Like Sisters

Once a year, I am blessed with a visit with Sister Mary Mediatrix. She and I attended kindergarten, grade school and high school together. We were best friends. Last Thursday, we visited a couple of hours together. Even though we only see each other once a year, it was just like old times. We had fun catching up and discussing her new role in her order, the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George. She is moving to Wisconsin and will work with young women who are discerning a vow to the sisterhood. She will also represent her order to people within the diocese, similiar to PR/HR work. She is a little nervous about the transition. She has been a music teacher for the past ten years at a Catholic grade school.

We had a lot of fun during our visit. We laughed about how lame we were in high school. We used to go to parties and leave less than an hour later. We weren't into underage drinking so there wasn't much for us at these parties. The only thing interesting that took place at them were when our classmates had cat fights. We spent many Friday/Saturday nights watching movies in the basement of her parents' house.

I pray that my friend does well. She has a wonderful personality and can accomplish anything that is assigned to her by the grace of God.

Bad Driver

The latest bad driver example witnessed tonight.

So, I'm driving granny style, trying to conserve my car fuel, when I noticed a couple of cars that had passsed me suddenly put their brakes on and veer to the right. In a flash, a person flies by going in the wrong direction on a one directional highway. That would be Highway 63. I've only seen this happen one other time when I was coming home from a football game with my cousins. No one around me was hit. I hope that lucky streak continued until the person realized they were out of line and got back on track.

My Saturday

Blogger was down last night so I wasn't able to post about my weekend. My weekend started early on Saturday morning. I never sleep very well when I know I have to get up early. It's like I'm afraid that my alarm won't go off. So, I woke up at 3:30 then headed to the university garage sale at 4:30. I volunteered as a cashier (loved it!) for two hours, then shopped until the items in my arms dropped. I was almost done shopping when a friend with insider information told me that organizers were going to drop everything to 1/2 off in a half hour. So, of course, I had to find even more to purchase in the time remaining. You may laugh, but I actually purchased the Twilight doll for $5. I couldn't believe that no one else purchased it. Other items included a couple of shirts, a jacket, bed sheet and pillow cases and some toys for Jack. I am very pleased with my purchases.

After that, I met Mike at the Lutheran Family Children Services for an adoption seminar. Even though we've been though a domestic adoption before, I found the seminar very interesting. We heard from birth parents, adoptive parents, adoptees and a foster parent. It was incredible and emotional at times.

Then we picked up Jack and headed to church. Jack stayed with his wonderful Aunt EE while we were at the adoption seminar. He had a blast. Guess who his favorite aunt is? We think EE bribed, tricked or brainwashed Jack into saying "EE!" We asked him that question all weekend long with the same answer each time. Of course, his other aunts are still in contention!

Bottles for Babies

A local church is hosting a fundraiser for Lutheran Family Children Services. Children will take home an empty baby bottle with information about the fundraiser on one side and our adoption story on the other. We are honored to be included in this effort.

Did you know?

• $175 can provide one week of foster care for a child waiting for a “forever home” 
• $150 can pay for a month of formula for a premature infant 
• $150 can furnish a car seat for a toddler 
• $100 can purchase a baby bed for an infant 
• $10 can buy a sleeper or receiving blanket for a baby 
• $25 can provide a week’s worth of diapers

From Trash to Treasure

I am volunteering at a huge rummage sale event on Saturday where people buy stuff that college kids leave behind. Proceeds benefit area non profit organizations. The organizations receive their allotment based on the number of volunteers they recruit. For the past several years, I have volunteered for the Salvation Army. I attended a meeting for volunteers tonight so I got a sneak peek at the goods.

There are some good buys at the sale including more than a dozen mini fridges and electronics. Those are hot ticket items and are gone within minutes after the gates open. For Twilight fans, I saw an Edward doll for $10. There are also many nice comforters, some furniture and lamps. Among the clothes, I found a girl's jacket with "Buttercup" written across the chest area and another jacket with "Baby Phat." I don't think I can get away with wearing that stuff anymore. I don't think I ever could. :)

Wake up call is at 4:15 on Saturday. Anyone care to join me?

Shape Up Shoes

I wore my new Skecher Shape-ups today. The shoe company claims that "Shape-ups® shoes are a great way to exercise while you go about your busy day! Walking in Shape-ups can help burn more calories, tone muscles and more." I just didn't want to look like an idiot in them. I love that the shoes make me an inch or two taller. The shoes challenge balance so I had to give walking some extra thought. I didn't want people to think I was drunk. The shoes remind me of my roller blades which had a habit of veering me into bushes.

Declarations

Jack made a couple of important declarations last week.

"No more pee in my pants," he told me one morning. I bought him the "A Potty For Me!" book, a story told from a little girl's perspective. The toddler inspired Jack to make the declaration but we are still waiting for some potty training success.

Second, while we were watching a Cardinals baseball game, Jack said, "When I grow up, I gonna be a baseball man." My son has a great arm and loves hitting. If Jack wants to play sports, I will encourage him to do so, but only as long as he's having fun doing it.