It is Anniversary time!

I can hardly believe that Blaine and I have been married for 5 years (tomorrow). Since we have friends in town this weekend, we decided to celebrate last night. After I had spent much of my day in a cattle barn, overdressed for any farming-like event in a suit and heels and stunk to high heaven, I met Blaine for dinner and we headed to CC's City Broilers in Columbia. (If you haven't been and live near or ever visit Columbia - it is a must!) We have been before, but decided to step it up a notch with the Lobster and Steak. Awesome food! The presentation was great, the atmosphere was perfect and the food was so delicious my tummy is still full.


Blaine and I rarely have date nights. Who can find the time with work, building the house, trying to clean the house and being constantly on the go? So this date night was super special - we were together, alone, it was our anniversary celebration and it was a great place. I guess time flies when you are having fun because it just seems like yesterday that I walked down the aisle with Dad attached to my arm telling me great stories. Dad's words are always inspiring: "Don't worry, Misti. This time you will not be 1st runner-up!" I thought - true...but have you seen my bridesmaid's?


Another great line as I was about to walk down the aisle was, "Blaine just threw up 30 minutes ago." Oh great - was it cold feet? did he take one look at my hot bridesmaids and say, "I can't do this whole marriage thing!"? Nope - Blaine had actually had butterflies swarming in his stomach and grabbed his so-called McDonald's cup to only find out it was someone else's - chew - spit! Disgusting....after I found that out, I laughed and cried all at the same time. But now it was time...we were walking...I had a death grip on Dad...I saw Blaine....and then it all began. We finally got married and moved to Ashland.


Although many things have changed over the past 5 years - houses, jobs, friends, goals - I am still happy to be the Mrs.


Back then, I didn't want a band to go with my engagement ring. Immediately after becoming a Mrs., you grow so much wiser (like the very next day). I have been wanting a band to compliment my ring ever since. Blaine always said - "on our five year anniversary." But I didn't think that would come true (especially with the house building expenses). Much to my surprise last night, I got my band to go with my ring. I love it!


I didn't get Blaine quite an extravagant gift, but I did book him (and me too) a culinary class at the Culinary Center in Kansas City - it is Cooking for Couples, an Elegant Dinner for Two. I was ecstatic when I thought of this idea since Blaine loves cooking so much. I think that we will have a blast. I paired his gift with a "Love Book" from Shutterfly - that I found so much fun putting together - and ordered Preston Vineyard Wine from Washington (that is what we had at our wedding - just the two of us.)


It was a great evening - and now we continue the fun this weekend at the Boat Races at Toad Cove at the lake.

Taco Bell Hates Me!

I like Taco Bell - I don't love it but I from time to time "think outside the bun" and head to the border. My favorite thing at Taco Bell nowadays is not even the food. I love the Border Sauce packets....I cannot get enough of them. Everytime I go, I ask for extra sauce - for my mere amusement of what the packet might say. You have seen them right? If you haven't, jump in the car NOW and head to Taco Bell to get some (and then quit living under that rock and live a little.)

I don't know why I laugh hysterically at these packets. Blaine has even witnessed this with an eye roll or two. I think they are clever, amusing and make my meal entertaining. So that's why Taco Bell hates me. I am sure that they haven't caught on to my hot sauce game and I am not so sure they would really mind. I keep going back - not so much for the burrito or taco, but for the sauce.

Some of my favorites sayings are:

"I'm taking the day off. See the next packet."

"Can I drive?"

"Scratch & Sniff: Gotcha!"

I even have put so much thought into this that I have come up with a few suggestions:

"My other friends are Hot!"

"Como Esta!"

"Why are you growling at me?" (Get it? Stomach growling....)

"Does this package make my butt look big?"

What do you think - could I get a job at Taco Bell?

Funny Wedding Video

In light of my recent trip to a wedding, I found this short clip that someone sent me a while back. It always makes me laugh....
No this is not the bride from the weekend....

Over the weekend, me & Blaine traveled with our friends, Ryan & Melissa, to the wedding up north. It was a great event....we got all dressed up in our best, drove 95 mph to the church because we thought we were going to be late, drove 95 mph back to the hotel (where the reception was to be held), ate some good food, had a few drinks and danced the night away.
Blaine and I always have a great time with Ryan & Mel. Actually, Melissa and I have decided that although Blaine and Ryan look nothing alike - they must be long lost twins.....they completely act the same when together. So much so, you can often hear one completing the others sentence. A little weird...sometimes creepy, but freakin' hilarious!! Mel and I just sit back and listen to the show going on around us!

Robert & girlfriend, Julie, joined us Friday night for the pre-wedding fun. But unfortunately, Robert had a very infected tooth and was feeling pain the entire weekend. Yesterday, he had emergency oral surgery back in Omaha to fix the pain. Get Well Soon, Robert!! Maybe next time you will be able to join in the fun.

As soon as my pals send me a photo or two of our big wedding outting, I will post some photos. We only took about 200 the whole night - we didn't want to miss a thing, I guess. For now, here is a photo of me (from my camera phone) right before the reception.

Bells are Ringing...

Wedding bells are ringing from Palmyra, Mo. Yep - you read that right, Palmyra. I don't have any idea where it is either, but my pals and I are bound to find it somewhere in Northwest Missouri on Saturday. We will be attending the Grisham/Frankenbach wedding. But the fun begins tomorrow. Ryan and Mel (from KC) and Robert and Julie (from Omaha) are venturing our way tomorrow for some wedding pre-fun! I am looking forward to having that gang together again.

As most of you know, I love weddings - okay, really I don't. It really doesn't matter who you are...I just don't like weddings. I think that occurred in 2003 when Blaine and I had 8 weddings from May thru Septmember including our own. We became versed in ironing our best duds, putting on our happiest "we love weddings look" and giving our best hugs to the bride while thinking....okay, now where is the food?

My true unlove for weddings could have also occurred the years that Mom had the bridal shop. All of those bitchy brides and their mothers - I am not sure how we kept from slapping most of them. Don't get me wrong - there were some pleasant brides, but most were...out...of...control.

When I shopped for a wedding dress, yes I was picky. But if I looked fat in a dress, that was my fault. I should have laid off the cheeseburgers. If I was just plain ugly in a dress, I should have bothered to comb my hair or put on makeup before I decided to try on gowns. If I walked like a baboon in a dress, I should have learned posture...oh I don't know....10 years ago. I put on my happy face, brushed my hair, slapped on some makeup and bought myself a wedding dress. I didn't blame the poor unsuspecting bridal shop owner for my fatness, lack of cuteness or ignorance. However, when working at the bridal shop, we were blamed for it all. I even drug out makeup to try to help some souls try to look beautiful, mom broke out the comb and starting teasing away on their hair to make the veil just right and I even showed a few how to walk in heels. I guess that's why we were successful at what we did - even if we sold the "hoochie" dresses that one shop referred to us as selling.

We were probably the first bridal shop in the Springfield area to carry strapless - otherwide know as Hoochie - dresses (insert horror film music here.) For those of you that don't know, Springfield is the bible belt of Missouri. Most of us now only see strapless gowns, but back in those days, it was unheard of and very "unbridely like and unwholesome". After getting over that hurdle, I can honestly say that we poured our heart and soul into that place and into each bride (that actually appreciated the full attention we would give.) I guess that's why we were successful!

But then, September 11th happened, family health issues needed to be tended to and the dreaded David's Bridal came to town. All of those above made us all look at each other and say - "do we really loooove this place anymore? Really? Because if we do, we will fight through. But if we don't, Hasta La Vista, Baby....we are outta here!!

So that is what we did. Mom & I walked away with pride....okay, Mom walked; I sprinted. We knew that we had made hundreds of brides beautiful for their big day, we had changed the industry in Springfield, met many memorable people and accomplished goals for ourselves that we never imagined. As bad as I didn't want to put up with the bridal brainiacs anymore, I learned a great deal about myself, the wedding industry, business and the world.

So maybe I shouldn't hate weddings anymore. Maybe I should look at them for what they are - two people joining their lives together and taking the plunge. Forget the wedding dress, the bridesmaid's shoes, the color of the flowers or the groomsmen's tuxedos....just enjoy the experience! Play dress up for the day with my hot date, mingle with aquaintances and friends, dance a little jig and eat the great food!

I am mad!

"I am mad!" That is what my niece, Sophi, said last night while at Fuddrucker's with the family for Mom's birthday celebration. I think she was mad that her Nana didn't get a Cinderella dress for her birthday just like Sophi did in February. She kept telling me that her birthday was WAY better (than Nana's) because "Jewie got me a Cinderella dress!" She finally came out from under the table though. And I am pretty sure Mom was happy she didn't get a Cinderella dress for her birthday - she may have wanted the glass slippers though...she loves shoes as much as I do.

Mom & I had spent the day shopping for antiques and other stuff for my house. I only bought a car load it seemed but I couldn't pass up the deals - even if what I liked was a "repro" said the snooty lady. After a quick stop to freshen up and pick up Dad and Shania we were off to see the Willard Tigers take on the Glendale Pansies (not sure of the mascot really....but pansies seems fitting.) Although the girls played good (I thought), I apparently don't know much....Sydni said "it sucked" and Coach Emily was about to explode with anger. Ronnie said if I was the coach I would have been angry too - supposedly they played really well on Saturday. All I know is they played WAY better than I could.

After mingling about in the gym, we headed to Fuddrucker's for post-game Birthday fun! Mom always tries to please everyone else and picked Fuddrucker's because "it's more fun for the kids!" Much to my surprise...that was one good burger I had. Yummy....though there hasn't been a burger that I haven't really loved. Great pick, Mom!!

The whole evening was a great time; we ate, talked, laughed, laughed some more and played games with the kids. I even got in the action of plugging my quarters in the machine to get prizes. Check out me and Shania's new teeth!! We are hot!!

But the evening had to come to an end - and on our way out, I had Mom & Dad pose for a photo. Much to their surprise and mine, I had them pose in an awkward place - hence the sign above their heads. Even the look on the faces look suspicious - but believe me...this was pure accident. Mom would have killed me otherwise.

I hopped into the car this morning to drive back to Jeff City for work. I am tired and worn out. I am not sure if it was the drive, the shopping, chasing Sophi or just laughing so much yesterday. Thanks for letting me drag you all over town again, Mom. I know it was your birthday, but I know I had more fun spending time with you than you did.

Happy Birthday Mom!!

I am off to Springfield tomorrow to celebrate Mom's birthday, cheer on Sydni at her volleyball game, grab dinner and try to squeeze in some shopping. A fun-filled day of chaos for sure, but it will be a good time before I head back to mid-Missouri to get my house ready for company this weekend.

Although mom said, "when you get this age, you quit celebrating birthdays", I happen to think birthdays are important. Besides, Mom, you are not over the hill....there is an old saying..."I am not turning 40, I am $39.95 plus tax. The same applies to you. But if you use $39.95, you are in a very special tax bracket. (Okay....14.5% tax....but at least you are not old.)

I expect to get slapped as soon as I pull in the driveway now.....I never learn.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM!! I know the day will be a great one. Lots of family, food and heckling of Sydni's volleball coach - the infamous Emily Yates. Emily and I were pals back in the ole pageant days. She was younger than me - and for anyone who remembers that little girl that sang "Good Ship Lollypop" - that was our Emily! She is all grown up now and coaching volleyball. I can't wait to see both her and Sydni (my niece) in action.

** On a sidenote and since we are celebrating, my mom made the cutest (ever) diaper cake for the Pastor's wife's baby shower this weekend. I have to brag - the talent this woman possesses never ceases to amaze me. You rock, Mom!

Looking at this made me think - awwww...I want one. But that only lasted for a minute and then I was over it.

No Mom - you cannot paint the spare bedroom pink just yet.

Goodbye Rain, Hello Sunshine!

I was joking with my boss last week about hearing running water in my backyard wondering if the river (a mile or so from my house) had overflowed. Really - I stood on my back porch listening to water flowing through the backyard. I even went inside and drug Blaine out. It was not the river, it was the neighbor emptying his pool. What a relief...not that the river could ever come even close to our house - we live on a huge hill. If it filled up our valley, we would be building an ark.

This morning while getting ready for work, I got a text message from Blaine. It said, "road closed, go straight." I knew what that meant - the Moreau River, the one near my house and a tributary to the mighty Missouri River, had gone over the road. Sure enough, when I got to the end of my road to venture to work, there was a sign stating "Water over Road."

My boss came into my office this morning to say, "if you thought the river had overflowed last week, what do you think about it now?"

I didn't grow up around rivers in southwest Missouri so they are a bit fascinating, intimidating and scary all at the same time. Although I have two other routes to get around the river on Tanner Bridge, it still makes me a little uneasy that a river can change my routes and destinations.

The only good thing about lots of rain is the chance to break out my hot pink rainboots. Rumor has it though - the rain has stopped and the sun will come out soon. Bring back my sunny days; I am sick of the rain.

Put Your Seatbelt on Galveston!

Sitting here listening to Hurricane Ike coverage, officials in Galveston, Texas just advised those that decided to ride out the storm should find a Sharpie and write their Social Security number on their arm so that they can be identified later. Wow...now that is a statement!!

Here's to living in the Midwest instead of along the coast.... Apparently hundreds of people are riding out the storms. Some are even sitting in bars saying "bring it on." Geez...if it even thunders here, I panic. I cannot imagine trying to ride out a storm like this. The words "stupid people" come to mind right now.

I hope my pals, Jason & Lora, are fairing well in Cancun this week. I checked their weather and everything seems to look okay. But I am no meteorologist... "Hope everything is great in Cancun, Watts'!!"

It's A Bird, It's a Plane...Oh no...It's Super "Lice?"

I have been hearing all of these stories on the news the past couple of days about Super Lice.

As a kid, lice was that icky thing that people got at school (you know the ones that didn't bathe - so my momma said.) Well...I always thought that non-bathers were the culprits of lice until I (yep...the daughter of a hair dresser's worst nightmare), came home with head lice. I suddenly found out that I could get lice from using someone's hairbrush, sharing a bed or headbutting each other on the playground. It had nothing to do with my bathing schedule.

I think I was in 6th grade when the bug arrived and I was mortified....but probably not as much as my momma. She blamed the pesky bug on that ratty kid down the street that probably never took a bath. In any case, I had it...it had gotten me...but Super Mom took care of it - just like any other ailment that came my way as a kid!

My mom bought every product in the store to remedy my new profound nits in my hair. I think she tried everything except Drano to kill the little buggers. My hair was washed and washed, my sheets were exterminated and the house was fumigated for bugs. I lived through the ordeal and lice never entered the house again.

But now, I hear the news of Super Lice. What the heck! I am itching now just thinking about it. Is this a group of lice that headed to the gym, took some steroids and now have become immortal? Seriously...how do Super Lice form?

I am going to be scratching my head for days trying to figure out this one....

To the Rock Stars in my Life!

“true friendship isn't about being there when it's convenient; it's about being there when it's not.” -- unknown

Recently, I have put a lot of thought into how lucky I am to have the great people in my life that I call my friends. Whether it is my greatest "we have been friends forever" pals (hello in Denver), my Mom (who I share just about everything with) or those people that have entered my life in the past five years (what a group you are), I am grateful for them being in my life.

As a kid, I didn't have too many friends. I was always the odd ball (and still am a bit), I had different viewpoints, dressed differently, walked differently and even talked differently. I wasn't like everyone else. As hard as that was walking down the hallways of school, when I left those hallways that is when my true life began and I developed meaningful friendships with those that accepted me for me. I am not perfect, I don't always do or say the right things...but one thing I know for sure - my friends (and family) are the most important things in my life.

As cliche as it may seem, thank you to all of my friends that have been there through thick and thin, accepted my differences, enjoyed my company, been my partners in crime and been the rock stars in my life that you are.

“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.” -- Dr. Suess

Little Sister's Weekend

In the past 4 days, I have been hitting the pavement more than usual. Thursday night I headed to Springfield to spend Friday with Mom & Julie and pick up Shania for a much needed "Little Sister's Weekend." I spent much of Friday looking for a dress to wear to a wedding - and found the perfect choice (after my other choice wouldn't zip up around my rib cage - man, I loved that dress.) My new choice is even better (says my momma) and fits like a glove (don't breathe.) I was waiting for Shania to get out of school so we could begin our whirlwind weekend of fun.


Shania and I left Republic Friday night and after one quick stop at Steak 'n Shake, we arrived in Jeff City to begin our fun. Saturday was about to bring more fun than our bodies could handle. We started off with pancakes for breakfast (thanks for making those from "scratch" Blaine!) and headed to the Lake of the Ozarks for more fun. In short, we managed to: ride go-carts (where Shania waxed Blaine and I on the track - seriously), take a boat ride, go swimming, lay in the sun, have dinner on the water at Shorty Pants, shop at the outlet mall (where Nia picked up a new hoodie, tank and earrings), play skee ball downtown, shop at the "Dam" Candy Shoppe, have ice cream at the "Dam" Ice Cream Parlor and watch Uptown Girls at the house. Boy - was I whooped?!?!

We ventured back to Springfield on Sunday (with a quick stop at Pac Sun for the Hurley book bag we just "had to have because it's cool), stopped by the mall for some more shopping and grabbed the family some much needed Cashew Chicken (Springfield-style). It was truly a great weekend of fun for me & Blaine and I think that Shania had fun as well. Although I am very tired from trying to keep up with a 7th grader, I can't wait to do it again!!

I Sream, You Scream, We All Scream on the Jet Ski!

One of last weekend's highlights caused much joy, excitement and pain. I am only just now writing about it because my soreness has finally disappeared.

My friends and I hopped onto the Go Fast Watts' boat on Sunday to head to Mama & Papa Watts' boat dock for some relaxation. There were red and blue jet skis set before us all day saying, "ride me!" And we did - all of us. Jason pulled Blaine on a tube while Kristina held the orange flag for safety. I lured in Shandon and actually talked him into taking a ride with me....and he thought it was my first rodeo, but it wasn't. The petrified look on his face cracked me up while we jetted across the water.

But I think the "Holy Crap - What Are You Doing on That Thing?!?" award goes to my pals, Ryan and Melissa. (I think that it must have been their first ride.) After seeing Mel get thrown off twice by her relentless husband (but we forgive you anyway, Ryan), Mel walked away with a limp and a "Oh...my ankle is broken." Much to our lack of sympathy, we didn't take her seriously as Blaine chimed in with a "Oh...my toe is broken" and I said, "Oh...my finger is broken." As for everyone else - they were fine (except Shandon needed a beer after he endured the ride I gave him.) Although my finger was fine and Blaine's toe was fine, Melissa did have to venture to the Emergency Room for a little check up. The next time I saw her, she was on crutches and limping around. Not broken - thanks goodness...but torn ligaments and major bruising. As we rehashed the story over and over of Ryan catapulting her from the jet ski, Mel’s reply was “at least I was doing something fun!!”

That’s my girl!! (and just kidding, Ryan - we know you didn't do it on purpose....you are just a bad driver!)

Happy Labor Day!

House building has been fun and all - but as I have mentioned lately, I have missed my summer days at the lake. Last weekend I tried to make up for lost time by spending the whole weekend at the lake and that is what I plan to do this weekend.

My pals Kristina and Shandon are joining us again this weekend. They are troopers - they live 4 and a half hours away and are returning today for more weekend fun - after just leaving on Sunday. My other pals, Ryan and Melissa, are heading this way too from Kansas City. (Cue music - "Party Like a Rock Star..."!)

(See photo of last weekend's fun - Lora, Kristina & I at the boat races.)

Although last weekend's boat races kind of sucked, it was a sunny day with friends and that is what mattered most. We joined the Watts' on their ride and what a ride it was! Their "Go Fast Boat" called Thunderstruck kept up with the Cats and other Go Fasts on the water...it was awesome as we hammered down towards our destination.

Many at the lake say this is their last weekend of summer fun. Not us - we will be boating as much as we can until October. Sure, my goose bumps will grow bigger, the shivers may become a staple in our evenings and we may have to break out the hoodies and mittens, but there are plenty of sunny days ahead.

Shania is going to join me next weekend for an overnight at the lake. I look forward to taking her out on the water, swimming and just having some "little sister" time! See you soon, Nia!!!

There is no place like home...

Katie went for a haircut and bath this week at Petco. She wasn't nearly as excited as I was as we walked into the doors. When we left the house that afternoon, she anxiously ran to the car and did three circles around it before I could open the car door for her to jump in. However, after the sight of other dogs getting bathed, sheared and brushed, she trembled. But I handed her over anyway with the little look of "mommy, don't go!" in her eyes.








Much to my surprise and hers, she came home with Ruby Red (& sparkly) toe nails. How precious. They look much like Dorothy's ruby red slippers on the Wizard of Oz. How fitting for Katie on this day. She realized that there was no place like home with her dazzling ruby red toe nails.

She wouldn't have too much to do with me once we returned home - and that is unusual. She is usually right at my heels. Blaine blamed it on the toe nails - "I would be mad at you too if you had my toe nails painted. I don't blame her." I just laughed - and Katie finally came around. I think she loves her toe nails. Besides, those flashy toe nails match her red Kansas City Chiefs collar - what could be better than that?

Is it really raining?

With the whole house building going on this summer, I feel like I have missed out on the dog days. And today - rain. Why? I don't need rain. I need 90 degrees and lots of sunshine. I found this photo today and decided this is exactly what I needed for a day of rain that was not appropriate for my hot pink Hunter rain boots:
Yes - those are heels with their own personal umbrellas. A little ironic and maybe a bit inconvenient, but very funny - to say the least.

Wait - do I see the sun peaking out? I do, I do!! I better get outside to play!

House Update!

This may be my last house photo posting for a while until I get everything done. So many things are still changing and are exciting. We are still missing a few minor things, but loving living there. Katie (my pooch or doghter as I like to call her) is finally adjusting as well. She has sought out new hiding places to keep me on my toes trying to find her every morning when I go to work.

Although the outside isn't complete, the yard looks hideous and the windows are dirty, here she is: (I have still have to put up wooden shutters on the windows, flower boxes below some windows and other wood accents. Oh and yes...I still need a yard.)

My most exciting moment late last week, however, was my bedroom light. We bought it months ago along with several other lights and it has been like Christmas everytime one gets hung. I love it. Here it is.......

I will admit - before we began moving last Friday, I drove to the house just to see it. I was afraid that 1) I was going to hate it or 2) I was going to love it. Either way, I knew tears would flow. In my defense of being a complete crybaby, it had been a rough week and I was exhausted. Anything probably would have made me cry - but I wanted to do it on my own time without the guys that were helping Blaine and I move witnessing my boo-hooing.

The other excitement of last week was all of the other things that were finished: the custom concrete range hood, the half bath sink and faucet were installed, the master bath began to really look like somewhere I could get ready every morning and just this week, but deck has been coming along nicely. See below for pics:

At last...

After 1 year and 9 months of preparation for our new house, we are finally in! We purchased our lot in October 2006 - believe it or not - and finally made the big move this weekend. Although we have lots yet to do to the house and tons of unpacking to do, we spent all weekend under a new roof with no neighbors above us doing Lord only knows what.

As we lay in bed on Friday night, Blaine said, "Did you hear that?" I didn't - but getting used to new noises always makes me a little jittery. "I didn't either..." said Blaine. He was just happy that we didn't hear the pitter patter of feet above us, a very large dog barking above us or the "CLUNK!!" that we heard on a daily basis. Finally, peace and quiet.

So...now we are left with mounds of stuff to unpack, but that is the fun part, right? And lots of shopping to do to find the perfect picture for the living room wall, the "just-right" flower arrangement for my window seal and the most fabulous centerpiece for my kitchen table.

As soon as I get the mess cleaned up, I will post photos.

I am tired, ya'll!

Only five days left until the official moving day and, boy, am I getting tired. While all of my friends were enjoying the lake, birthday celebrations and great, fun concerts this weekend, Blaine and I were working like crazy to get things done. Along for moral support and some gosh darn hard work were Mom, Dad and Shania. They volunteered to help - and I took them up on it. I don't think that they knew what they were in for. But hallelujah, thank the Lord, that they showed up.

Mom and I spent the weekend wallpapering, dusting, cleaning, and more wallpapering. Dad saved the day by installing all of the door handles in the house. What a chore for Mom & Dad. Luckily Dad got to work in the peace and quiet while poor Mom had to listen to my venting and stress releasing. Blaine and I counted the hours that we made my parents slave away at the house and we managed to come up with 18 hours of backbreaking work. Shania was even a trooper. When asked, she jumped up away from her laptop and music and helped with wallpaper, took care of Katie and did just about anything we asked. Thanks for wasting a weekend with me, Nia. And thanks Mom & Dad for making our lives easier - again! I am certain that the wallpaper would never get done and my door handles would have made it up sometime in December if it were not for you two!

The highlight of the weekend is my new range hood. I haven't taken photos yet, but I will soon. Jerry the concrete guy (different than Jerry the tile guy) came and spent two and a half days building my range hood out of concrete - and I love it. I will have to admit spending hours last week watching his work made me very nervous. What if I didn't like it? What if it didn't turn out like I had dreamed? But it is awesome. You can definitely tell it is a custom job and perfect for our kitchen. Photos will come soon.

Upcoming events - Monday is driveway day, Tuesday our tile will be complete in our master bath, Wednesday is carpet day, Thursday is final plumbing and lighting and Friday we begin the big move.

Life's Peachy!

My profession takes me to many interesting places. Today, we headed out for a Eat Local Buy Missouri media tour. The remains of Hurricane Dolly (yes we feel that in Missouri) brought buckets of rain.

We had the chance to pick fresh Missouri peaches right from the tree - yummy. Of course I had to eat one right then and there! In the video above, you will see my dorky self biting into a scrumptious peach in the rain. I thought ya'll might get a kick out of this especially since the reporter got such a closeup (Awwww...) , I am looking at someone like "get me out of here...hee...hee...hee..." and I am completely drenched. (I am a media person and I still forget one of the rules - never let someone capture you eating. It is not attractive.)

The greatness about this tour though was the food - all grown within a 60 mile radius of where I live - Steak & Egg Breakfast Burritos, freshly picked peaches, fresh warm homemade cinnamon rolls, Sausage & Vegetable wrap with fresh veggies and strawberries on the side, beef sticks, Missouri wine, corn on the cob and honey ice cream.

What a great day of eating! Dinner, however, McDonald's. Ugh.

Just a Quick Update...and a few photos

Here is a quick house update - the cabinets have arrived, the range is standing by, our crown molding is going up in the living room, more lights were hung today, the blinds have been ordered, the carpet is picked out and I am still breathing. Moving day is almost here.

Congrats to my pals, Ryan & Melissa, for their move to their new digs. Why didn't you call to have us help move? Oh yeah...you know how much crap I have and you didn't want to repay the favor.....I get it now!

Next Up - Cabinets

After all of my efforts to pick out the cabinet, they will finally be here on Monday. And we are in full preparation mode. The tile is almost done in the guest bedroom bath, laundry room and the master bathroom. Wallpaper is hung (thanks to my ever-so-gracious momma) in most places to be covered by cabinets in the master bath. We are picking up our Jenn-Air range tonight ready to be installed between the installation of the kitchen cabinets and the kitchen island. And the infamous hood for the range is FINALLY complete.

I will tell ya - the Preston's are not carpenters. When our ancestors were delicately building things back in the day as professional carpenters, they forgot to pass that gene to Blaine & I. For one, I suck at math...so that does me in from the get go. Blaine, who is normally great in math and anything to do with logically thinking about construction problem-solving, was conquered (almost) by the hood that will distinctly set over "his" range. Ole Blainer spent many of nights trying to master the confusing configuration of what would become our hood. I tried many a night to decipher his banter about the hood.

But our trim guy, Allan, came to our rescue, and along with Blaine, defeated the pesky hood installation. I will have to admit - last night, Allan was a God send. I was just sure that me and Blaine’s attempts to build this hood for the 4th time (and my 1st time) would land us at the nearest marriage counselor. Although I don't "think" Allan sensed that in our future, who knows - and he still volunteered. I got to set back and watch most of the action.

Just to think that this hood is not yet complete does still give me goose bumps. Much like everything else, I haven’t settled for a hood that can be found just anywhere. The hood frame that went in last night is only the first part to this party. The next part will involve a concrete guy coming in and plastering concrete all over the framed hood, applying an acanthus leaf concrete trim and also placing cultured stone to coordinate with the rest of the house. This idea is partly dreamed up in our heads and partly created through many photos. It will be incredible! I cannot wait to see this finished product.

Blisters Hurt!

I have had many blisters in my life....mostly from wearing shoes that are just worth the pain - i.e. my cute gold Coach Espridilles that I just had to wear to a wedding last weekend. (As my momma says, "no pain, no gain!")

But I don't think that I have ever had a blister from pure work until this whole house building thing began. I now have calluses on my hands (if you look real close you can see them, I swear) and scars to prove my hard work at the house. Okay...one scar is from a pesky mosquito chasing me down while working, but the other is from the broom. And ouch...a blister!

I spent my Monday evening picking up trash and sweeping the basement floor. At first, I was thrilled. It was much like an unveiling of a piece of art - except it was a stained basement floor. This was the first time I had ever seen it uncovered completely. And boy was it a mess. Who knew that painters and drywallers would cover just about anything that got in their path?

After a quick sweep, vacuum and a brush over with the mop, all of its color began to glisten through. Blaine spent many a backbreaking day in the spring staining the concrete floor. I supervised. Rumor has it, I stood out there one day in the cool breeze in my pink hooded sweatshirt, with my pink Zune, covering my mouth and eyes while standing on a board watching Blaine cut concrete in a very straight, precise manner - thanks to my board. We both walked away with all fingers and toes - and that was deemed a mighty accomplishment. (Have I ever told you how clumsy I am?)

I was also pretty much informed last night that I myself was a blister. Actually, I think that Uncle Jerry, our tile guy, said, "Misti, I hate you." With all due respect, Uncle Jerr meant this in the best possible way - he was indeed on his hands and knees scrubbing my floor with a toothbrush. Truth be known - Jerry still likes me.....he just hates my tile - too many rough edges and grooves to remove grout out of. I am assuming that with all of the scrubbing, he now has blisters.

Should I order a hefty supply of band-aids? Maybe. I can just see the eye roll now from Blaine as I walk in with a 2000-count box of band-aids. So maybe I won't. I would have to put duck tape over his mouth of comments and then we would use all 2000 band-aids when he ripped it off. So...band-aids for the Preston's do not seem like a very good investment.

I think a fresh manicure will cure my needs - and that is what I wanted anyway, right?

Benjamin Franklin Once Said...

"Energy & persistence conquer all things." I couldn't have said it better myself. With ole Mr. Franklin's words of wisdom lately, I have realized a few things - 1) god loves us, 2) beer is good and 3) Blaine has the energy and I have the persistence - the perfect combination to building a house.

Things have been coming right along. Blaine's constant long days, late nights and total abandonment of his wife and dog have led to some beautiful developments at the house. Last night, after 10 p.m. I might add, Blaine sent me a photo of our newly stained wood floors in our living room. These floors have been anticipated for many months now. With my true persistence and OCD (obsessive-compulsion disorder) about the house, I have been planning, wanting and preparing for the perfect wood floors. Many of you would rather die than let someone lay raw distressed white knotty pine floors in your house. But not me - I even take it to the extreme....put the floors in and then come in and beat the crap out of them with chains and hammers. Luckily, I found the perfect man to meet my challenge - Big Dave. This man drove his truck and trailer 3 hours to spend several days installing our wood floors. I am sure that we are paying this man enough to practically move to Jeff City - but that is another story and bitter subject among the Preston's so I will shut up.

Uncle Jerry has been out this week to lay tile. Actually, Jerry is not my uncle nor Blaine's - but he is our friend Jason's uncle so he might as well be our uncle. When I saw Jerry he paid my OCD-self quite a compliment as he looked around my living room and kitchen by saying, "you didn't just start building a house - you really planned ahead." That's right Uncle Jerr....this baby has been in the works for a while. I am actually really surprised I am still married and that my family (particularly Mom, Dad & Shania) still even speak to me - as obsessed I have been over this house. But finally things are coming together - and to me, it is amazing. With Blaine's constant oversight and backbreaking hard work, the house is exactly what I was hoping for.

Remember my post a few months ago pleading for donations towards a door handle for the front door? You know...the one that cost $1800? Well kids...my persistence has paid off. I have successfully located the best knock-off deal in my recent memory and found a door handle for my infamous front door. Here she is...in all of her shining glory! (She is the one on the left. In just a few short weeks, she will be greeting all of you when you step foot on the front porch.) I could have cried the day I came across this. Again...OCD.

As for all of the other house updates - the walls are painted - halfway wallpapered, the trim is still going up, doors are mostly hung, lights are looking fabulous and my sanity is drifting somewhere amongst the mix of all of this - still looking for it. But there is light at the end of this tunnel - we have to be out of our apartment by August 17. So that means IN THE HOUSE in less than a month. The countdown is on...

We are Family...

It has come and gone and only memories remain. But the Moore/Archer Family Reunion was something to talk about. From the yummy BBQ to the fun in the pool to stories of days gone by and Mayonnaise in the hair….What a great weekend! Here are a few highlights:

** Although trying new things is sometimes scary, we got Cousin Ricky to try sushi at me & Blaine's favorite restaurant, Nakato's. (Believe it or not - he didn't spit it out!)

** Counsin Abby has got to be the most photogenic princess EVER! And she is good at getting what she wants too. She even talked Blaine into getting into the pool - when Blaine said he only swam in "cold" water, she said, "the water is cold." When Blaine replied with the fact that he only swam in warm water, she keenly said, "the water IS warm. It is cold when you get in, but it gets warm after a while." Gotcha there Blaine!


** Cousins Hunter & Reed really know how to throw some tricks in the pool when being thrown. Shania, my sis, is great at yelling out a big ole shreek-like "Awwwww.......!" when thrown acros the pool.

** Great Uncle Sambo really does like Westerns. (Rumor has it - so does Dad and Roger.)

** Great Aunt Mary Ann loves her Marlow Review. Rumor has it she is going to write up a story about her trip to Springfield for their "Travel to Exotic Places" section and include a photo of Julie "Moore" since she showed us her love for Marlow. Go Outlaws!

** Shania can kick my butt at a game of basketball. What the heck - she is like 4 foot tall and I am almost 6 foot tall. Geez...... (stomp, stomp, pout, pout....I don't wanna play witchyou no mo'!!) You rocked, Nia!!

** It DOES cost $100 to keep your dog at the Residence Inn. And no matter how hard you try to hide her, the maid will find her everytime. Poor Katie had to go stay with her Grandma Sandy!

** Dad loves milk for breakfast and he steers clear of any banjo music. (Deliverance anyone?) Nice shirt Dad! And perfect attire for the family reunion. Over breakfast that morning, Dad reminded me of a famous Benjamin Franklin quote, "Beer is proof that god does exist and that he loves us." I tend to agree.

As you can see, the family reunion was a lot of fun. I only managed to snap 96 photos while outside at the pool on Saturday. But I think that it is a good reflection of the laughter that was exuding from the courtyard of the Residence Inn.

I was sure that if the wild pool action didn't get us kick out, Mom and Naomi's stories of "putting mayonnaise in their hair back in the day" and the uproar of laughter following their stories after 10 p.m. in our room surely would.

I can just see the Front Desk Clerk coming down to the room thinking they are going to bust a huge college frat party only to find the Moore Family Reunion causing all of the ruckus. "Keep is down ladies!"

Blaine's Dream Vacation

This week, Blaine took a vacation all of the way to the house to work 12 hours a day getting things done. Our move-in date is creeping up on us and we are now getting to the point of pure excitement and no return. I have to admit, even light switches excite me at this point.

Blaine has had plenty of help this week...no not from me....from some guys we have hired to help us. Since Sunday, our trim guy, Allan (see photo), has been working on getting all of the trim installed around the windows. Blaine has had to stay ahead of him with painting. To watch all of this progress has been quite amusing. They meet at 8-ish each morning and I have to drag Blaine away at 8 or 9 each evening. I have decided that I love my day job and manual labor is not for me. I did install light bulbs last night and pick up trash - Lewis' trash.

Lewis is the light guy. He has helped install all light fixtures and outlets and has been a great help in telling me what I want - when I had no clue and Blaine's ideas just weren't working out for me or Lewis. Blaine called me yesterday with..."we got a problem." That is never good, but I have heard this so much in the past 8 months that I am kind of getting used to it. That day it was the light in my entry way. "It's too big," Blaine said. But it wasn't. Blaine was scared that with my big door, it wouldn't clear the light when it was open. But it did....and I love it.

The other issue of the week just made me laugh...out loud. I had taken my lunch break to peel through McD's and head out to the house. I cannot really remember why I "had" to go this time, but I was pleased with the progress. As I walked around, I noticed a ceiling fan that I had bought a long time ago. I looked up at the ceiling and quickly realized that I hadn't wired for a ceiling fan. Great....I just knew I was going to get the the big fat "NO!" when I said.... "uhhhh...we forgot to wire for the ceiling fan." And out of pure anxiety and nervousness that I wasn't going to get my way, I began laughing....and laughing. I don't know why it struck me as so funny, but it did. I guess my laugh was contagious and Blaine laughed. And then the lighting guy laughed. Thank goodness...See the photo...I now have my ceiling fan!

And finally, for no reason at all, here is a photo of Katie. She is so ready to move in. She is standing in my little window that is on the cultured stone wall separating our living room from our dining/kitchen. Allan the trim guy said, "will that dog just stand anywhere you put her?" The answer is yes...as I am sure you have seen from other photos.

Although life has not been roses this week on Blaine's vacation, I have a feeling that through all of the hard work, sweat and sore muscles, he is having just as much fun doing this than hitting the beach. But for me....not so much. Bring me the beach, baby!!

A quick photo...

I wanted to post this photo since I love my time at the lake. Luckily, my pals, Lora and Cari, are always snapping away like the paparazzi at the lake. Lora took this photo of me, Blaine, Shandon and Kristina on our boat on Friday the 4th of July. We enjoyed our day of fun in the sun and then headed with a complete boat full to Tan-Tar-A to watch fireworks. Great time had by all!

Life's a Flood

Lately, I have been flooded....flooded with work, flooded with house decisions and flooded with thoughts of escaping it all for another vacation to the beach. Since I don't see that happening anytime soon, I will continue to dream of baking in the sun.

** I spent last week on a flood tour in Northeast Missouri where thousands and thousands of acres are under water from recent rains and the Mississippi River overflowing. I had the opportunity to jump in an ole tin boat for a ride to a levee break in Winfield. What a site to see! Dan my boat driver (who looks much different than my other boat drivers) explained to me while cruising along in a flooded corn field that there were hundreds of snakes in the barn picture. I am a girl that loves a good boat ride every now and then (okay fine...every weekend), but this one in particular was one I couldn't wait to call a day and get the heck out of dodge. I hate snakes. And since I was sitting in a boat with a plywood bottom and on a makeshift bench seat, I was shaking in my boots.

** The other flood in my life has been the house. The countdown is on and Blaine took vacation this week to add some final touches. I called him earlier and he was installing lights. I cannot wait to see this!! I have had my lights for quite some time now. It makes the house seem more official when you can add the touch of light. Have I mentioned how much I love my lights? I love my lights!

** One great thing that I have been flooded with lately are friends. I spent Thursday thru Sunday at the lake. Kristina and Shandon joined us from Illinois and we spent out time out on the waters. Grrrr....Pirates of the Ozarks! Good times and, of course, good stories. Nothing beats a day in the sun with friends and music, a jalapeno popper from Backwater Jacks (yep, just one) and the tanlines and bruises of proof that you indeed had a good time.

** And speaking of friends, I recently stole this photo off of Picasa online. My pals, Ryan and Melissa, recently purchased this beauty and are moving in to their new home this weekend. Congrats to the Lanclos'! You guys are going to love it!

** This weekend is the Moore/Archer/Etter family reunion in Springfield. I am very excited to see some of my peeps that I haven't seen in quite some time. I think that Mom is making dinner reservations for 30 on Saturday night at Lambert's (the Travel Channel's #1 Place to Pig Out.) Ya'll know how much I love food - so I am especially looking forward to that festivity.

It is almost the 4th of July already?

I just got a text from my friend, Kristina, reminding me she would be here in 3 days to join in 4th of July festivities. My, my...I cannot believe that it is already July. Seems like just yesterday we were opening Christmas gifts at Mom & Dad's or playing cards in the Watts' basement - a winter ritual.

I am not complaining though. My favorite time of year is SUMMER. I love the heat, don't mind the Missouri humidity and could live at the lake. We are headed back to the lake hopefully Thursday night.

I look forward to some great fireworks, ornery friends, scrumptious snacks and some fruity drinks. Hope everyone has a great (& safe), HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!