These look amazing!

While waiting for Pinterest to extend me an invite (and to figure out what Pinterest actually is - feel free to comment and clue me in), I am looking at random stuff. And I love this idea. I am seriously thinking of making individualized zebra cakes for Shannon's Birthday Celebration this weekend... but wondering if I will still get the zebra look in a small can. hmmm? 

Source: picasaweb.google.com via Crystal on Pinterest

Sister, Sister

Shannon in the door to the Scottish Rites Temple,
TANGO August 2010

And I am not talking about the show with Tia and Tamera Mowry from the 90s. I'm talking about my SeaStar, my other half, my true bff, my ovary-twin. My third Greatest Love, my sister Shannon.

Baby Shannon's 1st Birthday, 1985
Nathan, 2 yrs, Shannon, 1 yr, Erin, 5 yrs

The earliest memory I have of my sister Shannon is March or April of 1984, Corpus Christi, Texas. She was less than 8 weeks old. I was 4 years old. Nathan was 15 months old. My Grandma, Aunt and Uncle had come done to visit the new baby. And they were taking me back to Iowa with them. I was convinced that my parents didn’t want me anymore, that I was too old. So they were giving me away. I remember little Nathan and Baby Shannon sitting on the couch, or laying on it. I remember whispering to them that I loved them, and that I was sorry that I had to go. That it wasn’t my choice. I begged them not to forget me (how could they even remember me at that age?) And I kissed them goodbye. I never once asked my parents what was going on. They would have told me that I’d see them soon. Anyway, away we went. And I am convinced that I made myself sick because sometime around Oklahoma I got a fever and a sore throat. By the time we reached Iowa, I was so sick they had to admit me to the hospital for 5 days. I had a Peritonsular Abscess. My tonsils were swollen to the point of touching. They were not removed, just IV antibiotics and fluids. So… that memory is a little traumatizing. My parents came to Iowa with the little kids in May. I was fine by then, and when they left, I went home with them to Texas.

Mayport Beach, FL, Navy housing 1986
Shannon -2, Erin - 6, Nathan -3

Shannon was the best baby doll on the planet. My friend Laura and I used to dress her up and play with her. She used to do anything we asked, which was a great game at 6 years old. She was my shadow, and by the time she was six herself, she was my best playmate.

Around middle school, I was tired of my shadow - In public anyway. When you’re 13, the last thing you want is your 9 yr old sister hanging around. I don’t remember much about that time, but knowing me, I’m petty sure I hurt her feelings. A lot.

I remember the day Shannon became my friend. And to be honest, it was by force and guilt. Picture this: July 4^th, 1996, it’s dark and warm, and we’re getting ready for the fireworks. My girlfriends and I were finally 16 years old, and we planned to watch the fireworks down on the river (the river is the Mississippi River for those of you asking.) Shannon was 12 years old and wanted to tag along. I put my foot down and said No. And then Shannon cried. She cried to our mom and Aunt Linda who both cornered me, and got mad at me. They talked to my friends who all said it was ok that Shannon could come (mainly because they just wanted to leave, and because she wasn’t their sister, so they loved her.) So, Shannon came along. And I sulked. I wouldn’t talk to her, and she didn’t seem to notice. Because she was having a great time! She was being funny and friendly while I was sitting there by myself. I let my feelings of anger ruin what was a great night for everyone else around me.

Chin Chin - New York New York, Las Vegas, March 2011

After that, Shannon fit seamlessly into my group of friends. When she had time, she hung out with us, and it was never uncomfortable. My bff Anousha’s sister Erika is a year younger than Shannon and they became good friends, making it easier to hang out. And we had a pretty good time, especially my last year in high school.

When I went to college, I missed my family terribly. I was so homesick that I didn’t think I would make it. And Shannon was on of the reasons why. I missed her. More than I ever thought possible. I called home a lot. My sorority helped me to stay in school (read previous post.) But Shannon spent her Spring Break in the dorms with me. In fact, she spent almost part of every Spring Break with me during her years in High School.

Shannon's love - Jerry Orbach; 
Carnegie Deli @ the Mirage, Las Vegas 2011

Shannon started her college career at Drake in 2002. We overlapped for one semester and actually arranged to share one class. History. And it was fun. Though Shannon wouldn’t agree with me on that one. I moved to Sioux City April 2, 2003. To be with Scott, and I thought it would be ok because Shannon was transferring to the University of Iowa in Iowa City. Those 18 months were some of the longest in my life. I had to have surgery in April 2004. Shannon came to be with me. She was just 20 years old. And she took care of me.

Shannon was my Maid of Honor at our wedding October 30, 2004. I couldn’t imagine anyone else standing right beside me. Scott knew that by marrying me, he was also getting a sister. He just never knew how much. Shannon’s engagement was broken in the spring of 2005. Having her hurt so badly was one the lowest points of my life. Not knowing how to fix it, how to make her feel better, it was almost more than I could handle. But Shannon handled it. And if she could be so graceful and classy, the least I could do was stand by her side and hold her hand. Shannon moved to Des Moines after she graduated college. And I’ve rarely been happier. For the last six years, Shannon and I have spent Tuesdays and Thursdays together when possible. As well as some weekends. Scott essentially has two wives, and most of the time he is ok with that.

Auntie Shannon with newborn Weston, 8/1/08

Shannon has been with me through all the important points of my life. Getting married, infertility, pregnancy – I found out I was pregnant in Shannon’s bathroom! She was with us when we found out Weston was a boy and not the girl I thought he was. She is probably the only person who knows every emotion I am feeling and every thought going through my head without thinking. I trust my life with her, but more importantly, I trust my child with her. She is his Godmother after all.

Today is Shannon’s 28^th birthday. I can’t think of a better day to pay tribute to one of the Greatest Loves of my life. We joke that we are Ovary Twins, separated as eggs by 4 years and Nathan, while waiting to be conceived. If you ask her, we look very little alike. If you ask anyone else, we’re almost the same, though a lot of that is mannerisms and speech. Shannon is one of the strongest, kindest, and most intuitive people I have ever met. I don’t think I could survive in a world where Shannon isn’t in it. She’s my best friend; My other half. And even if I don’t say it, I am thankful every single day to be in a world with my SeaStar!

one of my favorite pictures...
Shannon & I at the Broadway Production of the Lion King
Mandalay Bay Resort, Las Vegas, March 2011

"Oh No You Dih-ent, Girlfriend!"

The second great love of my life is actually a group, and that group can be divided into 3 parts. Let’s get started:

Some girls play better with boys; some pair up with one girl in particular, some belong to a pack of girls. -heck, some kids have so many siblings and close cousins that they don’t even need to look out of their family to find a playmate. I’m not that girl. I’m a Girls Girl. Ok, I take that back, I’m a Girls Girl with the token boy. I’ve always been friends with the girls, and then usually had one boy that I was close too. I can even list the boys:

Mayport Elementary: Jeffery from the Bronx by way of the US Navy

Navy Point Elementary: Chris (kind of a whiny, sickly Momma’s boy)

Horace Mann Elementary: Chris Dinning

Lyons Middle School: Chris Dinning/Andy Grotelueschen

Clinton High School: Andy Grotelueschen & Chris Swales

(Anyone notice the abundance of Christophers in my world? Even my Dad is a “Chris.”)

Drake University: Kevin McLane until Sophomore/Junior year

Age 20-23: Matt Kiel

Age 23-29: Jason Taylor

And since Jason and I parted ways… Scott has more than picked up the slack.

You would think this constant testosterone presence in my world would help in my relations with the opposite sex, but as you read about Pete Walker, it obviously didn’t.

Part 1.

The most important part of a girl’s childhood is her friends. Whether it’s one or ten, a child needs a friend. And I have always been lucky enough to have friends. Being a child on the move with the US Navy, if I didn't make friends quickly, it was a long 3 years. So, I was talkative and loud, I made people notice me. (See the confidence issue in the last post.) As a child, this wasn’t a bad thing, and I collected some pretty great friends.

Sue, Anousha, & Beth as my bridesmaids, 10/30/08

I started my Iowa collection in the 5^th grade when we moved here. I met Beth at the back of the 5^th grade band bus that transported us from our separate elementary schools to Lyons Middle School for band practice. She looked cherubic with her round face surrounded by a mass of perfect strawberry-gold curls. She played the flute for a year, and we didn’t talk much, she seemed snobbish. We were in the same class at the start of sixth grade and we fought back and forth for the next three years for control of our group. We would be best friends and worst enemies at the same time. We were the original Frenemies. 
I met Anousha in the 6th grade. She sat behind me in Mrs. Streba's class. I was amazed that she had 2 adult older sisters, and a little sister about Shannon's age. We became great friends, and by high school, Anousha was my best friend.  
Beth brought Sue into our group-ish in the 9th grade. They had gone to parochial school together before Beth joined the public schools in the 3rd grade. Sue was a thespian, so she hung out with the theatre crowd, but she blended so well with so many people. 
There were other girls, and my teens years wouldn't have been the same without them and thanks to Facebook, we've reconnected. But Beth, Anousha and Sue are the most important women from my childhood. I was Beth's Maid of Honor, all three of them were in my wedding. Whenever anything big has happened in my life, these women were a part of it. I love them dearly. Don't get me wrong, we've had serious problems, mostly caused by living so far apart: Beth is in Maryland, Sue is in west Texas, and Anousha is in LA. That's the hardest part. Sue and I talk regularly, and I think we are the closest now. But I know that if I ever need anything or just want to talk, they will all be there for me. I've had these girls in my life since I was 10 years old. How many people can say that?
Part 2.

Chi O sisters at my 2008 wedding: Katie, April, Marci, Brandy,
& Melissa

I joined a sorority my first semester in college. I am proud to say that I am a Chi Omega, that I am part of the 2nd largest Women's organization in the world (next to the Girl Scouts, and I was one of those too.) I am also proud to say that I paid for my sisters. I love these women as much as I do my friends from home. I became an adult with these women. I fell in love with these women cheering me on. These women serenaded me at my wedding. I found Myself with these women by my side. Weston was wanted by these women as much as he was wanted by our families. They were at the hospital, and he was welcomed into our group from the very beginning. For the full story, look here. But suffice it to say, 14 years later I am still seeing these women as much as we can. And I love them too.


Part 3. 
Part 3 consists of the women I have made my friends during adulthood. Mainly they consist of 3 women who I can't see my life without. I met Jess when I first started working at Damon's Grill when I was 20 years old. She was 6 months older than me, but already married and with a small son. She seemed so confident, empowered. I was amazed by her confidence. I taught her how to wear skirts and how to enjoy being a girl. She taught me how to be confident enough to go to Walmart in my jammie pants without makeup. She helped me to love myself. She introduced me to Scott. I love her like a sister. We live too far away now, but that doesn't matter at all. 
Jean was just a young girl when we met at the construction of the Lowe's in Altoona. She likes to joke that she knew me before I was married. Jean was the popular, beautiful, cheerleader from the good suburb. But inside, Jean is a fat girl trapped in a skinny body. She is Donna Reed 50 years later. (I wonder if she knows who Donna Reed is?) Jean and I bonded at Lowe's, and I brought her to Onthank when a spot came open. This is the first time in almost 8 years that I haven't spent my working day with Jean. She's one of my closest friends. And it doesn't hurt that her son Drew is 7 days older than Weston.

Danell, Shannon, and I at Wicked, 2011

Danell is the wife of a former co-worker. I like Adam, but I love Danell. She is so happy and full of life. Being around her just brightens my day. Her youngest son is only 6 days older than Weston. That helped to bond us together. But in all honesty, I think Danell and I were always meant to be friends. Without the kids, and husbands, we'd still be friends.

These woman have made me the person I am today. I would be greatly lacking if even one of them were missing from my life, and the fact that they all are present in my life is a testament to our love for each other. And my husband understands that I need my girl time. Which just makes me love him more, because he cares for these women too, and he sees the bond that we share.

interum

This series of greatest loves posts are taking a little longer than I anticipated.

so, while I work on # 3-5, here's a post I found while searching for something else. I've said it before, but I'm going to say it again, I miss that baby.

Here you go...

5 Great Loves of my life

I was inspired by CJane's post on the 5 greatest Loves of her life in honor of Valentine's Day. Granted she is posting a "Love" per day. I will probably post all five in a single post. Or not. Who knows? It depends on how long this ends up being.

That being said, CJane's post caused me to do some soul searching, and this caused me to have some seriously odd dreams last night - involving a few of my "loves." So, let's begin:

#1. Erin as a Stalker...

I could easily start my great loves with my first kiss. But in the grand scheme of things, Tom Peterson was not a great love. He was my first high-school boyfriend, and a pretty good kisser, but I always knew it would end. You see, I always knew that Tom was just a little too “nerd” for me. He was an okay boyfriend: someone to go to dances with, hang out with, make out with, but I was already in love with someone else. Heck, I was already thinking of breaking up with him when I found out he was also seeing someone else. (The forever difference between us was fidelity – I had it. He didn’t.) So let’s go back to the beginning of my first “love.”

Flash back to the Spring of 1992, I was in the 6^th grade at Lyons Middle School. I wasn’t heavy yet, but I wasn’t thin by any means; I was more of a round shape. Soft and already sporting the family’s troublesome acne, I didn’t have a lot of self confidence. I masked this lack of courage by being talkative and loud – not my finest features. And that mask lasted until college. Anyway, back on track. It was probably April or May, and the school play was going on. Something about a Tumbleweed or something. I don’t remember much except an old Western town, soldiers and Indians. I went because my friends were in it. Anousha was an Indian (because she had black waist-length hair) and some other friends had parts. I remember sitting with my friend Beth and laughing at her brother Bryan dressed as a soldier. And then I saw the other soldier… He was tall, and broad shouldered with short dark hair. He seemed so much older than Bryan, though Bryan was in the 8^th grade. His name was Pete Walker, and this was our beginning. I became acutely aware of him, and he had no idea that I existed.

School ended in June and three months went by in a flash. I don’t remember thinking much of Pete Walker during the 7^th grade. I remember seeing him with other girls at dances, but I was obsessed with my own existence (and Bob Cleppe. I always kept my eggs in a few baskets.)  I forgot about everything older than me during 8^th grade.  It was like Senior Year, round 1; we were the top of the totum pole. Fast-forward to the Fall of 1994. I’m a freshman in high school. And suddenly everything is different: I’m running from class to class all over the school, I’m taking the bus, and I am once again on the bottom of the totum pole.  But things start to look up. I’m a year ahead in math, so when I entered Dr. Dennis’ geometry class I was one of a few freshmen surrounded by sophomores. I took the seat next to my friend’s older sister. As the class begins, we pass back the intro sheet and I turn around to hand it to the person behind me, and who do you think it is? Yep, Pete Walker, except now Pete is even taller and more broad shouldered. He says “Hey” and “Thank you,” while looking directly into my eyes. And I go stupid. My mouth immediately dries up and I can’t even talk. I can feel myself turning bright red and I turn around to face forward. From the corner of my eye, I can see my friend’s sister looking at me like I’ve lost it. Little did I know that Pete and I would sit next to each other in math class for the next 3 years until he graduated. (Thank goodness for not having assigned seating.)

Pete was pretty talkative. And the fact that he got Geometry far better than I did gave me the opening I needed. We became “class friends,” i.e. we’d be friends in class, and occasionally around school, but we didn’t hang out together. And by the time I got high school, Pete was already dating Kara Evans. Kara was petite: shorter than me, but also perfectly proportionate, and beautiful. It’s like she had never seen a blemish. She was the editor of the newspaper the 2 years we went to school together. She was a year older than Pete, thus 2 years older than me. And she was Nice. To everyone. I had no choice but to hate her, which was hard, but I did my best. (Anyone else weirded out by how much I remember 17 years later? OMG.)

My (and often my passengers') view of the Walker house.

Pete and I had English and math classes together. I watched him play football and basketball. I pined for something more than bantering and having fun in class. I had to drive past his house in order to get home from anywhere South of my house. He lived blocks from my bff Anousha. Once I got my license, I drove past his house anytime I was remotely close by, even with friends or my sister in the car. My friends knew how I felt, and they didn’t give me too hard of a time for the public stalking by vehicle, considering that Pete lived across the street from the Courthouse, police station, and jail. My Junior year (and his Senior year) I heard than Pete and Kara had (finally) broken up when she went off to college. I was elated. It was obviously not his decision. That didn’t damper my mood. I was convinced that everything would work out the way it was meant to. We would be high school sweethearts, and it would be like an after-school special. Alas, this was never going to happen.

In the fall of 1996, my foot was broken while messing around with some friends. I was on crutches forever. And Pete volunteered to carry my books to most of my classes. At first, I thought it was because we got out of class early, but it never was. We talked the whole time; he kept pace with my gimpy-ness. I have never been so happy to be on crutches. I thought that this was the perfect time for something, anything, to happen. But it never did. Eventually I was healed, and I no longer needed a hero. A few months later when I fell and broke my wrist, he had a good laugh at my klutziness, and offered to once again carry my books. But since I could walk, the teachers never fell for it. And so it went for the rest of the year. We talked, but nothing more ever happened. Pete had to know how I felt. Or at least have an idea. I was completely obvious. Either that, or he thought I had some special needs. (Cue the Homer Simpson “D’Oh!” moment.)

Pete Walker graduated from Clinton High in 1997. He went away to college, I thought he went to the University of Iowa, but I can’t remember. Every weekend and holiday, I drove past his house. Sometimes I saw him, more often not. In the fall of 1998, I started at Drake University. I didn’t forget Pete. I still drove past his house on holidays home. And then I heard he had moved to Colorado. And that he had become a plumber. His parents sold the house and moved somewhere else within town. The new owners changed things. And suddenly (without social media) he was gone. And I had to find a Real person to fall for. But the idea of Pete Walker lives on in my heart - My first real crush. And if you ask my sister, it lived on well into my 20s, over a decade of Crush-ness.

So this will be a post of only One Great Love... my first, unrequited Love. Who knew it would take so long to write?

and finally the winter Background fits!

So, we're setting up for snow again. It's supposed to rain here today, then turn into snow overnight, and level out at 2-4 inches. The original prediction on Wednesday was 8-12 inches, so I should be happy with the decrease, but in all honesty, I could do without the snow. I have thoroughly enjoyed wearing peep-toe heels and no socks with just a fleece in the morning and short sleeves throughout the day to work. It has been beautiful. I have loved sitting on patios and watching Weston play. It's been a great, light winter. I'm a huge fan!

That being said, my little boy is so anxious to make a snow angel! He told me all about the Groundhog yesterday, and how he saw his shadow so there will be 6 more weeks of winter. And that means it's going to snow. And he and his Baby Bear are going to make Snow Angels. (I think Baby Bear is too stuffed to make a snow angel. I'm going to have to work on making him stay inside.)

My benefit to the snow... I love my boots. I love leggings stuffed into them. And I love how comfortable they are. Little does Shannon know that I plan on wearing them all weekend if we go out.

So bundle up and stay warm readers! It looks like the Groundhog will be bringing Iowa some snow. And the children in Iowa will finally be happy. (But hopefully for less than 2 weeks... I want my peep-toe heels back.)