20 Years of Motherhood

College girl

2010-10-10T18:36:00.000-07:00

4 of my favorite people

She came home for her very first visit after ever being away since August 20. She loved being in her bed and sleeping in. 8am classes every morning have taken their toll. Between being pre-Med, playing tennis 3-4 hours a day and classes she is one tired, and sick, girl. She's had a sinus infection and nagging cough off and on since she left us but hopefully a visit to our wonderful doc her in St. Louis diagnosed and prescribed things to knock it out.

We had girl time (at Nordstrom & California Pizza Kitchen), Thursday night tv time, tennis (w/her old coach) time, visit w/both sets of grandparents time and a visit with our college working boy at the mall (who graciously used his discount at Banana Republic to buy his sister a pair of shoes).

College girl is loving life even though its hard. I'm so incredibly proud of her and her drive to excel at her classes and her sport. Her most recent tournament at Notre Dame she fought through feeling horrible to beat two girls from Miami of Ohio & Kansas. She had some losses too, but is playing incredibly well.

Cannot wait to see her again at Thanksgiving. This college thing is dumb dumb dumb.

My Stream of Consciousness

2010-10-05T19:18:00.000-07:00

Wish I were better at blogging. You'd think with only one child at home and a husband gone 75% of the time I'd have more time but, life gets in the way. Going through each day I have so many thoughts. May I share?

* I really do not enjoy picking up my dog's poo on our thrice daily walks. She used to do this little duty in the back yard, but recently we got an electric fence to contain the little monster who was escaping the real fence. Now, she hates the backyard. So, I'm not running all over the neighborhood trying to find her anymore but I get to stand by the side of the road while she does her business.

*On those daily walks I've gotten to know my neighborhood quite well. I pass one house where I know inside is a woman, 35 - mother of 2, dying of cancer. I so appreciate my body and health each day when I pass her house and say a prayer for her and her family.

*My youngest plays too many video games. His current favorite is a Spiderman Wii that he paid half of.

*Same youngest has had 3 friends over from school, all girls.

*I am so proud and grateful for my two oldest. They work so hard in school and at their sports. They are so good. I am truly blessed. (And my girl is coming home for fall break on Thursday - YAY!!)

*My husband is looking at Harleys. I'm really excited about that.

*I want to renew our vows in August. 25 years. I'm trying to convince my dearest that it will not be cheezy.

*Andrew's dream of a 10 pound praying mantis will be the basis of a story he has to write for school.

*I tried a TRX class at my gym yesterday. Awkward, hard and I am so sore today - but I can't wait to go back. http://www.fitnessanywhere.com/

*Thank goodness for Skype

*Fall clothes are way more fun than summer.

*I found peppermint ice cream at the store tonight. The holidays are upon us.

I could keep going, but AJ is out of tub and ready to watch Biggest Loser. Told ya, it would be random.

Fun on a Friday Night

2010-06-05T08:58:00.000-07:00

I have to say that when my daughter came home one weekend night and told me she'd been playing beer pong I was none too happy - until she told me she plays with water. So she taught us how to play at home and its kinda fun. AJ decided that's what he wanted to do last night with his elderly parents, so we obliged. Taping balls to the eyes is great fun as well.

DEJA VU

2010-05-17T15:37:00.000-07:00

18 years ago we had an unfortunate July 4th incident with Son A (Michael). After a sparkler accidentally found his cornea and scratched it, we had an ER trip and some pain, but a happy boy the next morning. What are the chances of that happening again?

Fast forward to this past weekend and Son B (Andrew) was happily playing with a stick, fighting invisible bad guys, when he ran in the back door crying. I knew enough from our last incident that an ER trip was in our future, so................

Where else does one enjoy spending a Friday night? Honestly, its a pretty interesting place to people watch. We got some great care, had a good night's sleep, sported an eye patch and glasses all weekend to keep out the light - and today he's good as new!

These boys are two peas in a pod (other than one being blessed with artistic talent and one, not so much).

SPRING BREAK Florida

2010-04-09T19:40:00.000-07:00

We were definitely the parents in the minority not allowing our daughter to head to Mexico for Spring Break. So instead, she found the only other friend (Matti - who became Andrew's new best friend) who had such horrid parents as us and we all headed to Longboat Key Florida for a much needed bit of warm weather. Problem was, for the first few days of the trip St. Louis had higher temps than sunny Florida - which was rainy and windy for the start of the trip.

Things worked out just fine though. Four days in the hot, Florida sun got the girls their much desired TANS

JOLLY COUSIN TIME
(Caroline & Andrew livin' the life)

COUPLE TIME

DAD TIME

   AQUARIUM TIME (evil sharks in background)

BEN TIME

TODD WITHOUT HIS I-PHONE

Even though "College Boy" couldn't make it, it was fun to have most of us together for an entire week.

If You Had an Extra $1,500 ....

2010-03-08T07:57:00.000-08:00

What would you choose to spend it on? A fun, warm getaway maybe? Or some new furniture? Or how about kidney stone surgery for your dog. Oh yes, that's what I would choose. Seriously, the cost of things in the dog health care world is worse than the people world. We've already had x-rays and blood work to prepare for surgery day (tomorrow) and part of the special surgery package is sending the stones off to the University of Minnesota to be analyzed so we can figure out what special food she needs so this doesn't happen again. So for the next two weeks I get to have a dog recovering from surgery with one of those cone things around her neck and I don't get a warm vacation or new furniture. Good thing she is warm and cuddly!

Totally Random Post

2010-03-03T19:03:00.000-08:00

My darling daughter likes to come home from school and make herself a nest on the couch to do her homework/text/catch up on American Idol. Inside the nest today was hummus and carrots; dirty socks; a laptop; a backpack and assorted books; car keys - well you get the idea. The nest was unoccupied as I was setting up MODERN FAMILY (Not a repeat tonight!!!) to record and I vowed to not clean it up as I normally do (nice mom that I am). Daughter did not handle it well when I asked her to tidy up nest as she was heading out the door to a high school basketball game. I held my ground. I have reclaimed the couch!

My oldest boy is having an adventure - surfing, ALONE, in California. I put my foot down, many times - but eventually caved. He did master Italy last year, although not alone. So, rental car and hotel, rented surfboard and purchased wet suit, he is having the spring break he wanted. He's much like his mom who every once in a while needs a bit of alone time.

My little one - still so innocent and soooo sweet. The other day we dropped off donations at the Shriner's Childrens' Hospital - unused Happy Meal toys and new books. The kind man behind the counter wondered if Andrew might want a totally cool multi color light up sword. Uh, yeah? Even though these are very similar to the Made in China glow swords we succumb to every year on vacation that usually break by the end of the night, still - what boy can resist? As we're back in the car he thoughtfully said, "Mom, I guess that's karma. We did something nice for them and they did something nice for us." How does he know what karma is?

I continue to be the work week widow of a man who travels the country - last week from Alaska to Seattle to El Paso with a cab that caught on fire somewhere in between. We should downsize our house because he's here less than he's away. He works hard and I am grateful.

As enthralling as this "random" post is, my Panera you pick two is now eaten and a brand new Modern Family is queued up waiting. Thanks for passing the time!!

Hello Winter!

2010-01-04T19:17:00.000-08:00

I don't mind winter too much. Actually kind of enjoy it. I've discovered I like to run when its cold out. I like being at home and working on projects. I don't mind the getting dark early. What I do have a problem with is running errands in single digit temperatures with wind chills below freezing. My day started with the garage door stubbornly opening about 7/8 of the way - making me a prisoner of my house unless I could figure out a way to get the car out. When the McDonald's diet coke is calling you its a powerful motivator.

After a few minutes on a ladder with a bungee cord, I rigged up a solution. We stayed tucked in the rest of the day, finally stashing all of Christmas away and not home schooling because when its your birthday and your 8, what would you choose?

Tonight, in the dark, empty streets I ventured out. I did the Target, Qdoba (free salad), Walgreen's & grocery store circuit - topping it off with a visit to Petco for crickets and vitamins for Michael's gecko (a Christmas present from his girlfriend). Her name is Belle (the gecko, not the girlfriend - that's Kirstin). And Belle finally pooped today - am I really worrying about why the gecko hasn't pooped? Yes, it was a little concerning. All is well in that department.

The forecast is calling for even colder temperatures (yippee!!) but with my heated seats and remote start I think I will survive. Hope its warmer wherever you are!

A New Year, A New Age

2010-01-01T19:52:00.001-08:00

2010 46 2010 46 2010 46 2010 46 2010 46
So along with the world turning 2010, I get to turn a year older too - 46 sounds a lot better than 2010, but seriously - we're looking at 50 in the not too distant future. If there were a magic fountain of youth pill, I might be getting interested about now. I know I will get old, but I'm not feeling it yet, and I count that as a blessing every day. Having a functioning body and my health are true gifts. I don't need earrings, or clothes or a new camera (well, I kind of need a camera since I've lost mine) - a working, pain free body is the best gift of all.

We've become a fit family here at home. Sometime in 2009 my beloved decided it was time, once and for all, to drop a few pounds - 50 to be exact. He looks great and feels great. He runs, does the elliptical, shops for pants in normal stores. We don't run together, but I've developed a love of running - not too far - but I get it now, why people do it. Michael is on the cross country team at Maryville, Madeline runs all over the tennis court and Andrew is following in her footsteps with his Tuesday tennis with some home school buddies.

And because I can't think of anyway to segue into my daughter getting to play princess for a night with her beau Dan, but many of you have asked to see her pix - I'm including her night at the Veiled Prophet ball - a strange tradition in St. Louis Society, of which we're not a part but she's got the right connections and had a fun night.

Back From Hiatus

2009-11-02T19:07:00.000-08:00

Life is just too dang crazy. Between Facebook, e-mail, regular mail, DVR, reading other people's blogs - my blog got a little ignored during the last few months. So, mainly because my friend Kelly Bishop isn't on Facebook (hint, hint) I shall try to jump back on the bandwagon. I think the last time I posted, it was the thick of summer. So, (a quick recap) we had a great time at the beach, everyone's back in school (Michael - junior in college, Madeline a senior in HS and 2nd grader Andrew), Todd still works in Chicago A LOT, but we make the most of our weekends together, I had a somewhat successful garden (if you like tomatoes) and a small amount of green peppers (4) and my dear dad celebrated his 81st b-day last night. I am so grateful for my parents and know how lucky and blessed we are to have them present in our lives.

After a very casual pizza and wing party at Gma's, the Jolly family took off for what can only be billed as the hayride from hell (at least to Michael and Madeline). What we thought would be an hour long venture into the woods ending in a bonfire, was more of a 10 minute ride capped off by 45 minutes of historical narration on the 2nd governor of Missouri (Frederick Bates, in case you were wondering). The hayride went to the Bates home where we were disembarked and listened to interesting (for the first 5 minutes) info on funeral practices in the early 1800's. Doesn't that sound fun? The big kids had the giggles so bad I had to pretend I didn't know them. Rarely, though, are the 5 of us together and it was fun to be out in the crisp, fall air as a family.

Am I the First to Break the News?

2009-07-12T20:51:00.000-07:00

As I was perusing the Internet the other day, I found myself on the Church News website and saw new Temple Presidents announced - never dreaming that one of the pix that would pop up would be of Uncle Dick and Aunt Linda. Congratulations - these 2 never age. They are amazing!!!

Linda L. and Grant R. Oscarson

Grant Richard Oscarson, 74, Chesterfield 1st Ward, St. Louis Missouri Stake, called as president of the St. Louis Missouri Temple, succeeding President Wendell E. Brown. President Oscarson's wife, Linda Lochhead Oscarson, will serve as temple matron. President Oscarson is a patriarch in the St. Louis Missouri Stake and a volunteer assistant temple recorder in the St. Louis Missouri Temple. He served as president of the Sweden Stockholm Mission, mission president's counselor, stake president, stake president's counselor, high councilor, bishop, bishop's counselor and high priests group leader. The retired president of Enterprise Mentors International, he was born in Seattle, Wash., to Roy Wilhelm and Vera Brown Oscarson.

Sister Oscarson, patriarch's scribe and Relief Society music director, served with her husband as he presided over the Sweden Stockholm Mission. She served as a stake Relief Society president, ward Primary president, Gospel Doctrine teacher, Relief Society teacher, seminary teacher, temple ordinance worker and on a stake public affairs community relations council. She was born in St. Louis, Mo., to Angus Tullock Jr. and Matilda Evangeline Thurmon Lockhead.

Arrivederci (or Farewell)

2009-05-24T20:49:00.000-07:00

ITALY!!! ITALY!!! ITALY!!!

Since the time we dropped him at the airport in St. Louis on May 4, Michael has fully immersed himself in all things Italian. It couldn't be more perfect. He's one of 2 boys in a group of 14. The girls love to cook dinner for them. He lives in an apartment with a balcony where he hears the church bells and can draw to his heart's content. Sounds great - sign me up! He is making the most of his month in Florence, and is taking all kinds of side trips. Most days are spent

DRAWING

But weekends are for places like the

TREVI FOUNTAIN (he called from there to ask what he should wish for us)

Or at the quaint hillside villages of CinqueTerre along the Meditteranean where he slept on the beach with his friends one night (something about the trains on strike and no hotels). Diving off Italian rocks is fun too! As an Eagle Scout, I have to assume he checked the depth before he attempted that feat.

Doesn't look real comfy

He even found a "Jolly" good place to eat! (sketch pad in hand)

He called yesterday and was enjoying a slice of pizza sitting in Venice, while a gondola sailed by. What a life! As a parent, I'm so glad he has this opportunity. Every time he calls he says how glad he is he did this, and of course wants to go back for longer next time. I'm not sure if he'll go for longer, but next time, I'm going too!

My Favorite Things

2009-04-30T19:01:00.000-07:00

So, Oprah has her favorite things show. Well guess what? I have my favorite things blog post. It just so happens that some of my 3 favorite things are from some of my 3 favorite people. They really hit the nail on the head with their Christmas presents this last go around.

First up, this divine, shimmery, warm (but not too warm for those 40, 50ish days) cutest of cute puffy vest. From my Katy who did not need to do anything so extravagant, but can I tell you I LIVED IN THIS! It was so lacking from my wardrobe and it became my best friend over the winter.

Next up, a battery operated pepper mill, you just turn it upside down and all your meals taste gourmet. Flavored chunks of pepper instead of tiny, powdery nothing. You oughta try it. It's yummy. Thank you my dear Kristi Worthington. Love it on my Subway sandwich every day.

And last, but not least, sticking out of the world's cutest "hugger" is a can of TAB. I still drink it, the original diet soda. But how cute is that polka dot holder? I could pretend it was a hot, summer day during the blah winter. Thank you Laura, who lives where it is summer all the time, lucky girl.

As I've been packing away my winter clothes the thought came to me that these 3 things have been with me daily since Christmas. As excited as I am about spring, I think, come October, I'll be a little more excited to welcome in the cold with my cute, cute jacket waiting for me.

Junior Ring Day

2009-04-12T19:24:00.000-07:00

A big day in a Junior's life at St. Joseph's Academy is when you get your junior ring. It's made me melancholy for mine - I lost it about 15 years ago on a trip. It was a fun day for Madeline and all of her friends.

Showing off the ring! Best friend Katy

Rings (& manicures)

DANCE NIGHT

Her number one date! Jack - taller than her without her 3 inch heels

The group - minus one date. They left here and went for more pix and dinner for 70 at someone's home then on to the dance until 11:30. St. Joe makes you stay at the dance until its over and this group likes to dance and have fun so it was a great night - no after party and Madeline was home a little after midnight. No wondering where she is late at night, no texts asking if she can stay out later - home early and happy.

Chicago, Chicago!!!

2009-04-05T16:03:00.000-07:00

My dear hubby has been making to trek for a year and a half now to "The Windy City" (which is not named the Windy City because of the wind, but I digress - you'll have to go on a tour of the Hancock Building to find out why). I thought it was about time I see where he's been spending his days and nights without his family and meet some of the people he works with. I headed up with Madeline and Andrew for a few days.

We had a few highlights, such as:

A visit from our beloved Worthington family -

As mentioned before, the top of the Hancock Building - Not sure I enjoy being 94 stories high, despite the view. And I know I really wouldn't enjoy this job:

Although Madeline & Andrew had a go at window washing (wink,wink) -

Poor Andrew was a trooper with the amount of SHOPPING we did. The hotel was on top of a Nordstrom twice the size of our St. Louis store. Madeline loooved all the "retail therapy" of Michigan Avenue and Andrew usually scoped out the closest chair with his PSP.

And sending us off in style - a limo on the way to the airport. Andrew dug that!!

My Husband's a Lucky Man

2009-03-23T17:22:00.000-07:00

Because I love to mow the lawn!!! I grew up never mowing the lawn but in my years of home ownership I have become obsessed with this duty. Today was the first day it really needed it after the LONG winter and I forgot just how much I enjoy it - the smell of freshly cut grass, the aroma of mint (planted long ago from Mema's stash at One Devondale), the chirping of birds, the beautiful pinkish sky, the smell of gasoline (is that just me? I did eat chalk while pregnant, so I don't know - and for those of you who didn't know that, perhaps I need a separate blog on that because I'm not weird, so I should explain it). Speaking of pregnant (not - I'm 45) but many years ago while I was mowing the lawn 7 months pregnant and not caring about that one bit, my BeBe pulled in the driveway as she often did and had a look of shame on you on her face. Pregnant ladies did not mow the lawn in her day. The man of the house did that. I do remind that man how lucky he is that he married someone who allows him to just cross that to do off his list.

Because I Have Been Given Much

2009-03-22T10:38:00.000-07:00

In this day and age where we feel so much of what we have tangible slipping away (401K, housing value, money) it has given me the opportunity to truly reflect on the things which are most priceless that cannot be taken away, no matter where our economy is headed:

-Happy and productive children who think its fun to stay home on Saturday night and make a movie on the computer, laughing, giggling and keeping their little brother very entertained.

-Health and a body that can do all I want it to.

-A man who still makes my heart swoon (minus the black socks and shorts, practical but oh so wrong)

-Spring!!

-My belief and faith in the Savior and the comfort He can give us through trials.

-Keeping in touch with friends and family through the blogosphere.

-Love of country - no matter how much we don't like what's going on right now, we are free and have the ability to speak out against what we don't like without fear of retaliation.

As I get older (and older...) I realize each and every day just what truly is important and how much I have been given.

Alfred's Fine Dining

2009-02-22T13:22:00.000-08:00

I'm a bit behind with my holiday here, after a broken keyboard and flaky internet connection I think I'm up and running again.

We never make a big deal about Valentine's. Some little gifts for the kids, maybe something little for us. We did get out to see a movie, just the two of us, and at home there was restaurant magic happening. In case you don't know who Alfred is, he's Batman's butler. Andrew decided it would be fun to serve mom and dad Valentine's dinner, so with a little help from big brother and the neighborhood Thai restaurant, we had a real treat.

We were welcomed into a cozy little spot, soft music and candlelight. Alfred (aka Andrew - who got real upset if I would talk to him as my child and not my waiter) kept our water filled and provided fantastic service. We of course tipped generously. Best of all, they did all the clean-up.

Hallowed Ground

2009-02-10T10:07:00.000-08:00

Gorgeous, glorious day last week. 70 degrees in February. I asked Andrew where he wanted to go - park, zoo, take Daisy for a walk. He wanted to go see BB. Andrew was only 2 when BB left us, so he has a special place in his heart for the cemetery. He loves going there. Its not hard for him like it is for others. Thought I'd share our little visit:

It's been almost 5 years ago. Doesn't seem possible. Wouldn't you just love to know what she's doing? I have no doubt we'll find out one day. In the meantime, we'll have to settle for the little visits we have with her, and Mema and Papa, at their temporary home.

Bye Bye Little Red Truck

2009-01-24T12:46:00.001-08:00

Many moons ago (7 +years) Aunt Kristi worked her decorating magic and turned baby Andrew's new room into a cute Pottery Barn red truck wonderland. This theme has worked perfectly for a LONG time. Still works actually. Still cute, still fresh. But you'll never guess what theme he's wanting now. Yes, you're right - STAR WARS. Michael is working his magic now, as we speak. So pix of that will be coming soon.

Along with preserving the red truck for posterity, digitally, we also preserved another memory from that room - POO! Now how might one preserve poo, and why would we do that you ask? Well, I was getting a massage in my bedroom a few weeks after having Andrew (my visiting teacher was a massage therapist, nice perk!) and Bonnie was in changing Andrew's diaper down the hall, when all of a sudden I hear shrieks of laughter and amazement - seems little guy had quite the explosion that shot across to one wall and into BB's hair a bit. We thought we had it all cleaned up, but one day I spied the tiniest couple of specks of leftover residue and didn't have the heart to wash it off - not just me, nobody in the family wanted me to. We'll take any reminder of BB we can get. Todd carefully cut out the small piece of drywall and it will now find a home with all the other sentimental items we hang onto.

"Half a Tank, You're Walking"

2009-01-23T08:59:00.000-08:00

That quote can be attributed to Roy Oscarson, affectionately known as PaPa. Somewhere along the way when he imparted all his many words of wisdom one of his gems was to never let your tank go below half full, or half empty depending on how you look at it. Goodness, if you were on half a tank, you may as well just be running out of gas. Trying to stay on a budget, its a game for me to see how many days I can go without filling up, but on one of my preparedness blogs was the simple advice to always keep your tank half full. Of course I envision nuclear war and a huge cloud of radioactive dust I'll be speeding away from, and an empty tank won't help me, will it? So I think I will follow dear Papa's advice and be prepared like he always was for whatever comes our way.

Who's Behind the Mask???

2009-01-13T14:38:00.000-08:00

So today was the first day of Design 2 and the project was to design a mask. Not really sure what it is - a mythical creature perhaps? but I think the boy has talent. Please keep him in mind for all your mask making, cake decorating or film making needs. He's a starving college student!

On the 12th Day of January...,,

2009-01-12T09:16:00.000-08:00

I realized I had not been very good at my New Year's Resolution of being better at keeping my blog updated. It wasn't for lack of trying. Seems there were some tech issues and things weren't saving, pics weren't loading, but for right now looks like we're back up.

After the mad rush of Christmas most of us moms need a break. Its no easy feat pulling it off. I, however, have the good fortune to celebrate not 1, not 2 but 3 wonderful bdays, so the party keeps going. First up was Michael (Dec.27) who left the teenage years behind, hence now my blog name is legit and I have truly mothered for 20 years. We were still celebrating Christmas at that point with Pops and Hunny and Kristi and family all came in so it made Mook's b-day a fun party. I followed turning a whopping 45 (yes, you heard that right) on New Year's Day and chose Macaroni Grill for my choice of dining that night. And a movie, SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE, with my date, to end the day. Finally, Andrew is January 4 and he finally caught up with cousin Ben, turning 7. Once again, Michael's creative talents came into play creating a cake that would make any 7 year old, Star Wars fan a happy camper. Andrew chose Darth Sidious and Michael pulled it off.

For now things have settled down. So far in January I've taken in a Jackson Pollock exhibition with Michael at the Art Museum, I'm doing my Jillian Michael's Wii Fit dvd every other day (fighting gravity on my aging body), Andrew and I are keeping on our very unstructured home schooling schedule and we are sooo excited for the return of 24 and American Idol, especially with the frigid weather knocking at our door. Fun to cozy up at home when its nasty outside.

The Adventures of Captain X

2009-01-02T19:48:00.000-08:00

For anyone who is looking for a quick, short movie starring the Jolly cousins, click here. Thanks to Michael for keeping the "thittle kids" occupied with cinema magic on New Year's Eve while we partied upstairs with Baby Jack. Happy New Year to all!!

Yikes - Christmas is Only 3 Weeks Away

2008-12-04T18:25:00.000-08:00

I'm in denial! My son wants a kayak! Really, in the winter, and where will we put it? So, racking my brain for something for an almost 20 year old (who is 20 2 days after Christmas so I need double the giftage). I think what I've come up with is a ski trip to Utah so that he can see his BFF, Spencer Worthington, and do some skiing once his college basketball season is over.

Madeline happened to spot the Christmas list yesterday where I have what I've purchased written down and tactfully tried to tell me that what she saw for her wasn't really what she wanted. (A new camera bc hers from 2 years ago is broken and she always takes ours). Truly, my 2 oldest could forgo all gifts because on their way home from their cousins' home in Wisconsin recently they hit a bit of black ice and had a little tumble down a hill. They were fine, but the car will need a bit of work.

The easiest to please and shop for is Andrew, thank goodness, because his birthday is a week after Michael's. His list is a mile long, but I know he will be extremely disappointed if Santa does not bring him his #1 item - Star Wars light sabers for the Wii.

I must stop blogging and keep shopping!

Starting Them Young

2008-11-23T17:28:00.001-08:00

No, its not the latest merit badge for Boy Scouts but it is important to know how to use a "gun" if you are Michael's brother. For the record, its not a real gun. Michael's best friend, Matt, is on a mission and Michael was asked to babysit the gun for 2 years. It does shoot these little white balls that I find all over the yard which is annoying. What's not annoying is the patience and love that this big brother has shown from day one to his little brother. I am so grateful for this relationship between these two. I'm especially grateful to Michael who has taken on such an important role in Andrew's life. With Todd gone so much of the time, Michael stands in as Dad for many things, and truly enjoys it most of the time, whether its parents' night at karate or taking him fishing. Motherhood is so much easier with a big brother in the family!

Tennis Girl

2008-11-14T18:24:00.000-08:00

This girl has come so far in her few short years playing tennis. She and her friend were bored in middle school and were looking for something new. They signed up for tennis lessons and Madeline was hooked. Starting in 7th grade is late if you intend to play competitively, which we learned as we got further into this whole experience. After losing her coach at Woods Mill Tennis Club he suggested we try Miller Tennis Academy. Well, we tried to get her in there, but she wasn't quite good enough yet. After 3 or 4 months of hitting with pros, they agreed to let her into their "inner circle". This was a lot of pressure for Madeline. She was playing with mostly younger kids who knew the game well. But she has fought, fought and fought. She's had her ups and her downs, days she's wanted to give up, countless weekends out of town at USTA tournaments all over the midwest in the dead of winter (thank goodness Todd loves being a tennis dad).

Then last year she transferred to St. Joseph's Academy, the tennis powerhouse not only in St. Louis, but in the state of Missouri. She made the Varsity team, made it to the state tourney to play in the team event where St Joe took first place for the 4th year in a row. This year, not only did they make it 5 in a row, but Madeline qualified for the state singles competition where she took home the 4th place medal.

We are so, so proud of her and all her hard work!

HAPPY 80TH BIRTHDAY DAD!!!

2008-11-03T19:31:00.000-08:00

My Dad turned 80 yesterday. He was born November 2, 1928, during The Great Depression. He has taught me so much about love of country and patriotism, especially pertinent to me on the eve of such an historic election. My Dad has never been ashamed to hold his hand over his heart as The Star Spangled Banner plays, and I have always tried to follow his example. Although an American by birth, he loves his Irish heritage. When we attended his only sibling's funeral, his brother Pat, a few years ago, a bagpiper played as we left the church. It so touched my Dad, that I thought I would do the same thing for him when his time came. However, celebrating your 80th is quite the milestone, one which calls for your very own bagpiper at your party. The grandkids told Grandpa there was a surprise for him on the front porch where he was treated to a few Irish ballads (Danny Boy, When Irish Eyes Are Smiling...). I didn't mean to make him misty eyed, but it touched him.

I feel so blessed that we have been able to be close by my kids' grandparents on both sides of our family for their entire lives. I'm mindful of those who have lost one or both of their parents. I still have not experienced that sadness yet and count every day among them as a treasure.

Happy, Happy Halloween

2008-11-01T20:34:00.000-07:00

You have to love my budget conscious little guy who chose to be Annakin Skywalker two years in a row, and since Michael isn't employed by Johnny Brock's Halloween store this year, its fine with me. How I wish I had a picture of Michael as a banana in giant sunglasses waving to people on Manchester Road last year. Lots of laughs for us, not so much for him. Clayton was Clone Captain Rex, so they made a cute pair. Secretly, Michael really wanted to dress up as Darth Vader and play "dords" with the light sabers but college boys don't do that.

Before you make fun of the falling apart candy bag, a little history behind it. When Michael was itty bitty (2 or 3) sweet PaPa Oscarson went out to Walgreen's and had this blinking bag waiting for him when we came trick or treating. Its been a tradition around here ever since, but I think it finally bit the dust last night. I'm not sure how long a trail of candy Andrew left behind in the neighborhood but it made somebody happy.

I Survived!

2008-10-31T21:15:00.000-07:00

Not than too many of you were worried. Florida was quick, but fun. Andrew was happy with a plane ride and a hotel with such luxuries as vending machines where you pay for treats. Maybe I'll start making him pay for treats from the pantry at home. We met up with Todd later after his meeting and had dinner outside under the palm trees at The Capital Grille. I hear about this place all the time from my parents who eat there in Kansas City. It was tasty, from the lobster and crab cakes that my Dad suggested to the ahi tuna I had for dinner. Andrew, always playing it safe in the food department, went with his requisite noodles with no sauce.

The next day Todd went his way and Andrew and I navigated the streets of Tampa and found our way to The Florida Aquarium, our field trip for the day. Well worth the trip. We touched starfish and sea anemone. We saw giant turtles and a few sharks. Some very funky fish from Australia. Then we spent time outside in their water play area. By that time Todd was having lunch in the mall next to us, so we went over and had a quick bite and then it was time to head back to the airport. Quick, but perfect!

My Mortality

2008-10-15T21:42:00.000-07:00

So tomorrow morning I'm boarding a plane for Tampa, Florida with Todd and Andrew. For the next year I can fly anywhere Todd flies on Southwest for free, one of the many "perks" of his commuting to Chicago weekly. Actually, the gig isn't half bad for him - he eats well, sleeps in luxury with a big plasma tv but there is the stress of a job factored in there. So, off to Tampa to home school Andrew on who knows what in Florida - swimming in the pool sounds good. But just the teensiest part of me is fearful that if all 3 of us go down in a bright fireball I'll be leaving two orphans. I've given Michael instructions that there is adequate life insurance and his dream of living at 101 Clear Meadows for his entire lifetime will be able to come true, but that's not really what I want for my kids. I want to be here for them as long as I possibly can.

Michael texted me today out of the blue - "You're a good mom and I love you. Thanks for everything you do." Wow!!! I mean he's a sweet boy, amazing son and tells me that at times, but just out of the blue, I figured something was up. When I talked to him later he told me that one of his teammates had flown home yesterday after a call that his mom was very sick. She ended up dying before he even boarded the plane. Michael's gotten to know this boy well and it felt so surreal to him, the unexpectedness of it. I often ask is it better to be prepared and know you're going, or just go? Turns out this woman had a blood clot that went to her heart. She was the wife of an Oklahoma congressman, and was 47. Too young. So, pray for this family who lost a mother too soon, and throw an extra little prayer in there that my flight makes it safely to and from Florida so I can still be a mom, what I love doing best.

No Time Like the Present

2008-10-13T20:15:00.000-07:00

No time like the present to just let you in on daily life in the Jolly household. It would be so hum drum if it weren't for the cute little gal pictured above. She keeps life lively. She jumped off the tennis court long enough to enjoy a Saturday of primping in preparation for Chaminade's Homecoming with her "friend" Adam. Most of their friends think they look like brother and sister. They had dinner at Kobe. Always fun to smell of essence of Japanese steakhouse when you arrive at the dance. At some point during the night she lost the keys to her car which resulted in a frantic call to me at midnight. I love driving 15 minutes to drop off a set of extra keys in my jammies. Lost set was found the next morning in the yard where they had been taking pictures before the dance. I've tried to get her to carry a purse. Its just not happening. Luv her anyway.