Holiday Letter 2011

We had a great 2011, my little family. 

Cole started high school, and played his first year of football.  He's a lean, mean Falcon machine, and we're super proud of him.  He's on the A honor roll, and he's a pretty nice kid.  We have a lot of conversations now, but I'm convinced he never really listens to me talk.  He just sits silent thinking of the next smartass thing he can say.  He hangs around the kitchen and pesters me non-stop, unless he's pestering his brothers.  Or playing XBox Live.  (I adore this stage.  I never want him to grow up and leave.)

Matthew learned to read this fall.  That business makes me thrilled.  And proud.  And amazed.  His whole world is opening up.  He lives and breathes Pokemon.  And video games.  I am proud to say I know absolutely nothing about the PlayStation or the Xbox or the Wii.  Or the DS.  Or the computer.  "Hey, Mom, can you get me to the next level?"  Uh...nope.  Sorry dude.  There are lots of big boys in this family who have that covered (see photo above.)

Jack is doing great in his final year of preschool.  (Remind me to schedule his kindergarten screening!).  He's still my super hero.  I'll be sad when he inevitably stops pronouncing his brothers name, "Maffew."  And when he stops saying things from the bathroom like, "Hey, Mom!  When I say "Praise the Lord!" come wipe me, okay?"  

It's hard to see the taillights of my children.  Because one day they're four year olds who need me to zip their jackets and the next day they're fourteen and I'm starting to look at driving schools. 

The captain is still the world's hardest-working, most-adored man.  He takes incredible care of all of us, and overlooks my many faults and fits.  He loves his boys and shares so much of his valuable time with them.  I'm thankful. 

It was a good year.  And next year is shaping up to be even better.

If you were a client this year, I am thankful for your business.  If you referred a client to me, thank you for believing in me.  If you were a friend...from the very bottom of my filled-up heart, I love you.  My life is better for all these bits and pieces.

If you lost a loved one this year, my condolences.  May the love of the Creator surround you and give you peace. 

God bless you and your family this holiday season!
Joy to the World!

My poor tootsies.

My feet have had a rough two years. Here's the timeline:

July 2009 - initial numbness/pain in my right foot/toes.

Sept 2009 - visit with podiatrist, determine cause is Morton's Neuroma in third interspace on my right foot.

Nov 2009 - after several unsuccessful Cortizone shots, had neuroma excision (removal)

Dec 2009 - incision didn't close properly, so had it cleaned/resutured

March 2010 - after months of swelling/pain, determined there was infection in same interspace. Also had a neuroma on my left foot at that time. On the day of surgery, however, there was NO swelling. Surgeon decided to remove the neuroma on my left foot, but leave right foot alone.

May 2010 - swelling returned on right foot, so had right foot operated on again. Surgeon removed three types of fluids (clear, yellow, and puss-like matter), cleaned, and resutured.

Nov 2011 - after continual pain, surgeon determined I had another neuroma in my second interspace. Another neuroma excision

Mar 2011 - continued pain in right foot. Saw a new podiatrist who determined I had an excessive amount of scar tissue/bursitis in my right foot. Taped up my foot (photo) and schedule physical therapy. He's confident that in 4 - 6 weeks, I'll be pain free in my right foot. SAY IT'S SO!

He also explained to me why I got them in the first place. You know how women have bigger feet after babies (I was an 8 1/2, now I'm a 9 or a 9 1/2, depending on the shoe!)? Our feet actually stop growing at 12 - 13 years old. But the hormones that cause our ligaments to soften to prepare for childbirth aren't exclusive to our abdomen. So that, compounded with the extra weight of a pregnancy cause our feet to flatten/spread out. Then, because the mechanics of my feet changed, I was susceptible to neuromas. Huh. Facinating.

I'm really really hoping this is the end of the pain in that foot. I'll still have to focus on the other neuroma I have pestering me on my left foot, but hopefully my new treatment plan will improve that foot too! Here's to healthy feet!

Disclaimer: Not looking for sympathy. My problems are fairly benign, actually. BUT...I want to have record of this incident, and this is the best place to do that. And if it helps someone else, fantastic!

Some things I love...

This guy has been wearing his 'ninja' costume for two full days. And I love him, although I wish he'd get over his facination with guns, swords, and 'bad guys.'

Brach's Jube Jel hearts. Seriously, these things are like crack. I'm always glad when my grocery store runs out. It happens earlier than you'd think...I'm not the only Jube Jel addict.

A good neighbor. Seriously, I have a neighbor who is always there for me. Cup of sugar, sure. Baking soda, of course. A cup of Caribou on a bad day, she's got it. I'm very grateful for all of my friends who fill my heart with love. I am so very blessed.

Happy Day of Love!

2010

This year, I:

Loved.
Spent a little time in the hospital with Matthew.
Had three minor foot surgeries.
Grew closer to Cole.
Spent a week-long vacation with my inlaws.
Organized the first annual camping trip with my family.
Worked.
Took a bazillion pictures.
Saw my husband receive a much-deserved promotion.
Cooked.
Made new friends.
Compromised.
Put myself out there.
Smiled.
Laughed.
Prayed.
Read a ton of books.
Watched a good friend a fabulous sister become parents.
Fell in love with Hawaii Five-O.
Supported health care legislation.
Sent Matthew to kindergarten.
Sent Jack to preschool.
Kissed my children.
Reconnected with friends.

Next year, I hope to:

Read more books.
Pray.
Watch the economy improve.
Pursue financial freedom.
Kiss my children.
Take a bazillion pictures.
Be confident.
Be happy.
Be happy.
Be happy.

Thank you for following me another year.  I wish you health, peace, and prosperity in the coming year.  I hope your faith helps you achieve your goals, as it always helps me pursue mine.  God can do magnificent things, and above all, I hope I remember that.

God bless you...Happy New Year!

Questions with Answers

What's the longest you've gone without sleep?
Once, after detasseling ended for the summer, Sonja and I had an all-nighter. Wait. It wasn't over for everyone. Because we stayed up at Kastamo's and then we woke Eric and Davin up for detasseling in the morning then we hit the hay.  That was the only time I stayed up all night. 

I love sleep. When I'm tired, I want to lie down. In a bed. Preferably my own

What's your favorite tree?
I love trees. They withstand everything, without complaining.  Aside from a few diseases, nothing hurts them. They shed their weak branches in the wind, but their strength is beautiful.  They are one of God's creations that always give me pause.

What do you order when you eat Chinese food?
I love fried rice.  Our local delivery place used to have the best garlic chicken, with huge vegetables, but its not as good now that they have new owners.  Leeann Chin's bourbon chicken is good too!

What's your least favorite word?
Can I use a phrase (of course I can, it's my list)?   I cannot stand "it's all good."  I dated a guy once who overused it, and I can't tolerate it anymore.

Which do you use more often, the dictionary or the thesaurus?
Both.  I am vocabularily challenged.  (Heh. See?)  Thank you, Google, for giving me an ounce of credibility.

What's your favorite knock-knock joke?
Knock-Knock.
Who's there?
Interrupting Cow?
Interrupting C...
MOO!!
...who?

If you could go to Disney World with any celebrity alive today, who would it be?
President Obama. Although I'd just as soon a cup of tea at the White House.  (If he doesn't count as a celebrity, I'll pick Sandra Bullock.)

What's your favorite breakfast food?
I love breakfast.   Many mornings, I eat an egg sandwich, aka Egg Cokato.  One egg with a sprinkle of cheddar cheese with bacon on an english muffin.  YUM.

Have a good week!

Neuroma

I had a neuroma (basically an enflamed nerve between my third and fourth toe) in both feet the past year. Long story short, I had them both removed. One in November and one today. Amazing how dependent we are on our feet, right!? Nothing to take for granted. Cory's home for four days and I'm going to sit here. And blog, perhaps!  Or catch up on Ellen...

25 (Additional) Random Facts

It's been a year since we did this; thought it might be fun to do again.  I certainly enjoyed reading my friend's list!  I tried not to duplicate anything I put on my list on facebook last year.

1. I won’t eat leftovers. Unless it’s pancakes; I’ll reheat those babies.

2. I love Nutella. It’s probably my favorite chocolate. Shoot. I should have done Laura’s chocolate exchange!

3. I have become comfortable being “liberal.” It’s actually brought me closer to my faith.

4. I have been a Realtor for four and a half years.

5. I grew up in a small town, but have no desire to live in one again.

6. I love entertaining, but I usually have a meltdown a few days before because it overwhelms me.

7. I think that differences in politics sometimes equal differences in values, and it’s that, not politics, that draws us apart.

8. I sing songs to my kids every night when I tuck them in.

9. I love to read, but do it much less now that there’s a TV in our bedroom. That bothers me.

10. My favorite part about parenting is watching my children learn.

11. I think that Modern Family might be the funniest show on TV. Ever.

12. I am living a very charmed life.

13. I use powder laundry detergent. I think liquid is a ripoff.

14. I am not very thrifty otherwise, but am working on that.

15. I am sad thinking about Matty going to kindergarten, but I’m ready for that next stage in life.

16. I love love love contemporary Christian music.

17. I adore being in my thirties.

18. I fell in love with guacamole in 2009.

19. My four-year-old wants to marry me.

20. I sleep with an electric blanket year-round.

21. The boys call my husband “poppa.”

22. I listen to two radio stations: AM950 (I particularly love Ed Schultz) and KTIS.

23. When the kids are in the car, we listen to children’s songs.

24. There is no place I’d rather be than under a palm tree. Anywhere they grow.

25. My favorite color is green.

Grumpy

I'm a pretty positive person overall.  But I have a bad case of the Grumpies.  Winter Blues.  Vitamin D deficiency.  SOMETHING.  Usually this blog stays happy, but I want to vent for a minute if that's okay.

It's been a tough week.  Cory had to work 17 out of 18 days the end of this month, so I was expecting it was going to get nutso.  It didn't let me down (or I brought it on myself.  I was anticipating chaos, and it came.  I'm sure there's an energy/real life correlation there).  Here are the things I survived:

1.  The Vikings lost.  I didn't care about the loss.  Don't get me wrong.  I held my breath.  I thought a Vikings Superbowl would be awesome.  But I'm not a huge fan, and was keeping in in perspective (Haiti earthquake has given me continued perspective.  Except where my Grumpies are concerned. Shame on me for that.)  But after the game my friends went CRAZY.  Someone actually said they should die in a plane crash on the way home.  I understand disappointment.  I do not understand violent anger.  I was suprised how much others' reaction affected me at the beginning of this week.  (Blog post to come:  The Downside of Today's Social Media)

1.  Pipe leak on main water pipe into our house.  Cory had to take down some drywall, was able to clamp it but the actual fix is going to involve taking down some ceiling in the mudroom, which means it will cost a bunch to put back together.  Our plumber friend said because of the leak's location, it's good Cory is a firefighter. That alone is nervewracking.  Especially this week.

2. I opened the fridge and dumped a container of mandarin oranges.  In syrup.  I cleaned the entire floor.  Five minutes later, Jack dumped a drinkable yogurt in the same spot.

3. Mr. Rooter found a matchbox car 7 feet down our bathroom pipes.  $235 repair.

4.  I yelled at the boys three or four times this week. Like, yelled.  And I never yell at them.  I scold, I give time-outs, I even give an occasional hair pull.  But I don't yell.  This might have made me more sad than any of the other things on this list. 

5.  It's below zero again.  20 below zero.  Well, at least the windchill.  The cold makes me grumpy.

6.  Come the Wednesday night State of the Union, I was in no mood for objectors.  I bit my tongue and plagued my friend with my rants.  

(Blog post to come:  Are Facebook Status Updates Open Forum for Discussion or Simply Status Updates?):  You may have your own opinion.  You may share it.  I consider facebook status updates an open forum for discussion...do you?  I was actually considering a separate blog entry about this...please share your thoughts.  I think I comment too freely sometimes...)

7.  I miss Cory.  The boys miss Cory. 

Thank God we're on Day 17.

I will follow this with a HaPPy post.  I promise.  Give me a minute to scan something in.

(Oh.  I fixed the Grumpies.  I bought myself more yellow roses.  Those things make me feel much better.)

My Addiction

Walker Art Center, Minneapolis

I've been meaning to talk about this for awhile. 

I have an addiction.  A serious one:

I'm addicted to people. 

Thinking back, I always have been.  Ever since I was a little kid.  I love being around people.  I've been having trouble formulating this blog entry, so I thought I'd try this.  I'm going to list my thoughts numerically.  Hope they aren't too disjointed to follow!

1.  I always had a lot of friends.  When I was in elementary school, I always wanted a Best Friend.  Everyone had a Best Friend.  Turns out I was way better equipped to be friends with everyone.  My dad actually told me at one point that it is better to have a lot of good friends than one best friend.  That was a hard lesson for me, but I blew a couple Best Friend chances, big time.  My dad was right.

2.  I can't get enough.  I love how people work and how they respond.  I am facinated by politians, celebrities, and my real life friends.  I love books like Blink, that explore how we react and respond.  I love analyzing relationships and am facinated by how people get along.

3.  My favorite job EVER was serving.  I worked at Doolittles (ah, the air cafe...) for four years.  Being around the other servers and waiting on tables was the best.ever.  I miss it, and hope to do it again someday.

4.  I've been accused of being addicted to social media.  I love Facebook, and my blog.  I've been on Twitter for awhile, too, but it's not my mainstay.  I'm not addicted to any of those outlets, but the people in them.  As I became reacquainted with people, I often remember why I liked them in the first place.  Everyone has something to give.  Everyone has something to share.  We learn from each other.  Bits and Pieces.  If it were possible, I'd like everyone I'm in touch with to sit in my living room and visit with me.  Virtually, that happens every day.

5.  I genuinely love people.  I hate to see people suffer, and I feel deep joy when others are happy.  I'm deeply invested in politics, but not just for the politicians, but mostly for the people.  If I could be a fairy godmother, I would.  In a heartbeat.  I'm convinced that God wired me this way; and very little of it is my own desire or effort.

6.  I work really hard to make sure my boys are good communicators.  We talk to everyone we meet...at the grocery store, drive-thrus, school, everywhere.  My addiction is a blessing.  I hope they inherited it naturally and work to make it a fine art.

Yep.  My name is Leanne and I'm a humanaholic.  (I made that up.  I like it.)

Thank you for being part of my addiction.

My Miracle

This is Throwback Week on Facebook.  I spent a few hours going through some old photo albums and album boxes and pulling out some of my faves.  I posted between fifty and sixty photos yesterday. In the 24 hours following, I got over 200 comments from friends on the photos.  So many people took a little trip down memory lane, and it was, in a word, a miracle.

This is my life.  These photos are a representation of who I was and how I got to the place I landed today.  Each photo is a moment.  A moment that at the time, I deemed worthy of capturing in a photograph.  I never dreamed that I'd have a chance to sit down with the subject of each photograph ever again, much less than the dozens of people I had a chance to sit down and share them with virtually.  It's a miracle.  I am so lucky to have been given this opportunity, and still a little overwhelmed at the power of social networking.

It's my Bits and Pieces premise.  That I am made up of the bits and pieces of each person who touched my life.  Today, I'm reminded of that, and I'm grateful.

Things I Love - 2010

Alternate title:  Ode to Joy, Volume 1.  That's how she rolls.

It's probably too early for the Valentine's Day lovefest, but it's a cold winter day, and I'm procrastinating.  So I walked around my house and took a few photos of things in it that I love.  Thought I'd share them with you.

The flowers that replaced my poinsettias. 

It didn't focus correctly, probably because of the little dude behind them.

Yeah.  I know the A is broken.  I'll fix it someday.

My third Thymes Frasier Fir candle this season.

I almost forgot this!

Fare Thee Well, 2009.

I loved 2009. 

In it, my boys got bigger.  I found more reasons to love my husband.  I found increased passion about health care reform and our general care for humanity.  I became more secure and comfortable in my own skin.  I learned a lot from so many people.  I was challenged by those who don't feel the same way I do.  I watched the Obamas become the First Family.  I worked really hard.  I, with the country, said good-bye to Senator Ted Kennedy, and subsequently read his autobiography.  I joined Facebook and reconnected with so many people.  I realized that some people love me in spite of my beliefs instead of because of them.  I fell in love with Modern Family.  I went on my first ever week-long summer vacation.  I had my first-ever garage sale.

It was a good year.  In it, I was very happy, and could not ask for anything more than that.

Wishing you a very happy new year.  God bless you all.

My Favorite Present

For Christmas, my husband had the first six months of my blog published in a book (Volume I).  I don't know where he did it or how, but I am grateful.  I now have a hard copy of this special place.  It's something I've always wanted, and it was the most thoughtful thing! 

I hope you holiday was as special!

Year in Status

For those of you who couldn't read it on Facebook:

My Christmas Letter

I didn't send one with my Christmas cards this year (a first in many)
so I'll share it here. 

------------------------------------------

2009 was an incredible year for me, especially from a human-connection standpoint.  I have always loved people.  I am facinated by personalities and love to learn from and interact with others...always have.  So when I joined Facebook in January, I was blown away. 

I was back in touch with people I thought I'd never have contact with again.  I was back in touch with people I had completely forgotten about.  I had an easy way to share my life with my online-only friends.  I spent some time actually missing some people.  When we reconnected, I remembered the reason we were friends in the first place, and I was lonesome for their actual phyical position in my life.  I have made peace with web-only relationships, though.  Our communications will never be the same, and for that, I am grateful.

In regular news, we had a regular year.

Cory worked his ass off.

I worked my ass off (had a lot of listings; but not very many sales...'tis the market today).  I spent a lot of time raising my kids. 

Cole successfully entered 7th grade, got his Gun Safety Permit, and went hunting (and shot his first doe).

Matthew is a typical four year old.  I love this age of learning.  Right?  Everything is a question..."Mom.  What letter does 'shoe' start with?"  "Mom.  What words start with 'L?'"  "Mom.  What is that word?"  "Mom?  How do you spell sister?" 

Jack is...Jack.  You already know him, I think.  Love personified.

We're happy.  We're super healthy (thank God).  We're ready to kick some butt in 2010.

I wish you love this holiday season.  I wish you comfort, and warmth, and happiness.  God bless.

Remember, Christ, our Savior

Was born on Christmas day

To save us all from Satan's power

When we have gone astray,

O tidings of comfort and joy!

The One

The Sunday before Christmas in 2002, Cory proposed.

We met in May 2002 and pretty much knew by the end of that summer that we wanted to spend the rest of our lives together.  So, I was kind of waiting for the proposal.  There were two occasions prior to that Sunday that I was pretty sure he was going to do it.  I was wrong. 

My mother-in-law's family had planned an ornament exchange.  I think his cousin Scott (Shane?) had my name.  I had no indication there was anything going on, except I do remember noting that it was strange that everyone had their cameras out the entire time.  I just thought they made a really big deal out of ornament exchanges...seriously, each person holding up their ornament for photos, videotape...big ordeal.  When it was my turn, Cory had wrapped my ring inside a glass ball ornament.  It was wrapped in tissue, though, so when I pulled on the ornament string, the whole top popped off, so I pulled the ring right out.  Cory got down on one knee and well...that's the story.  I said yes. 

I love that it was unexpected.  I never would have imagined he'd propose in front of anyone else, so I was clueless.  And I wouldn't change it for anything.

(Heading out to show off my ring.)

A couple weeks ago, Jo wrote a lovely blog entry about her wedding and asked how we knew He was the one for us.  I told her I'd blog about it, but now that I'm doing it, I'm finding it hard to put into words.  All of it is so cliche and really was this:

I just knew.

I think Cory and I had had enough Wrong to recognize Right.  We were both worn out from really hard relationships, and there was just never anything hard about ours.  We communicated easily, connected instantly, and to this day, have nothing but the greatest respect for each other.  I can honestly say that I never had a moment's doubt prior to our wedding, or since.  I realize that this is the greatest of blessings.

I'm an idealist, not a realist, so I believe with all my heart, that we'll be together forever.  I do believe that God brought us together at exactly the right time...after all the heartache of previous relationships so that we never take for granted what we have together.

Also, when I said I was going to make a paper chain for the remaining 30 days until our wedding, he didn't laugh at me. 

He simply hung it up. 

That's love.

Oh, and a great Part II of this story.  Cole wasn't with us that day.  So the next time we were together, he was sitting on my lap (he was five) and we were putting up the Christmas tree (a tiny three-footer, as I recall it).  I told him that Dad had already given me my Christmas present and that I was wearing it. 

"That sweatshirt?!" he asked of my grubby garb. 

"Nope," I told him, "It's on my hand."

"Oh, that ring?!"

I told him that it meant that his dad and I were going to get married.

He pumped both fists in the air, "YES!  I'm gonna have TWO moms!"
(Bet he doesn't feel that strongly about that still today!)

-----------------------

I just knew.  I just know.

When I was a Little Girl...

...all my friends were grown-ups. Shari would go to school and I would go down the street to a number of elderly couples' homes - primarily Ellen and Wally Harris and Paul and Tea Keifer's. My mom said she worried I would never have friends my own age.

And she might have been right for a time. Friends my own age wouldn't feed me treats and let me fill the bird feeder.  And tell me I couldn't drink coffee because I might get a black neck.  I loved those days. 

Years later, I saw Ellen Harris when I was working at the Dairy Queen.  They used to come in Sundays after church for a hamburger. One day when I was bringing them their food, she called me by name.  "Leanne.  Sit down."  So I did. She asked me if I remembered the time I came to borrow something for my mom. My mom evidently gave me strict instruction that I was to come straight home, and to not stay and visit.  Ellen told me that my mom wasn't too happy, though, when I came home with cinnamon roll icing on my face. 

I don't remember that particular incident, but some of my earlies memories are filled with the love of those couples. I can still remember the smell of their homes, and I never see a chickadee when I don't think of Wally. 

I wasn't yet in kindergarten, so I suppose I was Matty's age.  It makes me think how important the memories he's making today are so important.  I hope my boys earliest memories are as happy as mine are!

Happy Thanksgiving

I need to wrap up my Thankful posts.  Tomorrow we're celebrating the holiday with my husband's family and I am really looking forward to it.  Last year I hosted my WHOLE family (sans Amy's, maybe...?) and it was a zoo.  This year, I get to show up and bring a vegetable.  While I enjoy the chaos, I'm looking forward to a little less of it this year!

I've really enjoyed doing the Thankful statements.  Next year I'll probably just do one week, but it really has been a good exercise to say what I'm thankful for out loud.  There is so much to be said for gratitude.  I am thankful for it, in itself.

1. I'm thankful to be a woman.  To be living in an age and country where women are allowed to be strong and intelligent is one of my greatest blessings.  I told Cory recently that it's too bad for him he didn't know he married a feminist.  In all fairness, I didn't know he married a feminist either.  In the past few years, I have realized more and more how strong I am and how empowered I am by my gender.  I might blog about this again in the future...if I didn't already.

2. I'm thankful for all of you.  All of my friends.  My sisters.  Bits and Pieces.

3.  I am thankful for my children.  All of them.  They are beautiful, intelligent creations of God.  I am overwhelmed at the responsiblity God gave me to raise them, but am honored that He did.  They are a joy.

3.  I am thankful for Jesus Christ, my Lord.  That I am free because of His sacrifice. 

I wish all of you a happy and safe Thanksgiving. 

All my love.

Is Spectating a Sport?

Saturday we went to the Plymouth 5k. Krista and her hubby were running, and a bunch of other people I knew (including these two rock star Plymouth firefighters, Mike and Michael, who did it in fire gear). I thought it would be fun to go cheer them on. I've been to the Twin Cities marathon a few years and it's so great to watch! Those runners are such an inspiration and really appreciate the spectators cheering them on.

I will never run a marathon. I'm pretty sure that if I'm going 26.2 miles, I'm gonna drive there. I admire those with determination to do it, I'm just not one of them. I'll go down to the river and watch the marathoners, I'll give them the support they deserve. It's an achievement for athletes, and I hold them in high regard.

But I could run a 5k. I saw runners who were obviously struggling (and heard stories of some who were struggling, but it wasn't obvious), but they did it anyway. And 3.2 miles is nothing to sneeze at. It does take a measure of discipline to be able to complete it. I actually ran one once. I finished near the end with two elderly (and by elderly, I mean 70s...?) gentlemen who encouraged me the whole way. I don't remember my time, but I remember the feeling of accomplishment. And I want that again.

How about you? Do you run? Have you set a recent goal? Inspire me!

30 Hours

I had 30 hours to myself this week. Like...ALL to myself. No husband, no kids. Amazing how therapeutic that can be for a mom. Here are the things I discovered/learned:

1. Silence is golden. And kind of strange at first when you're not used to it.

2. The house stays very clean when I'm the only one in it.

3. Time for Mom is the greatest gift a Grandma can give.

4. Sleeping in is very foreign. But dreamy. Literally.

5. I can get more done in six hours alone than 40 hours with kids

6. I love my mom.

7. The boys bond better with Grandma when Mom isn't there.

8. There are a lot of mosquitos in the country and my boys are wearing proof of that.

9. It's good for City Boys to act like Country Boys once in awhile.

10. I missed them.

11. I still miss Cory. Four more days!