Jodi, I wish I was closser to Phoenix I would love to meet with you guys. I am 3.5 hours east of there so won't be able to come. I have a busy weekend this weekend. Jamielovescoffee is the only KTer we have in the Phoenix area. I have met Jamie a couple of times and she is a real sweetheart. You would think we would have more with the population that area has.

My kids are still young so take this advice for what it's worth. :-) But I do have an idea for you. I know you miss her terribly. But one thing you said inspired me - wasn't it you that brought her into the world? Why not, instead of showering attention upon your daughter, have an "I gave birth today" party for yourself? After a certain age, I've suspected that it's more appropriate for a mom to be celebrated than a kid on the kid's birthday. I heard once about a sweet son-in-law who always presented a bouquet to his wife's mom on his wife's birthday, as "thanks for bringing her into the world." Be a little selfish for a change. Tell her how you feel, and if she can't change her schedule, treat yourself as if it's your own birthday. It'll get better, though. Chances are she's merely putting on a brave front, and she'll miss getting pampered by mamma on her big day. You can either make it up to her later, or start making plans now for next year. And when she gives you grandkids, please remember that it's even MORE important then to celebrate her birthday, because that kind of thing just tends to fade into the background when little ones come around. --pk

Welcome! I am from South Carolina, the North Western part of the state. I can spit and hit NC. I am married with three kids, 23,almost 21, and 18. My baby graduates from high school next month. I work seasonally for a garden center here in my little town. I am also a Rosarian with over 200 roses in my yard. I love to cross stitch and read. My DH is a computer game freak. Mostly a Star Trek online game, I don't understand it so I just smile and nod my head a lot. Our family room is where we hang out so at least we are together! We moved here from California about 7 years ago and love it. My next "trip" will be to the coast. I have yet to see the Atlantic Ocean. So nice to have you here. Pull up a chair and we will share our chocolate with you. Beware, there are some amazing cooks on this board- Trish

The first two KTer's I met were Pat Lavender and FranCes....and my sister embarrassed me. She insisted on going with me in case one of them was an axe murderer. But now I know Wildchild is really the axe murderer. The only reason I have survived our visits is because I take her to Jocko's for steak. I remember going to a get together at Joni's in Ventura long ago and then a couple of them in Bakersfield I have pictures from a Tehachapi trip. I got rescued by Flamingo from a shopping mall in Branson...I think it was Branson. It is really great meeting KTers and hope anyone who travels on the central coast of California will contact me.