Entry No. 120

We've been back to reality for a few days now after a fantastic Memorial Day weekend. It's always wonderful to spend some time with family and just relax. How surprised and blessed I was to see friends and family that I wasn't even expecting!! My only regret is that it didn't last as long as I would have liked. I wanted to just sit down tonight and share some pictures that my Dad took of our time together--his camera is WAY cooler than mine! I am MUCHO jealous. On a brighter note, he did say that if he gets the camera that he REALLY wants for his birthday, then I can have his. Please send donations to me by August.

Tanner is a ham with a microphone in his hand. I cannot imagine where he gets THAT from. Ok, actually, this is the only way that I can see that he takes after his Mommy. It was hysterical listening to him making up his own words to the music that was playing. According to my mother, I used to do the same thing when I was his age. According to my husband, I STILL do this...but what the heck does he know, I mean, Really???

A break in the rain meant we were outside with Tanner and his bubble blower, purchased by Nana and Papa. I have to say, it is very cool and I wouldn't mind having one for myself. Perhaps, if I am a very good girl this year, Santa will leave me one in my stocking. "Santa Baby, slip some bubbles under the tree for me." Yeah, I made that up...perhaps my husband knows more than I give him credit for. Oh, that hurts to admit.

My parents have the PERFECT hill at the side of their house. Had the ground not been wet, I might have found it the right time to show Tanner how to roll down it. Remember doing that as a child?? Remember doing that in high school, with your friends, during rehearsal for Oklahoma? Perhaps I have said too much? Even though the ground was wet, Tanner and Grandpa still had a blast running up the hill and down the hill, up the hill and down the hill, up the hill and down...well you get the picture.

Monday, we went to the Sedgwick County Zoo. According to their website they are the 18th largest zoo in the country. I love zoos and I particularly loved this one. The animals were very well cared for, and I felt like I was actually in their natural environment. I have a bazillion pictures that I could post from the day, but I picked a couple of my favorites for your viewing pleasure.

I adore the shot of the gorillas, Dad. AND I am kinda fond of the one with my boys in it as well. Thanks you guys for an awesome weekend and for helping us make memories that we will never forget. Tanner misses you...I miss you (Rocky misses April), and we can't wait to do it again soon.

Happy Anniversary

Jeremy, today we celebrate our anniversary. It has been five amazing years of love and laughter and sharing. What an adventure! Every year has just gotten better, and I am looking forward to the next five years, knowing they will be filled with just as much fun as the last have been. I love you.

Now enough of that mushy stuff! (Hey, he's not a mushy kinda guy!) So, we're super excited about our trip this weekend. It will be so nice to spend some time together...and we'll have plenty of car time! We are also really excited about our new house. Some of you may already know, but we signed the contract last week and our closing is the 8th of August. We've picked out all of our Interior and Exterior selections, we bought some new things for our bedroom, and let Tanner pick out new bathroom accessories. When we were out there last weekend I took some "before" pictures for you all to see what will be the new Bradshaw home, come this fall. Here it is for your viewing pleasure...414 Cherokee Path.

Here is a view from the street. It's on a corner lot...the largest on the street.

And this is a view of part of the living room. The large opening in the middle is where the fireplace is going to go. And now, we just need volunteers to come and move furniture with us...any takers???

T-Shock

Today I am twenty seven and a HALF years old. Tee hee. This is something my brother and I used to make a HUGE deal of. We thought it was VERY cool that my half birthday is a day before his birthday and that his half birthday is a day after my birthday. I was thinking about the best time to call him tomorrow and the memory just popped into my head. I will accept love in lieu of presents...gracious aren't I.

So seriously, my baby brother will be twenty six tomorrow. I love him lots. This is the boy that I have protected vehemently since I was a very little girl. You mess with Hondo, you're messing with me! I really, truly once beat the snot out of a kid with a jump rope in my brother's honor. I would do it again.

My brother is cooler than I am. He goes by T-Shock, or The Shock and actually gets away with it, he still calls me "p". He is funny and sweet and he likes the color orange. Wish him well on his birthday, for he deserves the best!

A Wonderful Mother

God made a wonderful mother.

A Mother who never grows old;

He made her smile of the sunshine,

And he molded her heart of pure gold;

In her eyes he placed bright shining stars,

In her cheeks, fair roses you see;

God made a wonderful mother,

And he gave that dear mother to me.

Pat O'Reilly

A very Happy Mother's day wish goes out to all the wonderful mothers I know. To my own beautiful mother...I love you, I admire you, I thank God everyday that you are who you are. You are my inspiration and my best friend. I see so much of you in me, and I couldn't be more proud. I only hope that I can be half the woman you are and that I can raise my children the way you and Dad raised Hondo and me. I wish that I could be with you this weekend as planned, but I will see you very soon.

Happy Cinco de Mayo

Wanna Be a Balla

Tanner and I played some basketball in the backyard last week. He's WAY better than I am. I decided to just showcase his skills in this video...no one wants to see Mommy missing baskets, right??

Buenos Thursday

The following is an actual letter written by an actual person to an actual editor. I hope this woman isn't raising one of our country's future leaders. Heaven help us if she is.

I am currently uploading a video on you tube that I hope to post later...if it doesn't take until tomorrow!! Our computer is soooo slow. For now I will leave you with a picture of my boys (ALL of them) lounging on the couch and taking in some Basketball (I can't WAIT until it's OVER for the season).

Tannerisms...Part Three

Tanner on Mommy's new job: (Practically crying) "Why aren't you going back to your old job anymore???"
Mommy tries to explain things like being happy where you work and sometimes needing to give up something you've done for a long time so that you CAN be happy, and of course there's the MORE MONEY part.
Tanner on MORE MONEY: "So you can buy me more toys?"
Like there was anything else!


Tanner on having to wake up early this morning so that Mommy could be at work on time: "But Mommy, it's only fifteen o' clock."
"I know Tanner, we usually get up at "twenty o'clock", but Mommy has to be at work earlier now."

Tanner on the big, beautiful jetted tub that comes in Mommy and Daddy's new bathroom at the new house: "I can have your bathtub and you can have mine...it's ok, I don't mind"

Ummmmm, NO...a girl's gotta draw the line somewhere!

Tanner on Basketball practice: "I am going to practice ALL THE TIME."
Mommy: "Good job Tanner, that will make you really good!"
Tanner: "Yeah and hot chicks will like me"
(Note to self...have sit down with Jeremy--bring duct tape)

I am so very lucky to be that little boy's Mommy. I adore him. Tanner presented me with his very first free pizza certificate he received from Book It for Beginners. Treasured times, people! I remember going to Pizza Hut with MY mom and using my Book It pins.

It's 8:40, it's bedtime...I had forgotten how very early 5:45 can come (especially if you have stayed up until midnight the night before). Remember the semester I took a seven a.m. french class??? Who WAS that girl???

SHINE

Today, I am GLOWING with all the beautiful things that are happening in my life. Sara's comments about a new job, a new home, and a new life are right on. I feel so peaceful right now, so at ease with the way things are turning out. I will admit that in the last few weeks, I have done my share of worrying. Worrying about leaving the Miller Companies, worrying about whether I was making the right decision about Tanner's educational needs, worrying about if we were ready to buy our first home...and I might even go so far as to say that sometimes I enjoy being able to worry. It keeps life exciting and it gives me something to do.

Joyce Meyer nailed me to the wall last night! It was one of "those" sermons. You know, the kind that make you feel like you are the only person in the room, and she is speaking directly to you?? (A little background for those of you who haven't already heard: Joyce Meyer spoke at James River Assembly last night in front of a crowd of 3500 beautiful women...myself included. It was a time of amazing worship and praise and inward reflection for all who were there. In a word it was phenomenal.) I mean, she even specifically mentioned the whole school issue that I have been facing...public schools, christian school, home school??? I have been worrying about something that won't even need to be addressed until next year! I have been praying on it and have really felt that I just wasn't getting a clear answer as to what decision I should make. She told us a story about a man who was having the same troubles. He had an important decision to make and prayed and prayed and still had no idea what to do. One night he had a vision of a road that came to a fork, and he could choose to go to the right or the left, he stood there pondering it for a while and then God clearly spoke to him and said, "No matter which path you choose, I will be with you." I was stunned by the simplicity of that answer which seemed to make everything that I have been worrying about melt away.

I have complicated things with my worry, enough that I forgot that God is with me every step of each new journey and that if I should make the wrong decision, he won't let me get too far before he reminds me. When I let go of all of that stuff that holds me back and clouds my mind, I can really truly shine...with the grace and peace that only God can give. So that's what I am going to do. I am going to embrace the newness of my world and Shine. I am going to trust that I am capable of making the right decisions and trust even more that if I don't God will smack me upside the head and redirect me.

In September, I am going to St. Louis for a three day women's conference at which Joyce Meyer will speak again. Why don't all of the beautiful women in my life meet me there, and we will be blessed together.

I am zonked! ZONKED I tell you. And I never lie. This is the third week in a row that we have seriously been house hunting. From two to four we shop til we drop. We seem to have honed in on one particular town. The thriving metropolis of Clever, Missouri. I think it has a little over one thousand people and is about a fifteen minute drive from Springfield (5 from Republic). I have become pretty insistent that I don't want Tanner to be in the Springfield school district, and since Jeremy is even more insistent that he doesn't want to move back to Joplin...our compromise was somewhere on the outskirts of Springfield...I lost on this one folks, it's not REALLY what I want. The houses are new, and the prices are way cheaper than anything we could get here. We have compared similar size houses in both towns and Springfield runs about 20 thousand higher. The lots in Springfield are so high!

So we've been looking and I have been telling myself not to get too attached to anything just yet, since we don't talk to a lender until later this week. Today, I fell hard. Jeremy did too. We walked into a brand new home and our jaws just dropped. It's a lot smaller than what we are in now (by about 500 sq ft.) but the interior was gorgeous and we really do have too much house here. We found ourselves in the living room mentally arranging the furniture and picturing cozy nights in front of the fireplace. It's a steal people. I want it...badly.

On another subject...F-I-V-E days left. I have to admit that now that my last day is getting so close that I am a little scared about what the future holds. But, I am going to hold my head up high and walk in preparing to do the very best that I can do. Five Days.

Jeremy is snoring on the couch behind me and I feel like doing the same, so for now, I will sign off and be on my way to bed. I think I will leave hubby on the couch tonight, then there will be more room for me ;) G'night all. We love you.

I'm not one to brag, but...

Here's what four days with a great Preschool teacher can do. I am so darn proud of my little boy. There is no more room left on my refrigerator to place the glorious things that he is bringing home. Next week he will have his first computer lesson...then I think the week after that he is announcing his plans to run for President. I love him.

The Final Countdown

8 days, that's it people, 8 days. I told myself this at work today after hanging up from a particularly yucky phone call (those of you who want to play can guess who I was talking to...winner gets a prize. HINT--I think they are the center of the axis of evil...and GO). In 8 short days I will pack my belongings into a box and be done. Matt called me into his office today to tell me how much he was going to miss me...I almost threw up on his shoes.

Tanner is on day two of preschool and is doing splendidly. Today "the Zoo Lady" brought in a rabbit and a bird for the kids to see. Now he is all psyched about going to the zoo...but not with Mom and Dad. Apparently we are no fun. He told me on the way home, "I don't want to go with YOU, I want to go with your mom and dad." So we called Nana and Papa when we got home to inform them that Tanner was ready for another trip. He LOVES Nana and Papa and I have learned that I will NEVER be as cool as them, but that's ok.

Tanner had some popcorn before bed tonight and he put his bowl on the counter and came up to me with his little hand clenched.

Mommy: What's in your hand?

Tanner: Popcorn seeds, I am going to take them and plant them and grow a BIIIIIG popcorn tree.

:0)

We have deposited the seeds in a plastic baggy until we can plant them this weekend. I love having a four year old! I only wish he would stay four forever.

We'll end this post with a humorous story (at my expense, of course). Those of you who know me best will appreciate me at my most graceful. Yesterday, I was at work trying to get caught up on some of my filing (nothing too bad, just accounting stuff from last fall!!!). I was sitting on my heels and reaching into the back of the bottom drawer of my filing cabinet. I went to grab a file, but alas, my hand was stuck. And I mean S-T-U-C-K. Somehow my wedding ring had gotten wedged in between the next drawer up and the files in the drawer I was in. And the drawer was so full that I couldn't push the files back far enough to dislodge the rock on my ring. I was hopelessly trapped and trying to figure out just how I was going to carry the cabinet home with me when Chyna walked by me.

Now I should mention that I hadn't asked for help yet because I was too embarrassed for anyone to see me stuck in my filing cabinet. Chyna, of course, wanted to know why I was looking so incredibly uncomfortable and quietly so no one else could hear, I told her. What a sympathetic friend she is...she immediately burst out laughing at my predicament. I hate her. After shooting her the "I will set you ablaze with a mere glance" look she came over and removed some of the files from the cabinet so that I could remove my hand. Happily freed I went to stand up and was immediately overcome by a foot cramp. I could feel my foot curling up underneath itself but could do nothing to stop it. So I shrieked and began hopping around on one foot.

Right about that time, Todd, one of the construction guys walked into the office. Oh, an audience, I must perform! Luckily for them, my boot heel got caught in the cuff of my pants and turned my hopping into what I imagine looked like some kind of eighties free style dancing or Indian fertility ritual. I was trying to find ANYTHING to grab onto, my arms were flailing madly, and nothing was in reach. So on and on I twirled and hopped around like a professional ballerina right up to the point that I fell over the corner of my desk (where was THAT when I needed something to grab on to??). Thankfully the floor broke my fall.

I lay there boot heel still trapped in my pant cuff waiting for the floor to open up and swallow me whole. I looked up at Chyna and Todd who had said nothing...it was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop. "I'm ok", I managed to choke out, "Just gimme a second." Then the snickering started. I shot a scathing look at the two of them...but it didn't work. The snickering grew into full on choking laughter. Todd came around the desk to help me up and was laughing so hard there were tears streaming down his cheeks. I, completely in control and with GREAT dignity, got to my feet and primly sat down in my chair. I was trying to be cool and act a little wounded that they would laugh at my expense...this lasted all of two seconds and then I was howling right along with them. Today Todd left a note on my computer that included a list of emergency contact numbers, and Chyna called me "Crash" all day. But I don't mind...cause in the end I am way cuter than Chyna and not quite as hairy as Todd.

Love me, people, just love me. I am helplessly clumsy and not very good at math. I sing loudly in the car and sometimes I even dance (white girl...very white!), I am afraid of spiders and mice and can't broil things in the oven. But I am adorable and highly entertaining...so love me.

Happy Easter, Family!

I may be a day late on the Easter post, but I truly hope that you all were blessed with a wonderful Easter Sunday. I love celebrating Christ's triumph over the grave. He is Risen Indeed! Easter is one of my favorite holidays...first and foremost because of it's beautiful story, and also because it is smack in the middle of Spring, and I love Spring time. Flowers are blooming, trees are budding, birds are singing. New life is everywhere I look and it is beautiful. Springfield is especially beautiful in the Spring, I can honestly say that I don't think I have ever lived in another town that was quite as pretty.

But enough about me...now onto the reason you all are really here. My darling four year old boy! Let the pictures commence.

Here you see The mad scientist (complete with costume) preparing dye to color Easter Eggs.

And onto the actual dying of said eggs...

We had to do the hunting in coats this year...Last year I believe we were in shorts.

I tried really hard to get Tanner to hold still so that I could get a couple of shots of him in his Easter outfit, but after all the candy he had that was a definite no go. Before the weekend ended he was the proud recipient of three Easter Baskets. Here he is in a moment of calm (thank goodness, I almost had to get out the tranq gun!!)

We had a Really fantastic Easter together, but we wish we could have been with the rest of our family as well. We love you all!!

Didn't Get the Memo

Well people, today is April 6th. Tanner and I spent the better part of the day snuggling under covers, indulging in some SpongeBob and watching the snow flakes fall from the sky. EXCUSE ME, OLD MAN WINTER...YOU'RE DONE FOR THE YEAR...TAKE A BREAK!!! Apparently he didn't get the memo. I think we will be hunting Easter eggs in coats this year...blech!

I found THE preschool today. I have given them the "one time, non-refundable application fee" and Tanner will begin on the 16th. It's called A Touch of Nature. Once a week the "zoo lady" comes and brings animals for everyone to see; every other week a lady comes in and teaches the children how to use a computer (Tanner is tres excited!); and then also once a week a gymnastics teacher comes in for some gym time. It will cost us a little more than what we were paying Carol, but I really think it will be money well spent. He's so giddy he can hardly stand it. I'm glad, because this transition will not be easy...on me. So knowing Tanner is happy will help.

I have really been struggling with leaving Carol. I was talking to Michele about it and she said something that made sense to me. I'm not struggling so much with him not being at her house as I am with how I feel about her illness. She reminded me that I would have to deal with THAT in a completely different way. She's definitely right about that! Carol is finally out of the hospital and I haven't been able to walk out of her house this week without crying. Thankfully, she has been asleep every time I've been there so she hasn't seen the tears, but I apparently have a lot of issues I need to face.

Tomorrow is the long awaited Baby shower for Kayla and Kurt. Little Easton Dale will be here in May! I shall come back from the shower armed with cutsie pictures and more than likely pregnancy envy. I also want to get Tanner's Easter pics finished for your viewing enjoyment. His little outfit is adorable! Well, it is officially time to go and tuck TW into bed. Check back tomorrow night for pictures...I promise they will be here. Hecklers!

Groovin'

I am dancing. You can't see me, but I am gettin' down with my bad self. (step, bump, step, bump bump, kick ball change, pas du beret, pas du beret, step, clap--I know at least ONE of you knows what I am talking about....SARA) I am in the sort of euphoric state that can only be brought on by Starbucks coffee, a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup, or an icy cold Diet Dr. Pepper.

I. GOT. THE. JOB

Let that sink in for a moment and then join me in the dance. It's ok to groove a little. I have been groovin' all day. This means that in 17 (working) days, I will leave the Miller Companies and all that is evil about it behind me. I shall walk away from this place that has drained me and will never look back. Good Riddance. For the first time in a year, my shoulders don't feel as heavy when I think about work tomorrow...there is finally a light at the end of the tunnel.

Don't get me wrong, there are things that I will miss about my job---well, mostly the people. I have enjoyed the casualness of the office where the guys say whatever they feel like saying...and "grout testing" is practiced on a regular basis. I will miss the fun little games that Chyna and I play to make the days go by more quickly. I will miss Michele depending on me to eavesdrop in on Matt and Kim's conversations. I will miss finding random pictures of shirtless male office personnel on my computer desktop. I will miss paging Chris to inform him that his herpes medication has been delivered. I will miss making coffee.....NOT!!

I will not miss Matt, or Kim, or the stress of being in the same room as people like them. I will not miss having my hard work turned in as someone Else's. I will not miss being underpaid and overworked. I will not miss downtown traffic or having ceiling tiles fall on my desk. I will not miss the smell of cigarette smoke wafting up from the bar downstairs. I will not miss walking on eggshells because of overly sensitive people who HAVE to be complimented each and every day in order to feel like they are worth something. I will not miss crying over a job that simply isn't worth it.

I am celebrating 2007 and all the new beginnings it is offering me. Celebrate with me.

PS
I am keeping my stapler!!!

This Week or "Why I have been banned from Press Releases"

This last week was a very busy but wonderful week for me. There's just a lot going on both here at home and at work. Let's review...shall we?

Monday, I had an interview and assessment for a NEW JOB. It went really well and I was able to find out a lot about the company. It is appealing to me for many reasons...the biggest reason being that in as little as a year I could be telecommuting from my own home office (home office provided by the company). That means that when TW starts kindergarten, I will be able to do what I have ALWAYS wanted to do...which is be here the second he gets home.

Tuesday, I drove (like a woman possessed) to Mount Vernon to meet Dad for dinner. I love getting to spend time with my family, even if it is only for a meal...and Tanner LOVES to hang out with Papa. Those two are silly together and a lot of fun to watch. MY PARENTS SPOIL MY CHILD. He adores them.

Wednesday and Thursday were kind of quiet. Although Thursday I helped write my very first (and last) press release. This week we closed on the Howsmon's building in Joplin. Whenever we close on a project like that, we always issue a press release to the appropriate news media. Janet used to do that. But Janet left us--so Chyna and I tried to muddle through it. She did the majority of the work and used me as her word placement, grammar and pretty word person. You can read parts of this press release in today's issue of The Joplin Globe . You will not, however, read my BEST contribution to the piece. It got booted...and then I think I was banned from ever writing a press release again. Chyna needed a quote for the article from "Matt". We were kind of making jokes about it and she came up with "We are really cool and we think Joplin is really cool so it is a natural fit" I came up with "We think Joplin is off the heezey and we can't wait to rock this mother out." It was deemed unworthy for the press release. But you all know that MY quote is WAY better than what ended up in the paper. What can I say, my company has no sense of humor. Nazis!

Friday, I had a second interview with United Health Group. It was a phone interview, which I hate. But I took the time to prepare and again did well and have another interview scheduled for Wednesday evening at 6:00 pm. YIPPEE!!!

Today, Tanner and I are just chilling. He is building a castle with some blocks and playing with the puppies and I am...well blogging. Did you catch that??? I said "puppies". For those of you who haven't heard yet, we ended up keeping the chihuahua. Erma loved him! But Wayne could not be persuaded to keep him. Bummer--but somehow when Jeremy said "let's buy my Grandma a puppy", I knew this was going to happen. He is a cutie though, and when my boys look at me with their big blue eyes and they pout, I can't turn them down. And they BOTH do this frequently. I am such a sucker.

Tanner just informed me that he wants to play outside, so I am off to get dressed and have some fun in the sun with my favorite little guy. Check back later for pics of our day.

Can we keep him??

Today, we bought a Chihuahua. Technically, he is not ours. He is a birthday present for Jeremy's Grandma Erma. Of course there is a chance that tomorrow when we drive to Preston to deliver him that she rejects him and he returns home with us. But how can you reject this little cutie???

Jeremy decided he wanted to name him Rocky, because it looks like he has two black eyes. I suggested we call him Balboa, if that was the effect he was really after. Tanner said, "Let's name him Freddy!" Then I remembered he's not really ours to name...so for tonight he is just "puppy". Kinda cute isn't he?? At nine weeks old, he weighs in at just over a pound, and he is a little spit fire. For the last hour or so, he's been growling at Daisy and the cats (if you can call it growling). It is TOO adorable.

As you can see, Tanner loves him already. We made sure to tell him up front that this was not OUR puppy...I'm not entirely sure he was listening. But for now we are all enjoying having him in our home. Tomorrow will be a sad day.

So for those of you I haven't told yet, Monday I have a job interview at 2:30. I wasn't really actively looking for a job, but I happened on this one and I think I would really enjoy it. So send lots of prayers my way. It is really past time for me to leave where I am, and this could be the start of a new chapter. I am putting it in God's hands though. And speaking of God, he wants me to be in church tomorrow and Shelly and I have decided to go to the EARLY service so Jeremy and I can get an earlier start to his grandparent's house, so I am signing off and heading for bed. Sweet Dreams.

T-Ball Tanner Style

The sun was out today, and Tanner and I took full advantage of it. He kept missing the regular t-ball, so he switched it up a little and played t-ball "Tanner style".

Thumbs Up, Mom!

How can you resist that grin???

It was nice to be outside in the warmth...I did a few videos today also. My intention is to post them even though you can hear me wheezing in the background. Thanks to those of you who called to make sure I was feeling better. I love you too!

DING--Round Two!

Thank you to whomever decided to pass what can only be called "the world's ickiest cold" back to me. It wasn't bad enough the first time!

Tonight, I feel worn...and yucky...and sorry for myself. SIGH! As a matter of fact, I am going to go and crawl into my warm, cozy bed, bury my head underneath my pillow, and let the NyQuil carry me off into dreamland. To the doctor who invented NyQuil...BLESS YOU! To the man who decided Kleenexes would be even better with lotion...YOU ARE WONDERFUL! To all of you who know exactly the ickiness of the cold I am speaking of because you too have had it...I REALLY feel for you. Being sick stinks! Let's boycott it! Yeah, I know. It's crazy talk--that's the NyQuil kicking in ;o)

Sweet Dreams all. I have high hopes that the next time I am here in blog land that I will be able to breathe from both nostrils. Ah the power of positive thinking. XOXOXO

In Like a Lion

March is here!! THAT means Spring is almost here...and I L-O-V-E Spring time. But as the saying goes, March came in like a lion this year. At 4 am on March 1st, tornado sirens were wailing here in Springfield letting us know that severe weather season was back. Since I am the responsible one, I padded out of my warm comfortable bed (after having been jumped on by a terrified four year old) and into the living room to monitor the storm on the radio. An hour later, satisfied that we were completely out of harm's way, I crawled back into bed. I predict many more of those storms this spring. We'll see if my intuition is correct.

Last night was terrific! My beautiful friends Sara and Steve came to visit us for the evening. A year and a half is WAY too long to go without seeing your best-est buddy. I miss her already. I FINALLY got to meet Barron, whom I simply adore. I'd kiss his sweet little cheeks a million more times if I could. Tanner adores Steve and thinks he is the coolest guy ever...maybe even almost as cool as Daddy. I wish you all could have seen those three boys playing with the Nerf guns and rough housing. It was too funny. After Sara and Steve's departure today, we crashed hard. There is nothing quite as satisfying as a long afternoon nap. Especially when it is cloudy and cold outside.

Now, we are simply relaxing. Jeremy is watching some bull riding ( huge eye roll at my husband's redneck ways), and I am surfing the web, downloading some tunes and editing some photos. Outside, I can hear the March wind howling...but inside 404 East Morningside, it is calm and quiet and toasty warm.

Tonight, I will SLEEP

Today, I finished my audits. There was a magnificent sense of completion. I love knowing that I started this gi-normous project and did all of it, without help from anyone. For the last three weeks, I have dreamed of numbers and missing invoices and computer crashes...but tonight I will sleep well. Speaking of work related stuff, Janet quit today. She walked out in a huff after having said what the rest of us would like to say to our boss. Chyna, Lisa and I helped her carry her things out to her car, wishing that we were packing up our desks too. GOOD FOR HER!

Tanner and I had a nice weekend. Saturday he helped me bake cookies. He really enjoys being my little helper. Then we just kind of lounged around. I also got to see Jeremy this weekend. He has been working so much that we just kind of pass each other on a daily basis. Sara, he did mention that he would stay home so he could see you this weekend. I think he likes you more than me ;-)

And since I am talking about people who are liked more than me...Everyday when I pick Tanner up from Carol's house we have a ritual we go through. As I am buckling him in his car seat, he always asks me, "Who's your favorite boy?" I say, "Tanner." Then I ask, "Who's your favorite girl?" And he says "Mommy." We've been doing this for a long time now...it's just a habit. Today, we got all the way to me asking him who his favorite girl was and he said "Dixie." Aunt Dixie has stolen his heart with one phone call. No one else matters now. I am fairly certain that if you called to talk to him and didn't have a sweet southern accent he might hang up on you. Sorry.

Well, Jeremy just walked in the door which means I have about an hour to talk to him before I go to bed, so I am off to visit with my hubby. Night night.

It's Happening!!

I think that I am getting old. I am mildly disturbed by this. I don't feel old, but apparently there are signs that indicate that I am no "spring chicken". Let me give you a few examples of what I mean.

1. Three years ago, the magazines I received in the mail were trendy and up to date...Cosmo, Vogue, Shape. Today, I received something called "Midnight Velvet" that showcases gaudy dresses, jewelry, and shoes. Everything in the magazine has beads on it or shoulder pads...I kid you not. And I have looked through it three times.

2. A cute guy called me ma'am today. Yup. I was so shocked I couldn't respond...I think he assumed my silence meant I was hard of hearing since he repeated what he had just asked me...only louder.

3. I have used Flex-All more than once this week. I suspect Jeremy thinks I have made a poor choice on some new perfume.

4. My last pair of shoes were purchased from an orthopedic store...they go with nothing and I wear them with everything.

5. I am empathetic to the plights of "The Golden Girls".

6. We are planning our five year anniversary trip, and I suggested seeing a Gospel show and a trip to a museum.

7. I am constantly looking for ways to get more fiber in my diet.

8. I have been watching movies...on Lifetime.

9. I enjoyed them.

10. And last but certainly NOT least, this morning an eighty year old woman with road rage and steel blue hair cut me off and used some inappropriate hand signals because I was going too slow.

It is official, I am pathetic and have no life outside my family and work. I am out of touch with the world around me...I am NOT fun. SIGH!!! I need a pick me up. Perhaps a visit from a friend, or a night out on the town. Sara, if you don't come see me, I may be doomed. I'll give you directions. We can go get Chinese food. Steve and Jeremy can go play pool and we'll do young, hip girly things. That is...if my hip isn't broken by then. SAVE ME!

Ah, L'amour!! Happy Valentine's Day everyone!!! I hope that each one of you is lucky enough to be with the one you love today.

Jules

February Fun!

Since fun is what I am all about lately, there was plenty to be had today if you were with the Bradshaws. I got to sleep in this morning--which for me is GREAT fun and almost unheard of. Jeremy and Tanner got up this morning and had some play time and Mommy snored the morning away. I got up at ten and got us ready for the noon service of church.

Tanner has been very reluctant to leave Mom's side and hasn't wanted to go to Children's Church. Today Shelly and I convinced him that he would have much more fun there...so with minimal tears, he went. Today's service was as good as the rest of them, and was the last sermon in "The Winning Hand" series. Next week we start a series called "Help." I am really looking forward to it.

After church, the Bradshaw family and Shelly went to Chuck E Cheese for lunch. It was Tanner's reward for being so super good all week long. Not that he isn't ALWAYS a perfect angel...but this week he was extra special perfect. It was very comical to watch the afternoon play out. Tanner ate his pizza and ran off to play in the jungle gym and left us adults to figure out how to get rid of eight bazillion tokens. Shelly and Jeremy fought off six year olds and played games until they were sick of them. I supervised Tanner and about eight other seemingly parentless children in the play area. One little boy, who looked to be about three came up to me and asked me if I had seen his Mommy. I wanted to cry. After three and a half hours we had finally had enough and left. Tanner had a great time...and I think Jeremy and Shelly did too. Kids at heart those two.

Currently, I am all tuckered out. Jeremy and Tanner have crashed on the couch, and I think I am going to head for bed early this evening. But NOT before I ask for volunteers to drive to Springfield on Memorial Day weekend. I need a babysitter...so if any of you know ANYONE who might be willing to spend some time with an incredibly cute and cuddly four year old who just happens to think that his Nana and Papa are the best in the whole wide world, let me know. We can make a deal.

Just Tanner

Chillin' In the Fort!

Tanner Loves Cirrus


Please sir, May I have some more?

I AM sitting!!



Sweet Dreams, Angel of Mine.

Everyone say a prayer for my tired, sick boy. Look how raw his nose is! Poor little man! I think he needs some of Nana's soup.

Winter Wedding

Today, Jeremy's younger cousin Kayla got married. Since the batteries in my camera died, I do not yet have any actual pictures of the wedding, but it was very nice. Kayla and Kurt had the ceremony at Drury Chapel (which was FREEZING). It was one of those short but sweet ceremonies that wedding guests everywhere have come to love. Jeremy and I got a good laugh at the minister's expense. It was very obvious that he had just met the couple (I think he was included with the chapel rental). And he had the bad habit of pausing.....in between.....his words. Tanner was on his best behavior, even though he was having the hardest time sitting still. He was also having a bit of a problem understanding why he wasn't the center of Kayla's attention. But Jeremy and I promised him a party at a Castle if he would behave...and we delivered.

The wedding reception was at Pythian Castle, and I have to say, it was wonderful. I am DEFINITELY going back soon to take a tour of the place. They occasionally have Murder Mystery dinners there, and I am more than ready to take part in one. Anyone care to join me?? It would be a blast. Anyway, back to the reception. Tanner thought it was the coolest thing in the world that he got to go to a castle and dance with girl in pretty dresses. Jeremy and I just sat back and watched him in action. He's a lady killer that one. SIGH. What am I going to do when he gets in school?

So since I was at the wedding today, that means I missed the Auto show and consequently Pedro. Sorry Dad. But I wanted you to have a little something anyway...so enjoy!!! And for the rest of you who may not be as into Napoleon Dynamite as Dad is...sorry. I love you all, and will be back soon.

I am a Red-liner

Have you ever sat in church and realized that the minister was speaking directly to you??? Of course you have, we all have. Well today, I discovered that I, Juli Bradshaw, am a red-liner. Today's sermon was titled "Know When to Hold 'em, Know when to fold em." In summary, it was all about how red-liners (people who are in danger of taking on too much and are never able to enjoy the moment because they are always thinking about what could happen tomorrow or the next day) need to let go and realize that God's purpose for our life does not include being stressed out all the time, but to have a beautifully balanced life centered on Him.

It really spoke to me...especially since I am not doing so great a job at remembering my word for the year...FUN. It made me wonder how many moments I have missed because I was caught up in something stressful going on at work or home. How many times have I only half listened to Tanner or Jeremy because I was thinking about all the bills I had to enter or because I was still trying to figure out why a loan wouldn't reconcile? I don't know an exact number, but it's really too many. Well, enough is enough. I FOLD! Sometimes losing a hand, can be a good thing! Oh and for the record, the praise and worship team sang "The Gambler" as we were all leaving...I thought it was a nice touch.

F-R-E-A-K-I-N-G OUT!

Tanner and I are home alone right now...as we typically are on Saturday nights. I don't usually mind being home alone, but tonight I am a bit freaked out. I keep hearing strange noises coming from one of the vents in the living room. Actually, it's the one right next to the computer. I can't believe I am even sitting here right now. If my instincts are correct, then I have a mouse. Let me say that again for those of you who dismissed it as NOT BEING A BIG DEAL. I HAVE A MOUSE! A tiny, furry rodent with big beady eyes and a long skinny tail is in all liklihood sitting in my vent right now....watching me, and waiting for the opportunity to scurry across the floor. Which, as you know, would only cause chaos. I am twenty seven years old, but let me paint a picture of what it might look like here if I actually were to see this mouse. Picture me, standing atop whatever piece of furniture happened to be closest (probably the couch), with whatever weapon I had available (if I had to guess an empty water bottle) being waved menacingly toward the offensive creature. I would most likely be jumping up and down on one leg and shrieking. Do you have a good mental image going? I know it might be silly to be afraid of a little mouse, but for whatever reason, they frighten me. When Marianne and I were in college and living at the Park, we had a mouse in our apartment one night. We completely freaked out and lured it onto the balcony with a slice of pizza. Then we shut the door and watched it as it tried to claw its way back in. I am guessing it was trying to seek revenge for being ousted. I still get the creepy crawlies when I think about it.

So you were all apparently tired of my Monday post and felt I had been neglecting you this week. I apologize. We've had a busy week here...still kind of dull, but busy. Jeremy got the yard cleaned up...which basically means he got to buy a chainsaw. He called me at work on Wednesday from Home Depot giggling because he had found one that he NEEDED. I couldn't really tell him no. Well, I could have...but then his grandmother would have had to loan us her chainsaw...and that means that she would actually have to come to the house...and THAT, my friends, is the only thing I fear worse than the mouse. I worked late a few nights this week. Michele and I haven't even started the 1099's or the W-2's that HAVE to be done next week. So on the nights that I wasn't working late I was in bed by 9 or 9:30. I am just very tired right now. I need to take a LONG nap...in a tanning bed or on a beach. I keep telling myself Spring will be here soon.

Gotta run. I just remembered that I have movies due back tonight and Jeremy doesn't want to go back out "into the freezing cold" since he just walked in the door, so I will have to go. I will update you all again very soon--and next time with pictures!!!

Another Monday has come and gone. Today was very quiet at the office and I got a lot done. Still not enough, but I felt like I had accomplished a great deal as I was crossing the last item off of my list. I even had time to rock out to some tunes while I was working.

I am really loving Pink's new song "U + UR Hand". It's another one of her angry girl songs...and Sara, you know how I adore angry girl music. It's probably because I grew up in the ghetto and was very under privileged. All those times that I had to take care of my seven siblings because my parents weren't around...Oh wait, that wasn't me...

Things are a bit slow around the Bradshaw ranch right now...nothing exciting in the least is going on. Although, last night, I almost C-H-O-K-E-D Jeremy. He didn't necessarily do anything wrong...I was just REALLY annoyed with everything yesterday. We were watching An American Haunting and he just didn't get it...and I absolutely abhor having to explain movies to people. It drives me bonkers. Anyway, the discussion ended with him STILL not getting the movie and me hatefully forbidding him to ever watch anything rated above a PG ever again. I might have overreacted. The movie wasn't even that good. I'll apologize later, and he'll probably forgive me.

Tanner and I had a good time this weekend. We rented some movies for him to watch and played with his new doctor set. He soooo didn't want to go back to Carol's this morning after being at home for a week. But I convinced him that he would have a lot of fun with his friends and told him he could take his Backyardigan's DVD. I am NOT above bribery people. I won, and he had a great time but was glad to get home for some cuddle time with Mommy. Or was it the other way around???

Well friends and family, it is currently 10:20, and I am fading quickly. Time to go and get some beauty rest. Sweet dreams to all of you, and don't forget to tune in for American Idol tomorrow night.

Buddies

Jeremy and Tanner have spent a LOT of time together this last week. Jeremy was home Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday with him while I was working. Carol is STILL without power...poor woman! Typically Jeremy works from 10 to 9 (or later) on Friday nights, but without a babysitter we've had to rearrange our schedules a little. So I worked an earlier schedule today so he could go in and work for a while tonight, and then he has to work Sunday to make up the rest of the hours. Tanner was NOT happy when Daddy left for work tonight. He sulked for about an hour and asked every ten minutes or so if Daddy would be home soon. It's official. Mommy is chopped liver and Daddy is the coolest guy in the whole wide world. But don't worry, I am already scheming of ways to win back Tanner's affection this weekend. Since Jeremy is working Saturday and Sunday I have 48 wonderful hours with my little boy. There will be forts and cartoons and dancing and LOTS of hot chocolate. With another snow storm coming through we might as well have all the fun inside that we can. This time, we have fire wood, and propane, and all things that we might need to stay warm. So wish us well and say a prayer for everyone here in Southwest Missouri who is still without power (HONDO!!!). I'll check in again soon.

We Made It!

Well everyone, the storm is FINALLY over and the Bradshaw's made it through. It was pretty miserable at times. When the temperature in your house is forty degrees, you haven't showered in days, and you can't move more than ten feet from each other without freezing, you tend to get a little testy. Tanner was bored out of his mind, and Jeremy and I were worried about keeping him warm...so needless to say there were a few tense moments, but the power is back on now, and the house is registering a FABULOUS 70 degrees. Tanner is sitting on the couch looking at some books and listening to his Backyardigans CD. I am at home today, since Tanner's babysitter is still without power.

This morning, I heard that there were 30,000 city utilities customers that hadn't yet been restored. There have been crews working around the clock to get everyone back up. The National Guard has been going door to door checking to make sure people are making it OK. I have heard that President Bush is allowing FEMA to come in to aid in the cleanup (which means that by August or so everything should be back to normal :o)!!!). Everyone is working so hard to help out...and I am incredibly grateful.

Aside from the limbs we will have to clean up (the picture above is a view from my front porch) and the one small hole in the roof, we're no worse for the wear. Thanks everyone for the prayers and the support. You are the most awesome family and friends a girl could have!

In the Daylight...

We made it through the rest of the night without too many more big limbs crashing down to the ground. But the daylight revealed a huge mess that will inevitably get bigger before it's all over with. Wave two and three are still to come!

Currently we still have power (obviously, since I am blogging). But there are 50,000 City Utilities customers who aren't so lucky. So today, while there seems to be a break, I am cooking enough food to get us through the weekend. You know, stuff that doesn't taste bad cold. Hey, if the power stays on, at least all I will have to do is reheat and eat!! I hope all of you are weathering the storm well. Stay warm!!!

The Ice Man Cometh

Um...the winter storm is here. With a vengeance. It is currently 3:25 a.m. on Saturday Morning and I am WIDE awake people! Oh come on, you know what it takes for something like THAT to happen. Well, my wake up call came in the form of an enormous branch crashing down on the roof directly above my bed. I spent some time on the front porch for a little while and it sounded a somewhat like the fourth of July outside. You can hear snapping, crackling, and popping from miles away. If I still have power tomorrow I will share some pictures with you. Our yard already looks like a war zone and they're saying it's only going to get worse. Actually, they are saying that this is the worst ice storm in 25 years. I guess we'll just have to see how it plays out. Well, I should probably try to get some more sleep...Tanner won't care if I have been up half the night. I just wanted to give you all a status update in case I can't check in later. Nighty Night all!

What Happened to the Pineapple Under the Sea???

Spongebob is on my ceiling. I'm not kidding. Apparently he has fled Bikini Bottom and is seeking solace above my love seat. Take a look.

He's been there all day and has managed to not come crashing down to the hardwood and what would ultimately be his death. Well, perhaps he hasn't been there all day. I think Tanner chucked him up there sometime just after noon...but still that's a LONG time.

So, if you have been expecting a phone call from me and haven't gotten one, don't fret. I am fine...better than fine, actually. But for the last week, my cell phone has been MIA. I found it at around three o' clock this afternoon wedged between some couch cushions. I also came across four dollars in change, a pair of scissors and a tangerine (you win a prize if you can tell me who I borrowed that bit from). I was so happy to find it. I learned that I CAN function without my cell phone--but that I never want to have to do it again. I do not have a single phone number memorized for anyone I actually call, however, I remember phone numbers of people I haven't spoken with in years. My theory is that seven or eight years ago, my brain filled up with all the information that it could hold and since then it has not been accepting any NEW information. Instead, I make lists of things I need to know and keep them in an easy to find spot. And of course phone numbers go in the phone. I can't tell you how many times I said, "I have to call my Mom and tell her that..." and now that I have my phone I can't remember what I wanted to say.

Also, to my father whom I love very much, for some reason I can't send you instant messages anymore (sniffle)--I think my MSN is possessed. I have tried to answer you every time you have talked to me this week, and I keep getting a "this message could not be delivered to the recipient" error. I tried re-adding you as a contact...so we'll see what happens. But I am not ignoring you.

Well people, it's time to say adieu for now. But I will be back a bloggin' soon, and I will DEFINITELY be calling.

January

Typically, I have a pretty negative attitude when it comes to the month of January. It has never been anywhere close to my favorite month of the year. I'm more of a September kind of gal. January is just YUCKY! It's gray and cold and I work fifty hours a week. Why??? Taxes. Need I say more? And it has begun. This year, I think Michele and I are doing the tax stuff for only 20 of the 27 Matt Miller affiliates so we'll get a break. (If you do not notice the sarcasm DRIPPING from that line, then you are not my true friend.) There are other things that I don't like about January...but it's complicated and do we really want to delve that far into my psyche? I think not.

Despite all the bad feelings and gloominess that I associate with January, I am going to make a real effort to make this one good. I had lunch with my friend Keisha yesterday. Every year for New Years, each member of her family picks out one word to describe the type of year that they want to have, and they make it their mantra for that year. This year, she picked "fun". I was a little surprised when she told me...not because it is out of the question...but because it's not something I would have thought of. But why not?? Why can't I wake up every day and think to myself, "today, I am going to have fun". I think it is because deep down I have told myself that being a responsible adult and Mommy that I am not allowed to have fun, now I have to be serious all the time. Poppycock and Rubbish. I told Keisha that I was going to steal her word for the year. Don't worry, she was ok with it. So this is my year of fun...how bout it ya'll, anyone up for joining me????

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year Everyone! May 2007 bring much joy and prosperity to all of you, may the Lord bless you richly, and may the love of your friends and family see you through every single day! We love you!

The Bradshaw Clan