You Tell Me

Enjoying all of the songs listed on the Question of the Week. Love is in the air!



And, now......You Tell Me.

Caption the above photo, please.

Question Of The Week

Crush by Dave Matthews - played often while we lived in Austin, pre-marriage, pre-babies, pre-reality. Reminds me of careless days spent sipping margaritas at Hula Hut dreaming of and planning for our lives together.

100 Years by Five for Fighting - loved it when we first heard it. Blake has always said we'd spend 100 years together. Certain lines in the song are parallel with our lives....was pregnant at 33....and after loving it for many months, this song was playing in the operating room during my c-section with Jack. Tears. And, not the kind brought on by the epidural.

You'll Be Blessed by Elton John - google this one if you're not familiar. One of my favorite songs by one of my favorite artists. It's about making promises to your children. And, keeping them.

***So, in honor of this sweet week of love, what are "your" songs?

(note: This and previous QOTWeeks can be found under the button above marked "QOTW".)

A Video Coated in Modge Podge

Weekend Scoop

Sup, blogland? You ready for some football? (I always wanted to say that and it be slightly genuine). We're watching pre-game all day and I'll start soon on jambalaya and some other Cajun goodness. Cross your fingers for the Saints!

We finally got around to working on the "gallery wall" type design I have envisioned for above the fireplace. It's a work in progress.....I want to add lots more to fill up more space of these 18 foot ceilings. Pleased with the initial placement.

Had to highlight this funky old cuckoo clock Sass, Coco and I found at Spaghetti Western in Parkville on our home tour trip. Love it. Notice the little guy peaking out. There's a bird on the right side who refuses to emerge.




This week's "You Tell Me" winner is:

Coco with:

"Shhhh, Batman, relax. Just let it happen. Shhhh...don't fight the feeling. Shhh...relax."

It's demented and partially a private joke, but I must crown her the winner. And, please keep the entries coming, people. Sass and Coco really aren't that funny. They just got lucky these last two weeks.

The Mardi Gras wreath is proudly displayed. Surely the Midwesterners think we've lost our minds.


The 3 punks. Yes, we're cutting Lainey's bangs soon.


Do you have a train traveling through your house? If not, you should.


The two little punks are playing together nicely these days. Anytime Lainey needs her brother, she's all "Jackie! Help me!" Cuteness.

Every now and then I'll catch of glimpse of just a tiny bit of toddlerhood still present in Jack. Not much. He's turning 4 in late April and will start Preschool shortly after at our church. Our youngest son is growing up. Still has Flintstone feet, though.

Aren't they sweet working on the train track?

Then, Jack finally loses it. Can't blame him. This is certainly his domain.

And, Lainey's outta there!


Picture of the week. See? I'm there to the left.

Kidding. But, I've had to resort to Jack and Lainey taking my photo if I miss it otherwise. They're pretty interesting!




Our kids have always been fabulous sleepers. We "train" them from birth and insist on it. Lately, though, Jack has started protesting nap time. By attaching himself to the closest piece of furniture. Good effort, buddy.


Lainey has set up a daycare in our living room. She lays all her babies out and then pats them to sleep. Precious.


She's also still perfecting her Delta Gamma party pic smile. Lookin' good, girl.


Finally, this is what we look like at the grocery store. My favorite in Kansas City is Hyvee, and for some reason, the little ones act like total maniacs here. Regardless of what cart we use (I've tried them all).....whether I have Carter there to help or not.......no matter if we're running in for 2 or 20 items.......they are complete fools in this store. I have no doubt my picture is up in the break room with a stern warning suggesting employees give us what we want and get us out of the store ASAP!

That's OK. I'm used to the stares.


Hoping you all are having a great weekend.

Need to leave you with one more little ditty in honor of the Saints.

Sweet baby Jesus, will you look at that man? Not Kim. (yes, we're on a first name basis) Reggie Bush.

During last week's game.....when Reggie wasn't playing so well, I asked, "Blake, is my baby not doing well today?"

His response, "Yeah. I'm sure he's out there thinking......hmmm.....Kim Kardashian? Casey Starnes? Kim Kardashian? Casey Starnes?"

Thank you, Blake. I love you even more for that.

Pa Is In Town.....Scoop Coming Soon

Notice he has all the elements here.......holding Meow Meow for Lainey......while listening to and laughing at Jack.......and 1/2 enjoying Carter's new Ipod.

Blake and I just stood on other side of the room screaming, "Look at me! Look at me!"

It's not easy being the sole entertainment.

Back later with the weekly scoop. Pa's here for a quick visit......out to the museum!

The Love Spilleth Over....Now With An Update!

I was talking a couple of days ago to my friend, Josie, and she asked about Valentines. Josie insists I'm more creative than I am......which I'm flattered by.......but I know the truth. What I am pretty good at is covering the kids head-to-toe in holiday gear. This is one of the major perks of raising young children, people. Join the fun or get over it.

Let's start with Lainey in her Gap heart hoodie from last season. Caroline purposely bought it a size up in order to get two years' use. Have I mentioned how much I love Caroline lately?



Loving the pig tails with the hat.

Things got ugly when the boys started rough housing.

And, Lainey took control.

Tell it, Laine!

Teary eyes. Being bossy is hard work.

And, 5 seconds later, she's happy as a lark.


Moving on to more heart-clad gear. Caroline bought Jack's shirt last year, too. I bought Lainey's dress out of season for $4, and I believe and her tights for $1.99. I love a good sale.

Aren't they pitiful here? Not interested in pictures.




I resurrected this old Gap favorite from Carter's 3 year old Valentine. Perhaps one of my favorites ever.......it included a photo of Carter in this shirt holding daisies out to the camera with the most Eddie Haskell-esque smile ever. I wish so much I had one of those Valentines......this was back in the day when I sent them out and failed to save one for our collection. It was fabulous, people. Trust me.

This just in! Kelly.....pictured below with her cute mom......sent me the long lost Valentine. I love her.

And, here it is. Punkin Carter. Such a cutie.


So, beyond clothes, the house is starting to look love struck as well. I'm enjoying this darling wine glass given to me last year by my valentine friend, Coco. I use it often to torture Blake enjoy my wine.


And, this year, she sent me this sweet plaque. I do love her so.


Seasonal basket is dressed and ready.


And, we're in stage one of our hand-made cards. Hearts + dinosaurs + entirely more glue than needed = love.


Family Fun has some cute ideas this year. Click on this link for details.

Love these.....will store the idea in this little noggin of mine for when Lainey is sending Valentines at school.

These are also cute and kid friendly. I love when Valentines are actually prepared by the children.

Be careful, though, with what you're suggesting for your kids and make sure they're age appropriate. Sending these to the 3rd grade? Some one's getting beaten up on the playground.

Martha Stewart does everything perfectly in my opinion, so I have to highlight a few of my favorites this year. Click on this link for instructions on each and for more ideas.

I love, love, love paper crafts and cards at Valentine's Day. There is something so sweet and sincere about sitting down with paper, scissors and glue to make a card or send a message.

Would like to see these heart shaped cones in my kitchen window.

Our kids love candy dots......cute idea to cut them into heart shapes. Know why I love them? Because they keep a 2 and 3 year old busy in the stroller while I shop.

How gorgeous are these? Doubtful the children could replicate, but I like the idea of folding paper and using the old snowflake technique to make the heart beautiful.

Sweet paper cards.....and kids love to fold......I can see them wrapping up these little treasures and loving them.


Have you started yours? Get busy if not.......the big day will be here before you know it!

You Tell Me

OK.....round 2......caption the above photo. Winner (with no prize mind you......I'll come up with one for a future pic)......announced on Thursday Scoop!

Ode To Southern Louisiana

While I'm not from southern Louisiana, I've been visiting nearly my entire life and went to LSU. Accepted at the University of Texas and planning to attend, I visited my cousin in Baton Rouge and fell in love with the town. The people. The culture. Yes, culture.....it's an entirely unique way of life.

Different laws.

Parishes instead of counties.

Food unlike any other place I've ever been.

I once heard that you can travel throughout the state of Louisiana and find a festival somewhere for every single day of the year. I believe it.

My nostalgic heart is giddy for the city of New Orleans as I watch all of the press on the Saints headed to the Super Bowl. I want to be there and celebrate with them. What an amazing accomplishment this close to Hurricane Katrina.....when the city was devastated and is still gaining strength and stability after such a tragedy.



My Aunt Mary sent me the following......and I can identify with almost all of these!

You know you're from Louisiana when...

-Your sunglasses fog up when you step outside, even in December.

-You reinforce your attic to store Mardi Gras beads.

-You don't look twice when you see pink flamingos in yards of nice subdivisions during Mardi Gras.

-You save newspapers, not for recycling but for tablecloths at crawfish boils.

-Your ancestors are buried above the ground.

-You drink Community Coffee, have tried Starbucks, but don't see what all the fuss is about.

-You take a bite of five-alarm chili and reach for the Tabasco.

-Every once in a while, you have waterfront property .

-You sit down to eat boiled crawfish and your host says, 'Don't eat the dead ones', and you know what he means.

-You don't learn until high school that Mardi Gras is not a national holiday.

-You push little old ladies out of the way to catch Mardi Gras beads.

-Little old ladies push YOU out of the way to catch Mardi Gras beads.

-You believe that purple, green , and gold look good together.

-Your last name isn't pronounced the way it's spelled.

-You know what a nutria is but you still pick it to represent your baseball team.

-Your town is low on the education chart, high on the obesity chart and you don't care because you're No. 1 on the party chart.

-Your house payment is less than your utility bill.

-You know that Tchoupitoulas is a street and not a disease.

-Your grandparents are called 'Mam-Maw' and 'Paw-Paw.'

-Your Santa Claus rides an alligator and your favorite Saint is a football player.

-You cringe every time you hear an actor with a Southern or Cajun accent in a 'New Orleans-based' movie or TV show.

-You have to reset your clocks after every thunderstorm.

-You're walking in the French Quarter with a plastic cup of beer.

-When it starts to rain, you cover your beer instead of your head.

-You've eaten at one or more of these restaurants, AND know how to pronounce them: Prejeans, Tu Jac's, Gallatoire's, Ralph & Kacoo's, Brunet's, or Mulatte's.

-You eat dinner out and spend the entire meal talking about all the other good places you've eaten.

-You call home just to find out what your momma'nem are having for supper tonight.

Isn't that fun? I loved it.

And, I love crawfish. LOVE it. Blake and I have thrown a crawfish boil for almost every Mardi Gras over the past 7ish years. Can't find any live, however. Anyone want to ship us about 20 pounds? The Midwesterners keep looking at me strangely when I inquire at the meat counter.

Blake is making up for it, though, with requests for gameday and then Fat Tuesday, shortly after. Crawfish eutoufee and dirty rice and yum......I'm hungry already!



Mary also sent this article, which includes an open letter from the city of New Orleans to Miami. It's absolutely precious. And, ends with:

OK. Let's review:

Order more beer. Throw me something, mister. Suck da heads. Wear da dress. Stand up. Get crunk. Hug it out. Protect your eardrums. Pass the Kleenex. Hoist the trophy.

See you at the victory party.

Faithfully yours,

The Who Dat Nation

I love those crazy Cajuns.

So, have you been? Anyone brave Mardi Gras? The best of all best.....New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival?

Do tell!

Question Of The Week

When I was younger, I swore I'd never go to the movies alone. How pathetic! Now, I go once a week and prefer it this way.

When I was younger, I swore I'd never text. Pick up the phone and talk! Now, I text everyday.

When I was younger, I swore I'd never feed my kids pop tarts. I can't stand them. This much sugar in the morning seemed ridiculous to me. All sugary breakfast foods did.....doughnuts, honey buns, etc. Still do. Yet, I have bought a box here and there lately out of desperation for a quick meal.

Before I got married, I swore I'd never nag. And, although I insist that if he'd just DO WHAT I ASK WHEN I ASK IT, there wouldn't be a need. Yet, here we are making this list and I ask Blake the question......and he suggests I put nagging on my list. Isn't there something he should be doing right now?


So, my question to you......What do you do today, as an adult, that you swore you never would?

Scoop

Shannon reminded me that I need to choose a best "You Tell Me" caption, in the spirit of DListed and all things fabulous. So, I will today and each time I post a picture.

Drumroll, please.....

Sassafrass Jane:

"Casey began to take advantage of her son's love for trains. Today's train connection? A dog crate that looks 'just like a train car'. It even has a latched door!"

Good stuff, Sass. Lots of funny ones. Come back next week to play again.

Moving on with the Scoop...

We survived the week with sick kiddos. Lainey ended up legitimately sick after faking it for a few days. And, I'm here to tell you that fake-sick-Lainey is much more pleasant than real-sick-Lainey.

Every time she coughed, "I want Do-wah. I nee mehhhcin."

With tears.

And, drama.

We missed our new Bible Study class on Tuesday and Building Better Moms on Wednesday. Got out to take Carter to Religious Education one afternoon and took a quick trip to Costco. My kids despise Costco. I have no idea why. Jack immediately protests as soon as it's in sight. Weird.


In other news, one of my favorite authors died. JD Salinger. "The Catcher in the Rye" is one of my most treasured reads. I loved the main character so much that we considered naming Jack, "Holden" after Holden Caulfield. Also enjoyed "Raise High the Roofbeam, Carpenters". I liked his style of writing. Loved his characters. He was a weird guy who avoided fame. Liked that about him, too.


I got an offer at work to add some more hours. I know. Didn't realize I had a job, did you? I haven't said much about it because I've only been working 2 days a month. Adding a few more to that and I'll close the shop one night a week. I'm really enjoying it. Being around grown-ups is fun.....I love the job......and it coincides beautifully with my days at home with the children. Couldn't have worked out better!


We finally cut the mop. And, I mean, cut it. The hairdresser and most of the girls there begged us not to, but we did!

Before (the longest it's ever been):


After:


I prefer it long and suggested just a trim, but he wanted it short. We usually only cut the boys' hair twice a year......once, to get rid of the length (usually around Easter) and then another to clean it up (as needed for a big event). Otherwise, I like it to grow and think they look cute with it shaggy. Blake wants to try Jack's super short and possibly even spike the top.....but I'm afraid he'll look like a total blockhead. Carter did at his age with that haircut. We've been down that road before. And, it looked like this:


It's not pretty, people. But, I would like to see that little punk's face more. You know, when he's screaming, "Weave me AWONE!!!!!", I'll get the full effect.

Something to think about for sure.

You Tell Me

I'm borrowing this from the beloved DListed, my favorite gossip site on the web. Not for the easily offended reader.

Or, the offended reader.

He's raunchy and inappropriate and brilliantly funny.

So, like Michael K, I will ask you to caption a photo here and there.

This week is:



Give it a try!

My Darling Clementine

Who is this Caroline I speak of?

My sister.

My best friend.

My daughter's namesake.

My children's Godmother.

My absolute inspiration in life.

A few pictures of her with the punks:







I adored Caroline as a child and love her even more today, now that we're old ladies at 30 (her) and 35 (me).

About 9 years ago, Caroline started on a journey fighting a rare autoimmune disease called Scleroderma. Click here for an overview. In simple terms, "sclero" means hard and "derma" means skin. It toughens the skin, and can also lead to damages to internal organs. It's a vicious disease that Caroline handles with enormous strength and grace.

From Scleroderma, she derived a secondary disease called Pulmonary Hypertension, which affects her lungs and heart. It's a tough battle as well.

Both of these diseases have contributed to the need for more daily meds than you or I could fathom taking, a 24 hour medicine called Flolan administered directly to her heart via a catheter through her chest, and now kidney dialysis for 10 hours each night while she sleeps.

And, after she wakes, she proceeds with her normal life as a high school English teacher and peer leadership program coordinator. She works with students before and after school, attends high school games and inspires kids in a way I could only dream of. Caroline is the epitome of strength and courage and the will to live.

Allen High School, where she teaches, chose Caroline as their recipient of "Love Week". Each year, the school focuses on a person or group, sells t-shirts and the proceeds go directly to the recipient to use as they wish. In this case, Caroline will use the money for medical bills and other disease-related expenses.
The shirt design is precious.......Oh My Darling Clementine........which I absolutely love.



If you'd like a shirt, click on this link. They're selling sizes Youth Small to Adult 3XLarge. And, if you buy one or more....for you or your children....please, please, please leave a comment or send me an email and let me know. I have a little favor to ask of you.

starnesco@yahoo.com

For more pictures of Caroline, click here for her 30th birthday recap or on the label at the end of the post.

Here's to my darling clementine!!!!

Finding Strength

Seems like everyone, in some way or another, is struggling right now. Maybe it's the weather, the after-Christmas blah, the economy, the need for change.....

Whenever I seek inspiration, I think back to this video and have pulled it up more than once to remind myself of how lucky we are to have each other. Blogland is a weird place.....but from it, I've found a network of friends that I treasure. Add that to my family and real-life friends and I consider myself blessed.

I've posted it a couple times before and will continue to do so.....love this by Kelly Corrigan.....the book mentioned at the end if fabulous, too.