A family that shovels together........

WAKE UP YOU LITTLE SLEEPY HEAD!!  It snowed 7 inches ~ YOU & JOSH get to play with the snow shovels today!  Yippee!!  HURRAH!!

Ha-ha, wow, could there be more joy?


Yup, 7" of what Johnny calls "crystal sunshine."


And tell-tale foot tracks proving that Josh was out all night. So busted!


Well, I can't bust an adult...too bad we didn't have more snow when he was in high school.


C'mon, stop stalling...sitting there holding a super cute puppy won't help ya.


Peanut thought she was bundled up enough to go outside. Mommy, what IS this stuff?!

And who'd giant footprints are these?  Now I'm scaaaaared.

 
Ok, changed my mind, let me in! Doesn't she look cute in her pink varisty sweater? 

I'm sorry, but is there anything more precious than a tiny Chihuahua footprint?

I hired some boys to shovel my driveway. They were nice boys, too. One was bald.

Funny, everytime he's doing something he really doesn't want to be doing, he uses only one eye.

Almost done boys? Hurry it along now. I'm paying you by the hour. 

I love hiring these guys, I can even kiss them if I want to. Because they're all MINE.

A family that shovels together, stays together. This I know for sure.

That's it, pose near the finished driveway with a shovel. It looks good. Kinda like I didn't just run around taking pictures of the pretty snow & scenery and of the cute hired help. It looks like I worked my tail off. Look at those raw fingers! This would've looked even better if I had I remembered to take down my Christmas flag - now that it's February.

Hey, I worked! I worked really, really, really hard....

It was grueling work, but someone had to do it. It nearly killed me.

Ta-DA!!

I mean, hello? Who doesn't take time to make snow angels?

And after much persuasion my bald kid agreed to make one too  :o)

He wanted to, see? Thumbs up & the one eyeball thingy going on.

Thank God you can't hear the blood curdling scream he let out because the snow was so cold, ha!

C'mon, flap those arms and legs harder, recruit!  I spy...a pink, cold belly. And, a smile?

Ta-DA!!

I love it! It's your own guardian angel. Your Marine Angel.

I know you had fun, even though you're looking at me with one eye again. I don't know how many months we still have together, and only God knows where you'll be next winter. I will think back to this sunny, snowy day for a long, long time & I will ask your angel to go off with you to guard and protect you. My boy.

A family that makes snow angels together, stays together. This I know.

                                                                                                  Love, Mom

Today's not going so great.  Well, geez, I didn't want to spoil you by only posting delicious cupcake pictures, babies, chocolates, puppies, love stories and tales of lunch with The First Lady.  What would be the fun in that?  It's time to get REAL.

I know, I know, "but you wear rose colored glasses!!"  BAH!  PTHththththththth........

Yes, I DO wear rose colored glasses and see things in a light that some people simply don't understand, and most days butterflies do flutter around my head, I slide down rainbows and little birdies bring me my robe after I shower.  But here's the deal ~ I live with a teenager.  He's an old, pretty much on the edge of still being a teenager; 19 3/4, but still, he's a teenager. 

That being said, I have days, like today, when I'd like to take my rose colored glasses and cram them up his flipping  #&*%!!! 

This is a family site, so I'm being nice.  I'm sure I meant nostrils.

There is nothing in the world that keeps a woman more grounded than having a tween, a preteen or a teenager, let me tell you   ....oooorrr a newborn, a toddler or an elementary school kid!  I'm just saying.

So.....today, I've been taking big, deep, zen breaths, serving nice, warm chicken soup to my honey, listening to love songs on my ipod, watching the snow fall....all things nice....even going so far as plugging my nose as I pass by Josh's room.....even though I told him twelve times to put his dirty clothes in a basket and actually get them into the washer and TO TAKE A SHOWER DANG IT BECAUSE YOU SMELL LIKE THE INSIDE OF A DIRTY TURTLE TANK, HOW CAN YOU NOT SMELL YOURSELF OH MY GOD!!  HELLO??  DO YOU UNDERSTAND ENGLISH?!?!

Deep breaths.  Zen mama.  Chanting, chanting..... Ooommmm - Ooommmm.

{ I have to take one second to tell you that we had 2 turtles in Japan (because we hadn't made enough dumb arse decisions in our lives up to that point) and all I can say is that nothing excretes more waste than a turtle.  Let alone, two turtles. }

Today has been challenging.  I'm just coming to the realization that the Good Lord is preparing me slowly (or, perhaps, a moc speed) to let go.  To untie the apron (more like wallet) strings and to let baby dirty turtle swim away and start his new stinky adult life.  And with a new bottle of cologne.

Yes.  Thank you, sweet Lord, for today you have successfully helped me inch in that direction.  In fact, tomorrow we may spend the day packing his suitcases because we don't want him to do everything last minute in September when he ships to boot camp, do we?  Nooooooo!  I'm a planner!  And I want to make his transition as easily, swift and efficient as possible.  I'm a helper!  It's because I wear rose colored glasses and that's what people who wear rose colored glasses do.  We're helpers and we make things easier for others. 

Okey-dokey, I'm going to go to the garage and dig out his suitcases now.  I'm feeling better already.  As long as I don't pass in front of his bedroom door.

One Marine haircut coming up!

The day long conversation with Josh went much like this ~

MOM!

What?

Can you give me a haircut?

Not now, I'm in the middle of doing laundry.

MOM!

What?

Can you give me a haircut?

Not this second, I'm in the shower! OMG, can't you see I'm busy?

MOM!

What?

Can you give me haircut?

Umm.....can I please finish cooking supper? I'm in the middle of chopping vegetables. Geesh!

MOM!

Uh-huh? Whaaaaat?

Can you give me a haircut?  Where are Dad's clippers, I'll set up....

We just sat down for supper! What the heck? Grab your plate, sit down and eat. They're under his sink, just give me some time. Maybe after supper....

MOM!  MAMA!  MOMMY!  MAMA!  MUMMY!  MOOOOOM!!!!

WHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATTTTTTTTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(by the way that is totally my cell phone ring tone for Josh ~ fitting, right?)

Now will you give me a haircut?

(Seriously? A reverse mohawk?)

{{{blank shocked stare}}}

{{{gathering my calm, cool, zen thoughts}}}

I'M GOING TO WRING YOUR NOT SO SCRAWNY LITTLE NECK!

Oh. My. God. I. Can't. Believe. You. Did. That.

Don't you laugh at me, boy.  I'm tough.  Tougher than you think.  I'll kick your butt.  I brought you INTO this world, I'll take you out!  Yeah, that's right.  Fear ME.  The Marines think they make Marines, HA! Think agian, fellas.... I make Marines!  Uh-huh, that's right.  I swallow gum whole.  I can hold my pee for 10 hours straight.  I rip cooking packets apart with my bare teeth!  You should be scaaaaared!  Chihuahuas respect me and call me their leader!  I'm gonna open a big bag of "mama gone crazy" on your smart arse.  I.....I...I..completely forgot what we were talking about.  Oh yea...

Stand at attention boy!

Thought so. 

(Love you bunches and gobs you cutie pattootie)

UGH.  Now what child.

Yes, that's pretty much how it went down.  I'm glad I have total control of the situation.

I have a cute, bald child.  Bald is good, right?  It's patriotic!  Like the bald eagle!

And....Gunny loved his new "Marine haircut" and of course, I took FULL credit.

OOOH-Rah!

Here's the ringtone I have for Josh on my cell phone ~ TELL ME this isn't perfect ~

Terra Cotta Warriors @ National Geographic Museum, D.C.

Johnny took the day off from work today so that he and I could metro in to D.C. to see the traveling exhibit of "The Terra Cotta Warriors" at the National Geographic Museum.

This is copied from the website: Soldiers. Charioteers. Archers. Musicians. Generals. Acrobats. Nearly 2,000 years ago, thousands of life-size clay figures were buried in massive underground pits to accompany China's first emperor, Qin Shihuangdi, into the afterlife. Their discovery outside the city of Xi'an in 1974 is one of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century.

We were looking forward to it as our biggest regret when we lived in Japan was that we didn't fly over to China and see them in person as well as the Great Wall.

We've never been to the National Geographic Museum and we've lived here 8 1/2 years.

I can hardly tell you are there, Johnny! You blend right in.

While we waited for the museum to open we took a self portrait in the window.

To see more about the exhibit you can go to http://www.terracottawarriorexhibit.com/

Also there's a short video at: http://www.warriordc.org/ (on the right of the page)

The ceiling of the museum was......uh.....Johnny? Can I help you with something, Sweetie?

Johnny was really in his element being that he loves military history. He read every single word & description and he rented audio tour.

At the end of the tour we were able to hang out a with our new Chinese friend.

I was humbled to be in the presence of two warriors. I think you'd better watch your back, Johnny! He looks pretty tough and I see him eyeing your hat. Be careful! I think he wants to cover up that knot on his head. The boys in the locker room make fun of him. It's sad, really. If the two of you went full mortal combat, I wonder who would win.....Let's GO! THROW DOWN!

Oh...I see...He won. Sorry, Johnny. You're a lover, not a fighter & that's what I like about you. Well, I can get you another hat, that's ok. Your hat does look good on him, though. Gives his uniform a little "pop" of color. (Don't ask, don't tell).

Now we have a TERRA COTTA NAVAL WARRIOR!

GO NAVY!

Who woulda thunk it? A 2,200 year old Navy warrior. Must have been a really tough duty assignment in China back in those days. He earned his "Tricare for Life," believe me.

Afterwards, since Michelle Obama forgot to call me for lunch, Johnny & I walked down to 17th & K for a yummy sandwich at Potbelly's. It's OK, she was up late since her husband was giving the State of the Union Address and all. I understand. I felt "close" to her though, being only a few blocks away and all. It's ok *sniff* I forgive her.

Thanks for taking the day off to go see the exhibit with me, Sweetheart. I love hanging out with my best friend (you will always be my best friend forever ~ my BFF ~ Michelle and everyone else can take a back seat). I Love you. Have I said that today? I love, love, love you! Wasn't today fun?

JAFOWL Lucheon January 26, 2010

Yesterday, January 26, I eagerly attended JAFOWL (Joint Armed Forces Officers Wives Luncheon).  This is an annual event since 1977 that brings the wives of our 5 services together for fun, food and ~ the best part ~ a great guest speaker. 

We have had SO MANY fabulous guest speaker s and I've been thrilled to see the past 8 ~

The full speech can be read here: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/remarks-first-lady-joint-armed-forces-officers-wives-luncheon

The guest speaker this year? 

The First Lady, Michelle Obama. Yes! I took 133 pictures. Don't worry, I won't bore you with all of them - only my favorite 73.

Here's Miss Trish looking all gorgeous in her dress.  Makes me want to go dress shopping asap!

The Presidents of our 5 Wives clubs ~ Far right is our Navy president, Kelly Hruska. Go Navy!

VIP guests beginning to arrive

Air Force color guard arriving

K9 Unit. I said, "Aaaww, Cute puppy!" Air Force man said, "He'll rip your face off on my command."  I said, "Buy-bye."

More Air Force security & color guard arriving. Guest going through security magnetometers.

These are the two ladies that I met in the restroom while Laura Bush was in the bathroom stall tinkling! (more on that later, I promise) Intrigued? Just remember their faces, OK?  It's a great story..........OK FINE! I can't wait ~ I'll show you the pic real quickie ~

The 3 of us ambushed Mrs. Bush in 2002 for a picture outside the restrooms! That's why I wore my "First Ladies" gold blouse again, to bring me luck. Yes, I still had it in a dry cleaning bag in the back of my closet...but, it seemed to have shrunk a teensy bit. Damned dry closet air. Anyway, these were the two Army wives and we see each other every year! Go Navy!  

Now -----> back to 2010!

My girlfriend, Pam, in the purple suit, coming through security. FRISK HER! She's a dangerous one. Trust me. I have crazy bite marks to prove it.

My girlfriends are arriving! Jenny, Lynn & Pam

My scrapbooking partner Jennifer & My Mama Kay looking gorgeous, as usual.

My Girlfriends  xoxoxo  (Bummer the pic came out blurry)

Even more color guard

I snuck away from my "post" when things got slow to come see my girlfriends at coat check.  Pretty ladies Betty Kamp and Trish.  I really do want to steal that dress.

There's MY post ~ the lady in the blue dress relieved me so I could visit my coat check gals.  My job, after guests came up the stairs after checking into security, was to say "Ladies, coat check is up the stairs to the right, nametags, table assignments and check in is down the hall toward the left." I took my job very seriously as I knew it was a matter of national security! You are welcome, Secret Service.

The African American security guard down there searching purses saw me taking these photos and asked me, "Ma'am where are these pictures going to be shown?"  I thought I'd be funny and said, with a stone straight face "Oh, only somewhere overseas at an undisclosed location and I'm sorry, I cannot divulge that information." He glanced at the secret service standing next to me, who whispered to me, "I wouldn't be joking about that." Immediately I got nervous and said, "No, I was just kidding! I was trying to be make a jokie..." Right then they both burst out laughing. They had me going. Thanks. Now I have to go change my undies :o)

Good as gold! Me and Val Gas. She's adorable, funny & ARMY!

Then her Army president had to join us and made us look 4 feet tall.

380 of The First Lady's favorite Military wives ~ OK, is it just me or does the lady in the bottom left look (wow, if looks could kill....) like Ellen Burstyn?

The press setting up

I spy....Mama Kay in her pretty red dress!

Angela, Debbie & I waiting for the dinner bell. Don't I look cute in my crown? It's good to be Queen.

And this poor fella thinks he can control the 380 female stampede when he opens the rope.

BAH-HAHAAaahahahahaaaaa!

I was seated at the table next to The First Lady. I snuck a pic of her place card.

Nerdy & cool all at the same time, right?

The podium awaits

Pam & Mama Kay already seated. Too bad we couldn't sit together.

The best part of the luncheon.....dessert!  OK, Just kidding, but it was pretty fabulous.

I was secretly hoping that no one else would want to eat their desserts. Wishful thinking.

The press

Our centerpieces were the service flags

My awesome table ~ Table #5

We all got chocolates representing the 5 services. I got Air Force (but later I traded!)

Our program

JAFOWL President introducing the First Lady

Mrs. Obama is here!

She sure is a tall, statuesque beauty

Color Guard posting colors preparing for our National Anthem.

That's us, table 5. We were so close. Pinch me.

Singing the service songs. The lady in the peach blazer is Mrs. Mullen. Her husband is Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Mrs. Obama is 6 feet tall!  I did not know that.  Did you?

She loved how we all sang our service song with gusto & patriotism.  Wanna sing along?

The 26 minute video of Mrs. Obama's speech can be seen at

http://www.whitehouse.gov/photos-and-video/video/first-lady-announces-new-funding-military-families

The food was delicious!

Mrs. Obama takes the stage

Uuhh.....Are you lookin at ME?

Haha, that was my little movie trivia joke. Mrs. Obama thought it was hilarious.

At least I thought she did....maybe she just didn't like my singing voice.

Teleprompters helped Mrs. Obama deliver a well written speech announcing more spending budgets for military families.

She was a pure delight to listen to.

....."And finally this afternoon, I'd like all of us to give a well deserved round of applause to Mrs. Brenda Jorgensen who did an AWESOME job of leading all of you ladies to the coat check room safe & sound!  Let's give it up for Brenda everyone. Holla!"

"PSSST! Brenda! Pay attention! Stop taking pictures, get up and take a bow!"

The view from my seat

On each side of the room there were large screens so that everone would have a good view.

I had major camera envy. Lens envy. Tripod envy. Everything envy.

Mrs. Obama literally did a happy dance when we presented her with a box of service chocolates. She said that she would take them back to the White House and share them with her staff.

After her speach Mrs. Obama came through the line to shake hands with us.  All I really wanted to do was grab her brooch and run for the hills!  Sorta.  Don't judge me.

Oops...I think the creepy secret service guy read my mind. Look at him giving me the stink eye. Geesh, can't you take a jokie, Mister? He was all "NO cameras in The First Lady's face!"

Right after this shot I shook her hand and said, "Hey, girlfriend! You did great up there, love the dress! Can I have your brooch? Call me tomorrow and I'll pop by, we can let our dogs play together and sip Mai Thais in the Rose Garden, K? Kiss-kiss. HI to the Prez."

OK, maybe it went more like this...

"Thank you so much for coming to have lunch with us today, we really appreciated it." **yawn**

I can never, EVER say what I mean to say when I'm in the presence of a brooch that I'm trying to steal. Oh well. Live & learn.

Just as she passed...SNAP! Back to my pictures. Wow, she's beautiful! I know I keep saying it, but really, TV doesn't do her justice. She's stunning.

BYE, MICHELLE! (Now that we've met we are on a first name basis).

Call me & we'll do lunch! And give this guy the day off, ok? He's annoying!

Look at Trish back there (behind Mr. Creepy Secret Service guy...no offense) meeting Michelle.

Trish is so stinkin cute! She's gushing because Michelle told her she had a cute haircut!

OK, See you later, Michelle! Don't forget to call me! Seriously? He's still giving me the stink eye?

I'll distract him and listen to the Air Force band a little.....dum-de-dum...

Yup, the stink eye. Dreams of that brooch just disappeared before my very eyes. Thanks Creepy!

But on a happier note, dessert was superior. I used extreme will power to not lick my plate.

In the end I traded my chocolate for the only one that really mattered.

GO NAVY!

In the newspaper the next morning ~

Look, I don't care at all what your political views are or what you think of her husband; attending a luncheon with The First Lady is simply an amazing experience. This is my second luncheon with a First Lady (Mrs. Laura Bush) and I've attended one with President George Bush and all I can say is PINCH ME & God Bless America.
(........aaand I'm keeping my gold First Ladies blouse. Works like a charm & you never know when it's going to come in handy again. I'm really wanting to meet Oprah!)