New Queens

Well the pageant is finally over. It was such a success. We got beautiful queens and the positive comments from everyone made the whole process seem a lot less painful. Michele did an unbelievable job of organizing this event. All I really had to do was show up and look cute. (that is my speciality!!!) Last night I judged the Miss Mundelein Pageant for our neighboring town. It was fun, but required that I be there from 1:30 pm until the conclusion at 10:00. I was very tired. While these events are over and I feel very satisfied with the results, they came at a cost. As usual, when things are in an upheavel in my life, my diet takes a hit. While I am still working hard on the program, my exercise has really taken a back seat. I thought I would get back to it today, but it is so hot, and this house really needed some attention. I know it is an excuse, but I feel like I can get back to at least walking tomorrow. This battle continues and while I made 55 pounds last Saturday, victory is not yet in my grasp. We booked Matt, Cort and Biggie's flights and they will be here on July 19th. I would love to be able to say I had lost 60 pounds by then, but I am just not putting any undue pressure on myself right now. I need to take it one day at a time.

Pageant Pictures

Pictures, Pictures, Pictures!!

Happy Father's Day to all those Father's out there - Rich, Nate, Matt, Dick, Lynn, and the numerous others who work so hard at being good fathers. Michele helped me post these pictures taken at Whit's wedding. It was so much fun it is good to look back on them and remember. All I can say, is someone else in this family needs to get married so we can have another fun time!!! This is pageant week so I will probably not post for this week. However, I promise lots of pictures of our new Little, Junior and Miss Vernon Hills next Sunday after the pageant on Saturday night. Michele has done a fabulous job of getting this event organized and keeping me sane. Sunday will come and what will we do with our extra time.


Mom and Me after Whit's party
my two favorite girls all made up...
Kyle at his best
Matt, Cortney, and Kyle at the reception
the five Waalkes children with mom
Kyle eating mashed potatoes...yum!

Happy Birthday to Me!!

I can not believe another school year has ended. I just feel numb after the past 3 weeks. It started with outdoor ed, then Hello Dolly and then the end of school and our trip to California (more about that later). You would think I would be able to relax but no, the pageant is next week and we are in the process of gearing up for "Pageant Week" and all that entailes. I really love/hate this time of year. School ends, but summer school started the next day. I got to see my family when Michele and I went to California for Whit's wedding, but it was so short and so busy I did not get to sit and enjoy them. Matt and Cort and Kyle got to come to California, but did I even hold Kyle and tell him grandma stories or how much I loved him? He only had eyes, however, for "Dod" this time so I guess I should not be too upset taking second fiddle to a dog. Hello Dolly was so much work, but so much fun. (How can I ever look at a member of our temple presidency without remembering how I stroked his shirt and felt his muscles in front of so many people???)With all that has been going on recently I hardly remembered it is my birthday tomorrow. I am turning the big 40 this year (that is not a typo!!!) and feel darn good. I feel for those around me who can not say that. Rich left today for his annual golf outing with his U of M buddies from the wrestling team. He looks forward to this annual trip and it happended to fall on my birthday this year. I know he feels bad about being away, but he gave me a massage at the spa which always makes me happy. I am going tomorrow and then will treat myself to a little shopping - that always makes me happy. David and Kelly are taking me to lunch on Saturday. I weigh in on Saturday morning and did not want to go out to birthday dinner prior to a weigh in (I know the woman out there can understand) Anyway, we will have a birthday lunch on Saturday at the Cheesecake Factory. Love that place. Michele and Nate will come over on Sunday and Michele is cooking dinner and bringing angel food cake for my birthday cake. Love how people who love me make it easier for me to diet. About California. Michele and I had a wonderful time. My sister Susie outdid herself with Whit's wedding. I knew she had talent for those big events, but she really outdid herself. I have a picture taken at the wedding that I want to post, but need Michele's assistance. It is a picture of my mom and the 5 kids. It is really something to see. I love seeing my family, especially my brothers whom I do not communicate with all that much anymore (my fault) After all family is what it is all bout. I agree with Chelsea, the sealing was a wonderful event. I was able to share it with Matt, Cort, Michele and Lincoln. It made me very happy and made me realize how being together is what it is all about. I do love my family and wish to see more of them. Happy Birthday to Me! Deb

California Vacation

Pictures of Kyle playing in the pool at Aunt Marcia's!!