Do you want Chocolate Chips in your pancakes?

Deciding the major things in life (like plain or chocolate chip pancakes) has been the extent of our decisions to make while we are in Gulf Shores. This morning as we look across the ocean, we are planning our day. We are hitting the beach by 10 a.m., getting some sun, avoiding the hundreds of jellyfish that have occupied our waters and heading for the Dolphin Cruise this afternoon. We set out for a late night fishing trip last night and saw a dolphin. Pretty cool. Although my fishing proved pathetic and unsuccessful, Sydni (my niece) caught Miss Puff the Blowfish (you know...from Sponge Bob Square Pants!)

Everyone has been having a blast. As you can see by the photo, I found a two-headed monster on the beach (named Shania-Tiffani Moore), I can't even drag Mom & Dad from the beach and Blaine is "chillin' like a villian". It all makes the 13 hour drive worth it.

Got to go eat my pancakes now - I take mine plain.

I Don't Think They Are in Missouri Anymore...

While I sit here in Jefferson City on a Friday night surrounded by thunderstorms and tornado watches, the Moore family is kickin' up their heels in Gulf Shores. Mom, Dad, Shania, Julie, Tyler & Caleb arrived this morning. I think Ronnie, Angel and the girls should be there shortly. I am jealous - but I will be arriving tomorrow. Blaine and I had to stay behind to get some things done on the house.

Julie just called and said that they couldn't afford both of us, but they needed send a helicopter for Martha (aka Blaine). He is the "chef" in the family and I think that the family is getting hungry. Mom & Julie were at Wal-Mart (hence the photo of Mom in the Wal-Mart check out line.) She is posing in front of Regal Nails - and that is where I happened to get a pedicure last year. I thought it was funny to have a pedicure joint in Wal-Mart - but it worked for me!! Maybe I will venture back this year!



The other photo is a view of the beach from the condo balcony. I cannot WAIT to lie on the beach..... I hear that Shania, Tyler and Caleb are out there now wakeskating. That is a sport/hobby that I am not good at - I kind of do about as well on that board as I do on the mountains snowboarding. Uncoordinated is my middle name! But Tyler really knows how to rock the board.


PEDAL TO THE METAL TOMORROW MORNING.... Hey guys! The green bean (my car - if you didn't know) will be there soon! Make sure you have a margarita waiting for me!!

My Random Thoughts...

I am having many random thoughts about what I should post on the blog today. So here you go, folks - Misti's Randomness...

If I were to get married again (not to someone new, but just again), I would reconsider my choices of bridesmaids. Sometimes friends just grow apart and new ones spring into our lives. I would have to add my friend, Mitch! Who can resist a hot guy in a bridesmaid dress? (Here is a photo of my pal - who will no longer speak to me as soon as he sees this... The dress is mine. He found it while changing from his swimming trunks to his regular clothes. He decided to surprise us - yes, alcohol was involved.)

House update - the brick is on, the cultured stone is going up this week, we now have garage doors and the dry wall is up. I am a little nervous leaving for vacation in a couple of days and leaving our project. But a girl and a guy need a vacation!! The bikini is packed, the sunscreen is screaming "use me!" and the cooler on wheels is ready to roll.

Gulf Shores - Here We Come!!

Here is the whole family at the beach in June 2007. I am now counting the hours until we can relive our memories of Gulf Shores. There will be trips to LuLu's and shopping. Our fishing licenses are packed. Julie is dreaming of finding "the world's largest sea shell." Dad has his binoculars around his neck. And Shania has her Zune fully loaded of great tunes. Sophie is constantly reciting "let's go to da beach." I think it is time - let the fun begin!!

Her First Pedicure

For a few months now, I have promised to take Shania for a pedicure. So to start our weekend off just right (and to mark the beginning of summer), Shania and I headed for the mall in Springfield for a manicure and a pedicure. It was a treat!
(Here is a photo to prove our fun - Shania is lounging in the pedi chair getting a back massage showing off her freshly painted hot pink fingernails.)

Now Shania and I are REALLY ready for the beach!! Bring on the sun!

Life's a Beach

In one week from today, the Moore Family will officially be lounging on the beaches of Gulf Shores, Alabama. (Cue "Sweet Home Alabamba......") The whole family (yes, all 12 of us) are headed for a family gathering. I can't wait!!

(Here is a photo of the condo complex that we stay at...)

I will have to admit - last year, driving 14 hours to Gulf Shores, I began to think....can I really take all of the family for 7 days? Will we hate each other before the trip is over? After Mom layed out the rules...."there are no rules and we expect nothing of anyone," we were set for memories of a lifetime. I had a fabulous time and as soon as my car left the beach, I couldn't wait to plan the next Moore family adventure.

Well, here we are again - getting ready to leave for another week filled full of giggles, snickers and laughter. I hear rumors of Julie, Tyler & Caleb (Tyler's buddy) racing the Dan the Man truckster (including Mom and Shania) all the way to Gulf Shores....we will see who wins that race. Blaine and I are not arriving until a day after Mom & Dad and I think Ronnie, Angel and the girls will be arriving the same day. Although I am going to lose the race to the beach this year, I can guarantee that I will win the Shell Hunting Contest or the Castle Building Contest...bring it on, Julie!!

Last Update on Mom...

She is out of surgery!!
Dad just called and said that Mom came through surgery fine. She is in recovery. He had to leave the hospital to go pick up Shania...
As a daughter, I feel bad for not being there to help out - especially with Nia. Let's pray there is never another surgery....but if there is, I will be there...promise!

*****UPDATE (12:00)*****
I talked to Dad about two hours ago (12:00) and Mom had still not gone into surgery. I am guessing that this could be another long day for the Moore family. Remember when Dad had surgery...we got there like at 6:00 a.m. and he finally got out of surgery at midnight. Let's hope that Mom doesn't have to wait that long. She has to be starving!!

Watch out Cox South Hospital, the Etter may come out of Connie Jo unless you get this thing done!

*****Earlier post....(9:00 a.m.) *****
Today, Mom is having surgery to correct some weird bile duct blockage possibly caused by her gall bladder. She had her gall bladder removed several years ago, but evidently, the doctor didn't snip it all away and it grew back. (Maybe Mom is part starfish - nevermind...she hates the water.)

I will keep you updated on the results. She is going into surgery at 9:45 a.m. Keep her in your prayers!

Ba La La La La La Bamba...

Everyone has their favorite Mexican restaurant. Mine used to be Mexican Villa in Springfield - yummmm...burrito enchilada-style. But since I moved to Jefferson City and with much opposition, I have decided that my new favorite is La Bamba. Anyone that is anyone has their birthday photo finely displayed upon the brightly painted festive walls of La Bamba. Over the past five years, I had been unable to frequent this authentic establishment near my birthday.

My one birthday wish for this year - as lame at it may be - was to have my favorite dish (a steak fajita quesadilla with no sour cream and guacamole on the side with a small order of cheese dip) at La Bamba so my photo, too, could be displayed. Blaine's photo is there at least twice. (Funny, I know.)

Thursday night (and within a week of my birthday), Blaine surprisingly invited some friends of mine (including Becky, Jason and Lora, and a few others that didn't bother to show...cough, cough) to join in the festivities of a small, very random dinner. So here I am....in all my shining glory! Me and my sombrero - finally on the wall of fame!

Follow the (Yellow) Brick Road

I love the Wizard of Oz. And if I had ruby red slippers, I would click my heels and be home - in the new home that is. The building process is something that Blaine loves. Me? I just like it - on some days. Building (and contracting yourselves) is a very rewarding experience.

Someone asked me last week if I thought it was better to hire a general contractor or do it myself. Since she and her husband are looking to build, my response was, "if you like picking everything down to your screw color, contracting yourself is the way to go." On the other hand, if you like to snap your fingers and the house magically appear, call Jason Watts.

The house is coming along nicely though. I love my brick. Most of you know that I don't do too many things in a conventional, normal manner. So Blaine and I chose a larger brick with lots of character. I think that it really adds an old world spirit to the outside...just what I was looking for. I am creating a Ron Hill wannabe home!

Only a small mishap on the brick yesterday could lead Blaine to say to me, "Mis, you are not Ron Hill!" (Now for those that have never heard of Ron Hill - he is my idol, my guide for old world house designing and architecture, a pure genius - his offices are in Ozark, Mo.)

My response to Blaine was much like the Cowardly Lions on the Wizard of Oz: "Put 'em up, put 'em up!... I can fight you with one paw tied behind my back. I can fight you standing on one foot. I can fight you with my eyes closed. Oh, pull an axe on me, eh? Sneaking up on me, eh? Why, I'll... Ruff!"

Okay fine, I will admit - I am no Ron Hill (and neither is Blaine), but our old world style will be a miniature version (if only I could win the lottery!) And we love it.

I am clicking my black patent leather heels now, "there is no place like home, there is no place like home"....but nothing seems to be happening. All in good time, I guess.

Pat Green Concert Photos

My pal, Ryan, sent me some fun photos of my trip to Kansas City recently for the Pat Green concert. I thought I would share...

I am such a good babysitter...maybe I should get one of my own??

I know what you are thinking..."Misti is actually thinking of having a baby?" Well, if my baby could look anything like Jack, I would think about getting one. Today, I spent much of my day babysitting Jack - an 11 week old Pomeranian. A co-worker brought him to work today because he was sick. And instead of watching his sad little face stare at me through the bars of his cage, I took him to my office to play. This little guy was nameless until he began chewing on my carpet and I said, "Hey little jacka$$, quit chewing on my carpet!" Jack stuck and so that is what I will forever call him...Captain Jack to be exact.

Happy Mother's Day on Sunday!

I got an email today from Mom. In the subject line it said, "In Honor of Mother's Day." I get it, Mom - Mother's Day is Sunday. I remember! It is my birthday, too, on Sunday, so this year you are going to have to share! (Tongue sticking out!)
(I am going to be slapped - into next week - for posting this photo from 2002. But I love this photo of us and always have.)
There are many reasons why I love my mom. (And no I am not sucking up to get a better birthday gift - okay, maybe a little. Hee Hee.)

My Mom has the know-how to put me in my place especially when I need it most. (Just this week to be exact!) She also has the ability to know the things that I want even before I know I want them. (Yes, I have turned into my mother!) Connie Jo knows her fashion! And knows how to decorate her house (and mine) to perfection. But most of all, she is genuinely just a great human being. And we know those are far and few between nowadays!

(So I don't get slapped as nearly as hard, here is a more recent photo of Mom & Dad from our Gulf Shores trip last year.)

In her email to me, there were 25 Reasons Why I Owe My Mother. Here are just a few:

My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE.
'If you're going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning.'

My mother taught me RELIGION.
'You better pray that will come out of the carpet.'

My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL.
'If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle of next week!'

My mother taught me LOGIC.
' Because I said so, that's why.'

My mother taught me about WEATHER.
'This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it.'

My mother taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE.
'I brought you into this world, and I can take you out.'

My mother taught me WISDOM.
'When you get to be my age, you'll understand.'

I have literally heard every single one of these phrases come out of her mouth. Thanks for setting us straight! HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!

Finials, Shingles and Front Door

House Update!

We now have finials, shingles and our front door installed. Love it, love it, love it. I took the photo on the right on Sunday. And since then, the roof has been completed and they began bricking this morning.

We went to pick out cabinets on Monday. We had met with Dan the Cabinet Man last week for nearly 3 hours laying out what we wanted. Monday took another 4.5 hours of deciding. And we are not even done yet. A week from today, we head back to to visit Dan the Cabinet Man for one last time (hopefully) to continue on. Here's to winning the lottery before then!

Someone Pass the Hand Warmers...

Let's just say that boating in early May can be a little chilly. But we weathered the cold and still headed to the lake on Saturday for some boating fun. We didn't get the early start that we anticipated, but when we finally arrived, we had quite a shock. Not only was it 50-something degrees outside (see photo), but where was the boat...and more importantly, what was wrong with the boat?

Our boat was stored over winter at Glen Cove Marina. Blaine had called to make sure that the boat would be in the water when we arrived (it's first trip into the water since October.) When the green Ford truck pulled up with all four of us (me, Blaine, Kristina and Shandon) piled inside, the boat mechanic walked over and said, "your boats taking on water so we had to pull it out so it didn't sink!" WHAT? I wanted to scream...but I didn't. I don't think I could - I had already swallowed my heart and it was pounding in my stomach. I looked at Blaine. Pale, blank look he had. I think a few choice words came out, but I can't remember.

After a couple of quick tweaks to the boat (by our rockstar mechanic, Mr. Blaine himself), all problems were fixed and we just crossed our fingers that the boat would float. It did, we hopped on and away we went. My only question at that time was, "why did mr. boat mechanic have to throw in the 'so it didn't sink' portion of his comments?" I am too young to go into cardiac arrest!!

Anyway, we were off - Destination 1 - Horny Toad. Destination 2 - Backwater Jacks. Destination 3 - Shorty Pants. Finally we came to a stop some time several hours after dark had set upon us and we settled in for the night at our boat dock. A bit chilly again. But worth the trip.

Our summer has just begun!

...Bringing Sexy Back!

Awww...the sounds of prom. Cue the Justin Timberlake song...."I'm Bringing Sexy Back..Yow!"

Wait - Rewind. Cue Def Leppard's "Love Bites!" Even better...

My pal's, Shandon and Kristina, are in town this weekend whoopin' it up for the Harbor Hop at the lake. Although the weather is rainy and chilly, I know these two will add some fun to the weekend. (Check out the latest photo of these Illiniosians from 2 weekends ago. I will defend them by saying that they were at a prom party... I won't out them on their ages, but I know they loved 80s music.)

Regardless of what these two do in their free time in Illinois (which is obviously questionable), this weekend kicks off summer for the Preston's. And I am ready. Bring on the sunscreen, bring on the bikini, bring on the weekend fun! Everyone raise your glasses high and say, "Cheers to long days at Cove 18, longer nights at Shorty Pants, smoked wings and mojitos, Mitch's pranks and retarded jokes, Lora's list of accomplishments for the summer and Jason's attempts to get us kicked out of the dock with loud music and engine roaring!" CHEERS....Yay!!!

House Update!

Here are some recent photos of the house. Blaine has been working morning, noon and night. Katie and I have been hanging out when we can - I helped with running cables for phone and internet last night. As Blaine said, "that's another thing I thought I would never see you do." All I need now is a pink toolbelt and hard hat and I would be set for anything!

We now have a fireplace and tubs & showers. The shingles are going up tomorrow - weather allowing! We meet with our wood flooring guy tomorrow as well. Lots going on - that's for sure.

On the boat again...

One of my favorite Willie Nelson songs is "On the Road Again." Okay, I admit - that is the only Willie Nelson song that I like, really, at all. During my country hoedown days (that I still lean towards every now and then), I was an Alabama singing, lighter waving in the air, country type of gal - back when I was four years old. (Now if that ain't a country song, I've never heard one, ya'll.) But every now and then, I still love my country roots.

As I was thinking about my weekend plans, I began singing a more appropriate version of the Willie favorite...."On the boat again. -Just can't wait to get on the boat again. The life I love is making music with my friends. And I can't wait to get on the boat again." Now everybody sing - "OOONNNN the boat again......Just can't wait to get oooonnn the boat agaaaainn. The life we love is making music with our frrrieeennds.....And I can't wait to get oooonn the boat agaaaaain!" Yee-Haw!!

Our lake summer begins May 3. Look out Shorty Pants, here we come!!

Weekend Fun

This weekend I drove to Kansas City for a jammed packed weekend of fun. First, I met up with Ryan & Melissa and Becky & Adam (in photo) on Friday for the Pat Green concert at Crossroads. What a great time! It was a bit frigid - but a great time to chill out with friends. The only thing missing from this great night was Blaine. Unfortunately, he had to stay behind and work on the house. It made me sad to leave him, but I knew that I needed to make sure that my friends behaved while in Kansas City. :-)

Saturday morning, Melissa, Becky & I met up with Mom and Shania at

Bridal Extraordinaire - my friend Danni's mom's bridal shop and where Becky purchased her beautiful wedding gown. Gorgeous...love it!

We didn't get to meet up with Danni at the bridal shop. She was signing autographs for Survivor and Coleman at Cabella's. I couldn't miss the opportunity to just show up hoping to catch a glimpse of Bo - Danni and Casey's 6 month old son. OH MY GOSH - I knew that supermodel Danni and cutie center (for now the Broncos...ugh) Casey would have a most beautiful baby, but geez....he was precious sporting his Carhart overalls and John Deere socks and hat. Such a doll. And I got the opportunity to express my sheer disappointment in Casey's new job. I told him that I will forgive him - eventually!!

After meeting up with Danni, Bo and Casey, we (Mom, Shania and I) hit the streets for some shopping. We meandered about Legends and then headed to the Plaza where we met Ryan and Melissa for dinner at the Cheesecake Factory - my favorite!! Yummy. After a fun-filled day and feeling pure exhausted, we all parted ways. Mom, Dad (who had been out and about all day letting "the girls" shop) and Shania drove back to Springfield. I drove back to Jefferson City.

What a great weekend!!

Windows, Vents and Dormers...Oh My!

Last night, I drove out to the house to meet Blaine. As I turned onto Highland Waye (my street), I could see smoke rolling out of the neighborhood. I nearly choked and cried all at the same time. I could feel my heart pounding thump, thump, thump in my stomach. With my bad luck, I just knew it was my house. BUT as I kept driving, I thankfully realized that it was not our house. (Blaine had seen it too and had the same reaction.) I guess when you put this much time and effort into something, any little thing will make you feel like you are going to throw up.
(Here she is as of April 17)

The house was still there and it is coming right along. It seems like in the past 5 days, it has really began to look like a house...finally. We have a roof over our heads, the windows are in place, the doors are hung (except the infamous front door), we have our dormer built and the copper vents are positioned perfectly (thanks to Blaine's watchful eye.)

The Boy is Back in Town!!

Hallelujah! Blaine is back and assuming his contractor duties rather nicely. I got a phone call today where he told me that our plumber had rolled his bobcat down our backyard. Now if you haven't heard about our backyard....I will just say that I will not even need a sled to go flying down it in the winter. Brice the plumber is fine - but it sure freaked me out just to hear the story!

Thank goodness this happened on Blaine's time....if it would have happened while I was around I would have quit my contractor duties all together!! Ring...Ring..."Is this Jason Watts? What are your doing for the next 3 months?"

(This is Blaine tearing those pesky stickers off of our windows...I will never understand why one little window needs six stickers permanently pressed on to it. Ugh.)

Can Someone Give Me $1800?

I have been looking for a new fabulous piece of door hardwear for our front door. (Yes, I said hard"wear" instead of hardware because if I am going to pay what these places are asking, I better be able to at least wear it like a pair of fine Jimmy Choo shoes.)

I found the perfect one - of course I did. Now take a deep breath.... this beauty (which would look absolutely perfect on my front door) is over $1800. You read it right, folks....$1876....not $18.76. I nearly flipped right out of my blue pleather chair. Now the website says that I can buy the Entry Mortise Lock for $1,876.72 and the Full Dummy for $1,293.24. Let me re-phrase that....I would be the Fool Dummy for paying anything near that....

I guess that I will just chalk this up as another "want" in life that I will never have....Jimmy Choos, a giant Louis Vuitton, the diamonds earrings from Tiffany's, ....the list goes on & on & on....

Burnin' Rubber

Lately, I have been burnin' up the highway between here in Springfield. I am pretty sure that the guy on the side of the road in Lebanon trying to sell pizza's for $5 is tired of seeing this crazy girl go by. The house adventure has steared us South for 3 weekends in a row now. I love Springfield, don't get me wrong, but a girl can only drive down and back in twenty-four hours only so many times.

This time, I made the venture myself. Blaine is in Las Vegas this week working on his tan and I am taking care of all of the manly duties - like loading up some lumber in the pick-up truck and delivering it back to Jeff City.

I drove down Sunday for some shopping time with Mom, Julie and Shania. And I will say that I did find many things that I neeeeed. I swear, I need them. I did purchase some great things so my momma can show me how to make fabulous flower arrangments. (It is perfect time that she is taking flower arranging classes this spring and summer. She has got some skills.)

On Monday, I hopped in the Ford truck and headed to the lumber company. After they loaded my 4 million pounds of lumber and the Ford truck was now on its two back wheels, and after my mom's eyes almost popped out of her head for pure nervousness, we trucked it down the road. I dropped off Mom and headed back to Jeff City.

My manly duties are done for the week. BLAINE - COME BACK HOME SOON!!!!

Oh How Time Flies...

I was searching some photos recently and came across some very funny photos. Since it is springtime and love is in the air - I couldn't resist sharing a1995 prom photo. Oh the memories. Oh the effort we put in to finding the perfect attire.

I wore a dress that I gotten at the evening gown store called Charlie's in Springfield. All of the girls wanted a dress from Charlie's. I knew that I had to have one too. I had never been deprived of dresses (through my pageant days), but I also wanted "THE" dress from Charlie's - black sequined halter with gold trim.

Blaine donned the ever-so-fabulous Mickey Mouse tux. (I am still laughing over that one.) It was awesome back then. It looked great on him, really it did. Friends of Blaine - can you EVER imagine him in a Mickey Mouse tux? Now seriously.

Well folks, here is the photo to prove it all... Laugh all you want, choke on your donut, and spew your morning coffee all over your computer screen...this was our dance at the prom forever printed in our Senior Yearbook - my stunned look and Blaine's Mickey Mouse tux.

Wow - how times flies.....

CONGRATS SHANIA!

So I get a phone call yesterday...actually, let me re-phrase that. I got 10 phone calls, one frantic voicemail and one text message (that read "PLEASE CALL") yesterday from my parent's number. I thought that someone had hurt themselves or that something was major wrong in the family. There was something major going on at the Moore household.

SHANIA WAS PICKED FOR THE SPELLING BEE!! And she was ecstatic when I finally called to see what was so important at the Moore household. Shania was chosen as one of four going to compete at the end of the month in the Spelling Bee. She had to compete in her grade to make it to the next round of competition. GOOD LUCK SHANIA!!! I know you can kick some bumble-butted bees at this competition!!

Here is one for the girls!

My Chicks, My Homegirls, My Peeps - I just recently found a great new website for some hot new looks. It is http://www.hautelook.com/. Each day they feature one brand with items majorily discounted. Today, they are featuring LaROK - and I am dying for a sequined t-shirt on there donning the number 88. I love it. (Blaine's football number was #88 and I have always been partial. Mushy, mushy, I know.)

You have to sign up with this website to view. But in doing so, you get great reminders of what is being sold each day. I love it, love it, love it. Check it out!!

If you do sign up with this site - put my email in the "Sponsor email/code" section. Use this email - mistipreston@hotmail.com. I promise I do not work for this company - but if you do enter my email and make a purchase, they will give me a $10 credit. Not a bad deal!! And I am guessing that I am going to find a lot of things to buy!!!

Grammar Police!

Some people are grammar police....and I am one too - sometimes. I realize working in communications, I should always have perfect grammar - blah, blah, blah. Someone (aka DH) pointed out to me today that I had misspellings on my blog. Darn.

So here are my ground rules: for this blog - whatever goes - this is for fun, isn't it? I will continue to have misspellings, misuse words and use slang. So if you see something that doesn't look just right or is just plain wrong, you can either let me know or live with it. I am willing to live with these grammar imperfections in my life...

Off the soapbox and moving on...

We Almost Have a Roof!!

Blaine and I ventured out to the house yesterday. Hallelujah, we almost have a roof. It was about 80-90% complete. Blaine says that there is no amount of money in the world that would get him to climb that high to roof a house. You cannot tell from this photo, but the backyard is a bit of a drop off. (My momma will hate that!) I guess there will not be too many Christmas lights on the Preston house this year!

Check out the photo of Katie taking a break from her hard day of napping.

Life's Good

Today is a great day. Life's Good. And that is because finally after at least 3 years of wanting, Blaine and I finally bought a new washer and dryer.
We are now owners of an LG washer & dryer in blue. I love the new colors that these appliances are coming in. I would have settled for any color (as long as I got the SteamFresh option.) Blaine wanted gray; I would have settled for red. But we both agreed on blue. They are beauties.
I don't actually get to use these until we have moved in to the new house. But I don't mind - I guess. I want so badly to go home right now and wash something. Who would have ever thought I would become this domesticated? Not me. Soon enough, though, I will be washing away. And soon enough, I will be able to toss out the ole Ropers - who have been troopers over the years.

I am counting the days until the delivery of my new pride and joy - June 27!

Hell May Freeze Over

Today, I got the shock of a lifetime. If you know me at all, you know that I am a huge Kansas City Chiefs fan. I don red and gold, participate in the tailgating opportunities when I can and yell and scream like a maniac at the games...yes, even in the rain.

But today, a dark cloud is glooming. You see, I despise the Denver Broncos - for many reasons. For starters, blue and orange is just tacky together. Next, their cheerleaders aren't as cute as our cheerleaders. But most of all, naturally I have to be bitter about any team in our league, especially since their record ended at 7-9 last year and ours was a chilling 4-12. (Jealous much? Yes I am.)

Now for the bad news as if our record alone wasn't bad enough - my favorite Center in the whole world, Casey Wiegmann, (see the photo of me, Casey and Danni) has just signed with the Blue and Orange. Blagh!! This is Casey's 13th year in the NFL and he has definitely pulled his weight. I have forgiven Casey once for some bad judgement he made in 1996 - playing for the Indianapolis Colts - who I despise more than the Broncos. And now this...

Casey, Casey, Casey - when will you learn, my pal? Is this my punishment for making fun of how big your neck is? I will take it back, I promise!!

I once said, "I will not root for the Colts, the Raiders or the Broncos unless hell freezes over." And my friends - that day may be lingering that I cheer on the Broncos (when they are not getting smashed by my all-time favorite team, the Chiefs!) Last I heard, Casey wanted to be on a winning team before hitting retirement. But the Broncos? Come on now. Blue and Silver is a better color on you...why can't you play for the Cowboys or something?

You Ain't Cool Unless You Have a Loose Screw!

UPDATE: Dan the Man will forever be tagged as having a screw loose!

Yep. You heard it here first folks - the screw is here to stay. After much debate in the Moore Family and another visit to the doctor (the family doctor this time - not some money hungry, surgery-eager vulture), Dan the Man has decided that the best route to take at this time is to keep his loose screw.

The family doctor brought up some very good points: 1) more surgery to go on a screw-hunting expedition could cause more damage than what it is worth and 2) if Doc himself had a screw inside of him, he would elect to leave it.

So there you have it folks....Dan the Man truly has a loose screw. And as someone once said, "this whole thing sounds 'screwy' to me!" (Kudos Melissa!)

** Note to Dad: I promise to stop posting lovely photos of you now. Well, until the latest from Gulf Shores 2008 surface.

Proverbs 24:3

All of our time lately has been dedicated to working on the house that we have been dreaming about. Lots of hard work - lots of decisions - lots of ideas going through our heads.

I came across this scripture while looking for house ideas (on a builder's site). I realized that we can put all of our effort into building the walls, finding the perfect light fixture and picking out fabulous wood floors. But what really matters is the Wisdom that is going to fill this house - the true riches of knowledge, wisdom and understanding are the precious and pleasant riches - not my fancy lamps, sofa tables and flat screens.

Just my thoughts for today...

Someone Once Said...

"A tree can make the front yard beautiful." Okay fine - I said that. And I meant it. Now let me tell you a little story about a tree that could - and then got knocked down.

On this fun (and not-so-fun) journey of building a champagne taste dream home on a state worker's beer budget, I knew there would be ups and downs. But I never knew that one "down" was going to happen.

Blaine & I chose a little piece of property in a neighborhood that we adored. A lot of deciding factors went into choosing this particular lot - but when it came down to it, we finally made a choice on our lot...the one with the tree in the front...the one where we could perfectly position our garage windows so the tree would be a focal point between them...the one where we might just have to be a few feet to one side closer to the neighbor to be able to have this tree "just right." So that is what we did - we began building our house around a beautiful tree (some called it a Birch, some called it a Cottonwood - it looked like an Aspen to me.) All I knew was I loved this tree.

And then the phone call came. Blaine said, "are you sitting down?" I knew something was wrong because he had tried to call me twice and had sent 3 emails to "discuss something about house." I said, "sure I am sitting...what's wrong?" I had gone through half a dozen scenarios in my head: the house burned down, the concrete cracked in half, the back fill cost $3 million dollars...I had thought of everything. But in my thought process I said "don't freak out. Whatever it is...it can be rebuilt." I had no idea... I was wrong....

Blaine: "I hate to tell you this...." Misti: "What...for crying out loud?"
Blaine: "They cut down our tree." Misti: "WHAT? @(*&(&%#(&#!!!!!"
Blaine: "The excavating guy cut down our tree!"
<Insert crazy lady voice here - you know the voice of the lady on The Christmas Story where Ralphie's mom calls another mom to tell her that Ralphie learned the curse word "fudge" from her son>
Misti: "@@#@%#% blah, blah, blah--- OOOOHHH fudge!"

I was furious. And the whole world knew it. That was my tree - the one I adored and loved. The one that was going to make my front yard beautiful. She was gone.....forever. Now she lays deader than a doornail in my backyard ready to be cremated.

Here she is: the lone little tree in my front yard. She left my front yard at a whopping 15-20 years old standing 50 feet tall. (I think that she took it better than we did.) She will replaced (and soon) but never forgotten. RIP little beautiful tree......

Now speaking of Deader than a Doornail - where is my excavating guy?

Happy Birthday Blainer!

I Finally Did It....

I changed $500 (okay - not THAT much) to cut bangs (Cha-Ching!) I have been talking about it for a while - at least to myself. I was admiring Reese Witherspoon, Tyra Banks and now Heidi Klum. They are all hot women - and I wanted to look like them too. Okay fine, I am just a little bigger than them (okay a lot bigger), but I thought bangs would compliment my round face nicely.
So I called Brad (my hairdresser) and he chopped away.

I left my office yesterday looking somewhat like this:

And I returned to work looking somewhat like this:

I cannot decide if I love it or hate it. I am leaning towards liking it. I know my momma will love it - she has been trying to talk me into it for quite some time.

No one screamed in terror when I returned to work - so I guess it's okay. I wonder what the hubby will say...That will teach him to not leave me home alone too much.

I guess if I decide not to like it....it will grow out soon enough.

It is all about style, baby!

The Difference Between Men & Women

Now most of you have seen this before, but I cannot help but laugh at this everytime I see it. It is SO true. My cousin, Alicia, sent this to me a couple of weeks ago and I came across it again this morning.

Perfect timing - I am having one of those "I feel like a complete fat blob" mornings! I even stopped at the grocery store on my way to work this morning to stock up on 1 Liter bottles of Fiji water. (And they will probably sit on my desk at work for weeks waiting for me to actually drink them. Coffee is way more important to me, really.)

Why can men strut around acting as if they are the hottest creatures on the planet, while all of us women (who are far more beautiful than these manly, hairy creatures) criticize ourselves to no end? If someone figures out how to save women from body image self-destruction, let me know.

Until then, where are the donuts?

Daytime Television - UGH

For all of you that work during our weekdays, you will agree that you sometimes long for the days of staying at home and watching daytime television. Unfortunately for me, I have been forced to stay home the past two days. And what have I done? Plopped my butt on the recliner and watched hour after hour of daytime TV. (I recently hurt my back - working out at the gym...pathetic I know - and haven't been able to do anything but sit here.)

I have watched lots of TV over the past couple of days. I have seen extreme anorexia and multiple personalities on Dr. Phil, politics on the TODAY Show, hot topics on The View and couples fighting obesity on Montel. Throw in a couple of episodes of Judge Judy and UGH...get me out of this recliner!!

Geez...daytime television is depressing. Although these programs make my boring little life look great, watching some of these disturbed individuals is just sad. I guess I could have watched Erica Cane on All My Children but that would have whisked me back to the days when Julie and Ronnie had to babysit me while Mom & Dad worked...and no one wants to go back to those days!

Here's to hoping that I get to return to work tomorrow!!

I created this for Shania...Check it out!!

Shania-licious...

Blaine and I journeyed to Springfield on Sunday night to get some house stuff shopping done on Monday. It was a great day to drive from store to store making decisions on flooring, doors, brick, cultured stone and shingles. I think that I got a lot accomplished. We even loaded up four copper finials for our rooftop (Mom calls these lightening rods - which is a little creepy - but I still love them.)

After our shopping, we headed out to Republic to visit Mom, Dad and Shania and pick up our doghter, Katie. While there, Shania and I had to squeeze a couple of quick Karaoke runs...."I'm the F to the E, R, G the I the E...and can't no other lady put it down like me!"

I think that it should be "I'm the S to the H, A, N the I the A...and can't no other lady put it down like me!"

Shania knows how to rock the Karaoke on the Wii. Rock on, Nia!! They'll be lining down the block to watch what you got, sista!!

I still love the lake in the winter!

I don't think that there is a time of year that I don't love the lake.

Blaine and I joined up with friends on Saturday night for some long-awaited smoked chicken wings at Shorty Pants (our favorite hangout) and then headed over to Jason & Cari's new hacienda for some poker playing. It was a great time by all (except for my constant sniffles and chronic cough I have developed - the cat lurking in the basement didn't help either.)

As we crossed over Grand Glaize bridge, I couldn't help but long for hot days in the summer cruising through the waves, beautiful sunset ahead headed to Shorty Pants. Instead, the green Ford Truck was giving me my ride. Not quite the same....

I am counting the days until the first Harbor Hop!!

A Penny for My Thoughts...

Blaine and I had the opportunity to visit the Denver Mint on our recent trip to Colorado. We found this exciting (since we are complete nerds). The artifacts just past the Security gates were amazing. There was so much history including money used in biblical times, fools gold from the Gold Rush and ancient gems which were beautiful.

Did you know that this Mint produces 50 million coins a day? Yes, I said a day. The coin produced the most is the penny. I am not so sure why we still have pennies since the good ole days of penny candy are far from gone...according to my Mom & Dad who probably tromped 10 miles in the 12 inch snow each day (one way) to get to school.

My favorite part of this Mint tour was learning about the newest quarter to hit vending machines soon.

"O-K-L-A-H-O-M-A...where the wind goes sweeping down the plains!!"

As the tour guide described the quarter, I couldn't help but recite this musical in my head. (I think that I learned it in 1st or 2nd grade probably during the Peanut Festival in Marlow.) I was amazed to find out that "Okla" means "red" and "Homa" means "people." Blaine's ears even perked up since he claims to be more Indian than me...which he is not. (He refers to himself as Chief Dirtybutt from the Nowipey Tribe - and would absolutely kill me if he knew I shared that, so let's move on.)

I was able to nab a couple of Oklahoma quarters before they hit the streets. Okay fine, I didn't steal them like they would have on National Treasure...I simply purchased them quarter for quarter. The best investment I think that I have made lately!!

If you haven't been to a Mint, it is worth the time. And that folks is my two cents...

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Hope you all are having a great Valentine's Day. This day symbolizes Hallmark's hottest way to sell lots of V-Day cards and flower shops to make a fortune. Recently, while spending many hours in the car, I heard a commercial stating that when Valentine's Day falls on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, chocolate is the number one gift. Ironically, this message was "brought to you by" a chocolate company. (Give me a break!)

Fortunately for Blaine, I don't buy into all of the mushy gushy Valentine's stuff. I don't like waiting for 3 hours to be seated at my favorite restaurant and I don't like candy too much, so I could do without the day completely. I did invest in the overpriced chocolate-covered strawberries yesterday. Who can really pass those up?

Don't get me wrong - I LOVE gifts...but they don't have to come on V-day! Any day of the week will work for me. (Yes...that was a hint!)

Happy Heart Day!!

Back Home & Cold!

Why is it that I can venture out to the Rocky Mountains, climb to 12,000 feet elevation and still be warmer than I am now in Missouri? It is frigid today in mid-Missouri. We rolled into to Jefferson City last night at about 10 p.m. and it was 11 degrees. What the heck???

Our stay in Colorado was very fun and a great get-away...even though Blaine is a slave-driver when it comes to snowboarding. Overall, I had a great time and can now actually call myself a snowboarder!

I will have to admit - after a terrible day on Saturday of spending all of my time on the ground and having the ultimate embarrassment - I actually loved my time on the mountain on Monday. I spent a half day making my way up and down the mountain and even did what most would not believe - I accomplished two successful runs down the black diamonds - a great accomplishment for my non-athletic, clumsy self!! (In case you are wondering, the slopes have green (the easiest), blue (the medium difficulty and can look intimidating when you look down) and black (the holy sh!t...I am going down that slope.) I MADE IT DOWN THE BLACK (and on purpose!)

I liked it so much....when can I go back? (Now who ever thought I would say that?)

She'll Be Coming Around the Mountain When She Comes...

And it may take a while!! So I have made it to sunny Colorado. Ironically, the weather here has been beautiful. Sunny, blue skies and 50 degree weather. Much better than the Missouri weather!!

I took my first run on the mountain in Winter Park on Saturday afternoon. Boy am I sore. Very sore. Thank God for ibuprofen!! Blaine and I decided to sleep in so we didn't actually hit the first ski lift until about 1 p.m. Perfect for me, I thought - but how did I know it would take me FOREVER to make it down the mountain? I had lost my lift ticket somewhere between the board rental store and a nice soul at the ski lift let me get on saying, "I trust you...just don't come back to the base of the mountain until you are ready to quit snowboarding..the next guy may not let you back on." I guess Blaine and I took that literally as we headed further and further up the mountain.

I will say at first, I was becoming a pretty darn good snowboarder - especially for me (since my non-athletic self prefers lounging on the beach!) But sometime not even halfway down the mountain, I lost all juice - I had NO energy left. Not even a little bit. I was miserable. I hurt all over...oh my butt, oh my thighs, oh my arms....UGH!!! Finally ski patrol showed up...you know those hot guys that I spoke about in other posts...and told us that we were the LAST ones that high up and the mountain was going to close soon - because it was only and hour and a half from darkness. So they gave me a short lift on a snow mobile to get me moving and motivated. Embarrassed, I said, "thanks boys...I can take it from here." And I flipped my hair and hopped off of my snow ride and went on my way....in tears with pain. Poor Blainer helped all he could...but it was helpless. So....about a mile and a half from the base and from food, hope and a cold drink, I crashed...emotionally and physically. I swallowed the little pride I had left and hitched another snow mobile ride down the mountain. This time, the snow mobile driver was a chick - and a not very happy one at that. But I made it down (and that happened to be a very fun ride on a snow mobile that would have cost me $300 to rent.)

And I am living happily ever after....well until I head up the mountain tomorrow afternoon!!

Update on Dan the Man

Bad news - the screw is not passing. (And if you do not know what I am talking about...see the picture below...the one where the guy is holding the binoculars...and read that story.) We will know in the coming days of how to repair his loose screw.

Dont' worry, Dad. Britney Spears also has a loose screw!

I think that maybe a quick run to Ameristar Casino just might loosen up the screw and it would be gone forever. Whatcha thinkin', Dan the Man?

My Landlord Responded...

A quick update - my landlord has now spoken to the tenants above me. Now, they either understood completely or now have a hit out on me. Great!! I will keep you updated.

Dear Mother Nature,

For weeks now, we have been sitting and waiting for the concrete floors to be poured for me & Blaine's new hacienda.

Bottom line: Missouri weather sucks!! The old saying, "if you don't like the weather today then stick around until tomorrow, it will change" sucks too (especially when you are trying to pour concrete.)

Dear Mother Nature: I need clear skies and temperatures above 24 degrees for consecutive days please. I am not asking for the moon here, lady. Sincerely, your pal, Misti

I finally complained...

Let me tell you...it is nice to complain sometimes. And I finally did it - I sent a note to my landlord to express my disgust with the lack of insulation in the floors above and my frustration with the neighbors.

Direct quote: "I understand that choosing a lower level unit was our decision, but frankly, I have never lived in an apartment where you hear the neighbors as much as we do. I can take the occasional loud TV, walking noises, sounds from the washer and dryer and other unintentional disturbances. But the noises coming from above are becoming almost unbearable....Last night was a capper -- they began singing Karaoke at sometime around 3:30 in the afternoon, took a break from that (I am assuming to watch the Super Bowl) and continued the Karaoke until after 11:00 p.m. There are only so many times a person can listen to “Eye of the Tiger” without getting very frustrated. Add in a couple of arguments upstairs and a couple of heated phone conversations and it all becomes burdensome."

Not sure if Mr. Landlord cares or not...Bring on the new house - and quickly before I rip my hair out!!