Leaky Pipes, Plumbers & Birthday Bliss?

I believe that today was one of the oddest Birthday celebrations that I have ever had with my husband....maybe it was the lack of celebration that saddens me. As many of you know I am a HUGE party person and love planning these shindigs so when my immediate family member doesn't get "their" special day planned by me I get a little bummed. Mike has never been big on celebrating his Birthday and he would be perfectly happy with receiving cards from everyone and calling it a day. However, I am the exact opposite and I want the balloons, flowers, gifts, cards, dinner and cake. I want it "all" and I also like to give that "all" to my family and friends. Tonight my husband got take out from Sonic and a card from myself...the kids card will have to wait until Wednesday when both are together to give it to him. Victoria had a soccer game tonight and didn't get home until after 9:00 and Brody was already in bed so I didn't want him to open their card until tomorrow because Brody was excited about it. However, that plan won't work because she has a soccer game tomorrow night so celebrating as a family will have to wait until Wednesday night. I know that it's probably my OCD kicking in because I like everything "perfect" and I want to control everything and this isn't the "perfect" scenario and I'm completely out.of.control concerning this situation. Eeeeekkkkk! 


The closing on our house is fastly approaching and the homeowners are trying to get everything fixed before Friday. Needless to say the past two weeks have been insane and our house has been a revolving door of plumbers, pool guys and handymen. As you know from my last post we had a water line break on Saturday night so that was top priority today and thankfully we *believe* it's fixed! The poor plumber was here all day and had to work on every single toilet, faucet/drain and water line inside our house but he got it all working so we no longer have red clay dirt running out of our faucets and the pressure is back to normal. Another problem arose when they were under the house and sometime this week they may have to pull my jacuzzi tub out of the master bath to fix a leak...praying that doesn't happen and there is NO leak. Mike's shower will be under construction later in the week so they can  pull all of the tile out and put new in. That should be interesting. I am starting to feel like we are Tom Hanks and Shelley Long in the movie "The Money Pit". Our house is showing normal wear and tear so I shouldn't complain; it's not really as bad as it sounds (and feels). 

I am keeping my fingers crossed that no problems arise this week other than the ones that are currently being fixed. I also PRAY nothing major happens after we close on Friday. How bad would that suck??? I can't even think about it. 

Happy Birthday to my Love

Happy Birthday, Honey!

I love you.

“May you live to be 100 and may the last voice you hear be mine.”

- Frank Sinatra

Wow, what a weekend!

This past weekend was a jam packed with family, friends and good times (and some not so good times). Making memories is what I like to do and we accomplished that on Saturday - yay, us!

Friday started off with dining at the cutest restaurant in downtown Albany with Susie & Brody. I had been hearing rave reviews about the food from "The Cookie Shoppe" for months and I have never gotten around to eating there so I suggested to Susie we try the place out for our lunch date. Susie is all about trying new places and things and soaks up anything "Southern" so I knew she would be dying to dine there like I had been. All I can say is that it definately lived up to it's reviews because it was A.W.E.S.O.M.E! I think they had the best chicken salad sandwich that I have ever tasted and their sweet tea was like drinking my Mammaw's. Brody dined on their homemade cookies and from his reaction they were pretty good. This quaint little hole in the wall has seen many years of locals from every nook and cranny in the Albany area. You walk in the front door and it feels like you went back in time. The only thing that gives you the notion you are in 2011 is the credit card machine -- other than that you are dining in the past. Susie and I both loved it so I am sure we will make that a regular spot for our lunch dates. 

Saturday morning we woke up to gloomy cold skies but that wasn't going to stop us from heading to Will's first T-Ball game of the season. We put on our layers, headed out the door and I had no idea what I was about to particpate in. I have never been a big baseball fan but apparently that is not heard of around here because baseball is serious business. Parents (like Susie) are diehard fans and if you closed your eyes for a second you would think you were sitting at a Major League game. I mean, aren't we? It *is* the Dixie League for crying out loud....where have I been? All joking aside, it was pretty awesome to see these little boys play and it's not fun and games...it's serious. Their rules are strict and the umpire is brutal; I am not sure I have the heart to watch the games. Seeing those little shoulders slouch after missing their ball or throwing the ball in the wrong direction is enough to make this Momma want to run out there and give them a hug and they aren't even my own flesh and blood. According to Susie (and the other Mothers) you can only do that for your team....not the other one -- no matter how young they are :) After an hour of an emotional, nerve racking, nail biting game my heart could finally do a happy dance because Will's team won and that made for a very happy camper in the Blake clan. 


Once the celebration was over we decided it was time for some pizza and the Mardi Gras festivities. After dining on the most amazing pizza ever we headed over to downtown for Mardi Gras, Albany style. It was so much fun even though the weather wasn't cooperating like we would have liked. Our turtles didn't win the race but a good time was had by all and that's what mattered most.


Now, for the downer of our weekend....after a wonderful time at the festival we came home to a note on our front door. That is never a good sign. It seems while we were gone our water line busted and water was spewing all over our neighbors yard so they turned our water off. The house currently has no water pressure and red clay dirt is coming through the pipes until it can be fixed today. Definately bad timing because laundry needed to be done and so it's all still piled up in my bathroom until we can run the washer. I am praying it gets fixed today and nothing major is wrong! 

"The Good Life City"

While "googling" some information online for a few upcoming events in Albany today I ran across the quote for the city...."The Good Life City". Reading that (and typing it) made me smile because it couldn't be more true. Granted, maybe this rings truer for some more than others but none the less in my case it's ringing loud and clear. Moving here has been a mixed bag of emotions but I am in a great place with great people and it couldn't feel better (unless my parents were to move here or a bit closer and then it would be nothing but p.e.r.f.e.c.t.i.o.n)! Our children attend outstanding schools and they are thriving in our new location which in all honesty is the only thing that matters. Mike enjoys his job and it's providing us a lifestyle where we can get out and do things and have a few luxuries here and there. I have met some fabulous ladies and with Susie moving here it made my social life come full circle. We live in a wonderful community in a beautiful home that I didn't think we would own until we retired (we close next Friday! yay!). The Beemer Family is living "The Good Life" here in Albany, Georgia and it's a blessed feeling that I hope lasts for many years.

As for my Google search today, I was checking out the festivities that we were planning for this weekend. It's going to be a jam packed Saturday with fun, food and friends (weather permitting) celebrating Mardi Gras! 

Tomorrow we will start off with a little T-Ball because we are eager to see Will (Susie's son) play his first game of the season. He is on the Yankees team but we will forgive him; he doesn't get to choose his team name. We have become very close with the Blake family since their arrival to Albany and we want to support their kids in the activities because all kids need a good support system when it comes to athletics...however, I think Susie and Sissy could probably handle it all on their own! Will should have a large cheering section because his grandparents arrived today so there will be about 9 people rooting him on! I hope that he does well and enjoys it as much as I know we will. 

After the game we will be heading over to celebrate the annual Mardi Gras festival in downtown Albany. This is supposed to be a fun filled bash that has Food, Beer, Live Music, Craft Vendors and so much more....it's kid friendly too so our kiddos are looking forward to it. During the festival one of our small town attractions called the "Flint RiverQuarium" is having their annual "Turtle Race" and of course I had to buy a few entries to this interesting event. You "adopt" rubber turtles and they are all dumped down a large fountain outside the aquarium and the first 5 turtles that cross the finish line are winners. Prizes include $3k cash, free gas for a year, free kayak, free Chick-fil-a for a year and a $1k Publix giftcard. All proceeds go to the Aquarium so at least we are supporting a local business. It really is a neat place to take your kids and they offer so many educational classes for them during the year.

The weather is supposed to be a bit iffy tomorrow so I am praying it stays clear until late evening. I would hate for such a planned fun filled day to be ruined because of rain! It seems that is always how Mother Nature works, doesn't it? She doesn't come around when we need her but then when she wants to drop buckets of rain we would rather opt for the sunny blue Georgia skies. 

Little Miracles

Congratulations Lacy & Bret

Compromise, Curtains and Chaos

This week I have been dealing with Compromise, Curtains and Chaos. I know today is only Wednesday but I have been on a roller coaster ride the past 3 days and I am ready to get off (please and thank you). 


Compromise has NEVER been something that I have been good at. I hate compromising because I always want it my way and to *me* that is the only/right way. I know, I know, that is totally narcissistic but it's who I am and changing that part of my personality is an ongoing thing that I deal with daily. I have had to learn that *my* way isn't always the best or right way to do things and you have to meet in the middle. I also can't have my cake and eat it too. Ugh, typing that was like nails.on.a.chalkboard!!! This week I have found that if I want certain luxuries in life then I have to be willing to give up some of my current luxuries (boo, hiss). 


Our house stays in a constant state of disarray because I don't like to clean and I am too busy to deal with it. It may also be that we have a 2.5 year old and a 14 year old who rarely pick up after themselves! What little free time I do have these days shouldn't be used to clean the house. It should be a law for all mothers -- seriously. With that being said, I had mentioned to Mike that we could possibly use a housekeeper to help with the nasty, deep cleaning that neither one of us like to do. I honestly thought he would completely shut my idea down but he didn't...I was floored when he said to look into the cost of having one come every couple of weeks. Excuse me, where is my husband? He needs to be returned immediately (well, maybe not if this version likes the idea of a housekeeper). Now I know my husband and everything comes at a price and this is where compromising comes in on my part! I have to compromise by spending less time & money during my weekly Wal-Mart runs and less money on craft supplies. Easier said than done. I can drop $50 in a minute at Wal-Mart or Hobby Lobby so this will be a big learning experience. However, I am willing to do that so I don't have to sweep, mop and clean nasty bathrooms! 


I finally got around to using my sewing machine that my sweet husband bought me months ago but I don't know what in the hell I am doing. I didn't even know what a bobbin was and thankfully being the analytical type my husband is bought one that basically does it all for you. If it didn't, I would be lost and the machine would collect dust. It took me 2 hours to get the thing threaded and a bobbin made even though it's all automatic. Sad. I wasn't going to let the machine intimidate me and I was determined to make something this week.....and I did! My first project was making Victoria some zebra print curtains for her room. I used the dust ruffle of her bed set as fabric because she has a sleigh bed and the ruffle couldn't be used. I know a child probably could have completed this mini project because it basically was just sewing a straight line but I was really proud of the finished product. I definitely need to take some sewing classes because I don't think I can teach myself. Sewing with a machine is so much harder than I remembered and I have a new respect for seamstresses. 


Brody has been crazy this week; he is all about using the "potty" but the problem is that he doesn't *use* it! He thinks it fun to undress from the waist down and sit on the potty only to sing and read the day away. It's really becoming a problem and I don't know what to do about it. I want him to use the potty but he thinks that it's for entertainment purposes so we aren't getting anywhere. The Doctor (and friends) keep telling me it will happen when they are ready and not to stress about it but I can't help it. Nothing is more annoying than being couped up in a small bathroom while your child sits on the potty for an hour singing, giggling and telling you to "sit on the potty". I can only do the "potty dance and song" for so long before my rear starts to hurt! I am sure there is an indention where my butt has been on our poor spare bathroom toilet because that is where I have spent most of my time this week. And if I have to sing "Pee Pee in Potty, Poo Poo in the Potty" one more time I may rip out my own vocal cords. I.AM.OVER.IT.

Up in Stitches

Several months ago I was making out my Christmas list and I added what I thought would be the *perfect* gift to it....a sewing machine! I hadn't used one since I took interior decorating/fashion in highschool but I figured it wouldn't be that hard to figure out. Mike was a little more hesitant about the gift because: 


A.) Good sewing machined aren't cheap  
B.) Would I really use it?


After voicing his concerns I promised him that I would use the machine and it would be a great addition to my craft room. There were a ton of little projects I could use the machine for and I am constantly paying for alterations so this would be a win/win situation. Probably against his better judgement (as usual) he bought my *perfect* gift and I was tickled pink. Christmas has come and gone and I am just NOW getting around to unpacking the box my machine came in and placing it in my craft room. I was so excited about setting it up until I started tacking things out of the box and was overwhelmed with manuals, parts and pieces. My thought was "What in the hell did I get myself into????". 


Being "typical Jamie", I didn't want one of the "Plain Jane" sewing machine models; I wanted the one that was computerized with all the bells and whistles. Someone should have blown a whistle when that thought crossed my mind because that type of thinking was a little unreasonable. I haven't sewed in years and when I did it wasn't something that I was really good at so the basic model probably would have been the best for the situation. In all seriousness, do I really need 60 stitches to choose from?!?


I probably should have paid more attention to my Granny's sewing projects while growing up because she was great at it. She could make anything and she made it look so easy and effortless. I got my craftiness and tackiness from her when it comes to my artistic side. She enjoyed sewing, ceramics, quilting and crocheting. I wish I could have expressed my love for that while she was alive because I think we would have had a great time doing arts & crafts together.


Now back to this machine aka computer...the Brother CS-6000i Computer. Sounds overwhelming enough. I think sewing classes may be in my future because after reading through the manual I have no idea what I am doing.  My dreams of making flowy summer dresses and other projects may be put on hold until I can get a grasp of this machine and how to operate it! I had imagined buying all of these cute little summer patterns and making them in a jiffy but obviously I was smoking something because I can't even figure out how to thread the machine! 


However, I am not a quitter and my husbands money will not be wasted because sooner than later I *am* going to learn to use this machine and I will produce some cute things from it. If not, I will NEVER EVER EVER hear the end of it. With that being said, I better get off this computer and start learning how to use the other one. 


Updates coming soon...I hope. 




Images from amazon.com & thisnext.com

Starbucks, Shoes and Southern Spirit

Yesterday was a beautiful day in the southern city of Albany, Georgia! My morning started off with a much needed coffee date at Starbucks! Susie and I met for some girl time and ended up spending almost 4 hours catching up on the past....hmmm, how many years??? I don't even want to count because it makes me feel old. Needless to say there was a lot to talk about and I enjoyed every.single.minute of it. Luckily for me (and hopefully her) we live about 10 minutes from one another and our little ones attend school within 5 minutes from Starbucks so it works out great! I can't tell you how uplifted and renewed I felt there yesterday; Susie is just a joy to be around and she makes you "excited" about life. It was like going to therapy and my soul has really needed it. It was so refreshing and it's like we picked up where we left off years ago. I think a lot of that has to do with Facebook (best thing ever) because we reconnected there first and by the grace of God, now in person here in Albany! Our kids love one another and our husbands could seriously have been best friends in another life...and then you have me and Susie who also share a lot of the same interests, values, expectations ---I could go on but you get the point. We click. 

While having our coffee date we also enjoyed people watching as all Southern females do. Now, you have to consider the town and the type of people that live here to truly comprehend what I am about to say. First and foremost, I am not condemning the girl for her sense of style because we all have one and we all deserve to have our own unique sense of fashion so don't go bashing my blog because of the next few lines.....Here goes.


Susie and I were talking a mile a minute and then to my dismay all I see is a pair of "KISS" type boots walking my way and I was speechless. I can't even really tell you what the girl looked like or what she was wearing other than skinny jeans because I couldn't get past the shoes/boots she had one. First, I was trying to figure out how in the hell she was able to walk in them and how they could be remotely comfortable. Secondly, I was wondering if I had entered the twilight zone because that is not what you normally see here in Albany. Our new city is a very reserved and laid back one where people are up on the latest trends of fashion; wearing designer or vintage labels, polos, khaki's, sundresses, large sunglasses, designer handbags and cute chic shoes. They would never dare to push the envelope as this young woman did because of the gasps and stares that would ensue (like Susie and I did -- wrong or right). She was also pushing extremely hard to wear that into the "coveted" Starbucks in our small town.  Our Starbucks is usually packed in the mornings and she didn't walk through the doors until almost noon so it wasn't very busy; had it been in the morning you probably could have heard a pin drop. I give her major points for having the nerve to walk into a place like that because she owned who she was and her unique sense of style -- I could have never done it. 


I know that paragraph above makes this area sound like a very fake and mean place to live but it's not. It has charm and everyone is very polite and will talk to you even if they don't know you. They open doors for you, carry bags for you and they still have grocery guys here that take the stuff to your cars. You are always greeted with "Yes, Ma'am" or told "No, Sir". If your children do not address others that way then you aren't considered raising your children right. It's a staple in this community and frowned upon if it's not done. The ladies here have a ton of class and there is a lot of "old money" so they have a lot of the luxurious and finer things in life but you wouldn't know it because they are genuine people. "Albanyians" are very down to earth and I would say many of them are very sincere when speaking to you even if they had just met you. They really care about what you think and want you to love their community as much as they do. The men are a "bunch of good 'ole boys" and the woman embrace their southern heritage and bring you housewarming gifts/home cooked meals when you move here (Sorry, Susie, I am still bringing you dinner one night-things got crazy!). 

I can really only sum Albany up as "Steel Magnolias", "Andy Griffith" and "Forrest Gump" all rolled into one. If small town living isn't something you love then you would be miserable here because we are about as small town as it gets. But I <heart> Albany and love calling it home. 

Really??? %$^&*!!!

Today was one of those days that I was faced with several of my pet peeves. The list below does have some exceptions so don't take it too personally. I am blaming these peeves on my OCD even though I know that isn't a real excuse....but I am sticking with that because it makes me feel normal :) These are not in any particular order! Here goes.....

Arrogant people really get under my skin; I honestly think it's a sign of major insecurity. They need to get over themselves.

People who take their TIME while walking in a cross walk. It really pisses me off when I actually stop to let you go and it takes 10 minutes for you to cross. I am not talking about people who have a legitimate reason; those people, I completely "get". 

Individuals who are not a "people person" but continue to work in the Customer Service field. Don't you know the "Customer is ALWAYS right". No.Matter.What!

Dishes being left in *my* (not anyone elses) sink when the dishwasher is available and willing to accept them! To me it's a sign of laziness. There is no way it takes you longer to put them in the dishwasher; if you want to place them in the sink then start washing them by hand. 

Okay, so this one may strike a nerve in a few readers but it's a major peeve of mine. I can.not.stand when someone has a handicapped sticker/plate and abuses it. Yes, I know you may have some sort of "illness" or disability that can't be seen by the naked eye but does it *really* qualify you to get a parking spot right up front when you are capable of walking? The worst is seeing someone who needs the space and can't use it because your ass is to lazy to walk.

This sign is self explanatory -- what is up with gas prices? Today it was $3.14 a gallon. I have a Suburban and let me tell you....it feels like a crime every time we fill it up. I could be a little more graphic but you get the point. 

Old drivers that are still allowed to get a license and roam the roads when they really do not need one. I am not referring to slow drivers (even though that gets on my nerves, too) but the drivers who honestly are a hazard to MY health and theirs behind the wheel. If you have to think twice about your elderly parent or grandparent driving then you should really consider taking their car keys. 

Ah, another driving peeve....Texting while driving! This is the most dangerous thing you could do behind the wheel besides driving drunk. I know we all have probably done it once or twice so I am not going to say I am innocent BUT....I do know it's wrong, very dangerous and deadly and I honestly try not to do it. The ones that make me see RED are the drivers who are texting, smoking and changing gears. Really??? 

This is another "home" type pet peeve (also gets me in a public restroom but that's more of an inconvenience) that drives me up the wall!!! I never.ever.ever run out of TP in our house and I keep rolls underneath every bathroom counter and there is always spare somewhere under our roof. If you use the last piece of toilet paper, please....please....please....replace the roll. Is it that hard? It also makes me wonder how well you wiped your privates which is a gross thought in itself. 

So, I guess I did save one of the BIGGEST for last....this peeve makes me want to ram my Suburban in the back of the vehicle waiting on that "perfect" spot. You have to know what I am talking about....the ones who wait for the closest spot when they may have already passed 1 or 2 good ones but are too lazy to walk the extra 5, 10, 15 feet?? I love it when I am behind that person, find a place to park and get inside the store while they are STILL waiting for *their* spot. And before anyone gets their panties in a wad, I understand somewhat if your elderly and have issues walking, you have a arm full of kids or it's raining like mad.

Alrighty, getting all of that off my chest made me feel better :)

Bugaboo Blues

Today was one of those days where my mind got to wondering too far in the future and starting getting sappy about motherhood. It started when I had an appointment with the "Lady Doctor". Normally, I am in and out of there and never think twice about motherhood but today was one of those days where I was surrounded by pregnant women and newborns. Not a good combination for someone who is already having a hard time dealing with their little one growing up. I have always gotten a little sad when I catch myself thinking about Brody spreading his wings and leaving my nest but lately it's been on my mind more than usual. I can't really pinpoint why other than it's time to enroll him in the 3 year-old preschool class and his 3rd Birthday is right around the corner. Wait....3rd Birthday?!?! Wasn't he just a teeny tiny peanut in my tummy? Where has the time gone?


My pregnancy wasn't an easy one while carrying Brody so the entire 6 months of carrying him was pretty stressful for everyone involved. And you didn't read it wrong, I found out I was pregnant after I was already 3 months along so I basically (in my mind) skipped the first trimester. So not only did I worry about all I had done BEFORE this little peanut made it's debut I had to worry about it the remainder of my pregnancy. I wasn't an angel before I got pregnant and I liked to have a good time which meant drinking, friends and late nights out was an every weekend thing. Needless to say I was an emotional wreck the day the Doctor told me I was 12 weeks along and proceeded to let us hear the heartbeat on the monitor. Since that day I have never stopped worrying and I am sure if your a Mom, you haven't either.

So fast forward 2.5 years and here I am sitting here wondering and worrying about what the future holds for my son. My heart breaks to think about him growing up and leaving me. He is the most amazing thing that has ever happened to me and I am blessed that he is a healthy, bright and vibrant child. He fills my days with rays of sunshine, smiles that hurt, nerves that are tested and giggles that make my stomach hurt. I wouldn't trade any of it for anything and I honestly wish I could bottle it all up and keep it on a shelf for the days when he is no longer marking on my walls with crayons, giving me kisses without hesitation, asking me hundreds of crazy little questions and telling me "No, Mommy, No". I know I will miss all of that so I really do try to take it all in and store it in my memory bank.


I am so fiercely protective of Brody that I feel sorry for the person that hurts his feelings, makes him cry, picks on him or breaks his little heart. I have already had my heart break for him last week and I hated that feeling. I think I read more into the situation than I should have but it really upset me. And to think I already feel this way when he is only 2.5; I pity the person when he is older. 


My biggest fear is that one day this little boy will be too big for his Momma and won't need me anymore. I have heard horror stories about how little boys grow up and never look back. My soul would shatter into a million pieces if that were to happen. I can't imagine a holiday without him sitting down at MY table (note: *MY* meaning not the in-laws). I know  that sounds very selfish, bitter and mean but that is how I feel and it's honest. My other worry is that my son will want to follow in his Daddy's footsteps and become a United States Marine. That would honestly make me physically ill because after living in a base town I have seen the worst that could happen. I don't want to be that Mom who opens her door to a set of Marines telling me my son has passed away. I know that is a horrible way of thinking but I can't help it.


I worry about my son and his health; watching Jerry's Kids or Make a Wish telathons are more  than this Momma can handle. I worry about what could happen the day he learns to ride a bike, drive a car, etc. It's completely insane what your mind will come up with once you are a Mom. I keep telling myself that this type of thinking doesn't make me nuts or crazy; it makes me a  Momma who loves her soon to infinity and back. Hopefully he will feel the same when he gets older and I am no longer "Momma"; I'm just "Mom".