7 Quick Takes (Volume 289)

--- 1 ---

I had a twinge of sadness (that may be putting it mildly) as Ladies Man moved to college yesterday. The week was SO BUSY taking care of last minute things he would need, making sure he was set to succeed, at least as much as it depended on me. We got it all done and moved the boy in and even though he lives less than an hour away it still hurt my heart to leave him there. These kids and what they do to us! I'm so proud of who he's become though and am excited for his future. RAWR, Ladies Man! Go get 'em!

--- 2 ---

It was bittersweet watching Princess Dawdle and Ladies Man this week. You could see them wanting to make the most of their few days living in the same house. Every time Ladies Man had an errand to run, he'd ask her to go along. And for some reason he was really big on leaving her in good shape with the old car. First he bought her an early birthday present, a steering wheel cover.


Then there was a fob for the old car which broke in the spot you attach it to a key ring. He hasn't been using it, but decided to fix it so she could by drilling a tiny hole in it. Now everyone in the family, except ME, has a fob for remote locks and I have the newest car!

He must have gotten a little drill happy because then he started drilling tiny holes in Lego bricks and making key chains we are all supposed to use.


No worries, Ladies Man. There's no way we'll forget about you, whether we have Legos on our key chains or not.

--- 3 ---

Kevin and I had a super fun time with Drama Queen and The Boyfriend at a wedding reception last weekend. They got there before us and waited around to sit with us! There were all sorts of kids their age and they wanted to sit with us. I felt so honored.

--- 4 ---

Drama Queen ran off to see a few friends here and there, leaving her phone sitting at the table. We tried and tried to remember her pass code so we could take a selfie and make it her background. We had the right numbers, but not in the right order. Finally The Boyfriend gave it to us and we got in, but she caught us in the act. We thought we were funny. She thought we were lame, especially when she had to tell us how to make it her background. I guess that makes us old, but we're kinda cute. Kinda. Aren't we? (I've had an emotional week. Just say yes.)

--- 5 ---

You may have noticed a little change in the blog this week. I'm playing around with making it fresher, cleaner. It desperately needs an update. I stink at this sort of thing and despise doing it. It involves decisions and ugh, don't get me started. I think I may hate it worse than cleaning which is saying a heap ton. It's a work in progress, people. Any good that comes is only at the hand of my beloved husband who patiently endures me saying things like, "I hate that. No. I want something like . . . I'm gonna look like a hack. Too frilly. I've just wrecked everything. No. No. I don't know. This is totally stressing me out!"

Early in our marriage we tried to hang wallpaper in a stairwell. I think that was worse than this venture. I think. In the end we survived it and we're older and wiser now, so we should be okay. As long as I keep breathing and quit overthinking it all. It's a work in progress, but Kevin assures me we'll get there. Thanks for your help, honey!

--- 6 ---

Our local high school is working on their fall musical. This year they'll be performing The Wizard of Oz. Princess Dawdle has been cast as a tot.

Princess Dawdle: Tots are the ballerina girls that sing "The Lullaby League."

Me: That's good, isn't it?

Princess Dawdle (rolling in her eyes): I'm in there with all these dancer girls. I'm gonna look stupid.

Me: You'll catch on. You do show choir. It's not like you can't dance at all.

Princess Dawdle: That's just a bunch of popping your hips and smiling big. It's not ballet.

Me: You'll be fine.

Princess Dawdle: Ugh. I'd rather be a tree.

--- 7 ---

We're headed to Memorial Stadium tonight to watch Drama Queen march in the Cornhusker Marching Band Exhibition. She's the only girl on the snare line with eight other boys this fall, but I have no doubt she can handle it. We were texting about it earlier in the week.

Me: Keep those boys in line.

Drama Queen: They got a little tough love yesterday.

Me: What?

Drama Queen: The boys on my side got yelled at a few times yesterday.

Me: Yeah, you can put the smack down all right. RAWR!

Drama Queen: Haha they aren't that scared of me yet.

Me: They should be!

I have home movies that prove that girl was pushing people around at 2 years old. If those boys know what's good for them, they'll stay in line. Drummer Boy can probably corroborate. Right, son?



And thus concludes another saga of the Boesiger Bunch Chronicles. Enjoy your weekend, friends, and catch more Quick Takes at Conversion Diary.

7 Quick Takes (Volume 288)

--- 1 ---

It's been a big week at the Boesiger house. Change is brewing, my friends. Drama Queen moved out on Monday. (Sigh. Remember, my dear daughter, you can always come home. Just ask Drummer Boy how many times he's heard that phrase.) Princess Dawdle started her sophomore year of high school. And by this time next Friday, Ladies Man will be moved to college too. You ever have a weird uneasiness knowing things are about to be different? Yeah. That's me right now. It's going to be fine and we'll all adjust and go on to live productive, enjoyable lives, but right now it feels ew.

--- 2 ---

Congratulations to Ladies Man who bought his first car this week!


I was proud of the way he searched vehicles out by himself and contacted the owners, setting up times to test drive vehicles with his dad. After the purchase, I went with him to the courthouse to walk him through the registration process and I wish I could have captured the look on his face when he was all done.

Me: How's that feel to see a title with your name on it? You now own a car. You have an asset!

He just smiled and nodded his head in his charming way. Priceless. I'll never forget it.

--- 3 ---

While we were at the courthouse, we decided to get Princess Dawdle's driver's license. Yes, my BABY will be a licensed driver in 12 days! How did this happen?!

Even Ladies Man seems a little nervous about the proposition. As she was driving us around town the other day he was giving her unsolicited advice. As the youngest she's used to this sort of thing and didn't really respond, but I came to her defense.

Me: She's gotten a lot better. She's going to be fine. She'll be FINE!

Princess Dawdle: Are you saying that because it's true or are you trying to convince yourself?

Busted. Even though I've done this three times, watching her take that first trip without me is gonna be tough. Be safe, Princess Dawdle. Don't forget to look behind you. Flip your hair around AFTER you get to school, not on the way there.

--- 4 ---

Now that Ladies Man has his own car, Princess Dawdle inherits the school car he's been driving. The rule at our house is that we'll provide a car for our high-schoolers, but it stays here when they go to college. I love that my kids are not picky when it comes to wheels. Princess Dawdle is thrilled to have her "own" car now even though it's an old Buick LeSabre whose paint is peeling off the trunk. It was super cute when we came home from the courthouse. Ladies Man said his birthday gift to Princess Dawdle would be a full tank of gas. He checked the oil and the tires, and then recruited her help to clean it out (because HELLO! she contributed to the mess in there over the last year). They were having a blast together getting her car all shiny and clean. After I saw it I wished I would have put them on detail for my van!

One thing Ladies Man took from the LeSabre for his own car was a little plastic dinosaur he kept on the dash. They kid that he is a guardian angel of sorts, watching over them as they go from place to place. He and Princess Dawdle have joked around about this thing all year, ribbing each other about who gets to keep "Brock." Ladies Man won out and has already placed him in the new vehicle.


Princes Dawdle found her own, bigger dinosaur and named him Melvin. I don't know what it is about that name, but somehow Melvin doesn't instill as much confidence in me as Brock. Brock is manly, solid. Melvin is . . . well, Melvin. Nonetheless I think it's sweet she wants to perpetuate the tradition and be reminded every day of her brother in that silly dinosaur on her dash.

--- 5 ---

Thanks for all the anniversary wishes. Kevin and I had a wonderful time hanging out together all day. We went to a charming little movie called The Hundred-Foot Journey. As we entered the theater I pondered the nature of movies.

Me: Why is it that life seems more impressive or meaningful on the big screen? Is it because there's a musical score?

Kevin: Yes, that's true, but I also think it's because it's not your life. People say they'd love to be a fly on the wall in our house, but it's only fun because it isn't their normal.

Yeah. He can be kinda smart and profound at times. He's also a talented composer which makes me think he should write me a musical score for my life. Don't you agree? Suddenly this average homemaker's life would be full of substance and depth. Everyone could sense it in the change of melody. Surely people would laugh and cry and maybe even cheer! How exciting could my life be?!

Hey, get on that, would you Kevin? It would be awesome.

--- 6 ---

This was the first year since Drummer Boy was a little guy that we've only had one kid in school. Do you know how much easier it is to fill out those first week of school forms when you're only doing it for one child? I got 'em done YESTERDAY, people! Piece of cake, I tell you.

As is tradition in so many families, we had to take a first day of school pic. I flashed back to last year at this time when Princess Dawdle said, "Next year's gonna suck," wondering if it might be an emotional moment, but she was fine and humored me. Look how pretty by baby is getting.


When I took this picture, Princess Dawdle expressed a concern.

Princess Dawdle: What are you gonna do when I leave, Mom? Will I have to send you a selfie?

She's not my only child worried about my sanity after they're all gone. Drama Queen was so sweet on Monday, sending me a text later in the day saying, "I love you!" And she asked her dad to buy me some flowers. Drama Queen, that was so, so sweet. I love it. But I hope you get your money back, because he never bought them. You get all kinds of daughter points for thinking of it though. Your dad, however . . .

You know that Neil Diamond/Barbra Streisand song, "You Don't Bring Me Flowers Any More?" Yeah. That is my husband. He doesn't even bring me flowers when his daughter asks him to do it! (Is the guilt trip working, honey?)

--- 7 ---

Ladies Man keeps talking about how he's "adulting" which I guess is shorthand for becoming an adult.  If he's adulting what are we? The only word that comes to mind is aging. No. I refuse to go there. Not. Gonna. Do. It.

If you think of it, say a prayer for this mama next week as we have another chick leave the nest. I don't care how many times you do it, each one is a unique loss.

But he'll be fine. He'll be FINE!

Yeah. I saw what I did again. Shhh. A girl's gotta cope.



That's it for today, friends. Have a terrific weekend and read more Quick Takes at Conversion Diary.

7 Quick Takes (Volume 287)

--- 1 ---

I've been fairly confident that I am handling the aging process pretty well, but apparently I carry a little sensitivity to my advancing years. Normally I'm a fan of K-Love radio, but this week they kinda ticked me off. The announcers were asking people to call in with any stories about "older people doing great things for God." I found myself talking back to the radio. "What do you mean 'older people'? What qualifies as older? What are you saying, that you have to be in your twenties or thirties to have enough energy to serve God well? Of COURSE older people would be better at doing great things for God. They're smarter and have more experience. WHAT DO YOU MEAN?!!"

Yeah, no defensiveness in this "older" chicky, huh?

To be fair to K-Love, they did qualify it later that they were talking about people 65 or older, but I still found it offensive. I don't know too many 65-year-olds who act elderly by any means. Sounds like an idea hatched by a stupid 25-year-old.

But I'm not bitter.

--- 2 ---

My girls and I have become big fans of Clif bars this summer. They are so quick and easy for breakfast or a midday snack, packed with nutrition and very satisfying. (Hey, any Clif bar executives out there? I could write you a good commercial!). Kevin has steered clear of them. I can only assume it's because he thinks they are a "health food" and thus out of his comfort zone. I have learned the hard way to leave him alone concerning his food choices. At restaurants he generally orders the same dish and no matter of provocation on my part will cause him to expand his horizons. Instead I always manage to annoy him. So when it came to Clif bars, I decided he'd just be missing out.

Imagine my surprise one morning, then, when he pulled out a chocolate chip one for breakfast.

Me: You're eating a Clif bar?!

Kevin: Yeah. So?

Being the in tune individual that I am, I didn't press further. He unwrapped the bar and scrunched his nose.

Me: What?

Kevin: It looks weird.

Do you know how hard it was for me to NOT to mention the purple jellyfish marshmallow Little Debbie snacks he consumed that don't even look like food?! I shrugged and pretended not to watch. He took two bites and let it sit. I exercised enormous amounts of self-control stifling my questions and waited to see how long it would take for him to have another bite. Finally, I couldn't take it any more.

Me: You don't like it?

Kevin: It tastes like what I imagine poop would taste like.

Me: What?! You're crazy.

He just scowled and shook his head. Being the gracious person I am (um, honey, you don't need to comment), I let it go. Later that day, Ladies Man, without knowing the interchange I had with his dad, told me he'd tried one too and hated it. What is wrong with the males in my house? Pondering it today over a chocolate brownie variety, I think I finally saw the problem.


Kevin may have some validity in his poop comment.

--- 3 ---

I am going crazy this week listening to my clothes dryer. Suddenly it's developed this squeaky squeal noise. At first I thought those pesky birds were back, but it's a belt thing, I think. Ugh. It's taking longer to dry clothes too. I'm thinking we'll have to invest in a new one. My ears and nerves can't take much more of that icky, icky sound.

--- 4 ---

Drama Queen and Princess Dawdle spent lots of time at band camp in the last two weeks. Princess Dawdle has the weird tan to prove it. Can you guess what instrument she plays?


That strange white patch on her neck is from her neck strap on her saxophone. Good thing she can leave her hair down to cover it up.

--- 5 ---

I dropped a crap ton of money in Lincoln the other day shopping with my kiddos. And you know what? I've evolved, because I really didn't care how much I spent. I just kept thinking, "My kids are so great. They don't ask for much." The only downer was the stuff we bought for Ladies Man--dorm stuff--reminding me he'll be leaving us in two weeks. Sigh.

--- 6 ---

Ladies Man and Princess Dawdle sang a duet in my mom's church last Sunday. Lucky for me, I got all my tears out of the way listening to them practice throughout the week. Drama Queen shot this video of them practicing before the service. I think they did pretty good. (Just ignore the ding dong who forgot they were being taped as she tried to move cords.)

--- 7 ---

Tomorrow is mine and Kevin's anniversary. 28 years!!! I am the blessed woman who's been loved by this wonderful man for 28 years. Wow. God is SOOOOO good.


I love being your wife, babe. Thanks for this terrific life we share. I love you. Forever.



And with that, this mush fest will end. Enjoy your weekend, friends, and read more Quick Takes at Conversion Diary.

7 Quick Takes (Volume 286)

--- 1 ---

Drummer Boy is a man who requires very little. He isn't one to seek after any sort of "thing." He's very content with the basics. Usually I find this quality admirable and even noble, but sometimes it seems a little freakish to me, like the time he told me this summer he hasn't had a pillow since he moved out in March! "There might be one in the trunk of my car," he said. What?! He doesn't even need a pillow?!

When he moved to his apartment (in March, remember), we couldn't get his box springs out of the old place without removing a stair railing and we didn't have the right tools with us at the time. He told us not to worry about it. He'd take care of it later, and meanwhile we put his mattress on the floor of his bedroom. This arrangement didn't disturb him in the least, but it drove his mother crazy. Who doesn't want a box springs and frame and headboard for their bed? While moving Drama Queen's stuff last week, we recruited Drummer Boy for help and decided to take care of this troubling situation.

Over the weekend he was planning on coming to B-town to visit, but texted at the last minute saying he couldn't find his wallet. He spent the evening and next FEW DAYS searching for the thing with no success. He was convinced he must have thrown it away by accident. We had a few texts about replacing the contents of his wallet and I thought we were done until I got this text that evening.

Drummer Boy's text: Found. My. Wallet. Stuck between my mattress and apparently necessary headboard. See what it's already done! hahaaaaa

Oh my gosh! I laughed so hard! You got me, Drummer Boy! Not every traditional convention is necessary, I guess. Even a headboard!

--- 2 ---

We have a rabbit that seems to be living in our back yard. I'm sure it's responsible for chomping on the 6 bean plants that managed to come up in our garden including the 10 beans hanging on them. It doesn't seem to have a penchant for any of our other produce (to be fair, if you saw our "produce" you might not have a penchant either), but often nibbles on the clover in the yard (Yeah, we're all green thumbs over here.). Seeing him every day made me think he should have a name. The kids noticed him too and must have read my mind, as the other night over dinner, they pointed him out.

Ladies Man: We should give him a name.

Drama Queen: He has a name--Chester.

Ladies Man: I named him Herb.

They each named him without consulting me?!

Ladies Man: He eats herbs so he should be Herb.

So it's official. There's a rabbit named Herb occupying our back yard. He's pretty tame and hardly moves when we walk up. He likes green beans and the assorted "herbs" in our yard. I noticed he had a little friend this morning. Shall we call him Peaches? (Are any of you old enough to understand that reference?) And Peaches better be a him. We don't have enough beans left for a family!

--- 3 ---

Drama Queen and Princess Dawdle have been participating in band camp all week. Those of you who AREN'T band geeks might be interested to know they actually tie nail bags around their waists to hold their music and pencils or any other assorted stuff they may need like valve oil or reeds. Princess Dawdle and her friend decided to spruce theirs up a bit last night, painting on Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy in such a way that if they stand next to each other they make a scene.


Pretty snazzy, huh? Although their band director may think their time would have been better spent actually practicing the music!

--- 4 ---

I may be a tad anxious about Ladies Man starting college. I've been trying to prime him for the tougher academic challenges of higher education.

Me: What's your plan for studying in college?

Ladies Man: Do it.

Me (not impressed with his "plan"): And if you're even a little bit stuck don't hesitate to ask for help.

Drama Queen (sympathizing with her little brother): He can probably figure it out.

Me: You just have to stay on top of it.

Ladies Man: I've got a lot on my plate . . .

Me: I know! That's why I'm worried!

Ladies Man (barely letting me finish):  . . . but I have a big appetite.

Dang it! He got me too!

Boesiger boys--2, Mom--0

--- 5 ---

A friend posted some pictures from the recent Esprit tour that Ladies Man and Princess Dawdle were on. She captured this great pic of their duet I just love.


Sigh. My kids have sure gotten under my skin.

--- 6 ---

I've been doing a lot of reading this week, both for my classes and my own "enjoyment." I say it that way because it's sparking in me a reflective, gotta-figure-this-out thing which is sending my normally active brain into hyper drive.

Who says reading is good for you?

--- 7 ---

All this reading means I'm talking my poor husband's ear off, which we totally have time for because it seems our kids have ditched us nearly every night this week. But it ain't all bad, folks. We've felt like newlyweds again strolling through our neighborhood, stopping for ice cream and enjoying all kinds of things we normally couldn't at dinner time with the kids around.

This empty nest thing might be okay in a few years.

Unless it gives me more time to read. You may want to pray for my husband.



For now I'm giving this brain a rest. I hope you enjoy your weekend and take in more Quick Takes at Conversion Diary.

7 Quick Takes (Volume 285)

--- 1 ---

Thanks to the few brave people who responded to my post on needs and God not being American with either an email or comment. (The rest of you get an emphatic PSHHHTTTT!)

This line from a friend made me ponder a bit--" . . . there is a line between having faith that God will provide and expecting Him to do so." One man wrote, "God doesn't hate wealth or the wealthy" which I thought was a good distinction to make since there are committed, wealthy Christians who know how to use their money to God's good.

Another woman proposed that God does not change and therefore His ideas about needs don't either. I can buy that, but found myself thinking it doesn't mean He relates to all people the same way. A crude example would be a diabetic who NEEDS extra insulin. God would supply that need, but that doesn't mean He'll give ME insulin. God hasn't changed, but relates to people individually.

A couple of people suggested God only promises to supply the BASICS, like food, clothing and shelter. Another said "God supplies OUR needs," again driving home the fact that God makes personal calls for individuals.

Matthew 6 talks extensively about God meeting our needs, and specifically addresses basic needs like food and clothing (See Matthew 6:31-32). But in verses 7 and 8 I see that personal, individual element again. Jesus said, "And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him."

If He knows what I need before I ask, He is intimately aware of me, right? And if He's intimately aware of me, He knows what I lack which may not be what you lack and therefore is a need for me but not you. (Did you get any of that?)

I suppose the best way to say it is the way this reader did: "He will provide what you need to fulfill the purposes He has for you." That will mean different things for different people. This reader added, "if He wants you to witness to Donald Trump He might give you millions! :)"

I've settled with the idea that needs ARE subjective. Our basic needs are the same, but what I need is different than what you need and since God is a personal God, we can rely on Him to meet our distinct, individual needs beyond the basics. He knows what they are more than we do according to Matthew 6:7-8. When I wonder whether a want is truly a need I can ask Him for it and let Him decide if it is a necessity.

Clear as mud?

--- 2 ---

Ladies Man and Princess Dawdle have been gone all week on a missions trip. It's been awfully quiet around our house. Drama Queen has been here, but she's working. At first we were like PARTY TIME!, but now we kinda miss those boogers. They come home tomorrow. YAY!

But one advantage to having kids gone is the little cleaning that needs to take place as a result. Shoes aren't scattered all over the kitchen. No books or electronics are left laying around in the living room. I've saved money on groceries and don't have as much laundry.

But still . . . they're not here . . . sniff. How in the world will I have enough material for the Quick Takes?!

--- 3 ---

My mother-in-law gave me some furniture polish. It does a remarkable job of bringing out the beauty in the wood and even seems to repel dust. My only problem is it has no smell. Nothing! I have a hard enough time mustering up the oomph to actually clean, but when my house doesn't smell clean after I've exerted the effort, well, it just doesn't seem worth it, you know? I want to walk in the door and smell the clean and therefore have proof of my work.

Ugh. Now I have a new dilemma. Do I go for beauty and cleanliness or for the impression of clean in the aroma?

Yeah. I have a hard life.

--- 4 ---

Nothing says you're old like, "You're due for a colonoscopy." Guess who got to hear those words this week? Yeah. Ick.

--- 5 ---

Can anyone tell me where the term "pair of pants" comes from? It doesn't really make sense to me. Yes, it is a pair of pant legs, but they're not separate. You can't buy one pant leg. You have to buy the whole thing which is really just one article of clothing so why do we call it a PAIR?

--- 6 ---

I've been making a lot of guacamole at home lately and Drama Queen and Ladies Man asked if I could get them the same tools I have so they can make it themselves when they move to college. I was happy to oblige, but got to wondering if maybe Drummer Boy might want them too. He's the quintessential bachelor who eats one meal a day and Drama Queen thinks he subsists on fast food, never ever cooks and could care less about making his own guacamole, but I decided to ask him to be sure.

Drummer Boy (in pure DUH tone): Yeah! I'd like that. I'm trying to eat more organic.

Which is super funny since the first thing we saw when stopping at his apartment was a box of Captain Crunch, but I'm taking him at his word.

I already got your avocado slicer, Drummer Boy. Prepare to show your sister what you can do!

--- 7 ---

Soon the migration of my peeps will begin. Sigh. We already moved Drama Queen into her new place with my mom, though she won't actually live there for a couple weeks. Princess Dawdle starts school August 13th and we move Ladies Man to college on August 21st. I'm starting to think my house is going to be this quiet all the time. Princess Dawdle will still be here, but she's been known to disappear into her bedroom for hours at a time.

We're seeing a big change on our horizon and it's weird. Not terrible. Just weird. I've spent nearly a quarter of a century with kids (and LOTS of them) in my house. I've had more noise than I ever thought I could tolerate and now it's crickets and stillness. Again, not terrible. Just different. It's gonna take some getting used to.

So, come home and see us, my darling children! Don't let your mother become a cat lady.

(And if you've read this far, you're begging them to give me some fodder for these weekly updates too, aren't you? Kids, my readers need you. OBVIOUSLY.)



And that's all I got today, folks. Enjoy your weekend and read more Quick Takes at Conversion Diary.

7 Quick Takes (Volume 284)

--- 1 ---

We had a fabulous time last weekend on our little getaway to northeast Nebraska. The kids put us in a festive mood from the start by getting all decked out for the holiday.




We ended up borrowing a 12 passenger van since we had a our whole family plus my mom and The Girlfriend and The Boyfriend. You should have seen the looks we got as we piled out of that thing. We stopped at a gas station and as the kids filed out people just stared as if they were thinking, "They just keep coming!"

We spent the day and night at my sister's and had a fabulous time hanging out with our extended family. (Thanks to The Girlfriend for the great pics!) Let's call these Fun with the Cousins.






Can you believe my mother is a GREAT grandmother, twice over?! (Please let me age like my mother, please let me age like my mother, PLEASE LET ME AGE LIKE MY MOTHER! . . . ) Here she is with her youngest great granddaughter and my lovely sister-in-law.


And more Fun with the Cousins . . .




On the way home we added my nephews to the mix bringing us to 11 people. We decided to swing back the long way home and went to the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha. Here's a great pic The Girlfriend got of our whole clan (minus her, of course--boo!).

--- 2 ---

While at my sister's we also celebrated my nephew's birthday. Remember me telling you about a special surprise Ladies Man was making? Now you can see the finished product (and the happy little recipient).


That puppy is made out of cardboard and a crap ton of duct tape. It even flies!

--- 3 ---

You will be happy to know Kevin's sensitivity improved after his bad answers last week. I'm not sure if the pressure of looking bad on the Quick Takes got to him or what, but I'll take it.

Ladies Man was talking about chafing (Just don't ask. I promise, it's better this way.) and for some reason I was transported to my childhood self.

Me: I used to chafe between my thighs when I was a kid . . . cuz I was . . .

Kevin stopped me mid sentence.

Kevin: Don't go there. That's not who you are anymore. That doesn't define you.

Me (pleasantly surprised): THAT was a really good answer. You have just redeemed all your bad answers.

Kevin: Make sure you put it on the Quick Takes!

Later we were standing somewhere waiting and he slipped his arm around my waist.

Kevin: You're kind of a little person.

Me (never using the word little in any way shape or form to describe myself or expecting to hear it from anyone else, ever, ever, NEVER): Wow. You are just FULL of good answers today!

Kevin: Just telling the truth, babe.

See how this guy gets under my skin?

--- 4 ---

One of my dear readers emailed this week, wanting to know if she could see a picture of Elmo. She said, "it would be delightful to see who I am saying prayers for!!" Here ya go, friend. And thanks for the prayers.


Drama Queen took these pics for me and when she emailed them she titled this one "Your 5th child." I think that's an overstatement. For sure. Right?


Now tell me, who couldn't love this little guy?

--- 5 ---

I was driving behind a plumber's or excavating truck the other day that was barely running. It puffed blue smoke and sputtered and was pretty beaten up. That in itself didn't instill much confidence in me to think of hiring their services, but the slogan written on the tail gate confirmed it. It said, "Call us or screw it up yourself."

This gave me two thoughts. First of all, is it wise to insult your potential customers by assuming they will screw it up? And secondly, one could interpret their slogan (especially if you take into consideration the awful condition of the truck) as "Call us and we'll screw it up or screw it up yourself." Either way, it's not good, right?

Nor is it good or perhaps even normal to think so hard about stupid stuff like dumb trucks in front of you on the road. Sheesh.

--- 6 ---

And here's another thought I had this week. Why is going to Walmart such an excruciating experience? Nearly everyone I know can't say Walmart without a sigh or grunt. Everyone hates going there! What is it about Walmart that makes us all dread it and cringe at the thought? We get good deals, although I hate how they are constantly moving stuff around in the store, and the way they carry something until you can't live without it and suddenly discontinue it, or how there's never enough check-out lanes open or how it's nearly impossible to get in and out quickly, not to mention the enormous amount of money I drop there.

Wait. I just answered my own question, didn't I? How about you? Why do you hate going to Walmart?

--- 7 ---

It would be completely depressing to end today's Quick Takes on a Walmart note. Bleck! So I'll tell you that Ladies Man and Princess Dawdle have been gone this week, traveling with a Christian singing group. They will be doing two performances in our area this weekend if you have a yen to see them. Saturday night they'll be at our church at 7:00 and Sunday night they'll be at Lincoln Berean at 7:00. It's always an inspirational concert. Hope you can make it.




And that's a rap, folks. Have a terrific weekend. For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary.

7 Quick Takes (Volume 283)

--- 1 ---

Happy Independence Day, everyone!


We're excited to take our clan on a little road trip to my sister's in Northeast Nebraska to celebrate. The whole bunch is going along and we're set to have a grand time. My brothers and their families and even some of my cousins are making the trip too so it'll double as a family reunion of sorts. My sister's family LOVES the Fourth of July and does it up good so we're bound to have a blast.

This, of course, insinuates that there will be little sleeping and I'll probably be super grouchy mom by Monday, but let's not think about that. Let's savor the moments of togetherness this weekend and whoop it up.

--- 2 ---

Kevin and I got all peopled out over the weekend. We went to two big weddings, one on Friday night (with Drummer Boy--woot!), one on Saturday afternoon, attended a big church service Saturday night, had a big celebration at our own church Sunday and a band concert Sunday night. My introvert status was confirmed when I couldn't do anything but hang around the house all day Monday in a fog. I'm serious. I don't think I even took a shower until 10:30 PM. And I've officially converted my husband to an introvert as well. At some point in the weekend he looked at me and said, "It's a little much" and he was toast on Monday too. Despite people overload we did have a good time, though, as this picture proves.

--- 3 ---

Ladies Man is constructing a little surprise for his cousin's birthday and needed some heavy duty cardboard. He went down to Sears and picked up the thickest cardboard I've ever seen. Carrying two huge sheets, he could hardly get in (Thanks to our neighbor friend who stopped while walking her dog to open doors for him.). He's eyes were all lit up when he came in, reminding me of him at 5-years-old.

Ladies Man: Look at this stuff! I barely got it in my car.

His hand stroked the surface of the huge sheet.

Ladies Man: I really only needed one sheet, but I took two. I forgot how awesome cardboard is!

I'll send pictures of his creation AFTER his cousin sees it. He should get the first view, right?

--- 4 ---

Drama Queen and my mother had a major bonding moment this week when they GOT TATTOOS! Yes, my MOTHER got a tattoo with my daughter!


My mom has always acted younger than her age and I've always loved that about her. She is no fuddy duddy Grandma! Mom went first and was way cooler about it than Drama Queen who was a tad anxious about the procedure until it got started.




And here are the finished products. Mom got a rose and Drama Queen got a picture version of Proverbs 16:3.

--- 5 ---

My husband is giving me some really BAD answers this week.

I was playing my sax in church on Sunday and on the way there I felt it necessary to inform him of the cost of such service.

Me: These are really hard lipstick days. It's hard to know what to wear. 

I chose a lip balm with a little color in it.

Me: This one doesn't leave as much residue on my reed. But it doesn't have as much color either. See what I sacrifice for you?

My husband did NOT feel my pain.

Kevin: It's not for me, honey.

In other words, it's for God.

Me: Ouch!

Kevin: Well . . . Just telling the truth.

Me: Wow. I think a better answer would have been, "Oh I know, honey. What would I do without you?"

Kevin: Oh I know, honey. What would I do without you?

Too late, buddy.

Later that evening we were driving through town when he got a little too close to the car in front of us for my taste. I had just taken a drink and couldn't say anything so I pointed and grunted.

Kevin (obviously thinking I am overreacting): I see him.

Me (after swallowing): Now how was I supposed to know that? You were reaching for your sunglasses and didn't even have one hand on the steering wheel. I didn't think you saw.

Kevin (politely not rolling his eyes but wishing he could): I had it.

Me (feeling more than slightly annoyed): I'm sorry you have such a high maintenance, stressed woman for a wife.

Kevin: You're not a high maintenance, stressed woman . . . most of the time.

Me: You are really not giving good answers today.

Kevin: Just gotta tell the truth, babe.

Grrr. Who wants to volunteer to give my husband sensitivity training? It's a good thing I can't live without the guy.

--- 6 ---

And now how about some "sick nasty" as my girls would say? Ladies Man was sitting on the kitchen counter talking to me the other day, his feet dangling and swinging, when I noticed his enormously long toes.


His second toe is as big as my pointer finger! You realize this is "sick nasty" because not only does Ladies Man have ugly banged up feet, but they smell as bad as they look, and I stuck my finger in there! It took me all of two seconds to wash my hands after that pic!

--- 7 ---

I know you're all dying to hear how Elmo is. The critter perked up considerably after I peeled ALL his shed skin off of him. You wouldn't believe how much bigger he could open his eyes after I pulled it off there. I think he did have a touch of something though. A lizard can get a virus, right? Drama Queen  had a couple of sick days last week with a terrible headache and dizziness. I wasn't feeling too great on Saturday either. Elmo acted like his head was bothering him too. Could he have caught something from us?

Nonetheless I worry the guy is getting super lazy, just letting me do EVERYTHING for him. Now I have to do his shedding for him too? I also think he has a bit of a sight problem. He used to catch his worms himself, but now he just hangs his head over the dish until someone comes and dangles one right in front of him and then he STILL misses them some times.

And now Drama Queen is talking to him, telling him how lazy he is. That can't be good for his self-esteem, can it? How is that going to encourage him to be better, to rise above his disabilities? And what does it say about me that I consume so much time with him? My children won't have to worry about me becoming a crazy cat lady, but what is the equivalent in this case? Loco Lizard Lady? Goony Gecko Gal? Or just Bonkers Broad?



Oh my, let's not give my kids any more fodder. Enjoy your holiday weekend and read more Quick Takes at Conversion Diary.