True Confessions of the Momarazzi: May 2005

Tuesday, May 31, 2005

Meerkats, Tigers and Elephants, Oh My!

If you haven't been to the Nashville Zoo - GO!

If you haven't purchased a Season Pass to the Nashville Zoo - DO IT!

Seriously, until Saturday, I had no idea what an incredible treasure we had less than five miles from our backdoor.

Jack took his first trip to the Zoo on Saturday afternoon with Phillip, Grandma Duncan and me. Even though he wasn't really feeling up to par, he - as usual - rose to the occasion and had a BIG TIME.

He walked around some, rode in his stroller some, but mostly hitched a ride on his Daddy's shoulders. (He uses Phillip's hair for handles.)

Jack loves animals (thanks to Baby Einstein), so he was in heaven! Here, he hesitantly poses in front of the Alligator pond...I'm not sure that Baby E has covered Alligators yet!

And here, he's anxiously looking for the big Rhinoceros...only to find that it was just a Rhinoceros Hornbill - a Bird.

But the Elephants! Now, they did not disappoint. Oh, how we all love Elephants...The Zoo has two beautiful ones, as far as I could tell, but they were roaming pretty far out on their preserve so there could have been more. That's the coolest thing about the Zoo, I think. None of the animals are in cages. They are all roaming freely in a natural setting. So, naturally, we stopped for a photo in front of the waterin' hole.

So, be sure and check out the Nashville Zoo. There's so much to do and see there. There's the Croft Mansion with daily tours of the house and surrounding farm. There's an amazing playground where I am sure we'll spend many days this summer. There's even a Cheeseburger Charlie's - How can you beat that?

Poop: There, I Said It.

I am slowly drowning under a pile of poopy diapers.

Unfortunately, Jack's cold has morphed into what appears to be the stomach flu. Poor little thing. As soon as he wakes from his nap, we will be making a trip to to Walgreens for PediaLyte and the 4 items on the BRAT diet: Bananas, Rice, Applesauce and Toast. The nurse at the Doctor's office seems to think that, based on the usual course of this thing, today will be our worst day. So, please say a prayer for us both.

I have so many great pictures and stories from our weekend with the GrandDuncans. Jack had his first trip to the Zoo on Saturday (which was amazing!) and Sunday we ripped out all of our landscaping (which we have always hated) - with a grand plan to start afresh this fall. We got a new computer this weekend, too, so I am trying to get files transferred and such. (This is the main reason for my lack of updating.) Hopefully, this afternoon, I will be able to get some stuff up for everyone to see.

Until then, I will be comforting, snuggling, singing and changing diapers: strangely enough, the best job in the whole wide world!

Friday, May 27, 2005

I Feel Yucky and I Don't Care Who Knows It!

Somebody's not feelng very well today.

Poor little guy. He has another cold. His nose is a faucet and he 's miserable! I imagine we picked this round up at the Doctor's office on Tuesday when Jack went in for his immunizations (which were too painful - for him and me - to even blog about). But, who knows? I guess this kind of junk is just in the air.

Look at those tired eyes! They break my heart.

All I know is that I want to make it better and I am helpless to do so. In the meantime though, there will be lots of snuggles and kisses (and Triaminic), which will hopefully help at least a little bit.

He's my sweet angel and, despite feeling yucky, he somehow manages a smile, albeit a weak one, for his Mommy.

I hope everyone has a fun and safe LONG weekend. Hopefully, we'll knock this out quickly and have fun too! There's a swimming pool waiting to be put up in the backyard...

Thursday, May 26, 2005

Little Bits of Happy

We are so busy and run down here at the Duncan abode. Seems like I can't even find a minute to just sit and do nothing - much less to write a coherent blog. Phillip's parents are coming in town tomorrow evening to spend the weekend with us, so you can imagine that I am all in a tizzy cleaning and planning.

Jack has a cold - or allergies - or something that is making his nose yucky.

Phillip just called to say that he's coming home early because he feels yucky too.

And me? Yep. Yucky.

So, I have decided to take a minute today to think about a few things that, amidst all the craziness, make me smile.

The steaming pot of coffee my precious husband makes me every morning and every night, without my even having to ask.
Having been married for 7 years to a man who still makes me 2 pots of coffee a day.
The basket of pink petunias hanging outside my kitchen window that my parents gave me for Mother's Day.
Sergio Mora winning a million on the Contender!
The Jasmine Incense I bought today at Davis-Kidd, just because I wanted it.
The incredibly sweet "just because" note from my dear friend Alicia that arrived at the precise moment I needed it.
The two pounds I have lost so far this week on my permanent journey to SKINNY!

And my very favorite Happy this week:

Tippy-toes.

I could just eat those toes up!

And Jack has been putting those toes to good use as of late. Ladies and Gentlemen, Jack Duncan has started walking! Now, crawling is still his preferred method of transportation, but a couple of nights ago, he took ten whole wobbly steps all by himself! I definitely think that before long, with a little practice, he'll be walking full-time!

And I think I'm busy now...

Monday, May 23, 2005

The Great Anniversary Coup of 2005

Check that out.

Uh huh, it's mine.

I had thought that finally this year I was going to give the best "Birthdaversary" gift. For the past two years I have expressed my love with very thoughtful, handmade gifts - probably not the greatest gift ideas I've ever had, although it seemed the thing to do at the time. But this year I got Phillip an iPod. It was exactly what he wanted. You can't do much better than an iPod, right?

WRONG.

Just after a wonderful dinner at the Green Hills Grille - the very place we ate just before Phillip proposed nine and a half years ago - he pulled quite the coup when he lifted that sucker out of his pocket. Needless to say, it took me a minute or two to catch my breath and pull my chin back up off the floor. It was a complete surprise.

The ring is amethyst - one GINORMOUS, very sparkly stone in the middle and two smaller, darker ones on the sides. Wow. Phillip said the moment he saw it, he knew it was the piece for me. Apparently,the salesperson described it as "Hip, funky chic". Hee hee.

I just had to share!

Happy 28th Birthday, Phillip Jackson Duncan!

My Dearest Phillip,

Twenty-eight years ago today, the world became a much better place because you arrived in it. Seven years ago today, my world was immeasurably changed for the better because you became my husband. I hope that somehow, in my less-than-articulate way, I can express to you how fortunate and blessed I am to be your chosen partner in life.

First things first, however. I must ask you a question: How does it feel to know that a full quarter of your life has now been spent married to me? Ponder that, will you? Hee hee.

I look at this picture and it brings a smile to my face for several reasons. For starters, we were so much in love on our wedding day, and thankfully, still are. Secondly, we were so young and clueless on our wedding day. It makes me chuckle to think how naive we both were. Bless our hearts!

At that moment, we had no idea that in six months, I would have a seizure while driving home from church and total my car. We had no idea that I would have to undergo lots of testing to determine the cause of this sudden occurrence and would soon be taking medication that I would have to take for the rest of my life. I certainly had no idea that you would have to quickly assume the role of Nurse and would fulfill that role with such selflessness, grace and ease. I will always be grateful for the sweet way in which you ministered to me through such an uncertain and scary time.

We also had no idea that after a couple of years, our relationship would be tested by our own personal goals in life. You - chasing your dream of a music career and, Me - working with inner-city kids and putting them and all aspects of my job ahead of you. Thankfully, it didn't take us too long to realize that we needed to change our focus back to what really mattered, so you quit the Boy Band and I quit my job. I know in my heart that what we gave up was no comparison to what we got back - US. I love us, and can't imagine me without us.

When I think of us, my heart swells up with joy. I just can't believe that you are actually mine! I still remember the very first time I saw you, almost ten years ago. (Yes, I am going to tell you this story - again.) I was sitting in the balcony during chapel with Laura when I heard this amazing voice leading singing. When I looked down front, I saw you - a total HUNK, wearing a yellow polo shirt and khakis. You were a freshman and, after a summer of lifeguarding, you were also very tan. It all must have been a nice combo because I recall thinking that I hadn't seen anyone quite so handome in quite a long time. And yes, I was dating someone at the time, but as you know, he doesn't count. Yuck.

So anyway, you had me awestruck for the rest of chapel, but I figured that you were well out of my league, so I let it go at that. Several weeks later, I saw you again - this time realizing that you and Yucky Boyfriend were pledging the same fraternity together. Hmm. Interesting, huh? So, I somehow got Yucky Boyfriend to introduce me to you, and I learned that not only were you a cutie-patootie, you were extremely nice and polite, too!

Over the course of the next several months, you and I became aquaintances. You were always so nice to me. Interestingly enough, when Yucky Boyfriend dumped me on my behind as soon as summer started (as everyone but me seemed to know he would), it was you who heard about it and drove around for hours trying to find my apartment just to see how I was doing. Bless your heart - for weeks, you were my emotional punching bag. And you never complained. Your compassion for others is one of your most endearing traits and you certainly showed no lack of compassion for me. You helped to heal my heart, helped to restore my confidence and allowed me time to get back on my feet before letting me know you had feelings for me.

And I never saw it coming. I will say again, I always thought you were way out of my league. I am so glad you never thought so, because six months after our first date you asked me to be your wife and praise the Lord I kept my composure long enough to say yes!

Little did I know how, as your wife, my life would change. For starters, I am now a Bama Fan. A lifelong Volunteer with a brief stint cheering "War Eagle!", my blood now officially runs Crimson. I have even (sort of) overcome my fear of heights to sit on the VERY TOP row of Bryant-Denny stadium, just for you.

I have also learned how to race cars on the Play Station 2, and I always win at "Battle of the Sexes" because of my mastery of sports trivia.

You and I have now tackled two fixer-uppers together and have done it all on a fairly small budget. I am glad, though, because it helped us both discover our mutual love of Saturday morning Estate Sales, Flea Markets and The Home Depot.

You and I even have our own language, and have been known to speak it in public, causing strangers to look at us funny. (Beedis nubs noo, Duppie - porebber an ebber! Hyuh.) However, we can most times speak to each other without speaking - It's like we are on the same wavelength and can read each other's thoughts with a simple look. That cracks me up.

All silliness aside, I can not imagine a more perfect match for me in this whole wide world than you. I am so thankful to the Good Lord that He had a perfect plan to bring us together. I can never thank you enough for all you do for me and our family. You make my coffee every morning, you do the laundry, you grocery shop, you willingly change diapers. You work so very hard at your job every day to provide for our physical needs. Your servant heart is constantly seeking the Lord's will in order to better meet our spiritual and emotional needs. Thank you.

You are an amazing father to Jack. That little boy just lights up when you walk in the room. No one can make him laugh like you do. He absolutely adores you, and that is partly because he knows that you adore him too. Thank you for providing a way for me to stay home with him every day.

Phillip, my life with you has been incredible. And I know the best is yet to come! You constantly challenge me to be a better person, yet you love me just as I am. You inspire me to greater things. Your integrity is untouchable. Your loyalty to me and to those you love is like nothing I have ever seen in another human being. It is not only a joy - but an honor - to be your wife.

Happy Birthday to you, my Sweetheart. And because you were so willing to share your day - Happy 7th Anniversary to us, too!

I love you endlessly,

Mary Alice

Sunday, May 22, 2005

The First Passenger

I know, I know. These are the two most beautiful little boys you have ever seen. I know.

Last Friday night Phillip, Jenni and Jake Denny came over for dinner. After eating way too much, we all went outside to play with Stewart, the Little Red Wagon. (Hey, I asked for name suggestions, and Stewart was the best I got!) I snapped the above photo just as Phillip rounded the corner with them. The four of us agree that it definitely looks like a magazine ad - my Phillip suggesting a Polo ad and Jenni's Phillip leaning more toward Abercrombie & Fitch. (As a side note, has anyone else noticed that I went from having lots of Jason's in my life to lots of Phillip's? Why must it always be so confusing?!) Needless to say, I was so happy with the shot that I printed out a 5x7 for us and one for the Denny's and had it framed for them as a surprise. Thus, the delay in posting!

Jake happily became Jack's first passenger in The Wagon. He obviously took his job quite seriously, overseeing all of the navigation duties, while Jack provided the brute strength.

These two are quite the pair. My heart is joyful when I think that one day, when both boys are grown and have kids of their own, Jake might might look at Jack and say, "Remember that time when we were kids and your dad pulled us around in your wagon?"

Hmmm. Now that's a warm fuzzy.

Saturday, May 21, 2005

As My Worlds Collide

I was a Geek in High School. A total Geek. A Boy-crazy Bookworm who was Drum Major of the Marching Band. I was Valedictorian of and voted Best Christian Attitude by my Senior Class. Big mall hair and blue eyeliner. You get the picture. I think I was pretty well liked, though. I think. I just wanted to go ahead and throw that out there to clear up any confusion for those of you who didn't know me back then. And for those of you who did - well, you know.

Deep down, I'm still a Geek, but I do think I hide it better. I think.

There's an episode of Seinfeld in which George Costanza is afraid that if his girlfriend Susan begins hanging out with his friends, his two Worlds - consisting of Relationship George and Independent George - will collide and ruin this balanced existence he has created for himself. Well today, three of my Worlds - High School Mary Alice, College Mary Alice and Wife & Mommy Mary Alice collided all at once for the very first time. It was a bit surreal, but really, really good. Today was a reminder of how, my whole life, the Lord has blessed me by placing such Good People in my path. Let's see if I can make some sense of the whole discombobulated story. I will warn you: You might need to take notes. Lots of parentheses and names that start with the letter J to come.

I attended a wedding today. The groom was my very best friend in High school, as well as my date to the Senior Prom. Just for giggles, I wish I had a digital copy of our prom picture, or perhaps a shot of us when he was a good two feet shorter than me, but unfortunately I don't so here we are today:

Jason and I became friends when he was in the 8th grade and I was a Sophomore, although we had known of each other long before that. (Our school was K-12, and most of us had been around since elementary school.) It all began when Jason's mom, secretary of the High School and one of my mom's best friends, hired me to tutor him in Algebra. I am not sure how many equations we actually completed (although he obviously passed), but during those tutoring sessions Jason Twilley Allen became my dearest friend, my matchmaker and my trusted relationship counselor. You see, I had a HUGE crush on one of his best friends, and it became Jason's mission to fix us up. It worked I guess, and the friend (also named Jason) went on to become my High School Sweetheart and date to the Junior Prom. (It just so happens that Jason #2 was a groomsman in the wedding today, and also present was his beautiful High School Sweetheart - not me, obviously, haha - whom he married, and their two precious daughters.) Two of the other groomsmen were also good friends from high school (Jason #3 and Jay) both of whom are now married to lovely girls. Jay (whom I always affectionately called "Kevin" because of his striking resemblance to Kevin Arnold, Fred Savage's character in The Wonder Years) and his wife are even expecting twins. How exciting!

Jason Allen (the groom, for those of you not taking notes) went on to attend Lipscomb with me, and although we remained friends - it was never the same as in High School. (No more six hour phone conversations, for one thing. Yes, we actually once talked on the phone for six straight hours. Still not sure how either of us got away with that.) Isn't it funny how time changes things? (I am beginning to feel like the Narrarator in Stand By Me.) Nevertheless, we still had many of the same friends, so I actually knew all of his other Groomsmen from our college days. Sitting there with Phillip and Jack, seeing them all standing up there together was such a strange thing, and was when I first realized that these Worlds I spoke about earlier were actually colliding. Weird.

Phillip Denny - of the frequently blogged about Denny's - is a mutual college friend of mine and Jason's, and was a member of the wedding party. He and gorgeous Jenni took a moment after the ceremony to strike a pose for me:

So I found myself in the midst of all of this surrealness with the two most handsome wedding dates ever. They were both such troopers, patiently allowing me the time and freedom to visit and walk down memory lane with old friends, despite their both being hungry and in desperate need of a nap:

You know, I thought it might be strange seeing all these people from different times in my life all at once. But it was anything but strange. It was wonderful. Glorious, even. Each person I have mentioned, along with their parents and so many others, is someone who helped to shape me into who I am today. I am the (hopefully less Geekish) wife, mother, daughter and friend I am today in large part because of their influence. I wish that there was a way to effectively communicate to every person in my life just how they have molded me, although I am am sure I don't even know the half of it myself. Perhaps if they stumble across this collection of ramshacke thoughts they will at least know how much they are cherished and appreciated, whether as a past friend or a present one.

Thank you, Lord, for always having a plan, and for bringing special people in and out - and sometimes back in - my life at just the right moments. I am grateful to you for each life that has touched mine. Amen.

And on a lighter note, my precious Jack discovered marshmallows today at the reception. And I think he liked what he discovered:

I guess I know what I'll be buying at the grocery store next week. Have a good night, ya'll. And thanks for being a part of my life!

Friday, May 20, 2005

Baby Showers and Bathroom Transformations

I have officially been put in my place today about my ineptitude as a Blogger over the last several days. I extend my apologies to those (Alicia) whom I have offended, and will do my best to get back in the routine of updating daily so that those people (Alicia) will no longer feel slighted by my lazy posting. Please forgive me. I will do better. And yes, (Jenni) that means I will get that blog I promised you last week up this weekend! Hee hee.

Today has been such a fun day! I was invited to a Baby Shower at my old office for my sweet friend, and former boss, Jennifer Jones. Jennifer, who stepped in as Director of Operations when Deanna assumed the full-time role of Kate's Mommy, is having a baby girl named Macy very soon, so it was a really special time to honor her. As I have written before, Aegis is a very unique place, made up of some truly fantastic people. I haven't worked there in over a year, yet I find myself still going back and still missing those people I used to spend my days with. Just over a year ago, it was Jennifer and "the girls" who planned my very first - and very fabulous - Baby Shower.

Talking with Jennifer today, I was reminded of just what it was like for me, being close to the end of my pregnancy, receiving all this cool stuff for a little person I hadn't even met yet, and feeling the anticipation of all that was to come. Jennifer and Brian have been praying and waiting for Macy for quite some time, and it is so exciting to see her getting close to "Go Time". What a blessing!

While at the shower, I was also reminded - by a Rubber Duckie that Jennifer received - that I have never posted pictures of Jack's new bathroom. I am not quite finished with it, but I am finished enough that I feel comfortable showing it off a little. I am still planning to paint the first verse of "Rubber Duckie" (a song made famous by Sesame Street's Ernie) on one wall, add some painted bubbles here and there and hang a mirror and a few other pictures. I am getting there, but in the meantime, it still looks adorable. My parents gave Jack all the bathroom "stuff" for his birthday, so we transformed our hall guest bath for him. (I am hoping that all of you now have the Rubber Duckie Song stuck in your head, because I do, and that's only fair.)

Anyway, here is a picture of the bathroom before (the lovely reflective road sign being one of Phillip's favorite flea market finds of all time):

And here it is now, much more fun than it used to be!

Rubber Duckie I'm awfully fond of you..woh woh, bee doh!

Have a great weekend everyone, and please check back. I am going out on a date with my cutie-pie husband and precious child, but I WILL BE UPDATING!!

Monday, May 16, 2005

Happiness Is...

Two cute boys and a Little Red Wagon.

I am so in love with my husband and my little boy. Honestly, I am just not sure how my love keeps growing, but it does every day. And talking about love - Phillip and Jack are so completely wrapped up in each other. They are Best Buddies! And that makes my heart so happy!

Speaking of Phillip...Isn't he so very handsome?

Here's a funny bit of pop culture trivia in relation to the man I married: I have decided that there is an uncanny resemblance between Phillip and "Boston Rob" Mariano from Survivor and The Amazing Race. I thought I was the only one who saw it, but Phillip has actually had perfect strangers come up to him exclaiming, "Oh my gosh, you look just like Boston Rob!!" Am I crazy? Wait, don't answer that.

We were secretly rooting for he and Amber to stay in the Race until the end simply because it was so much fun watching every week and exclaiming, "Oh, Phillip, that expression was so you!" (*Especially the grin*) Even Rob's persuasiveness, resoursefulness and sense of humor are so similar to Phillip's - but thank goodness Phillip is nicer. Hee Hee. Anyway, so I am married to a Sort of Celebrity look-alike. Boston Rob and Nashville Phillip - separated at birth. That makes me giggle. But I am deliriously tired, so I might be the only one giggling.

G'night!

800 Miles Between Us

Wow. This is the farthest distance Phillip and I have ever been from each other since we first met in 1995. What a bizarre thought. I don't like it.

This morning, my Beloved boarded a plane bound for Raleigh, NC where he then hopped on another plane taking him to Philadelphia, PA. To the casual observer, this sounds like an event not so out of the ordinary. That is not the case here.

This was only Phillip's second flight and as many of you know, I have never - never, ever - flown. Yes, memories flood back of the free trip to NYC to see the New Kids on the Block, my 8th grade class trip to Washington, DC, my college roommate's wedding in California, the Honeymoon to the Caribbean that my sweet husband wanted us to take together. Each opportunity lost because I am a BIG OL' CHICKEN. I am one of those people who breaks out in a sweat at the sound or sight of an airplane. Dropping friends off at the airport can literally send me into a panic, especially if I am the one driving.

Why? Good question. I have always thought it was because my Dad was in the military and had to take a lot of overseas trips when I was a kid. Each time he left (usually in the middle of the night, even more scary and unsettling), I was terrified that I'd neer see him again. I think I associate those feelings of fear and impending loss with airplanes. Whatever the reason, I am mortified of flying and have, until now, successfully managed to keep both my husband's and my own feet planted firmly on the ground.

Well, Times - they are a changin'. Phillip's job is going to be requiring him to travel to Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware more and more frequently. And he really loves his job, so I am going to have to buck up.

Praise the Lord, I got a call around 11:30 that he had landed safely, so I will be OK until Thursday when I know he has to make the return trip home. Ugh. Thankfully, I have a very active little boy to keep me occupied and I'll be staying with or playing host to my parents the whole time that he's gone. (Did I mention that I am a chicken?) Actually, that's a nice perk to living so very close to family!

Say a prayer for me because I hope to one day make this trip with him. I want to see the world, and not just by watching The Amazing Race on TV. I am really frustrated by this particular fear - OK, so really it's a phobia - and I want so badly to overcome it. I pray that some day soon I will.

**My Grandma is doing much better. After the results from her Ehocardiogram come back this afternoon, she will hopefully be released to go home. So far, everything has come back normal! Thanks to everyone for your prayers and kind words!**

I am off to take a nap. I learned last night that if Phillip is flying, I'm not sleeping!

Saturday, May 14, 2005

An Unexpected Saturday

Well, this is the blog that I never expected - nor hoped - to write. I woke up early today to get ready for a morning of Yard Sale-ing with Jenni before going to a carnival hosted by Phillip's work this afternoon.

Just as I was about to walk out the door, the phone rang. It was my mom, who had watched Jack for us last night. She asked if we could come right away because my grandmother was ill and she needed to get to her.

After a quick phone call of apology to Jenni, Phillip and I were on our way - making the trip about 30 minutes across town. We decided last minute for Phillip to drop me off at my grandmother's retirement center so that I could be there with mom. We met in the parking lot and mom and I went up to Ma's room to see what was actually going on.

Apparently, Ma became confused at breakfast this morning and just wasn't feeling well overall. She tried pouring a cup of coffee and spilled it all over the table. She was also having trouble articulating her thoughts and when she tried to speak, everything came out sounding jumbled which upset and confused her even more.

A friend of hers, Ms. Mobley, helped her back up to her room and called Mom. My Grandmother refused an ambulance until someone from the family could get there. So, when my mom and I arrived, we found her sitting on the couch, very confused and frightened. We called an ambulance right away and the paramedics found that her blood pressure was elevated to 220/110 - dangerously high. We would all be making a trip to the hospital.

She is now in a room, but while in the ER, they performed many tests on her all of which came back negative. My mom said that shortly after I left this afternoon they performed a neurological test, which she passed with flying colors. However, she still doesn't feel terribly well and she is still somewhat confused and upset. They will be performing an MRI a little later on today, which will better tell them if she did in fact have a stroke, of if they need to be looking for other causes.

I covet your prayers for this precious woman. My Grandmother - Martha Parrish - is almost 93 years old. She is a joy and a treasure and it is really hard to see her so unlike herself. We all love her so much. Being the youngest grandchild, I was always her baby - until about a year ago, when someone else took my job:

Those two are crazy about each other!

Please, Lord, watch over my sweet Grandma and restore her health. I pray that you will calm her spirit and give her peace. Amen.

Thursday, May 12, 2005

Tooth Watch 2005: A Sighting

I'll have you know that it took a good bit of Fudge Ripple ice cream and some seriously awkward camera placement to get this shot!

I had reported earlier that the Top Two Middle Teeth as well as their buddy to the Left were making an appearance just in time for some Birthday Cake. As you can see here, the Three Stooges have finally been captured in a photograph. (You can actually click on the photo above to see the Teeth up close and personal!)

Stay tuned for further news. My sources are speculating that the Two Bottom Teeth - tired of being overshadowed - have something Big planned soon.

Mission: Disorganization

So, I finally broke down and enlisted the help of a Professional Pantry Disorganizer.

His resume looked pretty impressive, plus - I thought he was really cute!

So far, he's been working out OK.

Wednesday, May 11, 2005

Life Is Like A Pile Of Laundry

Just when you think you're in the clear, it has piled right back up again. Not as deep as Forrest Gump's Mama, but I do the best I can.

It feels like I have been going at top speed for the last several days, even though I really haven't been. Nothing really major going on, but lots of little stuff here and there to attend to. Like laundry. Today I have done six loads. Six loads, people! And there are still two more to do before I can call it a day.

I really am not sure how or why our laundry piles up like it does. And I am sometimes not sure where it all comes from. It sometimes feels like we must change clothes five times a day to create so much laundry. Or perhaps our friends sneak their laundry in our basket and I am just not aware of it. Nevertheless, it's there to do, so today I tackled it. With only two loads left, I feel much lighter in my spirit. I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. And the floor of the laundry room. Whew.

On a lighter note, Jack is getting cuter and sweeter by the minute, if that's possible. Seriously, I walk into his room every morning only to find that he is more adorable than the day before. I am sure this is a phenomenon all mothers experience, but I like to pretend that it's just me.

My dad has taught Jack another new trick. A couple of new tricks, actually. It's funny how my dad can get Jack to imitate just about anything he does. So, Jack will now slap your hand when you say, "Gimme Five!" and when my dad stomps his feet, Jack will stomp his feet too. I tried the whole feet stomping thing earlier today, and it seems to only work for Grandpa. It's pretty cute.

I feel really redundant here, but of course, we are still spending much of our time with The Wagon. (Perhaps The Wagon needs a name...Any ideas?) In fact, it has gotten to the point that there are near-tantrums when it's time to come inside. But we are working on that. Thank you, Supernanny, for teaching me how to best handle the tantrums. (I can feel my husband cringing and rolling his eyes, haha.) It's really heartbreaking to tear him away from his favorite toy, but I try to make the outside times special and hopefully as he gets a little older, he'll understand more about why we actually have to come inside from time to time to eat and nap. Until then though, he sure is adorable pushing it around.

I like to call this his Pouty Pensive look. Or maybe he just heard about how much laundry Mommy had to do today.

Hmmm...The Pouty Pensive could be Jack's Blue Steel. (Those of you with a warped sense of humor will know what I'm talking about!)

What a sweet boy. Goodnight, everyone!

Monday, May 09, 2005

My Little Engine That Could

Will he ever stop?

Yo, I don't know.

Give him a wagon -
And he'll Go!

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Sorry, sorry. Really sorry. Just a little Vanilla Ice humor there, in case you were concerned I was trying to launch my rap career. Not happening.

As you can see, the Little Red Wagon has quickly become like a member of the family. Jack is still most happy pushing it - but will settle for just standing behind it, posing. As long as a hand is on the Wagon, he is just peachy. (Trying to remove that hand to go in for bath time is another blog for another time.)

It's funny, now that I am looking at these photos together, it's like looking at stills from a Baby Aerobics Video. Here, he should be shouting, "Now, raise that knee! Raise it! Point the toe! And up! And down! 5 more! You can do it!"

"Now, tap that toe! Keep tapping! Feel the burn in the calf! Feel it!"

I can assure you that he definitely gets a workout. I would really be curious to know how many miles those Chunky Legs have walked so far! But we'll keep pushing on, as long as I still get to see joyful expressions like this:

Goodnight, all. We're pooped!

To Contend, Or Not To Contend: That Is The Question

Alright, ya'll.

I've waited long enough to ask this question, and I can't hold out any longer.

Am I the only woman in America who can't seem to get enough of The Contender?! If I am, then what are all you other ladies doing out there?? Seriously - this is the BEST show that has ever been on television. Phillip and I have been hooked since the first episode and I can tell you honestly that at 7 p.m. on Sunday evenings, everything at our house just stops for an hour. (Well, except for Jack, but he watches too.)

I have never been a fan of boxing. I can remember in the 5th grade, I attended a sleepover for my friend Bridget's birthday and her mom took our group of about 10 little girls to see Rocky IV. We sat on the front row, so excited and feeling so grown up. Then, when Drago sent Apollo Creed to an early grave, we all just sat there and cried. I was appalled and scared to death. Since that moment, boxing has just turned my stomach.

I don't feel that way anymore. Admittedly, I do usually cry during and after each episode, but not for the same reason that I cried during Rocky IV. The Contender is just an incredibly emotional show. Each of the 16 participants has an amazing story. Some are fathers, some are husbands - all are sons. Peter and Anthony are there simply because they want a better life for their kids. The dedication they display for their families is awe-inspiring. Sergio has a brilliant mind and is incredibly well-read despite his impoverished upbringing. Both he and Alfonso are there with the hope of re-paying their families for all the sacrifices they've made. Joey (on whom I have an it's-ok-with-my husband crush, ha) had an ideal upbringing and began boxing in college, but is there to prove everyone wrong who said he didn't have what it takes to succeed. Ishe and Brent (the Nashvillian) are two men of faith who aren't afraid to share their beliefs.

Seriously, I am so hooked on this show. You all know how terrified I am to fly, but if I had tickets to the Million Dollar Fight in Vegas, I would hop on that plane without a second thought. The New Kids on the Block couldn't even get me on a plane to New York back in the day, so that's saying something. I wouldn't walk across the street to see most celebrities today, but I'd fly to Vegas to see these guys fight.

I can't believe I just blogged about a television show. Did I really? Yes, I guess I did. It's just that good. So good that I just had to share. But if you haven't been watching - don't start now!! Wait until it comes out on DVD, rush to your closest Blockbuster and watch it from start to finish. Or you can just borrow our copy.

Have a great day!

Sunday, May 08, 2005

Happy Mother's Day To Me!

And to all the other wonderful, beautiful, smart, tireless, loving Mommy's I am fortunate enough to know. I hope your day was as fabulous as you are!

Today was a really special day for me. This was my 2nd official Mother's Day, but I felt like it was the first. Last year, I was still recovering (and still pretty medicated) from the C-section. To be quite honest, I think I was mostly still in shock. Mother's Day came and went for me - without a whole lot of fanfare. I really don't even remember it. This year I was finally able to enjoy it!

Phillip and Jack surprised me this morning with a little Scavenger Hunt thru the house. Along the way, I picked up a bag of "Santa's White Christmas" from Barnie's (Yum), a box of Advil, a bag of Trail Mix, a scented candle and two pair of Billy Bob Teeth. (If you want explanations, I encourage you direct your questions to my wacky spouse!) However, I ended up in the dining room where I found my two favorite boys waiting with this:

I have amassed a small collection of Willow Tree figurines since Jack's birth, so Phillip giving me "Angel of Mine" was just the thing to make me cry! The flowers were so lovely, and the card from Jack just made my day. And in case you are wondering how Jack is doing in the penmanship department, this should answer all your questions:

We went to church, where I was blessed to find myself being asked to stand along with all the other Mother's in the congregation. Wow. I just looked around and was so overwhelmed by the good company I was in. I am so thankful to have so many amazing women surrounding me in our church family. It is an incredible support system.

**As a side note on church, Jack went to Cradle Roll for the first time this morning. He has stayed with us in service up until this point - and has been an absolute doll - but this morning he wanted to talk loudly and we figured there was no time like the present to get started! Phillip said that when he dropped him off, they were singing songs and that Jack was so excited. From all we can tell - he absolutely loved it. Looks like we have reached yet another milestone!**

We came home after lunch at the August Moon (thank you Phillip for sacrificing a meal for me) and all three of us took almost a three hour nap. Yes, I said THREE hours! It looks like Jack might have switched from two hour and a half long naps to one three hour nap. Have I mentioned milestones already? Check another one off.

After waking up finally, we went to have dinner with my parents. This was a special day for them as well. Today marked their 40th Wedding Anniversary. Way to go, Mom and Dad! I can't even begin to describe how proud this makes me, as their daughter. It's so rare for people to stay married that long anymore and I am so thankful for their relationship and how it has blessed Phillip and me, as well as countless others. It was great being able to spend the evening with them. Jack was pretty stoked too - Can you guess what he did?

We were all laughing at what long strides he has started taking. He is no longer just walking behind the wagon. The child is nearly running! Could he really be my child? Running? I get out of breath just thinking about running. Ha.

We also discovered tonight that Jack might very well be the Next Big Thing. Hmmm. Perhaps someone will create a new reality series called "American Child Prodigy". We are so auditioning.

Prodigy or not, one thing's for certain - Jack loves his Grandma!

And so do I. Mom, I am so very blessed to be your daughter! Watching you throw yourself completely into your role as Grandma makes my heart so happy. You are truly one-of-a kind and I hope to one day be half the Mom to Jack that you have been to me. Happy Mother's Day - I love you!

Saturday, May 07, 2005

Fun in the Sun!

I sure hope that no one gets tired of watching Jack push his wagon.

Because that's pretty much all we do anymore. Well, that's not entirely true...We eat and sleep too, but mainly we push the wagon. I have even been unable to blog for 4 days because I've been outside supervising the pushing of the wagon.

It was so gorgeous outside today that Phillip and I decided to take Jack to Granny White Park. There were tons of kids for Jack to watch, and this was his first chance to play on all the cool equipment. We all had a blast!

Our first attempt at swinging did not go over too well, but once Jack saw a couple of other kids doing it, he seemed ready to try again. To say that he loved it would be an understatement. He adored it. The look on his face was absolute, pure elation!

Next came the slide, which was also initially met with trepidation. However, once he tried it, he loved it too, and was ready to slide again and again and again...

After all the playing was over, he pushed his stroller back to the car - backwards. I'm telling you, the kid is a walking machine. Now that he has it figured out, he wants nothing more than to just GO. Once he actually figures out he can let go of whatever he's holding on to, I may never be able to sit down again.

Needless to say, we barely made it out of the park to come home before this happened:

Bless his sweet heart.

However, a cat nap and some dinner was all he needed before he was rarin' to go again. We were actually in the process of stripping him down for bath time before we realized that he was just not ready to call it a day. So, of course we headed back outside to...

PUSH THE WAGON.

For about 40 more minutes.

I know people say this about each stage their kids go through, but seriously, this is just the most fun age! He's still very dependent on Phillip and me for feelings of security (and thankfully he still loves to cuddle), but he is also very independent and curious. At times, he even seems fearless. It is just wonderful. It's miraculous!

What a great day!!

: Name: Mary Alice; Location: United States

I am a 34 year old woman whom God has blessed beyond her wildest dreams. I have been married for nearly eleven years to my best friend and soulmate. We have a gorgeous five year old son. I am a photographer by trade. My friends are one of my greatest treasures. I love photography, design, yard sales, flea markets and finding great deals. Anything that has me rummaging through someone else's junk makes me happy. I am also on a quest to be the Hippest Mom of all time.

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