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!!

House Update!

I took some photos of the house last night. Blaine was working (again) and had his helper back from her vacation to Nana & Papa's house.

Lovely Landscaping

Since our move-in date is moving closer and closer, I have been thinking a lot about landscaping. What kind of tree do I want to replace my beloved? What type of gorgeous flowers would set the house off? Yard ornaments...yes or no?
As I was pulling into my driveway last night I decided to take a quick photo of the yard that belongs to Ms. Flake (or better known as Plant Stealer.) I have taken it upon myself to add some comments to this photo. Please feel free to add any comments that you feel appropriate. (Click on the photo for a better view.)

The Story of a Philodendra and a Flake

Taking a break from reporting "house" news, I would like to tell you a story about my philodendra plant - now named Phil. Recently, I returned from vacation to find my plants looking a little weak. I decided to move them outside for some fresh air and rain including a philodendra that I have had for 10 years - it has sentimental value and came from Blaine's father's funeral. It was sitting outside for a few days and then went missing.

I was home by myself and was convinced that Blaine had trashed it since my thumb is anything but green. So I called him while he was working out at the house. He promised and assured me that he had not touched my plant. Still skeptical, I searched the apartment - no Phil. So I called my parents - they had been visiting and it would be like my mom to take my plant to try to save it and return it. She remembered seeing Phil but didn't take it.

As my search continued I suddenly realized that my plant and basket (Phil was sitting in) was now on my neighbors back porch deck. I was shocked. Phil had been removed from the basket and another plant was in it. The crazy lady next door had stolen my plant!! I was upset to say the least. I got as close to her deck as I could and took an evidence photo with my camera phone. I was going to get my plant back.

Well, I guess she saw me and heard me talking on the phone about her and her floppy hats, long skirts, scary children and cats and came outside to stare at me. At first, I glared back. But the chicken I am, I darted back in the apartment. The next morning, I showed Blaine the basket and Phil on her porch and left for work. Sometime after I had gotten to work, Blaine stopped back by the apartment and saw the crazy lady I now call Ms. Flake outside. What a prime opportunity to ask her about Phil....

After speaking to Ms. Flake, Blaine realized that Phil and the basket were now missing - evidentially she had removed all evidence. He asked her if she had seen it and said that maybe some kids accidentally moved it to her house. In Rainman style, she refused knowing anything about it. After getting that phone call at work, I was furious. But what could I do....nothing.

Today, after returning home from a fun-filled weekend at the lake, Phil and the basket were magically sitting back on my front porch. Welcome Home, Phil! I don't know the circumstances or reasoning for his return, but he is back. Ms. Flake still lives next door with her other 35 potted plants outside and is still feeding a stray cat that keeps crawling on my car....but Phil is back and I am outta this joint in 7 weeks.

Parental Guidance is What I Needed

After calling out to Mom & Dad, "HELP!" they came to my rescue over the weekend to help with wall colors, texture do's & dont's, and many other great ideas for the house. I was SO, SO, SO happy to see the black Chevy truck pull in the driveway to rescue me. I needed some guidance and who better can give that than my parents. (I admit that now - but not so much ten years ago.)

The house is coming right along. Mom and I spent the entire day on Monday picking out wallcoverings, paint colors and generally cool ideas. I even acquired a gorgeous new bedspread for my bedroom. (Blaine gave me "that" look of...do we really need that?) Of course, I neeeeeded it, honey! Shania helped too. She managed to pick out every awesome wallpaper book in Sherwin-Williams and has managed to nail my taste - Thanks Nia! We lost Dad somewhere between Jefferson City and Kansas City at a little known town called Boonville. (Dad - the Isle of Capri called and they want their money back!)

Back to my wallpaper...Yes, folks, I said wallpaper. Contrary to what everyone keeps telling me in mid-Missouri, wallpaper is back. And I am loving it. I am not talking about the old style wallpaper - but more of the fabric looking designs. It will become a part of my old world style house, for sure!! Thanks to Mom & Nia...I have picked out the perfect styles for my master bedroom & bath and my half bath. Blaine even loved it!!
(The photo to the left is the most recent photo of our cultured stone completed on the front of the house.)
Since everything seems to be coming along so nicely, we are thinking that we are moving in the last week in July or first week in August. Oh geez...it will be here before I know it!!

Hello Mother, Hello Father...

As most of you know, I rely on momma's advice for a lot. She is an awesome decorator and I call her everyday to say, "Mom....what do I do about the color of this & the color of that?" She always has an answer or at least a suggestion. So I am posting these photos for her...
Now, momma....what do I do?

This first photo is the living room (kind of) glancing over into the kitchen. The fireplace is almost done (minus the grout between the rocks.) Don't be alarmed, the top beam is not black, but simply covered to keep the grout away.

This will give you an idea about how the rock wall and fireplace coordinate.

The photo to the right is a view of the master bedroom and how the ceiling heights work. I want to paint different colors (and remember my chandelier in the middle hanging from the ceiling.) The cone ceiling now has heavy texture - thanks to Blaine and his very strong texturing arm that he is having to rest tonight! :-) He says he is sore from working above his head all night just to get the texture how I want it. I am not picky! :-) Okay fine....I am picky.

Here is the master bath and all of the angles I have been talking about. In that blank spot, I will have my vanity - Blaine's vanity will be on the other side. To the right of my vanity is the shower; to the left is the bathtub. I am wanting to do the whole old world wallpaper style like we saw in the $1 million dollar house in Springfield. Remember Ma? But if I can't get it just perfect, I will settle for paint. For now, the barrel ceiling is flat and the walls and other ceiling are flat textured.

And last, but not least, here is a photo of Blaine doing his texture thing in the dining room/kitchen. The top beam is once again covered with black paper to protect it. Although unusual, I absolutely love my rock wall. I have always wanted to live in a castle and this is about as good as it is gonna get for me.

Until next time....still changing $500!

Back from the Beach...

If hurricane seasons didn't happen (ever), I would consider moving to the sunny shores of the Gulf. What a beautiful sight to wake up each morning to the sounds of waves crashing against the shore, sun glaring down upon you and the feel of white sand between your toes. The Moore Family vacation was a hit again this year. Here are some memories to reflect upon:

• Although I have a gorgeous photo of a dolphin, the "Dolphin Cruise" is not something I want to do again (even if it only cost $12 per person.) We spent 3 hours on a jammed packed boat somewhere in the bay searching for dolphins. We FINALLY got to see one for about 30 seconds - and that was if you didn't blink and didn't get pushed by two little fat kids trying to get a glimpse of the same thing. (Next time I am going to push back!)



• Dad still loves his binoculars.



• When you look under the furniture while vacuuming, you never know what you will find.



• If someone drops a rope from the balcony above, you can tie on a coca-cola can, a package of crackers and a banana and send them back up. But tying on a box of Preparation H will scare them off.



• You will get yelled at by security for 1) feeding the birds, 2) leaving your front door propped open, and 3) hanging your wet towels on the balcony banister. Come on, folks...we are from the Ozarks - what more do you expect from us?



• When the red flag is out as a warning of the rip current, the ocean waves will body slam you to the ocean floor and leave your swimsuit bottoms around your knees and your hair full of sand.



• Jellyfish do sting!!



• Your TomTom navigation WILL get you lost and send you down rural country dirt roads - the kind of roads that may take months or years for someone to find you!



• Your tan does begin to fade after only 3 short days....sad!!

Who is ready to go back? ME!!!

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!