Oh thus be it ever...

My mom called me last night at 11:30 pm.

I was half asleep and surprised to see  her number pop up, as she doesn't call me a lot, much less late at night. 

(Unless she has been watching murder mysteries and decides there might be a serial killer in Reidsville)

Anyway, she called to inform me that she and my dad were breaking out the crystal glasses and the sparkly water, and toasting the death of Osama. 

Normally I frown upon late night death to terrorists toasting celebrations, but I decided that I'll let this one slide. 

God Bless the USA! 

Lolee

On the day that you were born..

To my niece Katherine, upon leaving your terrible two's behind forever. 

Katy, I remember the day you were born. (I was in class)

I remember the first time I saw you  (in the car seat on top of the armoir)

I remember your first word (I tried to make it "Aunt")

It was "Jack", in case you forgot (because you've always loved your brother)

You are the 4th child (And the tie creator)

The baby (and you will always be)

And no one was ever better suited to the role (You wear your title with pride)

You play the part of adoring younger sister (Even if the others kids sometimes forget you)

And mamma's baby to perfection (She lets you run wild!)

You are angelic in one moment (giving kisses and sweet smiles)

And a whirling dervish in the next (Remotes, water, destruction galore!)

You give Jack-Jack someone to hug (he's loved your from day 1)

James someone to conspire with (against the Elly-Jack alliance)

And Elly someone to boss (she was born to be an older sister..like your mom)

You give your Mom someone to spoil (Like nothing I've ever seen!)

And your dad someone to call "the rat" (he tried lizard with Elly and it didn't take off)

In some ways, I 've missed you the most (you keep everything lively and fun)

I've missed your Paul Newman blue eyes (you've got the best eyes of them all)

And your feathery hair (it's like doll's hair! It's beautiful)

Your desire to be part of everything (sweet when they include you, heartbreaking when they don't)

And your sweet, loving heart (You are the sweetest thing ever)

Heavenly Father sent you to us (because He knew we were ready for our 'baby' to arrive)

We are so lucky (LUCKY)

He knew we wouldn't be complete (nothing would be the same)

Without our Katy- Cat. (Rat. Ratty. Kat Rat. Deal Breaker)

I love you, Katherine Danielle Monroe!

Here's to 3 amazing years, and many more to come!!!

Aunt Lolee

Making it Rain...

It's official, people.

I am a cheater. 

I made plans with one of my former interns

but then lied ummm...stretched the truth so that I could

sneak to the movies with another former intern. 

And then..the icing on the cake

After the movie, I told intern # 2 all of my gambling stories

and encouraged her to give it a try. 

You guys, I'm not just a spinster anymore. Now I am officially a 'bad influence'.

Sweet. 

Lolee

Oh my gosh, Oh my gosh, Oh my gosh!!!

These are a few of my favorite things..

I walked across an empty land

I knew the pathway like the back of my hand

I felt the earth beneath my feet

Sat by the river and it made me complete 

Oh simple thing where have you gone

I'm getting old and I need something to rely on

So tell me when you're gonna let me in

I'm getting tired and I need somewhere to begin 

I came across a fallen tree

I felt the branches of it looking at me

Is this the place we used to love?

Is this the place that I've been dreaming of? 

Oh simple thing where have you gone

I'm getting old and I need something to rely on

So tell me when you're gonna let me in

I'm getting tired and I need somewhere to begin 

And if you have a minute why don't we go

Talk about it somewhere only we know?

This could be the end of everything

So why don't we go

Somewhere only we know? 

(Somewhere Only We Know)

Keane

Lolee

Another productive Saturday

Things I should be doing today:

1. Working on my resume

2. Cleaning

3. Prepping an amazing Easter dinner

4. Checking in with my clients

Things I am doing today:

1. Watching Harry Potter...again

2. Laying on the floor

3. Eating jelly beans

4. Calling my sisters to entertain me

Well, have to go. The jelly beans aren't going to eat themselves.  (that would be really cool though, wouldn't it? If they all turned on each other in the bag.) 

Another holiday in the trenches!

Lolee

Sometimes it hurts instead...

I am so lucky to have the family that I have. 

Thanks, Danielle. You are always the voice of support and encouragement.

Thanks, Eri. You are always the first to volunteer to slash some one's tires.

Thanks, Dad. You are the only person who can make me feel 100% better. 

I would be lost without you. 

Lori Ann

(the baby)


p.s.- More new music that is helping me achieve hipster status: Sara Bareillis "Gravity", Adele "Someone like you",  and "Take the Long Way Home" by Shane Mack