But thanks to the protests and the amazing loyal fans it looks like the show might still go on. Prospect Park, a 2 year old media and production company announced this summer they plan to pick up both series online in January from where they left off. There is also speculation that they are in talks with a cable network to get the episodes televised as well. As of today Cameron Mathison (Ryan Lavery) and Lindsay Hartley (Cara Martin) are the only cast members signing on to make the change to cyberspace. Only time will tell if the remaining cast members will pick up and make the transition. For more details on the daytime drama debuting online in January you can contact Prospect Park to be added to their mailing list for additional updates. Email to: soapsalive@prospectpk.com.

In the meantime take a few moments today to enjoy the end of a legacy. Bid adieu to the show that introduced the talents of Josh Duhamel and Sarah Michelle Gellar. Tune in today at 12pm CST to say goodbye to the Kane women, the Martin’s, the Chandler’s and the Hubbard’s.

Apparently they were trying out some new parking for the VIP guests and had cones lined up that caused a massive delay for people trying to park. People waiting in long lines to pay $27 to park! Another outrageous hike in price. The tailgating was a blast. Once we found our seats in the stadium you could really see the improvements and I was very excited as a fan and Kansas Citian to be there. Looking forward to a good game.

The opening ceremonies were wonderful. David Cook singing our national anthem and the planes flying over and commemorating 9/11 was an incredible time to be there not only as a football fan, but as an American. That alone was worth any ticket price…everything after that was grim. 41 to 7…how can you disappoint so terribly in the home opener at the loudest stadium in the NFL. There is no one place to put the blame as the team as a whole lost. Maybe they can improve and make my next visit worth it. The stadium and all of it’s upgrades were amazing to explore and enjoy and now we are ready to take our son to the next game. Chiefs fans are loyal and dedicated and it was enjoyable to see how many families have passed on that tradition through the years. Hoping this is one we can start with our own family. Let’s hope the next game is a win!

I started planning all the details about four months in advance. With it being a summer birthday I knew location was the key. I love outdoor parties and I knew it was in the dead heat of summer but I took my chances and booked an outdoor shelter. We picked Antioch Park. It was located close to home and I loved the shelter. Shelter one was set apart from most of the park. Offered about sixty parking spots and seating for around 80. It had a larger grassy area next to the covered shelter and we were up on the hill from the pond where fishing is permitted.

Location was the key and that was booked. We got the shelter for the full day and used a friend who lived in the county to get the discounted rate. The only downside of this location was no music is allowed and you have to get special permits for everything from water balloons to piñatas. I knew this in advance and it did not cost anything, just an extra phone call that had to be made.

Next on the agenda was a theme. My son is a water baby. After swimming all summer and going to his first beach his party had to have a beach theme. There was no resisting the theme when I went to Target and saw there summer party collection. The crab and nautical décor was just what I was looking for. So I stocked up on everything for the party. Little did I know eventually these items would be discounted 90% on clearance. It sounds ridiculous what I did, but when you are on a budget and you bought items two weeks before and then they discount 90% there is no way I was not taking advantage of that.

I bagged everything up and returned it and repurchased everything at the discounted price. Wound up saving $160 and it was well worth my trouble. After getting the theme and party décor it was time for the invitation. This had to be special. After much thinking we decided what better way for people to see Lucas then a DVD invitation. We compiled our favorite videos and photos and made a seven minute video (with the help of our Mac Book) of Lucas and his treasured moments over the last year. We then included all details about the party on the last frame and mailed it to everyone on our guest list. Needless to say it was a huge hit.

About two weeks before the party I started working on party favors. I wanted something specifically for the adults and the kids. I found adorable beach pails at Dollar Tree and Target for $1. Every kid got their own personalized beach pail. I used permanent marker to write all the names on them and filled them with goodies that included bouncy balls, gummy skewers, visors and water bottles. The water bottles were another Target discount that was apart of the summer décor that when discounted were only .19 each!! The gummy skewers were hand made using bamboo skewers and stacking fish/shark gummies on the skewer and then wrapping in cellophane. Even the babies got in on the favors with sippy cups that matched the theme and iron-on onesies that said ‘I Love Lucas’.

For the adults I needed Gerber baby jars. I used each jar to personalize a message saying “Look Who’s 1!” printed on a label in black & white with Lucas’ photo. We used about five different photos and after removing the Gerber label stuck this on the jar. On the other side of the jar I stuck a sticker with the letter L in black. Each jar was then filled with M&Ms. they looked perfect but I went a step further. I had much debate over what I should put these baby jars in, if anything at all. Then I found this template. A perfect way to make my own holder for these great jars. It was a lot of work but I bought card stock paper in the vivid beach ball colors. Each paper was cut and then folded and taped. I then printed the saying “Hope you had a blast at Lucas’ first birthday bash” and placed a crab gif image above the saying. I used double sided tape to put the saying on the front of my jar holders. The cardstock paper when folded looked like a miniature popcorn holder. I then wrapped each one in cellophane for easy carrying.

As for food for the party we kept it simple. Hot dogs, chips, pasta salad and fruit. Plenty of water, lemonade and ice tea was on hand as well.  My husband made the awesome cake. A three tiered cake where first level was the sand then the ocean and a beach ball for lil man. It looked gorgeous and melted slightly in the heat. We also made cupcakes for the kids.

To keep the kids entertained I threw beach balls all over and had a visor decorating station. I bought stickers, glitter pens and foam stick ons and the kids made their visors look amazing. The best part for the kids would be the Island Paradise Slide. An eight foot inflatable slide that I rented from FUN Services. Keeping with the discount I picked up the slide and was able to set up easily and returned it on the following Monday. All the kids loved it.

Lucas had many loved ones come to help him celebrate his big day and the greatest memory of it will come from his 11X14 matted photo that all the guests signed. This will hang in his room for many years to come and will always remind him of how much he is loved and how special his big day was. Hopefully some of my tips will help you plan your child’s next party. All birthdays are special and should not cost an arm and leg and these tips are here to demonstrate how I managed to do that.

As we waited for our screening we grabbed a bite at MacGuffins (Fork & Screen) and they were even Twilighters offering us two drink specials in honor of New Moon. Both were delicious and a great way to start the night. Following our drink frenzy we headed into our screening which let out a little after nine. To my amazement the line’s for the midnight showing of Twilight: New Moon which I thought were already long had somehow tripled. There were fans lined up to the back of AMC Studio.

I must say I was impressed. These fans came out in full force. It was not just at Olathe Studio but it was also across town at AMC Mainstreet and Phoenix Theatres at the Legends. Twilight: New Moon may not be your type of film and you may plain just hate it, but the fans that have read the books or loved Twilight have shown that they are going to keep this film strong. This is what the entertainment industry loves to see. Even though Rotten Tomatoes show the rating at a mere 28% as of this morning that does not matter to the fans, us critics just share an opinion and most of the time our readers will see a film regardless of what we say or think. I love it! Not to mention this film is already slated to hit the box office in a big way with more than $100 million ticket presales!!! More power to you Twilight fans, now get some sleep.

Buzz Halloweenie Roast :

A personal favorite event I will be attending. Hosted by 96.5 The Buzz, Halloweenie Roast Beaumont in Westport, October 28th. Musical guests include Flock of Seagulls, Jet, The Ravonettes and many more. All ages show for an affordable $9.65 gets you a ticket.

Terror at the Train Station 7:

The Bacchus Foundation brings back their infamous Terror Party, T7, to the revamped Midland Theater in the Power and Light District. The largest Halloween Party in Kansas City brings over 2,000 costumed folks and it’s all for charity. Including wonderful appetizers, drinks and costume contest. Party goes from 8pm – 3am on Halloween night (Oct 31) at the Midland Theater. Tickets are $37.50 in advance at the Midland Box Office, or at Terror Party

Nightmare at Crosstown Station:

Crosstown Station brings back its Nightmare 2009 at 1522 McGee. The party, which includes two floors of live music, DJ’s spinning, costume contest, and drinks galore promises to be a night of meyhem. Tickets are $30/$35 at the door. or 4 for $25 per person and may be purchased at Crosstown Station.  It is strongly recommend to buy in advance.

Martini Corner :

The Martini Corner pulls out all the stops this Halloween by hosting it’s Halloween on the Hill party with all five bars participating with drink specials. The bash starts at 8pm. Martini Corner is located at 334 E 31st. Party starts at 8pm on Halloween night.

Halloween Haunts at Worlds of Fun :

A great event for terror and fun! World’s of Fun, the midwest’s largest theme park, brings back Halloween Haunts 2009. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, ghouls and ghosts swarm the park while guests enjoy over 175 acres of Halloween themed thrill rides and attractions. With Asylum Island, extreme haunts and the fog rolling in at 7pm– Halloween Haunts has something scary for everyone. Not recommended for children under 14 after 7pm.

Party Monster at Harrah’s Voodoo Lounge :

Party Monster is back for its fifth year at the Voodoo Lounge on October 31st. With drinks flowing till 3am and DJ Spider and DJ the DJ mixing–you can’t go wrong by heading to Party Monster. $1,000 costume contest, doors open at 9pm. Tickets are $10 and are available on VoodooKC. Call 816.889.4237 for VIP reservations and table requests. Tickets are $10 in advance through Ticketmaster. This is a 21+ event.

Ghost Tours:

Looking for a spooky night on the town. Check out some great tours given in the Kansas City, Topeka and Atchison area. Tour buses will take you to the most notorious haunted places in the area. Each tour includes over a dozen stops and tours last for about an hour and forty five minutes. Sounds spooktacular. For further details CLICK HERE.  Tickets are $19.50 per person.

Maul of the Dead:

Just when you thought it was safe to go to the mall again!
It is 1978, a decade and a day after Night of the Living Dead!  Six strangers take refuge in an abandoned shopping mall, only to find zombies lurk behind every mannequin and rubber tree plant. Coterie At Night Series, Rated PG-13:
TICKETS – $12 All Ages; $9 if you have the Discount Deal; GROUPS – 10 tix for $10 each; advance orders only; DISOUNT – Get $2 off at the door by wearing polyester when purchasing tickets night of show. For more details CLICK HERE.

KC Haunted Houses:

As always the KC area has a wide selection of haunted houses. The variety includes -

• The Beast 1401 West 13th Street KC, MO 64102   816-842-4280
• The Edge of Hell 1300 West 12th Street KC, MO 64101   816-842-4279
• Catacombs 1100 Santa FE St  KC, MO 64101   816.474.3845
• Fear 1100 Santa Fe St.  KC, MO 64101   816.474.3845
• Cavern of Terror 14500 Old Quarry Rd Excelsior Springs, MO 64024 816.799.6624
• Macabre Cinema 1222 W 12th St. KC, MO 64101  816-842-4280
• The Chambers of Edgar Allen Poe 1100 Santa Fe KC, MO 64101   816-842-4280

Be sure to research these haunted houses online as most offer discount tickets/coupons.

Have a safe & happy Halloween weekend!

Next weekend I am participating in my first Memory Walk in her honor. She was my second mother and the best grandmother any girl could ever ask for. I am walking in the hopes of finding a cure, so that future granddaughters can possibly avoid the heartache and stress this challenging illness causes.

The walk will take place on Saturday, October 3rd. Registration starts at 9am and at 10am the 1 or 3 mile walk begins. The walk will be held at Corporate Woods in Overland Park, KS.

Shane Co. could not make a matching band from this ring, so she was referred to Jared’s. On June 24th my friend dropped her ring off to Jared’s. They were very gracious and informed her they could easily make a mold of her ring and come up with a matching band. They gave her price and started the process. A week later she picked up her engagement band, put down a deposit and waited. Well she continued waiting and in later July called Jared’s for an update. Not only did they have trouble finding her ring, but could not locate the order either. Once they did it was discovered it had been sitting there with nothing done.

The excuse being the manager was fired and some jobs had “fell threw the cracks”, but it would be sent out and completed. A week later she called to check in on it and they asked her to bring in her engagement ring to see if the mock up band would mold properly together. Also during this time they informed her that the expense had increased for the ring – now up an extra $200! To her surprise, with her wedding fast approaching she agreed to pay the additional cost and met with the jewelers and was shown everything was coming along.

Two weeks ago was her promise date, but it was still not ready. Three days after the promise date she was able to pick up the ring, however when she looked over the ring it was quite visible that the ring did not have the proper rounded band to match her engagement ring. Quite unhappy she confronted them, explaining to them her wedding was weeks away they informed her that someone on site would be able to fix it in time and to come back in two weeks.
Two weeks was this weekend. She reviewed the ring and everything looked perfect, so she gave them her engagement ring to be soldered with the new band. When she picked up the ring it was a complete disaster. It was not completely soldered. There were gaps all over and the ring is raised noticeably on the left side. Very irritated at this point when she confronted Jared’s they did not offer anything, aside from needing to send it out to be fixed around the first of October! The wedding is Friday and the ring is not perfect, but it will meet its needs Friday.

It’s just unfortunate that these days customer service is lacking. Wedding rings are a very important part of anyone’s day and the fact it is taken so lightly is disgraceful. Jared’s obviously needs a tip or two on how to handle clients and possibly how to manage time. They did not ruin her day, but they did not make it any easier. After learning of Jared’s multiple mistakes I researched Jared’s and found numerous similar complaints. Next time beware when shopping for that next gem, as Jared’s seems to disappoint consistently.

To my sorrow Patrick Swayze lost his battle with pancreatic cancer today. He was only 57. This romantic leading man left the world much too soon. Swayze had been facing the challenge of his life for the last 20 months. During a recent interview with Barbara Walters he admitted to his fears, fears that anyone would have in his predicament. Despite those fears he proved to be a strong fighter, confronting the media early in the year in regard to speculation about his health, saying that such questions “cast a negative shadow on the positive and good fight I’m fighting.”

Patrick thank you for your gift to Hollywood. Your fight has now ended and may you find the peace you so deserve as you dance with the angels.

Patrick Swayze 1952-2009

Immediately upon arrival you see that there is a lot of unfinished work, but for what they have done it pails in comparison to the other major water park in town. You enter through the gift shop where you turn your passes in for wristbands. Feel free to leave your cash at home as you can link your credit/debit card to your wristbands for any charges you may have at the water park.

Charges may be minimum as for your $33 ticket price you will get FREE parking, FREE inertubes and you are able to bring in your own food & drink. I found this to be an amazing deal. The first thing you see once in the water park is a huge spiral of water. This is in the main wave pool area. It is a constant spin of water causing a whirlpool effect, easily giving ocean like waves. With several lounge areas and many chairs this will be a sunbather’s delight.
Right now there are two rides you can access without leaving the wave pool.

There is the wave pool/lazy river area that tie into the water coaster. A terrific water slide that you ride up in your very own inertube and enjoy several drops down. The other is the rapid rivers that has several drops and splashes on the way. Both are a lot of fun. There is also a swim up bar with a heated pool and three winding slides. Not to leave the kid’s out there are several play areas with mini slides.

I found Schlitterbahn Water Park to be one of the favorite spots from next summer. I love the ideas that they are bringing of FREE! You should not have to rent inertubes. You should not have to pay to park. These are essentials that Oceans of Fun will need to compete with. I honestly can say they are in trouble. The bathrooms were clean, the pools were well cared for, and the best part of all is you don’t have to climb 100 stairs at the end of the day to exit. The only problem I found at Schlitterbahn was an abundance of bees. All of there trash and recycling bins were surrounded with bees and wasps. Even nearby waters could not keep these insects away. But once they solve this problem and finish up the parks rides this place will be a family fun getaway. Yet another wonderful addition to Wyandotte County.

Tip#1: GUEST LIST. My guest list consisted of around 100 people. Make sure to invite those old friends, co-workers and of course extended family. If they live out of town and are close friends or family make sure to call them prior to sending invitations for any travel arrangements to be made. The birthday honorary will love to reconnect with these blasts from the past and it makes for an even better surprise. Plan for two guests for everyone invited, and do not forget the younger children that will be accompanying too (should the party permit).

Tip #2: LOCATION. Depending on the time of year and size of the party, there are many locations to host the event at. Outdoor shelters are available at many local parks at an affordable price. VFW buildings rent out as well. I chose to take the home route and hosted the party at my in-laws, which made it less predictable and having everything prepared days prior. The location and weather allowed for us to set up outdoor seating, volleyball and horseshoes.

Tip#3: INVITATIONS. Make your own. I used a program known as Macromedia Freehand (you can download a free trial). I opened a new document sizing it to 8×10 and scanned a photo of my husband as a baby and a recent image. Brightening the photos in Adobe Photoshop (also offering free trial download), making it easier to see the text on the invitations. I googled “30th birthday party invitations” and you will find tons of sayings for the invitations. After selecting the perfect one I inserted the text over the photos. I decided to keep images black & white and printed the invitations on white paper (thicker than the normal). Invitations were then tri-folded and sealed close with an OVER THE HILL sticker, stamped and mailed. No envelope needed. Mail these out at least 3 weeks in advance.

Tip#4 DECORATIONS. You can try Party City or Party America and find some generic decorations. I prefer making my own decorations, using supplies from FUN Wedding Services on Johnson Dr., West of I-35. They have tons of party goodies. I found balloons of all sizes, “30” garland and accessories to make centerpieces, a very inexpensive and personal way to decorate for the event. Pick your color scheme and the rest is easy.

Tip #5: FOOD. Now is time to decide what to serve. Will you have food? If so what kind? What about drinks? I decided to serve subway style sandwiches, catering being on the high end, we acquired our meat from Sam’s Club, bread from Price Chopper and prepared condiments on our own. Doing it yourself is much more affordable and just as tasty. Sandwiches were served alongside veggies, fruit, chips & cheese dip, baked beans and pasta salad. Make your menu up in advance and find time to go to the store in secrecy. You will also need to plan drinks. I choose to have a keg, a small one serving 100+drinks, along with Summer Beer (refreshing cocktail of lemonade, vodka & beer, blended with ice), soda and water. Of course you cannot forget the CAKE. I ordered a large sheet cake at Sam’s, serving about 90 people. I also ordered cupcakes for the young kids. Much easier to serve them cupcakes and they always find them “cooler” than cake.

Tip #6: SUPRIRSE. You are worried about who is going to spill the beans. I literally had to avoid my husband to make sure I would not spoil the surprise. Everyone managed to keep the secret and upon arrival he was completely shocked. Text messaging is the easiest and safest way to notify partygoers of the arrival. All cars were discreetly hidden and everyone was as quiet as a mouse when we arrived. Complete perfection.

Hopefully my tips will help you to plan your next surprise party. We had a great evening, hopefully you will too!