I am going to preface this story by telling you that I have a 50% hearing loss in my right ear. My left ear, I am told, is perfect. In fact, my left ear probably hears better than any of you hear with both ears. That being said it is this imbalance in the abilities of my ears to hear that causes me to be unable to tell where a sound is coming from.
We discovered this when I was little, I guess about five or six. Mom would be calling me from some place in the house and I would be running around searching for her frantically. It always seemed like it took me hours to find her, when in reality I'm sure it was more like minutes, or seconds. As you may or may not be able to imagine it was all very scary for someone that small. The whole time I was looking I would be yelling, "I'm coming! I'm coming!" Mom took me for my check up (maybe it was the 5 year old check up, or the six year old, I don't know, one of the standard ones.) and our pediatrician told us to see a hearing specialist.
Since that time I have figured out how to logically place where someone calling my name would be. Simple things like if the T.V.'s on they're probably in the living room, or the blow dryer's running so they're probably in the bathroom, or the pipes are running which means they're in Mom and Dad's bathroom. Or I just saw them two seconds ago they said they were going to take care of the laundry, laundry room. I saw them walk around behind me. All very simple reasoning devices, so simple I don't even realize I'm doing it anymore. The whole thing could take place in a split second and I know where to turn to look, or head to in order to find the speaker.
(This is the place where I begin my story) One afternoon I was in my room reading. It was a very good book (Twilight), consequently I was totally immersed in what I was doing and had no idea what was going on around me. (I do this quite frequently when reading. The real fades away into oblivion, and the unreal becomes real.) All of the sudden I heard my Mom's voice calling for me, and the 'real' slammed back into focus. I jumped up with a start, and ran out of the room. Only to pull up short with the realization that I had no clue where to find her. My heart leaped, and than began to race. THIS had not happened to me since I was seven. I started to begin the frantic search when...(picture a light bulb blinking on over my head). Du-uh! "Mom where are you?"
"In my bedroom."
The whole thing took place in a matter of seconds, but it was enough to make me pause and think. Maybe I should start learning sign-language NOW.

I am now several labs/weeks into my Principles of Chemistry lab, and am loving every minute of it. I have made two A's and B thus far, and am very pleased. I have also discovered that teachers are more likely to be easy on the sweet innocent looking little girl than the boy. You say "how do you know?"
Well we were doing a lab requiring crucibles (a small porcelain 'bowl' with a porcelain cover). During the course of this lab several crucibles (about ten, no joke) were broken. Our professor understandably was getting more and more frustrated. He finally told us that the next person to break a crucible was going to get points taken off.
The next week we were doing another lab involving crucibles. This time I broke ours (My partner's and mine) while my partner had left the room. I didn't know what to do; tell the professor now, or wait until my lab partner show'd up again and ask him to tell. I took so long deciding however, that my partner came back before I was quite decided. So I went ahead and asked him. He told me to tell Dr. G because I looked more innocent. I thought "Ri-ight." However, if he didn't want to do what I knew I should do anyway than that was more than just fine.
So I went over to our professor, Dr. G , and told him what had happened. He asked me to show him where the mess was, so I did. My lab partner was sitting there, rather innocently I might add, when we walked over. The first thing my professor proceeded to do was berate my partner for messing up. He tried (unsuccessfully) to tell Dr. G what had actually happened. I stepped in and said "no, no, it was all me. He had nothing to do with it."
The immediate change in the man was astounding, to say the least. He said, "Oh, don't worry about it. I will have this cleaned up. Wait right here and let me get you a new crucible. Don't worry." True to his word the mess was gone in seconds and a replacement crucible was at our station in minutes.
I'd say being 5''1 does have some merits, not to mention looking like you're two years younger than your classmates. I will never complain again........except when I want the book on the top shelf at the library and have to ask someone to reach it for me.

Today I went to my first Chem Lab. I was terrified. I thought "What if I don't know enough about density, and Millimeters?" Or worse yet, "What if my partner doesn't know anything either?!" Or what happens if I completely mess up my experiment? Huh? What then? Yup, I was definitely freaked.

We all sat down when our professor walked in the room. He handed out the pre-lab quiz that he expected us to complete in five minutes. I saw the first question and freaked. "I need a calculator!!!!" I wrote my name, Mary Lou, at the top, than proceeded to write an equation out for the problem. Then I skipped down to the next question and calmed down. All I had to do was explain a procedure from our experiment that I had read the other day. I'm writing it out when out of the corner of my eye I see my professor going down the row collecting papers up. "Nooooooooooooooo!!" I start scribbling fiercely now,...He gets closer, madly,...He reaches my side and stops, speedily... He reaches for my paper. One-last-word. Aghhh. I can't think. Um...-amount! Done!!!!! You can have it sorry. Whew!

Than he explains the experiment to us. Than he started telling people who weren't wearing long sleeves to leave the classroom. I looked down and reassured myself I was wearing a jacket. Than he says "okay, I excuse you this once." That's when I discovered my partner had no goggles, also required. We in turn began to wig out, that's when our professor offered to lend goggles/glasses to those with out. Whew! Safe again. How fortunate can two people be? Thank you God! Than he leaves the room.

Come to find out, I knew more than some, and was actually helping others out. My partner also had it all together, and gave me some tips. We were the second to last group to leave, but hey we did a good job! He came back towards the end and gave us our quizzes back. I got two points out of five. He took a point off for not putting my last name down, another for not completing the equation, and a third for putting down "amount" instead of "mass". All pretty lame things I could have corrected. I found out I'm no good under pressure. Not a good thing for a person who is aspiring to be a doctor, hum? I will get better, I will work on it! I know I can do it. (Yeah! That's the spirit, Lou!)~Louly

I did the unthinkable. I know, I know. What was I thinking? I watched Twilight, and I liked it. Now hear me out before you go berserk and start telling me what a poorly made movie it is, and what a weird plot, and blah, blah, blah.
I watched with an open mind. I watched and saw the potential. I loved Bella, her straight- forwardness, her sincerity, and her great trust. She was so endearing; she drew me in, and intrigued me. Watching the movie made me want to read the book (Which Joe informs me we are now second in line for at the library.) I am more than sure that the book will be more detailed, and give a better back story. I think when I read the book it will fill out the movie, make it meaty...you know? I am sincerely hoping that I will not be let down when I read the book, can you tell? If I am...well, it won't be the end of the world, just really, really close to the end.

Dear Rea,
I think you would have loved to have known that the Academy's, or at the very least the A-3s' motto all summer long has been "Today will be a wonderful day!" It seemed every where I turned I heard some one singing, or saying "Today will be a wonderful day!"
We sang it on the forth of July as we paraded down the streets yelling, and generally making joyful noises. We carried our tapestry of memories of you as we walked down those streets. We knew that if you had been there you would have been as loud and joyful as the rest if not louder and more joyful than all of us put together.
Later we put those memories up high where all could see, and sang Happy birthday to our country. I wished I could have heard your voice mix with ours'.
All of summer was joyous, light, and colorful. Just the way you would have wanted it. We did a beautiful show, you would have cried. (I did when I read it through for the first time.) You would have been proud of my fellow cast members, they were incredible.
Thank you Rearcous. Thank you for your joy, your love of life, your enthusiasm for life, and your giving nature. You gave so many people a motto, a drumbeat, a joy for every day. It was a very encouraging thing to walk down the hallway exhausted beyond belief, and hear someone behind you humming "Today will be a wonderful day!" Than you start singing what they began, and they join in, and perhaps someone else joins in; suddenly you've got enough energy not only for you, but for everyone around you, and the rest of the day becomes a truly a beautiful thing. I will keep this song, and your bright smile with me wherever I go to remind me what living for Christ looks like, and to spread the Joy of life to others. I love you Rea! I miss you.~Mary Lou

So definitely been away for awhile. Where I have I been? I have been down at the Springer Opera House for the past two weeks. Doing what? Oh the usual; you know putting a show together in eight days. No big deal. However that's the crazy part it really is no big deal. These kinds of things happen all the time. It's called Summer stock. Theater's all across the nation are putting shows together in very short amounts of time to run through the summer. Is what we're doing incredible? Absolutely! Unique? Maybe not so much. I mean yes in some ways it is, but not the idea.
What show are we putting on? 'Bambi, a Life in the Woods'. You remember that post about being in the Springer Academy's company class? Well this is what it's all about. Do also remember that list of names? Well here it is again only this time it will tell you who got what part.

BAMBI CAST

1. Betsy Flournoy Bambi

2. Jasmin Anderson Blue Jay/Marena

3. Nicole Broach Mother

4. Melissa Cone Ena

5. Mary Lou Garcia Screech Owl/Fawn

6. Ashley Jay Nettla

7. Victoria Leggett Faline

8. Cameron McCarty Ronno

9. Stephanie Reeves Gobo

10. Dylan Stephan The Great Prince

11. Scott Valentine Blue Jay/Prince

12. Alex Willis Friend Hare

Now you may look at this and think who are these characters? I don't recall these names from the movie. Well it's the same story, however the play is more closely adapted from the book than the movie is. The play is very charming, and beautiful. It's got lots of things that will catch the young audience members' eye; like wise it has a beautiful story line that will intrigue the older children, and charm the adults. Truly a show for audiences of all ages.

Wow, i fell like I'm trying to sell you a ticket. Oh you might have noticed (thogh probably not) that the first name on the list is different from my previous list. The reason being that Lisa Anders (trhe other name) had a conflict and could no longer do the production. And for some reasson unkown Betsy's name was omitted from the first list. It's a great cast, great group of people. I am truly honored to be working with them. Our show is coming along just great we just completed day six which included a run through, photo shoot, and newspaper interview. This is truly an amazing expreiance. We'll be adding lights, costumes and crew over the next three days. We open on Friday the tenth. Here's the springer website. Check out show dates and ticket prices. http://www.springeroperahouse.org/childrens-theatre.html. I am supper excited! I hope you all get the chance to come see it; it's gonna be great!~Louly

Well, home again, home again, jigity-jog. Our long anticipated trip to Disney has come and gone. Wow! I sound really nostalgic, don't I? Okay...Take two. Where back from Disney World, or Orlando! Yay! It was a really fun trip, that included most if not all of the summer trip basic must do's. We swam, we shopped, we ate out, we watched TCM, and we went on a couple of small adventures. Yes I'll tell you all about our adventures, and why watching TCM (Turner Classic Movies) is such a big deal; hold on.
First lets just say that the six hour car ride up, and basicly any time we hopped into the car, short or long ride, was my favorite part of the trip. WHY? No, I'm not delusional that really was my favorite part. Every time we got in the car Sarah Ann would do a documentary video on her cellphone. From the necessary holding up of the van ceiling, to random short clips like the one entitled "giggle cheek" (Yeah, that one was a doozy).
We also seemed to always have these giggling fits whenever we were in the car. Not sure why, but it made for some hilarious moments when no one could seem to control their laughter that could last for minutes at a time. Mom and Dad would look back at us as if to ask "what's so funny?" We would promptly respond to those looks with "It's a kid thing; you wouldn't understand." Than the hilarious laughter would start up again, and Mom and Dad would just have to be satisfied cause nobody could speak just than.
Of course there were quiet moments too; like when all three laptops, that had been brought, were all plugged in each playing a different movie, and each carefully plugged with a pair or two of ear buds. Or when everyone settled down to read or listen to a book. Other various car activities include coloring, listening to music, playing with action figures or your fingers, etc. We are pretty creative kids; the things we found to do in that car, you don't even want to know.
Okay, so what's the deal with TCM? We have cable, just not (What Mediacom would call) deluxe cable. So lamely enough, we don't get that channel at home. All day every day, from the minute we walked in the door of our four bedroom condo, all five TV's were tuned to catch every minute of every black and white we could. Now we weren't necessarily watching the whole time, but it was definitely on. Sarah Ann said once "this is great! I never miss a second," as she walked from the kitchen downstairs to our room upstairs after breakfast one morning. Mind you she was being sarcastic, never the less my point is made.
As for our mini adventures, I think this post is long enough (some might say conveniently). No worries though I'll get to those.~Mary Lou

Rearcous Smith
Smiles, Laughter, Love, Singing, Colors, Friends, Family, Cameras, Hugs, Kisses, Comfort, Caring, Special, Confidence, Dancing, Today, Life, Giving, Energy, Faith, Funny, Knowledge, Humble, Sweet, Unforgettable, Actor, Incredible, Teacher, Faithful, Loyal, Bold, Bright, Proud, Hardworking, Diligent, Strong, Helpful, Willing, Earnest, Sincere, Fun, Serious, Beautiful, Silly, And an oh so missed.

In case you haven't guessed already, those five lovely ladies pictured above are my sisters and I. From to left to right quickly, Me, Katie, Theresa, Sarah Ann, and Caroline. These girls are my best friends, and always have been. They've been with me from the the days of pretending we were orphans in the back yard, to the chat filled nights of "Oh what a cute boy" (Eyelashes batting). We were fun and silly than, and on the occasion when we're all in the same place at the same time, are fun and silly now. I love to hang out with my sisters; Caroline's wit, Theresa's laughter, Sarah Ann's tendency to poke fun, and Katie's hilarious comments are too irresistible.
The crazy thing about this picture is I can't remember when it was taken. We usually take pictures on special occasions (birthdays, parties, holidays, etc.), but I wouldn't put it past us to pose for the camera just 'cause. I remember we wanted a "squishy-cheek" picture, because we were making fun of Theresa's idea of a perfect picture (smash your cheeks together and smile). Mom said something about a big squishy-cheek picture and how funny it would be. I was surprised however, when it turned out so well. It's my favorite picture of all of us.
Katie's the same height as the rest of us because she's standing on the fireplace. Theresa often calls her "her mini me." She does look and talk an awful lot like Theresa, so much so, that other people have commented on it too. Looking at their toddler pictures, you can tell the difference in hair color, otherwise not so much. I mean look at their smiles, and the way their noses wrinkle up.
When we were younger, SA and I would get mistaken for twins, as would SA and Caroline, and Caroline and I. On occasion we would be mistaken for triplets. However, that doesn't happen as much any more. No, now it's more along the lines of "What's a twelve year-old doing in college?", and "Are you old enough to drive?" Right now it's a little insulting to one's dignity, but I'm sure when we're thirty, and people are asking us if we're old enough to drink we'll appreciate it a little more.
Well this isn't the last you've heard of my sisters, as soon as I find another excuse to write about them, or rather I just feel like it, you'll hear more for sure.~Louly

You know how people will walk up to you trying sell something and they say "You haven't done such and such till you've done it our way!" Well apparently my parents were thinking something along the lines of "You haven't been to Disney World till you've been nine times in two years." You say "What?" "You've got to be joking." "Give me a break."
Well folks I'm here to you no I'm not joking. We really have been to Disney World nine times in two years, and a couple more after that, but who's counting? We've even been to Universal Studios. And guess what? We're going again this summer! Right about now you're probably thinking "They must either just really like Disney World, or they're bonkers!" It's probably a little touch of both, but more probably because of Daddy's continuing dental education courses that he takes down there. All dentist, and probably doctors for that matter, are required to take continuing education courses. They have to have so many hours a year or so. It just so happens that Dad's favorite course to take just keeps getting held in Orlando. Since Daddy doesn't like to travel by himself, and there's nothing that tops Disney World in Orlando (Trust me we know)... Well you get the idea.
Every time we've been we've noticed different ethnic groups that just seem to swarm. About two times it was predominantly Asians. They took pictures of everything! We watched this older couple eating lunch. The man picked up his hot dog and posed with his mouth open while his wife took a picture, than he did the same thing with a french fry. Than he took the camera and proceeded to do the same thing for his wife and her hot dog. We laughed about it, and than wondered what we'd look like in their country with their food.
Than there were the Hispanics. They were loud! We thought we'd blend in and speak Spanish. Ha! That lasted about thirty minutes as our very limited vocabulary wore out quickly. Mom was pleased when that happened. (She hates when we do that.) Besides Ben and Mom were completely left out, the poor white dears.
So we've got Asians, Hispanics, Aussies, Indians (Who I think are just plain beautiful), and British. The Brits were fun. Everyone could imitate an accent and did for hours at a time. Even Ben and Katie, now that was hilarious. For some reason they thought sticking your nose in the air was a part of the production. I could have watched and listened to those two all day. It was at this time that I discovered I could pass for both a GAP employee, and a Brittan. ( I think it might have had something to do with the T-shirt I was wearing.)
This woman walked up behind me as I was having a conversation with Katie using my accent, and asked me if I had seen her little girl's pink sunglasses. Of course I couldn't just suddenly drop my accent, she might think I was making fun of her or something. So I turned around and said with a straight face "Nooo, I don't believe I have. I'm truly sorry." She said something like that's quite alright and left the store. I was thinking something along the lines of Hallelujah! Than a man asked me if I worked there, and another person asked me if I carried a size four in a pair of a certain pair of jeans. Crazy!
I wonder what ethnic group we'll encounter this time...Hmmm......~Louly

I'm floating on air and have been since Sunday night; Why? Well, lets rewind to Saturday. Saturday I had a very important audition. I auditioned for A-3! Some of you know what I'm talking about for those of you who don't, let me elaborate. A-3 is the company class at the Springer Theatre Academy. The company class puts a show together in two weeks, and than performs it for two weeks. It is the oldest most experienced group at the academy, and it is an honor to be a part of this hardworking group of amazing people.
I auditioned with a group of about 13 kids. The audition itself was loads of fun. It's always fun to see my friends after so long, not to mention playing theater games with them. We bounced around, laughed, performed, and generally had a good time.
Than we went home, and the dreaded wait began. Sunday morning I went to church, enjoyed a missionary's slide show of the work that's being done in Uruguay, and Suriname, and than kept nursery for the morning service. I came home, changed clothes, ate lunch, and went to the library. Anything to keep myself busy. When we got home from the library we did our devotion with Dad.
It was during devotions that phone kept ringing. Our phone never rings on Sunday night, it never rings on Sunday period. However, the one night I'm waiting for a phone call it rings thirty times (A.K.A. three times). I kept giving Mom this look, "Is it for me?" Than she would shake her head. Ughhhh, the agony. Than finally Jennifer Adams calls and says, "Welcome to A-3!"
I didn't know what to say. "Thank you, oh my gosh, wow. I can't believe it." You get the idea. Ever since that night I've been on cloud nine. I have to keep telling myself it's for real. I can't wait till we start this summer! Summer couldn't come fast enough.~Louly
P.S.
For those of you who are interested in knowing who all is in A-3 here's the list. Oh and the show is Bambi.

A-3

1. Lisa Anders

2. Jasmin Anderson

3. Nicole Broach

4. Melissa Cone

5. Mary Lou Garcia

6. Ashley Jay

7. Victoria Leggett

8. Cameron McCarty

9. Stephanie Reeves

10. Dylan Stephan

11. Scott Valentine

12. Alex Willis

~Louly

Procrastination. You never know what it is you're missing until you stop procrastinating and do it. I knew there was gonna be trouble when I saw Katie emerge from the deep dark hole of doom. Our closet. (Okay so it's not THAT bad.) With... roller blades. Than she opens her mouth, that sweet to cute to be ignored mouth of hers, and says "Will you help me learn how to skate?" Of course she adds in those big brown puppy eyes and I'm sold...almost.
I wanted to help her because she asked me to, not Jess, or Caroline, but me. Than again I needed to get some things done, and she might get hurt, and it was cold- no, hot- okay perfect outside. Yeah, I was just coming up with excuses. Cold hearted me said, "yeah sure later. I need to clean my room and study some, but later, okay?" (A.K.A not really, I just want you to get those puppy eyes away from me.)
Well, I finished my room in an untimely manner an hour or two later. That's when she attacks again. "Are you finished? Wanna help me now?"
"Ah, no, not quite. I uh need to scrub my bathroom, and study still, but later I promise."
It's later. Where am I? Oh, you know, I thought I'd help Dad with the tree house design. He looked like he could use it. Than from behind, "Are you finished?!"
"oh! Um, no not yet. But almost."
"Fine I'll just go by myself."
"Oh, okay..." Now I'm kicking myself. Why couldn't you just go help for a few minutes? Huh? Why didn't you just say "Sure, Kate, I'd love too?" Think of those memories you just lost, of teaching her how to skate on Sarah Ann's first pair of skates, the same ones you learned to skate on. Good grief, what kind of selfish person are you?
Ten minutes later she comes back. "What happened?"
"I fell down."
Thank you Lord. I mean, I'm not glad she fell down, Lord; I'm just glad you gave me second chance. I definitely don't deserve it. Than again, I shouldn't be surprised. You also chose me before the dawn of time to be your beloved child, and not because of anything I would do or have done. So thank You Lord. "Kate, lets go try that again, you'll get better."
Before long, Ben was out there too. I could see it in the way her eyes glowed, that Ben being out there made her try harder. She was turning and stopping all by herself within minutes. Ben on the other hand was a mess. The most adorable mess I ever seen, but a mess all the same. His feet kept rolling out from under him, and splat! there he'd go on his bottom. He'd be laughing so hard he couldn't control it, let alone his feet on skates. That infectious laugh had us all rolling (forgive the pun) before long.
Yes the Lord truly blessed me with a beautiful afternoon. Katie did fall down and hurt her shoulder, but she was fine, and we got in a lot of skating before then, anyway. Thank You, Lord, for two wonderful siblings.~Louly

Well, the description of this blog was that I wanted to tell my stories. That in itself would seem to indicate that I have stories to tell. Well, I do, I'm just not sure their good enough. Then I remember that the second part of the description is that IF you HAPPEN to be amused, great.
All of these things have been running through my head ever since that last (and first) post. However, I have come to a decision; I think I'll tell my stories whether or not I think they're good, and just let you decide that for yourself. Without further ado here is my next story.
Two weeks ago today I was at work, as usual. (I am a professional nanny) David had just come home with two pizzas, which his kids didn't eat because, stupidities of stupidities, I had forgotten he was bringing home supper and had already fed the kids. We were just chit-chatting. We talked about the weather and how cold it had been that morning. So cold in fact that I had had to pour hot water from a milk jug onto my windshield that morning to defrost it...Quicker! David then proceeded to tell me the dangers of doing so like: It might cause the windshield to crack!
Well, I laughed him off lightly, and left for home shortly after. Well, on the way home I got paranoid and began to try and to see the windshield to see if perhaps I HAD cracked it. Well, it was dark out side so this task was difficult. However, every now and then I would pass someone going the opposite direction, and could catch a glimpse of it by their headlights. low and behold the windshield was...CRACKED?! "My windshield is cracked! No that can't be. I'm gonna have to call Dad, and he's out of town. Man! I can't believe it."
The only reason I even thought of this stunt was because Sarah Ann did it too, just about every morning. Dad had even told her to do it. Sarah Ann never gets in trouble, she gets away with everything.
Let's tally up everything that has happened to make Mary Lou's night go bad so far, shall we? First David spends wasted money on food his kids don't need (BTW I got to take home one of those pizzas), then I crack my windshield doing what I thought was perfectly acceptable.
While I'm musing over these things a car comes at me on the other side of the road. Let me just make clear to ya'll who know what I'm talking about, this was narrow little Countyline Road. The man had his brights on! I was furious and blinded.
Two seconds after he passes my eyes are still adjusting, when all of the sudden a little dog runs out in front me. I hit him. My heart skipped a beat and I just couldn't believe it.
I turned the van around and found him. Dead. I lost it. I decided I would try to find out who's dog it was. I drove up the nearest driveway, my heart pounding. I chickened out and ran back to the van. For some reason the next house didn't look so scary; don't ask me why, it just looked less menacing than the other one had. Again I pull in, put it in park, uncranked, and walk up to the front door. (After turning around several times. "Do it Lou, just do it!". I did.) This old man walks to the door yellin', "It's a little girl, Mother" as he hitches his pants up. He finally reaches the door and opens it. "Um, hi. Sir. Do you have a little dog? I-"
"Nope all we got is a big one out back. Why?"
"Well, I hit a little dog on the road just now and it's dead. (Sob.)" Now I'm crying great! This is when "Mother" reaches out the door to take my hand and says, " Oh don't worry darlin'. These things just happen. It's not your fault."
" I know I just feel awful though"
"Do you want to come inside and call mommy?" Yes the woman said "Mommy".
" No I'll just go now, thank you."
"Are you sure? I'll take care of finding out who's dog it is." (Another sob from me.) "Here come inside and call Mommy" There it was again, that word. I was kind'av creepped out.
"No I'l just go home, it's not far. Thanks." At this point she starts to tug hard on my hand that she still has in her possession. That little woman was strong. I struggled hard, and managed to yank my hand from her, at which point her husband, who has been muttering to himself hoping we'd listen as he explained what kind'av dog every neighbor in America has, hitches his pants again and says, "Let her go darlin', can't you see she wants to go home", non too gruffly. Hallelujah! She followed me to my car. uggggghhhhh. I got in and proceeded to ignore the backing up directions she was trying to give me, and got out of there!!!!!
Lets also make clear that in retrospect I'm sure all that lady wanted to do was help. it was just a little to much to handle all in one day. I mean add getting kidknapped to my day, really? I just wasn't up for it.~Louly

Some of you are wondering what the heck my title is all about. Soooo, I'm going to tell you. The title of my blog is a short list of some of my favorite little things. I didn't get to list them all because, who knew, you can only have a certain amount of letters in your title? However, I suppose that's what a blog is for. (Unlimited amounts of letters and words. YES!)
Lemon heads are my favorite candy. I can thank my sister Caroline for this. She brought some home one day, and I was hooked. They're my comfort food.
Next is bubblemint gum, yum. This is my favorite gum, thanks to Mom. She was wrapping birthday gifts for me, and had bought this gum at the grocery store to try it out. She didn't like it. I love my Mother.
Next on my list is rain. Most people think that rain is for sad gloomy days. Not me! Some of my happiest childhood memories are of my Grandma Cason's ingenious invention "The Rainy Day Box!" It had everything needed to keep four active little girls busy on a rainy afternoon when, sadly, they couldn't go out and play in the sunshine. "The Rainy Day Box" had play doe, coloring books, construction paper, glue, scissors, ect. galore. It also came with some rules, such as:
1.)No playing with "The Rainy Day Box" unless it's raining!
2.)Only play with one item at a time.
3.)Keep all items close to box.
4.)Put away when rain lets up, and play outside. (Mom was smart.)
However, rainy days are also a good excuse for an old movie and cuddling with siblings on the couch. Watching Fred Astaire dance across the screen, or Shirley Temple sing her way out of trouble is one of my ideals of a rainy day spent well. However, I would just as easily be persuaded to play ultimate on a rainy day. The rain makes it that much more ultimate.
Some of you may be wondering, "What is ultimate?" Well, that's not the whole name of this game. It's Ultimate Frisbee. It's a little like football, soccer, and lacrosse combined; only you're tossing a Frisbee around. It's the perfect way to spend time at the park.
My siblings and I (aka Sarah Ann) organized a little group of friends. Now we play at least once a week down at Lakebottom Park. It's loads of fun.
We aren't exclusive or anything, we ask the neighborhood kids, who sit and watch us, to come play with us. They almost always accept. Sometimes, though, they get this "Are you crazy?" look on they're faces and refuse, but what can you do? Yell? "Hey Kid, yeah you. I'm not crazy." Like that's gonna work.
Well, like I said before these are only some of my favorite things, but I'll post on those later. For now enjoy.~Louly