mamma mia, here i go again....

Last year France took my husband for a week.  Fortunately he was back in time to see his firstborn son arrive 6 weeks early.  This year, Italy is the culprit and this beautiful country (so I read) is taking him for 10 days.  I'm not pregnant this time but I do have a crawling young 'un to care for.  I kept going back and forth as to what to do with myself while my better half was gone.  I debated staying at home and eating cereal every night while watching very girlie movies while my son napped.  I have a tendency to hole up every now and then.  I figured that I would hibernate and consequently feel lonely.  It takes a lot of mental and physical energy to get me out to see friends or the grocery store.  I debated going to visit friends in different parts of the South.  However, the idea of driving longer than typical with an 11 mos. old without the help of my husband seemed too daunting.  Plus, I would have to find and pay a dog/house sitter. So, naturally, I am heading to my parent's house.  I'm bringing a few projects with me to have fun with and plan to make a trip or two to Blockbusters.  I'll sew, I'll plan David Jr.'s 1st birthday party, I'll watch too much t.v. (good thing), and I'll visit sweet friends and probably family.  I do have a challenge in getting there.  I am somehow to take my dog and child in one car to LA.  This wouldn't be a big deal if I could make it to my destination without any stops but not a chance.  We've had to stop at least once anytime we've made a trip to my parent's house.   Usually David Sr. would walk the dog while I nursed the baby.  Uhhhh....how in the world is this going to happen now?  I'll figure it out.  It may be messy.  I may get flustered.  But I will make it.  I figure I will put Jr. in a sling while walking Cora.  I hope to find a nice large grassy area in order to let her run free.  Pray for David's trip (safety, peace while traveling--he is a nervous flyer, kids' safety, etc) and for me (stamina and energy, Jr. being happy and healthy, safe smooth trip there and back). 

PS.  Our home computer is not working right now because it will not charge.  *shrug*  So, if you are trying to reach me via facebook or hotmail just know that I'm not ignoring you.  I have to wait until I am at work (where I am right now) or at my parent's house to use the internet.

brain down the drain

I can no longer trust what used to be so dependable--my mind.  It has betrayed me time and again.  I was rehabbing it for awhile by "transforming it by the renewing of my mind" kind-of-way.  I made great strides in that regard but several steps backward in another.  But then I got pregnant and had a baby.  Since then I have seen a serious memory deficit.  Here is the recent mishap.  Last week, one of my classes was scheduled to take an exam.  When my babysitter arrived, I was ready to print out said exam.  My computer decided it had enough of my dictatorship over its keys and such and died.  It must have conspired with our charger cord because it decided that it wasn't going to work in any outlet.  I was seriously late by the time I realized that these two "enemies" were sticking to their guns.  I left for the class with the decision to take my computer and work on it at the school.  Twenty minutes into the drive, I realize that I left what DID get printed on the printer.  By that time, I was ready to raise my white flag.  It worked out fine that day.  Like most students, they were glad to have an extra week to study.  We started the next unit instead. 

Today, I was prepared to be prepared.  I had the test already printed out and set it where I was not going to miss it as I headed out the door.  I got to school and realized that in all the energy it took my brain to remember the test, I forgot the textbook.  I usually keep both textbooks I use in the car.   Sigh.  Not a big deal for my students but it was not part of the plan.  I see that I cannot rely on my brain as I once had.  Its capabilities are limited until my child (and whatever future children) are grown...or at least sleeping through the night.  I know you other moms can relate.  I can only laugh at myself and move on. 

if you like it than you better put a sling on it

I went to a la leche meeting this past week and several of the girls were talking about a youtube video inspired by Beyonce's song "Put a ring on it".  I played it a few minutes ago and realized that the maker of this video was Leigh Pennebaker, a girl I went to college with.  I always liked her.  She always seemed above the fray and was extremely talented yet kind.  Well, I learned a while back that she moved to New York City and has her sculptures all over the city in high end stores like Saks.  Good for her.  I am proud to have known and am happy to hear of her success.  Also, love that she is an attachment parent.  :)  Here is her video.

sweet friends, sweet treats, sweet SAINTS WINNING the SUPERBOWL!!

Here are some pictures of our Superbowl night.  We all were thrilled to see the Saints "finish strong".  I am not a football girl at all but the Saints have really turned me onto the game.  It was such a good thing for our state. 

Anyway, here is a cutie makin' love to the camera while my little one admires her sparkle!  Iris entertained David all night.  She was incredibly gentle with him.  And oh yeah--she is a LSU tigers fan, don't ya know?!

I want to show David Jr. when he is older that he was alive when the Saints went to the Superbowl and kicked tail. 

Here is a close up of his shirt.  It was an appropriate shirt given to us by cousin Robbie and soon-to-be-bride, Natalie.  We told them that he would wear it when the Saints went to the superbowl.  As soon as he put it on, the game started swing our way. 

Roy and David becoming more acquainted.  I believe they are ready for a chunky boy of their own.  Theirs probably won't contrast as much (wink, wink ;)

Two handsome fellas holding their cutie patootie babies.  I love it!!!

So so handsome.  Makes me gush.

newly realized pet peeve

On Saturday (as part of our bi-monthly date), David and I went to Hobby Lobby so that I could get some mats for 3 pictures I have that I want to put in the guest room.  I was greeted (and that is an overstatement) by a short man who was quite gruff.  He continually told us how busy he was.  There were lots of people in the store but they weren't lining up to talk to him, but hey, I give him the benefit of the doubt.  This man obviously wants me to understand that he is not able to give me his full time or attention.  I tell him what I want and ask a few questions about cost.  Again, gruff.  I reassure him (since he seems too stressed out over such a simple order) that I don't need the mats that day and that I am more than happy to come by and pick it up later in the week.  I tell him that the frames, albeit very similar in size, are in fact of different measurement.  A small difference but enough to account for when cutting mats.  Afterall, folks, you should know that I worked a year in a frame shop in high school.  I am not a numbskull when it comes to the business of cutting mats and framing.  However, he doesn't know that and I'm willing to play the trusting, unknowing customer.  So, he busily measures my frames and pictures and writes those numbers furiously down.  I am purposely giving out an air that is relaxed and calm and hoping that this aura of mine catches (therapist trick).  He then stops and looks at me and with the increasingly gruff (and increasingly annoying to me) manner tells me that two of the frames are the same.  I reply calmly that they are actually different.  Does he re-measure?  No.  He just states over and over to my protests that they are the same size.  Fine.  At this point, I just metaphorically throw my hands up in the air and say, "ok, great." 

Fast forward to three days later...

I pick up the mats and today put them in their frames at home.  Sure enough, those two "same" frames are not so "same".  One of the mats is too small for the frame.   GRRRRR!   I was right.  Not only was I right but I was right AND I spoke up but was ignored.  GRRRRR!  

Maybe I just hate the in-efficiency of having to deal with this man's (arrogant) mistake.  Maybe I hate to be questioned (definitely true about me in general).  But I fumed a good while when I figured out that I was right.  But I feel a heck of a lot better now that I've shared my frustration with you guys. 

I heart brandon but...

I love living in brandon but I would also love to see it grow and thrive.  I get super excited to see new businesses open up and hope that residents will support those businesses so that they don't die, well, mostly.  I am thinking of the new restaurant that opened not far from our home.  It was called Bonkers and it was just not grabbing customers.  They were a burger place that we tried once.  Not impressive.  And to no one's surprise the place closed down in less than a year.  I felt sorry for those owners' who were hoping to survive and thrive.  Perhaps that was their drea--to own their own business.  I understand that desire.  Maybe it is the lack of productivity that there appears to be when I am at home with David Jr. or maybe it is just a strong part of how the Lord created me (probably both), but I find myself daydreaming about creating and starting a business.  Anyway, I'm getting off track.  Back to Brandon.  I have seen other businesses come up (like Two Ugly Mugs, a coffee and creamery shop) and really hope people go there.  I want it to survive.  If it survives, then that means other people will bring their businesses to Brandon.  That would be great.  We could use more restaurants and retailers.  Not too many, but more.  Which has me thinking...what would I want to open in Brandon?  Hmmmm.  I think a Backyard Burger and/or ChickFilA would be nice.  Oh, and I would love to have an IHOP.  Well, this dream is a stretch but Coffee Rani (a restaurant only in south louisiana) would be a dream come true.  I have wondered many many times if I could hack it as a restauranteur, specifically for a Coffee Rani franchise here in MS.  Probably not.  But I'll keep hoping that it will come here and that the owners will allow me to be a silent partner (while we are dreaming...).

P.S.  No, I'm not pregnant (for the several people who thought I was). 

fan of dirt

I'm not a fan of dirt actually.  I tolerate it to an extent.  However, when something is immensely disgusting it is hard not to look away.  In fact, there are producers that make lots of money from t.v. shows that show such nasty ventures.  Think about it:  Survivor is only one of them.  Well, there is a fantastic show that I discovered on the...ahem...discovery channel called Dirty Jobs.  A very blue-collar-friendly guy, Mike Rowe, who takes us to different jobs that others do.  What they have in common is that most people would never want to touch their job with a 10 ft. pole.  For example, he has worked with those who farm meal worms for other sportsmen.  Or those who go through abandoned buildings to rid them of rodents.  Or cleaning out animals and sterilizing their bones for educational or display purposes.  He sees gross things and smells gross things.  Normally, this show would only attract me for so long.  What brings me back again and again is the host.  Mike Rowe is witty, clever, quick, and ultra-likeable.  Apparently, I am not the only one who thinks so.  He has now become the spokesperson for the Ford truck company (and frankly, all of the blue collar/hard working man).  He does not demean these folks that he brings us to meet on his show but rather commends them for doing something no one else wants to do.  All the while making his audience laugh.  I'd be lying too if I didn't admit that he is easy on the eyes.  So, there's my plug:  educational while giving a salute to those people that make living comfortably a possibility AND entertaining.  Can you ask for more?

my boy is 9 and 1/2 months old

Yes.  And that is 2 and 1/2 months from ONE YEARS OLD!  I must use all caps in order to emphasize how CRAZY that actually is.  I remember thinking that my son would never grow out of napping on me in the rocking chair.  I remember thinking that it would be a long time before he could entertain himself while I did something...anything that wasn't baby related.  We are there.  He sits in the living room and plays.  He naps in our bed without me for at least 45 minutes at a time (but will go down longer if I nurse down again).  He eats our food, he babbles (dadadada, gaga), he is trying oh-so-hard at crawling.  He is SO MUCH FUN! 

I am enjoying this stage so much.  It makes me want more and I feel excited about being pregnant again.  David Sr. --not so much.  He is less excited and I am surprised that it has worked out that way.  I mean, afterall, he is the one that came from the large family.  He does remind me and I am sobered to remember that I was not in the throes of momma-euphoria in the first few months of jr.'s life.  Breastfeeding hurt and not just because I never had THAT much action in that area.  It was thrush.  I never got anything done back then.  It was a huge accomplishment if I got to eat lunch. 

making baklava (pronounced: bet-leh-wah)

I made this a couple of times this season.  I'm actually not a great of fan of this dessert.  I liken eating or buying baklava to a tourist in New York buying a statuette of the Statue of Liberty.  It is there for tourists only because that ends up being how a culture defines itself.  Frankly, I don't like it.  However, when I made my own it tasted scrumptious as it came out of the oven.  So, perhaps I am just a fan of fresh baklava.  I took some pictures to remember the event.  If you want the recipe let me know and I'll get it to you.  It is one of those desserts that looks terribly complicated but is thoroughly easy. 

Spreading chopped walnuts and sugar on layers of buttered philo dough

                                                                        Yummy!

Christmas in Newellton

I hate this picture of me, but I couldn't resist posting since my two Davids look great!

David Jr. was nearing nap time so the joys of new experiences like crinkly wrapping paper in pretty colors was getting old.  If this picture had sound you would hear whining. 

Happy David!

He is on his new bear rug from Grandmere.  So soft and cuddly (the bear, I mean--although David Jr. is definitely soft and cuddly).

David is wearing a hat and bib from his Taita (lebanese for Grandmother).  He didn't mind wearing the hat.

Getting some lovin' from his Aunt Esther.  He loves his Aunt!

A great shot with the pretty tree in the background.  I love those pjs.  I think we left them at the Hogue house?

Full of comfort and joy!