Monday, August 6, 2012

Another CORNY story

You might remember last year I told you this corny story.  I told you how easy it is to freeze 400 ears of corn and that more people should do it.  You might also remember that I recruited the whole family to do it and even sent my sister to pick up the 400 ears of corn. I was rather proud of myself.  So when it came time to order corn this year, the first thing I did was call my sister :)  You see where this is going, don't you?  She told me what day was good for her, so I called and ordered corn for that day.  I then called my parents to make sure they would be home.  My sister, Tammy, even said she might come in for the weekend.  Boy...my plan was going well!  I am SO good!

So a few days before the big day, I was talking to Kerry.  She tells me that she "forgot" to take off work and has a meeting that she has to attend...but it shouldn't take long and she'll come help after that. So I think to myself, "OK, so I might have to pick up the corn.  But that's not so bad."

Then Tammy called and said she couldn't come this weekend because she's going away next weekend and doesn't want to be gone both weekends.  Whatever!

On Friday, I drove to the farm stand to pick up 400 beautiful ears of corn.  The cute little farm girls threw it in the back of my car without any problem.  I drove several miles to another farm where the whole family joined together to help husk and silk all 400 ears.  They put the ears in 4 plastic tubs and the dad loaded them in the back of my car.  This REALLY is not that bad!

I drove to Mom and Dad's thinking this was going to be a good day.  That's when I noticed my dad outside mowing the grass.  WHAT IS HE DOING??? Doesn't he remember that we are doing corn today?  So I started carrying in the tubs of corn.  Certainly he would come help when he saw me struggling with those heavy tubs.  But somehow he never saw me - that's what I keep telling myself anyways.  I lugged all four of those tubs inside all by myself.  Whew!  I needed a break already!

Kerry and Jennifer showed up soon after I got there.  Yeah...the help is coming!  Mom put water on to boil, we brought out the knives and got started.  But not for long.  Oh nooo.  Kerry had to leave to take Jennifer to a doctor's appointment.  Seriously...I'm not kidding.

I think they're all on to me! Forgetting to take off work...making excuses not to come see me...doing yardwork at the exact moment that I show up...scheduling doctor's appointments.  I don't think any of that was accidental...NOPE!  I think they are all getting me back for last year.

But don't worry about me.  I am already working on a plan for next year!


Sunday, August 5, 2012

APPROVED!

Relief!  That's what I felt Thursday night.  As you'll remember from this post, Shawn is close to earning his Eagle Scout.  The past few months he's been preparing for his project.  It is a grueling process.  Here's a quick timeline - decide on an organization, come up with idea for project, talk to person in charge of the organization, wait for person in charge to talk to the board, talk to person in charge again to agree upon specifics of project, write up project proposal and take "before" pictures, get person in charge of organization to sign paperwork, present proposal to Scoutmaster and troop committee,  take suggestions to improve proposal, get signatures from Scoutmaster and troop committee, make appointment to meet with district committee, prepare for official presentation by getting drilled by parents, meet with district committee to explain proposal (while parents wait patiently with fingers crossed).

Why are things like this always more stressful for the parents? 

From the time they were both 11, Shawn and Cory have been working together to complete their Boy Scout requirements.  So it just seemed fitting that they would work on their Eagle Scout Projects together.  Well...not really together, but simultaneously.  Much to their dismay, they can't do the project together - they must each complete their own.  However, they are going through the process together.


The district committee interviewed each of them separately, but they got to wait together.  I think being together calmed their nerves and made them feel a little more comfortable.  I'm glad they could be there for each other.

Both of their projects were approved! YEAH!!! 

Now we just have to do the project!   Stay tuned....

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

We supported Chick fil a!

One of my favorite fast food restaurants is Chick-fil-a.  I love hearing them say "My Pleasure."  I find myself saying "thank you" more often just so I can hear them say "my pleasure!"  The restaurants are always clean, the people are nice, the food is good and let's not forget the most important thing...MILKSHAKES! I love the milkshakes from Chick-fil-a! 

Over the weekend I was shocked when I heard that people were criticizing the CEO for his traditional beliefs.  In an interview Dan Cathy stated that he believes in traditional marriage.  That one comment sparked a national controversy.  Within hours there were groups boycotting the restaurant, and there were mayors refusing to let new stores in their towns.  Seriously! 

Mike Huckabee was in support of Chick-fil-a and declared Wednesday August 1st (that's today) Chick-fil-a Appreciation Day.  I knew that I would make an appearance at our local Chick-fil-a.

Here's why...

Less than a month ago we celebrated Independence Day.  Coming from a military family, this day always brings reflection.  I believe that we are blessed to live in America.  We have so many rights and privileges that many others don't enjoy.  We enjoy freedom of religion and freedom of speech...or do we?  CEO Dan Cathy believes in traditional marriage - so do a lot of other people.  CEO Dan Cathy said out loud that he believes in traditional marriage - so have a lot of other people.  CEO Dan Cathy has never refused to hire or serve gays or lesbians.  Isn't he entitled to his own personal beliefs?  Without it affecting his business?  I just don't understand.   SO...

Today Shawn and I drove to Chick-fil-a, where we soon realized that the criticism backfired.  Traffic was backed up miles past the intersection, the drive-thru was wrapped around the building twice, standing customers were wrapped around the building.  Normally when there is a crowd like this, someone is grumbling and complaining.  Not today.  Today there were grandparents bringing their grandchildren, veterans talking about which war they served in, young mothers with small children in tow, gracious people allowing young mothers to skip in line.  Today people were not in a hurry to get their lunch and leave.  Today people were showing support.



Here's to chicken nuggets, milkshakes and freedom!