BayBeeBlair's Blog Spot

SlimPickin's Is Born

2010-01-11T15:31:00.003-05:00

So, today . . . me and some friends decided to start our own weight loss blog. Yep, none of us have been able to stick to any sort of New Years Resolutions (which we all had) so, we hoped that while reading my cousin Lacey's weight loss blog (that she started with some of her girlfriends at CMT), we would become overly motivated. Here are some photos of us 4 below. I'll post the link to our new blog soon.

Kerry and Angie

Arlene and Michelle

2010-01-06T15:18:00.003-05:00

Here is my dear sweet Abigail. She's prepped and ready to go to the children's program at church. She had a huge speaking part this year and I missed it due to the flu. Doug said she was brilliant (dah - he loves her too)!

TGIF

2009-11-13T15:08:00.024-05:00

Arriving in Labadee, Haiti - beautiful morning.

Haiti on The Beach

Haiti On The Beach

Haiti at Dragon's Breath Mountain

Haiti - beautiful sunny day

We walked up the side of a mountain in Haiti and had cold beers at a bar. It was so wonderful.

On the tender on the way back to the ship.

One of our dinners in the formal dining room.

Dinner - we had lamb this night.

Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Our two tour guides in Ocho Rios - they fell in love with Doug!

Swimming with the sting rays in Grand Cayman

Grand Cayman - catamaran ride, feeding the sting rays and then snorkel trip.

Snorkeling in Grand Cayman - it was 125 feet of water and you could see straight to the bottom of the ocean.

This was the coolest bulldog in the mall area of the ship at the top of the stairs leading down into the casino. HAD to get a photo of him.

The Grand Promenade (the mall area) they had GREAT shopping here and super restaurants.

We were on the ship at Halloween - this is from the Buffet - beautiful carved pumpkins EVERYWHERE.

Belly Flop contest at the pool.

Main dining room.

I think this was Halloween night.

This was formal night (the 2nd night on the boat). It's a mobile photo but a good one.

This is our spectacular Honeymoon Suite on Deck 7. We had our own private balcony.

I am so glad it's Friday today. My job has been very difficult lately. I am working harder than I ever have (at least in the last four years at the firm I work for anyway). I can't go into details because it is considered "privileged" but if I won the lottery, I would so totally be outta here!

I'm going to post some photos of our wonderful Honeymoon in remembrance of how fantastic I felt two weeks ago when I didn't have to come to work for 2 weeks straight.

Trying Again

2009-11-10T15:44:00.007-05:00

My handsome son walking me down the isle. I think I was hyper-ventilating here.

I picked this wonderful cake out of a wedding blog post from someone else's wedding and Doug went and cut me the 75 lb. stump. We placed the moss around it and the caterer made the rest of it look EXACTLY like the photo. This was my favorite element of the wedding.

Like I said in my last post (from JUNE . . . yikes), I haven't done this in so long, I nearly forgot how. I did forget how to change my background but I just figured it out (whew). A lot has happened in the past year and 4 months. I used to blog a lot about how I had gotten engaged etc. but two weeks ago, I was married again. This is my THIRD marriage which is rather embarrassing to me but I haven't had any luck with men/boys my entire life. What I can't figure out is, why it took me this long to find someone I will actually spend the rest of my life with? Doug is caring, honest, respectful and he loves me and the kids as if he's been in our lives all along. We enjoy and laugh (and cry) at the exact same things at nearly the exact same times. It's crazy to think I didn't come across him sooner! Anyway, here are some photos from the wedding he and I planned and I'll put some of the honeymoon on later. I love you Douglas Keith Houck!

I did all the table decorations myself. I made wreaths for the Church doors and framed black and white photos of all my family and friends from weddings gone by.

This is my precious Abigail. She looked beautiful in her little gown and fresh flower crown. She danced the night away!

Forgetting How To Blog

2009-06-09T17:16:00.006-04:00

I'm having so much fun on Facebook lately that I don't ever remember to get on here to Blog. Today, I was so busy at work, I didn't have much time to even "post" about eating sushi for the 800th time for lunch or dinner this week. What I was able to do was change my March background to a summer fun one with palm trees and beach scene. Love that! I wish I were at the beach right now so in celebration of beach trips past, here are some pictures of beach days gone by . . . .

2009-03-16T16:09:00.004-04:00

I hadn't blogged in so long, I had almost forgotten what it was like. I've been stuck on Facebook lately but this is fun too. I like to post photos but it's easier to post photos on Facebook because they download faster and you can choose a wider variety to post. Anyway, you can't "blog" or talk about what fun you have, extensively anyway, on Facebook. It's just mindless chatter amongst old friends trying to catch up when they get a second to check their page from home or work while grabbing a sandwich at their desk (which is what I do). When I eat breakfast or lunch at work, I do Facebook - that's the only time I have time, oh and on the weekends and at night while I watch TV and sometimes in the morning (ut oh, it appears I'm obsessed?). On here, I am able to babble effortlessly much like I do in person - if you know me, you know this about me right? You needant answer that! Just enjoy these posts and the photos that go along side. These are from a few weeks ago in our Atlanta snow storm (if you wanna call 6 inches of snow a storm?)

Love Is In The Air

2009-02-18T17:01:00.003-05:00

Here is a great photo of us taken by our wedding photographer Javon Longieliere. You would never know it was about 30 degrees out that day - buuurrrrrrr. We can't wait for the wedding - it will be so much fun and the photos will be a huge treat!! Thanks Javon!!http://www.longieliere.com/

My Valentine

2009-02-16T15:23:00.002-05:00

My Valentines Day this year was more like a weekend festival of activities. Most of my weekends lately are centered around wedding planning, wedding errands and wedding-spending-money (is that a word/phrase?).

This year, we had Valentines Dinner on Friday night first with the kids so they would feel the Valentines "love" too - we went to Nagoya Japanese Steak House (the kids love to see the guy cook on the open cook-top and set stuff on fire), Doug and I ate sushi and made our list for our trek out Saturday.

Saturday morning, Doug made Abbey Grace chocolate chip, heart-shaped pancakes with "rip-cream" (that's how Abbey Grace says it), tiny chocolate chips, sugary strawberries and sausage links. Obviously, Zachary and I got to eat some too.

Doug and I went to dinner ALONE Saturday night to a place in midtown called Kyma. It's a Greek fusion restaurant. We had a 5 course meal with a wine paring. It was romantic and delicious and both of us have never been sicker. We were both up all night totally miserable from eating food we're not used to eating (oily, salty bad-for-ya kind of stuff). I guess I've been on Weight Watchers so long now that I've "cleansed" myself or something odd like that. I was ILL!

As the weekend ended yesterday evening, we were so glad our weekend was so full of love, kindness and family. We are excited about getting married and making our family more officially complete.

Bright Shiny Smile AND Floors!

2009-02-09T09:56:00.002-05:00

I wonder if anyone can tell my teeth are whiter today? Not because I had them whitened again this weekend but because I accidentally brushed them with Mr. Clean this weekend. Oh yes I did. And trust me . . . this could have happened to you - it's NOT because I'm blond (although I'm sure that is what Doug thought as he rushed to the sink cabinet to check the label on the bottle to see how badly I was poisoned).

So, I clean my engagement ring with Mr. Clean because that's what the jeweler told us he cleans it with. I bought a bottle of the stuff (the lemony fresh kind) and I keep a butter tub under my bathroom sink and an OLD tooth brush to scrub the ring with under there too. When it's time to clean my ring, I soak it, scrub it and rinse. I leave the tooth brush and butter tub out on my counter top to dry. When I brushed my teeth on Sunday, I grabbed the toothbrush that was laying out on the counter and scrubbed away! When I opened my drawer to toss it back in and saw my REAL tooth brush in there, I was like "wholly S*&T!!" - yeah. So, my teeth are fabulous, and my floors are clean and lemony fresh too (oh, and my ring is beautiful)!

44 Week Breakfast Sandwich

2009-02-09T09:28:00.002-05:00

I don't like to talk about weight loss too much because I am on a life long struggle with my weight. I am constantly on Weight Watchers, on again, off again. I lose weight, gain weight, exercise, don't exercise. Sometimes I look good, sometimes I'm hugely obese. There are 44 weeks until I get married and to some, that sounds like a really long time. To me, it's a time bomb ticking, ticking, ticking. I watch my calendar, mark the days, I get on the scale, I see pounds come off, then they come back on. It's discouraging the older I get, the harder it is to lose.

I go to Weight Watchers every single week at my office (the "At Work" program) with my friends and we celebrate our accomplishments and usually, I'm pleased (I've lost 25 pounds so far) but these last few weeks, I've lost and gained the same stupid ONE POUND about 6 times. I'm discouraged.

This morning, I decided to add some spinach to my 4 point Weight Watcher breakfast. I always have a 1 point Weight Watcher English Muffin (toasted), a 1 point pc. of Kraft Fat Free Cheese, and a 2 point egg (nuked) - today, I added a bunch of fresh spinach to my sandwich to see if it would "do anything" (that's 0 points). Wish me luck. I have 44 weeks to lose another 35 minimum pounds (Weight Watchers says I need to lose more but what do they know?) I would blow away!!

The Snuggie

2009-02-05T15:10:00.003-05:00

This picture is sort of blurry but it's still cute (it was taken with my Blackberry - sorry)

It is always good to stay warm. Especially when the temps in Atlanta drop to a mere 11 degrees and the wind chill is 1 degree. That simply isn't the "norm" for us suthunahs. Inside a nice toasty office building, you would think there, you would find warmth. Not really . . heat apparently rises in high-rise buildings and the necessity for air conditioning to be run (it seems) year round thus the ice chips on my nose and finger tips as I type and the same of my co-workers. We resolved the issue by purchasing a "Lot" of Snuggies - the latest "As Seen On TV" craze that is a blanket you wear and stick your arms through and still work, operate the remote, drink a beverage (even type)!! Once again . . . we're all warm here at Thompson Hine - nice and "Snuggly."

I've Been Tagged . . . .

2009-01-30T10:56:00.002-05:00

My cousin Katie tagged me...so I thought I'd participate. Here's what you do:
1. Go to your 4th folder where you store your photos.
2. Select the 4th photo (no exceptions).
3. Post the picture with an explanation and link it back to your tagger.
4. Tag 4 people to do the same.

This photo couldn't be more boring - it's from my "Christmas Folder" - it's of my den on Christmas Eve before Santa arrived. Yada Yada . . . BORING . . . Not that I have any photos of good stuff like naked people or bikini clad women or anything - oh well . . . ya get what cha get!! Sorry for the disappointment . . . . ok, I tag . . . . Javon . . . . Summer . . . . Matthew . . . . and . . . . Cassie (if she has time) . . . . .

Youth Connection Lock-In

2009-01-26T13:13:00.015-05:00

Friday night after work Doug and I headed over to the Church and made home-made pizza for the kids of our Youth Connection (well, I won't lie, Doug did everything - I just cleaned up and ate mostly). Anyway, then, as good parents would (or, dumb parents), we spent the night as Chaperones with 24 teens for this "Lock-In" - yes, we started yawning around 10:30 and it got worse for us from there. The kids were entertained by our Youth Pastor with games, movies, ping-pong, pool, air hockey, Guitar Hero (or Rock Band I think is what we have at Church) - it was so much fun for the kids. They played tons of games - Zachary got a huge splinter in his foot playing a game called Sardines (basically it's hide & seek). The Church obviously was pitch black at 2 a.m. and he caught a piece of "church" in his foot (so he says). We wound up in the Hospital Sunday - he's got a "God Awful Infection" (not my words). I could go on with puns all day but won't . . . anyway, here are some pictures of the evening (and morning wrath).

The evening was young here - watching movies after pizza.

Watching Horton Hears a Hoo after pizza. Only half the kids were here at this point.

Putting away left-overs.

Goofing off in the kitchen.

The girls baked cookies and had to show them off!

Doug - he looks like one of the kids!

Everyone had to mark thier cup with thier name . . . Here's what mine said.

Playing "I never . . . ever have". . .

Hanging out for instructions on Sardines.

More people arrived at about 11 p.m. after a local indoor soccer game.

Breakfast the next morning - pancakes!

The boys all chowing down.

Older Painting

2009-01-21T17:12:00.003-05:00

Here is the older painting I did that is hanging in the office over the printer at my desk. The vase is chubby - imagine that. Chubby.

Close Up For Cassie

2009-01-21T17:03:00.003-05:00

Here is a better look at the dress painting. I'll post some other photos once I download them from Doug's camera (the battery is worn out from snapping various "phase" photos during the night Saturday). Doug and Zack like to see my phase photos during the painting class to see if they can tell what I'm painting (and they laugh I'm sure) but then are proud when I get home with something that looks REAL (or not!!).

Sips and Strokes

2009-01-21T14:49:00.005-05:00

Saturday night was deemed "girls night" this past weekend. Doug kept the kids at home. I threw a boston butt in the crock-pot with some BBQ sauce for them, they had some movies etc. and I ventured out with about 30 girls (some I knew, some I didn't) and we had martini's, food and then . . . we went to a painting class. This was no "ordinary" painting class mind you. It's one I have taken before with friends over in Marrietta that is a blast! It's called Sips & Strokes for a reason - the whole concept is, ya bring your "sip" (your favorite beverage) and you paint! I took a 6 pack of Sam Adams Cherry Wheat and wallah . . . this is what I came home with (well, it's really not that great of a painting but it is in fact hanging in my bosses office over her desk). She seemed to like it enough to display it. My other painting from last year is also hanging in our office over a printer. Cool!!

Where Does The Time Go?

2009-01-06T11:56:00.008-05:00

Time goes by way too fast and the kids grow up. Things change, seasons change. Here are some photos of Zachary and Abbey Grace from this summer that Aunt Marcia sent me right after the New Year.

We all got together during the Holidays and were looking at images on each others cameras that we hadn't yet down-loaded to our computers and she found these on hers and sent them to me.

They are from this past summer at she and Uncle Pete's house out at the farm in Mansfield - it's simply beautiful out there . . . clearly the kids love it - they are City kids but certainly have lots of Country in them!

Abbey Grace strikes a pose next to the pool.

Look how beautiful the flowers are (and how cute the little girl is)!

Zachary looks so handsome!

What a big kid!

Zack loves to drive the Kubota around the pastures with his little sister!

Nice day of swimming!

If the Shoe Fits

2008-12-29T15:51:00.008-05:00

We started out Christmas morning this year at our house by awaking to Abbey Grace whispering that Santa had in deed not flown over our house as Mr. Doug has instructed the night before due to behavioral issues. Apparently, during rest, she redeemed herself into the good Abbey Grace again and Santa miraculously left gift upon gift under the tree and around our living room for she and Zachary both despite the arguing that had consumed the halls the night before. If the shoe fits.

After we got the living room cleaned up, we headed to Augusta for the day with the family to spend then night with Sharon, Ed and the kids. Doug and I took a chocolate eclair cake, a Jamaican rum/fruit cake and salad to share. We had a delicious meal and stayed the night so we could stay up late to play Guitar Hero (way too much fun thanks to Honey and Pops for getting this for the kiddies for Christmas).

All the grand kids feet - if the shoe fits. . . .

Abbey Grace, Noah and Gage

Sisters (The Blair Girls) - Sharon and Angie

My sister and fiance Doug

Abbey Grace sporting her new UGA fleece.

I blew up my old crock pot a few months ago making a Weight Watchers recipe - this new one with the stay-safe lid will do nicely!! Thanks Mom and Dad!!

Douglas

Zack looks less than thrilled to be up this early. Teens!

Santa for Georgia Girl

2008-12-29T15:44:00.004-05:00

Who said Santa was just for humans? Georgia Girl got lots of treats in her doggy bed this year too . . . she was very patient on Christmas morning. She ran to her bed on the fire place, looked inside and then sat and waited for the kids to come in. Then, she stole the rope toy and ran off with it. See the sequence of events below . . . . she's too funny . . . .

She peaks . . . . .

She sits for a minute . . . .

She RUNS . . . .

Holiday Magic

2008-12-29T15:25:00.009-05:00

What do YOU leave for Santa? Are you a believer? This year, my little believer, Abbey Grace, brought out the spirit in us all on Christmas Eve and several days leading up to Christmas Eve. This little elf by the name of "Elfy" appeared from the Northpole unexpectedly (by way of my grandmother Spears, Abbey Grace's great-grandmother) and decidedly "moved about" the house from place to place on his own. He sometimes sat on the floor, sometimes he sat on the counter, the dresser, by the front door, in the living room, on the sofa or the chair. He just "moved" with a spirit. Thus, we decided to ask Santa if it were appropriate that we keep him, or, if he needed to be returned to the Northpole to do his good deeds?

Here is a photo of Christmas Eve - Abbey Grace has set the coffee table in the den with cookies, egg nog, a letter to Santa (along with a buck eye for good luck from her dresser, a penny for good luck) and a pencil for Santa to use to mark his response of whether she could keep Elfy or not?

Abbey Grace selecting the proper cookies she baked for Santa.

We went out into the driveway along the sidewalk and spread "Reindeer Food" so Santa's Team would have a snack to eat as he did his work.

This is Abbey Grace in her Sponge Bob Jammies spreading Reindeer Food along the entire front yard.

Being diligent with the food was key!

Finally, the note to Santa!

Merry Christmas?

2008-12-22T14:41:00.002-05:00

Happy Campers?

I don't get too many smiles out of the big guy when he's standing that close to his little sister - not even this close to a Holiday. In fact, it's icky to think he has to be affectionate in a public place with her (my office lobby for a photo session). Abbey Grace and Zachary were forced in this photo to stop in the Lobby of my building and have their photo made with the life-size nut crackers and larger than life trees they decorate because of the beautiful splendor I see in them. Not so fun? They will cherish these photos some day!

Thompson Hine Door Decor

2008-12-17T10:03:00.013-05:00

Normally, lawyers are stuffy and boring. They wear navy, black and grey. Pearls, heels, hose. Here at Thompson Hine, we act slightly different. I'm not sure why but it sure is fun! There is a ton of competition among us here in the office and for the Holiday Season we were instructed by HR to decorate our office and/or door for a "prize" to be given at today's Christmas Party. Here are a few shots of some of the doors that were decorated.

This is our managing partner's door. He is a hunter (obviously).

(We Three Kings Door)

Gold, Frankincense and Mir. . . shak (her last name is "Mirshak") too cute.

Sarah Palin Door (decorated on the front an back)

Sweet dreams Sarah!

Babes In Toyland Door (faces of staff on disney characters)

The Misfits Tree (this one is mine).

Christmas Play

2008-12-12T14:29:00.007-05:00

Last Sunday, the Church had the annual Joy Gift Dinner in the fellowship hall and the children gave the normal singing program after the meal. Abbey Grace had a speaking part this year (thanks to Honey who leads her class in Sunday School and sought out children who get overlooked sometimes) . . . Abbey Grace was probably the best reader this year and we could hear her sing too (she has a lovely voice). I only wish Zachary would sing for the Choir now too because we hear him in the shower and he is awesome (I'm not supposed to know that)!

Outside My Window

2008-12-03T14:54:00.003-05:00

Here's the view from our office window today . . . a dude hanging from a scaffold from our 50 story building (in the 30 degree weather) washing our windows. WHAT? He's nutz! We are on the 22nd Floor of the 50 story building so he's nearly half-way up the side of our building, blowing in the breeze on this tiny structure cleaning the windows. NO WAY MAN!!! You can see the Atlanta/Midtown skyline behind him (the building Daddy used to work in is directly behind him on the left - it's the tiny striped building - the big tall "Bat-Man" looking building is the new King & Spalding building - it's the same height as ours). Would you do this? There's not enough money in the world!!

My Son The Chef

2008-12-03T14:50:00.004-05:00

These photos are great because I took them with my blackberry however, the pie was fantastic. Zachary made this apple pie (his specialty) again this year for one of the family meals we had over the Thanksgiving Break. He does the entire thing himself (including the crust - from a box) but isn't it lovely? He peeled the apples, mixed the ingredients and did the egg wash on the crust to make it shine - delicious - maybe he'll own a restaurant someday?

Tree Triming in The Rain

2008-12-03T13:37:00.004-05:00

This weekend it rained so hard that we decided to stay in doors all weekend (except for the brief hour we went to Home Depot to get our lovely Christmas Tree during the GA vs. GA Tech Game). We were getting stomped so bad that we decided to get the tree and miss part of the game with no problem. We let the tree sleep in the garage in the tree stand overnight to "drip dry" because it was too wet to bring in doors. On Sunday, we decorated it since it was then safe to not electrocute Doug as he put the lights on. We laughed about the Grizwald Movie where the cat chomps down into the string of lights underneath the recliner and he blows himself up. The next day they look under the recliner and there's a huge black burnt cat mark under the chair - Muuuuuaahahahahah - how funny is THAT? Zachary has never seen the movie - I think this Holiday Season, it's worthy of a Blockbuster rental - don't you?

Fast Abbey Grace

2008-12-03T13:32:00.003-05:00

Clearly, I have nothing better to do than to play with Doug's new camera so I put it on "action shot" the other night and got these cool pics of Abbey Grace (shirtless no less before bath time) dancing around in the bedroom, juggling her socks in the air. She's that blurry thing with the pink bow in her hair!

Gobble Gobble . . . .

2008-12-01T16:25:00.023-05:00

Thanksgiving Weekend was really fun. I planned to stay on my Weight Watchers plan all weekend and for the most part, I did pretty good but certainly didn't eat within the plan on Thanksgiving Day! I think I drank my points on Wednesday and certainly ate them Thursday in Turkey Skin alone (that's my favorite part to snitch). Doug fried a turkey at our house and made a pumpkin cheesecake. I made sweet potato casserole. We took everything to Mom and Dad's where everyone ate. It was a great day - the weather was beautiful! We are very thankful for everything we have - we are very blessed!

Doug in the driveway frying our turkey.

Fried Turkey being lowered into the pot of hot grease - yum!

Slowly it goes into the hot oil. Our turkey was 18 pounds - Doug was scared it wasn't going to fit into the pot. According to Paula Deen, you are only suppose to fry a 14 pound turkey or less (clearly I didn't know this rule when I purchased the bird).

It turned out just beautiful though!

Doug and Daddy carving the birds. Mom roasted a turkey too so we could have traditional stuffing cooked inside the bird. We had 2 turkeys and 1 ham. No one was hungry!

Two turkeys! (and I don't mean Daddy and Doug)

Granny waiting on a snitch of bird.

Uncle Archie and Aunt Selma patiently waiting for the dinner bell.

Zachary gets a snitch of skin too!

Noah comes in from playing outside with the kids.

Each of the 4 grandchildren got to read a special prayer from written scripture as our blessing prior to eating dinner. We also toasted with Mead brought back from Ireland by Honey and Pops. Mead is made from Honey.

Noah and Abbey Grace reciting their portion of the blessing.

Olivia reciting her portion of the blessing.

Finally, Zachary reciting his part, the final part, of the blessing.

The, we all raised our glasses and Daddy explained the history of the Meade as "Meade became very popular at weddings and often, the bride and groom were given special Meade goblets from which to toast each other, as well as enough Meade to last a month - which is where we get the word honeymoon. Often, a bridegroom, laced with copious amounts of Meade was carried to the bedside of his bride after the wedding feast. According to custom, Meade has powers of virility and fertility - thus, if a baby was born nine months after the wedding, it was often attributed to the honey wine (i.e., Meade). Today, it is still the tradition to signal the end of the wedding feast by raising glasses of Meade to toast the newlyweds."

Noah and Abbey Grace eating.

My wonderful Husband-to-Be . . . fast asleep after a long haul home from Alaska (and a full belly of turkey)!

Granny quickly getting some dishes ready.

The boys.

Putting away left overs.

Come Home To Me Darlin'

2008-11-24T12:57:00.004-05:00

You might look at these photos and say "Buuuuurrrrrrr." I say . . . hurry home Doug - I miss you! For the past 10 days, Doug has been here . . . on the Pipeline, in Alaska. It's a place called Deadhorse, Alaska in the Alpine area. The oil facility is owned by Conoco Phillips where he is doing a job. Doug is an engineer with Honeywell and helped design the fire alarm system which has been installed at this oil facility. In order to test and "get online" the new systems, Doug is required to be tested here and then be present for installation and testing of the system there.

After Thanksgiving, he will return for an additional 12 days to provide additional tech support for the system. His job is to design the panel boxes for these systems - it's pretty complicated but he's really smart and I'm very proud of him (specifically because he sent me photos of his dorm room at this place and it looks to be pretty harsh conditions - it's certainly no Marriott). He should be leaving there today and be home tomorrow by 3:30 (an entire 20 something hours of travel). I'll bet he'll want some WILD TURKEY for Thanksgiving?

Days of Our Lives TRAGEDY !!!

2008-11-21T16:18:00.003-05:00

Days of Our Lives is DOOMED!

I just read on Yahoo that the beloved, long time soap stars John and Marlena got FIRED due to budget cuts. WHAT? The economy is so bad that they got rid of them? Couldn't they fire some of the ridiculous teeny boppers on there - the ones we don't know of . . . the ones that we make fun of whose wardrobe is extravagant - how about getting rid of Grandma Horton - she can't remember her lines anymore anyway - what about Stephano - he's been reincarnated 100 times! Get rid of some children and then bring them back from the dead - yeah, do that! John and Marlena though? The travesty! Days will never be the same! I used to plan my college classes around the show . . . perhaps this is why I never graduated?

College Bound Already?

2008-11-18T14:30:00.017-05:00

This past Saturday, Doug and I attended Youth Saturday with Zachary and the Youth Group from our Church at Presbyterian College in Clinton, South Carolina. This is an annual trip of many of the Southeastern Greater Presbyterian Churches (youth) and their Ministers and some families who wish to join or may want their children/teens to attend the college in the near future. The Dean of Education, the President, Faculty and Staff, Advisors and Coaches all come out and give tours etc., they provide a huge meal in the Cafeteria and then you attend a football game and basketball game in the evening. It's great fun and you learn tons of great stuff about the school, tuition, financial assistance, sports, classes and campus life. Zachary is considering Presbyterian College as one of his "picks" (now that he understands playing football for them might be a tad easier than playing for UGA or Navy).

Presbyterian College vs. USC Coastal Carolina (where I went to college)

Doug and I clearly didn't know what color to wear.

Some of our Youth @ the football game.

A mural inside the Science/Biology Building.

Biology Building - very cool stuff in here.

Beautiful Campus in deed!

This is us walking around with the kids taking the campus tour.

Campus tour (another youth group).

Campus life.

All the different Youth Groups from around the Southeast. (Zack in his wheel chair in the foreground). Poor kid!!

Our kids.

The band.

Basket Ball Gymnasium

The President of Presbyterian College and Dean of College.

School Days

2008-11-13T16:44:00.003-05:00

Fun times in the hall at school! Mrs. Haralson (Abbey Grace's teacher from last year and Dad's cousin) bumped into Abbey Grace in the hall at school the other day and took these photos (it was "no uniform" day at school). She LOVES to wear her street clothes to school - it was orange and black day! We miss Mrs. Haralson so much but are so glad she "keeps tabs" on the little bow-headed girl!

The CMA's

2008-11-13T10:11:00.006-05:00

In honor of last night's CMA's . . . I thought I would post a few pictures of Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood today - these were taken at the concert in Atlanta where Keith Urban shot his newly released (yesterday) DVD. Pretty cool we were there - in fact, this was our second time seeing him and without a doubt one of the best concerts ever! Carrie Underwood was stunning as well and we'll for sure go see her again when she tours our area!

Zack's Broken Leg . . . Mom's Broken Heart

2008-11-05T13:38:00.006-05:00

My big ole fella has a broken leg. Yep . . . a growth plate, hairline fracture of the tibia. Monday night at wrestling practice, another kid his age fell on Zack's leg and bent it backwards at his knee as it was bending and his tibia broke. At the emergency room, they sent us home with some pain killers and said there was nothing wrong . . . oops - guess since there was no radiologist on staff at the time, they mis-diagnosed the fact of how bad it was. For two days he agonized over the pain. We finally got him all fixed up though - here are the photos. Poor guy - no wrestling season for him but he'll be back on the football field in no time!

My Mom's Birthday Fiesta Throwdown

2008-11-03T13:45:00.008-05:00

We had Mom, Dad and Granny over for Mom's Birthday dinner Sunday night after Church (again, it was a whirl-wind, busy weekend of dinner parties for us this weekend). We cooked a pork tenderloin, sweet potatoes, zucchini on the grill and black-eyed peas. Mom brought a pumpkin pie instead of a cake because that's what she wanted. We had cards and presents after dinner. It was a great time . . . . in fact . . . the photos will show you JUST what a great time it certainly was . . . SOME of us got a little "outta control . . " (we won't call names here) but I'll just warn you - my mother and her mother sure can PARTY!!

Dinner was yummy - now let's open some cards (that's what Abbey Grace said).

Pop's gives Honey a cool IPOD Nano.

No one can operate the dern thing! We're all electronically challenged. Hey . . . give it to Zack - he can operate it!

Beautiful clothes!

Oooo - more clothes!

Ut oh . . . someones been in the prop box.

Like Mother like daughter . . . or . . . wait . . .. like daughter like mother? Hey - Granny still has it in her . . . party like a rock star!!

Saturday's Dinner Party

2008-11-03T13:13:00.008-05:00

Karen coming to the door thinking the party was for Kerry's Birthday

Decorated Table

Kerry decorates cakes . . . this one is so beautiful for Karen and Rick's Engagement party

My two great friends . . . Kerry and Dawn

Karen and Kerry and Karen's Fiance' Rick.

Wedding Bells Hanging in the Dining Room

Saturday night Doug and I had friends over for a surprise engagement party for Karen and Rick. We also had Kerry and William over (although William had to stay home with sick children) and we had Dawn and Gary over. We cooked grilled mojo chicken and baked potatoes. Kerry brought an awesome spinach salad with strawberries, pecans and feta cheese, Dawn brought this totally great green bean casserole that had artichokes, onion and Parmesan cheese and stuffing mix in it. To die for! (I burned the wheat rolls). The meal was fantastic and the fellowship was super. Kerry made and decorated a lovely engagement cake! We had a great time! It made up for the horrible loss UGA suffered to Florida (which we watched in the back ground during the party). Ugggghhh! Everyone enjoyed getting to meet Karen's fiance' - they are a very happy couple! Congrats to Karen and Rick!!

Halloween Friday

2008-11-03T13:06:00.003-05:00

Wow! What a BUSY weekend we had! Friday after work I left early to drive out to Zack's school to pick him up from wrestling practice. I met Doug and Abbey Grace at Clark's Grove (Mom & Dad's Neighborhood) for the annual "Hallo-weenie Roast" in the big culdesac. Abbey Grace was dressed (as Zack always says) "gender-inappropriately" as a Pirate. Arrggghhh maties . . . She looked awesome too because at School on Friday she lost her FIRST TOOTH. Thus, the tooth fairy had to come visit us Friday night too - busy busy. We ate some hallow-weenies in the neighborhood and then went trick-or-treating. It was great fun. Here are some photos.

Zack's 14th Birthday

2008-10-31T15:35:00.010-04:00

You're right . . . I'm not the greatest cake decorator in the world but at least I tried! For Zachary's 14th birthday on October 20th, we at left overs for dinner (he had football practice and Abbey Grace had soccer practice so there wasn't a whole bunch of time for a huge festive evening) and then we had this fab cookie cake (one of Zack's favorites). On Sunday night before his birthday, we took him to Maggiano's in Buckhead for Italian and gorged ourselves anyway so leftovers were the perfect idea on Monday.

Here's Zack blowing out 14 candles - lots of breath to blow out that many candles (like I should talk!)

Opening Cards and presents.

Opening a huge card from Granny Spears.

The card played music and drums (loud music and drums).

Go Navy!

Doug gave Zachary a great electronic Spanish/English dictionary to help with Zack's Spanish Class. Most of what Zack looks up are "funny" words (things only a 14 year old would think are funny obviously).

Clearly, this is what his Mom gave him . . . goooo Dawgs!

Happy Birthday young man . . . . I love you!!

Zack's Last Football Game - Championship

2008-10-31T15:22:00.005-04:00

My by on the field (as they lose) playing defensive tackle.

Zack is No. 94 on Defense.

This is Olivia, Abbey Grace and Noah doing "the wave."

No. 94 (big legs Kimmel).

Last Soccer Game

2008-10-31T14:22:00.005-04:00

Abbey Grace played an awesome last soccer game last weekend. Olivia and Noah were here to witness the victory and see Abbey Grace pull some great moves as Goalie. She even did a great dive into the goal to block a great kick!

Wedding Planning

2008-10-29T13:53:00.002-04:00

I don't have any photos associated with this blog. I really don't have much to blog on lately unless you want to know about the endoscopy and colonoscopy I had done last week while I was out of work for 4 days. Those were real groovy - I felt like someone took a Brillo Pad to my throat and one to my rear-end. I also had an ultra sound to my kidney, pancreas, liver and gall bladder. The results you ask? I have a hiatal hernia in my esophagus and diverticulitis. Oh, I have a lesion on my liver too. My poor 40 year old bod is all tore up.

Ok - so, I got a wedding dress. I tried on 25 gowns (once I discovered Doug would have NOTHING to do with marrying me at the Court House this wedding has blown up into 125 guests already). Friends, family and the like, please put on your dancin' shoes because this is gonna be a good old-fashioned throw down!!

Doug has planned most of the soiree mind you - I'm just along for the ride of my life! He has reserved the reception hall himself (the Community House in Mansfield where we have our family reunions). He has drawn the lay-out and detailed everything on his CAD program. It's quite lovely. We've booked the caterer and Doug chose the menu (it's fabulous). I booked the photographer (engagement photos will be in two weeks with save-the-date cards going out the beginning of December including details of the wedding). Church is booked. Minister and organist are booked. Doug booked and paid for the honeymoon already. I got a gown. We have booked a DJ already. We have picked a "signature drink" for the event. The only thing we don't have is a florist. I'm currently working on that this week.

Hard to believe isn't it?

This time next year I'll be on my honeymoon!!

Fall Break to New Mexico

2008-10-17T14:33:00.026-04:00

This photo is of the beautiful mountains taken as we got off the plane in El Paso Texas and drove from there to Las Cruces, New Mexico to see Doug's Parents.

We started our 10 day trip by flying to Indiana for 3 days to go to Dick Kimmel's Funeral (for those who don't know who Dick Kimmel is . . . he is Zachary's grandfather who died of lung cancer - Zack's Dad died of lung cancer in 2001 and Scott's parents Dick & Greta Kimmel have stayed very close to Zack and me since Scott's death). Greta remains in a nursing home so we visited with her for several days after the funeral and then flew from Indianapolis, IN to Denver, CO and then to El Paso, TX. Whew . . . .

This is Abbey Grace and Zachary after we checked into the "Rama-Don" (i.e., the Radisson) in Indianapolis. (Zack could NOT get the name of the place right). p.s. - sleep number beds are not all they're cracked up to be!

Zachary killed (de-headed) a rattle snake in Las Cruces at Doug's parents house.

I'm not sure why we're standing in front of a jewelry store here - we didn't purchase any jewelry!

La Posta in Historic Mesilla.

In Mesilla.

Abbey Grace at Cloud Croft standing at the Welcome Center of the White Sands National Monument.

This was awesome fun! We went to White Sands and sled down a 60 foot hill of sand (like on snow but sand) in the heat of the day (the desert) - it was the best fun the kids had (and me!)

White Sands National Park.

Bob Houck (Doug's Dad), Doug, Zachary, Me, Abbey Grace.

Helen Houck (Doug's Step Mom), Bob Houck (Doug's Dad), Doug, Me, Abbey Grace.

A most beautiful sun set on the drive home that afternoon after White Sands and Shopping all day long - the fun was had by all - what a beautiful family day!!

Guadalupe Mountains. BEAUTIFUL!

Stopped along side the road for random family photos on the way to Carlsbad Caverns.

Ok, I'm gonna give this one away because it's just too dern funny. My son thinks I'm "blonde" as it is . . . . right? So, we're standing on the road side having this awesome "family moment" - having our pictures made - smiling - wind in hair blah blah - all the sudden . . . . "MOM . . . . YOU'RE FLY IS OPENED!!!!" - Yep - click on the photo to enlarge it if you need a better look - sure enough - I apparently am having trouble in about 7 photos Doug took with zipping up my jeans! Not sure why I can't remember to zip my pants lately??

This one is cute . . . I have my pants zipped!

Everyone is zipped up here!

Zipped here! This is at Carlsbad Caverns going into the Entrance.

This is obviously inside the Caverns. One of the 7 wonders of the world and we got to see it. We can check that off our bucket list now!

Stalagmites and Stalactites.

Stalactites.

Stalagmites and Stalactites.

Outside Carlsbad Caverns after a long day. We spent some time waiting on the Bat Flight Program at the end of the day which started at 6 p.m. or a little after. We got to see 500,000+ bats emerge from the Caves out into the night to feed. Talk about the most amazing thing we've ever seen!!

I have no comment here - it's self explanatory!

THE END!

Bottling Beer 101

2008-09-30T13:16:00.009-04:00

Is he in 8th grade or a freshman at UGA ???

Bottle capper extraordinaire!

Zachary learning to cap the bottles.

Doug showing Zachary how to cap the bottles with sterilized bottle caps.

Zack prays over the beer - he's a religious kid!

Not overly sure how to comment on this one - sorry.

Last night Doug and Zachary bottled the beer that has been fermenting for a little over a week now. Doug calls it "Sam Adams" and Zachary calls it "Zack's Brew" (not sure why a 13 year old would name a beer . . . that's my boy)!! Zachary will be 14 in 20 days - he mentioned to me that near this time next year, he will have his learners permit (I nearly fainted). My kid will be driving (and if you'll note from the pictures here, he also looks like he could put a few of these brews back). Prayers for me and Doug are requested and needed!!

Yum - can't wait to taste the ale. Thanks sweetheart!

Making Home Brew

2008-09-25T17:07:00.004-04:00

Last Sunday while I ran errands after Church, Doug made 4 cases of his famous Home Brew (that's beer to you common folk). I don't mean Miller Lite either - it's the Good Stuff yall! It took the poor guy ALL DAY to make this wicked ale in our drive way and all week this week there have been buckets upon buckets "brewing" and bubbling in a dark closet in the house (fermenting). This weekend he will "bottle" the beer and do some other stuff to it and then in about 8 more weeks we'll have some decent BREW! We are looking on Craig's List for a vintage frig. to keep it all in for the Thanksgiving Holidays - yeee haw!

Last Weekend

2008-09-25T16:40:00.009-04:00

I haven't had time to blog this week because I'm so busy at work.

Before the 10:30 soccer game last week, Doug and I met with a wedding planner in Covington for several hours. I haven't really said a whole bunch (nothing really until now) about our wedding plans because we actually haven't decided exactly WHAT we're doing next year until recently. Until recently (the last week or so) we haven't had anything planned and now we have EVERYTHING planned. We decided not to use the wedding planner we met with and we're going with another wedding planner (someone in Atlanta). I honestly didn't want a wedding since I've had two - I sort of thought it was tacky frankly but Doug didn't have a wedding at all when he was married - he wound up at the Court house and he thought that was utterly tacky and has decided he wants to plan this event himself so we've both sort of gone wedding nutz again and already knocked the entire event out in a matter of about 10 days. It's not really hard to do - Doug and I should go into business . . . WHAT?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Last weekend we had a HUGE weekend of soccer, wedding planning and running errands out the Whazoo! Here are some pictures of last week's soccer game . . . .

Honey and Pops

Mr. Doug and Abbey Grace

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ok . . . after the soccer game we started back in on the wedding stuff . . . we took Mom to the old Mansfield United Methodist Church and have decided to be married there. It is where Popsie's parents went to Church (and his entire family) and where my Mom and her family went to church as children (where my Mom was baptized). Sharon and I also went to vacation bible school there as very young girls during our summer visits with Granny and Popsie to the farm. The Church was established in early 1903 and built shortly thereafter (approx.) - these are all guesses by the Minister and the coordinator. Being back there after 36 some odd years took my breath away to say the least - the smell was the same as well as the appearance. Here are some photos.

There is a stained glass window dedicated to my great-grandmother in the Church.

First Soccer Game

2008-09-15T15:50:00.005-04:00

Saturday was our first soccer game - we had a double header during the hottest part of the afternoon on Saturday prior to the Georgia vs. Carolina Gamecocks game (luckily, we made home before kickoff). Sorry, the Dawgs are still highly important on my list of Saturday priorities but I did enjoy seeing Abbey Grace play soccer. Her team won BOTH games on Saturday and it was a lot of fun seeing her have fun (she's not the greatest at the sport as of yet). I still say she needs to be a cheerleader.

Indian Creek vs. Reid Middle School

2008-09-11T16:59:00.007-04:00

Here are some pictures of yesterday's game of Indian Creek Middle School vs. Reid Middle School. Zachary played a great game yesterday - the photo shows him actually "in the game" although you probably can't tell my No. 94 is actually in there. Enjoy anyway!

Tailgate GA Style

2008-09-10T10:05:00.007-04:00

Angie & Doug at the Tailgate Party

Zachary doesn't like his Mommy to love on him
(or, he doesn't want me to steal his tiny bottle of Coke)

Zachary eating his 4th piece of chicken!

This is before the 12 sandwiches came out

I was trying to sit in the shade - this is before the dehydration.

He looks like a college kids himself already!!

This was our tailgate party at the DAWGS game on Saturday - Enjoy!

GO DAWGS !!

2008-09-09T13:47:00.004-04:00

The Georgia RED COAT Band

I have converted Doug from an Ohio State Fan into a GEORGIA BULLDOGS fan . . . who said it couldn't be done? The man loves me!

Saturday, Doug and I took Zachary to his first Georgia Game! Thanks to Aunt Sharon and Uncle Ed's season tickets, we had great seats in the lower level. We tailgated UGA style prior to the game at a prime location on Baxter Street about 3 blocks from the stadium. I fixed the boys a huge cooler of food (ham and cheese sandwiches, pimento cheese sandwiches, chips & salsa, fried chicken, chocolate chip cookies and real coke out of the bottle). I think if I had forgotten the food, it would have been ok with Zachary because he thought Coke in a little tiny bottle was the coolest thing ever (well, and that he got an entire bucket of chicken to himself minus 1 piece that Doug ate). Here are some pictures taken from Doug's Blackberry (I'll post some more photos of the tailgate party later this week).

Cool School Project

2008-09-04T11:29:00.002-04:00

Here's a neat school project Zachary had to do for Social Studies last week. He had to bake a huge cookie and cut it out in the State of Georgia for a history lesson. The other boys he teamed up with had to bring other candies and icing as hills, mountains, streams, lakes etc. to put on the cookies (which I didn't get to see before the cookie was eaten). Here was our part of the project.

First Game 14-6 WIN !!

2008-09-04T10:15:00.010-04:00

My boy is 5'8 and weighs 220 - he's NOT the biggest kid on the team either

Goooooooo #94 . . . Zack Kimmel - you're my No. 1

The First Game of the Season was a 14 to 6 win over Davis Middle School of Covington. However, my first string player, #94, Zack Kimmel, Defensive Tackle, Defensive Guard (Special Teams) didn't get any play time on the field because he was sick. Yep . . he has a cold/flu/stomach virus that dear old Mom gave him. He refused to call me from school to come get him because he wouldn't have been able to dress out for the game and stand with the team so he didn't call me but he didn't play the game to spare himself from getting sick on the field. Nonetheless he was there, in all his #94 glory (wobbling/sweating) on the sidelines just the same. He's home from school today with Honey and Granny taking care of him with meds (and doing homework/class work as make-up). GOOOO PANTHERS!!!

First Soccer Practice

2008-09-03T10:45:00.004-04:00

Monday, Labor Day, was Abbey Grace's First Soccer Practice with The Y in Covington. She will be playing U8 Soccer this season - she decided to do this instead of dance and cheerleading (I know . . . I tried). After soccer season, we will look into the guitar lessons that Granny got her for her birthday. I think we have to concentrate on 1 thing at a time with this one! (oh, if you can't tell which one she is . . . look for the signature bow in her hair).

Sunday Afternoon at The Pool

2008-09-03T10:31:00.004-04:00

Abbey Grace and Noah Swimming

After Church on Sunday we ate a huge meal at Mom and Dad's house (sort of an "Easter" lunch) and then waddled to the Clark's Grove pool to lay out in the sun and let Olivia, Noah, Zachary and Abbey Grace play in the pool while we adults sat in the sun for a while (well, Doug and I swam too).

Abbey Grace entering the water after a nice cannon ball!

Sharon and Doug in the shade!

Garden Tour

2008-08-29T14:54:00.000-04:00

Today at lunch, me and a few girls from my office drove to one of our Partners houses who lives near our office in Buckhead to tour his huge lavish garden which has been featured in the past in the AJC (for those of you who don't know what that is . . . The Atlanta Journal Constitution News). He lives off of West Wesley in a lovely little home (approximately a million + bucks), he drives a Porsche (there is no substitute), he's married to his former paralegal from his old firm (I'm probably divulging too much information here) - anyway, he's an awesome guy, very sweet and way too generous to invite us to his home to walk us around his yard for an hour or more grabbing plants and telling us the genus and species and where he bought them and whom from etc. - it was the coolest lunch I've had in quite some time - he's very proud of his work. Here are some pictures I took with my Blackberry (didn't have a camera). The pictures don't do ANY justice on his creation. He is bringing each of us 4 girls a "goodie bag" next week with clippings and instructions on how to grow each of what we get - he was mindful of what each of us liked while we walked through the garden and is going to tell each of us what will go in our yards and how to grow it - how cool is that!! Can't wait!! By the way . . . most of what is in his yard cannot be purchased at your local Home Depot or Pikes. Everything is exotic and comes from mostly trading with other horticulturists/friends and purchasing from the Internet. He also travels quite a bit and purchases and trades seeds from exotic growing plants. Neat-o!

This looks like a regular ole hibiscus and you can't tell from the picture but this one is as large as a frisbee. HUGE!

This is a wind chime, not really sure why I got a photo of it - I thought it was totally cool!

Alex . . . . and the Devil's Walking Stick . . . also very cool!!

This is a Papaya Plant with real Papaya growing (you can't really see then unless you look closely). There are tons of other fruit bearing trees in the yard (orange, fig, banana, coconut etc.) . . . again - cool!

Only In My Garden . . . .

2008-08-05T09:27:00.001-04:00

YUMMY ?? Maybe not . . . .

Only in my garden would something like this grow!! Doug and Abbey Grace picked tomatoes for me on Saturday morning and found this "interesting" tomato with a NOSE? What do YOU think it looks like?

Be creative!!

New Year . . New Life !!

2008-08-05T09:12:00.000-04:00

New Year . . . New Life

Has specific meaning to Zachary this year. It means FOOTBALL and 8th grade at Indian Creek Middle School. Zachary will find out tomorrow, Wednesday, 8/6/08 if he's made the IC Football team. He's played football all summer (practice), three days a week plus weight training - he's poured his heart out on this so hopefully he'll make the team. If he does, they finish school at 4 p.m., gather as a team in the Locker Room Area after school and break out into groups to do home work together as a team until 5:30 p.m. then hit the field until 8 p.m. in the HEAT! They are amazing boys. They do this Monday thru Friday and some Saturday's too. This past Saturday I went to the school from 9 a.m. to Noon and watched the practice and witnessed many of the young men "yacking" all over the field from the heat. New Year, New Life indeed!! Go Zack . . . enjoy your year buddy!!

First Day Of School

2008-08-05T09:00:00.000-04:00

First Grade is pretty huge - not as huge as starting Kindergarten (because last year it was bigger for me I guess only because Abbey Grace went to public school for the first time and left the confines our our Church so it freaked me out to drop her off on a "real schedule"). This year it didn't cut like a knife so bad when I dropped her off. In fact, it didn't hurt her too bad either considering when Doug and I took her in to school, she bailed on us quickly. The three of us were holding hands all the way up the side walk and into the class room (Abbey Grace was in the middle) and then as soon as we approached her class, she dropped both of our hands, went to her cubby and put her back pack away and sat at her desk like an "old familiar routine" and started on her work. AMAZING . . . this was my kid? Her teacher, Mrs. Hudgins, already refers to her (after day two) as "Ramona Quinby" - imagine that! That's my girl.

WHAM !!

2008-08-01T13:45:00.001-04:00

WHAM . . And no, I don't mean like "Wham-o" or anything like that. I mean "WHAM. . . Make it Big" - you know . . . the album by George Michael from the '80's? Now you're catching on! See . . . Doug and I went to his concert last night - floor seats, 11th row. It was literally the BEST concert I think I've ever been to. Seriously, I stood the entire time, danced, bounced, flung myself around like a school girl in college. I had one (singular) beer but I sweat to the bone. Philips Arena was like an open Techno-Club with lights, thumping base, perfume, cologne, fabulously hot gay men, impeccably dressed Atlanta people drinking top-shelf liquor and dancing to none other than George Michael. He is still totally HOT, he has all the moves he had back when I was in college and his posters all adorned my dorm room walls, and he can certainly sing like no other pipes I've ever heard. His voice is clean and pure. His routine last night lasted THREE (3) hours - it was utterly incredible and today I am exhausted. I would do it all over again this very second if given the chance!

Proposal Tears of Shock and Joy

2008-07-25T09:06:00.000-04:00

While we were in Charleston and Doug proposed, there was this lovely lady having dinner with friends who photographed our beautiful event and when she returned to Indiana from her vacation, she emailed us the photos . . . . here is what she captured . . . . (both Doug and I are crying and smiling at the same time . . . it was a great night)

Clueless . . Oblivious . . . Engaged !!

2008-07-22T13:01:00.000-04:00

Friday morning, July 18th, we got up and had "Family Time" at Chick-fil-a. We ate a great breakfast together at 7 a.m. in Covington and then dropped the kids off at Mom and Dad's house and said our good-byes. Little did I know, the night before, Doug had gone to my son and asked him if he would mind if he proposed to me on this beach trip so that we could get married and become a real family. Little did I know, Doug had already gone on Memorial Day to both of my parents and asked for their permission and blessing to marry me and told them of his intention to propose eventually. At that moment, I was Clueless . . . Oblivious . . . . but, I was about to become Engaged.

We got to Kiawah at 1 p.m. and picked up our keys and went to the condo. We unloaded as fast as we could, fixed a quick drink and ran down the boardwalk to the beach before the sun went in (it was sort of overcast) - we walked on the beach for a little over an hour and just hung out and held hands. Doug wasn't even acting weird or anything - he was cool as a cucumber (how could he be so cool?) Then it was time to get ready for dinner - I went in and took my shower and I guess when I was in the bathroom, Doug slipped the ring in his pants pocket. He had had this ring hidden since July 4th weekend - he had it made for me by a jeweler in Long Island, NY and the center stone was purchased and placed in the ring by a jeweler couple (Dan and Tina) in Alpharetta, GA who Doug met through my best friends Kerry and William.

We drove to my favorite restaurant in downtown Charleston called The Boathouse located on East Bay Street. It's one of the places my late grandfather liked the fried oysters with jalapeno mayonnaise from. Doug had called several days prior and worked out the details with the Chef, the Hostess and our Wait Staff on every last detail of our food and the proposal. We ate our entire meal and when the dessert arrived, the ring was placed on top and on bended knee Doug proposed. I cried for 30 minutes (don't let Doug fool you, he shed some tears too) but eventually he beat an answer of "yes" out of me and the entire restaurant erupted in cheers and applause. It was very "movie like."

The rest of the weekend, even with a tad of overcast skies, was the most beautiful weekend of relaxation and fun, great conversations, great food, laughter and surprises I've ever enjoyed. This was truly a story book vacation for me all because of Doug. I can't wait to marry this man!!

We Don't Get Out Much

2008-07-17T10:53:00.001-04:00

Doug and I have been dating for just shy of two years and have never gone on any sort of trip or vacation type thing without the kids. I'm 40 and Doug is 44 (probably shouldn't reveal our ages but too late now) but we just enjoy having the family time and there's rarely any time to actually spend apart from the children if you really think about it. I mean, there's sporting events, scouting events, dance, school, concerts, Church stuff, dinners out, family events. There's just always something we go to that involves all of us. And frankly, that's ok - we like it that way. However, this weekend, we're actually going to the beach, just for the weekend, without the kids. Zachary has agreed to help Uncle Ed cut some trees down in the back yard and Abbey Grace is going to play with Olivia and Noah so they'll be in Augusta and Doug and I are going to dash on down to Kiawah Island for a quick weekend of seafood and sand. I'm so excited I can hardly stand it . . . I haven't been to Kiawah in years and love Charleston anyway. We're going to bee-bop on down and eat some sea food, walk on the beach, stroll around Charleston and shop some. The great thing about Doug is that he loves to shop, loves to eat great gourmet food, he loves to walk on the beach with coffee or with a cold beer, he likes to sit on the beach with a great magazine and just listen to the waves, we enjoy the EXACT same things - we'll take the camera so I'll put some photos on here next week - I'll also give my camera to Aunt Sharon and let her photograph the kids doing "work" at their house!!

The Real Deal

2008-07-17T10:44:00.000-04:00

Here are some great pictures of Abbey Grace's "REAL" 6th Birthday from Tuesday, July 15th. I had to work during the day but when she woke up, Honey and I told her all about the day she was born, how I had my C-Section and how beautiful she was. How her big brother held her and rocked her, who all came to the Hospital to see her that evening. Then, she and Zachary, Honey and Granny went to the movies (she and Granny saw Wallie - sp?) and Zachary and Honey saw the new Indiana Jones movie. They spent the rest of the day at the pool. Abbey Grace wanted to go to Zaxby's for dinner so that's where we went and then had cake and presents at our house after work. It was a nice day again! Enjoy the pics!!

Boys Day Out

2008-07-15T09:41:00.000-04:00

While Abbey Grace was having her Birthday Party on Saturday, Doug took Zachary and Noah to the gun range at Charlie Elliott Wild Life and Nature Preserve in Mansfield, GA to shoot guns. Zachary needed to finish his riflery merit badge from Boy Scout Camp this summer and Noah had never been to a gun range so Doug and his best friend Brian took the boys out for "guys day." Here are some photos . . .

Happy 6th Birthday (Early)

2008-07-14T16:58:00.000-04:00

Don't need much explanation here . . . It's the Birthday Girl!

These are the boxes with stickers etc. that the girls decorated.

The birthday girl with her friends and the beautiful cake my friend Kerry made.

Here's Abbey Grace and Olivia (my Niece) with a hand-made painting

of U-G-A that my best friend Kerry also made. BEAUTIFUL!

The girls hard at work on decorating their cakes.

This is my friend Kerry and her daughter Lauren.

The girls . . . including my lovely grandmother, Peggy (she was a HUGE help)!

Honey and Pops gave Abbey Grace a Guitar. She got Guitar Lessons from Granny.

Here's my little musician. Too cute!

The boys (Doug, Zachary and Noah) went to the gun range while we girls had this fantastic cake decorating party. I'll post some pictures of their trip to the gun range when I get a chance. The birthday party was a blast - lots of work for me but fun for everyone for sure. I feel like everything turned out perfect and Abbey Grace will have something to talk about for years to come on this one! Happy 6th B-day little girl!!

Carver's Atlanta

2008-07-11T17:01:00.000-04:00

Today's "dive lunch" at the office was Carver's Grocery and Country Kitchen on Marrietta Street in Atlanta. This place has NOOOO website. It's truly a "dive." But, the best food I've had in a while (well . . . since we went to Busy Bee). Ok, so you leave the office at 11:15 to assure your place in line outside the door. The line stretches out the door (the doors are the old grocery store doors of the "screen variety" that slam in the wind painted hot pink). Yum. The aroma meets you at the double screened doors of fried food goodness. Again . . . yum. The menu appears on a dry-erase board consisting of probably 10 meats and at least 20 veggies to choose from. And oh, let's not forget the home-made desserts. So, you get up to the little window thingy and order (the fella in front of me . . . one of our summer associates . . . ordered what would have been a "Zachary meal") . . he said "yeah . . . give me the uh Fried Catfish, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, Fried Potato Cake and Gravy and throw some gravy on that Catfish fillet too will ya!!" I was like "God Eugene . . you gonna nap this afternoon when we get back to the office?" He just smiled - then it was my turn . . . I had country fried steak with gravy, mashed potatoes and fried okra (hold the dessert please). Soooooooo good! What you do then is sit with folks you don't know too so, you basically just go to the dining area (which consists of 6 card tables with card chairs) and cop a squat. My friend Lisa and I sat with another summer associate of ours (Len) and about 5 people we didn't know and will never see again - it was a blast. We all shared salt & pepper, napkins and hot sauce. How cool is that. Anyway - it was a great time and great food. Attached is a picture of Lisa's plate (fried Chicken, fried okra, lima beans cooked in ham hock). Gooooood stuff!!

Abbey Grace Turning 6

2008-07-09T15:00:00.000-04:00

So, when you ask a little girl what she wants to do for her Birthday Party and she says "have a Sponge Bob or Scooby Doo Party" and all you can think of is . . . . AGAIN? Then what?

I had no idea what to do for Abbey Grace's 6th Birthday this year until I was email chatting with one of my friends in PA and she told me she did a cake-decorating party for her little girl Grace and it turned out lovely. BAM . . . It was on!

This Saturday, I'm hosting 8 little girls (and a boy) to my house for a cake-decorating party for Abbey Grace's 6th birthday (her birthday is really the 15th but we'll do the celebrating this weekend). I went out of control and invited 13 girls, luckily some will be out of town because this has gone bonkers!!

I started with the above-invitations and it has spun out of control from here. Each little girl will get a 10" box, cake board, doily, a set of stickers (foam and non) to decorate their cake box with. Then, we'll move on to the cake decorating (and oh, they'll each get a tiny spatula with a lovely GA Bulldog themed bow around it - spatulas all in red and black - this a DAWG-gone-good party).

The tiny 6" cakes are two tier chocolate (baked them myself, two weekends in a row), popped them in the freezer until this weekend. Each kid gets a thing of white icing, a tube of red gel icing (again, gotta stick with the GA colors) and various sprinkles.

The girls can take home their decorated cakes, decorated boxes and spatulas. How delightful! Maybe the party will bring some inspiring chefs? Maybe just a huge mess for me to clean up? Stay tuned for photos . . . .

Picking Up The Kids @ Camp

2008-07-01T16:34:00.000-04:00

Saturday, June 28th was our trip to Warwoman Dell (and Athens Y Camp) to pick the kids up at Tallulah Falls. We started out early again and got Zachary from Camp and headed back to Warwoman to meet Sharon, Ed, (Olivia and Noah after they had been picked up from camp) and Granny, Mom, Dad and Ed's parents and Niece and Nephew (The Enoch's and Alex and Nicholas). We all brought a covered dish to share, fried chicken, sandwiches, chips, desserts, fruit, etc. and had a great time just sitting in chairs all day listening to the creek go by. The kids played in the woods, we took walks, had lunch and played checkers, cards etc. It was a really nice day with family!!

40's Not So Bad ! ! !

2008-07-01T16:06:00.000-04:00

So, I made it through my 40th birthday on Friday of last week. I came into the office and was greeted with this wonderful card and present from Southern Living Home from my dear friend Lisa (who is our paralegal). When my boss Dorian got here, he brought a huge thing of Dunkin Donuts and sent and email for everyone to come by my desk to "share" - and they did! Drones of folks came by to chat and eat breakfast at my desk (and groan about me being 40 but said I didn't look it - thank heaven!!) Then my other boss Anna came in and brought a huge vase of beautiful fresh flowers for me. I had numerous emails, calls etc. . . . Lunch time. . . . so then it was time to head out to lunch. OH, first, I got another huge flower arrangement from my friend Kerry and her husband William (a mongo Margarita glass filled with white daisies, two straws and two limes . . . how "me" is that?) ok, so we head to lunch at Rosa Mexicano at Atlantic Station - yum! I was dismissed after lunch for the day (had to dash back to the office to send a local counsel a deposition transcript before I headed home though. When I got home, Doug had surprised me by decorating the entire house with "40's" stuff - balloons, banners, flowers etc. Too cute! We went to dinner with Mom, Dad, Granny and Abbey Grace and had a beautiful meal and opened presents at the house after dinner. It was a GREAT evening and we had a wonderful time. Turning 40 wasn't as bad as I had imagined - I don't even look that different. Whew!

Tomorrow Brings 40

2008-06-26T16:19:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow brings 40 years. WHAT? I'm 40 years old? It simply can't be . . . I don't think I really look that old. I certainly don't FEEL 40 or ACT 40. What constitutes being 40 that didn't constitute me being 25, 30, 35, 38, 39? I'm a home owner, I have a job, a car, kids, financial stability. I don't feel very good today . . . maybe I'll call in sick tomorrow?

MaMa & PaPa's Table "Re-Done"

2008-06-24T17:17:00.001-04:00

Here are the photos of the beautiful table that Doug (my fantastic boyfriend) refinished for me (with a little of my help stripping and sanding). This table belonged to my grandparents "The Blairs" - thanks to them, it will live in my house and be enjoyed for many many years to come!

My Teeth Hurt !!

2008-06-24T16:52:00.000-04:00

Whiter? Yes or No?? These are before and after pictures of my choppers and they should look whiter because I laid in a chair for 2 hours and low and behold . . . got them whitened yesterday. To my despair, it hurt like the devil! I have what's called "recession" (hopefully I spelled that right) but apparently its where my roots are exposed under my gums (imagine that with my big ole chompers right?) Until a few moments ago, I haven't really even been able to talk about my day because it was disturbing really. Painfully, blissfully disturbing. Here's my account.

The day was lovely . . . you walk into this huge house on Roswell Road, they greet you with cosmetic smiles of veneers worth millions! There's leather sofas, low lighting and mimosas on the table (not sure why), muffins, fresh fruit (from whole foods), bear skin rugs and hard wood floors, Chandeliers too (oh, and crystal glasses to drink fresh water with lemon wedge). Nice! It's a freaking spa yall . . . . totally rockin'!! This is no dentist office for sure, it's more like a dental fairy land.

I filled out the paper work. Went to my little cubby (exam area) and had my photos made - ok, the cubby (exam area) had a dang water fall on the wall (large) with the logo of the place behind the water trickling down it (lovely). On the ceiling there was a 47" flat screen plasma tv to look at while laying in the LARGE exam chair. Then, attached to the actual chair was another flat screen tv with awesome Bose surround sound head phones to accompany. They had a laminated 2 page 960 channel television set so you can choose what station you want to watch (movies, local and music) while you are being "worked on." SUPER . . . I'll take it! I chose Food TV for a short while and then "Spa Music" when they started the gum burning process (details to follow).

Ok . . . so . . . . . . . I'm laying there in bliss (or what at this moment is bliss) and then the massage therapist comes in . . . . THAT'S RIGHT . . . the MASSAGE THERAPIST . . . she's cute too yall! (In fact, everyone in there is beautiful in the worst way - dressed to the "9's" and cosmetic out the yanger and nice - nice beyond anything). So, she comes in with a hot wrap for my neck scented with lavender and these little cloths scented with lavender and says "I'll be back in a few for your massage ok sweetie." I was like . . . . "yer joking right?" While my whitening process was being done, she did in deed come back and massage my arms and fingers with lotion and attempted to relax me during the second of whitening processes I was undergoing which also, indeed, was starting to burn the almighty holiness out of my teeth and gums.

When all is said and done, I have whiter teeth and today I am fine. I brought home the impressions of my teeth and the year supply of gel to continue the process at home each week to continue getting great results with prescription stuff to help me feel no pain (yeah right). I hope THAT stuff works. I would truly recommend it to you because the experience was so lovely and not very expensive at all but if you have recession, check with your normal dentist before making the appointment.

Happy smiles!!

Off To Athens Y Camp

2008-06-24T10:31:00.000-04:00

On Sunday the 22nd, we got up early and started out to the Mountains headed for The Dillard House. We met Sharon, Ed, Olivia and Noah and had lunch - a feast in and of itself as many of you know. They bring layers upon layers of food to the table and you eat for several hours (if you are able). Roast beef, fried chicken, baked chicken, butternut squash, corn on the cobb, rice and gravy, cabbage, slaw, tomatoes, fruit, butter beans, green beans, fried okra, cauliflower in cream sauce, rolls, biscuits, corn muffins, dressing, cake with peaches & Ice cream. If you're on Weight Watchers. . . . plan not to count points that day! Granny had packed these precious little envelopes for the kids and Honey packed these special bags with goodies for the campers. We shopped the gift store and then proceeded to the petting zoo and walked around the sites for a while before we drove to Tallulah Falls Camp Ground (The Y Camp) where we drop the kids off.

Getting everyone settled into their cabins at the Y Camp was fun. We started with both boys. Driving up the winding road to the camp was excruciating - waiting in line with all the other parents was hard. Noah was nervous - this was his first camp visit (Olivia and Zack are old pros). Zachary will be showing Noah the ropes and that seems just fine with Noah during the car ride! So we drive up and we all split into groups because Noah is in the regular boys camp and Zachary is in ADVENTURE CAMP (which I dorked and forgot I signed him up for). Adventure camp is the "hard core" stuff where you go white water rafting, camping off premises, rappelling, rock climbing etc. (the stuff the "big boys" do). Zack is THRILLED! Anyway, we get the gear unloaded, head to the cabins, make beds and meet back at the Dining Hall for a cool drink, a round of photos and then head to the girls camp for Olivia's drop off. (oh, we said good-by to the boys).

We dropped Olivia off (easily) - she was thrilled we were gone too - her cabin drop off was much nicer - simpler. Took some more photos - hugs - kisses - see ya' and that was it!

Kayaking . . . we had a great day - went over to the State Park at Tallulah and sat on the beach - drank a few cold ones and then just headed on back to Atlanta/Augusta. What a beautiful day yall . . . relaxing and fun fun fun!! Enjoy the photos!!

Lunch @ The Busy Bee

2008-06-19T14:04:00.000-04:00

Gooood Lord Yall . . . I'm about to yak . . . Or, I could use a good nap under a ceiling fan with a little ole blanket or somethin'. We got a new hire today . . an associate and when that happens in a law office you all gather in the lobby at eatin' time and go to lunch at a local "dive" to initiate the new guy. Then after you fill your belly, he or she writes a review of the meal and passes it around to the other people in the office as his or her "initiation." Doesn't seem fair right? What isn't fair is that you stuff yourself to the gills and then want to sleep the rest of the day away. We went to this place on MLK called "The Busy Bee Cafe" - Here's the link http://www.thebusybeecafe.com/ Check this place out . . . fried chicken, fried okra, fried green tomatoes, fried fried fried fried fried, sweet tea. Are you getting the picture? Amen!!

First Blog EVER !!

2008-06-19T10:23:00.000-04:00

WELCOME !! Today is Thursday, June 19, 2008. It is my first EVER blog! Very exciting. The only reason I am doing this is because I was inspired by my cousin Rachel's blog spot and decided to start one myself to keep friends and family updated with mine and the kids "doings." It's really the only way to go these days since we rarely travel anymore (unless its on vacation with just us - which is how I like to do it). Spending quality family time at the Beach is generally how we spend our vacations (no brainer there - just look at the above photo).

Upcoming events . . . this weekend we pack and send Zachary to Athen's Y Camp. On Sunday we drive him to Tallulah Falls in the Ga Mountains and meet up with Sharon, Ed, Olivia and Noah - eat lunch at the Dillard House (where my Grandmother went to girl's Boarding School and is now a wonderful country restaurant), then we drop Olivia, Noah and Zack at Camp for a whole week. Sharon, Ed, Doug, Abbey Grace and myself are spending the day at Tallulah Falls Beach for a Kayaking Trip. Nice Day! I'll include photos of Sunday in next week's blog.