Freedom '90

Alrighty...it's only appropriate to kick off this blog entry with a nod and wink to Mr. George Michael. Jac, Ang, Heather, Jessie...you all know how incredibly AWESOME the concert was Monday night. I'm not going to lie--I was downright surprised at how great his voice sounded, how fun his stage/presence was and how much I danced during the 2 1/2hour concert. I think it's easy to forget how many hits GM has and how timeless his music really is. This concert easily became one of my most favorite concerts for a lot of reasons. Add to the fun a little bite to eat at WA Frost's patio with Jac, Ang & Jac's younger, but albeit GM supportive, sister Shelly. GM's concert was the perfect "ending" to the 4th of July Holiday/Birthday weekend!(If you're looking for a fun, fun, fun "dancy" CD for the summer, then your top pick should be the "25" CD. On a sidenote, I'd also like to give a holla! to Michelle...you were so there in spirit when he sang our combined fave, FREEDOM '90, and the old supermodel video played in the background...ah, the memories!) Gotta say, though, my fave song of the night was "OUTSIDE"...too, too awesome (yes, I said it again!)...

Now, what you might have been "WAITING" for...the birthday weekend news. Ms. Kdee is now officially 8! We celebrated with lots of loved ones here and there, but overall the event felt very low-key and relaxed this year. I suspect the move and "late" feeling of summer contributed to the vibe. That said, we still whooped it up. Thursday night, Ann & Kevin came to see the new house and stayed overnight with us. ("Babysitter Ann" and her fiancee'.)I swear we could have stayed up all night talking and hanging out...but we knew we needed some sleep! Kdee got to open their gifts early and LOVED the Subway gift card that was part of their gifts. (It's one of her faves, obviously!)Little B, excited for a "cabin day!!!!", woke up at 5:30am. Kdee woke up to breakfast out, dressing Kevin up with a wig & glitter and dressing in all of her July 4th gear. ( BTW, I won't be surprised if she marries her own version of Kevin in the future...I think he might qualify for a first crush!)

My mom and Paul made a quick stop on the way to Paul's family's festivities and gave Kdee her gifts, which have a funny story. Here goes. A while back, my mom asked Kdee what she'd like for her birthday. Kdee told her, "Oh, Grandma Honey, my mom and dad told me I couldn't have what I really want". So, my mom asked, "Well, what is it?" and Kdee told her, "A dog. But, since I can't have that, I'd like a wedding Barbie & Ken doll. If you take me to Target sometime, I can show you which one.". Pretty cute in a funny way.

The cabin was lively as ever. Lots of swimming, waterskiing (for all of us...boy,I need to work out some more but was glad I could drop a ski on my first run of the season), camp fires, cards and the annual fireworks. This year's display was the best yet and I think the Kin-Lew cabin out-did the others on the lake. A special thanks goes out to Kevin 1st Pyro Assistant and Christina, assistant to the Pyro Assistant in time of need. We also went "green" for the holiday! Blender Boy announced that in lieu of the blender this holiday, he was mixing Brandy Old Fashioneds in a large cooler. This was quite a surprise, but upon having my first BOF of my life, I was quite fine with his environmentally friendly choice. Yum!

As always, Kdee got incredibly generous and thoughtful gifts for her birthday. Everything from a digital camera & accessories to towels, stock, American Girl books, bean bag toss, scrapbooking kit, webkinz...you name it! She has been one happy camper with all of the nice gifts! She is very Blessed by all of the loved ones in her life, and we are Blessed by the love and support you all give to her (and us). I'll keep the blog updated with any dreams she has for the upcoming "new" year--I'm sure there are some fun ones!

On Monday, I was a lucky mom who got to stay home with the kiddos (as they didn't have daycare). We had a great time and I swear the hours flew by. I didn't want it to end! (But then George Michael began to call....what's a gal to do?)

We're one month into our new home and I think we're fairly settled now. What a month it's been! I must admit I'm a bit "homesick" for the routine and familiarity of our past hometown...it's been more change than I realized initially and a lot for us to manage on our own. Yes, it's been exciting (and good), but now the adrenaline is wearing off. I'm anxious to feel more connected to the future here, but that takes time, patience and definitely FAITH. Always FAITH!

**I was all set, or so I thought, to add some fun pics from the birthday weekend...but the usb cord is currently missing. Along with my iPod. Along with ribB's work pager. Ahhhh, moving....so much fun....

So, here's the photos I do have: a pic of me & the gals at the concert (courtesy of my cell phone); Mr. George Michael (see also: link of concert review, with slide show of pics--http://www.twincities.com/ci_9813192?IADID=Search-www.twincities.com-www.twincities.com)