I Don't Know About YOUR Friends, But MY Friends...

Jeannie's Been Horsing Around
Childhood friend, Jeannie, whom I'd lost touch with for about 20 years until I found her through a search on the Internet (with some help from her college's alumni association) has a busy summer in store with three active kiddos.

Recently, she and hubby, John, went to the Kentucky Derby. They are fairly well "connected" in the horse racing industry. As Jeannie puts it: "I am a part owner on 3 horses, so I own maybe 3 hairs off each one's tail but it gets me into the races whenever I want for free and I absolutely love watching the horses!"

Jeannie writes: "We all went to the backside which is where the have-nots go... It's also where the Churchiil Downs employees go and it's usually not as crowded. After awhile, we go to the other side and watch all the "beautiful" people with their hats and uncomfortable shoes -- and that is lots of fun too! ...We go to the track alot but for Derby, it's just to people watch."

They captured this picture of the Derby winner, Giacomo (with the blanket on). Apparently, it was quite an upset.
"We got to walk along side him back to the barns which was a thrill."

Suzie's Scrapbooking Now
Long-time friend, Suzie, (from wwwaaaaaayyyyy back... including St. Charles Elementary school... and Girl Scouts... and lots of wacky escapades that got us through high school and college together) is "secretly" involved in a very cool project.

She's putting together a retirement scrapbook for her mom who's retiring from being an elementary school teacher. Poor Linda, now she'll have nothing to do with all her time... 'cept Scrapbook!!!

You see, Suzie's mom has been WANTING to start scrapbooking, but she just hasn't had the time. So Suzie (and her sister Kelli) are giving her a jump-start... They're doing all the legwork compiling fun and memorable stuff about her, her students throughout the years, as well as friends, neighbors and fellow co-workers. (I even contributed something!)

Suzie writes: "We are strongly relying on others to provide the stuff for us to include, then we can have fun with scrapping it."

This is a sampling of the fun things they've received from everyone. She adds: "We've gotten GREAT stuff from mom's friends - current and from back in the day. She is gonna love it and be totally surprised."

Kris & Jim Are Surrounded By Kids
My cousin, Kris (aka SUPERmom!) and her hubby, Jim, are surrounded by kids at all times -- both at home and at work.

They go to a really cool church (Riverside) -- like ours! And they both play an active role in their church.

Jim recently returned from a fun-filled mission trip to Brazil. In fact, Jim's been participating in this mission trip for the past SEVERAL years. They sent us a DVD of last year's trip, and all I can say is: What great work they are doing in Brazil!

While Jim was in Brazil this year, he apparently spread the word of the Lord through jump rope. Just teasing... though he does appear to be playing some sort of string or jump roping game here. (On last year's mission trip, he was caught on film doing a handstand on a skateboard!)

--- > Check out all the photos from Jim's mission trip.

While in Brazil, he (and others from his church youth group) ministered in the schools by way of drama and music presentations, as well as church services and literature/Bible distribution.

With four kids (...and another one on the way!), it seems the only way Kris and Jim can find time for themselves is to get outta dodge... They're looking forward to some summertime fun at their Ft. Lauderdale timeshare soon. Followed by a trip to Puerto Rico -- a gift from their parents.

Abby's Getting Creative
Nashville gal pal, Abby...

who, by the way, won't acknowledge the fact that a) we even own a Blog; and b) we talk about things that might (ever-so-slightly) be of interest to her & hubby Neil

...STILL deserves coverage here in this post.

If nothing else, but for the mere fact that she has uncovered her true artistic skills as of late.

She recently put her interior design skills to the test after moving into a new house -- a very BIG and very BARE house. She and Neil put their special touch on most of the rooms in that house, and it's like night and day. FABULOUS job, guys!

Abby recently took up Rubber Stamping as well. I, for one, am working hard to convert her to Scrapbooking, but I must admit that her handiwork is to die for! She has made some of the COOLEST little greeting cards, and she's having a great time doing it.

On top of all that, she's been playing the role of "lead cheerleader" at our husbands' softball games. I'm sorry to say that I've only attended ONE game this season (the first one!)... and I'm not proud of that. But word is, Abby's doing a fine job as "team mom".

So there, Abb... ignorance [of the Blog] is NOT always bliss... I can still talk about ya! :o)

Laura's Still Honeymooning
Long-time biking buddy from my days in Orlando, Laura, (whom I'd also lost touch with for about 5 years, but found via an Internet search which put me in touch with her son) recently experienced a whirlwind wedding much like our own.... in a VERY romantic location!

She and Paul have been inseparable for years... but the marriage came as a sudden (and sweet) surprise.