the last few kids home, clean the kitchen AGAIN.......

I am just now sitting down to do the post for today and I think I want to go wrestle with my pillow again. This time I dare my alarm clock to BUZZzzzzz. At least until tomorrow.

'Til Tuesday!

I'm Packing, I'm Packing

I think it's about time to get my stuff together to go to SAN PEDRO, BELIZE! Just a few days to go, but I am working right up to the minute we leave - literally :{ Let it be sufficient to say I am anxious, nervous, excited and enthusiastic. Add to that the fact that now I am ready to GO!

I really wanted to pack up the house and just you know - move there! I mean, it's June 7th and the high was what should have been our low - it was somewhere in the lower 50's. That's it. I've had it! I'm ready to get outta here at least for a while. It seems as though my little while is VERY LITTLE - 10 days. Of course the time would very possibly never be long enough especially considering our weather as of late.

So here's what packing for me looks like: (no, I did not pack hubby's or son's gear. I figure that's their deal. They know what they want to bring.)

Nice clear bed

Books for the San Pedro Library
and Clothes for Belizegial's girl

A few outfits

Just a few more things

O.k. maybe I am a bit over prepared

Let's see if it fits

Um, I can't believe it, but will it zip?
-and, yes - the books are in there!

Yes it will

I hope my scale is off
like me, my suitcase needs
to loose 5 pounds, hmmm

Help me Karla, help, help me Karla

It's cold, gray and the kids went home early. What on earth shall I do?? I actually have time on my hands and I don't know how to handle it.

A nice hot, extended, relaxing shower later and it hits me (as I look in the mirror - no it did not break)...GO TO THE SPA. Not only do I deserve it, but I NEED it as proven by the quick look in the mirror - no it did not break). Here's what I saw: 1. my hair was faded with colors of red and gold blending to orange (eewe) 2. one eyebrow 3. finger nails in need of major attention 4. feet, well let's just say my hubby won't go near them. Anyway, I think you get the picture: I NEED to go to the salon at the very least.

The phone call: ring, ring ---"hello, thank you for calling Serenity Salon and Day Spa. This is Lindsey. May I help you?"

My response: "I hope so, but I am probably beyond help. This is Terrie, and I am wondering if by any chance can you or Karla fit a miracle into your schedule today?"

Lindsey: "haha, you always want right now service. Gimme a second and let me talk with Karla - what all do you want done?

I gave Lindsey my list of wants and pretty soon she came back to the phone and said: "Karla said she can fit you in and we will get it ALL done. Be here at 12:30."

Like I'm gonna pass that up. I was there at 12:15, but I brought my son with me to see if I could press my luck. What do you think the possibilities are that they could fit in a hair cut for him. He is shaggy to say the very least!

Haha - you didn't think she'd do it, did ya? Well, what can I say, they love me and Karla fit Max in. He looks like a real jock now - Mr. baseball. I think his new nickname shall be strap. Yup, that's it! Thanks Karla!

Now it's my turn, but "can you wait a minute, I wanna run next door and see if they will service my vehicle for me while I am in here". Wouldn't you be ready to strangle me by now? But, Karla is sooooo sweet she said: "Sure, I'll just get a couple of things together and pour you a glass of white zin. See you in a minute".

Cut, color, facial wax, pedicure with cute design on big toe nails, french tip manicure, a glass of wine, great conversation, lots of laughs, styling tips and a hug - now that's the SPA treatment!

Thanks Karla! You are wonderful.

One more pitch, if you want/need the spa treatment this is who you need to call:

Karla Lehman
Serenity Salon and Day Spa
1123 E. Hwy 10
Detroit Lakes, MN
844-5479

The place for miracles

That's Karla giving Max a trim

From shaggy to...

Jock

Karla - "sure, I'll just do a couple things
while you go next door"

Believe it or not - they look much better

But she's still working on them

Wow, who knew MY feet could look good

That's Lindsey - She's awesome too!
The two customers were great to chat with too!

Nice Tips

cute bag, very dark photo
You didn't think you were gonna
get pictures of me in here did you
HA!

Detroit Lakes Invitational Road Slalom

It seems as though I have been on quite a tare lately about the weather, so I thought I would change it up a bit...yeah, right ;) Just outside my house there is quite the buzz, literally, as crews set up the slalom course. It appears that there will be a city wide competition with various courses and levels of difficulty.

Apparently the course in my neighborhood was deemed to be one among best as this is the 2nd annual appearance for us. I am quite sure it will wear down the competition and thin the field quite effectively. From the start at one end it is an immediate hard right followed with a sharp left a short straight then another left/right/right/left.

One may wonder what the big payoff would be to make people enter this Road Slalom, but it's all about the Benjamin's. The purse can be absolutely huge for a successful run. On the other hand, it can be devastating to have a less than stellar run. There is a definite correlation between the consequences of down hill ski slaloms and the Detroit Lakes Invitational Road Slalom.

I can't wait for it all to be over, that is when I will be able to declare myself the winner.

The crowd gathers to watch

The course -
Hey, one contestant already went awry

Wow, that was a close one!

I'm not Bipolar

BUT MINNESOTA'S WEATHER IS! If you need proof, just come hang out with me for a couple of days, even a few hours, would probably be enough time to prove my point!

So, Tuesday the kids and I were out playing alllllll day. As I shared, we went to 3'z Company and played on their equipment. The sun was shining. It was a little breezy, but it was warm.

Then there was yesterday, the day mother nature fell asleep on the job. (I truly think there may be a problem with narcolepsy in play here.)

1. It was 34 degrees at 6 a.m. The daycare kids were being brought in with hats and coats on and/or wrapped in blankets.
2. By 10 a.m. the kids and I were outside playing at the park. There was almost no wind, it was warm enough to not need jackets. It was already 65 degrees!
3. We went from the park to Domino's Pizza and ate out - I mean outside. By now it was just a bit past Noon and was 70 degrees. Then we went to another park (People's Park) for a bit and climbed everything in sight before coming home to change into swim suits since it was now very warm with no wind and we wanted to put our toes in the water!
4. It was now 2:30 p.m. and it was 75 degrees. and we were on the beach! (no we were not the only ones there either).
5. we were done by 4 p.m. totally worn out and the wind started picking up. I think it actually helped me push the cart home is what I meant to say. Talk about going from 0-60; whew, the gusts were something at times.

It remained a very nice night. And as for today, I think we will have a wonderful day.

Here's some pics from yesterday at the beach:

"yes, I will stay right here"

yeah, right!

"The sand is fun, but can we
go in the water?"

"Yes we can"

"OOOOOO, this is fun - chilly, but fun!"

"Look I can swim!"

bathing beauties

More friends at the beach

Warming up

"Look what I found - a snail!"

"I think I see some fishes"

The boat dock just outside the swim area