Popcorn

We recently celebrated the 100th day of school. For a math lesson I had my mom come in and make old fashioned popcorn like they used to make in the 80s. My class says that all the time and it makes me feel so old. I nicely remind them that a long time ago was like in the 50s or 60s NOT the 80s.

Anyway, mom brought the same pan that she popped it in for me as a kid. Yes it is still in one piece and no it is not an antique.

We counted kernels and then the popped corn and then we ate it of course. It was so delicious!! It is one of those foods that bring back memories. Like the drive- in movies or being able to see the state school fireworks from our front yard. Now the trees are to high and we have to get closer to see. Even better, watching Dukes of Hazard and Dallas on Friday nights after we had been treated to frozen pizza.

Popcorn made on the stove is something that kids these days have not been exposed to. We were reading a Little House on the Prairie Book and they talked about what a treat it was when Ma made them popcorn on the stove. One of my kids said, "Well how do you do that?" So I decided it was time they knew how it was done way back in the 80s. It turned out to be quiet the lesson and now the lost art of making popcorn on the stove is out of the vault.

Is a week to long to celebrate your birthday!

I celebrated yet another

birthday on Tuesday. Like

Christy Heying I like my birthday

still. I like to look at it as my birthday week

instead of just 1 day.

Well this year mine started Thursday. My

long lost sister Carri surprised me with a visit.

She has recently moved to DeSoto, Mo and I

only get to see her like once a month now. So

she was like the celebrity that kicked off the

"Opening Ceremonies" to my birthday week.

The next special birthday event happened Saturday morning. Two of my bestest teacher friends in the world from Sedalia called me and wanted to take me to lunch at my favorite place in Sedalia, Patricia's. I love the Chicken Chimmichonga.It is so yummy and not to mention the spectacular way they arrange it on the plate. ( Amy, Mindy and Shawna know what I'm talking about). Anyway , It was so great to see Amy and Mindy and catch up and talk about old times. Amy and I always compete to see who has better drama in their life. I think I won this time!

Plus they paid for lunch and I got fried ice cream because it was my birthday week.

Okay so now I am full and enjoying the sunny drive back to Marshall. "What a great week to have a birthday", I thought. I get home and everyone is relaxing, napping or playing the Wii.

The evening was approaching and that meant dinner. Jeremy wanted to go to Brunswick to Sherri's for seafood but you know guess what? I don't like see food and it is MY birthday week so we decided on Applebee's. I wanted to go there mostly because I might get another free dessert. I love dessert!! sing to me all you want just hand over the chocolate when you are finished. Well, I guess the waiter thought Jeremy was kidding when he told him it was my Birthday because they all came out singing with this delicious martini glass filled with ice cream and sprinkles and chocolate syrup and they passed right by our table. Can you believe it?Me neither! Actually I was pretty full from lunch still so I just let it go.

Well, the night was young (just like me) and we were headed to Sister Cherri's to play cards or games, I thought. When we got there I was shocked to see some of my closest friends (including my BFF, Crystal) and family gather to surprise me. At first I thought wait a minute I'm NOT 40, am I? No of course not. I am still 29 (right?!?!?!?!?) Seriously, I was thrilled that everyone was there just for me. Do you know what the best part was?.......well I'll tell you. My 14 year old daughter planned the whole thing. I tell you she is an amazing young lady!!! She did it all. If you don't already have a Macy in your life you really should get one. Mine is NOT FOR SALE!

We had a great time playing Apples to Apples, Catch Phrase and the guys even played a little poker. The food was delicious and the party was awesome. Thanks Macy, LUVS!

So the big day was right around the corner and I truly could not have asked for anything more. But there was...........more. I started the day off with a fresh from the oven, warm, made-with-love-by-Patsy cinnamon roll. (Yes I know your mouth is watering) It was almost better than S#X. Then Jeremy came and ate lunch with me at school. The kids at school sang happy birthday at least 10 times to me. It was like being the Queen for a day!

Okay, are you wondering about the cupcake at the beginning of this ever so long blog?????

Well, my sister Cherri delivered this cute little box to me after school and it had 6 of these little darlings in it. Pinch me! Am I dreaming? I have died and gone to chocolate heaven. I am sure you will take my word for it that they were delicious, delicious, delicious!!! She picked them up in Sedalia from non other than "The Cake Lady". She has her own bakery now. I am not sure what it is called or where it is and that is probably for the best. By the way, if you don't have a Sister Cherri in your life you need one of those too. Her heart is so kind and she is just an amazing person. If you don't know her you need to meet her because your life will be better with her in it. Mine is!!!

Well as the evening approached we went and had a couple of drinks with my little brother at his favorite hang out. He fills another place in my heart that no one else ever could. I'll Blog about him another time. After drinks Jeremy made supper (Fried Tenderloins and french fries).

The we got the kids all to bed and watched Fireproof. If you haven't seen it, see it. It hit very close to home and reminded us how lucky we are to have each other.

All I can say now is that it will be pretty hard to top this Birthday Week.

Thank you to everyone who called, came by, sent a card or email or message, thought of me on that day, cooked for me, or planned anything. I am very lucky to have all of you in my life!

CHARACTER ANXIETY

This is Regan. She is the middle child.

Ever since she was a toddler she was

terrified of people in costumes. You know

Santa, Easter Bunny, Smokey the Bear,

Bugs Bunny, Even the tooth fairy. She

would not put the tooth under her pillow.

She put it in a baggie on the kitchen table.

She did not want the tooth fairy anywhere

near her room. Well, last week KC Wolf visited our school. She thought he was the funniest thing. She 1st volunteered to hold a sign that represented the food guide pyramid. When they were finished with that she took a huge bow for the audience. Then when it was time for questions she asked if she could try his costume on....... what is this child with character anxiety thinking???? Either she was going to have a huge panic attack once she started to put it on or she was cured of her disorder. As it turns out she had a blast wearing the much over sized costume and the crowd thought she was hilarious. The shoes were so big she had to be laid down to put them on. Size 22 I believe. So the KC Chiefs might not have had a winning season but KC Wolf did an excellent job in winning Regan over.

She's ALIVE!!!!

Hello! My name is Kendi Deal and I have not blogged for 6 months and 15 days.
I am ashamed and have on excuses. I thought I would be a better blogger but
obviously not.
SOOOOOOOOOOO..... here I go! Starting over and attempting to be a better blogger
in 2009!
Let's Catch up......
I am a Mom of 3, wife of 1, 2nd/3rd teacher of 8, b-team cheerleader sponsor, student council sponsor and I
do Parents as Teachers part time. That might shed some light on why I haven't blogged for so long.
The Deals' had a fairly quiet 2008. We went to The Great Wolf Lodge in Feb. The kids always enjoy swimming in the winter. We spent most of our summer at the pool and relaxing once summer school was over. Last fall was pretty busy for me because I had to go to training for PAT a couple of different times. One training was in St. Louis for a week and the other one was in Springfield for 2 days. I thought it was great but my kids and Jeremy didn't feel the same way. Life isn't the same when Dad is in charge.
The holidays were here before we knew it and we had a great Christmas. The kids got a Wii from Santa and that was a big hit. Jeremy and I spent New Years in St. Louis at a bed and breakfast. It was our 3rd Anniversary and our 1st time staying at a Bed and Breakfast. It was different. I don't know that we would do it again. We weren't used to not having a T.V. , radio, clock, shower and a bathtub at the foot of the bed. It was definitely an Anniversary that we will remember.
It is hard to believe that January is almost over. The years seem to go by much faster as I get older.
Well, Happy 2009 and I'll be talking to you sooner than you think.

Everyday is a gift!
There was a terrible accident in my neighborhood
yesterday afternoon. Three teenagers were driving what
appears to be over the speed limit and lost control and hit a tree.
Two of the teens died. One was 15 and the other was 18.
You know what they say about things happening alittle to close to home.
Well this was literaly to close to home for me because it was 3 houses down
from me. I pulled into my driveway to find my street closed and emergancy
vehicles lined up at the scene. A lady across the street was the first at the scene
and was pretty shaken.
My heart goes out to all the families. I can't even begin to imagine what they are going through
right now and for the rest of their lives.

If you are a reading my blog please take some time and say a prayer for these families as they go through this tragidy that none of us ever want to have to go through.
Also, let this remind us that everyday is a gift and we should not take the moments we have with our children forgranted. Tell them that you love them everyday and thank God for blessing you with a family.

Logan and Nathanial sliding and Connor is running
back to go again.

Quick take the picture so we can go play!