Oh, Billy. Did you ever think your greatest legacy would be your daughter, instead of this song? Thank goodness.
“Hi. My name is Catherine. I am nine years old.”
I glanced nervously over at my big brother, his grin both mischievous and proud. “Keep going,” he mouthed. I held the crayon written paper up in my shaking hand.
“This is my favorite radio station. Can you please play Achy Breaky Heart? It’s my favorite song.”
The dee-jay’s booming laugh bounced off my ear through the beige phone. “Shouldn’t you be in bed little girl?”
I threw the phone to my brother, the spiraled cord catching right before it hit his hands, sending it bouncing to the orangeish-brown carpet and sliding right back to me.
“Um…I guess so.” I somehow found the nerve to keep talking.
“Well alright. But after it plays, you go …
The first time I took my preschooler to a movie at the theater, it wasn’t exactly relaxing. I mean, she was being a typical three year old, fidgeting in her seat, making a few loud noises, and just generally having a bit of trouble focusing the whole time. Still, it was worth it. Besides, I know she’ll outgrow these behaviors as she gets older. And everyone seems to understand when a small child behaves this way.
But what if your child always struggles with behaving in a movie theater, or anywhere for that matter? What if your child has special needs? Does this mean your family isn’t able to enjoy the magic of the movie theater? Must your child be kept from enjoying the same feature films their normal ability siblings are? Not anymore. At least …
Daddy’s hands…have always been on a camera.
Blustery. It’s about the only word to describe the weather this morning. And it’s one of my dad’s favorite kinds of weather. Gray skies, crisp temperatures…perfect for driving the dirt roads and capturing raw Kansas beauty. Despite the teeth-rattling winds, we headed out this morning, Sony CyberShots in hand, and completely enjoyed a dad-daughter photo outing. My dad is no stranger to the lens, having served as Navy photographer back in the 60s, and then as a (mainly) commercial photographer for years after that. I spent many an afternoon with him in our at-home darkroom, waiting patiently for the magical images to appear on the page. If I close my eyes and focus, I can still smell the chemicals and hear the paper being swished in the pan.
But …
Cedar Crest Lodge is located in Pleasanton, KS, and is the ideal retreat.
Friends, I have found my dream home. And my dream kitchen. And my dream yard. Oh yeah, the best part? I don’t have to clean. Or cook. Or maintain the flower beds. But I do have to hand over a little moolah for each night I stay there. But is it worth it? Absolutely.
Cedar Crest Lodge is located in Pleasanton, KS, off Highway 69 between Fort Scott and Kansas City. It was the venue for my brother’s recent wedding, and it left me longing to return. The views were stunning, especially at this time of year with the leaves bursting in orange and red. The grounds were impeccable, with many interesting plant arrangements and areas to enjoy. And …
Yep. That’s about what I look like when I eat. (image from diseaseproof.com)
“Honey, don’t make fun of me, but I’d like to start Weight Watchers tomorrow.”
An awkward silence hung in the air between my husband and I as we drove down the road. After all, how should a man respond to this? They want to be supportive, but never insinuate that you need to lose weight. It’s a tough position to be in. Do they say, “That’s great dear,” and risk being yelled at for admitting she’s plump? Or do they say, “Sweetie, you don’t need to do that,” and risk being yelled at for not being supportive? Danged if you do, danged if you don’t. Sorry guys, it’s tough being you sometimes.
So, my husband did a smart thing by asking a neutral question. …
A perfect couple. A perfect day. Yes, it is possible.
What happens when a nerdy white boy from Kansas marries a sweet lively señorita from California? When a software engineer says “I do” to an interior decorator? When two cultures mingle together at a beautiful, remote B&B? Only the best. wedding. ever.
My wicked smart big brother Luke was betrothed to the love of his life Luisa at Cedar Crest Lodge in Pleasanton, KS last weekend. And while I’ll always hold my own wedding in a sacred place in my heart, I have to say this was one of the most beautiful events I’ve ever been to. The love was palpable. The weather impeccable. And the decor more than perfect (it deserves its own blog post). The glowing bride walked down the aisle to the sounds …