AM~Erica Lost an Hour

So anyway...

I am taking a small break from the March celebrating (find out about all of it HERE) to talk about another event that takes place in March now...

This used to happen the 1st Sunday in April, but recently got changed. And it tends to be hard on EVERYONE to start out with. The adjustment can be a beast for several days!

I'm talking about changing the clocks to skip an hour. Daylight Savings Time sets in, and we have a 23-hour day. You have to hope to remember to change your clocks (if it doesn't change automatically) to know not to be an hour late to wherever you need to be. It. Is. Hard.

"And remember, this is for posterity. So be honest."
*cries*

As I got around for Sunday morning...it felt like I'd lost an hour. Coffee was so needed, for sure!

It was a little hard getting the kiddos around for church, too. But it was going to be a beautiful day! So that did help, after this whole winter stuff. At least the weather was a truly welcome change, if the time change wasn't!

So, we went to church. The morning was moving & fulfilling! Hubby's message on Pulpit AND Table was so on point! It spoke of the importance of getting the message AND the importance of communion. The music was fantastic & worshipful. Worshiping with others had the Spirit moving, for sure.

Plus, hubby was in a delightfully weird mood. Things are falling into place for enrichment of all sorts at church. And the weather was beautiful!

Have I mentioned how much I love being around positive people? Because I do! (find out about these people HERE) And I got to chat with several positive people that morning. It all put a fun little pep in my step! It felt SO good!

We got home to chill out a bit before needing to get to the evening schedule...

It was a makeup week for taking Teen Girl to the Coterie Theater (read why HERE). Last weeks had to be cancelled due to awful winter weather. Go figure. But I love taking Teen Girl! I get to take in some famous KC sights! I love spending a couple of hours meandering around Crown Center & Union Station.

However, at the moment, Crown Center is really rough. Many stores have left or either closed or closing due to the massive take-over of Halls for the 3rd floor. Pretty much, Halls is closed right now. Many stores are either trying to relocate, or just leave. It's really sad to look at...

The sad remains of Victoria's Secret...
...about the only empty store that was temporarily uncovered Sunday

Even worse...the parking garage is blocking a lot of parking right now, too. It's really frustrating!

However...I do enjoy taking The Link over to Union Station. (check out one of my Link trips HERE) I decided to stay indoors since the wind was so strong that afternoon. And The Link was toasty warm with the warming of the sun shining thru it!

As I got over to Union Station, I decided to walk around a bit. Must've been the nice weather bringing people out...cuz it was SO BUSY!!  I wanted to walk downstairs...just to walk...and something caught my eye in a little tucked away corner. In a tiny hallway-type room that is usually roped off, I caught sight of a ballerina. It appeared she was warming up for something! So, I had to sneak a couple of pics of this gorgeous artwork:

Got the UMB sculpture in there to look like that's what I focussing on in case she turned around...
...look at all of the art happening at once! Amazing, right?

The amazingly beautiful tatted ballerina!

I watched her for a moment go up on pointe, looking out the window, even hitting a couple of poses. And it was her dainty appearance of the tutu & pointe shoes along with her vivid tattoos with it. It was eye-catching irony. I, then, began to realize she was having her own photo shoot. The photographer was fairly young & I think the photographer & ballerina might be sisters. They looked very much alike! I waited for a break...then stuck my head in to let her know how stunning she is! The photographer got really excited! She bounded over to where I was standing to show me a few of the photos on the camera taken of the dancer. It was awe-inspiring! And I was in the right place, at the right time, and just conscious enough to see what was going in in a far corner of Union Station...

There was a big smile on my face as I headed down that stair case. It made me miss hardcore dancing. And it opened my eyes to the layers of art happening in that situation...

I meandered a bit downstairs, and then decided to head back up. No time for me to see a movie, and the Irish Museum was already closed for the day. So I headed up the escalator...and the marquee at the top just really caught my eye this time:

Not sure why it caught my eye today...but it did. And I've seen the model trains...but I was really taken with the marquee this day. And the other side is about the downstairs Theater District...again...not sure why the marquee seemed more prevalent. Either way...it's a great, double-sided marquee!

I also took in Cafe' Parisi. If you want some pretty good hipster coffee, try it!

Macchiato pictured here...but have also enjoyed the Affogato.

As I was headed back to Crown Center from Union Station...I saw several folks with fancy cameras wandering around. I even saw an engagement photo session taking place under the famous Union Station clock! Love & Spring were abound at Union Station...and many people wanted to capture a lot of these moments & take in the scenery, too!

Now then...I still haven't full-on color-streaked my hair. But I am still using the hair chalk for now. So...this is how my hair looked:

OK...this is important to some of the story, y'all. I promise!

As I was in The Link, there was guy with a couple of girls. I'm guessing it was either daughters or granddaughters... One of the girls was a tween or young teenager (maybe 13 or 14 TOPS), and then there was a much younger girl, maybe about age 7, who was in this very fancy dress. It was like she wanted to be a princess for the outing. As I walked by...the gentleman loudly pointed out my hair & wanted to show the girls! I was happy to oblige & show them the pink & purple showing brightly in the sun. The guy sounded like he was gonna take the girls to get colors in their hair! That was entertaining...

Then I went back to Crown Center to kill some time. I looked around a couple of shops still open. I'm always entertained by the Magic of Christmas store. It really is mostly Christmas...and then a semi-nod to whatever major holiday is approaching...with ornaments on trees & such. But I was taken by their St. Paddy's display INSIDE the store:

If that Irish Soda Bread dish wasn't $30...I would have been all over getting it! And I didn't want to spend $12-13 for the mugs, either. But I sure loved looking at them!

But then I went across the hall to the very large (as it should be) Hallmark store. I looked around at all the different things they have...
And then I came across the most adorable Middle Eastern employee! I want to point out her background because of the cutest conversation we had...and her accent just made her that much more adorable! So, here's how it went down...and I want you to imagine her accent in this conversation:

Her:  Your hair is so pretty!
Me:  Thank you!
Her:  It make me think of that "orchid" color...Brilliant Orchid?
Me:  *laughs* Ah! Radiant Orchid!
Her:  Yes! Radiant Orchid! You hair make me think of that color. Is it color of year? Right?
Me:  It sure is! And I'm glad you picked up on it! It makes me think of the Cheshire Cat, so I did my hair like it!
Her:  *SMILES*

*Note:  She pronounced "orchid" as it is spelled...and I pronounced it as we do, "Or-kid".*

What a precious conversation! And she totally got my hair inspiration! (reminder HERE) That was so awesome!

I left Hallmark & walked around a bit more. I finally headed back toward Coterie & got to chat to a couple of the other moms hanging out there...

Then, we headed home. I couldn't wait to get out of the parking mess & Crown Center mess...but got to go home to get some dinner...GRILLED!! Woo-Hoo!! Hubby got to grill for the 1st time in...um...I don't even remember when. Those brats tasted SO good!

And then hubby & I topped off the night with a bottle of moscato Antioxidant-Fortifed Jesus Water.

Missing out on that hour wasn't as big of a deal as I thought it would be! My day was great!

So, Count Rugen...keep your hour! I didn't need it!

Now to take in another beautiful March day! Yes...even for a Monday...because Missouri weather is about to set in & I want to take in the nice weather when I can!

Stay tuned...

God Bless, AM~Erica

How AM~Erica Almost Got Her Groove Back

So anyway...

There is this new term out there for the weather-talkers began throwing around this week. And has had a frigid effect on much of the U.S. Many of us have experienced...THE POLAR VORTEX!!!

Dun-dun-DUN!!!

As the kiddos had been finishing up the 2-week(ish...depending on where you were at) holiday/winter break, the Polar Vortex decided to show up.

With snows that had come thru during the break that kept families super cozy with each other for a couple days at a time...we had been working around that crazy Christmas schedule & stuffs, too. Right?

And, after a couple of restless teenagers AND Lil Guy nearly bouncing off the walls, we'd gotten thru Christmas (it really was great, folks) & toasted in the new year...tick-tick...it was TIME for those kids to go back. Getting back into a routine was quickly becoming necessary.

Don't get me wrong...I truly love my children! But I also got a glimpse of what it might be like if we were stranded in the middle of nowhere together. It might be entertaining at first...but I'd be worried of who might win that particular version of Family Survivor! *shudders* Not something I honestly want to think about...

So, as we were planning on getting ourselves together to begin a new week & get the kiddos off to school to begin the new semester & in a brand new numerical year...it happened. The Polar Vortex. *sigh*

After the 1st few days of the break, it's not so bad. The change of pace is usually a welcome one. But when you start hitting day #6 of begging to play Go Fish...it's time to start making an appointment with the men in the little white coats. As the kiddos count down to Christmas...the parents usually count down to when the kiddos head back to the regularly program...

|||| |||| ||||

the total number days the break should last

...then...the super chill of the Polar Vortex happened...and schools began to close. But if we had another day...that's fine. We understood. We couldn't believe that the high would maybe not even hit 0 degrees F, and we knew it was miserably colder in other areas. Dangerous! And we got the call. But we figured. But I hadn't had any, just, time! Sunday, church got cancelled, too, so we'd been inside since the Polar Vortex had hit on Friday night & into Saturday. We had cabin fever. As I was trying to figure out how to get a small break from my beloved children (I swear I love them dearly), I had hoped I could get out to pick up the Sunday paper for the sales ads & coupons (of course). Well, hubby & I bundled up, headed out to QuikTrip (by car) to get a paper & get drinks for the kiddos. It was 10 minutes, but it was nice. Because we were getting another day closed up inside.

|||| |||| ||||

OK...one more day...

So we stayed bundled up, inside, on Day #15...I was trying to keep my cool, especially since hubby needed to go into work for just a little while. However, as the day went, and as hubby still had folks coming into his office & got caught up in a couple of meetings...I can only take being asked to play Go Fish & listening to the strains of teenage voices attempting to "softly" sing what is being piped into their ears & the TV blaring Skylanders. The kiddos arguing over video games & who is singing & who won't play nice with whom...a mama can only take so much. Only. So. Much.

However...as the day wore on...and after a few more games of Go Fish (which is a game that does not like me...and I really hate playing games anyway), I was ready for the temps to warm up the following day so my beautiful children could GO...BACK...TO...SCHOOL...already.

We did see that some of the rural areas were canceling school for the next day, but early that evening. With the high temps the next day getting into the 20's...the brief interlude of below 0 temps wouldn't hurt the kiddos too much. Amm-i-rite?

So, by the time we went to bed, we were pretty confident (Ok...maybe 75% confident) that I could get up early & shift these kids out! (Totally out of love...for all of our own sanity.) With that...we drifted off to sleep, planning the morning & breakfasts & everything...

However...when we got simultaneous phone calls at 4:36 AM...we just ignored the calls & said, in stereo, "Oh no..."
We shut off our alarms...since we could get a little extra sleep (except when we got a 2nd simultaneous call from the schools around 4:47), but we would just surprise the kids of the their continued extended break. *sigh* Apparently some of the busses weren't exactly working well, and they couldn't send them out to pick up kids...so...

|||| |||| ||||  |

That extra marking for the extra day is what was nearly the breaking point

to bring in the men in the little white coats, mad laughing, and soft crying while needing
a straight jacket & padded cell (or at least a corner with bubble wrap)

On day #16 proved to be a near breaking point. First began hearing the sounds of a loud zipper down the hallway. After a couple of minutes, Lil Guy sauntered into the living room while dragging his backpack with him. It was about 8:30 (I was up & enjoying my coffee, thank you very much). He asked me why I didn't get him up. I explained there was no reason to. He looked confused & then lit up as he realized school had been called off...yet...again...

Around 9:15, I figured I should wake up Teen Boy...otherwise he gets really grumpy if he doesn't get his day started by 10:00. So, I woke him up letting him know the time. He semi-sat up, looked confused, paused...and then started laughing! I think he realized why I woke him up with daylight shining into his room.

Teen Girl could care less. She said she woke up around 6:30 & thought she was sleepy-hilucianting. But she figured out around 7:30, and I no one had checked on her...she figured out there was no school. But she still had to get around for play practice anyway. (Yea! She's in another play!)

However...as the day went on...

...kids were fighting, children complaining they are bored AS they are messing with their iPads/laptops, knowing you can only play certain games a certain amount of times before wanting to throw the games out the window, nearly eating us out of the house while complaining they are hungry, and we all could only deal with each other so much....NEEDED A BREAK!!!!!!!!

Luckily, the boys headed out for a little time in the snow, but we watched the weather carefully, all day, to make sure we were still on track for tolerable weather in our area to get these kids back.

Finally! We got the kids to bed, we got to bed, and I was thrilled to have my alarm go off at 5:30 AM. This meant we were on track to get a school-day routine going! WOO HOO!!

Remember the part in the song "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" where the lyrics go:

And moms & dads can't wait

for school to start again.

ah-HA, HA-HA, HA-HA, HA-HA, HA-HA!

Found at AnneTaintor.com
(click the pick to follow the link to the page)

I was ready to get my own days back. Errand s & things on my time...
And then we got word about a short-but-sweet graduation we might want to attend (that was on, then off, then on, then off...and apparently on again). OK, that's in the morning & have the day to do what else I need to do! I did get an errand done...and then I realized...

...it's the high school's short day! They get out an hour early on Wednesdays!!!

*cries*

I was so close to getting the groove back in my "routine". But it may have to wait...
At least I have a new workout routine to be doing to help out. (read about it HERE)

(this choice was rocking back in forth in my padded corner while in fetal position)

And as for the others who have been terribly affected by the Polar Vortex...I have no words. I would send straight jackets in bubble wrap with the men in the little white coats for you...but I think they would all freeze on the way to you.

Stay safe & warm, my friends...and may we all get our groove back...soon...

Stay tuned...

God Bless, AM~Erica

~~~~~

P.S.  This post took me pretty much all day to write. Why? Timing of listed above, plus Lil Guy came home and automatically started on wanting to do a scavenger hunt & play Go Fish...

AM~Erica Sees No Need for Foolery Due to Irony

So anyway...

Tomorrow marks the start of a new month. Where has the time gone?

However, not only have we just gotten thru the first whole quarter of 2013, it also marks our calendars as April Fool's Day. Ah...the day of practical (or not-so-practical) jokes & jokers.

I'm not sure why many make today as deadlines, events & such...who honestly believes it?

When I was a kid, my dad was a mail carrier & had to go to work very early. Once in a while, he'd help try to wake us up by "running" down our hallway yelling,

"REVEILLE! REVEILLE! ALL HANDS HEAVE OUT & TRICE UP!"

He enjoyed sharing that navy experience with us from time-to-time. No, I was not amused.

Not only that, but once a year...he had an April Fool's joke he loved to use:

He would like to wake us up very excitedly yelling,

"LOOK! LOOK! IT SNOWED LAST NIGHT!"

Being a kid in elementary school...boy-oh-boy was I excited to see that snow! So I would spring up & look out my window...to nothing except my father laughing & yelling, "April Fools!"
Ugh.

Well, then it happened...IT happened! It actually snowed on April 1st one year! Fo realz, yo! So, guess what...GUESS WHAT!!! My father could no longer use that joke on us anymore. Aw, shucks. *snickers*

I tell you that story to tell you this one...

Because of ALL THE CRAZY WEATHER we've had lately, it also caused SOME SNOW DAYS at school...which means there would need to be some makeup days. This would also mean that the school year would be extended to 1 day past the Memorial Day weekend...and the Tuesday would be a half day. That would be ridiculous! INCONTHEIVABLE! So a survey was sent out to parents to see about getting rid of the day off after Easter, and then use it as a makeup snow day. Well, that's what the parents wanted instead of having to go back for only 1 half day right after Memorial Day.

Easter, of course, fell early this year. With it falling on the last day of March...that means that day they were supposed to have off but not anymore is...APRIL 1st! D'oh! Do you know how hard it is to sell the kids on the fact they have to go back to school on a day they were supposed to have off which is also April Fool's? *face palm*

Now, to make the irony even more amazing? It may snow on April 1st. For real. And it was in the 60's today.

So, snow in spring, on a now makeup snow day, on April Fool's Day.

The irony is amazing! Why even play a trick? It's all right there in front of them. Beautifully!

*insert crazy-evil-giddy fits of laughter here*

The kids would rather it be a joke. They are not amused.

Stay tuned...

God Bless, AM~Erica

AM~Erica's Future Self Has Screwed Up the Entirety of Time

So anyway...

Today is just one of those days. It just is. You know the ones where you go to do something & it turns out you already did it, but had no idea...then it messes with your head & forget why you did other things & it screws up an entire planned out schedule you really need to follow...and somehow it all still turns out OK, but you have no idea how? You haven't? Oh...well, it happens to me.

Don't act shocked either...cuz I know you are just being facetious.

Not sure if you remember, but MY FUTURE SELF DID IT TO ME BEFORE, and my future self struck again!!

*sigh*

It started out when I woke up, unexpectedly, just before 4:30 this morning. I hate it when that happens! But it does...but I knew I had just an hour more before my SET alarm was to go off. And I know it was set because my future self beat me to it last night...which I realized when I tried to set it again & it was already on.

Figures.

Well then, I woke up unexpected again. Ugh...but I looked at the clock...and...MY ALARM WAS OFF!!! WHAT??? And not only did I get in the extra hour...but another half hour on top of that! Grrrrr....

Darn you, future self!!! You set my alarm AND turn it off? I'm so mean to myself!

Well, that put me behind in getting 2 high schoolers around. Yeah...that sounds like it should go well...

But I woke them up & explained we were a few minutes behind & to start getting ready while I threw breakfast together for them. I went as fast as I could (since my future self apparently didn't see it necessary to go ahead with that part of the morning's schedule) to get food out for them to make sure they consumed something! So, I went to tell them that breakfast was ready & they had 20 minutes to finish up to get out the door...and neither had attempted to get up! D'oh!

Hubby offered to take them to school...but I wanted to show up my arch nemesis = My Future Self.

After poking & prodding & nagging...they got around & actually got out the door to catch the bus...ON TIME! WHAT? Take that, Future Self! HA!

Now since Future Self threw me all off...I forgot why I didn't have Lil Guy get cleaned up last night...beyond just timing. I was behind in making sure he had clean underwear. D'oh! So I did that last night so I could get him around a little earlier this morning to get cleaned up. But I was so thrown off by My Future Self's shenanigans, I went back into "typical morning scheduling."

I went to get Lil Guy up & figure out his breakfast...that I realized...he needed to get clean! (Trust me...he's a little boy...and needs to be cleaned!) So I hurriedly reminded him he needed a shower, but only after I had gotten his breakfast ready! D'oh! 

He got up & got all cleaned, got dressed, ate and was ready to walk out the door for the bus...ON TIME! WHAT??? That's right...take that, again, Future Self! HA! In-yo-face! (Which is in MY face...but whatever...)

Like I said, with My Future Self (now an arch nemesis) and my unknown shenanigans I pull before I even know it...I realize I have incredible powers in a parallel universe...

Remember this guy? And I always seem to relate to this particular commercial.
The one where his future self beat him to the punch...yeah...it's like that...

Today is also the 1st day of Spring! Winter is officially over!!! Or is it??

Remember? There is CRAZY MIDWEST WEATHER to keep in mind... We are still planning for more snow in the next few days. WHAT??? What is this craziness???

So I have come to the conclusion that the mix up of weather & global warming could only come from one thing: the time bending of My Future Self! Whenever My Future Self messes with me, it screws up all space & time for everyone else!

For that...I apologize. But I seem to be having trouble containing & controlling My Future Self...

I WILL GET YOU, MY FUTURE SELF! YOU JUST WAIT!!! 

(as I seem to be yelling to myself...hmmm...)

Stay tuned...

God Bless, AM~Erica

AM~Erica Bracing for Typical Heartland Weather

So anyway...

It's the midwest. If anyone is truly aware of weather in the heartland, you will know that we get hit with pretty much everything...or the aftermath of it.

Not only do we get to "enjoy" (that could be sincere or sarcastic depending on the timing) the changing of seasons, but sometimes it all gets stirred up in a big pot & we get seasonal changes at strange & alarming rates.

We literally can have a 70 degree day, then blink to have 25 degree weather. Seriously. I'VE TALKED ABOUT IT BEFORE.

Yesterday, in January, we experienced record highs of around 70 degrees. This is shortly after needing boots & coats for a typical January. So we were wearing shorts & flip-flops with short sleeves...people riding around on their motorcycles and with the tops down on their convertibles. If you saw pictures, you might have thought it was mid-to-late spring if you didn't pay any attention to the trees & grass.

Now we move onward to today...
We woke up to near 70 degrees and having thunderstorms thru the night. I am enjoying beautiful 50 degree weather with the back door open with the rain falling, some thunder in the background, and enjoying my coffee. It reminds me of when we got our VISIT FROM HURRICANE ISAAC. Perfect for a kick back...uh...moment. It will be short lived as the temps will continue to drop, of course, and we are entering into a winter weather advisory. We have heard anywhere from a dusting to up to 4 inches in places starting tonight...and going into tomorrow.

Our county is on the cusp of craziness. Just south of us, there is currently a tornado watch until mid-afternoon.

And you know what? Around here...we hardly blink an eye. We laugh. Because this craziness really happens around here. This isn't the first time! I'm sure other regions would look at this as near apocalyptic events if it happened in their areas...but it's pretty common place here.

In our droughty conditions, this rain & possible snow is SO needed!! But honestly...how many places can you say you wore shorts & sandals on one day, then 2 days later needed moon boots & a parka?

Welcome to the Heartland...where you should never pack away any seasonal clothing.

Welcome to the midwest. Don't like our weather? Hang around for 5 minutes...

Until then...I'm gonna enjoy this weather moment that I enjoy with my coffee. *CHEERS*

Stay tuned...

God Bless, AM~Erica

AM~Erica Heads to Washington (State)

So anyway... 

Our clan went on vacay. Even though there were circumstances behind our trip, we still worked in some fabulous sites.

 We went to Washington! I'm talking the Pacific Northwest. Mostly the Seattle/Tacoma area, and we saw & experienced some amazing things. So much so, it inspired me finally starting my bucket list.

 I'm gonna share different parts of the vacay in different posts. We fit a whole lot into just over a couple of days! And I do mean a WHOLE lot!

 It all started with the very first plane ride for the kiddos.

They were pretty excited & nervous. The boys have that love for adventurous things, but not Teen Girl so much. She freaked at first & then laughed about her freakout later.

And we were off! Our first stop was Vegas. None of us have been to Vegas. We got to see a lot of the strip, but we didn't get to experience ANY of Vegas. What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, especially when you don't experience it. We stayed on the plane. That's why. However, we can officially say we've been to Vegas, but don't mind our blank stares when you start talking about your own experience there (if you have any, or even wish to discuss them).

After several people got off the plane to experience Vegas, many more got on to head to Seattle.

And then...off we went...again...and landed in Seattle at the SeaTac airport. We made it! Leaving the triple digits plaguing the midwest for the amazing 60+ degree weather in Seattle. AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!

When we landed & got our baggage...we went on a shuttle to Rent-a-Car-Landia to get our rental. And we were ready to start our vacay!

Stay tuned...

God Bless, AM~Erica

AM~Erica Should be a Bear

So anyway...

I need to be a bear. Trust me & let me explain...

I'm not sure if you know...but we are quickly approaching the middle of November.

Where has this year gone?? And, with it being November, it's bringing on some very different & transitional things...

I've talked about it PREVIOUSLY IN A POST about decorating a Christmas tree right after Halloween. We jump right from October straight to December. However, we get some serious transition during this month.

Besides just the stores & commercials showing winter holiday stuff, the coats, scarves, gloves, hats, boots, sweaters, etc. are out in the fullest of forces. I love it! Except I'm not fond of "too cold." I love, Love, LOVE weather with lows in the 40's, highs in the 50's & 60's. Anything lower than that? BURRRRRRRRRRR!!! Too. Cold. For. Me.

Yesterday, here in KC, the highs were in the 70's, people...like, almost 80 degrees. That's so not right! But...only in the midwest...can the temp change so fast, it can make your head spin & throw your body into shock! There's a saying around here: "If you don't like the weather, hang on for 5 minutes..."

Because it's true.

And, with that said...today started out in the 60's early this morning. It rained & rained (that's good...we needed it because of the drought & Sandy wasn't in the mood to help out ISAAC around here), and the temps dropped so fast! By the time it was around 10 AM, it was in the 30's. Seriously. When we left church just after noon, there was sleet & ice on the windows. Seriously.

With temps that can be that low, it also calls for some different foods coming our way, too. And it's bracing for holiday foods coming our way, too.

Lately, we have been eating some new & different comfort foods. It's nice to change up menu stuff...but I'm already starting to feel it.

I'm putting on my layers: sweaters, scarves, jeans, tights, sweatshirts...fat layers...*face palm*

Maybe I should be like a bear. OK...sometimes my hubby (and other family members) might already agree with that...all year round...but if I'm putting on my fat layers, my fur substitute, shaving less, this should mean I can hibernate more now, right? RIGHT??

There is something that's been floating around on the interwebs for years about how I wish I was a bear:

If you're a bear, you get to hibernate.

You do nothing but sleep for six months.

I could deal with that.

Before you hibernate, you're supposed to eat yourself into a stupor.

I could deal with that, too.

If you're a mama bear, everyone knows you mean business.

You swat anyone who bothers your cubs.

If your cubs get out of line, you swat them, too. 

Your husband expects you to growl when you wake up. 

He expects you to have hairy legs and excess body fat. 

I wish I was a bear.

With all of the stuff we've been doing, eating & experiencing lately...I'm on the right track!

* Eating yourself into a stupor? CHECK!

* Swatting others who mess with my kiddos? I wish, but I've come close...year round...

* Swatting my kiddos when they are out of line? If I gotta...CHECK!

* Growling when I wake up? CHECK! Hubby expects it? Probably...but not a good thing...

* Hairy legs? OK...sometimes CHECK! But hubby isn't impressed with my "stabbin' stubblies"...

* Excess body fat? I'm apparently working on it. I'm eating a lot of substancy food stuffs. Hubby impressed? With the food, not the fat. D'oh!

* Hibernation? I so wish... With the changing of seasons, the more the kiddos are involved with & I gotta be the mommy taxi. So...this one shall remain a wish.

So I will give you my warning: every time something I wear or consume becomes thicker...I am that much closer to becoming a bear!

You've been warned. I guess I need a really, Really, REALLY long nap! Happy Holidays... (a girl can dream, right?)

Stay tuned...

God Bless, AM~Erica

StL Weather 'n Stuff 'n AM~Erica

So anyway...

Since we have moved to St. Louis, we have experienced some interesting/strange things. I have noticed that when the wind blows, SOMETHING is blowing in (i.e. snow, rain). There was one day when the day got up to 60º & sunny, got cloudy, started raining, started snowing, then started sleeting, and ended up around 30º...all in about a 2-hour timespan. INSANE!!

Then, if you look at my last post, there is the fact that it snowed on Easter. CRAZY!

We have, also, had so much rain, it has closed down highways due to flooding. Streets have been turned into waterways. We have gotten some water in our basement, but nothing that would require flippers & a snorkle.

Then, we were awakened just after 4:30 AM on yesterday morning to the house shaking. We didn't know what to make of it; since there is usually a lot of wind, we thought that's what it might be...but it kept going. We silently pondered the thought of an earthquake, but passed off that thought as a silly idea. Well...it was an earthquake. It happened on part of the New Madrid fault about 130 miles away from StL. It sounds so weird to say that we had an earthquake. I can still feel my insides vibrating when I think about it. It sounds more like something out of a movie.

I remember in junior high & high school, talking about the New Madrid fault everytime California had yet another large earthquake, and talking about the possibility of one happening in Missouri...but never thinking I would ever actually experience it. So, here we are, about 20-years later, and, BINGO! I have been through my first earthquake.

It's so weird & scary to think about. What if it had been bigger...or closer. We would have been woefully unprepared! This can actually happen, folks.

Now, I guess we just wait to see what next great weather/natural adventure St. Louis has in store for us...

And on another note, today is my 12-year wedding anniversary with my wonderful hubby. Happy Anniversary, Honey!

Stay tuned...

God Bless, AM~Erica