March Madness: Excuses 1-4

I promised I would explain (aka: attempt to give excuses) for my March blog absence.

Like so many other bloggers, my blog is my virtual diary.

Thus, I just can't move forward into the latest happenings -

I must go recount the madness of March. No orange ball included.

Excuse #1: I went to the Windy City.Yep. Me and two office mates attended the NASPA (Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education) conference March 7-10 in Chicago!
Historic Water Tower Plaza in downtown Chicago.
It was a great conference in a town that I adore.
Will show those pics later in the post.

Excuse #2: Grocery Stores and Cooking

My community of friends host "meal trains" for new families.

I've coordinated and participated in SO many

meal trains....I've lost count.

Much like my count in hosting showers, wedding attendance, and number of gifts wrapped.

One must keep a few things in mind when bringing meals...a) deliver in containers you don't need back b) don't mix items that won't "keep" c) write your own thank you note. Who wants to send a thank you note when you are exhausted, a milk machine, and hormonal? I bring my own notes to the new parents...just fill in the blanks...and send. Congrats to the Stevens Family!

Excuse #3: Reconnecting with my 8th Grade Algebra Teacher

I had lunch with Mrs. Trussell!

For 7th/8th grade math I had the privilege to learn the importance of x and y from the one, the only Mrs. Trussell at Bedford Junior High. I was a secret Mrs. Trussell nut. I loved her nails, her hair, how she dressed, and her handwriting. Can you imagine my excitement when she asked to babysit her angel, Alli, in 1991?

Can you imagine my shock when that baby became an OU freshman?

I babysat the Trussell girls for five years and sadly just lost touch.
No more of that! Early March allowed for me to reconnect with Mr. AND Mrs. Trussell, enjoy lunch at Fancy That (a Norman must do), and see the baby debut in the role of Shelby in Steel Magnolias. I let Mrs. Trussell know I continue to be a whiz at math thanks to her and those pretty nails on the overhead.

Excuse #4: Additional time in Chicago (March 4-7)
Naturally, I had to add a few days onto the beginning of the

NASPA conference to see my ever so precious, fun loving family.

Sweet Cousin Jenny with her adorable boyfriend, Johnny Mac!

Me and my beloved Aunt Margie!

Cousin Annie and her first born, Boo.

If you sense a correlation between Annie and Elle Woods (Legally Blonde)...go with it.

Cousin Annie and her handsome boyfriend, John!

Me and Uncle Bill!

Aunt Margie hosted a super fun family gathering while I was in town.

Of course with the Oscars days away, she went with a Hollywood/Oscar theme complete with sunglasses for everyone! My addiction to a theme centered party is not only by nature, but also nurture.

Aunt Margie is the one who taught me to wrap

silverware w/napkin for a buffet event.

It does make picking up essential dining items easier.

Cousin Sean, Cousin Megan and Aunt Bette (they go with Uncle Bill).

Aunt Mary Kay, Uncle Mike and Cousin Kerry!

...in their party glasses.

Uncle Bob and Aunt Bev and Uncle Tom and Aunt Pat

also came...but I failed to take pictures with them. Bummers.
It meant SO much that the family rolled out while I was in Chicago.

Cousin Katie with sweet boyfriend, Mike.

My cousins are dating the nicest men...so happy for each of these darlings.

I hated to say goodbye to Aunt Margie and the whole family, but thank goodness July is only a couple calendar pages away! I am SO blessed with a fabulous fun loving family.

There you have it....a sample of my March madness...more to come!