I love him...but enough is enough!

And I'm not referring to my husband!
As a commuter...I use my ipod a lot. I download audio books that I listen to while driving on the interstate. Not to mention the fact that I cannot do any work around the house without listening to music.
With that being said....
Skeeter's new little stunt has really pissed me off.
He has this habit of digging in my purse...finding my ipod...and chewing the ear buds to pieces. He's done it to Bridgette, too. All in all, he's torn up four sets of ear phones.
The clever little schnit!

Me and (some of) Mine

Reese's Baptism

Saturday

The kids and I went to St. Louis to buy some additional school clothes. For the mall on a Saturday...it was pretty uneventful.
Now we're at home. I'm making bread for the fifth Sunday lunch at church tomorrow. I'm so excited Reese is getting Baptized. Bridgette and Reese are just hanging out watching TV and glued to their laptops. The guys are in Howard County, so Skeeter is in charge here at the house.
I touched base with the blondies and Ma today. All is well in Tejas.

A photographer, I am not....but I think you get the picture!

Max is number 73. He played a good game tonight and even sacked the QB.

Reese looked so handsome, and I tried to be discreet in my picture taking because I didn't want to embarrass him too bad.The drum line. Reese is completely hidden, but you can see part of his drum. Reese with Ms. Weed.

Reese with Mrs. H. He was quite impressed with their equipment and has his sights set on upgrading his camera.

It was a good Friday night.

Make Me Wine

I just received my new liquor license which allows for alcohol to be sold and consumed in any public areas of the hotel. SO....I can now legally host wine tasting events....or even better, I can sit at my desk and drink whiskey!
Not really...

My Pantyhose

This is what I do with all those pantyhose left over from my Caprock Days...

With me having such long legs...these babies can hold a bunch of onions!

Opportunity

One of the high school teachers has a photography business on the side. Her name is Ms. Weed....yeah really. It's actually Weedlauf or something. Anyway...she typically has two to three students that she mentors in photography throughout their high school career. They take pictures at all the sporting events from the sidelines, and then work with her on Saturdays. She even lets the kids use her high dollar equipment. Ms. Weed heard about Reese through Charlotte Parnell, and now he has been chosen as one of the few who will shadow her. Reese met with Ms. Weed today and she gave him a manual on photo shop and she is also getting him the software. This is a huge opportunity and we are all very excited for Reese. He will start this Friday night and be on the sidelines...after he marches in the band of course.

More Sams Sagas

I don't know what the deal is with me and the Sam's store, but everytime I go there something happens...and it usually involves me being a guber.
This time....
I had a wardrobe malfunction.
I have this black and pink mingled sun-dress with spaghetti straps....it looks great on Sage and not so great on me. Anyway....I was bent over trying to get something in the bottom part of the cart, when one of my spaghetti straps popped off and the top of my dress kind of laid over exposing my entire left bra cup.
I kind of just picked up that portion of the dress and wound the torn strap around and under my bra strap...just until I could finish my shopping and get out of the store.
The sad part is....
I really didn't care that half the world saw me half-dressed. I was like, "well, hmmmm. Isn't this interesting?"
Must be a sign that I'm getting old...because I'm just doing my thing and I don't care what anyone thinks.

Odds n Ends.

Not much has been going on around here, except for the usual running around of kids. I ordered t-shirts for me and Bridgette to wear in support of our cross country runner, Reese, and our football player, Max. We put the boys' names on them, too. Sooo...I have a shirt that says Ramsey and one that says Schaefer. Now all I need is one that says Fulton.
This is so bad.
I should've gone against the norm and just had their first names put on the back of mine. What was I thinking?
It's less than two months until Bridgette turns sixteen and can drive. YEA!
I'm beginning the search for a new vehicle. It's not near as much fun as I imagined. I don't have a clue what I want (other than a jaguar...which is so NOT going to happen).
Reese is getting Baptized this Sunday and we're all excited about that.
The guys are getting geared up for dove hunting September 1st. I don't think Reese is as excited as the rest of them, but he's giving it an honest try. Donnie's excited to have Reese participate and he has him all fixed up and ready to go.
I'm hoping to take Skeeter along to retrieve birds. We'll see how that goes! Hahaha.
I enjoy having the kids around. They are so funny. I miss my other two even more.

Happenings at the Schaefer House

Bridgette's baking brownies and the guys are playing cards.

Sunday

Me, and Donnie...being the dork that he is!

Yesterday, Don and I took the mustang and went to St. Louis and ate at a nice steakhouse. When we returned, the kids and I took the cake we'd made earlier for Greg's birthday...stood on his porch and lit the candles...a five and a four...and then knocked on his door. He was so surprised and so grateful. Greg is single with no close family and he was spending his 54th birthday alone. So sad.
After that, we went to Walmart and bought groceries. We returned home to a house full, as Max and his friends were there. Those groceries were gone in not time.
And remember that wedding cake that I'd sat out of the freezer earlier? Well, they'd dug into that, too. And when I started coming unglued...Max said that he only ate the frosting and the flowers...that there was some of the cake left. Funny. And I couldn't be mad because it was my own fault.
Today is mine and Donnie's very first wedding anniversary. Boy, time flies. It's been a wild ride of a year.
This morning we're going to church...and then we'll see what the rest of the day may bring.

Reminiscing

Tomorrow is mine and Don's first wedding anniversary. WooHoo!
A lot has happened in a year. Don and I have fought...loved...worked hard...played hard...and most importantly, we have laughed and had fun. That's what it's all about, right?
As I set out the frozen wedding cake for tomorrow, it takes me back to our wedding day.
Although my siblings and their spouses were superficial and less than kind, I didn't allow that to put a damper on our day. Everything that is important to me was there that day, and that's all that matters.
My parents... grandparents...children....the preacher...a devoted friend...and my Donnie. The dress, the chapel, the good food, and the simplicity, humor, and genuineness of it all...
These are the things that really matter.
I am so grateful to have those priceless photos of Pa in his last days.

Ok...enough of the mushy reminiscing!
I still don't know what we're doing for our anniversary. Don wanted to take me to Tunica. As much as I would've loved to have gone, I knew we couldn't leave the kids. So, maybe we'll just go out and eat at a nice restaurant. I would be happy with that.

This 'n That

It's almost 11pm and I'm at work trying to get caught up on some tasks that I can't seem to accomplish during the day when people seem to demand more of my time.
I know...cry me a river.
The Missouri kids are doing well, but beginning to get weary from the first week of school. Reese has to be at band every morning at 7am and then he has cross country practice after school. Makes for a long day. Tomorrow night there is a football scrimmage and then the ice breaker dance at school. Fun, fun. Bridgette's ready!
I haven't talked to the Texas Blondies today. I sure do miss those girls.

Bike Tour

St. James is a host town for the Tour of Missouri. Lance Armstrong's team will be staying at the hotel in September. Cool beans.

Bob the Blessing

Some time ago, a man named Bob, came in looking for a job. I did not have an opening. He continued to check back with me on a regular basis. He was desperate for work. No one would give him an opportunity because he's not from here and no one knows him.

For days I felt such a conviction to hire this guy. I couldn't shake it.
So, I found a place to stick him and told him he had a week to prove himself.

He has flourished. I have not seen a more dedicated and hard worker, with as much graciousness and humility, as Bob has. My kids even love Bob...and Lord knows you can't fool kids. I now have Bob working the front desk. He's that good.

See, he really thinks he's the lucky one. He has told me numerous times how much he appreciates my kindness and that he will never forget it.

But, the reality is...

I'm the lucky one.

Bob is a tremendous blessing to me and to this business.

Plus, this is just an opportunity for me to pay it forward to all of those people who in my own life gave me a chance at something.

First Day of School

Bridgette and Reese on the first day of school.
I felt like they were going to kindergarten all over again.

Funny Quote

"Gramps has a million mile fuse...but you can tell when it's half burnt."
-Reese Ramsey

Red Eye

A blood vessel in my eye burst...again.
I attribute it to stress...
the stress of firing an employee yesterday, as well as the first day of school.
Sure is pretty, ain't it!

The wine barrel I bought over the weekend. With a little creativity, I think it will make a great display piece.

Miss Bridgette...moonlighting as a front desk clerk trainee. Doesn't she look like the consummate professional!

Fishing and Farming

Donnie shredding around the barn.

Fishing with our friend, Eric, on the Missouri River. Those flying carp still freak me out. One almost landed in the boat.

Some tall hay grazer. People around here call it something different....but it's hay grazer nonetheless.

A tobacco field not far from us. Interesting, huh?

Reese's Haircut

This was the first time in forever that Reese had his hair cut by someone other than Nana. He was kind of freaked out. I think it turned out well.

Kids

Reese and Bridgette are at at work with me. They are pricing items in the gift shop. They're my little helpers.
Reese has been making so many friends that Bridgette is beginning to get jealous. He has plans to go to the movies tomorrow night with friends. Not that Bridgette has a shortage of friends or anything!
We're fixin to go to Rolla for haircuts and shopping.
I checked in on the blondies yesterday. Sage was at Aaron's, but Reagan and I were able to chat. I wonder how Sage made it...getting a shot and all. Not fun.
I'll check in later...

The Best of the Best

The middle ones.

Reese and Bridgette hanging out. Aren't they cute?
Reese went to cross country practice yesterday. Today I dropped him off at Freshman Orientation. And this evening he has cross country practice again.
He's so brave walking into a crowd of strangers like he does.

What happened?

Does anybody ever blog anymore?

My babies.

I've enjoyed spending time with the kids this evening. We sat on my bed and told stories and laughed and laughed.
I was telling the kids that I was a real farm kid when I was a young girl. I went with Gramps a lot and I really enjoyed the farm, as well as the cattle.
Bridgette and Reese both were so shocked. They still don't believe me.
Goes to show how prissy I've become over the years, huh?

Today, Reese and I successfully and without incident, hung the road signs in his room. We actually went to Lowe's and purchased the correct anchor screw things so they won't come crashing down. We got everything put away, too. He wanted to keep his bed like Sage's. It's nice to have him settled in. Later on he went swimming with Max and Jennika. Everyone thinks he's older than what he is...and the girls all say he's hot. It's so funny.

I refilled the hummingbird feeders, fed the fish, and piddled in the yard. Reese and Bridgette are good to help me water the plants...inside and out.

Bridgette tried on clothes for church tomorrow. She has my affinity for high heels. Go figure.

I found the foot pedal to Reagan's sewing machine, so I need to get that in the mail to her next week. Several people at the hotel have told me how much they enjoyed having her around. Curt said he really missed Reagan. I know the feeling.

I didn't get to talk to my Texas girls tonight. I hope they sleep tight and know that their Momma loves them.

Donnie returns from the farm tomorrow. I can't wait, as I've missed him, too.

Getting Organized

I talked to Ma this morning. Sounds like her health is really failing.
I'm working this morning...then going to spend the rest of the day with the kids. Reese seems to be doing well...he starts cross country next week, and the 16 year old girl across the street has already offered to take him to and fro practice. He's a stud.
Reese is going to put together our patio furniture today.
Hopefully Bridgette and I can go through her closet and organize her clothes and help Reese with his room. It's time to get super-d-duper organized in preparation for the beginning of the school year.

Some Downtime

The kids stayed here while I was at work today. Reese had band this morning and then he slept for several hours...just too much going on. Donnie and Nick went to the farm for the weekend. And Bridgette is staying at Cheyenne's tonight. So that left me and Reese here by ourselves. Sooo...we went to Lowe's and bought some plants...we're two peas in a pod there... and then some materials to hang the road signs in Reese's room. We then went and picked up Chinese food for supper. Yum...yum.
When we got back home, Reese and I re potted our treasured plants.
I talked to the blondies awhile ago. Sage is enthralled with her pet spider and Reagan is still having withdrawals from Wendy's. I sure miss those girls!

It's official

We officially enrolled Reese in Sullivan High School this morning!
He did so well.
He's got a great schedule...which includes shop, band, and Ag.
Reese is so brave. He walked into a band hall full of strangers to participate in Band Camp-like it was no big deal. Bridgette and I were nervous...but not Reese. He hit the ground running.
I also ordered his new cell phone, which should be here within the next couple of days. We're so glad Reese is here.
As far as the puppy goes-
we gave it to our maintenance man, Curt, who has children and lives out in the country. It turned out to be a great fit, as Curt has had bird dogs all his life. He usually runs springer spaniels, and one of his died four months ago, so there's room in his life for this precious little pup.
Whew! Saved my hide!

Glad to be home

We made it home around three pm this afternoon. Cheyenne came over to help Bridgette and Reese organize Reese's room. It's looking good.
It sure is nice to be home.
We are so worn out...I'm glad to be sleeping in my own bed tonight.
Tomorrow is a big day, as we go to the high school to enroll Reese.

In the middle of the night...

I'm sitting in Wichita Falls, Texas, in a Ramada Inn with Bridgette, Reese...and a Brittany Spaniel pup.
Yep...What was I thinking?
It's been a long night...we're all emotional and exhausted.
I'm so thrilled to have Reese en route to Missouri. Bridgette has been a tremendous help with the driving as well.
Now for the puppy...
On the way out, we stopped in McAdoo out at the Bogart's place and visited with them. And lo and behold, I leave there with a puppy. Our plan is to give it away once we get to Sullivan...to one of Don's friends, or to one of the employees. Anyway, Bridgette isn't too happy about it. Although for now....she's in hog..or is it dog...heaven!

A hold up

Yesterday, Reagan was sitting at the front desk of the hotel with Amy, a front desk clerk. Reagan was on the computer surfing the net looking at bedding.
Seemingly out of nowhere, a cop walks in the front door with his gun drawn.
Evidently, Reagan executed the panic button underneath the counter, which in turn alerts the police that there is a hold up taking place.
Everyone was kind of freaked out at first, but once it all passed....it was kind of funny.

Going To Texas

We'll be leaving this afternoon to head to Texas to pick up Reese.
I'm so excited!

This Little Piggy went to Market

Saturday, Don and I went to Kansas City Gift Market with a couple of our gay friends, Joe and Kevin. Since Joe owned his own shop for more than 20 years, he went along to show us the ropes. We purchased inventory for the wine and gift shop at the hotel.
What an experience!
We got so many neat things. I'm never going to pay retail ever again!
We picked up a lot of stuff while we were there, and we also ordered a great deal of merchandise including wine accessories, Christmas decor, etc.
I was impressed that Donnie, who's usually not a big shopper, made it through the entire day. We picked up some really neat things.
I think we'll be going to the Dallas Market next.

Odds n Ends.

The last couple of weeks have been busy and fun-filled. Reagan has been an utter joy, and we are all excited about Reese's arrival. He looks so good with straight teeth...what an amazing smile!
While Reagan's been here, she's tried many new things. She's a heck of a hotel entrepreneur, that's for sure. She's also pretty good at pitching washers. We bought her a small sewing machine and she is a little version of Ma and Nana. She sewed things for her soon to be here baby brother, as well as other items.
Bridgette's been a great helper and an integral part of pulling everything together. I look forward to finishing up school clothes shopping with her.
Miss Sage has been busy working and studying. I was thrilled that she was pleased and surprised to receive her package containing the flat iron. She really needed a good one and it was my pleasure to send it.
It's been a terrific summer with my babies and I don't want it to end so soon!

Fun times.

Bridgette and her friends did a "hair make-over " on Reagan. Here's the 'before' picture...

and here's the 'after'. Isn't she gorgeous!Me and Reagan posing for the camera and being silly. She is so much fun.

Reagan and the hotel.

Here's one of the cars from the Model T Car Club from St. Louis.

Reagan and front desk employee, Carlee. Reagan loved 'working' at the hotel and she's very good at it.More Model T's that stayed with us.

Reagan opened doors and carried bags for guests.