My 30 Day Poetry Challenge - Day 28: "My Ex"

"Jeremy" (written 9-13-2004)

Caught up in a world

That's not too far away

Even though I'm next to you

Those quest games you still play

Why won't you find your balance

Why can't I find my home?

A place inside your heart

Is somewhere I shouldn't roam

You've become the one I can't talk to

You've become the one I despise

I've become the person you've always wanted

Even though I'm full of lies

As days go by I'm blinded

Of the good times we could be sharing

As hours go by you're gone

Those times you could be caring

Am I the victim

of a careless man?

Someone who claims to listen

and pretends to understand?

Would I be right in saying

That we'd be better off apart?

I'm not sure that you'd notice-

Would it really break your heart?

I know I might be controlling

To the point no one can tolerate

But at least I have a passion

to change the things I hate!

Please don't hate me for these feelings

For this anger I have towards you

But sometimes I honestly feel

like you don't really have a clue

Am I trying to change you

Changing to you is absurd

A minor small adjustment

An improvement is more the word

Just now you were in here

For a second I hoped you had seen

You were just as rude as before

Quiet, Soft but mean

When I say mean

what I mean is "cold"

You toughen your heart

You act oh-so bold

If only you'd listen to my thoughts

Like you listen to words you sing

But ignoring me hurts me more

It just worsens the deep sting

Would I have seen us falling this fast

if it were happening like this before?

I really thought our love would last

If you would've just opened the door.

I swear to you I'm not crazy

I swear to you I'm for real

I swear to you I'm not ridiculous

for having the feelings I feel

I feel that you're not grateful

for the wonderful spirit that is ME

I feel that one day you'll realize

That is was YOU who could not see

I'm confident, gorgeous,

silly and great

I'm a woman with curves

who's not overweight

I'm smart, ambitious and loyal

With eyes so attractive they're sad

'cause the only man I've ever wanted

Won't Love ME and for this I'm so called madd??

So now he says he's tired

He's ready to call it a day

He'll turn off the lights

Go to bed and hit the hay

Do I pretend that I'm alright

Go to bed and say I'm fine?

Even though I do still love him

I'm just not sure I can lie this time.

My 30 Day Poetry Challenge - Day 23: "My Brother #1"

"Chris & Jackie" (written July 2011)

I suggest she get a job

But he says she’s needed here

Because of his diabetes

Her excuse to work is fear

Okay, that’s fine- just dandy

You two are perfect for each other

But don’t you two remember

You’re a father and a mother

You both talk about the energy

That you don’t wanna show your kids

But don’t you realize that’s what you’re doing?

Your FEARS and THOUGHTS is all there is?

She has her strengths and weaknesses

Being your ‘assistant’, wife and nurse

It’s too much for just one person

It’s the marriage and business curse

If you were to let her go

Say just 20 hours a week

You’d see a happier wife

And a happier wife you do seek

But like she keeps inviting

It’s the ‘fear’ of you being alone

Or the ‘fear’ that you’d be cheating

That’s why she stays at home

It sounds like (at least to me)

That if you two addressed these fears

You can have rich, fulfilling lives

For another 5, 10 years

Constantly being together

Is just a ticking, ticking time bomb

Your kids deserve a balance

Of a happy dad and mom.

The solution (I see) is simple

Fear not -of affairs and death

Open your mind to possibilities

That’s the case- that I do rest.

My 30 Day Poetry Challenge - Day 22: "My Sister #1"

“COLISSA” (written Nov 23, 2011)

I ask- Where did my sister go?

So very far away-

‘Cause even though she’s closer

She’s changed from night to day

She sees the world so differently

-more bitter than before

Talking “FACTS” and only “FACTS”

The human soul- no more

I hear her speak of “burdens”

“big messes” and “fuck ups”

She’s talking about our mother

Now who’s the one fucked up?

Ok –sure- yes its sad

Mom brought this on herself

But where is your compassion?

Mom needs love and better health

There’s no use to throw your anger

Give out love and a pinch of care

NO ONE WANTS to deal with sadness

But don’t reject what’s really there

Yes, at first- I rolled my eyes

I Pretended not to think

“How could our mom go to Keith’s house

and take another drink?”

Rage, pissed off and some anger

I felt all of these too

But then- I thought, “She’s HUMAN”

That’s when I grabbed some tissue

She has a drinking problem

and almost killed herself

But I think she wants a better life

I KNOW she chooses health

When I spoke to our mother

The Truth is what I spoke

I told her I wasn’t ok

but I did not sugar coat

But that does not give me the right

to turn off all my heart

I still show her compassion

while I still fall apart

It’s not as black and white

As “FACTS” or “ENERGY”

There is a small, fine balance

This balance we ALL seek

The time for being honest

Is when our mom can hear it

So now Colissa – let it out

JUST CRY, you’re so damn near it

My 30 Day Poetry Challenge - Day 21: "My Sister #2"

"If Stranded on an Island/Becca" (written March 31, 2011)

If stranded on an island

and asked to bring one thing

I'd make sure to have my Becca

Yup, that's the thing I'd bring

My sister Becca's HAPPY

You can see it in her face

'Cause lord knows I'd be the 1 freakin'

Ya, I'd be the basket case

She'd appreciate the beauty

She'd turn fear into a test

'Cause Becca stands for positive

And attracts only the best

She's spiritual and giving

Inspirational and wise

Has faith in the universe

and all it's connecting ties

Determined and uplifting

Secure in all she does

Loves everyone past their flaws

No reason... just because

If stranded on an island

and asked to bring one thing

I'd make sure to have my Becca

'Cause I know we'd also SING! :o)

My 30 Day Poetry Challenge - Day 14: "My Deceased Father"

So many of us hold a grudge that our Dad was taken from us at such a young age. But If our Dad could respond to our sorrow, I believe he would say something like this:

"I'm already there..." (written October 2010)

I’m already there on your birthday-I am smiling and sing along with everyone.

I’m already there attending your graduation – I’m the loud guy shouting “that’s my son! “

I’m already there as you travel long distances- giving directions and keeping you awake.

I’m already there when you’re thinking I’m not, yes I see everything for goodness sake.

I’m already there crying at your wedding, even if I can’t walk you down the aisle.

I’m already there when you’re hurting so badly and just need to talk to me once in awhile.

I’m already there as your babies are born, then I watch over them each day and night.

I’m already there smiling in family photos; barely visible in the camera’s light.

I’m already there when you go meet Mickey, lie on the beach or play in the sand,

I’m already there as we catch an amateur doing the thumb trick or sleight of hand.

I’m already there around the holidays, watching traditions that you and I started.

I’m already there as you covered your nose; yes it was Dad that somehow just farted.

I’m already there as you fall fast asleep, even if you’re not sleeping in bed.

I’m already there as long as you remember me- otherwise I will always be dead.

Please remember me as I was- not a magician or man with no debts.

I am father, a brother, a son- and a husband who has no regrets.

My 30 Day Poetry Challenge - Day 7: "My Mother-in-Law"

"To Donna and Jim" (written 10/29/05)

I’m writing this poem to say thank you,

Though “Thank You” just doesn’t seem like enough.

You’ve been so kind and understanding,

Just what I’ve needed since life’s been rough.

If it were my own house I’d be skeptical,

I’d have a hard time saying yes.

But the two of you were very trusting,

And for that I am truly blessed.

I may be sorta young and naïve

To what it is that life is all about…

But I have a feeling that your Jimmy

Is the man I can’t live with out.

He’s considerate and understanding,

He’ll talk to me day or night.

And even if we’re disagreeing

He knows how to loose a fight. 

So many reasons why I love him,

Like the relationship he shares with you.

Family is number one to me,

I’m so grateful he believes that too. 

I may not be able to pay you rent

For the months you’ve allowed me to stay.

But what I can do is make this promise,

And share with you what I feel today.

I thank you for raising an awesome son,

Although he may be stubborn once in awhile.

But I know he has a terrific heart,

Great sense of humor and a gorgeous smile.

I swear to you I’ll be good and kind,

To your son and grand kids all their life.

I promise to you I’ll be the anchor,

That your son is looking for in a wife.

I wrote this poem to say thank you,

Yet it STILL doesn’t seem like enough.

So I might be continually saying it,

Whether you like it or not… so tough! 

My 30 Day Poetry Challenge - Day 6: "My Step-Father"

“Keith” (November 2011)

Keith- you are my step dad

But not much more than that

You taught me how to be tough

Drive your car and be a brat

I witnessed all your anger

when I saw you 1st fight mean

That’s why I spat into your face

As you brought out my scream

My mother- you can’t love-

If you did, you’d let her be

Instead of calling daily

Just let her please be free

You lost her on your own (you know)

She would much rather stay

But it was time to show you

She WILL not still live that way

A family you once had

With a happy, loving wife

If only you’d learn self control

You’d still have that good-ole life

I might be 11 years younger

But you’re no better than I

I’m sure your ‘GOD LIKE WISDOM’

Has made all your girls cry

Your daughters need their father

All the good thoughts in his head

It’s best to grow up now Keith

Or else they will love you dead

You’re nothing but a drunk

a jerk, self proclaimed ass

You've never known what love is

For that, you’ll finish last

Keith- you are my step dad

But that’s as just all you are

Don’t talk until you’re sober

Only then- you will go far.

My 30 Day Poetry Challenge - Day 5: "My Step-Mother"

"Some-kind of Mother" (written Feb. 1997)

Wanting MY MOM

For So Long

Hating her So

Needing to Grow

Her tears in the night

Her love out of sight

Years go by

Stop to cry

Smell of her shirt

Washing off dirt

Spaghetti on the stove

Hardly ever drove

Sound of her voice

Now loving by choice

Chores every day

Wanting her to stay

Not needing my mom

She was too gone

In her own way

Loving me everyday

Not wanting to show

How much I've grown

More of my friend

'Till the very end

To a my sister and brother

She was some-kind of mother

My 30 Day Poetry Challenge - Day 4: "My Mother"

"How the Mormon Girl became a Hooker" (written June 2010- updated Nov 2011)

Born in Hollywood, number 9 of 10 -A baby was born to Lloyd & Helen.

Little Mary Sunshine - was her nickname~

Easy to please but not easy to tame. Big beautiful eyes,

So sparkly and blue. so sweet and so happy and so darn-cute too!

She too had been taught the church going ways.

But that's what they all did in Utah those days.

Don't cuss, steal or cheat, The neighbors are your friend.

Believe there are 3 heavens when life comes to an end.

Every Sunday was Church, pay your tithing percent

and never go on a date without parental consent.

Her nephews were her age, Her sisters were teens-

Always looking so pretty, and staying so lean.

Being one of the youngest, She was often left out.

So she'd sit in her room, Feeling alone as she pout.

Tom boy as a kid, Blossoming into a girl.

Mary wanted so badly To fit into this world.

Life wasn't so easy but it wasn't that bad...

Just as long as you didn't get in trouble by dad!

She learned to like music, She learned to like boys

She played the piano, 'Stead of playing with Toys.

She was taught like the rest, Even having the same dream

"Meet your Missionary Knight And become his Sweet Queen."

When 18 came around There was only 3 things to do:

Get married, have babies, Live "happily-ever-after" too.

But God had a plan as he smirked from above...

She then met - Dee Pollard - and of course, fell in love.

In the Mormon Church temple is where they got hitched.

But the marriage was rocky and soon lost its stitch.

Each had expectations that neither could keep.

But their commitment was strong and dedication was deep.

- Crystal Jean - was their first And she lit of their lives.

There was peace for a moment As they put down the knives.

- Christopher Dee - was then born. The Pollard's now "complete"...

But the marriage still crumbled underneath Mary's feet.

- Colissa Mary - was born And those 3 sure did shine.

That's when Mary Helen knew It was finally time.

Time to move on alone, Time to follow her heart.

Even if it did mean Tearing the family apart.

Mary wanted a romance that Dee didn't understand.

Quickly she found it- In a jealous foreign man.

She thought she found true love, her fairytale finally here-

But she couldn't satisfy her new husband's constant fear.

Learning Wander had a temper (is why he couldn't stay.)

So Mary changed the locks and sent him on his way.

But not before God gave Mary another jewel…

Starring: - Rebecca Richelle – (But left Mary with no "fuel")

No fuel to buy diapers, or formula or food.

Yes Mary was happy But depressed in her mood.

Dave Penney had some money and he was happy to share.

Yes Mary seemed desperate but she didn't care.

He came with some baggage- and it tore them in two.

That's when Mary left Utah to Kalamazoo.

In Kalamazoo she pondered On what life was all about.

Eager to find her calling But also full of doubt.

No one really understood her, But she was finally

breaking free. Free of being the "Mary Sunshine"

Everyone wanted her to be. She went looking

for some clarity Did Soul searching from abroad.

Traveling cities and through states Without Daddy's "approving nod".

Using nothing but her credit cards Racking up large sums of debt.

No obligations now except Becca- and the Mexican she just met.

Ramon she thought she loved. But turns out he played a good game.

He bluffed his way to Mary's heart and used her for her innocent name.

So she focused on loving Mary 'Stead of depending on a man.

Not worrying if others would care But hoping they soon could understand.

Raising Becca with no siblings Hoping love might find her someday.

It was Kalamazoo she escaped to, As the other 3, in Utah stayed.

So I guess it was only Arizona- but at the time it sure seemed far.

I barely saw my mother as she chased her dream to become a star.

She wrote many songs about love. All true songs reflecting her life.

Expressing her struggles with Ramon, Yet still happy to not be his wife.

Missing her kids she longed for balance, She told the recording people goodbye.

She finally knew what she wanted. A little freedom with the perfect guy.

Shopping at Smith's one day she found Keith 10 Years Younger and not very scary.

Mary instantly fell for this Hooker... And this Hooker fell instantly for Mary.

Keith was sweet; he was kind but not timid Responsible, honest and true.

Good looking with blonde locks not brown hair And deep sincere eyes that also were blue.

He treated her like a Queen Showed her Love, Gave her Trust and Respect.

She melted each day she was with him And I'm sure you know what happened next...

This Mormon girl became a Hooker. Yes this mother of 4 found her mate.

They moved their families into a small house and the 8 of them got along great.

Adding her kids with Keith's girls went smooth In fact, It was as easy as pie.

'Cause Mary's 4 kids were entertaining And Vanessa and Alyssa weren't shy.

Binding two families - Ashley Rose - was now here.

With so many kids- so much happened each year.

Now a step-mom (mother of 7) Painting her house as her own slice of heaven.

Mary finally found love Life was stable, But without credit cards

There's no cable! Mary finally painted a world of her own.

House full of happiness, Never feeling alone.

God and her Mother answering prayers from above.

Happily-Ever-After No more searching for love.

Sure there was fighting- Mostly yelling (No fists)

But what's a Soap Opera WITHOUT all the twists?

To make matters better She put Keith through school.

Keith massages her weekly Ain't that Cool?

Through the years She's become more self aware.

Turning heads she can make men still stare.

Learned religion from her parents, She balances well.

Between heaven on earth and her limitations of hell.

She may not be praying like Daddy had wanted.

Might not be living the life Momma dreamed.

But she made mistakes so her kids wouldn't have to

Passing on wisdom not just good looking genes.

Before you knew it, time passed, kids were grown.

Moving out of the house, having dreams of their own.

Crystal lives now in Phoenix, and is a mom of four.

Chris is a Dad of one, and expecting one more.

Colissa's in college a waitress at night.

Becca's in school too with her dreams still in sight.

Vanessa works real hard and Alyssa does too.

Ashley just turned 13 but is going on 22.

Her Grandkids give her joy (as most grandbabies often do.)

Her first one's - Krislynn Night – Who's sweet & smart as a whip too.

- Matthew Ryan - is a Gemini Just like his mother's mom.

Stick him in a little box and he'll go off like a time bomb.

- Brooklyn D -has all the spunk that she is gonna need.

'Cause she's got 3 older brothers And she was born to lead.

Mary's raised real good kids and is honest about much.

She's so proud of her family, her business and such.

She's become very successful as a Whimsical Arteest.

It's been their bread & butter, Heck it's been their whole feast!

Plays her heart out like nobody's watching She dances like nobody cares.

These are reasons why we love our Mother- It's no wonder she gets constant stares!

Yes sometimes things are rough... But what else did you expect?

As long as you have faith, You're bound for Love, Trust & Respect.

The moral of this story: Is the Greatest Thing You'll ever Learn; "Just learn to Love each other & learn to BE Loved in Return..."

. . .

Oh wait, there more to add In this story of Mary’s life

She’s decided to leave her Keithy -She can no longer stand to be his wife.

He hasn’t learned to love -More than her or himself -or less!

He’s no longer supporting his family - Staying sober is now his test

So if he fails to pass, Mary will not go back- And Keith will have to grow up

& The house will be his to pack.

She’s done supporting men, Who don’t support her dream.

So she will just stay single. It’s that- or she’ll just scream!

My 30 Day Poetry Challenge - Day 3: "My Father"

"DadDee" (written July 1997)

As a child I danced

To Paula and to Janet

My dad used to be so happy

The best DadDee on the planet

But this happy dancer grew up

Learned that Dad was not so great

He'd blow up and give guilt trips

Then ask for forgiveness much too late

For 1 year I lived in Tucson

Lived with Mom instead of Dad

The change in moods was drastic

I knew of the choices I had

In May I moved back to Utah

But dread the guilt trips and stress

I freaked out almost daily

Dad thought that I was a mess

When I was there I felt so Lost

I really wanted to go

But if I did, I knew it then

That I would hurt him so

But just like THAT -I left real quick

It was a shock to everyone

Even though I planned my own escape

Ever since before June one.

I was so very unhappy-

The hate had got me sick

I fell into a depression

"Spoiled teen" was what they called it

My dad is now the sick one

but with what they call cancer

I'm now a sadden little girl

no longer the happy dancer

Is it my fault for his sickness?

Like I blamed him for mine?

It's just not fair for him to die now

It's really not his time

I was hoping he would be there

Like on the day I get married

He needs to grow into a Grandpa

Not in the ground and buried!

God help him live, help him be strong

God Help him understand

He isn't an awful father

He's actually a great man

DadDee Pollard Born: July 6, 1960

Died: September 21, 1998

My 30 Day Poetry Challenge - Day 2: "My Partner"

I NEED (written 8/3/2007)

I need someone to talk to

That wants to talk to me

I need someone that will keep me grounded

But at the same time let me free

I need someone to hold me tight

Not just when I am asking

I need someone that is into me

A love that’s everlasting

I need someone that will put me first

And not second or 3^rd to a game

I need someone that will not point fingers

and once in awhile take the blame

I need someone that is happy

And not grumpy or mad everyday

I need someone that appreciates me

And is glad that I’m this way

I want that someone to be you Jim

I want you to complete me once again

I want you to realize that I’m not here forever

And I would like to be your friend

You’re a great provider, husband & father

We have the marriage part down great

But Please Jim, before this gets harder

I need your friendship before it’s too late

My 30 Day Poetry Challenge - Day 1: "ABOUT ME"

(Here is my ABC LIST... these are all the things that KNOW that I can be. )

I am

ADORABLE in the clothes that I wear- I am

BEAUTIFUL with long dark hair- I am

CONFIDENT in me and myself- I am

DEDICATED to bettering my health- I am

ENERGETIC and ready for anything- I am

FUNNY and I love to sing- I am

GIRLY GIRL in all the I do- I am

HONEST, I am faithful and I am true- I am

INTROSPECTIVE, deep in my core- I am

JOLLY, I am joyful, I am more- I am

KIND to everybody that I meet- I am

LUCKY to have food to eat- I am

MOTHERLY and rarely ever mean- I'm a

NEAT-FREAK when's time to clean- I am

ORGANIZED at work and at home- I'm a

PRINCESS but I'm free to rome- I'm a

QUEEN of my castle and my kingdom- I'm

RESPECTED by the boys, kids and Jim- I am

SEXY and I don't even know it- I am

TEDIOUS but I rarely show it- I'm

UNDERSTANDING when you get on my nerves- I'm

VOLUPTUOUS with valleys and curves- I am

WEALTHY with money to spare- I am

eXICITED which shows you I care- I am

YOUNG and my actions will prove it- I am

ZANY and weird 'cause I chose it.

Brooklyn turns 3

Click here to view these pictures larger

From 289 FB friends- to 90...

What kind of FRIENDS are we?

Are we 'once-upon-a-time' friends? (If YES- see "A" below)

Are we 'I-knew-her-once' acquaintances? (If YES- see "B" below)

Are we family or distant family or long-time-ago family? (If YES- see "C" below)

Are we current friends, recent friends or gonna-be friends (If YES- see "D" below)

If you're wondering why we're not facebook friends anymore- please read more so that you can understand my decision a little better...

A: HI! Long time no see! I really enjoyed the relationship that we had, however long ago that was- but unless we're going to rekindle our friendship, let's just let by gones be by gones. No need to pretend that we're friends JUST for the sake of facebook. I invite you to friend me again if you really want to be FRIENDS but if you never visited my page and I never heard from ya, I'll delete ya! Sorry... I just wanna keep my life private to my true friends - fb or not. :o) Thanks for understanding!

B: I know, I know- I'm a victim of this silly game. "OMG, I knew her a long time ago! I'm gonna friend them to say WAAAAASSSSSUP!!" I did this for sooo many years but truth be told, I could've just sent a message. I don't need to know every detail of your life- espeically when you and I didn't know eachother very well. So unless we're going to build on a friendship, I just wanna keep my life private to my true friends - fb or not. :o) Thanks for understanding!

C:Family? Heck ya! I've ALWAYS kept my family as 'fb friends' why? 'Cause FAMILY will ALWAYS be FAMILY- why delete them? Well, I'll tell you why- 'cause I want MORE than JUST a facebook relationship with you. I want to hear from YOU every now and then. I wanna get a Christmas card or a phone call or be able to ask you "How is so-&-so doing" without the typical "Oh, I posted it on facebook, didn't you see it?" response...

I absolutely HATED going to a family Christmas party last year and 90% of my family didn't ask ONE THING about me or my kids. They already knew it from Facebook. Those get-togethers, (however rare they are) make up the WHOLE PURPOSE for my visit. If you and I agree on a back & forth facebook relationship- great! But if I never hear from you and you're just stalking my pages all the time, I feel a little disconnected from you. I want MORE of a relationship with my family than that.

So- if you want to have relationship with me that's primarly though Facebook - great, please FRIEND me back! But I was hoping we could build from something a little more personal. Whatcha think?

D: Current friends? Recent friends? Future friends? Well- here's the deal, if I deleted you and YOU NOTICED ENOUGH to CARE- then PLEASE friend me back. Although, I have a feeling that more than half of the peeps I deleted will never even know I'm gone. *Until they're prompted to friend me again that is. So- if you wanna be JUST facebook friends, please friend me again, otherwise- I'll reach out to you when I wanna be in contact with you. Again... I want MORE out of my friendships than what facebook pages are offering. Therefore- I've deleted to spark an interest- almost like a JUMP start to our friendship. Does that make ANY sense at all?

Am I hiding anything?-Nope. I'm just done sharing EVERYTHING with EVERYBODY. I have always hated sharing my life with unknown readers. For example, I typed up a VERY PERSONAL poem the other day about how my kids and I don't have any food in our house. We had to go to the food bank and out of all of my so-called "friends" not a single person responded with kindness/caring or concern. I'm guilty of being 'blind' to my facebook friends too- that's why I decided to go about this differently-

I started off with 289 friends this evening and now I'm down to about 90. That's 90 people that MIGHT or MIGHT not read what I write, read my true thoughts- comment on my posts. But then those 90 people are the 'facebook friends' that I have already established having a relationship primarily on facebook .They contact me, I contact them- I read their posts- they read mine. It's a back & forth relationship.

I don't wanna sound like some almighty anti facebook loser- but I just want to make it clear... I WANT MORE from my relationships- this is MY small way of making it noticeable.

If you read this- please send me a message- or if you didn't DON'T- and then BE FRIEND ME again. lol

A Letter to Dexter's Parents

hey there-

ok, so I know that this email/message might appear to be a rambling mess but just bare with me. (It DOES have a point... at least 2 of them somewhere) I promise!

Many many weeks ago, we were surprised when we fell in love. I'm not talking about the kind of love two people have when they kiss and want to spend the rest of their lives with eachother- I'm talking about puppy love. haha- yes. We were honored to watch Dexter for you guys as you went out of town and we were surprised how quickly we fell for the cool dog you call DEXTER.

I'm not sure if you've heard through Robbie (who would've been told by Jim) but I've been telling him all about Matthew and his crazy stuffed puppy that he's been calling Dexter. (Picture of this puppy HERE:

Matthew has found himself some old block bucket and he puts the top on it and puts the stuffed puppy inside and then says something like "Good Dog Dexter- thank you for going in your cage" it's really quite cute.

Here's a picture of the block bucket/cage thing 'cause I can't quite explain it very well.

2ndly- Brooklyn will get on all-fours and stick her tongue out and start panting. She crawls around the house until she finds her brother and he'll put a leash on her and walk her around. When they finally break from their 'walk' they find me to tell me that his puppy wants some food and I should be feeding "Dexter" his food.

Brooklyn (still on all fours) takes the Cheetos from her bowl and eats them like a dog would. HAHA - So Cute!

Anyhoo- I've enjoyed Matthew's & Brooklyn's imagination so much- it's obvious they love your pooch Dexter. I too wouldn't mind seeing him again.

If I can ever located a nearby dog park, I think it would be awesome to meet up so we can visit with the crazy mutt.

Side note- but the primary reason for my message is... Thank you SOOOOOOO Much for the Papa John's gift card. I hadn't even known about it until last week when Jim was pondering what to make for dinner... it was a football night and I could tell he didn't wanna do nothin else. So I mentioned "Do we have an extra $20 to order pizza?"

Ding! (like a lightbulb) He searched and searched his desk and handed me your card.

We thought- cool. $25 or so, that's great! Just what we need. We ordered and was surprised we didn't have to pay anything 'extra'. The card covered right at $26 something.

Curious- we called the 1-800 # and they said that the card originally had $45 on it. HOLY SMOKES! Who gives gift cards in that amount these days!?!?! We were and still are sooo VERY grateful.

We just spend the last of it this past Monday. I have been meaning to sit down and type to you JUST to let you know that WE are very appreciative of the gift card. It came in handy. However- please know that we would have been happy to watch Dexter just the same. No gift card required.

But still-again Thank you!

Ok, last and final paragraph- I promise...

In the few days/couple weeks after watching Dexter I had some bug up my butt and wrote a poem for Dexter. lol

Re reading that sentence makes me sound a little nuts- huh?

But I promise, it's cute. Jim comments that I'm always makin up poems about depressing/serious subjects so this Dexter poem has GOT to be the "cutest one yet". (His words, not mine)

So, I was wondering if you wouldn't mind sending me a link to your most recent Dexter Album on Shutterfly.

I thought about getting some pictures off your Facebook album- but I don't think the quality will be the same as photos uploaded to a Shutterfly album.

"Why in the world would you want those?" you ask...

Well- of course Sonja- I wanna make a cute Dexter book for you guys that will have my AWESOME Dexter Poem in it- But you can't read the poem until I make the book. That's why I can't have previously used Dexter pictures. Just about 10-20 RECENT ones will do.

I regret not taking pictures of him while he was here. The only one I have is this one:

And that's not a picture of HIM at all! lol.

anyhoo- I'm done. Now, if you've read this message (which I'm sure will take you QUITE a bit of will power to muster through my randomness) I'll expect to see a link to the Dexter Album very soon. -okay. Maybe not 'soon' but hopefully sometime before Christmas??? haha! I know, I'm so demanding!!! lol

My email address is: Cjwells@cox.net

Thanks again Sonja- you Rock.

-Crystal (and family)

2/17/2012 - UPDATE: I finally got the book done and FINALLY showed it to Sonja and Robbie. They loved it (as expected) lol- and now I'm ready to share it with you all! :)

Click on this link: http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0SasmTlsxYsTu

"1...2...3... SURPRISE!"

Brooklyn's 3rd Birthday is coming up- and she knows it. But little does she know WHAT DAY IT IS TODAY or how many days away her birthday is. That's why on Brooklyn's actual birthday- I'll see if I can get Daddy to take her to get her pictures taken and while they're gone, Matthew and I will be decorating and welcoming guests. Then, when the birthday girl is about to come home- we'll all hide and as soon as Brooklyn and Daddy come through the door we'll jump and shout "SURPRISE!"

Now why on earth would we try to surprise a 3 year old for her birthday party? Read on and I'll tell you why. . . :o)

Matthew has been practicing and practicing a 'surprise party' that he wants to give his little sister. Every night, he mixes a bowl of toys together and calls it 'cake'. He has cubes with toys inside that he call 'Presents' and he has pillows all around that he calls 'balloons' and he'll grab at LEAST one person to join in his imagination as we duck behind furniture and call out Brooklyn's name. As soon as she walks into the room - Matthew quietly whispers "1, 2, 3" and then we jump up and yell "Surprise!" But that's not it! He makes her 'open' the presents and blow out the candles. Once we think it's all done- he won't let us leave until he's had a chance to serve the cake! He'll pretend to cut the birthday cake with a toy sword and scoops it up on toy plates and hands each one to everyone in the house. Of course, by now- we're all tired of this game but the 1st few times- it was super cute. It's even CUTER to know that he thought up this idea all by himself- (okay, maybe Nick Jr.helped him. lol)

That's why, I've decided- I'm going to get Matthew's help with his sisters ACTUAL Birthday party. :o)

Queen of my Castle

If I were the queen of my castle

The first order of business would be

That all decisions would be mine to make

Or at least have to pass through me

If I were the queen of my castle

Everyone would do their share

Whether it be taking out trash and recycle

or at least cleaning up their shaved hair

If I were the queen of my castle

they’d ask “anything else before I go?”

I could wave them through if they’re worthy

or I’d ask them to do one more chore

If I were the queen of my castle

The food I buy would never disappear

And if anyone would like to eat something

They’d at least TRY to bring more food here

If I were the queen of my castle

Jim- my king, would support every wish

And everyone would keep a clean kitchen

and not expect ME to clean every dish

If I were the queen of my castle

I’d be greeted each day of some kind

And then maybe the king or the princes

would ask me to speak my own mind

If I were the queen of my castle

I’d never have to yell, scream or shout

But it’s because I’m not even a princess

I just watch kids, clean all day and then pout

If I were the queen of my castle

I’d be lovely and beautifully GREAT

But because I am stuck with just wishing

'Requesting' would just lead to debate