Man, I have to give you a few more of my faves.  I couldn't stop at just 6...

7. No Panty Line Promise® Modal Hip Brief by Jockey.

Must, I repeat, must, say "soft as cotton" on the tag to be the "right" ones.  Maybe this is too personal, but these panties are the best dang panties I've ever owned.  Bar none!  I will never purchase anything else.  That is, unless and until they decide to discontinue them.  Which is what generally happens when I profess my undying love for a certain product.  SIGH.  We'll see how this goes...I may have just given them the kiss of death. And no that isn't me modeling the drawers!  Ladies, get some of your own!

8. Croc Flops

These are shoes made by the Crocs people.  The shoes that have swept the nation!!  These shoes have hardly been off my feet since I got them this spring.  They are so comfortable and they go with everything. LOVE them!  We all have a pair at my house.  There are many styles of Crocs, and they don't all have this same squishy footbed, though.  Be warned. 

9. Jenni K Jewelry

This lady makes the coolest jewelry. I have loads of it and it's pretty much all I wear.  Love it.  Mostly geometric.  Comes in two-tone or not.  Comes with gems stones or not.  Earrings, bracelets, rings.  You name it.  I could be a walking commercial for Jenni K.  (Call me, girl.  We should talk.) You can visit her store in Greenville, NC or check her out online.  Don't forget about the amazing annual half price sale every August. Love me some Jenni!

10. Chef'n Palm Peeler

This is THE coolest vegetable peeler ever!  I love this thing.  I know it doesn't seem like much, but when you peel a lot of carrots and you are a lefty, a coolio tool like this one is very handy to have.  You can probably pick it up at your local "kitchen stuff" store for about 5 dollars.  Love it.  It's the little things in life, ya know?

That will do for now, but I would like to reserve the right to impose some more of my favorite stuff on y'all in the future!

"Do not take life too seriously.  You will never get out of it alive."  ~Elbert Hubbard

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Lucky ME.  The third time's the charm apparently.

I am now legally licensed to drive in the magical state of South Carolina.

Life is now complete.  Thank you.  Thank you very much.

It ain't no sin if you crack a few laws now and then, just so long as you don't break any.  ~Mae West

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So y'all took the brunt of my moaning about the SC DMV and their wacky ways.  Well, here's what I get for all my whining and complaining.  A ticket.

Yes, I know all y'all thought I was perfect in every way.  I really hate to ruin the illusion, but I can't let it go on. The truth always comes out.

It was about to be THE perfect day.  I had scheduled a massage and a facial...an early anniversary present to myself.  (18 years, thank you very much!)  Thanks, Sweetie! 

I haven't had a massage in over a year and can't remember when I'd had a facial, so I took the liberty of scheduling them.  I was going to enjoy them, then run a couple of errands and then go have a bite of lunch while reading my current installment of the Outlander series (The Fiery Cross...it's really good!) and just relax.  I guess I relaxed too much.

After my FABULOUS spa moment, and I do mean fabulous.  I was like a wet noodle, y'all!  I went by the post office to mail my nephew a belated birthday gift and then was making a quick trip to Target (properly pronounced Tar-zhay...aka the French department store, also kin to Jay Say Pen-yay.)  The area around Tar-zhay is crazy busy and the stop light in front of it, where you must make a left, takes FOREVER.  My light was green.  I was edging closer to the light and it turned yellow.  I did not want to sit at said intersection for 15 more minutes.  I can make it, I thought, as it turns a slight shade of orange.  WHEW!  Made it.

 Errrr, maybe not.  DANG.  I was busted.  Me and my Iowa driver's license and my Iowa license plates. 

I was hanging my head and those blue lights were just a-going.  I slowed to a stop and began to fumble shakily in my purse for the license and the glove box for registration and insurance.  "Sergeant P" (SP) greets me (ME) at my window.

SP:  Ma'am, I stopped you because you failed to stop at the red light.

ME: Yes sir.

SP: Is there a reason for that?

ME: Not a good one, no.

SP: (slightly smirks) May I see your license, registration and proof of insurance please?

I hand it all over.

SP: Ma'am, is this your current address?

ME: No sir, we just moved here recently. (I give him current address)

SP: How recently?

ME: Um, August--mid-August.

SP:  Is there any reason you haven't gotten a South Carolina driver's licence yet?

ME: (HUGE mental sigh here) Yes sir, there is.  (Kinda whiney) They make it so hard here.  I've had to send off for my birth certificate.

SP: I understand that ma'am.  When do you expect to receive that?

ME: Well, I actually got it yesterday and I haven't had the chance to go over there yet. (because I had my SPA day today! DUH!)

SP: I'll be right back.

SP goes to his car and proceeds to stay there for oh, about 15 minutes...the 15 minutes I SHOULD have spent waiting patiently at the stop light. SIGH.  I'm sitting there feeling terrible and thinking, how long does it take to write a stinking ticket??  I mean, SP was nice and all, but he wasn't letting me off the hook.  I just had a feeling.  I'm sitting there thinking, THIS is what I get for moaning and complaining about the SC DMV.

15 minutes later...

SP:  Ma'am I didn't write you a ticket for failing to stop at a red light, which would be 4 points (against my insurance which is SKY high in SC).  I wrote it instead for "Inattentive operation" which is 0 points. (SILVER LINING)

ME: WOW! Thank you so much. I really appreciate that. 

SP:  I could have also ticketed you for not having a South Carolina license, but I understand that it isn't as easy as it used to be.  But I suggest you go ahead and get that taken care of.

ME:  I want you to know that I DID try to get my license.  Twice.  I really did try.  But let me ask you this, why is it so hard here?  I've been licensed in other states and it's never been this much of a problem to get an updated license.

SP: Well, it's not just here.  It's pretty much everywhere now.  Homeland security...blah blah blah...since 9/11...blah blah blah...illegal immigrants...blah blah blah...

(I'm knowing I got my license in Iowa an entire year after 9/11, with NO problems, but I'm keeping my mouth shut...looking a gift horse in the mouth and all...)

ME: I understand. (not really, but...)

SP: (presenting me with my present) Your court date...blah blah blah...if you fail to appear...blah blah blah...pay at municipal...blah blah blah...Drive carefully and have a nice day, ma'am.

ME: Thank you.

So much for my happy relaxing day.  That's what you get for being whiney and complainey and moaney about something over which you have ZERO control.  Payback.  Literally.

CHA CHING.  That'll be $155.00, please.  On TOP of that $56.95 I just spent on that fancy new birth certificate.

It could have been worse.

I love my new town.

"We did not change as we grew older; we just became more clearly ourselves."  ~Lynn Hall

It seems to me that people really don't change.  And I mean that in a good way. 

The "mini-reunion" of the NPHS Class of '87 was so much fun (even my hubby said so).  Nine classmates were able to attend along with various spouses and children--one more literally stopped in for like 2 minutes.  It was a huge laughfest and I felt like I was back in the lunchroom goofing off with my friends.  It was so great to hear what people are doing, where they are living and what they are currently calling themselves.  Yes,  one of the guys, who we ALL knew as Reed back in the day, now has the audacity to go by his FIRST name, James.  The horror!  I was like, "Buddy that just ain't working for me....I'm going with Reed, hope you don't mind."  I'd like to add that "Reed" nearly caused me to pee my pants several times...I'm not sure if it was his references to his recent tummy tuck, or all his girlfriends, or his invention. OR if it was the fact that all of that was classic Reed and it just warmed me knowing that people really stay true to who they are.  Love ya, buddy!  Some of us have grown children!  YIKES.  Some have babies and toddlers! Double YIKES!  Some of us have lived nomadic lives.  Some have stayed around home.  Some of us drive minivans.  Some of us drive a Rolls (not lying).  But get us all in a room together and we are the same as we ever were in many ways. The more things change, the more they stay the same, right?  Or at least that's what "they" say.

As for "the fatness", well, let's just say that we all were fluffier than we were back in '87.  Thanks to Kristi for reminding us all of it via the yearbook and scrapbook she brought with her.  Ahhh, the fashions of the 80s...big hair, mullets (I am on the mullet wall of shame myself and NO, I don't have a picture) and all around bad clothing choices.  You've gotta love it.  And you've gotta love even MORE the fact that they are all back in style...with the exception, thank GOD, of the mullet.  Which should NEVER be resurrected!  Am I right, people??

A bigger shindig is being put together for later in December, so hopefully we can get a bigger turnout.  There were some "take charge" kinda gals there and I'm thinking they are on top of it. 

We are SO kewl!  Class of '87 4-eva!

"Anger is one letter short of danger."  ~Author Unknown

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Does anybody know the going rate for a certified birth certificate from the District of Columbia??  I do.  $56.95.  CHA-CHING

I am flabbergasted at how difficult these people here in SC make it to get a driver's licence.  They want 14 pieces of documentation and the blood of your first born child.  I'm not joking.  I'm no idiot--I'd "heard" how they operated here, so I gathered up all the prescribed paperwork before I went over there the first time.  But no.  Once isn't enough to visit the SC DMV.  And I am usually the kind of person who takes into consideration the fact that the person I am dealing with is just the messenger.  Just doing their job.  Usually I can remain calm and collected and give the benefit of the doubt. But not this time.

Twice.  Twice I've been to that DMV office.  That DMV office which is 35 minutes away from my house.  Twice, they don't like the birth certificate I present them--two different ones.  They say they aren't good enough.  Hello!  Nevermind I have 13 other pieces of documentation that confirm who I am.  My marriage license.  My social security card.  My closing documents from the purchase of our home.  My electric bill.  My water bill.  My bank statement.  Oh yeah, and my OLD driver's licence.

I am just completely blown away.  What do they want from me?!  Are they trying to make my head explode?!  It is so enraging because there is nothing I can do about it.  I am held hostage by these DMV people and it makes me angry.

If I were a NEW driver, I might understand.  For Pete's sake, I've been driving for OVER 20 years. I've been licensed in 4 other states.  And NONE OF THEM, I repeat, NOT ONE made it such an incredible pain in the butt that these people have.  Here's how they do it in other states, at least the ones I've lived in...You go to your local DMV. You show them your old license.  You show them something that proves you now live in their state.  You pay them money and surrender your old license. They take your picture and they give you your new license. Oh, and they say "welcome to our state", with a smile.  People, I don't make this stuff up.  TAKE A LESSON, South Carolina!  OR at the very least, give me a reasonable explanation for the ridiculous amount of documentation you require!

I mean, do they think people just sit around all day and think about how they might dupe the SC DMV today? 

Hunched over, wringing their hands together and laughing maniacally??  "MUUAAAAHAHA HA HA HA.  Let me just pretend that this is who I am. Let me bring in this mocked up birth certificate, just to see if they will issue me a SC driver's license.  Haha ha ha ha." Seriously, I don't have that kind of time, people!

Quote from the DMV lady: "All you have to do is order you one from the vital statistics office."  ALL I HAVE TO DO???  All I have to do is leave here, with my blood pressure boiling, drive 35 minutes back to my house, call the vital statistics office in DC, sit on the phone for 20 minutes with them answering questions, give them my credit card which they bill $56.95 for a stupid piece of paper WHICH I ALREADY HAD.  THEN, I will have to wait however many days they decide to take to get said piece of paper to me, take another day and drive 35 minutes back to the stinkin' DMV and see that woman's mug all over again for a THIRD time.  Yeah, that's all I have to do. That and down a stiff drink.

SIGH.

"If I had been around when Rubens was painting, I would have been revered as a fabulous model.  Kate Moss?  Well, she would have been the paintbrush."  ~Dawn French

"Inside some of us is a thin person struggling to get out, but they can usually be sedated with a few pieces of chocolate cake."  ~Author Unknown

"When I buy cookies I eat just four and throw the rest away.  But first I spray them with Raid so I won't dig them out of the garbage later.  Be careful, though, because that Raid really doesn't taste that bad."  ~Janette Barber

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Okay, here we go. 

It's 20 years since I graduated from high school.  How can this be?? I ask myself.  How can this be when I am only 29??  But I digress...

BACKSTORY:  Kristi, my BFF, has always been the one to really spearhead all the reunion hoopla in the past.  The 10th reunion, she pretty much single-handedly organized--to her own great personal expense and frustration.  But it turned out to be a super fun weekend.  I think everyone had a great time and so all the toil was worth it in the end.  Everyone wanted to "do something" for our 15th (2002).  It rolled around and there she was again.  Kristi.  Trying to put something together.  You know, everybody's all gung-ho on having a reunion, but no one wants to plan it.  Kristi, myself, our spouses and two other classmates met at the homecoming game at our alma mater and then went to get a bite to eat after.  It was a lot of fun.  Too bad for the ones who missed it.  Here is a pic of those of us who didn't miss it.

CUT TO NOW:  2007...late 2007.  And talk has been swirling around for months about our 20th reunion.  Nothing has materialized.  Until...you guessed it.  Kristi.  The dependable Class of '87 treasurer (or was it secretary?? or both?) comes to the rescue.  She sent out a quick email early this week as a last ditch effort to do SOMETHING (dinner at a local restaurant--this weekend) to acknowledge our being 20 years older than we were in 1987.  Kristi still lives in the area where we went to school and so she sees some of our classmates (or at least hears about them--gotta love small town gossip) from time to time.  Heck, she even teaches some of their children!  Dang, we're getting old.  So she has been communicating with some of the classmates who are still local.

She and I have been talking a lot this week. "Have you heard from so-and-so?"  "Oh, so-and-so's a no"  "Aw man, I was really hoping to see him/her"...etc.  She talked to one of our classmates this week and she was making excuses about why she couldn't come.  Lots of excuses, but then the nameless classmate says, "Well the real reason I don't want to come is that I'm too fat and I don't want everyone to see my fatness." (Which struck me as hilarious that she would break down and confess that THAT was the reason.  Although I imagine it is THE main reason many people avoid their reunions.)  Kristi encouraged her to come anyway, that we did not mind her fatness.  When Kristi told me this, I said, "Did you tell her that WE were fat too??"  (I can use the word FAT because I'm not using it to refer to anyone else but Kristi and me.)  Kristi said that "nameless classmate" had probably put on about what the rest of us had, and she had a couple of kids, and well, you know what that can do to a body.  Why, YES, yes I do know what that can do to a body.  It is permanently and irreversibly changed --FOREVER.

DISCLAIMER:  Now, let me say, before anybody gets all offended...I realize that a person's weight is a VERY sensitive and serious subject.  You are preaching to the choir here.  I'm not trying to make light of that issue or make fun of people--only how the classmate herself made reference to the subject.  I know a lot of people who struggle tremendously with this and being a (currently AWOL) Lifetime member of Weight Watchers myself and having worked for WW as well, I know, and have worked with a lot of people fighting the weight battle.  I have dealt with my weight all my life and at times have had the motivation to do something about it.  Currently, the motivation is quite lacking and I'm wondering what I'm going to wear to this impromptu function since I'm dealing with the fatness my own self and most of my clothes seriously don't fit.  And 5 days is not enough time to rid myself of 20 pounds...unless I was at the Biggest Loser Ranch, but oh well.

But here's my point....I mean, seriously, are you going to let THE FATNESS keep you from seeing old friends.  From cracking up.  Reminiscing about our days at NPHS??  Is that, in fact, the "real" reason?  We all have our insecurities.  We ALL were dorks/had bad hair/were overweight/had braces/were uncomfortable with our bodies/had bad skin/had crushes on people who didn't crush back/made mistakes/said or did things we wish we could take back when we were in high school and sometimes bringing all that back up doesn't feel good.  And I realize that high school was NOT the "best of times" for everyone, but come on, don't let the fatness get you down.  Come party with the rest of us--fatness and all.

NPHS Prom 1984. In the school cafeteria.  Theme: "Come Sail Away"  (The band played "Caribbean Queen" by Billy Ocean.   Good times. Good times.)

"Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer's day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time."  ~J. Lubbock

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Every time Friday rolls around I have this immediate sense of relaxation.  My whole body just goes "ahhhhh." 

Seriously.  Every Friday.  Without fail.  The week blurs by and suddenly, it's Friday again.  And I'm doing my Friday Happy Dance.  No, I won't demonstrate it for you now.  But thanks for asking.  Some things are private, you know.  Sheesh.

Maybe it's corny, but I always look so forward to spending time with my hubby and kids on the weekends.  Sleeping in.  NO homework.  No rushing.  Just hanging.  A bike ride.  Acting silly.  Cooking out.  The good stuff of life.

Recently we've enjoyed having quite a few visits from folks on the weekends.  I'm digging this hospitality thing!  We never had many visitors in Iowa.  Hmmm.   Now we live in a "cool" place and they're coming in droves! 

Last week, we had my precious friend Kathy (of the annual February mental health retreat fame  Spring is Coming?? ) and her family.  It was so much fun.  Of course it always seems like there isn't enough time!  Love you, Kath!

This past weekend we went to visit my sis-in-law Paula and had a blast.  Boy we were really packing in the fun stuff.  Went to a zoo, a pumpkin festival, the Halloween costume store... and that was all on Saturday!  Aunt Paula is the "fun" aunt.  Every family should have one...the cool, single aunt who dotes on her nieces and nephews.   She is also Zoey's "mom"...Jiffy's cousin, who has visited with us here before.  But I digress. (shocker) We laughed.  We ate.  We had fun.

My point is that weekends were designed to RELAX.  I know this is a foreign concept for many, my hubby included, as it is difficult to truly relax and let go of the all the "stuff" that weighs on you on a daily basis.   I realize that relaxation is different things to different people.  But for us it's spending time with people we love and not thinking about the "other stuff".   Everybody needs time to regroup.  Try it sometime.  Your body will thank you and then you can come up with your OWN Friday Happy Dance. 

"When the dog bites.  When the bee stings.  When I'm feeling sad.  I simply remember my favorite things and then I don't feel so bad." ~Lyrics from My Favorite Things, by Rodgers and Hammerstein

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I was just sitting here sipping my delicious hot tea and it got me thinking about things in life that I really love.  The little things.  Things that make me feel good.  Things that make me feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside, you know?  (Aside from the obvious things like the hubby and my amazing children.  I mean, that's just a given.)  Just thought I'd list them for you here, in no particular order...Sorry, this ain't the Oprah show and everyone will not be getting one of everything...

I know you're sad, but you'll be okay.

1. Aveda Comforting Tea. 

The aforementioned stuff I am sipping.  Warm, delicious, and yes, quite comforting actually.  Can be found at Aveda salons/spas or ordered online at the Aveda website.  Comes loose leaf or in individual tea bags.  I like the bags, but to each her own.  It is a must have, kinda pricey though.  $14.00 for 20 teabags.  But what an indulgence.

2. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon.

This is the first in a series of books that I am currently obsessed with.  I am now in the 4th book and I have loved every book as much as the first. It is a love story that spans 200 years, set in the Highlands of Scotland and involves a little time travel.  I know it sounds crazy, but it will all make sense if you read it.  This is true love, y'all!  Romance, danger, some hot lovin' (It could be right up fellow Spacer, Noonie's alley!), suspense, you name it!  It just leaves you wanting more of Claire and Jamie!!!  Well, more Jamie for sure.  If you've read it, you know what I mean.  He he.  All six books are in trade paperback.  I found mine at a second hand book store, so this will cost you a little less than my tea.

3. Essence of Jerusalem.

This is a perfume that my parents brought me from Israel.  They go on a tour of the Holy Land every year and lucky me, they always bring me presents!! Woohoo, I love presents.  Two years ago, they brought me a little bottle of this.  I love it!  It's a little bit spicy, but also floral. It's made from plants growing around Jerusalem and in the desert there. I used it all and, though I have never asked for anything specific from their pilgrimage in the past, I said, "Do you think you could pick me up some of that perfume again this time?"  They did, and it's a bigger bottle.  Whenever I wear it, my Jacob says, "Mom, you smell good."  That's the best recommendation I can give you--the word of a 12 year old!

4. The Java House.

This is my favorite coffee house.  Unfortunately, it is in Iowa.  Ohhh, the coffee house smell!  You open the door and that wonderful aroma just engulfs you like an old friend.  It says, "Come in. Relax.  Have some fresh brewed Hazelnut Decaf.  Or a Vanilla Latte. And a Raspberry Scone.  Or some Chocolate Chip Biscotti (baked by my friend Diana!  Miss you, girl. )"  Hang out with the gals in your book club and chat the evening away on the comfy sofa.  Read the paper or magazine of your choice.  Aahhhhh, Java I miss you!

5. Ipod Nano.

Maybe y'all remember my nano I got for Mother's Day.  Well let me just tell you it has gotten lots of use.  Love it. Love it. Love it.  I have my songs on there.  I can play them while out walking, while house cleaning, while unpacking boxes.  I can also "dock it" in its little boom box and play it that way.  Oh the days of 8-tracks are loooong gone.  My children don't even know what an "album" really is.  It's pretty sad, but in this case, I'm glad for the new technology. 

6.  Southern Rock/Rock N Roll.

Families are like fudge - mostly sweet with a few nuts.  ~Author Unknown

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We went to visit hubby's parents this past weekend. We had a great weekend.  Magnificent weather, everyone's been in a good mood. Couldn't have asked for a nicer weekend.  Not to mention the fact that we now have the capability of going for a weekend visit!  It's a beautiful thing!

Sunday morning. 

It's breakfast time.  Hubby's mom, henceforth MIL, is like a whirlwind in the kitchen.  And as per usual, is preparing every breakfast food known to mankind.  MIL is a trip and I love her!  She is a cooking fool!  She is generous and kind...and not just a little skittish about critters.  You know, critters:  bugs that fly, bugs that crawl, snakes and other various univited pests, er, I mean, guests.  Did I mention they live out in the country where "critters" abound? 

Hubby's dad, henceforth FIL, is sitting at the kitchen table, finishing up his breakfast. I'm also sitting back at the table, drinking some java, chatting with my BFF, Kristi, on the phone.  Suddenly, I hear that familiar "high C" as we call it...the famous MIL shriek.  "WHOOOOOOOOO!!!!!"  I nearly drop my coffee cup on the floor and tell Kristi I gotta go!  "What IS it?" I say. 

I look across the table and sitting there, ON THE TABLE, just as pretty as you please is a LIZARD.  Not a big lizard...maybe about 4 inches from head to tail, one of those skinny little lizards you see climbing up the side of your house or on the bushes in your flower beds.  Not trying to hurt anybody, but it was just in the spot that MIL was about to set down her plastic honey bear!  "Joell you've got to get it!"  I'm throwing the phone down and scrambling for something to "get it" with. 

Meantime, I'm hollering for the kids to come check out this lizard!  In all the hubbub, Lizard has made his way to the back of the kitchen table chair next to FIL.  I'm standing there, looking at Lizard, thinking about how I'm going to "get it".  NO LIE, Lizard is looking at me!  We're now all standing there, just staring at Lizard.  I decide to get two plastic cups to aid me in my capture of Lizard.  "I don't mind killing it" MIL says.  Emma, the animal lover, horrified, says, "Don't kill it, Grandma!"  MIL says, "Jacob, pick it up and throw it outside".

Lizard is still on the chairback.  Slowly, slowly, Jacob moves toward the lizard.  Index finger and thumb spread apart and ready to grasp Lizard firmly, yet gently, around his middle and give him a personal escort out the door.  We are all frozen, holding our collective breath and staring at him.  He is a hair away from snagging Lizard, and Lizard appears as though he is going to allow himself to be snagged. When all of a sudden, FIL, who has been just casually observing this whole scenario, HOLLERS out, HEYYYYYY!!! scaring the crap out of all of us...including Lizard, who takes this opportunity to scramble off the table onto the kitchen floor and skitter around the baseboard toward the living room.  We all give FIL the evil stare, eye roll and moan!!!  He is laughing. (It was pretty funny.)

I'm now on my hands and knees, following Lizard around the kitchen, cups at the ready.  He is pretty elusive.  Fast as Jiffy on the run!  I'm scrambling around and just when I think I've got him, I don't.   He's off to the living room.  MIL is saying, "Did you get him?  Did you get him?".  And I'm trying real hard to "get him."  But it's just not that easy.  Everyone is right behind me, watching.  Finally, I get Lizard cornered behind the coat rack and after several failed attempts, I get him!!!  Whew!  I stand up, victoriously holding my two cups together!  MIL says, "Are you sure he's in there??!"  I look over at her and give the cups a good shake, just so she hears our friend getting a concussion in there and Emma says, "Mommy don't shake him so hard!" 

Emma and I head outside to a tree in the front yard and set our little critter friend free.  He doesn't seem too worse for wear and is off like a shot...fortunately for MIL in a direction headed away from the house!  Ahhh, the sweet smell of success...and bacon in the kitchen!  Just another day in the country.