Dream Dinners Lawsuit Settled!

As some of you know, I previously owned a Dream Dinner's franchise, from 11/05 until 6/08.  The photo above is of my store at Lakeland Town Center, at Lakeland Hills in Auburn Washington.  If you haven't heard of it, Dream Dinners was the original meal assembly business that provided a way for you to put together a month's worth of family dinners, without having to buy all the ingredients, and messing up your kitchen. I had been a customer, and I loved the concept, and thought I could start a new career that seemed to be so profitable. Long story..... but, basically, it wasn't profitable for 80% of the stores, and after 3 years, I had to close. At the height of Dream Dinners glory days, they had about 280 stores across the country. I am hearing that they now have 109 stores open, and more will close when their store leases expire.

Several of the franchisees sued Dream Dinners in 2008, for 30 million dollars. I didn't join the lawsuit, because Dream Dinners hired a hot shot CEO named Darin Leonard in January 2008, and I thought he had what it would take to turn the company around. He didn't.

I read online tonight that the lawsuit has been settled: Franchise Times Nov/Dec 2010

I just want to say "Congratulations" to my fellow Dream Dinners franchise owners! I hope they got every penny they wanted, they had a strong case, and deserved it. Maybe I should have joined the lawsuit, but I'm fine with the choice I made, and I am happy to be out of the Dream Dinners company!

Three Stooges - Slowy i Turn

Slowly I Turned.....

I am the proud grandma of 3 adorable grandsons, Brad who is 28 months, his baby brother Bo, who just turned 1 year old, and August, who is 26 months old! Because I am lucky enough to not have to go to a regular job every day, I get to be fill in daycare for Brad and Bo, and regular daycare for August, every Wednesday. I thank my wonderful husband for providing a very comfortable life for us, and letting me spend my time doing what I want. That doesn't mean I play all the time, but.... work isn't work unless it feels like work, you know?

August and his dad, Jerry (Rick's oldest son), live in our basement apartment so we can help with August.  It was more critical when Jerry first got full custody when August was about 6 weeks old.  Now, we are extended family, and I feel like I am one of the important women helping to raise and shape August. I know that eventually, Jerry and August will be moving on to their own place, but I hope to be a constant in August's life, and remain close to him.

I absolutely LOVE Brad and Bo, and I cherish my time with them too! But, fortunately, Brad and Bo have a strong family with two people who are excellent parents and partners. Jana, (Rick's daughter) married a great guy, Jake who we love, and who has a very close family himself, so Brad and Bo have two very close extended families!  August was born into less fortunate circumstances, but Jerry is doing everything he can to make his life stable and secure. Rick and I are committed to helping with that goal, and August has really brought a true joy to our lives!   Okay.... I kinda went on too much there, but my heart is full!

August and I play alot together. I know I'm getting too old for it, and I am exhausted at the end of the day, but I love it. We have a few games we like to play, but our favorite is called, "Slowly I Turned....." Whenever August wants to play this game, he either says, "slowly turned" or "falls".  I don't really remember where I first heard this, but when August says "slowly turned" or "falls", no matter where I am, I yell, "Niagra Falls!!.....Slowly I turned, step by step, inch by inch,..." and I chase him and tickle him. Then I get up and walk away, and he does it again!  We keep going until I am tired... because he never gets tired!

I decided to look up on the internet to see where this came from. I thought I saw it in a movie or something, but I couldn't place it. I found 3 different ones, the 3 Stooges, Abbott and Costello, and I Love Lucy. I don't know which one was imprinted on my brain, but, I thought I would share it with you! Enjoy!

Slowly I Turned..... The 3 Stooges