Kraft Christmas 2007

"If you told me a year ago that I'd be at Christmas party listening to Jay-Z in Arkansas I'd have asked you what you were smoking" - E

The Kraft Christmas party is unlike any I've ever seen before. This was a classy event held at the Pinnacle Country Club Clubhouse #3. Before I get into the details I need to tell you that the hype for the event was staggering. The few who were here last year spent the previous 4 week recalling (and possibly embellishing) the events of previous parties. The talk about dresses, hair, and who "such-n-such" (Stephanie) was going to bring was overwhelming. With that out of the way, here is a brief recap:

The Seba's babysat for us and we picked up the Cloyds at 6:15 then headed to Stephanie's to meet the rest of the group. After a drink and a few photos, we left with rain falling and snow in the forecast.

The event was classy. On site sitters, valet parking, live music with appetizers, professional photos and then the meal. Paul Callahan and Craig Sutte briefly addressed the group then on with the drinks, DJ and dancing. There were no tuxedos but everyone was dressed to the "T". I was witnesses to three NCMs and their spouses dancing to Mase on the dnace floor! Although I was in Arkansas, to my delight, there were only 2 or 3 country music songs played! The night ended with fewer then expected meltdowns considering the open bar. Even a few of the out of town field team were present for the event.

Highlights:

• Stephanie brought Mike, a longtime friend... or more than a friend?
• Courtney was off the hook and the life of the party.
  
• I met Holly's husband Mike who is from South Jersey and increased the Philly contingent by one. (Kevin, Ed, Chuck, Eric and now Mike).
  
• Although the weather called for snow and/or freezing rain, neither came to pass.
• While you may think I am fibbing, Jazmin actually danced to 3 or 4 song at the end of the night.
• Most notable, Jazmin looked like a million bucks. More than one person was left wondering how I ended up with her and/or what bet she lost to end up with me.
  

I'll post the photos to Flickr.

And the Merry Thanksgiving to all...

After 10 years we have finally cracked the code. This Thanksgiving was one of the best we've had.

H and the kids arrived in Tampa on Thursday. Small world: My parents were flighing out of Tampa on Thursday. They were able to spend a few hours together at TPA. Mom and Dad were able to see the baby for the first time. Thank God Tampa was such a nice airport.

I arrived on Sunday, following the Saturday "not so surprise" party for Mr. Gmuer. (I don't think they wanted me there). With no small effort on the part of my father, we were staying in the Orange Lake resorts in Kissimmee. Originally we were staying at an extended stay type hotel which was basically a glorified truck stop. Jazmin blames the need for a change on me and my high standards but I never saw the place. Thanks to the Taylor's RCI membership, the Orange Lake (with 2 bedrooms, full kitchen, laundry, 4 swimming pools, Starbucks, Internet Cafe, etc), was only $60 more the the hole in the wall. Here's the catch, The 6 Mora's stayed with the 5 Taylors... and it went surprisingly well.

Monday: John and Doris took the 4 oldest grandkids to Sea World. R&R for Mom and Dad

Tuesday: The Mora's, Taylors, and John went to the Animal Kingdom. John worked out a deal to basically get all of us in for free! We saw all of the best including Nemo, Dinosours, the Safari
and Everest. At about 4PM the 5 Taylor's left for MGM. Melissa, William and I went on the Tower of Terror. Melissa was so brave and did great! Mommy is now the lone whimp in our family. We visited the town of lights, then saw the Beauty and the Beast live on stage followed by the 8PM installment of Fantasmic. Truly, this was one of the best days we've ever had at Disney.

Wednesday: Medieval Times. Doris came to watch the two youngest Moras. Special note: if you've never been to Medieval Times, they will ask you to arrive at 6PM for the 7:30 show. This gives you a chance to visit the 3 over priced bars, have a kid take your picture 5 times (he'll print them on a HP and try to sell them to you for $2o each when you are elbows deep in half a chicken), take pictures on the fancy chairs and with suits of armor and shop the 600% mark up "knight" themed items. Show up at 7PM; you'll have plenty of time for pictures and to be seated before the show. After all the time spent cheering and screaming, the Green Knight won! only to be assassinated moments later. Liliana had the Flower thrown to her and Will was captivated by the action. A day later Liliana went onto the patio and pulled the flower apart leaf by leaf and Will express a concern about the people being hurt with the swords (even though he took a picture with the Green Knight after he was assassinated). Melissa didn't want to watch the battles but loved the show. At the end of the day, they were able to eat with there hands, sit with their cousins, and see and awesome show. Say no more. Hosea and I ended the day with a few pieces of premium tobacco and a well-aged Rum.

Thursday: Thanksgiving. We ate a Cracker Barrel breakfast, watched the Macy's Day parade, read the paper (important social articles like the Circuit City and Best Buy Black Friday ads) napped and snacked. We traveled to Clermont to the Gmuers and enjoyed a great Thanksgiving dinner. They made Turkey just for me!

Friday: The Mora's left before 5AM for their flight to the New York area. We had the day to pack, clean, check out and make the 80 minute drive to Tampa. Despite a 30 minute connection in Memphis, from far ends of the terminals, our travel was smooth and we were in AR at about 11PM on Friday. With the weekend to relax.

Random Rants

Tesco opens 6 new grocery stores on the west coast. These stores are a new concept bridging the 7-11 and fresh grocer concept in a small convenient. This is to be to ultimate in convenience meets the ultimate in fresh. They are bringing 100 stores to the USA.

My wife has a habit of booking flights in the middle of the night. She is traveling with 3 (count 'em) children to FL leaving at 6:05AM... From TULSA, two hours away. Guess who gets to drop her off and then got to work. She was nice enough to book my ticket for a few days later when my schedule clears. I'm leaving on a weekend... at 6:05AM... from TULSA! Which is still two hours away.

Did i mention that she plans to take their luggage, stroller, and pack-n-play and the five of us in a Jeep Compass?

E-Mail B.S.

Because Cox, Sprint and Motorola can't get along, I now have a Yahoo address. Ericinxenia2003@yahoo.com. I'll be forwarding my Cox.net messages but if you see this, make the change.

Everyone wants to hold the baby...

Big News - Little Package

Jazmin and I have adopted a baby boy. He was born on Monday in Dayton. Jazmin and the kids are in Ohio. We have not picked out a name and are open to suggestions. He is in the intensive care unit b/c of some complications during birth but we expect him to make a full recovery. We are unsure when he will be able to come home but I am hopeful for Monday or Tuesday. Meanwhile, Will and Melissa are having a great time catching up with their friends in OH.

Update on the Leaky Situation

If you saw the previous post about the bathroom issue, the weekend following that post, I found the leak in the wall. It turned out to be the HVAC companies fault. The builder came to the house the next day, returned with the HVAC guys, and took over fixing the problem(s) including replacing the vanity, ceramic tile, drywall and paint! ALL of the credit goes to JAZMIN for taking the initative and making the calls that got the ball rolling!

The Truth

This blog, and the entries prior to this entry, were set up by my neighbor from Ohio who came to visit H in September. Despite her total and absolute hatred for me, she spent an entire day running around NW AR taking pictures and wearing out a keyboard to gift me this blog. Well done Tam-e! Thank you.

Leaky Situation

Our guest bathroom has taken on a new look. Needless to say I've taken on a "BIG" project in a small area! Don't plan on visiting soon or you may find yourself visiting Uncle John and Aunt Latrina out back in their little shack with the moon and star carved in their door.

"E's" Top Pick

If you are coming to Arkansas my #1 destination to visit is THE WAL-MART MUSEUM. Also known as the Walton's five and dime. You will be amazed with the history of Sam Walton and his legacy.
Sam Walton was married to his beautiful wife Helen who passed away in 2007. He left behind four children. In 2005 his youngest son died in a plane crash.
Sam was a simple man who created a multibillion dollar business.

A Great Deal!

From Rags to Riches!
After months of searching I found my new grill at Sam's Club. Without elaborating about the details the deal was just too good to pass up.

"Jumping Up and Down!"

What is a man to do without a couple of toys? After 32 years, "The Big E" is jumping up and down!

My Coffee Table

I was really fascinated about the fact that my wife's friend had posted a piece of old furniture on her blog. I thought I would share a piece of furniture as well. This coffee table has been in my family for many years. It has served us well. Multipurpose table should be the appropiate term for a table like this one. Come on who really puts their coffee on here.