Happy Thanksgiving!

Today, we went to my Aunt Nancy's.  It was wonderful.  Eating delicious food, feeding hens, playing Racko, listening to stories from my mom's childhood, catching up with cousins, sharing hugs and warmth and laughter and love.  

Tomorrow, Ben and I will spend a day to ourselves, going to the movies, enjoying a meal just for the two of us, shopping for furniture for our new house, taking a break from all of the moving chaos.  

Tonight, I will get in my car and drive to Shoe Carnival and wait in line until midnight in hopes to fight the masses and snag some boots I've been wanting for months that are ridiculously on sale.

Saturday, we will drive to Glasgow, celebrate Ben's sister's birthday, and prep for Thanksgiving #2 on Sunday.

I AM THANKFUL.

HOLLA - 

Finally...Our New House

So, I've been wanting to show you our new house. I wrote a draft for a blog I wanted to post several weeks ago, about how we always knew in our hearts that this was going to be our house, and we had total peace about it, and if you just listen to what God is telling you to do, you will also have peace.

 Oy, oy oy.

 Let's just say that that peace I had turned into stressful desperation. After the whole house inspection, there was quite a laundry list of things that needed fixing. See this blog for more details. Since the seller didn't come down as much as we would have liked her to on the price, we were feeling uneasy about all of the money that we would eventually spend fixing all of the things that needed fixing. And who knew what kind of underground network those termites were busy building. Our spirits were very low.

 Ben was thinking that renting a place for a few months might be a good idea. I was thinking about crying. I was not ready to let go of the house. Even though it had a lot of faults because of normal wear and tear, and a little because of owner neglect (although I'm not judging - who knows this lady's story), it still felt like OUR house to me. And deep down, I knew there was no other place in town that was more right for us than this house.

 We had another, more thorough termite inspection, and the guy who did it said that, although we had quite a healthy colony, they had not done any structural damage (yet) that he could tell. With correct treatment and upkeep, the house would be in great shape to buy. ...And that was the peace of mind we needed to move forward. So here we are, less than two weeks before closing, house full of boxes and piles of stuff to pack. Ben has been working so hard making arrangements to switch utilities, send the mortgage company the paperwork they need, get signatures, etc. He deserves an award for all of this leg work. And I am paralyzed.

All of our things are just staring me in the face going, "Are you going to pack me up or what?!?!" I am trying to do a little each day, but I end up spending most of my time sitting on the couch going, "Only (x) more days here." "Only (x) more drives to work from here." "This is Millie and my last Monday off together here." (I said that today.) And I just try to wrap my head around it. That we actually sold this fricking place. That we are REALLY moving. That I will be leaving the place that Kurt and I bought together 10 years ago. That we are finally getting a bigger house that will fulfill so many of our wishes. That we will have room for parties and get-togethers and holidays and maybe another baby (down the road)!!!

 So, although the last few weeks have been absolute hell and have given us more stress-induced headaches than anyone deserves in a lifetime, I do have peace. Now. And even when we weren't sure what was going to happen, and if this all would go through, I kept my eyes and ears and heart and soul open to all possibilities, and knew that God would lead us in the right direction. And it all worked out in the end. (Although I better not speak too soon before closing.) :-)

 So, do you want to see a picture of our new house? Do ya? Do ya?????

HOLLA - 

How to Lose Your Toddler

New House Update

We had our inspection on Monday.

Let's just say the peace we were previously experiencing about our new house has drastically dwindled.

There are termites.  Several places.  In the water heater closet.  In the sump pump closet.  In the fence.  Under the deck.  Yowzers.

There is radon gas at dangerously high levels.  Easy fix, I guess.  The seller's tab is getting higher.

There were many other little problems that come with a 22-year-old house that Ben can slowly fix.  But this termite thing is really throwing us for a loop.

The thing is that you can't really get in to see how much damage termites have caused unless you start ripping stuff up.  And we can't do that, because it's not our house.

Our realtor's broker suggested that we get a structural engineer in there to take a good look and see if he can identify any damage.  We hope this will give us some peace of mind.

But, we are not paying for a structural engineer to come, so the seller will have to agree to pay for it.  She is a nurse.  In Connecticut.  Who knows if she even has power, let alone the graciousness to pay for this structural inspection.

The worst stress comes from the fact that we don't have a plan B.  We don't have a rental lined up.  Not many places rent month-to-month.  There are no other houses in our area that we are interested in buying.  We can stay at my parents for free, thank you, God.  But getting Millie to daycare everyday from there and Ben and me to work would be a little tricky.

We are waiting for Ben to talk to the engineer to see if he will even be able to tell us more than the termite inspector.  If he thinks he can, and the seller agrees to pay for it, then he will inspect the house on Sunday.

I just.  Want.  To.  Barf.

I feel like God has put this house in our path because it is OUR house.  I feel that way every time I go in it.  But all of these problems are giving us serious doubts.

We are steadfastly praying for peace and direction.

(Grumble grumble grumble.)

HOLLA -

Update on An Old Friend

I finally heard back from my friend.

He is doing well!

He is glad I'm doing well.

He's so glad I wrote.

Life is good.

HOLLA -

Why I Don't Read Fiction

I checked out some books at the library the other day.  I mostly read non-fiction because I don't have much time to read, so when I do, I want to learn something and better myself, rather than be entertained.  The truth is, I have read many great fiction books.  When I was growing up, I loved reading Stephen King.  And just recently I finished the Hunger Games trilogy and I thought they were some of the best books I've ever read.  

The problem is that, when I go to the library, I have hundreds of stupid-looking fiction books staring me in the face, most of them with beach scenes and people holding each other in scandalous positions and I know that behind 90% of them is crap.  I know this because I will pick one off the shelf and start reading the first few pages, or even just the jacket.  And the crap flows out like an overflowing toilet.  Any time I go to the library to randomly check out a fictional book, I leave empty handed.  I'm too afraid of wasting my time.

If someone recommends a book, then I will try it, because it must be half decent if so-and-so liked it.  It would help if I was in some sort of book club, probably, and then I could just read what everyone else was reading and the pressure would be off.

So I tried reading this fiction book, the middle one in the pile, and I lasted about three pages.  It was profane and I just couldn't attach myself to the main character, and I gave up.

Now it's on to Donald Miller, who is a brilliant writer of books that I own and have read and have loved.  This book is about his memoir being turned into a movie, and the whole life-changing process he went through.  I love this stuff.  I love other people spilling their guts for real, because that's what life is all about for me.  I don't do small talk, or coast through on the whipped cream of life.  I like to live down in the coffee grounds, and everyone who knows me knows this to be true.

So, if anyone out there knows any good fiction stories that are worth their weight in crap, please enlighten me.  I would gladly accept your challenge, and report back on how you changed my imaginary world for the better.

HOLLA -

Ready for the Weekend

 I think we are ready for Halloween.

This weekend, we are going to Ben's brother and sister-in-law's for their annual Halloween party.   Then, we will spend the night at Ben's dad's.  Ben has been so stressed with work and house stuff that his head is ready to explode.  Going home will be just the ticket.  

We finally got our Halloween costumes figured out.  (Why is it so hard to figure out what YOU'RE going to be when you have kids?)  Millie is going to be a bee, me, a witch, and Ben an aircraft carrier.  (Wait 'til you see his internet-inspired cleverness.)  If you think you can imagine how cute Millie is in her bee costume, well...you just can't.  

We have had quite the few past weeks here at the Haskamp house.  We had Ben's sister and her kids spend a few days with us last weekend, and it was such a blessing.  They are great kids and she is a great SIL who we definitely don't get to spend enough time with.  Last week, I had my second of nine programs for the year, and it was Amazeballs.  I am really in the zone with teaching right now and it is indescribable.  Then, I got to celebrate my oldest bestie Carrie's birthday by going to the movies with her.  Pitch Perfection.  :-)  

And...we bought a house.  I really, really, REALLY want to show it to you, but I'm afraid to because we have the inspection on Monday and we want to make sure everything goes well with that.  But then....

Also, I can't stop thinking about Thanksgiving.  Maybe it's the turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing I keep dreaming about.  Really, though, I think it's knowing that a LOT of family time is coming up.  I am craving time with our families like never before, like I crave the sea.  I want to be in the presence of my grandma and my aunts and lay on comfy couches with a full belly, and laugh and play games and be happy.  Soon.  Soon.

HOLLA - 

We Are Not Moving.

The other day, something amazing happened.  Something that I have been waiting for for ten years.  Something just up the road, about a mile, came into existence, and changed everything.  And my life will never be the same.

We got a brand new, third generation QuikTrip.

It's so monumental that it's almost worth canceling the sale contract on our house.  Almost.

It's one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen.  I have stood in the Hall of Mirrors in the Palace of Versailles, and I have watched the sun set on the shores of Kauai's golden sand, but I have never witnessed such perfection as a brand-new QuikTrip with rows and rows of processed goodness.

 The best part is, there is a counter in the back where you can order ice cream.  ICE CREAM!  I am not talking about Klondike bars or frozen drumsticks.  I am talking about people behind the counter who take your order and put Fro-Yo in a cup FOR YOU!!!!

 And you don't even tell them what you want.  You order on this little touch screen that asks you what size, what kind, and what you want in it.  Then it spits out a little receipt and you take it to the front counter.  I know this is very anti-communicative, but imagine that you are having a really crap day and you roll into QT in your sweatpants.  You don't want to talk to anyone or fake a smile, you just want to get your frigging ice cream and wallow in it.  So you go to the little touch screen and type in your order and get your non-fat vanilla with two scoops of M&M's and no one gets hurt.  Don't you see how BRILLIANT this is!?!?!?!?

I'm sure you can imagine how embarrassed Ben was when I was jumping up and down and taking pictures in the new QT while everyone else was just going about their business and acting normal.  Fortunately, he understands my obsession and was silently celebrating with me.  

So, we may not move after all.  Okay, we are still moving.  But if something falls through, I'll only be disappointed until I remember this little diamond shining at the corner of 40 Highway and Lee's Summit Road.  

Be still, my beating, over-caffeinated heart.

HOLLA - 

Happy Birthday, Ben!

Last Sunday, October 7th, was Ben's birthday.  He started out sleeping in, and came downstairs to some gifts on the table.  Amelia wrote on her own card, as you can see.  

Then we ate breakfast.  I'd like to tell you that I made Ben a delicious breakfast of his choosing, but that would be a lie.  I suggested French Toast, because it sounded good (and Ben didn't have any requests of his own), and then I suggested that Ben make it because he is waaaay better at making French Toast than me, and I didn't want to botch breakfast on his birthday.  He loves to cook, anyway.  Win-win.  

Then we sat around and did lots of relaxing.  Amelia even shared a bink and a blankie with her daddy.

Then we decided we better get our lazy buns up and do something fun, so we went to the Missouri Town Fall Festival near our house.  It was a beautiful day, and this festival was great. 

There was music, dancing, woodworking, crafts, food, people wearing old stuff pretending to be from a long time ago (I can't remember what those people are called.  Reenactors?), animals, fun kid stuff...it was really great.  There were lots of people playing hammered dulcimers.  I almost died.  In my lifetime, I will own and learn to play one of these very, very well.

 

We also drove around and looked at houses, and even went to an open house.  (We didn't like it.)  I was hoping Ben would choose someplace to eat out for dinner, because I didn't want to cook and I'm always looking for an excuse to go out to eat.  But, in true Ben fashion, he said, "I'm fine with just going home and eating leftovers."  LAME!  But, it was his birthday, so that's what we did.  (Boo hoo.)

I am so proud to call this guy my husband.  He is a wonderful, caring, kind, funny, loving, righteous man who is THE best father to our daughter that I could ever imagine.  And, he loves the heck out of me.  That counts for big points in my book.  

Happy Birthday, Ben...I love you.

HOLLA - 

An Old Friend

I had a dream last night about an old friend.

(Yes, I am blogging about my dreams again.  When you have a 17-month-old who still wakes up occasionally for a binkie check, you tend to stay in that dream state for most of the night.)

Anyway, this is not the first time that I have dreamt about this old friend.  I dream about him every few months or so.  I can go a long time without one and then, all of the sudden, out of nowhere, here it comes.

The dream usually goes something like this.  We are together with our friends, and I see him.  I am worried because I think he is mad at me.  I don't want him to be mad at me anymore.  So I go over and talk to him, or try to make eye contact with him.  Eye contact is funny, if you knew this friend and our stories.

Sometimes in the dreams, he talks to me.  Other times, he just looks at me and gives me a head nod, and that is enough.

I dream about this old friend because there is an open wound in my heart.  Something happened years ago that made him mad at me.  He thinks I contributed to the end of a relationship he was in.  It was destined to end anyway, but the damage was done.  And it's never been the same.

I didn't invite him to my second wedding.  He played and sang in my first.  I don't talk about him when I bring up my best friends.  He will always be one of them.

This old friend has lots of friends.  He is one of those people who attracts other people to him instantly.  I'm sure he has a whole new life now, and I guess I do too.  But he was a huge part of a snapshot in time that was the best time, without a doubt, of my whole life.  

Sometimes I try to contact this old friend, but he never responds.  Today, instead of just feeling sad about it, I emailed him.

"Hi, how are you?  I haven't talked to you in a very long time.  I hope you are well.  If you are ever in town, you are always welcome at my home."

I don't really know what else to do.  Sometimes things happen, and life goes on.  But there are people who I love and care for in the deepest depths of my soul, and because of what we have been through, I can't imagine that love ever dying.

I love this friend.  Even if we never speak or see each other again, and even if he is still mad at me, or even if he simply doesn't want to be my friend anymore, I will always love him.

Someday, hopefully, my wound will be healed.  

HOLLA -

It's a Miracle!

We got an offer on our condo last Sunday.

Ben and I couldn't believe it.  We thought we would never get out of here.  Our realtor told us we better start getting serious about looking for a new house.  I thought, "This is the place in this process I've been waiting to get to for sooooo long."  Then we prayed lots of prayers of thanksgiving.  They were more like shouts and leaps in the kitchen, actually, but I'm guessing God was pleased just the same.

Then I started to worry.  "What if we can't find the right house?  How will we know what school is best for Amelia?  What will our neighborhood be like?  What if our neighbor doesn't take care of his lawn/has a mean dog/parks lots of cars in the driveway/has loud parties?"  This worry overtook my joy.

Then we got some news.  The buyer is a veteran and he wants to take out a VA loan to buy our place.  But our condos aren't VA approved.  This is a problem.  Maybe even a deal breaker.

I see the dream of new home ownership quickly start to fade.  It doesn't look good for this VA loan.  Our realtor starts the process of figuring out how to get our condo home association VA approved.  This could take days/weeks/months/never happen in a million years.

We stop looking for houses.  As my mom said, the "carrot was dangled right in front of our faces" and there was nothing we could do about it.  We waited for news.  All week.

Finally on Friday, I started to forget and relax.  I wasn't checking my phone and email every 30 minutes to see if there were any updates.  When I got home from work, our realtor called.

"He's going conventional," she says.  "He wants to get a VA loan, but he can do conventional.  Things will move quickly now.  Get out there and find some houses."

More dancing in the kitchen ensues.

So what have I learned so far in this experience?  Appreciate and enjoy every moment of the good.  This is not the time to fret over all of the things that could go wrong while looking for and purchasing a new home.  This is a time to be thankful and rejoice because we are most likely getting the !#$% out of here.  We're not out of the woods yet, but things are definitely looking up.  We are going to an Open House today, and will get really serious next Saturday for sure.  This is happening, people.  We may be setting up our Christmas tree this year in our next home.  Thank you, God.

HOLLA -

p.s. - Happy Birthday today to my wonderful husband, Ben.  More on his big day later....

Why Didn't I Get a T-Shirt!?

Remember these characters?  The college buddies I love so much and have so much affection for?

Well, they're all on my list.  I had a dream two nights ago that we were all out of town at someone's wedding, and Abby had some t-shirts made for everyone to wear to the reception. (Good call, Abs.)  :-) And I'm at the reception, with my friends AND my whole family, and in walks this huge group of people with Maria at the helm, wearing these damn t-shirts.  And guess who didn't know anything about it?  Guess who DIDN'T get one?

ME!!!!!

I was so mad and embarrassed.  How was I the only one who didn't know about the t-shirts?  Even BEN had one on!!!!

I went to where my family was sitting at a big round table, and they were all so happy.  I should have just forgotten about the snub and sat with them and enjoyed myself.  But instead, I went back and made ugly faces at all of my friends who were wearing the shirts.  (They weren't even that cool looking.)

I think Abby and Elise were scrambling at this point to find an extra t-shirt, but it was too late.  I was the only loser who didn't get one.

So, to all of my so called "friends" at the wedding, THANKS A LOT.  My feelings were really hurt.  And sorry, mystery couple, for being pissed off at your wedding.  I hope you liked my gift.  I'm sure it was the biggest, most expensive one.

(Hey - it was MY dream, wasn't it?)

:-)

HOLLA -

Our House

Is a very, very, very fine house.  We don't have two cats in the yard, but we daily have turkeys and/or deer that make their way across the field in the back, and it makes us feel like we live in a nature preserve.

It's been a while since we've had any showings.  We may lower our price one more time, but that's it.  If our condo doesn't sell before the holiday run, we'll close up shop and open back up in the spring.

I was going to blog next about how I can't stop looking at other houses online.  I was going to tell you about how I imagine our furniture in them, with holiday decorations on the mantel and Amelia's picture on the wall.  Then I was going to say that I see us in the master bedroom laying on the bed watching t.v., or me in the kitchen preparing meals for family and friend get-togethers.  I was going to say how I often imagine myself unpacking boxes and boxes of sentimental items that have been packed away for over a year, and proudly displaying them on shelves and in cabinets.  I was going to tell you how I picture a manicured lawn, both of our cars in the garage, and flowers lining the sidewalk.

But then I thought of her.

And I remembered that God is perfect, and so is His plan.  And His ways are not our ways.  And His strength is perfect.  And I have the perfect proof of that in my almost 17-month old miracle.

And so I rest in the love of the Father, and know that, even as I sit at this computer on a Sunday night, He is working everything for my good.  It doesn't mean I have to like it, and it especially doesn't mean I have to understand it.  But in the waiting, behind the impatience and daydreaming, God is so good.

"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purposes."  Romans 8:28

HOLLA -

Snapshots

I realized at one of Ben's family's recent gatherings that we haven't been so great about getting pictures of Amelia to our family.  I figure by now, that she is almost 17 months old, we should have had four or five studio sessions with her.  We've had two, and they were both awful.  We bought a really nice camera right before she was born, but ever since she turned one, the really nice camera has been replaced by our oh-so-convenient smartphones.  I need to be more intentional about capturing her life in pictures.  So, the other day I took some.

I really want to photo shop the boogers out of her nose, but for now, there they are...an honest close-up of my beautiful daughter.  Some days she literally takes my breath away (boogers included).

Look out, boys.

HOLLA -

If You Ever Want To Get Me Something Really Nice...

They have these wind chimes at a garden nursery near our home.  There must be twenty different kinds, including a ginormous one that hangs from the ceiling that you have to play by grabbing this huge paddle and swinging it through the air.  It is the most beautiful sound I have ever heard.

These chimes are expensive.  So if you ever want to buy me a nice gift, or happen to win the lottery someday and want to be generous, I'll take one of these.

HOLLA -

Fresh Flowers Change Everything

On Thursday, my first day of school, my parents sent me flowers.  They send me flowers every year on the first day of school.  This was the tenth consecutive flower arrangement from my parents. My mom always asks the florist to do a school theme.  One year, I got flowers in a porcelain pencil vase.  Another year it was a school bus.  (My toddler kids LOVE the school bus.)  I don't remember most years, but I remember that they have never missed.  This year, it was a red vase with apples and pencils.  And the flowers are BEAUTIFUL.  

Now the flowers are on my kitchen table.  We had a showing today.  We have another showing tomorrow (Thank you, Jesus).  If most people are like me, they will see the fresh flowers and not be able to resist making us an offer.  And I will forever be indebted to my parents for providing the fresh flowers that looked so beautiful on our table that sealed the deal on our house.  

HOLLA - 

Seeing Things Through Different Glasses

I got new glasses today.  I haven't gotten new glasses since about 2000 - that's a lot of adjusting these eyes have got to do in the next few days.  I am only wearing them for an hour or so at a time so I don't get a headache from the eye strain.  Vegging out at the computer isn't helping much, I suppose.

I've realized lately that my life isn't as much about the things that are happening as it is the way that I'm looking at those things.  Attitude has become my new mountain to climb, and I haven't even laced up my hikers.

Let's start with marriage.  Ben and I just celebrated our five year anniversary in July.  When we got married, we said we'd spend our five year anniversary in Antigua.  Instead, we dropped off our sweet 15 month old into the care of my parents while we dined at the Melting Pot.  Not quite the Caribbean escape we had planned, but it was celebratory nonetheless.  Ben and I never used to argue or snip at each other.  It was actually kind of disgusting how well we got along and connected with each other.  I could sometimes catch a friend or two puking into the corner as we laughed and giggled and flirted with each other endlessly.  Now that we're parents, it ain't so easy.  Time together is short.  We snip often.  I wonder sometimes what happened to that amazing connection we used to have.  Since I've never gotten this far into a marriage before, I'm realizing this is simply the changing of the tide, and we must adapt.  My mind says, "Freak out!  Something has gone terribly wrong!  No longer are you the couple you used to be!"  And my heart says, "Look into his eyes.  Remember the love.  Watch him play and laugh with Amelia.  Feel his gaze rest on you when you aren't looking.  He is and will always be THE ONE."  I think I should listen to my heart.

School is about to start.  Last year was not so great.  Great personally for me, yes.  I am proud of the teacher I have become, although I still have a long way to go.  It was no so great professionally in ways I can't really explain.   When I think about starting back, although I am excited to get back into my classroom, my stomach turns to knots.  I will be praying incessantly for peace and wisdom, and the ability to shut my mouth.  More importantly, I need to not care so much about little things that ignite my angry fire.  I may not be able to change certain situations, but I can change my attitude and my outlook.

Our house.   Is still.  For sale.  It hasn't been quite a month, but not a looker have we had.  We don't want to lose money, but we've come to the realization that we must lower our price if we want to get out of here in this crap economy.  We won't be purchasing our dream home by far, but three bedrooms, a two car garage, a basement, and a yard would be nice.  If we are still here at Christmas, it's up to me and my attitude to be grateful and not the Grinch.

We are tightening our purse strings, once again.  A few years ago, we read Dave Ramsey's The Total Money Makeover.  We paid of our credit cards, never to be used again, and started our Debt Snowball.  We even started to take Financial Peace at our church, and then the stork arrived.  Since then, we have slacked off in a major way, although we have kept the credit cards from creeping back in.  It's time to get serious again, though.  No more needless trips, outfits, activities, etc.  Oh boy, will I be tested.  Especially because where I work ain't exactly home to the "have-not's", if you know what I am saying.  But we have a plan for our future, and we have to be strong.  My heart needs a money makeover in order for our family to have one.   80% behavior, 20% head knowledge, says Dave.  We must!  We must!  We must increase our....financial responsibility.

So I've got my work cut out for me in the attitude department in the way that I view life.  Hopefully, like these new glasses, I will make the needed adjustments.  Otherwise, bring on the Tylenol.

HOLLA -

I'm Okay, You're Okay

My life is messy.  Is yours?  I'm guessing it is, because I am hearing lots of stories lately about people's messy lives.  I personally have a hard time swimming through the goo (That's what I'll call the hard stuff.  Goo.) and floating on the pretty surface, soaking in the goodness of life.  I think I was born this way, and God don't make no junk.  However, I know there's always room for improvement, and God wants me to work on it.

I'll even admit to you that I like hearing about other people's goo because it makes me feel better about my own goo.  There, I said it.  It is terrible, isn't it?  But it's true.  Sometimes I get it in my head that I'm the only one treading goo and everyone else seems to be getting a nice tan on the beach.  The truth is, though, that we're all swimming through the goo together.  This is why I don't understand why people blog about/post/tweet/talk/etc. about their non-goo lives, because I know it's a bunch of crap.  Of course, the objective here is not to obsess or lament over the goo, because that's no way to live.  But empathy always wins out over superficiality.  If you want someone to swim in the goo with you, call me.  I'm a great goo swimmer.  I would love to keep you company.  

In the meantime, let's remind ourselves that this is all temporary.  There's a goo-less place waiting for all of us.  It's called heaven.  And although I appreciate all of the lessons that I'm learning here on this lovely planet, I dream about being home, free from worry and the troubles of this life.  (Goo.)

It seems that I am not the only one who feels this way, because many, many amazing people have written songs about this very thing.  I cling to these words so tightly and I know in my heart they are true.  If you are in the goo and are yearning to be free, please click below.  And remember that you are not alone.  It's going to be okay.  I'm okay, and you're okay.  Okay?  Okay.  

 HOLLA -

32

These are the only two pieces left of my birthday cake.  I forgot to take a picture before we devoured it.  It read, "Happy Birthday Norman and Missy".  My father-in-law's birthday was on Sunday, so we got to celebrate together.  Just like my niece Kate's party sign, ringing in 32 was...AWESOME. 

HOLLA -