Always remember. Forgive, but never forget this day in history, the day that our world changed permanently. On September 11, 2001, terrorists plotted to terrorize Americans in an attempt to wipe out love for all humanity, happiness for the gifts that God provides, and most of all, for the freedom we enjoy here in the United States of America. As if driving fear into the hearts of Americans would force us to live in hate? Let me check on that… nope, didn’t work guys.

God bless the USA!

That would be me, apparently - a walking Mary Kay Cosmetics Target to be exact. It’s bad enough that I have an addiction to shopping at Target, but when I’m standing there in the children’s underwear aisle looking for some NON-pink-flowery-or-Hannah-Montana-y bikini briefs for the Catholic Girlie, I really don’t expect to be approached by a Mary Kay representative giving away free facials. And yet, that’s exactly what happened yesterday. Underwear aisle and all. Huh?

So here’s how it all went down - I’m standing there smack dab in the girl’s section of the local Super Target looking baffled because I cannot find plain ‘ole white or beige undies in my daughter’s size when this 20 year old-ish woman approaches me:

• Her: Wow! Is that a real Coach handbag? I love it!
• Me: Actually, no. It’s a knock-off. *moves handbag closer to self*
• Her: Oh, well it’s really very nice. Hey! That’s such a pretty necklace you’re wearing!
• Me: Why, err, thank you. *furrows brow thinking this woman is getting stranger by the moment*
• Her: By the way, I just started selling Mary Kay cosmetics, and we have a great new line of colors, and I’m giving FREE FACIALS. Here let me give you my card.
• Me: No, that’s ok. I already have a Mary Kay person.
• Her: Ohhh! What’s her name? Maybe I know her!
• Me: Hmmm… I can’t seem to remember. It always escapes me, silly isn’t it?
• Her: Well, ok then. But I do like your necklace. Have a really great day!

Then I’m left pushing my cart quickly in the opposite direction thinking to myself, What happened there? Was I really just accosted by a Mary Kay salesperson? That was so odd. I guess building a client base in the makeup-selling industry requires desperate measures - but I mean really now. Her approach freaked even me out, and I don’t think I freak out quite that easily.

What in the world was the name of my Mary Kay person anyway? *shakes head*

If you’ve checked out Meez Avatar (see sidebar link on the right), you already know where the Catholic Family has been these days - at the pool. But just because we’ve been swimming practically every day doesn’t mean we’ve abandoned the rest of our summer ‘to do’ list. Just the opposite! In fact here’s a list of what we’ve accomplished so far:

• Las Vegas - and blogged about it here.
• Great Wolf Lodge - also posted, right here.
• Kids Day Camps - basketball for Catholic Son, arts & crafts for Catholic Girlie, complete fun.
• Reading Program at the Public Library - this one is on-going, but officially ends August 1st. Lots of hours logged - great reading!
• Strings Summer Jam Sessions - CG plays cello for the community every Tuesday at the park. Yowza.
• Zoo - visited yesterday and enjoyed the butterflies & budgies. We’ll be back for more exhibits later, as there’s way too much to do in one day.
• Swimming at the Pool - we’ve really covered this one!
• Tennis - some, but we’ll pick up court time when the temperatures move away from the 100’s.

When you add actual work into to the equation, you see exactly why this blog has taken a backseat lately. In fact, sometimes the idea of blogging about all of these activities seems a little silly to me when I know a million other interests have been pushed aside. Kinda makes me wish these long summer days could stretch out even longer, like 48 hrs/day maybe? Oh the amount of work & play I could accomplish then… and I’d be sporting a serious cape.

… and then some! After returning home from our annual Lodge vacation and cleaning up all that chlorinated laundry we brought back in our suitcases, the Catholic Family and I were absolutely thrilled about celebrating Independence Day WITHOUT our rude and obnoxious neighbors. That’s right - THEY ARE NOW GONE! It’s like the Dad Dude gave his wife and kids the boot, leaving us to enjoy our little family fireworks display in peace. Because really, we’ve had enough of all those teens partying it up on the Fourth by aiming roman candles, bottle rockets and other illegal fireworks at neighborhood homes and/or vehicles in our area. Enough.

So just sit back enjoy this flashback of our Great Wolf escape as I revel in our 4th of July family fun.

Who says God doesn’t answer prayers?
Thanks, Big Guy.