Avery's Place

Houston Trip 2011

2012-01-31T20:54:00.000-06:00

Well, here's something new. I'm blogging...on a weeknight...after 8:30! WOW! We're implementing something at our house called bedtime. So this means Avery has been in her bed now for 30 minutes, calling me for random requests - "Mama, I need my drink" "Mama, my nose is running" "Mama, please put my snowman light up, it's not Christmas anymore" "Mama, turn on my turtle light" "Mama, I need to kiss my babies" "Mama, I'm scared of that pointy shadow". Get the point? So I'm having about 5 minutes stretches of 'me' time and I actually found time to blog tonight! Maybe this is just what my blog needed. One moment please, the princess rings...

....this time is was "Mama, you sleep yet?" "No, Avery" "Well, what you doin in there?" Now this is the part where I am actually afraid to tell my child that I'm on the computer in fear of a tantrum.... I pause... "I'm looking at something in the kitchen" (partially true) "No you not, it's dark in there!" BUSTED. But, I digress. What this post is actually about is a trip to Houston that we took in August. Yes, August! You see, this is the problem with the old school film. First, you have to use a whole roll. Then you have to remember to take it out of the camera and bring it to CVS. And most importantly, pray they don't lose it. So far, I'm 1 for 2 on that one. As if that is not enough, you have to remember to tell them to make a CD, pick it up and load the pictures onto your computer and then into Blogger. I mean this was an ordeal folks! So, without further adieu, I hope at least one of you (mom...you out there?) enjoys the pictures!

Here's the gang...

And again...

Mark, Charlie, Josh, Mic, Avery, me, Stephanie, Grayson, Ryan and Zach's arm

Mic and his grandkids...

Avery, Steph and Mic...look at her blue eyes!

Avery was enjoying a big snowcone

The boys...

Clearly Charlie was in his TX teams fan stage

They did have a nice baseball park though!

Uncle Mic and Grayson

Grayson and Avery

Finding our seats...

In front of the ballpark...

HELLO TEXAS!

Cousins...at the hotel

Cheesin...

Gotta love continental breakfast...

We had a such a great time and boy do I miss those cousins. Hopefully this can be pictures of the first annual Houston trip!

Catch Up

2012-01-27T19:02:00.001-06:00

Ok, its time to play catch up. Let's see how many blog posts I can create in the next 30 minutes while I sit in my car waiting for dance practice to end!

In November, Charlie went with friends to the LSU/Ole Miss game. He always begs me to go, but that is a long drive to watch a blowout game. Besides, if I were there he would never get away with sitting on a statue on campus...lord.have.mercy! And speaking of blowouts, let's not discuss the BCS NC game, please. It seriously broke my heart!

Avery is totally into making people out of construction paper. I cut and she colors and tapes. I get confused sometimes when she is begging to "make Nonna".

The weather has been nuts this month. 76 one day, 34 the next... Seriously crazy! But I bundle Avery up in her cute new pig hat every chance I get. I bought it for a steal in China Town. Speaking of, boy I miss NYC every day. I mean I really do. I thought the more time goes by the more I wouldn't think of it, but it's opposite! I sure hope I can go again one day!

So tonight starts Project Bedtime. Avery has never had a bedtime and always gone with me. Lately she has been wanting to stay up later and play on her LeapPad all night long. Last night she threw a HUGE fit and was up until 11. So tonight it will be in bed at 8, read a book or two, LeapPad play until 8:30 and then lights out! Wish me luck :)

Ok...I win the prize for the most random post EVER!

How to Blow Bubbles

2011-11-30T18:00:00.001-06:00

Recently, Avery gave me a lesson in blowing bubbles. I enjoyed every minute of it. She is just too precious for words.

"Mama, you want me to show you how to blow bubbles? C'mon!"

"First you hold it like this and dip it"

"See? Like that, mama!"

"And you blow it like this, mama!"

Fall Festival

2011-11-29T18:00:00.001-06:00

Before we left for NYC, we took Avery to a local Fall Festival. Her dance studio coordinates this each year and we got to see her perform. She was also in a costume contest. Nonna and Poppa came up to watch her and we had a great time. Nonna took some great pics and posted those on her blog too. Then, they took Avery back to stay at their house for a week, while we went on our big trip! She enjoyed her time there so much. Many thanks to Nonna, Poppa and Gigi for keeping Avery healthy and happy all week long.

This is the best smile you're gonna get until you let me go PLAY!

Face painting time!

Weeeeeee....

Let It Snow!

2011-11-28T18:00:00.000-06:00

SNOW?!? In New York City...on my birthday?!? Can you say dream.come.true! Although NONE of the New Yorkers appreciated my special birthday gift from God, Charlie and I sure did. On Saturday morning, we were scheduled to leave at 4pm. I had grand plans to get to the MET (no, I never made it - one of my few regrets!) but it was cold and sleeting outside and I just didn’t want to get caught out in that. I already learned that finding a cab in NYC on a rainy day was near impossible. So, we headed to Junior’s and had a delicious breakfast. As we got ready to leave we realized it was SNOWING! Someone mentioned that it hadn’t snowed in NYC before Halloween since 1952. I’m convinced God did it just for me. ;)

We called the number to a cab that the restaurant had since it was coming down pretty hard and we couldn’t walk back to the hotel. He told me someone would be there in 10 minutes. After taking pictures and playing in the snow for 30 minutes, still no sign of the cab and every cab that passed was full. It was getting later and we had to checkout at the hotel by 1. At 12, I started to panic and called the hotel. Let me tell you, the Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge is FABULOUS. Their service day in and day out went over and beyond my expectations. They sent a towncar for us and he waited for us to get packed up and check out so he could take us to the airport. Pretty soon, it was all starting to come to an end. It was bittersweet because I so enjoyed my time there and there were a few things I didn’t get to see. But mostly sweet because my wonderful parents and one adorable, precious little toddler were waiting on me down South.

Top of the Rock

2011-11-27T18:00:00.000-06:00

After a carriage ride in Central Park and shopping at FAO Schwarz, we were ready for a great dinner. We ate at the Sea Grill, overlooking the ice skating rink at Rockefeller. My only regret is that I didn’t dress for the occasion. It was pretty fancy, schmancy but they let me in - in my I HEART NY hoodie! Yikes!

The food was fabulous and it was so nice to celebrate my 27th birthday in NYC. This is one I will never forget! After dinner, we went to the Top of the Rock. It’s almost as tall as the Empire State Building and it’s also at Rockefeller. Center It was much quicker than the ESB and before I knew it we were looking at nighttime in NYC from a bird’s eye view. It was just BEAUTIFUL. After a quick stop at the Ben & Jerry’s in the building (can’t beat Cherry Garcia!) we were headed back to Brooklyn. It was an evening I’ll never forget, thanks to my husband! He worked hard all week and was really sick by Friday night, but he was a trooper so that I could have this wonderful night with him in the city. And to my parents, who were way to generous with my birthday card. ;)

FAO Schwarz

2011-11-26T18:00:00.000-06:00

After our carriage ride in Central Park we ended on 5th Avenue. While looking for a place to have supper, Charlie spotted the Apple Store! When I tell you it was JAM PACKED I couldn’t mean it more. There must’ve been 1,000 people in that store. We did get to play with a few iPads and charge our iPhones while we were there though!

Next door was FAO Schwarz. A real ‘toy’ soldier met us at the door. The store was AMAZING. It really went beyond my expectations. They had a really cool candy store with gigantic candy of all kinds. The baby doll section had it’s own baby nurse. There was a magician doing tricks and every toy you can imagine. Of course, the BIG PIANO was there too. It was for sale - $250,000! WOWZERS! I had a fun time playing on it along with other ‘big kids’. After we posed by the life size Lego toys and chose a toy for Avery, we were off to Rockefeller Plaza to have a nice dinner overlooking the skating rink! We couldn’t catch a cab, but found a towncar with a friendly driver who encouraged us to hang out of the sunroof riding down 5th Avenue. And in true tourist fashion, I passed Sacs 5th Avenue hanging out of the top of that car! What a fantastic night. :)

Central Park

2011-11-25T18:00:00.002-06:00

On our last night in NYC, I deemed it my “Birthday Night”. After all, it was the night before my birthday. Our first stop was a carriage ride in Central Park. Central Park is such a cool place because NYC is so jam packed full of tall buildings and people. It’s such a nice break from the ‘city’ right in the middle of the city! It’s massive and we only rode through about 1/4th of the park. It was a fun time. We passed someone shooting a model for a magazine ad or something. Central Park was probably the quietest spot in NYC that we visited. It was a lovely little carriage ride and I’m glad we did it. :)

NYC: Day 4

2011-11-24T18:00:00.001-06:00

Day 4...I went into panic mode because I knew I only had 3 days left to get it all in. On the agenda was the Today show, Fox News, Regis and Kelly, the MET and a few other things!

I woke up at 5am and headed out before Charlie was awake. I made it to the Today show and it was rainy. It would be a few hours before they came out, if they did. I decided it would be better to head to Regis and Kelly and try to get in as a standby. I was the last person in line. Those people are serious about getting tickets to that show! We waited for hours in the cold rain. I had an umbrella but the wind was blowing so I was soaked from head to toe and cold. Finally, about 5 minutes before they started filming, they let the first 6 people in. Lucky for me, a production assistant from a new show called “The Chew” was waiting on the Regis & Kelly rejects and had room for 10 people. I got in! I wasn’t too excited about seeing The Chew but I was VERY excited to be able to sit in a warm, dry place! I was glad I went. The hosts are Clinton Kelly (What Not to Wear), Mario Batali, Daphne Oz (Dr. Oz’s daughter), and Carla Hall (from Top Chef). The show is produced by Gordon Elliot, so I got to watch him in action. But the best part was the guest - Rachel Ray! It was so cool to see her and she even cooked. Also, Dylan Lauren (Ralph Lauren’s daughter) was on and we got free candy from Dylan’s store and a Winnie the Pooh DVD for Avery!

Next door, Millionaire was filming. Warm? Check! Dry? Check! I’m in! So I watched them film and a few people won some money. I also got to vote during Ask the Audience 3 times. I was wrong 2 out of 3 - oops!

After that I tried to hail a cab to take me to the MET, but as I said before that is nearly impossible in NYC on a rainy, cold day. I know that 100 cabs passed me, all full. I finally stumbled upon a subway station and like a homeless person I didn’t care where the train was headed, I just wanted to be warm. The train stopped at the Museum of Natural History. Lucky for me, my NYC Pass included a ticket to that museum, so in I went! The dinosaurs were pretty cool, I think it was the first time I’ve ever seen a dinosaur.

Grand Central Station

2011-11-23T18:00:00.001-06:00

Grand Central Station was amazing. I rode the subway directly into the station. Normally. when you get off the subway it’s pretty crummy. Sometimes there are homeless people or maybe a news stand. This was a different experience! High end clothing stores, a spa, the Grand Hyatt, restaurants, you name it: all in Grand Central Station! I was impressed. I walked to the front of the Grand Corridor and stood to take some pictures. I noticed a woman taking her bridal portraits on the balcony. As I was taking it all in, I heard a stampede of people approaching. It was really strange and I turned around just in time for the Occupy Wall Street protestors to bust through the door! As much as I am against everything they stand for, it was cool to be in the middle of it. They all paraded in shouting “We are the 99% and so are YOU!”. Just as many NYPD jackets followed the protestors around. They marched around the center of the station in a circle chanting and then ran in all different directions. Apparently, they all caught different trains and the police seemed confused about which ones to catch. So they stayed, chatting in the station about where to go next. I thanked one of them for protecting the ‘real 99%’ people like me, who work for a living! What a cool day at Grand Central Station!

Statue of Liberty

2011-11-21T18:00:00.000-06:00

One of my favorite parts of the trip was the Statue of LIberty cruise. My sweet coworkers gave me a NYC Pass that included the cruise. It was interesting to see all of the sights while cruising down the Hudson River. I got to see New Jersey and lots of other neat buildings. But nothing compared to seeing the Statue of Liberty. I love this country and as I got closer and closer to the statue, on her 125th birthday, it seemed more and more surreal. There was such a feeling of pride in my heart for this great nation and what it stands for: Liberty. Such an important part of this country. The statue will be closed for repairs for one year. Maybe one day I can go again and visit Ellis Island and go to the crown of the statue. :)

Tall Buildings

2011-11-20T18:00:00.004-06:00

Day 2 on the bus tour I drove past Wall Street, caught a glimpse of the bull and the OWS protestors. I saw many tall and beautiful buildings and churches. I ended up at the Stanton Island Ferry with my first glimpse of Lady Liberty. Here are a few pics of the buildings I saw that day. What amazed me about the buildings is how pretty some of them were. I imagined the boring, tall buildings like we have in the city I live in (although we only have a few). But there were SO many buildings here that were interesting to look at. The architecture would just blow my mind. I can’t even explain how strange it is to see SO many skyscrapers, all lined up together and it’s not just one district or area, it’s just the way NYC is. Buildings, buildings everywhere. A concrete jungle for sure!

The Subway

2011-11-19T18:00:00.003-06:00

So, I did a whole post on the subway and that atmosphere. But here are some shots I took of what it is all like. It was pretty disgusting, but thankfully I didn’t see one rat the whole time in NYC!

At one point there was a man singing praise music in the subway. Yep, he got a dollar from me! That was music to my ears in the midst of all of those crazy people.

Although not the friendliest of places, the subway is definitely the way to go if you want to get around in the city quickly. For $29 I rode the subway 4 times a day for 5 days! Cheap and fast - can’t beat that. I only got really lost one time. I ended up somewhere with lots of homeless people and graffiti only to find out they were having signal issues and all of the subways were delayed or stopped. But, I made it out alive after a few prayers!

The first trick is to find a subway...you’ll have to scan your metro card to get in

Then take the escalator down to catch the subway....btw, NYers walk down or up escalators. So don’t think you’re gonna stand and ride, like we do in the South. Get a move on!

Now, amongst all the people figure out where in the world you’re headed...

Sometimes that means you go down another escalator

If you’re lucky, you’ll find a sign that tells you exactly where you’re going. Brooklyn...yay! I’m headed in the right direction :)

Contrary to what I was told, I never saw a rat in the subway - thank God for that! But it was pretty gross...

Now, wait for the train! Make sure you pay attention to the letter or number and you don’t get on the wrong one because it stops in front of you.

Hop on fast, because as with everything in NYC, this train doesn’t stop for long!

Then hold on fast because before you know it you’ll feel a jerk and you’ll be off. The time I thought I could balance myself without reaching over someone to hold on I nearly fell down - lol!

If you’re lucky, you get to sit. See? What is that movie about the mentally challenged man riding a train...ring a bell w/ this pic? Just sayin'

Oh the people you’ll meet on the subway. Some, you will NEVER forget!

Little Italy

2011-11-18T18:00:00.000-06:00

While on the bus tour I realized it was lunch time. And we were near Little Italy! Lucky me! I hopped off and found my way down into Little Italy. It’s really small - most of it runs down Murberry Street, lines of the best Italian restaurants in the country. I quickly googled from my phone “best restaurant in little Italy”. A few of the search results sent me to Angelo’s on Murberry. I found it and had a nice little lunch. I noticed in a few of the restaurants I tried they bring bread and olive oil. It was yummy! But when they brought those stuffed mushrooms, I thought I had died and went to heaven. I caught myself closing my eyes to savor it. I’m telling ya - WOW! If you go to NYC, you MUST try Angelo’s. It was the best thing I ate that week, hands down!

The people were so authentically Italian. It was so cool. A man at a restaurant across the street stood in his doorway soliciting the bystanders with, “Free wine...for all of you. Come here, we want to give you a free glass of wine.” Well, the man at Angelo’s wasn’t pleased with that! The weather was beautiful so his door was open and he stood in the doorway, hands on his hips looking like he was about to call his mafia pals to take care of that kid. He hushed pretty quickly after that!

Chinatown

2011-11-17T18:00:00.000-06:00

Chinatown was a BLAST! I had about 50 souvenirs to buy for people and boy did I do some haggling. If you know me well, you know that it makes.my.day to get a good deal. And it’s easy to feel like you’re getting a good deal in Chinatown. You pay full price for NOTHING! I almost bought more than I could carry back to the hotel on the subway. Not to mention my luggage was over 20 lbs heavier coming back than when we left. We had to do some major rearranging to get around paying an extra $100 at the airport to get all that loot home.

A few times while shopping I would realize the person next to me was saying “Gucci?”. I politely declined. I’m just not a Gucci girl. But the I love NY shirts...yeah I bought those babies in bulk!

NYC Eats

2011-11-16T18:00:00.004-06:00

While in NYC, we enjoyed some of the local favorites - Grimaldi’s pizza was DELICIOUS! But I would give Nathan’s a big thumb down! Five Guys burgers was enough to feed an army - in one order! Hands down, Little Italy was like a heavenly experience for me. I had Angelo’s and it was PHENOMENAL! Such a great atmosphere too. They were SO Italian and it was family owned. I asked the manager if he was Angelo and he said “Angelo? Noooo...we just put him in the ground.” WOW! Thank you Angelo, for leaving that recipe for stuffed mushrooms before you left us - yum yum yum!

Most places I went served bread and olive oil...loved it!

The brick oven at Grimaldi's. Right after I snapped this he said "No pictures, please!" They are serious about their pizza.

A quiet little bistro on a rainy NY day...

Yummy salad and it looks so healthy too!

Speaking of healthy....ummm....can you say heart attack waiting to happen? All I ordered was the regular cheeseburger at Five Guys! And one order of fries could've easily fed a family of 5!

Even in NY, I can't resist a good Red Lobster biscuit. This was on my last day at the Red Lobster in Times Square...

Dinner at a fancy restaurant at 30 Rock...The Sea Grill

My chicken was great, although it was pretty pricey to come with no sides! Lol. And the bread on the table left something to be desired. It was hard as a rock!

Breakfast at Junior's...right before the snow. It was SO good!

Grimaldi's...there is always a line waiting outside

Waiting on the best.pizza.ever

Five guys...

Ewww....worst meal of the week.

Charlie being silly at Junior's

Our hotel had Junior's cheesecake...I had more than a few pieces :)

This is in the window at Junior's

Fancy McDonald's in Times Square, I didn't eat there though

The Hard Rock was fun and DELICIOUS!

My sweet Angelo's ...

Churches in NYC

2011-11-15T18:00:00.000-06:00

One thing I noticed in NYC was that liberalism was everywhere (for example - the advertisement on the subway that simply read, "Rick Perry - the voices in your head are NOT God!") and that people dropped the F bomb like the we say y'all in the South! So, I was pretty shocked to also find the most gorgeous churches I've ever seen, all in the same city!

Trinity Church had quite an interesting graveyard on the back on the church. I am not really a graveyard person, but I found myself drawn to join the other tourists and read some of the very old tombstones. It was pretty cool!

From 1796...

And then I saw this church...St. Patrick's Cathedral. Very near Times Square. And I'm not a big Catholic church touring girl, but again I was drawn to take a step inside. And it was a pretty amazing experience. I am usually not too impressed with architecture and art, but this was like no other church I had ever seen. And, call me crazy, but something about it seemed so....holy! I know, I know....so cliche. But the words from a song kept running through my mind as I walked around..."You are standing on Holy Ground....". I was amazed and impressed. I almost converted to Catholicism right then and there. And if Charlie had been with me I'm sure we would have! Ha! The pictures just absolutely do not do it justice. I find myself thinking that a lot looking through these NYC pics. There is only one way to solve this - go back w/ my mom - the photographer!

And just a few other churches I saw on the bus tour...

Empire State Building

2011-11-14T18:00:00.000-06:00

The Empire State building was great. But the lines were long. I must’ve went during a peak time but I waited quite a while to get to the 86th floor but it was worth it! There was a bit of entertainment while waiting - a short, Indian looking man was skipping line. He eased right past me and the people behind me pointed him out. One at a time, he was skipping line! All the tourists around me noticed him. It was pretty funny - I’m just glad he didn’t blow us all up! The security was pretty tight there, thankfully :)

You could see the whole city from the top and my NYC Pass (that my sweet coworkers gave me for my bday before I left) came with a free audio tour. That was really cool and I would definitely recommend it. Otherwise, I would’ve had no idea what I was looking at up there! I learned a lot about NYC that day. After I was done, I hopped back on my bus tour and headed to Little Italy for the best Italian food my mouth has ever tasted! But there be a whole post about food, don’t you worry! ;)

NYC - Day 1

2011-11-13T18:00:00.001-06:00

The first day in NYC I woke up ready to go. The MET was the first stop on my agenda. I checked the website for what time they opened to find they were CLOSED on Monday’s. Oh dear. Plan B. Hmmm...there really wasn’t a Plan B. How did Mrs. Planner go to NYC without a daily itinerary - something I still regret! What.was.I.thinking?

So, I googled NYC attractions. And boy, did I get overwhelmed! I almost talked myself out of going out alone....but I knew I would forever regret spending a day in that hotel room when I was in the Big Apple! I headed down to the Concierge desk to ask where the subway was. She told me to take the R train to 49th Street. I told her I had noticed a subway station, but I wasn’t sure where to catch a train. She giggled and explained a train and a subway was all the same to a New Yorker. She sold me a bus tour which I thought could be a mistake but ended up being GREAT. I would highly recommend a hop on-hop off bus tour if you visit NYC for the first time. The one I took was only $35. It was great to get an idea of where things were and get to take LOTS of pictures from a double decker bus. It was also great to have free transportation throughout the city for 2 days!

I hopped off and on a few times - lunch in LIttle Italy one day, 9/11 Memorial and St. Paul’s Church, Wall Street, Rockefeller Center, the Stanton Ferry (I could see the Statue of LIberty from there). We drove by the Empire State Building, Greenwich Village, Soho, Chinatown, Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen, Central Park and Times Square. I also met some nice tourists from all over the world. It’s amazing that I heard as much English as I heard of other languages while I was there. A few times, people were in conversations all around me but no one was speaking English!

Sorry for the overwhelming amount of pictures. It was my first day in NYC and I was snapping away at everything!

Cookie Monster!

Times Square

FOX NEWS :)

30 Rock...

Central Park...

A Trump building...

Lots of police...everywhere...I always felt safe!

The New Years ball...

I had a chocolate covered strawberry at the Godiva on 5th Avenue...only $5, just like in Baton Rouge!

Soho...

Chinatown...

Times Square

2011-11-12T18:00:00.003-06:00

Times Square....WOW!

It absolutely takes your breath away. Again, it’s frustrating to post pics because even as I took them I would look at the camera and think, “That is not what I’m seeing!”. But anyway, here goes!

I caught a glimpse of Times Square on my bus tour but that did not compare to seeing it at night. On Monday after Charlie got off of work he wanted to do some site seeing. I knew we HAD to see Times Square at night. We took the subway from Brooklyn to Times Square. After riding on a crummy subway, you get off and walk up the steps and BAM! It’s Times Square. In your face. It’s indescribable. We walked around taking pictures and marveling at the sites. We explained to a few guys why we wouldn’t buy tickets to their comedy show....and then again to another man who claimed to be from Louisiana. We had supper at Hard Rock right in the middle of Times Square and it was fantastic. The food was REALLY good and the service was excellent. Charlie and I both enjoyed being in a place that we see almost daily on the news channels and every New Year when the ball drops. What a phenomenal city!

A few other things we saw that night... Radio City Music Hall

We totally stalked Fox News! We could see Lou Dobbs filming through a window and interviewing a pretty, young lady and what looked to be Dick Cheney. We got into the building and stood there hoping to see Bill O'Reilly leave after he taped at 8. Nicole Nikpour, the pretty lady that Lou was interviewing came out and we started talking to her. She was so nice and down to earth. She's from Little Rock..I guess us Southerners just know how to act! She let us know that Bill films at 5 so we wouldn't be seeing him in that building that late! We went back to the hotel and turned on Hannity. Guess who was on - Nicole Nikpour! Now why didn't I ask to take a picture with here!?! Oh, she also let us know that it was not Dick Cheney who we saw w/ Lou Dobbs.

Wall Street

2011-11-10T17:58:00.000-06:00

Ok y'all, I just sorted the 700 pictures I took in NYC and divided some of those between about 20 blog posts. Yes, y'all will be SICK of NYC stories, but it is a trip I never want to forget! A dream come true for me, so here.we.go!

Wall Street was different than expected. It was all blocked off for protestors, but there were only a few policeman there. The protestors must've been at Battery Park during that time. Businessmen stood outside the NY Stock Exchange and chatted quietly. There were a few statues around and a sign about the reason I was there - a man named JP Morgan! I was glad the protestors didn't get in my way of seeing the greatest financial district in the world - WALL STREET!

I found the protestors! I was on the bus tour and we passed them singing some crazy, hippie song in the park!

I only caught the tail end of the bull! Passing by on the bus...

Today

2011-11-05T16:48:00.001-05:00

Today I am happy to be resting next to Avery Grace while she naps. But I must say I'm also missing the bright lights of the big city. This week has been rough, to say the least. After being away from work for 6 business days, it was nothing short of overwhelming. I dont think I've ever taken that much time off at once without working remotely!

As far as the house goes, we were greeted with raccoons in (yes IN) the roof. And an enormous tree limb in the yard. Did I mention it took a power line down with it and the power surge knocked out the heating and AC unit? And the ceiling fan? Yes, more than once this week I've found myself missing NYC!

But there is really no place like home. Which for us, is still Vidalia. So, here we are again today. Forgetting the worries of the week and spending time in the place we love the most with the people we love the most.

And if life returns to normal next week at some point I will write a post or 2 with some of the 400 pics from our trip!

9/11 Memorial

2011-10-27T20:40:00.003-05:00

I didn’t expect to get to see the 9/11 memorial. Apparently, you have to reserve a ticket online. Thankfully, the bus tour I was on stopped at the site of the World Trade Center and the bus driver had a few tickets reserved and he gave one to me at no charge. I’m not so sure about this rude New Yorker stuff - Charlie and I have been impressed by most of the people we meet!

There was LOTS of security at the 9/11 memorial, more than any other site I’d been to. There was so much security that I snapped a picture of all of them. One of them turned to me and said, “Excuse me. Did you just take a picture of us!?!” I said yes and he told me to show it to him and delete it immediately. They were serious about the security there, but I have nothing to show you to prove it. ;-)

The memorial was basically hidden by tall walls, you really had to have a ticket to see it at all. And you had to show your ticket to about 50 people before you got in! It was worth the hassle. There aren’t really words to describe that big, empty space in the middle of Manhattan. The buildings are so tall and so packed in the city. This enormous, empty spot just leaves you speechless. I walked into the memorial choking back the tears. My mind immediately flashed back to those desperate people leaping from the burning towers. I held it together until I began to read the names. All names I did not know, but in some way I felt the pain of those families. Every name is a whole life. Every name has a daughter, a son, a mother, a father, an aunt, an uncle, a niece, a nephew, a husband, a cousin, a best friend, a boss, a coworker, a pastor or even an unborn baby. Every name in that memorial had a morning routine, a pharmacy, a church, a grocery store, a mailman, a babysitter or a favorite restaurant. A whole life.

1,609 lives

I imagined what if that were my dad’s name or my mom’s name or my brother’s name or my name. How monumental that would be to the rest of my life. Then I thought of the hundreds of thousands whose lives changed when those innocent people were killed.

What those horrible, evil men did to our country changed us. Whether we like it or want to admit it or not, things changed that day. A feeling of absolute security was lost. A war began. An economy started to crumble. Avery will grow up in a different America.

But what I know is that no matter what this life brings or what our country’s future holds, He has not changed. He is not less secure. We are just as secure in Him the day before 9/11 as we were the day after. When we put our faith in Jesus we hold something much greater than a feeling of physical safety or economic stability. We don’t have to fear the future and we certainly don’t have to fear death. That is also an unspeakable feeling...of peace. No extreme Islamist, no evil dictator, not even Satan himself can change what I know. I know who holds my future. That is all the security I’ll ever need. Thank you, Jesus!

Where each of the towers stood, there is a water fountain. The water flows into a deeper part in the middle off the memorial

It's really gorgeous and the sound of the water is so peaceful, these pictures do not do it justice!

Lining the waterfall is the name of every person who lost their life that day, I even saw one of a woman's name and it listed her unborn child as well. ***Tears....***

Loved ones leave flowers on some of the names, there is even a kiosk to help you locate the name you're looking for

St. Paul's Church

When the buildings came down, trees nearby fell. One tree fell in the cemetery behind the church, but didn't damage any of the grave stones or the church. An artist made this sculpture to represent the roots of that tree.

There was a lady singing inside with an orchestra, a man also read poetry

This church served immediately after 9/11, taking in workers to house them and give others medical care. These are the pictures that people brought of loved ones that were missing on 9/11.

A cross made from parts of the buildings...

The Flag of Honor lists the name of every person that lost their life on 9/11

This was one of the pews decorated by the children that dropped off cards and drawings to encourage those that visited St. Paul

I just can't imagine the feeling of not knowing what happened to someone I loved...

This was at the 9/11 Memorial Preview store. The skyline sculpture on the left was sculpted out of metal from the buildings...

I took this picture because it was the tallest building near the WTC site. A man selling 9/11 memorial books showed me this building next to the WTC buildings in a picture in the magazine I bought. This building was so tall, but the WTC buildings were over twice the size of this building. I can't even imagine what they would've looked like. Nothing else in that area compares to the size of those buildings.

There is still lots of construction going on at the WTC site...

My Day at The View

2011-10-26T19:53:00.000-05:00

When I woke up this morning, I just didn't feel like myself. I've got a case of the sniffles, sneezes and sore throat. I began to feel a teeny bit sorry for myself. WHY did I have to get sick this week, of all weeks? The forecast called for rain and I almost decided to take a day off and relax. I laid around trying to decide what to do. I really wanted to go down to the View studios, but I knew it was a lost cause, trying to get in with no tickets. Either way, I decided I was in NYC and I could not waste a day in a hotel room. I threw on some makeup and halfway straightened my hair. I got on the wrong subway at one point (again) and when I finally found 66th Street I saw an ABC building. So, I started walking in that direction - who knew ABC buildings line the entire street! I was walking in the wrong direction. I walked for a while before I realized it and turned around. By the time I found the studio, it was 9:45. The website said anyone coming for standby tickets should arrive between 8 and 9. It also said that ticket holders should arrive by 9:30 SHARP and there was a 12-24 month wait on tickets. A sweet young production assistant named Joshua was the only one waiting outside the studio. I smiled, thinking I should've stayed in bed. As I walked towards him he asked for my white ticket. "Ummm...I don't have a white ticket". "Ok, but you reserved one online, right?" "Ummm....actually....let me just be honest. I didn't reserve one online. This was a spur of the moment trip and online it said there was a long wait. I don't have...anything." "Ok...." he said. Before he could begin I told him I'm sure I wouldn't be able to get in, so I understood. He told me to hold on and talked into his headset. And then, like magic, he handed me a lime green paper and said "You're in!". "SHUTUP!" I yelled, and I slapped him on the arm. I think I almost knocked that lil boy over! "Omg OMG OMG!!!! I get to watch the show, are you serious!?!" He assured me it wasn't a joke and giggled a little bit. That's when I remembered that Charlie said I'm supposed to act like I've been here before. So I told Joshua, "I'm sorry. Let me calm down for a second. I might cry! My husband told me to act like I've been here before, so I promise I will act like I've been here before and chill out a little bit!" The security guys were the nicest I've encountered in the city and very talkative. So were the sweet ladies from New Jersey in line ahead of me. As I was texting everyone I know, a man pulled me out of line. I just knew he was about to tell me there wasn't enough room. Instead, he asked if I was camera shy. "No, sir!" He asked if I watched the show and knew about the audience member that would introduce a guest between commercial breaks. I said yes and he asked again if I was from Louisiana, which either I told Joshua in my rambles, or he could detect just from my accent! He said they liked to have guests who've traveled from far away. I ran to the bathroom, thank God I put some of my makeup in my purse! Still, no brush and my hair was a (excuse this, but...) HOT MESS!

We got seated in the studio and there was an empty spot in the front where they needed me to sit since I would be doing the camera thing. We got Keebler cookies and a bottle of juice. They have a comedian come on before the show to loosen everyone up and get them excited. He was hilarious and that part was even a lot of fun! Bill Geddy, the executive producer, came out too. Before long, it was time to start and we got to see Whoopi, Joy, Sherry and Elisabeth for the first time! Barbara wasn't there but that's ok...I'm not a big fan. ;) It was so cool to be right there watching them chat. During commercial breaks we could take pictures and ask questions. I am usually not speechless, but I couldn't think of a single question to ask any of them!

Then, it was time! A producer came to my seat and handed me my 'lines'. I read over it a few times and he brought me to the platform. I read it from the teleprompter without flubbing it- yay! I am officially qualified to be the next Democratic candidate for President! ;) It was over in the blink of an eye. Joy looked great although I am NOT a fan of her politics. Sherry was hilarious and Whoopi seemed very laid back. But Elisabeth, my dear, sweet Elisabeth! (LOL) Seriously, I am such a big fan. I love that she is conservative and not afraid to speak her mind. I think it's safe to say there are 3 conservatives in NYC: me, Charlie and Elisabeth! She came to the platform right next to my seat to do a shoot for something later in the week. I couldn't resist! I asked her who she liked for 2012. She said she would love for Gen. Petraus and Colin Powell to run, but they probably wouldn't. I told her I was a huge fan and she was my favorite. I told her when the other ladies made me want to scream, I loved listening to her tell them exactly what I was thinking. I said that I was cheering her on - TEAM ELISABETH! She was very gracious and everything I imagined she would be! She chatted with other audience members for a few minutes and then it was time to start the show again. We got to see Kelly Clarkson perform and another actress that I didn't know, she plays in a new sitcom called "Suburbatory". We also got to take home a dancing Mickey Mouse - that Avery will love and a Kelly Clarkson CD - that I already love!

The whole experience was amazing and surreal (although you're about to see TONS of pictures to prove it - ha!) and it taught me a good lesson. On the days you want to lay in bed and throw a pity party - get up, get dressed, straighten the crap outta your hair and get GOING!

Needless to say, I have a jam-packed agenda tomorrow. So me, my DayQuil and my Kleenex will be on the subway bright and early headed to the Today Show, Fox News, Live with Regis and Kelly, Grand Central Station, a cruise around the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, the MET and the Museum of Natural History. Maybe even a stop by the Museum of Modern Art. Then, back to Brooklyn to meet Charlie and on to the Top of the Rock (Rockefeller Center) and maybe even a tour of NBC Studios and another visit to Fox News - we just can't stay away from that spot! ;) I hope I can pack it all in. I THINK I finally have the subway all figured out!

I'm not sure how I got so lucky today, the lady beside me requested tickets 2 years ago and today was the first available date she could choose! Maybe, if my string of luck continues I'll be able to get into Regis and Kelly and reserve an iPhone 4S tonight online for pickup tomorrow on 5th Avenue, but I seriously doubt it! Either way, I am loving New York City! Missing my sweet Avery Grace though, I wonder if she saw her mom on TV today!

Click here to see my 2 seconds of fame - thanks for the video, Mal :)

One of the buildings I ran into when I was lost - Juilliard

One of those sweet ladies from NJ said "Go stand by that, I'll take a picture of you!"

Oh, how I'm regretting that spur of the moment haircut!

First glance at the studio....

Setting out their empty coffee cups!

Another nice New Yorker offered to take a picture of me - I really think they are nicer than we give them credit for!

The comedian before the show

The one and only - BILL GEDDY!

The ladies of The View

Changing the set in 4 minutes for Kelly to perform...this is LIVE, y'all!

The moment I thought, OMG IS SHE WALKING TOWARDS ME!?!

"YES, YES SHE IS!"

The ladies chatting w/ Kelly Clarkson

Joy walking to the same spot Elisabeth shot from. I forgot to take an up close picture of her, just not the same as Elisabeth I guess!

New York - Day 2 - The Subway

2011-10-24T08:06:00.001-05:00

I'm on the subway to Times Square alone. And i'm feeling like this is the bravest thing i've ever done! The people aren't necessarily rude but they are sooo quiet. A packed subway and you can hear a pen drop. I really just want to say, "Gooood mornin, y'all! How's everyone?". I'm seriously tempted to do so but I think they may beat me up and take my money, so I'll refrain. No one looks up. Do they all have self esteem issues? No one looks at anyone else. I found myself bouncing from face to face and when they catch me they look at me as if to say, "What you lookin at?!?" So, I pulled out my iPhone and now I look like the rest of them. And since Im not allowed to speak, maybe I fit in? I seriously doubt it though. I told the concierge my first and last name and she picked up on the accent immediately. Said it reminded her of some nice, Southern jazz. Yikes. She sold me a buss tour. I had planned to tackle this thing all alone but I think a tour could be right up my alley. Maybe someone will talk on the tour. Y'all know me, I'm a talker and I need a little chit chat in my life today!

Ok I can't understand the accent of the subway driver man so it's time to pull out my map, in true tourist fashion and figure out where the heck I am!

Pics to come later today, if I make it back alive that is!

It's Closer Than You Think

2011-10-24T05:00:00.005-05:00

Avery got another package in the mail from Lynn and Charles (Charlie's dad and stepmom). When you start getting snowman dresses in the mail, this can only mean one thing: Christmas is closer than you think! While the weather is still 89 degrees on any given day, it's hard to imagine that it's coming. But in two months we'll all be gathered around a Christmas tree celebrating Christmas Eve! Hard to believe, huh!

Thanks for the adorable dress, Lynn! She LOVES it! And the owl outfit is too cute :)

Hellllloooooooooo NEW YORK!

2011-10-23T20:35:00.000-05:00

New York - Day 1

I woke up this morning at 5:30. Wide awake. I wanted to turn my brain off and go back to sleep but I just couldn't. After all, this is the day one of my dreams was coming true. I was going to mark something off the "Bucket List" today! We headed to the Monroe Airport and I must say the brand-new terminal was fabulous! We were there pretty early and luckily Charlie knew the guy that checked us in! Our connection flight was going to be different but he pulled some strings and got me in on Charlie's earlier flight. I was pretty happy about that. We flew on a tiny little plane and takeoff was scary, but we met a really nice lady that flies on that plane every 2 weeks so she assured us we would live - lol. She also told us to follow her in Dallas and showed us where to go - what a blessing! That place is SO HUGE I was amazed. Worlds different than ole MLU!

In Dallas, we boarded a jet and the takeoff was much smoother but the landing was very rough. Laguardia seemed much smaller than Dallas and we found our luggage very quickly (but not before Charlie got to use the word 'dadgum'....oh dear!). Within a few minutes in NYC, I heard about 5 different accents and saw men wearing yarmulke's and hijab's (yes i had to google those - ha!). Our cabbie was quite the talker. Bless his heart, he wrote a list of things I should see - Statue of Liberty, the MET, Times Square. He didn't realize I have a full 6 day agenda! HA! He did tell me to steer clear of Coney Island and I was thankful for that advice!

Okay that is enough jabbering for now! I just took a very long, very hot shower and now I'm going to fall asleep in my very big, comfy bed. Just outside the open window are the quiet sounds of the city street and a beautiful New York skyline. I can't believe I'm going to wake up in NEW YORK CITY tomorrow! Good night, y'all!

Our hotel - Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge

Another Dentist Visit

2011-10-23T05:00:00.013-05:00

After our first trip to the dentist, I wasn't looking forward to going back. Kool Smiles did not do the trick for this mama. I mentioned this to our dentist and he said that he could see Avery. They were amazing with her. I am so glad we made the switch. She let Avery squirt water in a cup and suck it out with the different tools they use, to show her they weren't scary. They even blew up one of the gloves for her to play with. She had a great time and no cavaties - yay!

Lil Indian

2011-10-22T05:00:00.003-05:00

Well, that's just about the cutest lil Indian I've ever seen...wouldn't you say so!?! For more about our day at the Indian Village...head over to Nonna's blog!

Husbands

2011-10-21T05:00:00.027-05:00

I often wonder what I would do without my husband. I will not say that this thing called marriage is easy, by any means, although my parents sure made it look easy! But I know that it's worth it. Usually the things that are worth the most in life, require the most attention, work, love and sacrifice. Marriage is no different. I think for the most part, it gets easier as you go. You realize that pushing those buttons just because you're not getting your own way, will be a mistake. You certainly learn to choose your battles. I am so happy God gave me this man to walk through life with. I don't think there is a single day where he doesn't make me giggle. He is a better dad than I could've ever imagined. And he loves me. He loves me so much, that in the middle of a college football game he didn't think twice about changing my tire! I am so glad God made husbands, because I certainly don't know a thing about changing a tire...or mowing grass...or fixing a leaky sink!

Starbucks Love

2011-10-20T05:00:00.010-05:00

In my opinion, there are few better ways to start your day than a Salted Caramel Mocha frap and a pumpkin cream cheese muffin. Fall at Starbucks is glorious and after a not so great night of rest, I always decide the day will call for a Starbucks breakfast! It really helps me get out of bed some mornings - lol! Recently, Avery earned all the stickers on her potty chart and I told her we can do whatever she wanted - go buy a new toy, go to Orange Leaf, Chick fil A, Starbucks....she quickly chose Starbucks and I was one happy mama. I mean...what's not to love?

There's big comfy chairs...

And chocolate milk...

And cake pops, oh my!

I see many more Starbucks dates in our future!

Avery Meets Spongebob

2011-10-19T05:00:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago Spongebob was at the Natchez Mall, so after church we headed over to meet him. I'm not sure Avery knew what to think about this creature. She sure didn't know how to hug all of him!

Front hug...

Side backwards hug...

Front backwards hug...

Now that's the stuff!

Little Artist

2011-10-18T05:00:00.000-05:00

Avery loves to paint. Who knew how much fun a cheap paint set and a beautiful morning could bring!?!

It's hard to believe...

2011-10-17T05:00:00.001-05:00

...in one week I'll be here! More posts and pics to come, you can be sure of that ;)

These are the best days of our life

2011-10-15T05:00:00.001-05:00

This simple snapshot at Chick Fil A (Avery's favorite fast food place) just blew my mind. She's so big, no part of a baby anymore! I tell Charlie all the time, "These are the best days of our life" and I truly mean that. These days of make believe and finger paintings. Of messes and uh-ohs. These days of Itsy-bitsy-spider-singing, dancing like no one is watching. These ABC-learning, pledge of allegiance reciting, 1-3-2-1 counting, hide and seek playing days are numbered. These days of morning snuggles and "Mommy, I LOVE YOU". These days of customized picture painting ("Mommy, you like pink or red. Whatcha like? You want a happy face or a sea lion. Whatcha want?"). These days are numbered. These days of hiding from monsters under the covers and playing restaurant and school teacher won't last forever. These Santa Clause believing, Chuck E Cheese loving, Max-and-Ruby watching days will be gone before we know it. One day, "Mommy come play in my castle with me!" will change to "Shut my door, mom!" The sidewalk chalk drawing, Little Red Riding Hood reading days...

These are the best days of our life. There will be more fun times, happy times, sad times, amazing times but we will never get these days back. There is something so incredibly amazing about this little 3 year old girl of mine, something I can't even describe. But I know that whatever it is, daily I find myself whispering, "These are the best days of my life." I guess I'm just not sure how it could get any better! Oh, how I love her...

My Beautiful Ballerina

2011-10-13T05:00:00.007-05:00

Avery started dance class this year and she LOVES it! I am loving it too! She has learned different positions - pike, straddle, first position, second position, releve, etc... She dances all.the.time around the house and looks forward to her dance class on Wednesdays. I am so glad we didn't put this off until next year. So proud of this beautiful little ballerina! :)))

Avery is 5th from the left, the one standing in front of everyone else ;) !

Can you say SASSY! Look at those hands on her hips - love it!

Enough pictures mom...

Let's go to dance class!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-12T05:00:00.000-05:00

How 'bout those Tigers, y'all!

Astros Game

2011-10-10T05:00:00.000-05:00

Avery was exhausted after our afternoon at the aquarium and asleep by 8 o clock. I got a great night's rest in the comfy hotel bed and we woke up to eat a delicious breakfast. Pretty soon, it was off to the Astros game! Charlie was so excited about the game; I was so excited the roof would be closed and the AC would be on. August in TX is HOT, y'all! We enjoyed the game and spending time with Steph, Zach, Ryan and Grayson. I hope we can do this every summer!

I took 2 rolls of film (yes, the old school kind!) But I haven't developed them yet - total slacker! More to come when I have better pics. Please excuse these iPhone 3G phone pics :( In a few weeks, I will be taking them with the iPhone 4s, 8 megapixel camera, and I bet you will notice a difference :)

My sweet lil family

The park was beautiful...

There was lots to see in the baseball stadium. They had a huge play-thing for the kids. Steph and I thought this was a great idea until they disappeared into the thing! There must've been 100 kids in there. At one point, we could hear Grayson crying but couldn't find him. They made it out safe though and we darted right out of there!

Steph and Grayson...

Grayson and Avery...

At the hotel after breakfast...

Houston Aquarium

2011-10-08T07:44:00.000-05:00

In August, we took a weekend trip to Houston. Charlie wanted to see the Texans and Astros play ball. It was a family affair - Uncle Mark, Uncle Josh and Uncle Mic decided to join us. The Saints were playing the Texans in a preseason football game and they thought that sounded like fun. I wasn't very thrilled at the thought of spending a few days in this fabulous city only at sporting events! But when I found out we could meet my cousin, Stephanie (Mic Mic's daughter) and her little boy, Grayson, I was more than thrilled. We haven't had a chance to get together since my wedding and had never got to meet each other's children. On Saturday, we meet them at the Houston Galleria and went to the Rainforest Cafe. We thought the kids would LOVE it...we were wrong. At the site of that creepy tree talking Avery ran screaming! We finally convinced her the tree wasn't real and she agreed to come in and eat. The galleria was beautiful and Avery got to see ice skaters, although we didn't try it. After a quick face painting and balloon animal, it was off to the hotel. The football game was that night. I had done some googling before we went to Houston and found out about the downtown aquarium. Since we were staying in downtown Houston, while the boys left for the game, Avery and I went on an adventure of our own. We had the best time. I am so glad I decided to venture out (in a cab, mind you!) and explore. Lots of firsts for her here: first aquarium, first time to see a shark, first ferris wheel ride! We had a wonderful time. Just as we were leaving the aquarium, a horse and carriage was waiting outside. We took a stroll through downtown Houston and it was just amazing. The buildings were some of the tallest I've ever seen. I love mother-daughter time with my sweet Avery Grace!

Entrance of the aquarium...

Sharks!

Cheesecake at the aquarium...

First Ferris Wheel ride. I spent so much time making sure Avery really wanted to ride, that after we were on the ferris wheel I remembered that I didn't want to ride! I was glad I did though. It was so much fun and I was more nervous than brave lil Avery!

Our view at dinner :)

Taking pictures during the carriage ride...

Taking a train ride through a shark tank!

Avery's First Movie

2011-09-26T18:59:00.002-05:00

When I heard Lion King 3D was being released I thought this would be a great movie to take Avery to. This weekend Charlie let her choose from the fair, Chuck E Cheese or Tinseltown. She chose Lion King. I was a little concerned about her keeping the 3D glasses on, but she did great! She really enjoyed it and loved eating movie popcorn too. I see many more movies in our future!

Hairdos by Dad

2011-09-13T05:00:00.002-05:00

Charlie brings Avery to Tina's house every day. Usually he sprays her hair down, brushes it out and sticks a bow in it, since she takes a bath at night. But one day, he attempted a pony tail. I was so proud to get this picture text at work - good job, dad!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-09-09T05:00:00.000-05:00

Wordless Wednesday - Lil Chef

2011-09-07T05:00:00.003-05:00

Chuck E Cheese

2011-09-05T05:00:00.000-05:00

Avery's 2nd birthday party was at Chuck E Cheese and she had a BLAST! We had to travel down to Baton Rouge for CEC, so she had only been that one time. Lucky for her, a CEC recently opened in our city. Needless to say, she has been 3 times in the last month. But how can I deprive my little sweetie of hugging Chuck E. when he's right down the road and she loves him so much!?!

Cowgirl Time

2011-09-02T05:00:00.000-05:00

"C'mon, Mama... I just wanna be a cowboy outside!"

Excalibur Again

2011-09-01T05:00:00.000-05:00

We have been to a few birthday parties at Excalibur lately. They are fun... And exhausting! Here are a few pictures from Sebastian's birthday party.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-31T05:00:00.001-05:00

The S Word

2011-08-30T05:00:00.012-05:00

"Mama, you so silly!"

Doesn't she look so old in these pics?

Guess it's time to start thinking about the S Word.

***Sighhhh.....***

Petting Zoo

2011-08-29T05:00:00.000-05:00

Unlike me, Avery loves all kinds of animals. She had a blast when the petting zoo came to town. I was too worried about her getting kicked by a cow to take too many pics - lol!

More fun at the park...

2011-08-28T05:00:00.001-05:00

Nothing better than a visit to the park on a cool, fall day!

Coca-Cola

2011-08-27T05:00:00.001-05:00

Unfortunately, this little girl likes Coke as much as her mama! She rarely gets to drink one, but when she does she is a happy camper!

Friday Flashback

2011-08-26T05:00:00.003-05:00

Here is Avery's 3rd birthday! Her party was that weekend but on her actual birthday she blew out candles on a cupcake. :)

Quality Time

2011-08-25T05:00:00.000-05:00

... With Uncle Josh. Nothing like bonding with the iPhone!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-24T05:00:00.003-05:00

Bad Hair Day

2011-08-23T05:00:00.001-05:00

And you think you have bad hair days!?!

First Dentist Visit

2011-08-22T05:00:00.001-05:00

Mail Call!

2011-08-21T05:00:00.003-05:00

Avery loves getting things in the mail. Anytime she sees me check the mail she waits patiently for hers. When there is nothing for her she always seems shocked - "Nothing for me, mama!?!"

A day of fun at the mall!

2011-08-20T05:00:00.003-05:00

Baby Dolls

2011-08-19T05:00:00.000-05:00

Avery lovvvves taking care of her babies. It's so precious to watch her tuck them in, give them kisses, fuss at them and tell them she loves them!

Life is Sweet

2011-08-18T05:00:00.002-05:00

This little girl loves strawberries! She asks for them every.single.day! She is big enough now to open the fridge, pick how many she wants out of the container and bring them to me to be washed and diced.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-17T05:00:00.001-05:00

Grocery Shopping

2011-08-16T05:00:00.002-05:00

These miniature grocery carts are just so precious. As you probably know, im extremely behind in blogging so these were taken sometime this Winter. I am ready to be wearing long sleeves again in this heat!

How Long?

2011-08-15T05:00:00.000-05:00

How long before she refuses to wear smocked dresses? How long before she doesn't want me to read books before bed? How long before she stops saying "Mama, I love you BIG much!!!"

These days are going by much too quickly!

Painting

2011-08-14T05:00:00.000-05:00

The artist at work...

Sundress

2011-08-13T05:00:00.000-05:00

Dontcha just love a good sundress?

Swinging at the Park

2011-08-12T05:00:00.005-05:00

Avery finally got brave enough to try the swings at the park a few months ago! I thought this day would never come. :)

I Wanna Go to the Beach!

2011-08-11T05:00:00.001-05:00

... Me too sweetie, meeeee tooooo!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-10T05:00:00.001-05:00

Strawberry Shortcake

2011-08-09T05:00:00.002-05:00

My sweet lil princess loves Strawberry Shortcake. She even sings the theme song lately, "That girl's so sweet, just like her name - Strawberry Shortcake!"

We recently got Netflix thru the PS3, so she has access to every episode ever made. At least it's less annoying than the Fresh Beat Band!

Chick fil A cow

2011-08-08T05:00:00.000-05:00

From the first time Avery met the Easter Bunny to Santa Clause and Chuck E Cheese, it was clear she didn't have her mom's fear of people in giant costumes (I was NOT a fan when I was her age). She also met Dora, Boots and Diego. And, of course, a giant cow would never scare her either!

Can't wait for Disney World in a few years!

The Juggler

2011-08-07T05:00:00.000-05:00

Yes... My husband learned how to juggle... at work. (and no, he is not a professional clown!)

Yes... He stopped in the mall to show off his skills.

And... Yes... I snapped a picture while he was putting on a show

The Toybox

2011-08-06T05:00:00.000-05:00

A few months ago a coworker offered me her daughters toybox. She is in high school now and doesn't need it anymore. I didn't realize what a difference that would make. I spent a lot of time organizing and cleaning the playroom before the toybox. Now, Avery can clean up her own mess! Throw it all in the toybox and call it a day... Love it!

My Little Typist

2011-08-05T05:00:00.000-05:00

Look what I found at an estate sale of my neighbors. Avery just loves it!

Happy Graduation, Uncle Mark!

2011-08-04T05:00:00.003-05:00

Maybe one day I'll have a little MBA graduate of my own!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-03T05:00:00.005-05:00

Happy Meal = Happy Girl!

2011-08-02T05:00:00.001-05:00

Babies

2011-08-01T05:00:00.000-05:00

Avery loves little babies lately. And, yes, on more than one occasion she's asked for one of these to come to our house. But her mama is just not that brave yet!

Avery Loves...

2011-07-31T05:00:00.001-05:00

... Orange Leaf froyo!!!

Go Carts

2011-07-30T08:40:00.000-05:00

Avery's first go cart ride was at a birthday party for her cousin, Layne. She had a blast!

The party was at a local place with lots of indoor games. There was also a big slide. Avery was just a little too short to climb the levels to go down the slide. Sweet Layne went with her each time and lifted her up to each level. Then they got to a little bridge she had to cross over to get to the slide. Once again, Avery was scared of the shaky bridge. Layne held her hand and walked her across it each time. Precious!

Making Cupcakes

2011-07-29T05:00:00.001-05:00

I'd say there are very few things that make Avery as happy as making and eating cupcakes! Wouldn't you agree?

Face Painting

2011-07-28T05:00:00.001-05:00

First face painting... Courtesy of Orange Leaf!

Wordless Wednesday - Making Faces

2011-07-27T05:00:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday!

2011-07-26T05:00:00.000-05:00

One of the things I missed in my bloggy hiatus was Charlie's birthday and Father's Day (which happened on the same weekend). All he wanted was a cookout with some family and friends and that is what he got (oh, and the Jeep!). It was a fun day and we had a great time eating some delicious grilled ribs, chicken and sausage. Thanks, mom!!!

Wingstop

2011-07-25T05:00:00.000-05:00

When I tell you this lil girl knows how to eat some wings, I am not exaggerating! Charlie and I are always amazed at how little is left after she gets done eating one. What can I say, this girl loves her Wingstop!

Only in Louisiana

2011-07-24T05:00:00.001-05:00

Only in Louisiana...

Do you load up in the Jeep on a Saturday night... With no doors and no roof...

... And tell your toddler to get some shoes on... 'cuz it's gator huntin' time!

Summer Fun

2011-07-23T05:00:00.000-05:00

Avery's sitter invested in an inflatable waterslide this summer. As much as I hate leaving her every day, I am so glad she has so much fun with her friends. It's just an added bonus that she gets to swim and slide while she's there too. I am so thankful for Christina. She is great with Avery and keeps them entertained all day long!

What Day Is It Again?

2011-07-22T05:00:00.001-05:00

A few weeks ago, I woke up on Saturday and rushed around to get me and Avery out of the house for a birthday party that morning. When we pulled up to the house I thought it was strange that we were the first ones there and a few minutes late. I knocked on the door a few times with an excited 3 yr old in her cutest dress, ready for fun in the sun, cake and present opening time! Finally, the mom answered the door (sticking only her head out - apparently, she hadn't rushed that morning to get ready like I had)! I was a day early! Try explaining that to a 3 yr old. She was heartbroken!

Orange leaf to the rescue! It's our newest favorite froyo shop in town. With self serve and endless toppings, soon both of our worries faded away. I was glad I realized the baby shower was on Sunday as well, since I thought it was that Saturday afternoon too!

So, we got up on Sunday and did it all over again. When am I going to learn to check the date on my invites? Geeez!

A Castle for a Princess

2011-07-21T05:00:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago, Charlie was off of work and Avery stayed home with him. Well, I guess you can see she has him wrapped around her finger. When I got home, that princess had her very own castle right in the middle of my living room!

But, how can the queen complain when the palace was spotless and the princess was snoozing? Life is good!

Throw a Penny, Make a Wish

2011-07-20T05:00:00.002-05:00

I gave Avery some change to throw in the fountain at the mall. After she threw it in and made a wish (for Tinkerbell, of course!) she looked at me and said "Uh oh, mama! How we gonna get dat back!?!"

Friday Night Fun

2011-07-19T05:00:00.001-05:00

Nothing better than a Friday night at the mall with my favorite princess. I mean, how can you beat a butterfly balloon, carousel ride and Maggie Moos strawberry ice cream? Oh, and did I mention finding 3 pairs of shoes for $11? Score!

Friday Night Fun

2011-07-19T05:00:00.000-05:00

Restaurant

2011-07-18T05:00:00.000-05:00

One of Avery's favorite games right now is "Restaurant". She uses the plates, bowls, and cups from a picnic basket I bought and the endless fake food supply from her kitchen. And she is a hard, fast worker. From the moment I walk into the restaurant, she doesn't stop.
Once I have been served, she leaves to find my 'babies'. She gives us menus (books) and writes down our orders. She is one hard worker!

Princess cake

2011-07-17T09:45:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago, we attended a birthday party and there was a beautiful castle cake. Ever since, Avery has been adament about her castle cake. This week, the new girl at work mentioned that she makes cakes in her spare time. I told her about the castle cake and she mentioned that she had done one before. She showed me the picture of it and I knew Avery would love it!

Maybe I should've waited until the day before her birthday party... In January! I showed her a picture of it and she is convinced that is her cake. She wants to go see her cake, eat her cake, show her friends her cake. How do you explain how long 5 months is to a 3 year old? Lord.have.mercy!

So, I guess you can say I've started the party planning. I will refuse to mention how old she'll be because it sounds too much like a kid and not a toddler! Time flies when you're having fun.... *Sighhh....*

Guess I should start looking for the party castle now!

Pretty in Pink

2011-07-09T10:27:00.001-05:00

It worked!

2011-07-08T20:30:00.001-05:00

It worked! I can actually blog from my iPhone, this means I may actually blog more than once a month - woo hoo! It's just what a working mom needs. I used blogger+ and it is only $1.99. So, let the blogging begin!

Speaking of using technology, Avery is wayyyyyyy ahead of me. The other day she was chasing me around the house saying "Look what I drew for you, Mama!" I couldn't figure out what she meant until I glanced at the screen. I wonder how long it will be before this puts crayola out of business!

iPhone blogging

2011-07-08T20:20:00.001-05:00

Long time, no see! I'm giving iPhone blogging a chance since my iPhone is holding my pictures hostage! So, we'll see if this works.

I just love the new dress Avery got from Lynn. It's a Matilda Jane... Cute as can be! Lynn is so sweet to shop for Avery all.the.time. Last time we were in Vidalia she dropped off a laundry basket full of clothes. And she has such good taste too! :) I'm certain she's bought Avery more clothes in the last year than I've bought her in the last 3 years! Thanks, Mamaw Lynn! Avery is certainly one blessed lil (precious, beautiful and sweet) girl!