jb2&crew

Sibling LoVe

2011-05-19T07:02:00.000-07:00

These were the pics that I took of the kids at the Historic Antebellum home, Bellevue in LaGrange. I used them for the kids Easter cards...

Easter Pics

2011-05-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

I can't BELIEVE how long it has been since I posted! This is the latest pic of the clan from Easter!

Sissy

2010-08-05T18:08:00.001-07:00

I can't thank this girl enough for saying 'Daddy, Why don't you marry Jenn? How cool would it be to have 2 Dads & 2 moms!?' Bless here for making me a step-mother, a job I had no credentials for, but embraced with a vengeance! From our beginnings with Barbie, to now Jonas Bros & hip hop, I love this girl as she is part of my soul! Happy Birthday Sissy!

It's Been Awhile...

2010-07-26T18:19:00.000-07:00

Sorry it's been awhile, but life interuptis... We've been having a great summer - Sissy got to stay w us for a week & we went to the beach! It was Lil Misses 1st time & Lil Man barely remembered the 1st one (at age 1) - Everyone had a great time, but it's a whole 'nother thing taking a family of 5, then just the 2 of us!

Easter Pics

2010-04-24T15:22:00.000-07:00

Lil Misses 6mos pic happened to coinside with Easter!

I think she knows how to work the camera, don't you? Time sure flies!Things that make ya go Hmmmmm....
That girl LOVES her big brother!

My brother's new role - DAD!

2010-04-24T15:19:00.000-07:00

I thought this was a great pic of my brother, his wife & new baby, G-man (see previous post). They're at the dog park & G is wearing the Cubs outfit I sent him! I just love those happy smiles!

G Man

2010-03-24T19:33:00.000-07:00

My brother & his wife welcomed this precious little bundle into the world last night! He looks like such a little cuddler! I can't wait to meet & snuggle him! I also still can't believe my 'little' brother is a Daddy! Love y'all!

Ready for Easter

2010-03-21T15:29:00.001-07:00

Lil Miss tried on her Easter dress before we went for her 6mos pics & to meet the Bunny! Lil Man actually did better then I thought he would...

Blessings

2010-03-18T18:28:00.000-07:00

May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow - mine do!

Yummy!

2010-03-05T20:58:00.000-08:00

Lil Miss just started on cereal

& looks pretty excited about it!

Snow Days

2010-02-23T19:37:00.001-08:00

We usually get snow once a year in the deep South -

these were some of our favorite pics... This was actually taken of Sissy in Tennessee & sent to us - I just loved it!
Don't they look just thrilled?
Lil Miss actually was having a good time....

Even when her brother dumped snow on her!

& of course Jackie dog had a ball!

Cousins and 3mos

2010-02-06T10:38:00.001-08:00

Sorry it's been awhile since I posted! The holidays were hectic & then I got a consulting job at my old company! This was a photo shoot we had with all the Booker kids over the holidays - it was like hearding cats crazy! There's our 3, the both of Dave's brother's kids... I can't wait to send this to their great-grandmother, Dot! Of course, I had to have one of our 3 - Lil man wasn't the most coorperative, you can even see a tear in his eye...

These are some of Lil Misses 3mos pics - These feature her in the christining gown my mother 1st wore 60 years ago & the rest of the family thereafter... I have it framed with the pics of both my kids wearing it... it very special to me

Christmas Magic

2009-12-26T13:35:00.000-08:00

Some images from Christmas...

Lil Man on his new trike, Lil Miss is the best present under the tree this year~

& Jackie dog even got some frisbees from the man in red!

Lil man taking the trike for a spin...
& Lil Miss tries out her new playmat - cheese!

Christmas Parade

2009-12-17T15:05:00.000-08:00

Brrrr! It was a chilly night at the Downtown Christmas parade!

Lil Miss

2009-12-05T11:56:00.001-08:00

I decided one afternoon to have a photo shoot with Lil Miss & these are 2 of my favorites!

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-29T15:29:00.000-08:00

We have alot to be thankful for this year - the arrival of Lil Miss, who is such a sweet little girl & loves to be cuddled! Lil Man, who loves to give kisses & Sissy, our teenager in training!

House Divided

2009-11-14T12:06:00.000-08:00

Mama's Boy & Daddy's Girl!

Lil Black Dress

2009-11-09T14:48:00.000-08:00

Every girl needs one & that's what her shirt says 'This is my Little black dress'

Happy Halloween/Birthday

2009-11-01T15:57:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to my wonderful Mother - also known as Grandma Mell or as my son, putting his own spin on it, calls her Moe. I could talk about all her years of dealing with raising a daughter & the trials of such, but right now at the forefront of my mind is her invaluable dedication to me & my family during the birth of my 2nd child, Lil Miss. Having been admitted to the hospital 5 weeks before my due date, Mom was there every minute (I did let her go home to sleep). While she was in charge of me, my husband took care of Lil Man, but she still found time to go check on him, clean my house, start laundry & have the carpets cleaned! She became such a fixture at the hospital, the nurses said she should be hired to decorate rooms, after making mine so homey... & then did end up spending the night after I was readmitted with blood pressure complications... I could go on & on, but that's it in a nutshell - I can never thank her enough, or tell her I love her enough... love you mom! Halloween was pretty much rained out, so I was glad we went to 1st Methodist's Fall Festival a couple of days beforehand. Ironically when folks asked me how old Lil Miss was & I said '5 weeks', I also had to tell them that the day (the 28th) was actually her due date! Lil Man was Buzz Lightyear & Miss was a Lil Leopard & she won the best infant costume!

This was a pose I used for the kids Halloween cards - I can't believe she fit in the pumpkin!

I LOVE this picture!

Not Jealous

2009-10-17T10:09:00.000-07:00

No, he's not jealous, he just wanted to go for a swing too ;)

Welcome Lil Miss

2009-10-03T12:16:00.000-07:00

We had a big surprise this month! Lil Miss arrived early! Although, I can't really say it's her fault... my BP was out of control & I developed pre-eclampsia. So, to help the both of us, we had a c-section on Sept. 21st - this made her about 5 weeks early, but after more testing, she seemed even younger, possibly 7 weeks early! She needed extra oxygen & TLC for a few days - which was really tough on us. Also sometimes when born that early, babies don't like to be touched - so that was extremely tough! & as she was on the mend, my situation went downhill with the BP. The condition usually passes after delivery, but mine did not. I actually had to be readmitted for treatment & was quiet scared. Everyone is now home & I'm so thankful to have everyone under one roof. Lil Miss is doing great & my BP seems to be leveling off - thanks to everyone for their thoughts, prayers & support.

Chicago - My kinda town!

2009-08-28T09:27:00.001-07:00

We recently were able to attend my cousin/Godchild Kimmee's wedding in Chicago! The ceremony was beautiful & of course having a family reunion is alway a bonus! My poor legs/feet were so swollen that I had to wear my flip-flops to the wedding! At least they were black :D Below is our visit to Grams' house (my maternal grandmother). She enjoyed seeing the kids & the kids loved the Jockey outside - which has been around longer then I have! K was telling us that he was her Prince & giving him kisses (like her mom used to)....

A visit to the Brookfield Zoo was also on the agenda - Lil man posed on the Lion at the entrance, just like I did at his age! We loved the Dinosaur exhibit - at least he did until they moved & roared! & I still can't believe I mounted that tiger on the merry-go-round!

Navy Pier was our last day - Thomas the Train ride got FIVE visits from Lil man! The Children's Museum was also a big hit with the kids - making pizzas, fishing, playing in treehouses, changing tires - whew! Wears me out all over again! A few micellaneous - Lil man lovin' on the baby belly & his time on the putt-putt course! When golfing, he'd knock the heck out of it & then pick up the ball & place it next to the cup to put it in - then, he'd yell - 'I DID IT!'

A great visit in all & thanks to our benefactors, mom & Payne :D

Belated Birthday Girl

2009-08-06T14:43:00.000-07:00

This sweet girl made me a step-mother 4 years ago - literally. She was the one who one night turned to her dad & said 'Are you gonna marry Jenn or what?' Needless to say, both of us were quite shocked! She then added 'Cause that would be great, then I'd have 2 moms & 2 dads'. Dave said it really made him think that she was onto something - he proposed shortly after that!
I'm glad she & I get along so well - we love movies, books, dolls, fashion, cooking, you name it! She's also a great help with her little brother (& me). Not only does she have all these great qualities, but she's intelligent too - what a package! Happy birthday (yesterday) sweetie!

Close Shave

2009-08-04T13:51:00.000-07:00

While Mommy was taking a shower, Lil man decided he'd be Daddy & 'shave'. Needless to say, there was a big scream & lots of blood! As I applied peroxide, he kept saying 'bad Daddy' (way not to take responsibility son) - he did love the Nemo tattoo band-aid though... Mommy reinstalled the kid proof door thingy-ma-bobs today...

Racing to Bed

2009-07-22T12:46:00.000-07:00

At least, we hope that's what the reults will be! We got Lil man this toddler bed, 1. the crib will be free for Boo & 2. Mommy can have her own bed as well ~ so far, so good!

Summer Belly LoVe

2009-07-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

Lil man loves mama's baby belly - he usually says 'baby's hot',

but I like when he says 'Mama's hot' ;)

Sibling LoVe

2009-07-05T11:01:00.000-07:00

Lil man had a great time during his Sissy's visit this week.

Here they are making kabobs, a favorite cook-out pasttime during summer visits. Another favorite pasttime is reading books! Sissy read 3 books every night! His favorite from the library right now is Flying & we also heard author Pete Litwin perform his book 'Pete the Cat, I love My White Shoes' at the library this week, so we got a copy for home.

Lil Man's Birthday #2

2009-07-02T15:50:00.000-07:00

2 years ago today, this Lil man entered my life & changed it forever! Such a sweet natured boy & very precocious (if I do say so myself) - he amazes me everyday & I can't wait to see what he does next! I'm truely blessed!

Here is his birthday cake - my 1st atempt at a 'creative' cake & it didn't turn out so bad (if I also say so myself) - For those not 'in the know', this is Mack from the movie CARS - Lil man LOVES him & loved his cake! (red velvet with butter cream frosting).

Happy Birthday to YOU!!!

YUM!!!

For his 'actual' birthday, we all ventured to the GA Aquarium - everyone had a blast (as long as we stayed away from the alligators!)

Father's Day & Birthday!

2009-06-21T07:50:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day to my dad - this is him 'back in the day' - I recently found this pic & was able to scan it onto a card for him - he loved it!This is us at my wedding... I have to give dad credit for trying to teach me to play ball (hopeless), teaching me my 1st dirty joke (Custer's Last Stand - I still remember it to this day), with my grandfather also teaching me my 1st swear words & the value of fixing/doing things yourself - & always being there when I need him...
To the other dad in my life - my hubby - Dad to 2.5 - Sissy, Lil Man & soon-to-be Boo! Bet he never thought 5 years ago, he'd be married, 40(ish ;) & with 3 kids! It's fun (& interesting) to watch him teach the kids things everyday - of course golf is at the top of the list... & football season is right around the corner...

& guess what? It's MY birthday today too! Yep, 29 again - lol - Little did I know that I'd be 40(ish), married, with 3 kids either ;) This has been a crazy past year, with being unemployed for the 1st time since high school, but it has given me a great opportunity to spend time with my son & make him a 'real' Mama's boy ;) So, you can't look back on that as a bad thing, can you? It will be interesting to see what happens when the new baby arrives...

Pool Day

2009-06-15T07:15:00.000-07:00

Floating in the pool today, Lil Man patted my belly & said 'baby swimming!' Awwww....

Daddy also put some gel in his hair to make him look 'like daddy' - the results!

It's a ....

2009-06-11T11:59:00.000-07:00

GIRL!!! Can you believe they do these 3D ultrasounds at Dr. Miller's office now?!?! The little one was quite modest & kept her legs tightly together, but the technician felt sure the baby is a SHE! We also were'nt able to get a face shot in the 3D because she was facing my back, but at least we got this profile - at 20 weeks! Halfway there!

Bathing Beauties

2009-05-31T10:59:00.001-07:00

Taking full advantage of the pool is my Lil man & 2 of his favorite girls, the Pressleys! He's learning to keep his water wings on, put on the inner tube & 'jump' off the top step into the water & wiggle furiously to spin himself... everyone slept well last night...

Spitting image

2009-05-25T09:36:00.000-07:00

Think this is the Lil man? Think again! Look at the date on the side - yep, it's ME at 4! Scary huh?

Anniversary

2009-05-21T13:49:00.000-07:00

4 years ago, I married my best friend - the guy who can one minute make me pull my hair out & the next, laugh my head off! Grilling out, dining out, laying out by the pool, drinking a good glass of wine or having friends over are many of the things we like to do together. Thanks honey for us never having a dull moment - to say the least... also for giving me a chance to be a step-mother to a beautiful, intelligent girl & mom to a wonderful little boy - not to mention having another on the way! Happy Anniversary to us!

Mother's Day Part 2

2009-05-11T08:31:00.001-07:00

I tried to post this on Mother's Day & was having some issues.... so here it is, today!
Of course I have to mention my own mother - the lady that took me up my 1st tree - taught me patience is a virtue (I'm still working on that one) - you can catch more flies with honey - never burn your bridges - to always write thank-you notes - that you're always a mother, no matter how old your child is - that not everyone is as etiquette savy as we are & try not to judge them for it... ;) I could go on... I am always in awe of how she carries herself & how she thinks of everyone before herself - She is not only an amazing mom & example, but an inspiration. Love you mom!

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T17:40:00.000-07:00

We had a fun filled Mother's Day weekend! We started the weekend with a Family Day picnic at Hills & Dales Estate. Lil man liked to look at the horses, but not ride them - & he was REALLY surprised when one sneezed in his face! This is on our tour of the gardens, he LOVES to see water!

Next stop was church with Grandma Mell (aka Moe) & then to our favorite Mexican buffet at Los Nopales. Another stop at the water fountain too ;)

Then, I got to do my favorite pasttime, go to the movies with mom & see a total chick-flick 'Ghosts of Girlfriends Past' while Lil Man hung out with daddy at home. When I got back, I had this artwork waiting for me! Awwww.... love my guys too...

Chef BOY-ar-dee

2009-05-03T08:56:00.000-07:00

After a week of being sick & barely eating, Lil man attacked his ravioli with a vengence last night! He's also got a habit of running his fingers through his hair, so he's also sporting a red, half-mohawk (I hope that's not a view to the future!)

Earth Day 2009

2009-04-22T17:40:00.000-07:00

Happy Earth Day 2009! Lil man & I spent the day in the yard, planting! He LOVED using the little spade he called 'my shovel' & digging in the dirt! Of course we both have runny noses & such from our allergies now too... sigh...

Peggy

2009-04-18T09:19:00.001-07:00

June 5, 1944-April 14, 2009
My mother-in-law, Peggy Daniell Booker passed away this week after a long battle with emphysema. A mother to 3 boys (each born 6yrs apart)was obviously a testosterone filled home, but she doted on each of them in a different way. She was extremely close to her mother, Dot, who lived with her & her husband, Davis. She was proud of her 4 grand-children & looking forward to #5! Her love of flowers & jewelry was also well known. We are all glad she is at peace, but will also miss her... rest in peace Peggy...

Easter Siblings

2009-04-13T10:41:00.000-07:00

Back to Bellvue for some Easter pics with Sissy! The weather was much better this time! I just LOVE to look on Lil man's face in this one!

It almost reminds me of my brother's expressions at that age...

Early Easter - Bellvue

2009-04-10T16:45:00.000-07:00

This was an impromptu photo shoot because Lil Man would have nothing to do with the Easter Bunny! Oh, he waved & told him 'Hi!', but as far as getting on his lap? I've never felt a vice grip any better! It would have been a shame to waste this cutey outfit, so, on to Bellvue which was all fine & dandy until the storm winds blew in & the historic home's shutters knocked my child out! Needless to say, we got out of there quickly! No harm, no foul...

Egg Huntin' Boy!

2009-04-09T10:43:00.001-07:00

This boy was an Easter Egg hunting fiend!

As soon as he saw the 1st egg & knew what to do, he was unstopable! Here he is comparing eggs with one of his girlfriends - Kylie Bell Lasher...

Meet Boo

2009-04-04T07:35:00.000-07:00

Why the name Boo? Cause this little one is due on Halloween! Not to mention, it's existance was quite a surprise too - BOO!

Music Fest 09

2009-03-28T08:02:00.001-07:00

This was Little Man's 1st Downtown Music Fest & he had a ball! There were tents set up, in case of rain, but luckily, not a drop last night! 'Whiskey Bent' was the band on the street & all the restaurants had specials & bands too. Lil man ran into one of his school girlfriends & they held hands, chased each other & danced their booties off! It was really cute! Needless to say, I had a pooped boy on the way home...

Charity Ball 09

2009-03-22T17:37:00.001-07:00

My sweetie & me!
Marilyn & I have been attending these things 4ever & always have to get a picture!

St. Patty's on the Square

2009-03-18T14:33:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful day on the Square with my favorite kids!

The water looked really cool green - I'm glad the KIDS didn't turn green!

My Lil Leprechaun

2009-03-17T06:28:00.000-07:00

Doesn't he look like a mischievous sprite?

Papa

2009-03-15T14:25:00.001-07:00

March 14th was my Papa's (Marshall Hartelius) birthday - this was the man that taught me that you can fix or build anything, if you put your mind to it; to love frozen grapes & built me my 1st amazing dollhouse! He also had a wicked sense of humor & would embarass you in a heartbeat. He never missed an evening without a dry martini - so much so that we kids would fight over his olives & renamed it a 'Hartini'. Miss you Papa...

Sunny Day!

2009-03-10T11:38:00.001-07:00

What a difference a week makes! Last week, we were building snowmen & now this! Washing cars, reading books in the sun & chillin' on the hammock! What a great day! (& yes, Grandma, Mommy put sunscreen on me ;)

Snow Day!

2009-03-02T09:01:00.000-08:00

We're lucky if we get 1 day of snow a year & yesterday was it! Lil Man loved running around in it, trying to make snowballs & making a snowman...

My New Site

2009-02-26T12:34:00.000-08:00

It's a work in process, so be kind http://jb2studios.blogspot.com/

I've decided that while still on the job hunt, I'm going to start putting my creative services to use for others! I've just finished making an online scrapbook for my cousin - & I've got to figure out how to put examples of those on the site... but I can also do montages, logos, etc...

Like Father, Like Son

2009-02-24T09:55:00.001-08:00

Notice the professionalism - 2 hands, all focused -

AND, he even put down his sippy cup to concentrate

My Valentines

2009-02-16T10:09:00.000-08:00

My sweet Valentines - DWB Jr & III

The Marker Incident

2009-02-06T12:01:00.000-08:00

This is what happens when you leave Daddy & the Lil Man alone with a marker in the room:

*Daddy - 'I saw him with the marker & didn't think anything about it - the next thing I knew, it was too late.'

Um, ya think?

Valentine

2009-02-04T11:59:00.000-08:00

This was the picture I took of Lil Man to send to his relatives for Valentines - & for his teachers too. Instead of a bear skin rug, he choose to include his 'Bopsie' :D

This was his Valentine project at school. Heart cutouts that the kids placed on pink paper - sorry the scanner added some pyschelic elements of it's own:

Grams

2009-01-31T09:39:00.000-08:00

I should have posted this yesterday, on my Grams' actual birthday, but better late then never. I sent her a quote I found that she loved 'Age is but a number & mine is unlisted' by unknown - we didn't mention her age when I talked to her, but shhhh, it's one with a zero. Love you Grams.

Uncle Ike

2009-01-30T10:19:00.000-08:00

I love this picture. It was taken on one of our Friday night cookouts, which Ike has been joining us for since Dave & I got married (before that, my brother & I hosted on Sundays). We call him Uncle Ike now, except when Trae tries to say it, it sounds more like 'Itch' - haha

Bopsie

2009-01-27T09:31:00.000-08:00

We made it without having a pacifer problem, but Lil man has taken to this little white blanket & calls it 'Bopsie' - why? I have no idea...

Morning sleepy-head with bopsie:
the goal now is to at least get him to leave it in the bed in the morning, instead of turning into 'Linus'...
Wish me luck!

Moe

2009-01-23T10:57:00.000-08:00

My mother sent this story in an email to the JaJa's - it was so cute, I had to share:*Thought I'd better give you guys a smile: Trae was playing with the Fisher Price "Family" car and it had a dad, mom, and little boy in it. He told me the man was "Daddy" and the woman was "Mommy." When I told him the little boy was him, he called him "Moe."
Lauren was there and laughed, so then (of course) he kept saying "Moe" when he pointed to the boy doll or to a photo of himself. The more she laughed, the more he said it.
After he left, she and I were curled up on the couch with our books and she said she had a good time and enjoyed being with Moe. LOL*

These boots are made for stomping

2009-01-20T09:34:00.000-08:00

Lil man got these boots for Christmas from his Uncle Russell, Aunt Lauren & cousin, Ava - he wasn't sure what to think about them at 1st, but really warmed up to them - he calls them his 'bootz' - & he really needs warm feet right now - brrrrr!

My Sweet Godchildren

2009-01-14T11:32:00.000-08:00

I have the privaledge of being Godmother to these sweet little girls - Kallie (3) & Abbie (1) - We were supposed to go to Baltimore for Abbie's 1st birthday & naming ceremony, but had to cancel because of my job situation - a real bummer. At least Kallie still remembers her cousin 'Trae Trae' & still talks about him :D Lysh is my 1st cousin & more like a sister - We can't wait to see them in the Fall...

Sissy

2009-01-05T18:39:00.000-08:00

My son is in love with another woman - his Sissy!

They got to spend alot of quality time together this past week & he literally would wake up asking for 'Sissy'. I thought it was so cute they both got football jerseys & you can see her teaching him to play foosball with cousin Matthew...Of course, it broke his heart (& mine for him) when she left today...

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T13:36:00.000-08:00

Can you believe this was just a year ago?

1st Haircut

2008-12-30T20:11:00.000-08:00

Lil man got his 1st haircut today - courtesy Carla Collins of Salon Bella. She actually said he was the best behaved 1st haircut she's had!

Of course, I'm feeling like he's not a baby anymore, but a lil man!

The Merry-Go-Round

2008-12-26T19:43:00.000-08:00

Marilyn & I took the boys to the Valley to ride the Christmas Merry-Go-Round, they were both less then thrilled with the horses - note Lil Man's face - & I wasn't so crazy about going around in circles either :/ but they had fun in Santa's house & on the playground - despite the chilly weather!

Say CHEESE

2008-12-22T18:39:00.001-08:00

I had to share this pic - Lil man insisted on helping me grate some cheese - of course, most of it ended up in his lap, but the thought of him becoming a master Chef... well, I'll try not to get ahead of myself...

Christmas Cards

2008-12-19T12:14:00.000-08:00

These are a few of my favorite things - er, PEOPLE! I love to receive cards every year & see how families are growing up! This year (& alittle time on my hands) I decided to scan them in & save them as a collage (check out Shutterfly Studio, it's GREAT!) These are the cards I've received thus far!

& this is the one I sent out from us:

Sweet Cousins

2008-12-18T10:22:00.001-08:00

I thought this photo was so cute of Trae with his cousin, Ava. You would have never known they haven't seen each other in months - they were fast friends!

Future Quarterback?

2008-12-15T10:22:00.000-08:00

Dave went to the Falcons game yesterday & got the Lil Man his 1st Falcons tee - with the Quarterback's number. I don't know who was more proud, the giver or the receiver...
He's also shown here, appreciating the holiday calender Grandma Mell made him last year...

Choo Choo

2008-12-08T14:01:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure if you all know who Thomas the train is, but he really creeps me out - he's got these big, bug eyes & it's just something about him... well, guess who is all about trains & Thomas now? Yup, Lil man! Here he is with the Thomas engineer cap his grandparents got him & one of the Christmas trains (that are now all destroyed)... choo choo!

Black Friday

2008-12-06T16:51:00.000-08:00

I needed this today - my cool lil man in a shirt about his favorite girl!

Many of you have probably heard, but yesterday was a VERY tough day for me. After 20 years at Milliken , I was part of a large layoff. To say this was a shock is to say the least. I grew up with the Milliken logo tattooed to my forehead & had the blood running through my veins. I loved what I did, lived, slept & breathed, not to mention whole heatedly believed in Roger Milliken, 100%. With the new regime & economy, I was unsure, but still had faith in my dedication, abilities & Milliken family. I won't go on now, as I'm still in the shocked & extremely hurt phase & in the process of grieving. Perhaps it's my extended family that I'm really going to miss the most, who knows... I keep telling myself that when one door closes, another opens - it's just making myself believe that...
Thanks to all who have called & wrote - even though you don't 'know what to say', it's the thought that counts & it really does mean alot...

Here Comes Santa Claus

2008-12-04T17:58:00.000-08:00

It really wasn't as cold as last year, but we still enjoyed snuggling up & watching everything at the parade!

Lock 'Em Up!

2008-12-03T16:20:00.001-08:00

Deck the Halls!

2008-11-29T17:47:00.000-08:00

If you know me, you know I love Christmas decorations. This year, I have put up 3 trees, deocrated the ficus in the kitchen, put out the Christmas village & decked out the mantle! So, that being said, I figured I had to deck out the blog as well! I found the link thanks to Nancy - hope y'all enjoy it! Of course I had to take a pic of the Lil man by the miscellaneous tree in the den... Tis the season!

Happy Bday Hubby!

2008-11-28T18:37:00.001-08:00

Food, fun , fellowship & leftover turkey for Dave's 41st! Dave, Ike (bkg) - John, Stev & Coach (front)

Did you EVER think you'd see the day?

2008-11-25T19:47:00.000-08:00

That my wine rack would be replaced with Puffs?!?!
Of course, please don't worry too much, there's always a stash somewhere - probably closest to the opener ;)

The Man in the Red Suit

2008-11-24T10:02:00.000-08:00

Lil man got to see one of Santa's helpers this weekend & he was not to crazy about it. At least he's not screaming in the pic though ;)

Finally, Halloween

2008-11-19T19:06:00.000-08:00

Grandma Mell finally sent us the Halloween pics (my camera died - previous post) - Lil Man was Pooh bear as a Honey Bee - I was thinking I've gotta dress him cute while I can before he ends up wanting to be some super hero or something gory... enjoy in the innocence now (note his bum paw - now better)...

All You Need is LoVe

2008-11-14T18:10:00.000-08:00

Auntie Lauren knows what a Beatles fan Mommy is, so she, Uncle Russell & Ava got the me my 1st rockin' Beatles tee for my bday - it just now fits & I'm stylin' :D

The Lady Liberty & me

2008-11-11T19:13:00.001-08:00

I'm back - & I'm REALLY proud of myself. I don't know if I've mentioned it, but NYC REALLY intimidates me - mostly when I'm by myself... but last night, I MADE myself go to Times Sq to the half price TIX booth & got tix to 'Chicago', walked 2 blocks to find the theater & had an hour to spare, so I went into a nearby restaurant & ordered bruschetta & a glass of pinot noir, relaxed & wrote my postcards. Then, I went to the show (great, but it was surprisingly old school) & then hailed a cab home!
This am, I took a cab to Battery park to have breakfast with Lady Liberty - a bagel & Diet Coke just chilling on the pier looking out at the old broad & thinking about all she symbolizes to our country. I, then cabbed it back to ABC carpets, well known in the textile industry, for some inspiration. Stopped by the local Milli office & then caught a cab to the airport!
AND, speaking of the air - as we were coming into the ATL, we made a SHARP right, then a SHARP left (I'm talking bodies leaning) & then went STRAIGHT UP! Um, can you say unnerving? & it's not that I don't talk to my maker on every take-off & landing, but I was doing DOUBLE time! The pilots had 'missed' the route & had to re-route - it turned out well, obvouisly, but JEEZ! I made a land-speed record back to LG to pick-up Trae at daycare & just breathe him in!

Soccer Sissy

2008-11-06T19:31:00.000-08:00

Lil man doesn't get to see his sister very often, so we get very excited to get pics in the mail! He has actually started to say 'Sissy!' when we show him pictures...

She tried golf & wasn't crazy about it, but really is taken with soccer!

My 1st baby

2008-11-02T19:24:00.000-08:00

Can I say that I've had some SERIOUS mommy guilt this week - 1st the Lil man dislocates his elbow (see previous post) & then my sweet Jackie D gets banned from the house due to a flea attack once the heat was turned on (there may even be some biblical infestation reference here) - but in the big scheme of things (& some higher plan), I have to remind myself that this is just a blip on the chart... Here is the sweet girl with her mama, right before Lil man arrived:

Hallow's Past

2008-11-02T10:05:00.000-08:00

Of all times for my camera to die - it was on Halloween this year! So, until mom sends me the pics from her camera, here is a flashback to last year when Shrek was almost 4 months old:

He was quite the lil orge:

Nursemaid's Elbow

2008-10-30T17:59:00.000-07:00

Apparently Nursemaids were really given a bum wrap with this one - so named because they were often 'jerking' the children out of harm's way, but in the end, dislocating the elbow. Lil man had his 2nd trip to the ER - this one at almost 16mos - & nursemaid's elbow was this diagnosis. How did this happen you ask? Innocently enough, his dad was pulling him into bed, like he's done a thousand times! The kicker was, we had to take him to the ER for an x-ray (excruitating) & then to have it set - it was suggested (but not reccommended) to follow-up with an orthopedic doc. Being the paranoid mother I am, I scheduled one with the Dr that did my achilles surgery (a whole 'nother saga) - I am SO glad I did! It turns out that when the ER splinted him straight, it actually popped back out! So, Dr. Terry had to re-set AGAIN! The poor kid almost hit the roof! It was then splinted at almost 90 degrees & seemed to have relief. He's been wearing it to daycare as a precaution, but will probably go sans for Halloween... bless his heart & his folks - whew, what a week! If you have a young child - I encourage you to read the link above...

& oh, does this kid look like a 'freakin Calvin Klein model or WHAT?!?

Ride 'Em Cowboy

2008-10-25T18:09:00.000-07:00

Today was my nephew's 9th birthday & it was a cowboy theme. Here he is enjoying a ride on Trouper with his big sis:

My friend, Lindsey was there, taking pics & I can't WAIT to see what she comes up with. Here are a few other of Lil man riding in the gator & also on Trouper - which he seemd ok with riding & Literally SOBBED when we took him off, so then we had to put him on the fake horse...
& this fake horse was animatronic & was almost creepy the way it turned towards you when you talked or rubbed it's ears!

Pumpkin Night

2008-10-25T18:06:00.001-07:00

We had a fairly good turnout, despite the rain - the pic didn't come out that great due to the rain & my less then steller photography in the dark - there's actually 5 pumpkins in this & 2 more were done that went hom early...

My yummy mummy cheese was a hit & everyone also loved the chili - I had only one helping of the chicken chili left!

A tale of Many Dogs

2008-10-21T18:41:00.000-07:00

Lil Man LOVES this book - Busy Doggies ! In fact, he's recently taken to sleeping with it - as you can see with some other 1sts in bed - pillow, blanket & sippy cup... He wakes up saying 'DAWG' & pretty much is content to sleep with them as well...

Hummingbird Festival

2008-10-19T15:12:00.001-07:00

Do you think this kid is comfortable around a camera, or what?

We spent the afternoon at the Hummingbird Festival in Hogansville with Grandma Mell. Trae got his 1st train ride & he loved saying 'choo-choo' & afterwards, the conductor let him ring the bell!

& apparently, he's more comfortable when mom is BEHIND the camera, instead of in front of it:

Bruce Wayne

2008-10-18T14:17:00.000-07:00

Aka: Batman!

Lil man got his 1st pair of Batman PJs & loved them! Especially when Daddy would sing the Batman music - dada dada dada dada BATMAN!

They even have a cape on them, but are unfortunately, the pants are too long to run & let the cape flow - we learned that lesson right away... so, the outfit worked just as well with diapers...

Batman begins...

Egg Masters

2008-10-17T17:54:00.001-07:00

Every Friday night, for as long as Dave & I have been married, our good friend Ike has come out for food, fun & folly - of course lately, all he wants to talk is politics - imagine that... the boys always cook steaks on the Green Egg & I whip up the sides, tonight my mom's twice baked potatoes & a salad, always a hit. This evening, they BOTH decided to don the chef's garb, Dave as Kevin Rathurn & Ike as Emeril - the interesting thing is we NEVER eat before dark & tonight is no different- but for now, the steaks are off & I'm hungry!

My budding Artist

2008-10-12T15:55:00.000-07:00

Today,

we decided to make a Get Well card

for the dad of one of Lil Man's classmates.

He placed the stickers & did some coloring

- right now his style is alittle Jackson Pollack,

we'll see how it progresses :D

We hope it cheers everyone up!

The Original Slider

2008-10-11T16:01:00.001-07:00

I grew up in Chicago & one of our favorite places was White Castle & whenever we return, we have to make a stop, even before visting Grams - to which Lysh & I got in big trouble about one visit... Another time, was when I was newly pregnant & the clan converged in Chi-town to see said Grams for Christmas, & she cooked (sorry & she doesn't have Internet, so she can't read this) a disgusting pot roast meal in the crock pot & I had a meltdown! My sweet cousin-in-law, Brian & cousin, Hjal, said 'Um, we're going to get the pregnant lady some sliders!' Of course, they wanted to flee the drama AND get sliders too - all I cared was I got some in the end :D - I mean, how can you go to Chi-town & not have 1. pizza, 2. White Castle & 3. Willie's Weenie Wagon (a whole 'nother post). I have now introduced the Lil man to the 'original slider' - of course the frozen version we get in the South is no comparison, & he'll probably grow up a *gasp* Krystal fan but, he was really ok with it... he liked it alot better when I added cheese to it - that's my boy!
Watch the video on the home site to the secret of slider cooking & it will get those taste buds drooling!

Happy Fall Y'all

2008-10-05T17:20:00.000-07:00

Lil man got his 1st run through a pumpkin patch today! He really enjoyed it! He was interested in the unusually bumpy ones, & the white ones. We did get a decorative white one, but got the good ol' stand-by for carving at the end of the month...

This is once we got home & set things up:

In the Doghouse

2008-10-05T17:19:00.001-07:00

That's EXACTLY where he is - in Jackie's crate...

Babies & Puppies...

2008-10-02T10:24:00.000-07:00

What could be cuter then babies & puppies? I don't think anything! These were taken at a 1st birthday party of a friend...

Daddy & me

2008-10-01T16:39:00.001-07:00

The boys reading about dogs...

Banged Up, Bruised & Now Bitten

2008-09-29T15:31:00.000-07:00

Well, it was bound to happen. Trae came home from school today with a bite on his arm! The funny thing is, they didn't realize it had happened until right when I was picking him up because he never cried!

I can just see him now, looking at 'so-n-so' like

'why in the world did you do that?'

Meanwhile, he's still sporting his shiner:

Testosterone Fest

2008-09-28T15:44:00.000-07:00

Today was our turn to host Dave's Fantasy football league - in good news, we don't have to provide the food anymore - it's pot luck. The guys are big fans of smoking Boston butts on the Green Egg - a man thing I guess - I could go a year without looking at a pork product at this point (bacon not included)... anyway, I digress, we had seen Alton Brown recently do one, so we thought we'd try it out. Everyone really like it! Lil man even ate some for dinner, with his favorite 'Allen's' green beans...

Of course, thanks to the guys, Lil man also had his 1st drumstick & loved it too:

& I don't know if you can see it, but he got a major goose-egg trying to run at top-speed, down hill, holding a golf ball in each hand - doesn't work out well buddy:

Twinkle Twinkle

2008-09-26T05:43:00.001-07:00

Lil man got to really see his 1st clear sky & a ton of stars last night - I picked him up from Grandma's after dark & when we got out of the car, he looked up, pointed & said 'LOOK!' So, of course I had to break into 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star'... he was fasinated & it was sweet...

Images in Serenity

2008-09-25T09:47:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd share my aunt's photography website DHCenci. She has a great eye that my cousin & have have both been fortunate enough to inherit - she's included some of our works on there as well! Relax & enjoy!