Doug's 23 Random Things

• 1. I would love to be a UFC fighter.


• 2. I haven't been in a fight in over 16 years.


• 3. I once saw one of my buddies in a bar fight rip a guys ear off!


• 4. I ran the Chicago marathon in 2002.


• 5. I once put a frog in my mouth for $100.


• 6. I think about my family in WV almost daily.


• 7. I don't have a lot of friends, but cherish the ones I have.


• 8. I work an average 75 hours a week , at one job.


• 9. I have dipped snuff for 23 yrs. and actually quit for 6, then started back up again.


• 10. I wouldn't trade my wife & kids for anything in the world.


• 11.


• 12.


• 13. I spent 4 1/2 years in the United States Marine Corps.


• 14. I've played golf with Frank Wycheck from the Tennessee Titans.


• 15. I hate snakes, I kill everyone I see.


• 16. I am very proud of my children's accomplishments.


• 17. I have seen two tornado's in one day.
• 18. I was attacked by a dog in my neighborhood when I was running. He came from behind & I didn't hear or see him because I had headphones on.


• 19. I was washing my hands in a down spout & was struck by lightning & lived to write about it.


• 20. I had 18 inches of my colon removed.


• 21. I had a car battery blow up in my face.


• 22. I hate cheap toilet paper.


• 23. I hate when I call Dish Network & the Middle Eastern man says his name is John.


• 24. I have met two US presidents, Bush Sr. & Clinton.


• 25. I have met a lot of celebrities, while working for the Pepsi Bottling Group

Happy Birthday Aunt Julie

• J-is for the JEWEL you are to our family
• U-is for being your own UNIQUE person
• L-is for all the LOVE you bring to your family & friends
• I-is for your INTENSE love for your family
• E-is because you are an EXCELLENT aunt
• B-is for your BEAUTIFUL smile
• R-is for your RADIANCE
• O-is for your OVER the top kindness
• W-is for being an outstanding WOMAN
• N-is because you could NEVER be replaced

I am sending lots of birthday wishes your way. You are so special to me & I feel so blessed to have you as an aunt and a friend. I hope you have a Happy Birthday. God Bless you always!

A Night with Dancing with the Stars

A week after our Celine concert Doug scored some tickets to Dancing with the Stars. Poor Doug two weeks in a row patiently sitting through these girly venues! He didn't enjoy Dancing as much as Celine. But I thought it was fabulous, because in my other life I was a dancer. Honestly, I would love to be a dancer again. It was a late night for the kids but that's okay, you hate to miss a free show. Thanks Doug, for what it's worth, we had a fabulous time.

Lance & Lacy...my favorite!

Derek & his partner: I tried to get a close up for Anissa :)



Maurice & Cheryl

25 Random Things

1. I do not drink coffee
2. I sat on my brother once & made him eat tomato soup
3. I am scared to death to fly; never had a problem before I had kids
4. I have lived in 7 different states
5. I have never eaten sushi & never will
6. I love John Travolta, if I ever meet him I know I wouldn't be disappointed
7. My brother & I threw this big iron thing through the TV when we had a babysitter. We were so scared what our parents would do to us, we convinced the babysitter to take the blame. He worked at my dad's store until he could pay for the repair.
8. I always make sure the house is tidy before I go to bed, I do not want to look at a mess first thing in the morning.
9. I lied about my age to get a job when I was 15
10. I love to laugh
11. I stop & get myself a diet coke every morning...it's my coffee
12. I have never been out of the country & probably never will with my flying issues
13. I could eat mexican food everyday
14. In my other life I worked at a place called Pinkies & wore fish net hose, bikini bottoms & a sleeveless tuxedo top. (It was a pool hall, honestly)
15. I stand at the kitchen counter in 'tree pose' without realizing I'm doing so
16. I cook dinner atleast 6 days a week for my family
17. I have been told I have a kool-aid smile
18. I regret not finishing college
19. I wish I had the perfect job that didn't interfer with my family life, don't we all?
20. I love to stay up late, it's my alone time
21. My favorite treat is homemade chocolate chip cookies
22. I would love to take my family snow skiing, they have never been
23. I went away without my kids for the first time last year, it was for two nights & it wasn't easy
24. I have a weird obsession with Q-Tips
25. The beds have to be made every morning, no excuses

What a Moment in History

I am so very excited for this day! I am so very proud of my girls! They wanted to stay home so they could watch the Inauguration in fear they wouldn't put it on at school. What a disappointment that will be if the schools don't let our children see this historical moment. Regardless of your choice the choice has been made. I am so proud to be an American.

I can not believe my mom is in DC for this profound moment in our time. It's crazy to see the sea of people & know she is among them. For me, this is one day I will never forget.

God Bless the USA

Our Little Dancers

The girls have taken up dancing this year. They started in the fall & they really love it! They both do ballet & jazz, though they are in different classes. They are taking at the same studio Abby took when she was 5,6,7 yrs. old. They are so excited practicing for their June recital. Sydney's jazz routine is to Proud Mary by Tina Turner (perfect for Sy'd personality) & Mattie's jazz routine is to Life is a Highway.

They are having a great time & I am so glad they have this opportunity to dance!

Celine Dion Concert

It was so exciting....Doug scored some tickets to the Celine Dion concert two nights ago. They had extra tickets at Pepsi & they asked if he would like them. Yeah for us! Everything is way better when it's FREE! Doug wasn't sure if he would know any Celine songs but he knew all of them & now is beginning to question his sexuality! :) No, really is was so great! I think I cried through more than half the songs... saddest concert I have ever been to. Her songs have so much meaning & really strike a cord with me. It was a late night, she didn't come on until 9:15. Poor Ab watched the kids & refused to lay down until we got home. She informed me when we got home at midnight that there is a new rule at school if you go to bed past 11:30 you can't go to school. She has a pretty quick wit about her, just like her dad.

Thanks Doug for an awesome night! I had a blast!