Wednesday's Child: Jason

Jason is Wednesday's Child. He is a really great kid, but he's been put through a lot of stress. He had a placement that didn't work out, and so now he's back to square one.

His teachers say he is the smartest kid in his class. He loves science and the outdoors. He really liked the bunnies and the garden at the Rutledge Wilson Farm!

Please spread the word about Jason. He's a good kid.

Engaged: Erika and Mike!

Jim's youngest sibling, Erika, is getting married. I am so excited!

Erika is one of my favorite people. She's so sweet, and she always goes out of her way to help others. Of course, I really like Mike, too! They're both so much fun to be around...

Erika and Mike had their engagement pictures taken around the D.C. area after moving there recently. It's far from Missouri, but I'm so happy for them.

These two are such a cute couple... I can't wait to see them walk down the aisle. What a great looking pair!

Deal of the Day: McAlister's Free Tea!

DON'T GO THIRSTY!

Mark your calendars! You get free tea at McAlister's on July 29th. All. Day. Long. No purchase necessary. (Thanks, Marci, for the tip!)

I called them just to make sure.

P.S. Very few things are better than McAlister's sweet tea.

Springfield Locations:
210 West Sunshine Street
2445 North Kansas Expressway
1711 West Battlefield Road

Wednesday's Child: Robby

Watch Robby's imagination at work. We took him to The Creamery Arts Center in Springfield, and he ended up doing something he never thought he could do. I'm so proud! He's such a great kid, and I really think someone out there will see it, too.

Please continue to spread the word about Wednesday's Child. I'm not going to quit spreading the message...

The Cake Pop Company... on National TV

Set your DVRs... I hear The Cake Pop Company will be on The Today Show this Friday! It should be during the fourth hour with Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee.

I first met the owner, Deb, during a holiday visit to KSPR. I think it may have changed my life!



(YouTube version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaAV3ydwmo4)

Anyway, I love her cake pops. They are amazing. If you ever want to send me a sweet treat, order these! That's a hint! xo

A New KSPR Reporter: Jonah Kaplan

If you're a KSPR Facebook fan, you may know this already. KSPR has hired a new reporter for KSPR News This Morning. His name is Jonah Kaplan. He has reporting, sports, and anchoring experience. I think he'll start the same day I leave for vacation... but anyway, here's a peek!



IN OTHER KSPR NEWS: Chief Meteorologist Kevin Lighty re-signed his contract, so he will be here for a few more years. Also, Mike Scott has been promoted to sports director. He will replace Whitney when she leaves for a "day" job in August!

Wednesday's Child: Brandon and Travis ADOPTION IN PROGRESS!

This is wonderful news! I realized today that I haven't been sharing follow-ups on the blog. (I do, however, always post them on Facebook.)



(*The story is also posted on YouTube)

Brothers Brandon and Travis are in the process of getting adopted TOGETHER! I am elated. Here's their announcement.

In case you're counting, this makes three children now who are in the process of finding forever families. We started this project in May.

Joey has also been in the process of finding a forever home. Here is his announcement and his story!

Pic of the Day: Chester's Custom Air Conditioning

I always call sketchy vans "Chester" vans... if you need an explainer, email me.

But, the latest Chester van I got behind on the road... had custom air conditioning. Okay, it had an AC unit in the back window. Like the kind of AC unit you might put in a house.

I caught this pic on Sunshine Street... it definitely brightened my day! And, normally, I wouldn't try to be a distracted driver, but I HAD to snap this pic!

READ WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ON FACEBOOK!

I Camped Out at Einstein Bros... and Survived

I am elated and a little embarrassed at the same time (Should a grown woman really be camping out for free food??)

I camped out at Einstein Bros. Monday night for its grand opening! I have never done anything like that before. It just struck me as something fun to do.

The reason? Breakfast for a year for the first 100 people!

The funny thing was... earlier on Monday, I was telling KSPR's Mike Scott that I wanted to do it. He looked at me like I was crazy. Then around 10:20 p.m. (during the newscast), he texted me to let me know that there were close to 100 people already lined up and that I might not make it in time. HUH?

It was just funny to hear that he was standing in line since earlier in the day he thought it was such a ridiculous idea. While we were camping out, he told me he had a change of heart after thinking about what I said... He drove by and just stayed. He was still in his suit! ha!

Then, when he pulled up, he saw photographer Brian Mattson in line... then shortly after, my friend and KSPR producer Terra Haff and I went... then another photographer, Paul McReynolds and his brother, Herb, came out... it was such a funny, quirky thing to do!

Let me tell you something. If you camp out somewhere in the future, know that it can get crazy. And, people don't like cutters. Some people drove up and tried to cut and when they did, people in line yelled, "NO BAGEL, NO BAGEL, NO BAGEL!" It cracked me up. What a ridiculous amount of fun.

What Were They Thinking? Little Rock reporters Get Fired for Internet Videos

Arkansas Business is reporting that at least four KARK employees have been fired over profanity-laden videos that made their way to YouTube. Three worked on-air. The videos have since been taken off, but AB snagged them and posted them.

Read the full article here and click below to see the two videos.

WARNING. THE VIDEOS HAVE GRAPHIC LANGUAGE.

Here's part 1: http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid35648358001?bctid=110959421001

Here's part 2:

Dangerous Contacts? No way, says Michelle Phan

Long story short--

Good Morning America's JuJu Chang did a story on an eye contact crazy Tuesday morning...that she says was inspired by Lady Gaga. The story was about how circle lenses could be dangerous.



The story mentions Michelle Phan's tutorial on how to look like Lady Gaga-- check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHVOxhEpjp0

Tonight, Michelle Phan says circle lenses are NOT dangerous... here is exactly what she said on Facebook: "Circle Lens will not blind you. Just don't buy the cheap ones and like everything else in life, everything in moderation. There are millions of Circle Lens fans that's been wearing these lens on a daily basis for years that have not gone blind. Consult a doctor If you are worried. Other than that, I bet you no one that... made the negative statement has even worn or even touch circle lens. Lady Gaga did not make circle lens popular. This is old news and circle lens has been popular for 5-6 years. Obviously, the person who wrote the article did not do further research to find that one of the first circle lens was made by Acuvue called 1 Day Acuvue Define http://bit.ly/bQVPZZ"

A Newlywed's Fish Tale

Lindsey and Branton Harris had only been married a few months before getting the chance to be on a reality fishing show in beautiful Miami.

The show is called Bass 2 Billfish with Peter Miller. Miller is a professional angler and sponsored by Bass Pro (among others.)

With Peter, the couple had the chance to catch dolphin (yes, dolphin...but that can be explained...) and bass. They went deep sea fishing and caught bass in the everglades. The two also caught a glimpse of some other reality TV stars during their time in Miami.

You should read their story in my latest 417 Magazine article! As far as I know, it's not online, but you can find it in the current issue on the "You Tell Us" page.

Moonshine in the Ozarks

Yes, you can legally buy moonshine in the Ozarks! Jim Blansit owns Copper Run Distillery, and he's making a high-end moonshine (along with rum and vodka.) He is the FIRST KNOWN DISTILLER IN OUR AREA AND ONE OF A FEW IN MISSOURI.

I had the awesome experience of writing a story on him for 417 Magazine. You can read it here!