Bingo Gossip

09/30/2015

08/13/2015

August 2015 Editor's Note
By: Missy Kemp

"If Only I Knew Then, What I Know Now"

As promised, this note will be about Mr. Kemp. I’m struggling here, do I tell you about our history, our journey or go into detail about who David Kemp is, the dynamics of him as a person or why I love the s**t out of the guy.

I’ll give you a little taste of all three…

This isn’t the first time around for David and I. We dated for a short time when I was younger. We were friends, well, he was my brother’s friend. I’m five years younger than David, so when he came to my house to hang out, it was really to see my brother. I guess at some point, that all changed and he began having more than one reason to visit the Mouser house.

It was my senior year in high school when our friendship crossed into something more. We had both recently became single and in David’s case, he was hanging out with his buddies a lot more, which meant he was at my house a lot more. You have to understand, my house from the time I was 14 until I was in college was "the hangout". It was my brother and all his crazy friends. My parents allowed a lot of company because they would rather us be home, than running the streets. It wasn’t anything out of the ordinary to wake up in the morning and have my brother’s friends in the recliner, on the coach and even on the floor!
They’d all gather at the house and decide what to do for the night. Many nights, the party not only started there, it ended there.

Anyway, I had just returned to my parent’s house from hanging out with my friends. I was in the kitchen drinking a coke and in walks David Kemp through the back door of my house. He was looking for my brother. We were standing around the kitchen talking and waiting for my brother to get home. All of a sudden, out of nowhere, he lays one on me. I didn’t even see it coming!

At first, I’m thinking this is bad, you’re older than me, we are friends, I don’t like you like that, Stephen wouldn’t like this, my Dad would surely be pi**ed. Then, I started thinking…wow, this is nice, I kind of like this! That night, I saw David in a different light.

He took a step back and looked at me with a big grin on his face. He was wearing an orange and white striped Polo shirt and he smelled so good. He made a comment, that I really can’t remember because I was swept into a daze, but obviously it was to gain some sort of permission or get my approval, because all I remember are those thick lips and how great he smelled! After that night, David was at my house every single day when I came home from school.

So, in a few sentences I’ll get you up to speed. We dated, briefly. We tried to keep it a secret, but that didn’t work, we decided we just needed to be friends. We dated again, even more briefly. The timing was horrible, I was leaving for college, he didn’t know what he wanted, I was young and realistically it just wasn’t going to work.

Fast forward several years, David and I were still friends. We didn’t keep in contact very often, but I did see him occasionally and we never let things get weird between us. Hell, I even went to his first wedding. So, I’ve been to all of David’s weddings!

About a year after David had gone through his divorce, I get this random email from him with a subject line, "If Only I Knew Then, What I Know Now".
My heart dropped and I immediately got butterflies. I always kind of held onto feelings for David, but it was more of a history thing and we were such good friends, it was hard not to care for him. That email changed everything.

However, it didn’t change things that day. I had a boyfriend at the time and my response to David was pretty short. I didn’t feel right responding to his email since I was in a relationship, but I’m not going to lie, I went home that night and all I could do was think about David and all the what if’s.

A year later, I dug up that old email and wrote him back. I hit send and about 2 minutes later my phone was ringing. We went out for drinks that night and have been a couple, best friends, inseparable, partners in crime, disc golf buddies and so much more ever since.

I know that wasn’t a few sentences, but a good love story takes time. We definitely took our time finding our way back to each other. We both had our own journeys to take before we could take one together.

Now that I’m in tears reminiscing about the love of my life, let me help you get to know the guy by my side. He’s very misunderstood. First impression, he’s the strong, quiet type. He’s also extremely difficult to read, so don’t even try. It takes years of practice. He seems serious when you first meet him, and I guarantee you he can be very serious, but he’s most often not serious AT ALL.

He’s smarter than me, which is good. I have to stay on my toes. Don’t argue with the man, you’ll lose and you’ll start to believe your points are no longer valid, then, realize later they were valid, he just argues better than you.

Living with David is very easy. He is giving in so many ways, but there are a few things he gives immensely and endlessly. Love…David loves me, I can feel it, I can see it, I hear it and I’ve never been more certain about anything. He makes me feel so loved, every day. Time…David is present. He’s home all the time, he’s a husband all the time, he’s a Dad all the time. Protection…David watches over us. A bit of a worry wart and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Laughter…David is VERY funny. In fact, he is hilarious. Most people who know him casually, don’t realize how comical he can be. It’s his best kept secret. If you ask him, he’ll deny it. Some of my best memories are laughing with David.

He’s a perfectionist, he’s assertive, he exceeds and succeeds at everything he does, he’s confident, he’s thoughtful, he’s honest, he speaks and eats faster than anyone you’ve ever met, he dresses well, no one wears a baseball cap better than him, he buys a lot of tennis shoes, but he works hard and is deserving. He loves his family, he supports us in everything we do and he always had our back. He absolutely loves back scratches and foot rubs. He absolutely dislikes surprises and traffic jams, he also can’t stand waiting to hear news – good or bad, and the best news of all, he’s mine.

The thing I love and appreciate most about him...he doesn’t try to change me. He loves me for exactly who and what I am. I can be me 100%, and there’s no judgement, no expectation. He takes me at my best and my worst. Same for him, I love him as he is.

I’ve known David since I was 14 and I’ve been his wife for almost 6 years. Through the years I’ve learned so much from him. How important it is to take up for myself and speak my mind. I’ve learned to be more assertive, to not fear confrontation or waste time with unnecessary guilt. Most importantly – his favorite advice to anyone, remembering to never sweat the small stuff.

He’s right, it’s not worth it!
Best thing I ever did was marry David Kemp, he makes life so much sweeter. I look forward to a forever with someone that brings such happiness to my life. I look forward to OUR life.

Life is short, daub the card and don’t sweat the small stuff!

07/20/2015

Latest Editor's Note. Better late, than never!
By: Missy Kemp

I’m not her Mom, I’m her Missy

I’m on a roll here writing about the people in my life. I think it started with my mom. A tribute to her, then a tribute to Dad followed. Next up, my B-E-A-utiful step-daughter, Loren Kemp. I’m slowly making my way through the FAM and now that I’ve started, I feel like I can’t stop until everyone has their own note. This note was a toss-up between Loren and my husband, David. I was torn between who to write about first, so it all came down to what would have occurred, had I written about David in this issue. The paper would come out and she’d realize I’d wrote my note about Daddy. I’m willing to bet a large amount of money she would say, “Hey! What about me?” Then, I would say something along the lines of, “Don’t worry, I’m writing about you in the next issue.” She would then pester me for a whole month asking me questions about what I’m going to write about and when I’m going to work on it and when it will be done and Missy this and Missy that and Missy, Missy, Missy! I’m saving myself a lot of time not having to give explanations. Plus, this will be a nice surprise for her.
I’ve mentioned my step-daughter quite a bit, dropping her name here and there, but there hasn’t been a note devoted to the brown-eyed cutie. It’s only fair to write about her. She’s probably taught me as much as I’ve taught her.

It’s safe to say I was never a big fan of children, especially children I didn’t know. Before you let that sink in and think I’m a mean person, hear me out.

I wasn’t around a lot of babies and children who were younger than me growing up. I didn’t have younger siblings and all of my cousins were older than me. Simply put, I wasn’t exposed to young kids very often. When I was a young teen, my cousin offered me a baby sitting job...job from hell was more like it. I lasted one week. Excuse my language, but that was some bulls**t!

That kid did nothing but cry and p**p. I couldn’t do anything but tend to the baby. She didn’t nap or relax or anything that offered a few moments of free time to do things like take a shower, make myself something to eat or watch music videos on MTV. It was awful! It was also the best dose of birth control for a kid my age. I was literally scarred for life.

Anyway, when I met Loren it was love at first sight. I had seen her a couple times when she was a baby because David and I had been friends for years, but there was no way she could have remembered me. I’m not sure if David gave her a speech before I arrived at their house that day or what, but she took to me instantly.

I arrived at their house to meet her for the first time and I was very nervous. At that point in my life I had never had the urge to have children, I was career focused and honestly, I thought I’d get that “mommy urge” when I was a little older or after I got married…and to be honest up until David and I started dating I hadn’t had the “marriage urge” either.

David and I had been dating for about a month, so I had no choice, but to meet Loren. I was in love with her Dad and had to see what this kid business was all about.

When I rang the doorbell that day a little face covered in strawberry blonde curls peeked at me through the window. She was ecstatic! She was a ball of fire, covered in energy and she was busting at the seams waiting on David to open the door. The door opened, she pushed past David and jumped up into my arms without warning and welcomed me with the biggest hug I’d ever had.

She wrapped her tiny little arms around my neck and leaned back so she could look me in the face. She smiled and giggled, then giggled some more. She didn’t have words, just pure joy
written all over her face. I loved her immediately and judging by the grip she had on my neck, she loved me too.

She was three at the time and has been glued to my hip ever since, when she’s at our house anyway. She’s 10 now (almost 11 if you ask her) and although she’s creeping up on the pre-teen years, she still thinks I’m cool. I’m trying to make sure it stays that way. I try to recall what my mom did when I was that age, you know, approaching the raging hormones era and “I’m a teen and I know everything” phase. I don’t recall giving my mom a lot of crap, so hopefully I’ve learned a thing or two from her. I’m early, but it’s coming and I want to be prepared.

I try really hard to keep the lines of communication WIDE OPEN. I never turn down a topic of discussion or a question. If she’s in the mood to talk and let it out, I try very hard to just sit back and listen and hopefully that will create comfort, so she can feel like she can come to me for anything. Her favorite place to open up and talk about her day is while I’m in the shower. She likes to climb on top of the bath tub and stand over the shower stall and talk. Occasionally, I think this has to be weird; she’s popping her head over the shower, while I’m showering! On the other hand, I think, we’re an open family - always have been, we’re both girls and she is ready to gush about her day…let it rip, girl!

Surely I won’t be the only person she turns to and probably not the first. Loren has an amazing mother who she absolutely adores and an equally amazing father who she shares a deep bond with, so between all of us (can’t forget step-dad and grandparents) she is going to have lots of support and plenty of ears.

A guest at our wedding told me I was going to be a significant part of Loren’s life. I didn’t realize it at the time and at that point I was still learning my boundaries as a soon to be step-parent, so it was a lot to grasp. That person (who I can’t recall said that to me) was absolutely right. It wasn’t long before I took on a “mommy like” role. I was doing bath time, meal time, school drop-offs and pickups, tuck-ins, bedtime reading and goodnight kisses. I was Band-Aid applier, clothes picker outer, snot wiper, throw-up cleaner upper (David for some reason “can’t” do this – yeah right), toy buyer, birthday planner, homework helper and life lesson teacher. I became her Missy.

People have always asked David and I when we are going to have kids. At first, we always replied, “We don’t know?” Then, it became obvious we were very happy with our life and to put it plainly, weren’t interested in changing it. We have plans that involve lots of travel, goals that involve our careers and a life that we like exactly the way it is. Loren has always been and always will be the child for me.

Loren has always been enough for me. I love her like she is mine, I treat her like she is mine. I care for her, nurture her, support her, teach her, encourage her and I’m tough on her, just like I would a child that came from me. You don’t have to physically give birth to a child to love and care for them.

Let me tell you about Loren. This girl is a caregiver. If you are sick or injured choose Loren to be your nurse, she’s going to be there for you and she gives 110%. She is so caring and loving when it comes to her family and even more so when they need a little extra attention.

She is extremely observant and has a memory like an elephant. She’s funny, but doesn’t know it and is too smart for her own good. She is brave, beautiful and in the past year has become a big sister. Her mom has two little ones at home and I’ve never seen a child take on a big sister role so well. She nurtures, teaches and creates memories with her two little sisters. They are very lucky to have her as an example and one day role model.

Loren has an impeccable sense of style. Don’t be surprised if you see her on Fashion Police or a wardrobe consultant for the stars someday. She has an eye for what looks good and she’s not afraid to let it be known. She’s also on her way to being a pretty good little chef and don’t even try to test her rainbow looming skills, she’ll weave you a whole arm full of bracelets before you know it!

Loren Kemp is the little nugget that walked into my life somewhat unexpectedly and taught me two very important things in life: patience and love.

She reminds me daily of what’s important, she helps me realize I need to slow down (still working on this) and she also helps me to be a better person. The best part, she doesn’t even know it. By wanting the best for her and hoping she turns into the best person she can be, I try really hard to be the best person I can be for her. Everything I do is an example for her.

I always talk about my Dad being my #1 fan. Loren gives him a run for his money. That girl is one of my best friends, greatest supporters and if Daddy holds me down and tickles me…she only participates for a few seconds before trying to save me.

Life is short, daub the card and if you’re a proud step-parent I’m sending you hugs, high fives and fits bumps.