Are we there yet…

Random excuses for not updating my blog

Posted on June 2, 2009 by carly

Sometimes I hold off on writing about our day simply because I cannot think of a good title. Other times, I hold off because I am too lazy or too invested in the latest episode of the Bachelorette or New Jersey Housewives. Before I come to my senses, I am yet another week behind. Worse than that, is narrowing down the 400+ pictures that I take a week. And trying to come up with another way of saying, “on Monday we did this” and “on Tuesday, we did this”…

The best solution to this problem comes from my mom, who frequently reminds me that most people would rather see pictures than read a play by play of the day. I’d have to agree. Maybe that’s why the majority of my “reading material” consists of trash/gossip magazines. And, why I spend so much time “friendly stalking” the other blogs that are out there. Don’t get me wrong, I love to read short updates, but I what I enjoy even more is seeing what you’re wearing, what you’re kids are wearing, what your house looks like, and what you’re eating… Not to judge. But simply because I am a visual person.

So, for you all other “visual readers out there”, here is a week in pictures…

Stella and Dot jewelry party hosted by my friends Kristi and Lori.

A spend the night visit from Gran C and Hendley.

After a month of overcast skies and rain, the sun finally returned for the weekend!

The sun is not the only thing we are smiling about; this weekend marked the return of the Boucek’s (my sister and her family)! They will be living 4 miles from us for the next year while Bill completes an internship at Home Depot. On Sunday, we fired up the grill to celebrate their arrival!

Boss (9 months); Hendley (27 months); Mary Reese (20 months)

Big Daddy and the Grandkids

Even MR cant resist the Boss man’s cheeks!

A new summertime favorite; homemade chocolate chip cookies sandwiched between a scoop of Vanilla ice cream. Roll the edges of the icecream in chopped chocolate, toffee chips, and nuts.

Hendley came over on Monday for the first of many cousin play-dates.

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And I wonder why my pants are too tight…

Posted on May 26, 2009 by carly

Three words: Mexican, grilling, and beer…

On Saturday, we joined the Williamson family for a Mexican fiesta at a nearby restaurant.

Their son, Big Papa, is quite the ladies man.

On Sunday, G and MR cheered on the Braves at Turner Field.

And on Monday, we invited a few friends over to grill out.

Sweet T (Taylor)

Posted in mary reese, memories | 3 Comments

Five things

Posted on May 21, 2009 by carly

1) When G or anyone else in my family complains about taking pictures, I often say in my best Paula Deen voice, “pictures is memories“. And I truly believe that pictures are in fact memories. That’s why I take so many! Last week, as I was uploading new pictures, I accidentally deleted my memory card before copying the pictures to my computer. Before I could hit “cancel”, the pictures were gone. Thank the good lord above for CardProgram. The software allows you to recover deleted photos from your digital camera’s memory card. It can be downloaded online and costs $40 for unlimited use.

2) Why is it that the older you get, the harder that it is to bounce back from a weekend of travel and fun? Our trip to Waycross was amazing! MR got to swim, eat m&m’s for breakfast, and spend time with her grandparents.

This sweet little girl earned the #1 traveler award! She was perfect on our four and a half hour journey down south!

MR’s great grandmother

Jonathan Steven and MR

Dueling piano’s

Papa and MR

Swimming at Meme and Papa Joe’s

Meme and MR

Riding the Kubato with Papa Joe

Church on Sunday with Danny and Papa

Saying goodbye to Jonathan Steven

3) This set of pictures was taken yesterday morning. This is how I found MR when I got out of the shower. The next five minutes were dedicated to singing and dancing to the lyrics of Greece’s Beauty School Dropout.

4) She’s published…Check out MR’s picture from the Georgia v Georgia Tech baseball game on GeorgiaDogs.com.

5) Little Miss Independence. Meet the newest addition to Petey Pie’s. Perfect for the 4th of July and summer bbq’s. This shirt would be precious with navy or red shorts and a big bow!

Posted in Petey Pie's, family, mary reese, memories, places | 1 Comment

Another life lesson, except this one was showcased on tv…

Posted on May 14, 2009 by carly

For the last several years, Turner Field has hosted a rivalry baseball game between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. This year, thanks to Aunt B, we got to sit on the very first row behind home plate. These excellent seats also meant that we would be on tv the majority of the game.

For four whole hours, I sat up straight, sucked in my gut, and prayed that the tickle in my nose was not indicative of something that shouldn’t be there. I also made a mental note not to scold my child for fear that child protective services would be at my doorstep the following morning. And then I kicked myself for not taking a shower, wearing a ratty t-shirt, and for leaving my trusty pair of Spanx at home. This here is yet another life lesson that I will take to the grave….

We’re off to Waycross for the weekend and will return on Sunday with more tales and many more pictures from our travels! In the meantime, be sure to check out a few new additions to the Petey Pie’s site.

Aunt B and MR

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When the baby is away, the parents will play

Posted on May 11, 2009 by carly

On Thursday, I dropped Mary Reese off at Camp Grandparents. It’s a wonderful camp about an hour from home, and the best part is, it’s free! For four days MR would be in the care of Gran C and Big Daddy, while G and I did our best to relive the glory days. We made a pact to stay up late, sleep in, and drink coffee and beer on the porch no matter what time of day it was. And for four days, that’s just what we did….

Thursday night we headed to Jeff and Kristi’s house for dinner. Kristi is not only a fabulous host, but she also an excellent cook. Stay tuned to her blog for a great shrimp pasta recipe.

On Friday night, G and I cashed in a few gift cards for a romantic dinner at Chop’s steakhouse. I got real tickled (and then sick) when I realized that the steak I was eating cost more than my entire outfit. I also got a bit tickled (and then ticked) when Garrett reminded me not to “drag my oares” (an etiquette rule that he picked up from fifth grade Cotillion).

This picture makes me laugh. Is my head really this big or is it just the angle? If I ever write a book about rabbits, I will definitely consider this picture for my title page. I will also strongly advise against “rescuing” baby rabbits. Sadly, the smaller of the two did not make it. While her sister, Martha, is doing well, she has failed all three freedom attempts. We’re going to try again tomorrow and pray that she will hop away and enjoy life outside of her cardboard box.

Staying with our “glory days” rule, G and I gladly accepted tickets to the Hawks playoff game on Saturday night. Great seats, in a fabulous suite, made the loosing game worthwhile.

On Sunday, it was back to reality. And rightfully so. We replaced our fancy rib eye steaks with two value meals from the local Steak and Shake and headed to Athens for as afternoon of family and fun. A big thank you to Gran C and Big Daddy for allowing G and I to enjoy a weekend alone. While the glory days were fun, there’s nothing like having sweet, sweet Mary Reese back home!

This little girl was not near as excited about seeing us as I thought she would be. She simply could not get enough of her Gran C and “Big Dad-ddeee”.

Uncle Brother and Aunt Cookie stopped by for Mother’s Day dinner on Sunday.

Posted in family, mary reese, memories, places | 2 Comments

Eating my words

Posted on May 6, 2009 by carly

I would like to retract my previous statement (see Monday’s blog) to the following:

Sometimes the best form of birth control is a place full of dogs wild baby rabbits and kids a child who refuses to stay out of the liquor cabinet…

These little bunnies lived in a shallow nest in our neighbors front yard. After days of heavy rains, their nest was flooded and mama bunny was nowhere to be found. Rather then let Mother Nature take its course, I intervened and “rescued” these sweet babies, only to find out that fewer than 10% of wild bunnies survive in captivity. I have had them since Monday and fed them every three hours around the clock. They are loud, messy, and hard to contain, but I must admit, I’m growing quite fond of my new friends.

This little girl has a major case of cabin fever. Since she cant go “side” (outside), she’s been spending a lot of time in this here liquor cabinet.

This mama also has cabin fever. Since she cant go outside, she has been updating a few of MR’s play clothes. An applique and grosgrain ribbon made this $4 dress from Walmart perfect for summer playdates. Please continue to visit Petey Pie’s to add to your little one’s wardrobe!

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She’ll be an “only” for at least a few more months…

Posted on May 4, 2009 by carly

Sometimes the best form of birth control is a place full of dogs and kids…

Just when I think I’m ready for baby #2, I get a reality check. Sunday’s Bark in the Park baseball game at Turner Field set me back at least two more months. Between MR and Sadie, we barely got a chance to watch the Braves take on the Astros. We did, however, score a few good pictures of our “girls” enjoying their time at the ballpark…

If you happen to be watching the Braves tonight, keep an eye out for this handsome guy…he’s in the fifth row behind the Braves dugout.

And if you happen to see me out and about in the next few days, be prepared to see this and know that my soon to be famous husband had nothing to do with it. It’s simply a case of poison ivy. And a great excuse to be a shut-in:)