I remembered to take some pictures last night at Jen's 30th Birthday Party so I thought I'd share a few. We went to 1111 Mississippi for dinner and then back to our house for some yummy 'free' ice cream cake from Cold Stone Creamery. We had a nice celebration but Nate wasn't able to join us because Samson had to have 'cat surgery' yesterday so he stayed home with the patient.

Happy Birthday to Jenny

Tomorrow- Monday, July10, 2006 is Jen's 30th Birthday! Seems like it was only a few years ago that we brought her home from the hospital so I don't know how she could be 30 already. But my first beautiful tiny baby has grown into a beautiful young woman. The day she was born I got side swiped on my way to my doctor's appointment. The doctor was sure my pains were a result of my anxiety and that I would not deliver for at least another week. But he was wrong and she came that evening. They told Steve to go eat dinner because I wouldn't deliver until morning - but they were wrong again and he almost missed the whole event. Jenny has always been on the stubborn side when anyone tries to tell her what to do - just kidding. Happy Birthday Jen - I love you!

Spencer's First Over-Nite

Spencer came to stay over nite with Nana & Popo last night. It was his first time away from Mommy & Daddy and he did great. We took him to Lion's Choice for dinner cause he likes "turkey, and bun, and fries, and milk" and sometimes he would remember to add "and ice cream". After Popo and Spencer watched a little ballgame (I think Popo was already asleep), Nana and Spencer read a few books and said our prayers. He was so good - he laid right down (as soon as Nana promised him she was sleeping right next to him) and in 10 minutes he was out. He's a restless sleeper just like his mommy was at his age but he slept until 7:30 am so Nana was happy. Spencer was the perfect over-nite guest and I'm glad he enjoyed it so he can come back again.

Family Get-together

It was good to see Joe & Sandi last week and that also meant we got to see Kelly, Joe, & Karli - we missed Rachel because she's a working girl now. We never see enough of this group and I know it's hard for them to get to St. Louis very often
(I guess we could all go to Colorado??)
But anyway - no one has changed much except the girls - they are really grown up! Joe & Sandi are still the same - lots of fun and silliness! Of course - silliness goes well in this family - and it's not genetic. That's Karl showing Sandi how we pose for pictures in St. Louis and Karli is showing us that she has learned some of her grandpa's tricks. Sandi & Nancy are the sweet innocents - yeah right! And don't let that sweet picture of Joe & Kelly fool you - they are just as silly and as much fun as the rest of them. One more thing - Monday is Kelly's birthday - HAPPY BIRTHDAY KELLY!!!!!

Where NOT to get a manicure!

David & Lindsey's wedding is this weekend and I was way overdue for a pedicure & manicure anyway. I went to my usual pedicure lady because I feel safe with her. You hear all those horror stories about infections & diseases you can get from some places but she's very particular (she's actually a massage therapist too). However, she only does pedicures. I really needed a manicure but I was very short on time (this volunteer job at church has taken up most of yesterday & today). So I went to this little shop near my house.
I guess I should have known I was in trouble when she told me "for you, twelve dollar". Don't misunderstand me, I have no problem with foreigners but I can't ever get that Jerry Seinfeld scene out of my head when I go for a manicure. I know there are some excellent manicurist that don't speak English - but this shop isn't where they are. They talked non-stop the whole time I was there but they only tried to speak English to me. *Side note- the sign in the shop actually said Manicure - $11.99.
Of course, I caused the first problem. I was hoping to match my pedicure color. I'm still not sure if they didn't understand what color I was saying or they just didn't have it - and bless their hearts, they (and I mean the whole shop- there were 5 of them) searched every bottle and compared it to my toes. I finally convinced them that a color would do just fine - but the father continued to search and compare to my toes the whole time I was getting worked on.
The girl who did my nails was either new at it or the whole group just likes to watch over her shoulder (unfortunately, I was the only customer most of the time). Every single one of them took turns standing over us and felt compelled to ask me questions. "You like?" "That ok?" - Usually I could just smile and say 'yes' and they seemed happy. When she wanted to ask me something she would tell the mother to ask me - but her English only went so far - I think she thinks I'm marrying my nephew this weekend.
The girl almost drew blood as she ruined my cuticles - I'm hoping it's not permanent damage. She almost forgot to put on the undercoat but the father must have reminded her because she scowled at him and said something but then went over to get the bottle she needed. One of the girls spent my whole time there trying to convince me I needed a pedicure also but she finally gave up and packed up and went home. As she left she said "next time you do pedicure too - very pretty" and I said "Ok" - like there will ever be a next time!!
When the torture was over and the nails were painted they left me alone for a few minutes to let them dry - I think this was because another lady had popped in and there were all over her now. But 3 times a different one would come over to check my nails to see if they were dry yet.
I know I'm probably just being cranky because as people they were actually very nice and REALLY tried to make you feel welcome. But I'm not pleased with my manicure or with what I had to go through for it - so does anyone have a good manicurist they'd recommend for next time???

History Lessons

If you asked any of my family what was the worse vacation they ever had - they would probably all tell you it was our South Carolina trip. We stayed at Kiawah Island - on the beach and a short drive from Charleston. Although the resort was nice enough and the beach and grounds were great - the mid-August weather was even unbearable for my kids. It was too hot and muggy to be fun at all. These pictures are when I made them all go to Charleston - I love old mansions and historical places - and it shows what a great family I have. They were all hot, miserable and bored to death but they didn't let that keep them from being silly and having a little fun while trying to humor me.
It amazes me that I like any history at all. I hated history in school. Three of my four high school history classes was with the very same boring, dull, dry, bad-breath - did I say boring- teacher. I never had a good history teacher although I heard rumors that Cleveland had a few - those were probably for those 1-A brainy students. Strangely enough, I enjoy visiting historical spots and I love historical fiction novels - that's how they should teach people like me history! I read "The Other Boleyn Girl, "The Queen's Fool", and the "Virgin's Lover" by Philippa Gregory and finally understand that part of England's history. I'd also recommend "Lucy" by Ellen Feldman, "Mount Vernon Love Story" by Mary Higgins Clark, "Memoirs of a Geisha", and a non-fiction book that reads like fiction, "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson. (It's about the Chicago World's Fair.)
I still would like to go back to Charleston someday and spend a little more time there - but probably more like in October or November - never again in the summer!

Late Birthday Wishes

Happy Belated Birthday to Karli Brennan - her birthday was on June 10. And also to her dad -Joe Brennan -his birthday was the 12th. I don't get to see the Brennan clan often unless there's a wedding or Joe & Sandi happen to be in town. Hopefully we'll get to see a bit more of them next week since there's a wedding AND Joe & Sandi are in town for the week. It will be good to get everyone together for a nice visit.
The picture is Kelly, Joe,Rachel, & Karli (about 8 years ago!)

Miss Hullings - Part 1

Miss Hullings at 11th & Locust was my first job. I got the job over stacks of other applicants because Aunt Mazie, a long-time dedicated employee there, put in a good word for me - plus Nancy & Joe had both worked there. It was the easiest job I ever got and, except for motherhood, probably one of the most interesting and eye-opening jobs I would ever experience.
These pictures are from a 40th Anniversary promotion they had where I got to play hostess. The one picture is with Mrs. Apted (Miss Hullings). I still remember her driving me and a few other girls to a costume store for this event. She came to a dead stop in the far left hand lane of the highway because we were at our exit. She just sat there and waited until she could pull across the other 2 lanes to exit - I thought sure we were all dead.
When Nancy had worked at Miss Hullings she was a waitress in the restaurant side. I'm guessing she worked for Miss Linda? I do remember she got lots of tips because when the ice cream man would come down the street Mom would tell us to look through her purses in the bottom of her wardrobe for some change. Ask her about the "jello" incident.
Joe, I think, worked either behind the counter or was a busboy for the restaurant side. He was a favorite of Aunt Mazie and Miss Ann's. I'm sure he could probably tell quite a few of stories himself.
I got stuck on the cafeteria side (at least I didn't get sent to the kitchen) with Miss Goldie. I started out as a bus girl - the one who cleans off the tables. After a while I was graduated to bell/bus girl. Which means I still cleaned off the tables but I was the one that would go get that extra pat of butter for you or refill your coffee. You got a few tips as bell girl - but very few. My last job there was as cashier - I never realized how disgustingly dirty money could be - especially when you saw someone dig the money out of their 'hiding place' in their clothing. YUCK!
During the slack times you were always kept busy. I sometimes got put to work behind the counter, sent to the kitchen to roll silverware, sent to a banquet room to set tables, clean off tables or to fill sugar, salt, & pepper jars. Sometimes I was sent up to the bakery to help out or to the bake shop to stock shelves. And then there was this time in the pictures where I played hostess.
I met a lot of interesting or sometimes just plain weird people - both customers and other employees. I'll save them for Part 2. I don't know how Jimmy managed to avoid working at Miss Hullings - you just don't know what you missed Jimmy -ha ha

Happy Birthday Steve

Monday, June 5, is Steve's 57th birthday - we're getting awful close to 60 now. He thought he wanted to celebrate at Happy Joe's but Becky & I convinced him that Imo's pizza at home would be much better! He's lost some of his hearing, lost a little more hair and gotten a little slower - but he's still just a kid at heart - With love and best wishes - Happy Birthday to you Steve!

Summer in the City

I already miss those nice cool 60's we had about a week or so ago. We had a nice holiday weekend though. Steve played golf with Karl, Stevie, & Jessie. I visited with Jen & Spencer (and Charlee) until they got home and we had a little cookout lunch. Becky & Nate were busy trying to get somewhat settled into their new home most of the day but they came by late last night and we got Becky and the cats (Miss Jonah & Samson) settled in for the night. Becky & the cats will stay here until they get some floors finished at their new home - and Nate can stay too if he could ever pull himself away from all the late night work at the house. This picture just reminded me of those good ole summer days when the kids were little and we could still contain them in a little kiddie pool. Parents of younguns - enjoy those days - they are so much fun! I can truly say I have enjoyed and loved every age my children have been but there are such special bonds and memories made during those very young years. I guess in some ways even my adult children will always be those little kids in the pool to me.

W.W. & Mary McCoy

RD, RRean, Winnie, Grandpa, Thelma, Grandma, Jim, Horace
Bobbie, Betty, Grace, Rachel, Ray

W.W. & Mary McCoy's 50th Wedding Anniversary

Last night at Karl's birthday dinner I told the kids about a memory I had about my Grandma & Grandpa McCoy - which brought back a lot of other scattered memories. Nancy and maybe Joe could tell you lots of stories about our grandparents but my memories (and I suspect Jimmy's) are more bits & pieces.
The paticular memory I shared last night was about a mean old rooster that would chase you when you were out in the yard. I remember Grandpa chasing the rooster away from me and saying something about rooster stew. That old rooster really made it difficult to get to the outhouse - not that I really enjoyed going there anyway. The outhouse memories are mostly of an unpleasant odor, flies, and Sears catalogs for toilet paper. Their last house had indoor plumbing when they had to move for Highway 55.
I don't have a lot of memories of Grandpa - he liked to sit on the porch in a rocking chair and smoke - a pipe or chewing tobacco maybe? He had a dog they called Puppy and they say that when he knew we were coming for a visit he would go down to the road and look for us- or actually daddy, his oldest son. They also told me that he never went to a single one of his children's weddings because he wouldn't go in a church. The one memory I do have is him stopping me on the porch one time and asking me who's kid I was. But they did have 11 grown children, 27 grandkids and 8 great grandkids - plus he was old by then and he only saw me for a few hours maybe once a month - so I guess I shouldn't be so surprised. At least Grandma was there to answer for me - she knew who I belonged to.
I remember Grandma as a gentle kind woman. She was always busy cause when we came for Sunday lunch there were always a lot of the other family there - it was never just us and the grandparents. For years I thought they all lived there together and I was an adult before I knew who belonged to who. She always took a few minutes to make me feel welcomed though even though I was just a kid. She cooked a lot of good country food - but being finicky I usually just ate peanut butter & crackers unless she made her peach fried pies - they were the best! I remember there was a water pump outside where you got the water and to this day I can't smell Ivory soap without thinking of getting cleaned up for the trip home.
I remember playing out in the yard in the summer - the house I remember was up off the ground and the chickens and dogs would go under there. The men would all sit on the porch and smoke and laugh and tell stories and the women would be in the kitchen either cooking or cleaning the dishes and laugh and tell stories. In the winter we would sit in a circle around the potbelly stove and visit (instead of tv). Your face was red from the heat and your backside was freezing.
My grandparents didn't live in a fancy house or have a lot of 'things' - but the family always had a good time together and they had each other.
This picture is Grandma and Uncle RD - notice the house off the ground, the bare landscape, and how they parked right up to the porch.

Happy Birthday Karl

Monday is Karl's birthday. This picture is from last year so I guess you can guess how old he is going to be this year. Karl & Jenny haven't been getting much sleep lately because Spencer is going through a 'sleepless' stage right now. Don't worry Karl, by the time he hits his teens the problem will be getting him to quit sleeping so much. Hope you have a great birthday and that Spencer's gift to you is a good night's sleep. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Celebrations

Aunt Becky's birthday kiss

We had a good time last night celebrating Becky's birthday and
we had lunch today at PF Changs for Mother's Day.
It may be cold & dreary outside but we had a good weekend
with some heart-warming together time.
Thanks kids for thinking of me on Mother's Day
love you all!!

Happy Birthday to Becky!!!

Sunday, May 14, is Becky's Birthday so once again her birthday has fallen on Mother's Day. Since Becky deserves a celebration of her own we will celebrate on the 13th (that's when I was in labor anyway - she was born at 12:18 am.) These are just a few pics of some of her past birthdays. HAPPY BIRTHDAY to BECKY, the best middle-child anyone could ever ask for.
I love you always!

Mother's Day

This Sunday will be Mother's Day and this picture always reminds me of that holiday. The bush I am standing in front of is a wild white rose bush and Mr. George Anderson (Neal's father) who lived across the alley from us, came and picked a white rose every Mother's Day to wear in his lapel in honor of his mother. Mama said you were suppose to wear a red rose if your mother is living and a white rose if she is deceased.
Mothers are not perfect but I'll never understand a mother who does not give a child all the love and caring they need. I don't really remember my mama telling me she loved me or even getting hugs and kisses, although I'm sure I did - but I always knew without a doubt that she loved me. She showed her love in so many other ways.
Tonight as I was hanging up the phone after speaking to one of my children, I said "I love you" as I do almost every time that I talk to them - and I heard a chuckle. It wasn't the first time I've wondered if my kids understand that even though I say "I love you" almost automatically and always offer at least a hug if not also a kiss when I'm with them that I really do love them more than I can ever say or express. I try to let you know I love to you in other ways as well but I never want there to be any doubt. I'm not perfect kids and maybe you think I say it too often or you get tired of my motherly affection - but get use to it - cause I can't stand the thought of you ever thinking for a minute that I don't love you. As you each have your own children you'll understand it better - right Jen?
love & hugs & kisses to my family who are all good sports and have never refused me a hug!

Guess Whose Wedding -Part 1

Ok - so the last Guess Who was too easy - and this one probably is too. But just for fun and since it's almost Ed & Nancy's anniversary - tell me whose wedding it is and who is in the pictures. Don't look at 'comments' until you have your answer so I can see if you guys really know.

Guess Who's Wedding #2

Here are the final four - and I know it's a few days early, but-

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY NANCY & ED!!

Guessing Game

Several of you have been complaining that I need to update - I thought you would all be thrilled to be spared some of my 'sharing of great knowledge' - ha ha. Anyway - here is a little change for you - it's called 'Guess Who is in the picture' - they're pretty easy but it was a good chance to throw in some odd pictures I have. Can you get them all right?