Shooting from my hip

Sorry for the delay

2011-03-08T18:08:00.001-05:00

I'm also posting over at Victim of the Momarazzi!

Look Out Now!

2010-11-13T22:50:00.003-05:00

Three posts in a week! Get outta town!
Really I just had more cute pictures of my kids that I wanted to share.
Molly's friends Henry and Mary Scott had a circus-themed birthday party today. Their moms were sweating the weather and even moved the time of the party to avoid the rain. I hoped they were relieved at the end of the evening because every one had a great time!

Molly put on this rainbow wig and wouldn't take it off. It made it so much easier to spot her!
Molly is older than most of her friends. So she fed Ryleigh popcorn, told her the best parts of the party, and showed her how to eat a cupcake.
And the firetruck came out!
Molly and Emma refused to get any closer together than this!

Give and Get is Here!

2010-11-09T14:15:00.000-05:00

Give and Get is Here!: "Enjoy 30% off from November 11-14 at Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy plus we'll make a 5% donation to a non-profit."

It's Me Again, Margaret!

2010-11-09T13:48:00.004-05:00

Where does the time go?
I know, I know. Y'all have been requesting that I blog more. My primary internet connection is my iPhone and I cant get any blogging apps to work for me. I know what the issue is but I can't find a way to fix it; I may end up changing blog addresses. I'll keep you posted.
Johanna took her 6 month pictures today and she has just been a doll all day. She worked over all the senior citizens in Wal-Mart and even said her first word ("bye bye") to a kind gentleman in the frozen foods section.
Without further ado, here are the products of our date with Portrait Innovations this morning.

Graduation

2010-08-26T20:09:00.003-04:00

In February of 2009, Molly and I visited Shreveport for a few days. We needed to find two things: a job and a daycare. While I didn't leave with a job, Molly left with her name on two waiting lists.
Fast forward to 6 months later. We've moved to Shreveport, but I'm still jobless, so it doesn't matter that Molly is daycare-less. A few weeks pass and I'm picking a job. Suddenly I've got to find a daycare. And the heavens open.
Mrs. Janet calls, asking if I still need daycare. Oh, do I!
Molly came from a corporate chain daycare in Baton Rouge which met our needs of extended hours while I was working the ER.
Switching to our new daycare in Shreveport was different. There were less than 40 kids in the whole school. Molly was at an age where she was more aware of her social circle and formed strong bonds. But we knew it was only temporary; Molly would age out of the program when she turned 3.
The middle of August brought an end to our time at our sweet, small daycare. Molly had been talking about her "new school" for months.The teachers and I talked for weeks about not looking forward to the day. But, regardless, it came. I cried. Mrs. Shannon cried. Molly and Johanna were none the wiser.
The past year was full of so many transitions for our family; we lived in 3 different houses in 2 months, for goodness sakes! We started 2 new jobs in 2 new cities. We had 2 new dogs. And we added another sweet girl to our family. But her teachers and directors loved our Mollygirl through all those changes.
Molly and Mrs. Shannon
Molly and Ms. Nicki

So this Monday we started preschool and daycare at the other school whose waiting list we got on back in February 2009. This new school has better hours and is closer to our house. There is also the potential of going to "real school" there.
Thus far, they've both done great. I'm spending less time on the road, but I'm still working on adjusting. This school is so big; no one knows our name or notices if we're absent. I don't know how much lunch Molly ate or if she took a good nap. I'm going to have to remind myself that this is preschool, not daycare!

That Point

2010-07-27T23:14:00.004-04:00

Recently, I've been thinking about what I post about on my blog. First it was my dog, then my job, and now my kids. This post is about me.
Johanna is now 3 months old and sleeps completely (like 10 hours) through the night 3-4 nights a week. This is, in a word, tremendous.
I have been off of work for 5 straight days.
During this time, I have reached "that point."
I think most new moms hit "that point," but I'm going solely on personal experience here and not from anything I learned in my training.
"That point," I believe, is a culmination of many things: the lifting of the fog of sleep deprivation, feeling confident in your ability to take care of your child, etc.
"That point" is when you start to feel like yourself again. You are still by all means a mother, a wife, a daughter and all the other hats you wear, but you regain some semblance of self-awareness.
Let me provide some examples. During my recent time off, I have begun to do the things I like to do again. As I sat in Minute Maid Park Saturday surrounded by thousands of people (with my baby on my lap and my sister next to me holding my toddler), I felt one of those tingles of happiness, one of those moments where your heart is so happy because you are doing something you love. Maybe it's not kosher to bring an infant to a professional ball game, but good gracious, it made me feel alive. (And to the guy who wolf whistled at me as I nursed my baby, you're the freak, not me.)
Tonight I went running after we tucked Molly in bed. I love running at night, covered in darkness and worrying more about what I may roll an ankle on than what pace I'm keeping. I ran for 20 minutes straight, clocking 11minute miles. Yes, there was a time when I ran for 90 minutes at a pace almost half that. But there were moments as I ran downhill and was able to let the stroller coast that I was completely free and I felt incredibly alive.
I bought some new clothes today as well. My old ones don't fit yet, but I am so excited to wear something that doesn't have a belly pouch. No, they aren't the size I wished they were but Stacy and Clinton surely would appreciate my attempt to fight the frump!
I hosted 14 women at my house last night and served them a home-cooked meal. It was a fantastic estrogen fest. For the first time ever, there were no children at a gathering at my house.
I am still who I was a month ago, but I feel like I'm wearing another merit badge now as opposed to a sandwich board. It's nice to be a woman with all my hats instead of just a sleep-deprived food source. "That point" is just that-a marker on the journey, a dot on the map. Here's to waking up tomorrow and doing it all again!

Molly and the "Big Dirt."

2010-07-06T16:34:00.002-04:00

The other day John told Molly he needed to get her a sandbox. I interrupted, saying sand boxes were for city kids, that country kids play in the dirt!
Lo and behold, he had a load of dirt delivered on Friday. Molly's eyes grew round when she saw that big pile of fun sitting in her driveway. So Saturday we headed out to have some good "clean" fun while Johanna took a nap.
Yesterday, he promised her she could play in it again as soon as she got up from nap. When she woke up, the first words out of her mouth were, "I wanna play in the dirt."
Surveying her territory
Little girl, big dirt (as she calls it)

Little toes in the dirt

And this is the only picture I took on July 4th. I think Johanna and James look like little hot dogs!

Ring of Fire

2010-06-22T21:26:00.003-04:00

Molly has a small obsession with Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire." It all started with the Valentine's Day card I bought John that sings the song. She quickly attached herself to it and will tote the card around the house singing the song at will.
She gets confused sometimes when we talk about "Johnny;" she'll ask if we're talking about "Johnny pizza or Johnny Cash."

It was just something funny she did around the house until last week when this note was sent home from daycare. Apparently her teacher found her singing "Burns, burns, burns" and trying to teach it to her friend Cole. When the teacher told John, he said, "yeah, she's a big Johnny Cash fan." And Molly pipes in with, "Yeah, I a big Johnny Cash fan."
Apparently performances are a limited edition because her babysitter tried to get her to sing it over the weekend and she refused.
Never. A. Dull. Moment.

Sisters

2010-06-15T10:39:00.001-04:00

If Molly loves Johanna half as much as I love Becca, those girls are gonna be just fine!

Take Me to (duh nuh nuh) Bunkie-town!

2010-06-14T16:35:00.005-04:00

My maternity leave is rapidly winding down, so Wednesday I threw my girls in the car and headed south. "Threw" is actually a bit of an exaggeration; "wedged" is probably closer to reality. Babies require stuff and I seriously reconsidered repealing my anti-huge SUV stance when I realized the Passat was squatting low.
We made a pass through Baton Rouge and tried to see everyone we could. We made sure to see Mama Ninfa. Becca gifted me with an hour massage and baby-sitting for my girls-awesome!!!
If you and I share a hometown, then you know what happens the second weekend in June-Corn Festival!
Now this requires some explanation. When I say my family comes in every year for the Corn Festival, that doesnt mean we actually go to the festival. Mostly, if we can help it, we sit at my parents' house eating and drinking as the grandkids entertain us. This is way more enjoyable than sweating thru $20 worth of ride tickets and the visual splendor of mullets, tube tops and cellulite. Travis and his crew couldn't make it this year, but the weekend didn't disappoint!
Molly takes a break from swimming.
Molly showing Ethan something
Ethan didnt want to wear his hat. So Papa did.
Papa reading a tractor book to Molly and Ethan.

Johanna trying out her yellow polka dot swimsuit.

What the Girls are Up to...

2010-06-03T14:35:00.003-04:00

Molly's working on her "bunny whispering" skills.
Johanna is sleeping. When it's convenient for her.

Molly's Birthday

2010-06-03T13:59:00.004-04:00

Lest you think we forgot to celebrate Molly's birthday with all the hullabaloo surrounding Johanna's birth day, here is photographic evidence. The order is pretty random and I'm not getting enough sleep to fix it!

Molly's favorite present..every day she asks if it's raining. Alas, it has not rained in quite some time!
Being the expert I am on birthday cakes, I assisted M with the necessary windpower!
The birthday girl enjoying her moment!

At the party... Walker and Molly were dubbed "Hollywood and Mollywood!"
Working the juice box
Mary Scott has arrived!
Caroline also working the juice box!
Sadie gives it a go!
Emma makes quick work of her cupcake!
Guests and moms
Blowing out more candles!
Taking care of that cupcake!

Quotable Quotes

2010-05-08T09:57:00.003-04:00

More from Miss Molly

Me: We use our spoon to eat our oatmeal.
Molly: I think we use our hands, Momma.

Me: Do you have to go tee tee, Molly?
Molly: Actually, I have to go poopoo.

Standing in front of Rocky's kennel where he has been imprisoned upon returning from his journey. "Rocky, we no run away! We stay here!"

Riding home from daycare, Johanna decides to voice that she is hungry. "I sing baby song-stop crying, Johanna and go back to sleep! We sing dat at school."

How old are you, Molly?
"two."
How old will you be on your birthday?
"eight"
How old is daddy?
"eighty-nine"
How old is Momma?
"two"
How old is Mimi?
"two"

Me: Molly, you have a tiny hiney.
Molly: YOU have a tiny hiney.
Me(internally): YES!!!!
Me(externally): You're a skinny girl, Molly.
Molly: You a skinny girl, Momma!
Me(internally): The possibilities are ENDLESS!

Stupid Criminals

2010-05-07T16:15:00.002-04:00

I love when local papers run stories about morons. Like the teacher who tried to get out of school. Or the guys who spent $10,000 on pizza.

The Loss of my First-Born

2010-05-07T13:10:00.002-04:00

For a week now, Rocky has been trying to sneak out the garage door and down along the fence at the edge of our yard. For those who have lost track, Rocky is our 8 year old miniature schnauzer we got the month after we got married who doubles as an escape artist. So we've got history, you see?
You also see where this is going, don't you? While Rocky has certainly become less of a major player in our daily activities, he has still been around the longest.
Yesterday, I apparently left the garage door open when I went out for a walk/run. I came back and found the door open and no sign of Rocky. His collar, however, lay attached to his leash where I had taken it off earlier that morning. I knew exactly what path he had taken but was sure he was gone as at least 30 minutes had elapsed. The yard backs up to some woods and undeveloped land but I looked anyway (several times). There were several neighborhood dogs loose; Rocky wasn't with them (another bad sign).
I figured this was it. He was gone. And I couldn't keep looking for him because Johanna was screaming. I told John; he felt the same way. He asked that I put away Rocky's toys before he got home from work.
I called the vet down the street. I put up signs. A neighbor called as I drove home from picking up Molly; he had seen Rocky earlier that morning, but he didnt approach him. He felt so bad he and his wife drove around looking for Rocky yesterday evening. John went out and looked when he got home.
Molly asked me why I was putting Rocky's toys in the storage room and later she asked where he was. She seemed satisfied when I told her he had run away.
When we went to bed, John asked me to leave a bowl of food on the porch and he left the garage door open a bit. I felt bad for John; in all the times Rocky had run away, he had NEVER come back on his own.
At 630 this morning, John was standing in our dark bedroom, telling me to look at something. I was asleep, so I didn't have glasses on and I had no idea what he was holding. It took a minute, but it registered that Rocky was back, having emptied the food bowl and snuck into the garage.
By 7am he had had a bath but was still covered in burs. By 9am, he was at the groomers. And I suspect by 5pm, he will be home, void of burs, his beard, his skirt, and any pride he had left.

Johanna's Story

2010-04-20T18:16:00.002-04:00

Our newest little girl is here! I'm only slightly sad that I don't have a "water breaking, rush to the hospital" story for either one of my girls. But I'll live.
I left the doctor's office in tears last week because he told me we still weren't looking like having a baby anytime soon. At 38 5/7weeks, this is not what I wanted to hear, especially after I had been so careful to minimize swelling so I could keep working. I'm thankful that he was patient enough to talk with me and we decided to be admitted Thursday night in preparation for induction on Friday.
As this is Baby #2, I thought I knew everything to expect, but I quickly learned different hospitals have different protocols-nothing major, but still enough to keep me on my toes.
We started meds at 11pm with hopes of starting pitocin in the early AM. Once again, I was thankful for a doctor who listened to my plea ("I don't want a Csection, I just don't!), so we had another round of meds before pitocin. With my epidural in place, I was good to go. (I lovelovelove epidurals, not getting them, but having them!)
Being fully dilated, we started pushing. Baby still in my ribs. We changed positions. Baby still in my ribs. More pushing.
Then the nurse realized she was face up (babies come better face down).
I should mention that my doc literally had 10 patients on the unit that day so he was running back and forth. So my face-up baby and I waited for him to come and turn her. Which he did. And out she came.
Johanna Kathryn arrived at 305pm, weighing 7lbs 14oz and 19.5 inches long. We came home Sunday and she is currently basking in the sun to improve her jaundice on doctor's orders.
We're all adjusting, of course. Molly likes Johanna; she runs through the house, screaming, "Johanna, Johanna, where are you?" She loves talking about her "lil sisser." But she is definitely feeling some aftershocks. She doesn't want to do anything we ask, so we've had to get creative in our requests and use the grandparents' childrearing experience to redirect her. We've only heard a couple verses of "little sister, go away."
We'll get some pics from daddy's camera so everyone can see our cutie!

My New Love

2010-04-11T16:38:00.002-04:00

When I heard about Amazon's Kindle, I poopooed it. I guess I thought I was a book purist; you know, something about holding the book in your hand, the smell of the pages, etc. In reality, I think I'm just cheap. At $259 and books running about $10, I never saw myself owning one.
But THEN...
I found out there was a Kindle app for my iPhone. And it is totally fantastic! The Kindle app is free, so all you have to do is buy the books. With most paper backs running around $12-15, 10 bucks is cheap (and that's new releases; older books are cheaper). You simply access Amazon's website, pick a book, and it's sent electronically to your device. I don't go anywhere without my phone, so it's always accessible! I love being able to buy a book at a moment's notice, whether that's at 9PM Friday night or at the doctor's office when I find out I'm going to be there awhile.
And when I'm done, I just delete the book from my iPhone. I don't have to deal with a stack of paperbacks gathering dust and taking up space in my house. Or if I really liked the book, I can keep it on the Kindle app home page. Love it!

Consider this my belly shot!

2010-04-02T18:43:00.004-04:00

So last night I asked on Facebook whether painting my belly like an egg was inappropriate or entertaining. I was totally joking. But everybody wanted pics, so I felt indebted to do it.
Unfortunately, all the paint I have is permanent, so I had to go with markers. And the markers gave up half-way thru; in their defense, it was a lot of real estate to cover.
Someone is bound to mention that I must have a lot of time on my hands. It's more like I don't have a lot of energy on my hands, so if a task requires sitting, I'm up to it!

Molly and the Bunny

2010-04-02T12:39:00.003-04:00

I'm stalling. There are lots of little baby clothes to fold and I have no interest in folding them.

Still Truckin'

2010-03-31T20:40:00.002-04:00

Woo-wee! Being this pregnant is not super fun. It is, however, great for getting the best seat in the room, getting people to come visit (like my mom and sister), and having an excuse to prop your feet up.
I headed to the doctor today and it doesn't look like our little girl will be coming this week. We did talk about inducing a week early which would be 2 weeks from Friday. We may need that time because her room isn't ready (not that she'll be sleeping there anytime soon!).

Pieces of Molly

2010-03-13T13:46:00.003-05:00

Random excerpts from conversations with my 2 year old.

"My oven not work good. My daddy gotta fix it good." (And they fixed it together.)

"When my sister get here, I little baby again." (Whoa, buddy!)

"It's snowing! I gotta do my snow thing!"

"Daddy, I needa build a house!" (The fact that she was wearing a trucker hat, tights, MaryJanes and a tshirt when she said this made it funnier!)

"Momma, you go da store and get dat cereal wit da tiger on it." (Proof that marketing works; she's never had Frosted Flakes as far as I know.)

"He got stamps...all over!" after observed a guy in a sleeveless shirt with a sleeve tattoo.

"Hahahaha, my pants fall down!" making a game of running down the driveway in her too big spring clothes and trying to make her pants fall off.

A Piece of the Action

2010-02-27T15:34:00.002-05:00

Alright! The painters are outta here! So I've begun cleaning up after them as well as balancing my activity level. I have to work tomorrow, so I don't need to wear myself out!
This is the baby's bath which will continue to function as the guest bath. Nothing spectacular, but definitely an improvement from turquoise!

Here is Molly's bath, updated from off-white walls. Again, not exciting, but still an improvement!

I'm not all that pleased with the pictures, but I think photographing a bathroom must be an art! I'm very happy with the color of the baby's room, but we haven't put up the crib or anything so it still looks like the guest room. I hope to get going on that soon, but we've got a busy week ahead.

Latest Project

2010-02-23T22:26:00.004-05:00

With our little girl's arrival 8 weeks away, we decided it was time to jump on the stick and get going on her room. Our house was built in the mid-80's, so originally it was covered in wall paper. The 2nd owners (who we bought the house from) updated much of the wall coverings, but they didn't do it well. They either painted over the wallpaper or tore it down and neglected to retexture before painting; both of which leave us with more work. Between our full-time jobs and parenthood, we just don't have the time to do it ourselves. Painting is one thing, but I hate texturing!
The painter came at 7AM today; we discussed what he wanted and he said he would have someone out this morning. Last time we used him it took several weeks before he was available! The snow drove them inside, so they started texturing today! Maybe they'll finish tomorrow!
The baby's room (previously chocolate brown)
The baby's bathroom (lovely turquoise). Rumor has it the previous owner's daughter painted her own room and I'm betting her bathroom, too.

We decided to go ahead and have them redo Molly's bath, too. I think when the previous owner redid the tub he didn't really finish it out, so it left us lacking.

Reruns Weren't Fun

2010-02-23T22:19:00.004-05:00

Shreveport has a biannual children's resale event called Reruns Are Fun. It opened to the general public at noon today (not 10 as I thought). At ten til, the line was wrapped around the building. It was nuts!
Maybe I should preface this by saying that I don't do Black Friday or the day after Christmas. So I can't say it was an experience I enjoyed, but I got a good deal or two.
I strongly considered a double stroller while a woman with 3 children stood patiently waiting on my decision. I opted not and she snatched it right up!
I tried to get Molly to model our purchases. See how well it went?
We got a bouncy seat for the new baby and Molly firmly believes it's her new recliner.
Grand total spent=$50

Snow Day

2010-02-23T22:10:00.004-05:00

"Which one?" is becoming the question!
On February 12, Molly was sick with the flu, so she was only allowed to go out and get a cup of clean snow to eat!

The view from our driveway

Our house (and the closest Molly got to playing in the snow!)
More snow predicted for tonight; it really is starting to get old!

Cute, aren't they?

2010-01-24T21:10:00.003-05:00

Approaching the Bench

2010-01-09T22:36:00.002-05:00

For the first 3 years of our marriage, John dressed in professional clothes every day for work. Then there was the year of orange tshirts he wore as he did hurricane relief. Three years of law school resulted in LOTS of tshirts; one week I counted 14 as I folded laundry.
This week the tide has officially turned.
I washed one tshirt.
And 7 pairs of dress socks.
Not a single athletic sock.
In his defense, he is not a dull boy; the sunroom is covered in assorted duck hunting paraphernalia. Yes, he went this morning. In 13 degree weather. And I am thankful that he returned with all his digits. Apparently it was too cold for the dog to go out but not too cold for the guys. Just sayin.

Bunkie Christmas

2009-12-31T21:52:00.004-05:00

Getting all of our families together at any given point in time is getting harder and harder, especially since we no longer all live in the same state. But we managed to pull it off, with 15 people sleeping at my parents' house.

Molly checks out her ladybug slippers...
And then models them.
Jaxon provides instruction on operating the microwave. Josh shows the camera what we're eating.

Molly helps Austin with his Nintendo DS.
Molly walks Huck under Bec's supervision.More crazy Molly hair

The whole crew!

Harris Holiday

2009-12-31T21:33:00.003-05:00

We hosted the Harris side of the family at our house Christmas Eve morning before we headed out to Bunkie that afternoon.
Molly got a play kitchen first thing Christmas Eve morning. She hasn't left it alone yet! She offered to cook "Bibbet" some breakfast.
Mimi found a moment to snuggle with baby James (note the new wall color where the Hershey wrapper brown used to be!)
This kid loves to have her hair in "tails," but has a tendency to pull them out, leaving her with this crazy hair! Austin and Elizabeth don't mind...
Neither does Scott!
The whole crew (I've cropped it 20 times, but it still comes out with the outlet next to Scott's head!)

Stupid Things People Say to Pregnant Women

2009-12-14T23:13:00.004-05:00

So, raise your hand if you smirked when you read that title? Uh huh. Thought so.
I've been saving this post up for a while now. And I think I probably wrote a similar one with my last pregnancy.
So call me grumpy.
Call me hormonal.
Call me sensitive.
Whatever, here we go.
Experience dictates, and continues to reiterate, that people lose their good sense when they see a pregnant belly. They say things that they would NEVER say to a woman.
I'm a whopping 21.5 weeks as I write this. And I'm only gonna get bigger. But the comments started at 11 weeks, before I was even announcing to the general public that little girl was on the way.
A kindly gentleman yelled at me across the Albertson's parking lot, "you best not get too far from the hospital!"
Really, seriously?
My next encounter was with a teenage patient who doubles my prepregnancy weight. She remarks as she is draped across the exam table, "I can tell you pregnant; I can see your belly button."
Did I mention she has a muffin top that would make Otis Spunkmeyer himself salivate? I couldn't help myself; I replied, "I could say the same about you, but that would be rude."
And then, just a few weeks ago, a patient's mother commented, "your butt is getting so big!" She obviously knows nothing of my genetics and the O'Brien butt with which I have been blessed. And yes, this woman is close to 300lbs as well.
People! Use common courtesy! Because I am carrying a child in my womb does not mean I have suddenly become impervious to cruelty. If anything, be nice, tell me I'm glowing or some crap like that.

2009-12-09T19:31:00.001-05:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Christmas Pics

2009-12-08T22:11:00.003-05:00

I love this kid!

Forgot to tell you...

2009-11-26T22:04:00.000-05:00

IT'S A GIRL!

Our House...

2009-11-11T21:28:00.004-05:00

is a very, very, very fine house. Well, not yet, but we have aspirations of such.
Currently, the den and the foyer are being painted. Maybe I can get pics up of those this weekend. This big house is going to need a lot of furniture, so it will be a process.
These pics were taken from the realtor's listing; therefore, they are all "before" pics.

View from the curb:

The foyer (the salmon is no longer!)
The dining room:
The kitchen (new countertops on the way!):
The den (Hershey wrapper brown also gone!)
Sunroom (which has dreams of being an exercise room):
And my tub (mmmm, headed there shortly!)

That Time Again...

2009-11-11T20:54:00.002-05:00

Once again I'm trying to pass on a deal....
I have an email coupon for 30% off at Gap, Gap Outlet, Gap Factory Store, Gap Generation, Banana Republic, Banana Republic Factory Store and Old Navy stores 11/12-15/09.
You know the drill; if you want it, leave a comment with your email address. I will not publish comments on this post.

We May be Crazy

2009-10-15T21:42:00.002-04:00

In the past 3 months, we have...
-finished law school.
-started studying for the bar.
-sold our house in Baton Rouge.
-packed up that house.
-quit a job in Baton Rouge.
-taken the bar.
-graduated from RSAT.
-moved to Shreveport.
-moved into a rent house.
-started 2 new jobs.
-started a new daycare.
-got 2 new dogs (one we gave away).
-bought a house in Shreveport.
-found someone to take over the lease on our rent house.
-packed up the rent house.
-moved into our new house.
-passed the bar!
-found out we're having Baby #2 in April!

Are we blessed or what?

A Peculiar Place

2009-10-02T21:27:00.002-04:00

I thought I knew what to expect when I signed up to work in a small town. After all, my hometown has about 5000 citizens; my dad would disagree and say my hometown has a population of 300, but I figure we lived between the 2 towns so I can oscillate between the two as I choose.
Anyway, I digress.
Growing up in a small town is one thing.
Coming to work in a small town is totally different. It's a bit like being a local celebrity or a pastor's wife.
Every trip, no matter where, is a social opportunity. I will likely be asked to inspect a rash when I go to the Wag-A-Bag (you read correctly) to cure my afternoon chocolate craving. The grand opening of Family Dollar required of me more smiles and handshakes than a political campaign. Lunch at the local cafe will undoubtedly be intermingled with "hellos" from children whose ears I just checked.
I like this job. I really do. Make no mistake, it's hard to go from having every subspecialty at your finger tips to figuring out what medical treatment/intervention your patient can do without.
But I have to laugh out loud when a mom cuffs the ear of her misbehaving child and says, "Be nice to Mrs. Lauren, boy; we don't want to run her off." Because not a day goes by that someone doesn't tell me how grateful they are to have me there.

Note the Ipod

2009-09-23T20:48:00.001-04:00

Like Two Kids in a Donut Shop

2009-09-22T10:53:00.002-04:00

Aren't they cute?

Few and Far Between

2009-09-20T21:21:00.002-04:00

I realize my posts are becoming more and more sparse, but I'm not ready to give up blogging just yet!
Everyone wants to know how the new job is going, which is where I believe all my time is going.
I'm working at a rural health clinic 45 minutes from our house. We primarily see kids, but a few adults trickle thru as well. I love working with underserved kids, those whose parents think that no one else really cares about their kids. It is a little different being "on my own;" we have a doctor one day a week which is my day off. This forces me to do research or make phone calls when I don't know what to do which makes me learn more, so it's a good thing.
Molly still like going to school, as best I can tell. I think it's been hard for her to have John dropping her off and picking her up when I have always done that. Her major activities are potty training and "chuch." She asks to go to church everyday; I'm not sure if the attraction is getting to ride the "train" which is really the golf cart that brings people to and from their cars,
We have been super busy; I'll give more details once we get some things ironed out.
I ran the Komen this weekend which was a hot mess. Don't get me wrong, I think it's an awesome event which is supported like few other causes. It was the biggest race I have ever been to and has definitely grown since I last ran it in 2003. My favorite memory is a middle-aged woman with an empty umbrella stroller toeing the start line with the serious runners all hunched over their watches. I really hope she didn't get run over!

And the Winners are...

2009-09-13T14:25:00.002-04:00

Sarah
Michael
Becca

Thanks for entering, everybody. It makes me feel like I have a "real blog!"

Winners, please Facebook message me with your addresses! Michael, should I address yours to Heather or Paige:)? Again, if you have a pattern preference, let me know and I will accommodate you as best as I can!

Time Keeps Tickin, Tickin....

2009-09-12T10:24:00.001-04:00

Make sure you enter today! I know I have more than 4 readers!!!! You don't have to tell your niece that you won her Christmas present:).

You Don't Want to Miss this!

2009-09-07T16:07:00.003-04:00

One thing (of many) I loved about working in the Peds ER was getting to work with my hands. Granted, I was normally stitching up a moving target, but I truly enjoy creating something new.
I now need another outlet, so my sewing machine has been humming the past few days, making things for Molly and also trying something different.
I saw this corduroy at Hancock's the other day and it made my creative wheels spin.

And here is your chance to get in on the action. It's the FIRST GIVEAWAY EVER here at "Shooting from my Hip!!!" Leave a comment on this post and next Sunday I will draw 3 names, each winning a purse. Whether you're related to me (and I think most who read are) or if I don't even know you or that you read my blog (hello, stalkers; I know you're out there!), you could win a very cute purse!
Feel free to leave your choice (little flowers, circles, big flowers) in your comment, though I can't promise you will receive it. Let's make it "first come, first served."
So GO! Leave a comment ASAP!
(One entry per person!)
Thanks for playing and I can't wait to hear your thoughts!

Back in the Day

2009-09-06T00:14:00.002-04:00

When I was a little girl, I loved it when my mom sewed. The floor was covered with valuable bits of thread and fabric and usually she was sewing for me (I think my brothers were too big and by the time my sister came, Mom was probably using that thread to keep her sanity together with 4 of us running around). It was so cool. Looking back, I probably drove her nuts.
Currently, my floor is covered in bits of fabric and thread. I'm not sure Molly loves this experience. In fact I think she may just like being eye level with the action when she sits in her high chair. Nonetheless, today's efforts have brought forth the following. It's a little lopsided, but maybe if I sewed more often, I would get better. But it's covered in love.

Just Enough to Tide you Over!

2009-09-05T13:34:00.002-04:00

Mmm, berry smoothies!
(I broke out the sewing machine yesterday, so that's got me tied up for a bit!)

This is How it Goes

2009-08-28T15:48:00.003-04:00

Things have been a little different this week. Molly started daycare this week, so I have been alone this week. But my car went in the shop because I did this to it.

And did this to my sister's car.

Thankfully, we didn't have to rent a car since I'm not technically working. John has been riding with his dad to work and M and I pick him up in the afternoon. But I have come to the conclusion that I hate driving John's truck and he should probably have a new one. I have also been really disappointed with the body shop we used. I have received no phone calls from them but have called them daily for the past 3 days and been told that my car will be painted that day and then will be done. Hmph.

Molly has to wear socks at her new school. RSAT was much less strict; I think shoes were probably optional there. Needless to say, she has not worn socks all summer and I found out that she has outgrown all 3 pairs of tennis shoes she has. She found the bag with 2 new pairs of Converse Chuck Taylors and was ecstatic! She promptly declared them her "runnin shoes" and had to be bribed to take off the pink pair to put on the red pair that matched her dress. I promise she doesn't wear her LSU shirt all the time, but she's developing her own sense of style. If it's anything like the outfits I used to put together, I will owe my mother an apology.

I will likely be starting my new job next week which involves a 45min one way commute-yay. Start date is determined by paperwork getting done, but I'm in no rush.

I Can't Decide!

2009-08-20T16:22:00.003-04:00

Molly has to bring her lunch to daycare and I can't decide which lunchbox to go with....I guess I have too much free time on my hands!
The metal box below is a lot easier to clean, but I'm sure it doesn't do much for insulation. It comes from Blueskyrocket where they have lots of cute lunch boxes.

My other option is from Pottery Barn Kids. Super cute, but harder to clean. Yes, the lavender one already says "Molly!"

Can I get a show of hands? Thoughts? Voices of experience?

Settling In

2009-08-19T15:12:00.003-04:00

Life's a bit different here in Shreveport. This is my third straight week staying home with Molly; it's a little weird, like maternity leave all over again! John gets up early and goes to work. We get up (too early) and eat breakfast, watch a little PBS and then work out. The rest of the day consists of a nap and whatever else we want to do. I wish she would figure out that wearing panties is way more awesome than wearing a diaper, but alas, no.
She's still so funny. She is really good at getting a diaper when she's ready for a change and she doesn't want any help getting it. She shakes her finger at me and says, "No follow Mah-nee, Momma." After the diaper change though, you can count on, "Come follow Mah-nee, Momma!"
"Go runnin', Momma!"

John likes his new job; I think he's very happy to be back to that normal, "adult" way of life where you get up, go to work, come home and repeat the next day.
I've decided to take one of the jobs I've been offered; it was a hard choice, but kids are my heart so they won out! I'm not sure when I'll start, so I'm trying to appreciate this quality time at home!
I think we're making the adjustment well; this will really be the first time in our lives that we are both working at real jobs...neither of us in school or waiting to go to school. Yep, that's right; we're adults now!

Eeps and Good Girl Beds

2009-08-12T21:45:00.005-04:00

I found Molly in my purse attempting to apply my lipstick; she readily confessed, saying "eeps" (lips) even though the lipstick didn't make it anywhere near her "eeps."

And though she's been sleeping in a big girl bed for some time, now she has her own bed with her own bedding. The only thing cuter than how excited she was, is how she calls it her "good girl bed!"

Busy Little Girl

2009-08-09T15:39:00.003-04:00

I got a new washing machine; Molly got a new house!

Allow me to interpret; she says, "I'll be right back, Momma."

And a Little Bit More...

2009-08-05T22:47:00.005-04:00

So a few weeks ago, Mo and I went to Perdido Key with most of my fam. My brother Joshua did an awesome job of securing the condo and I must say, we ate like kings! Here are the pictures in no particular order.

Molly enjoying her beloved "buttah."

Let it be known that MY DAD willingly came to the beach! He even went fishing!

Mo's little feet

This girl would have stayed on the beach all day every day. She had lots of work to do...sand, shells, you get my drift.

Me and my girl!

I promise Dad was there willingly!

Aunt Becca thinks she missed her calling as a hair stylist. Doesn't Molly look better with curls?

Ethan and M in the famous "runnin shirt."

The end of our trip. I couldn't end this post any better....

A Little of This, a Little of That

2009-08-05T20:33:00.004-04:00

So these pics are from 4th of July. I know I'm a little late, but hey! We spent that afternoon out at my aunt and uncle's lake (river?) house.

Becca strapping Molly into her flotation device.

Testing the water with Uncle Mike and getting some reassurance from Joey and Sarah.

Loading up with Joey's help and Momma's supervision.
Off they go (very slowly!)

Jetskiing takes a lot out of you!

Have I Got a Deal for You!

2009-07-27T09:38:00.002-04:00

You know I love a deal!
I've got a email coupon for 30% off at Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic, Athleta, Gap Outlet and BR Outlet, good July 30-Aug 2.
If you want it, leave your email as a comment (I won't publish it!) and I'll send it to you!

Post Overload!

2009-07-25T09:29:00.002-04:00

Time to catch you up with all the the pics/videos taken during the bar! Here's Molly playing the piano!

The End of an Era

2009-07-24T22:49:00.000-04:00

Today John finished the bar! We won't get results until October, but I have no doubt he passed!
I'n excited to have my husband (and my laptop) back!

I Go out Walkin'...

2009-07-23T21:19:00.003-04:00

Tonight, in an effort to give John a few extra moments of quiet in which to study, Molly and I took a walk around the block. Sometimes she wants to go in the wagon, others the jogging stroller, but tonight she wanted to walk. And she wanted to walk because she had on her "runnin shirt."
The running shirt is a tshirt that was given to her by the owner of Varsity Sports, a running shoe store here in the BR (like Sportspectrum, except cooler. And not as uppity.). It's cornflower blue, close to the color of her eyes, and hangs almost to her ankles.
So off she went, in her tshirt dress, blond hair curling into spirals with the humidity and cheeks flushing from the heat. Her little white Stride Rite sandals slapped the asphalt as she kept a pace intended to leave me behind. She wanted to be in front, leading the pack (can you call it a pack if there are only 2?). "No, Momma, go!" Like most toddlers, her little legs normally get tired and I have to carry her.
But not tonight, she had a mission.
I tried several times to take a picture of that purposeful stride, but my stupid Blackberry just doesnt have the memory to hold any more pictures (iPhone, you're so close I can almost taste you!).
She had to take a break, though, and do a few spins in the middle of the street, giggling maniacally.
The magic of the runnin shirt wore off when we got home and found John studying on the floor without his shirt on. Off came the running shirt and she laid down next to him.
She's somethin' else.

Things that Make Me Laugh at the Gym

2009-07-09T14:13:00.002-04:00

1. Tweenage girls whose appendages fly every which way as they run on the treadmill and look as though they may fly off at any moment.
2. People who sing out loud to their Ipods at the climax of a song.
3.The 5 year old daycampers whose lunch bags are as big as they are.
4.The middle age trophy wives who wear more make-up to work out than I do to go out.
5. The teenage boy who gets on a treadmill next to me and can't keep up.

What else brings a smile to your face?

(I've got lots of pics to upload, but John is studying hard with my laptop, so you'll have to wait a bit longer!)

Game Face ON!

2009-06-22T09:44:00.003-04:00

Pardon the early morning humidity, but we're ready for tonight!

We even have Game Day Hair!

Things I'm Lovin'

2009-06-17T18:37:00.003-04:00

I like to pass along products I've discovered that work really well, because it is so discouraging to spend money on a product that doesn't work. Or sucks.
Let's start with a health and beauty aid.
Being a fuzzy-haired girl, I am no stranger to the Frizz-ease line. This stuff is the best product on the line. It softens and helps keep hair straight for 24 hrs. It works so well that on days I don't straighten my hair, I don't have much wave!

Moving on...
I hate green beans. Like seriously. But these, oh my gosh, so good! I actually ate the leftovers! They taste so fresh and bear no resemblance to those beans your school cafeteria served. They are the bomb-diggity. Yes, you heard correctly; I used "bomb-diggity" to describe a vegetable.

Who doesn't love a Counter Culture Humphrey? Edy's Slow Churned line is pretty stinking awesome; this stuff tastes like a Humphrey without the fruit. And given the cost of a Humphrey these days, it's cheaper to buy this and add your own.

This concludes today's endorsements; of course, I purchased them all myself and the companies couldn't give a hoot about my opinion.

The Realities of House Selling

2009-06-09T23:12:00.002-04:00

Or maybe I should call it the "fauxness" of house selling.
Our house here in BR has been on the market for 5 days now. We've had several people come through and even an offer.
Great news, I know.
But having strangers tour my house almost every day is STRESSING ME OUT! My house has never been this clean or empty. We have a storage unit full of stuff in Shreveport, but the house still has plenty of stuff in it. It's not sparse enough to look staged, but maybe it looks Pottery Barn-esque (I hope).
Back to the faux...
I find it funny that in order to sell your house you have to undo all the things you did to make it "liveable," like parking the jogging stroller in front of the front door and keeping a bucket of your kid's toys in the den. You have to remove the clutter, clear all horizontal surfaces and make the buyer think, "hey, if I lived here, I would never have bills and coupons covering the dining room table and my laundry baskets would always be empty."
And in reality, the reason why my kitchen counter and laundry room are empty is, um, all my clean laundry is in the trunk of my car because I didn't have time to fold it before the showing. There may (or may not) also be some dirty towels hidden in my washer. Oh, and the bills are in the pantry where I'm hoping I won't forget to pay them because I can no longer see them. There might also be a stash of sippy cups full of juice in the washer because they don't make a nice display on the dining room table. The jogging stroller has been known to make a trip to the neighbor's house during showings. And if you would explain to Molly why she can't pull her crayons out of my bedside table I would greatly appreciate it. While you're at it, explain to Rocky why his blanket and bed are shoved under the couch.
Yes, I am whining. But I have to say, I enjoy how the house looks without clutter. It really looks great and leaves me wondering why we thought we needed all that junk to begin with.
So, if you're in the market for a house, we've got one. (I'm not THAT naive; if you really want to see it, leave a message and your email and I'll let you know which one it is:)).

Libby, this is for you...

2009-06-08T22:31:00.003-04:00

and everyone else who can appreciate it!!! Yes, that's MPG as Zach Morris on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. Oh, does this take me back...
(picture jacked from usmagazine.com)

The Small World of a Toddler

2009-06-08T21:41:00.004-04:00

My kid is cracking me up these days. I guess that's not really anything new; she just changes the ways in which she does it.

The associations she makes amaze me.
Every loud truck belongs to "Doot," our neighbor. When we're out running and someone drives by in a diesel, she greets them with "Hey, Doot!"
Yesterday, after stopping by my cousin Katie's house, every blonde female became "Ka-TEE." One of the prospective buyers who came by the house was blonde, so we listened to "Mama, Ka-TEE, Mama, Ka-TEE" throughout her visit.
Every man with salt and pepper hair is our neighbor Jason, or "Day-SAH."
Every woman with bobbed hair and glasses is "Mimi."
Every tractor belongs to Papa.
Becca and I had a babyswap in the parking lot of the gym last week. She threw a fit when Becca went into the gym without her; luckily, a box of raisins was at hand and a disaster was averted. We had a similar circumstance earlier in the week when we left Bec's apartment complex without Bec. I guess she thinks she's B's right hand man.
I love how everything makes sense to her; her narrow little vision of the world all works out in her mind!

How to Watch an LSU Game

2009-06-06T09:32:00.003-04:00

So the other night we're watching the LSU game and literally, everytime I left the room LSU would score. Thought it was a fluke.
Last night I decided to sneak a peek at the game while I was at work; we weren't busy. LSU was down like 3-0 at that point. I decide maybe I'll watch a bit more, so I go to get a cup of water to enjoy the game with. When I get to the nurse's station, I have a phone call. By the time I make it back to the TV, LSU has scored and Jared Mitchell is up to bat. He strikes out before my eyes. I no longer believe it was a fluke and then decide it is my responsibility as a Louisianian to not watch anymore of the game. LSU won 12-9.
Then we had 4 traumas and I never thought of LSU again.
I found out this morning LSU plays Rice again tonight. Have no fear, Tiger fans; Lauren is working again tonight, so your CWS dreams are safe!

Murphy's Law

2009-06-04T09:43:00.001-04:00

Just a notice that posts will be sparse; John's computer is on the fritz with weeks until the bar, so we're sharing.

I'm Leaving You

2009-05-24T22:22:00.003-04:00

Last week I decided to boycott Perez Hilton.
I used to hit his site frequently, checking for celebrity scoop. His site is entertaining, but after the whole Carrie Prejean thing, I was just disgusted. I don't think the issue was one of equality but of Perez drawing attention to himself and his website. I mean, that's how the man makes money.
Last week I decided to boycott Perez Hilton. I can't really say that it has changed my life, but I don't really miss him much.

Sigh

2009-05-22T21:34:00.002-04:00

I would be much more excited about this long weekend if I weren't spending it taking ACLS and working. At least I'm off Monday. And I'll be off a week for the Corn Festival. Because you need to be off a week for the Corn Festival.

Waffles and Buttah

2009-05-18T13:05:00.002-04:00

We just finished a lovely meal of whole grain waffles and peanut butter, or as Molly likes to call it, "waffle buttah." Some may think it sounds gross, but it tastes awesome and make it easier for me to get in protein. Also, monounsaturated fatty acids are a part of every meal on this diet I've been on and peanut butter qualifies! I plan to get back on the wagon as soon as I get rid of this birthday cake!
The longer I eat on this cake, the more bummed out I am about it. The yellow cake tastes lemony which would be okay if the filling wasn't chocolate. But we put some Blue Bell with it and everyone ate it!
Molly turned 2 and John graduated! No matter how much I talk about it, those six words say it all and make me feel so good!
We visited Dr. Chris this week and incidentally had an ear infection. The growth chart shows a growth spurt as she weighs 25.3 lbs (35th %ile) and is 34 inches tall (70th %ile). Her noggin measures 90th %ile. So she's skinny, tall and brilliant-what more could we ask for.

Who Has a Cutie Patootie?

2009-05-15T13:37:00.004-04:00

I DO!

A Taste of the Weekend

2009-05-10T20:30:00.001-04:00

Does she look like she's been hanging out in the French Quarter or what? BTW, she did this to herself!
More pics after John finishes uploading/editing them!

Why Today was Great!

2009-05-06T21:54:00.003-04:00

Today I had a "me" day. Oh and it was so awesome!
1) I lectured at Rebecca's school today. At some point in this journey, I came to realize that practicing medicine is more about education than knowledge. I really enjoyed getting to teach her students. I'm going to post more on this later.
2) I went and bought shoes. Mmmm. I love shoes. So does my daughter. I love this pair and think I could own them in every color. I bought M a pair of new shoes, too. She was very excited.

3) I went to the mall. And had a cookie. I thought ahead and brought a mug of skim milk. Dorky? Yes. Deliciously fantastic? Uh huh.
4) I bought the dress that I tried to find for Easter and got an even better deal. Yes, it is chartreuse, but chartreuse and I are really good friends.

5) I got presents for M's teachers for Teachers' Week. They're nice. I hope they like them.
(M inspecting the purchases)
6) I went to the gym and tried to burn off my cookie.
7) I got my car cleaned. I love Ladies' Day at Benny's.
8) I made it to the bank and the grocery store and picked up M from daycare before 4.
9) My caladiums are coming up! I'm so proud of my black thumb!
10) M got to meet our neighbors' new baby; so what if she called him a monkey:)!

Oh and if that wasn't enough, we're going to NO this weekend!

(This is M applying BodyGlide, an anti-chafing product runners use. If you have ever used it, I hope you find this as funny as I do!)

They're Back!

2009-05-05T14:47:00.004-04:00

So my family is home again! John and Molly went to Shreveport (or Fee-poh, as M calls it). I swear she grew another inch of hair while she was gone! And it's so curly!

There are more exciting thing going on in my life, but nobody really wants to hear about sedation, stitches, and splinters. And I forgot to take pictures at my birthday dinner (which really makes me sad considering we're moving soon) so who wants to hear about me drinking my Ninfarita too fast and eating too much Mexican food? Or about how screwed up my sleep schedule is because I worked 2 weekend nights in a row?
As soon as M wakes up from her nap, we're going swimming and then to eat more Mexican food for Cinco de Mayo!

Gap Savings

2009-04-27T16:34:00.002-04:00

The code "FRIEND" will save you 20% on your online order at gap.com April 27-29.

Signs Your Husband has Finished Law School

2009-04-26T17:01:00.003-04:00

-Within 15 minutes of completing his last final, he has opened a tab at Superior (at noon!).

-Your yard is freshly mowed.

-He made no groaning noises when your child woke him up this morning.

-He went to an LSU baseball game. With your child. So you could take a nap (iloveyouiloveyouiloveyou!).

-He's noticed that you have quit cooking (busted!) and is cooking dinner tonight (awesome!).

-Your social calendar has gone from Sahara to slammin'.

-You've been forewarned that he will not be productive tomorrow.

-He was asleep in bed when you got home from working a night shift last night (and no books or highlighters had to be removed from the bed!).

-His pajama pants and slippers are all clean and put away.

-Barnes&Noble, PJ's, and CC's are no longer in the top five charges on your bank account.

-You found him giggling with your child on the couch today.

-You get to celebrate your birthday on your birthday this year.

-You have to start planning how you're going to celebrate your birthday/your child's birthday/his graduation.

-He's smoking a cigar with the neighbor (I know, but I figure he deserves one; I'll give him grief next time).

Hallelujah!
Remind me of this when he starts studying for the bar in a few weeks!

A Day at the Pool

2009-04-23T20:17:00.003-04:00

We pulled out the old frog pool and gave it a good washing before we introduced it to the 2009 season.
First, let's flash back to last year...
Look at all the hair she's grown this year!
Trying to catch water on her tongue!

Getting bored and checking out what the dog is up to.

Not Much to Say,

2009-04-21T22:14:00.002-04:00

but I'm due for an update.

Molly is often one of the last kids at daycare, because my shift ends at 6. Consequently, she ends up hanging out with the staff's kids, especially a little boy named Zion.

Her teacher told me today that Zion has been known to stroke Molly's cheek and say, "Molly is the beautifulest baby in the whole world!"

I think it's funny.

Her dad may be loading his shotgun;).

She can't date til she's 30.

Molly and Grayson Go to the Zoo

2009-04-16T15:34:00.002-04:00

AKA
Molly and Grayson's Second Date

Today Lannie and I took the kiddos to the BR Zoo and had a good old time!

"Grayson, what do you think about our arranged marriage?"

"Whoa, she's cute!"
Checking out the swans.

And the giraffes.

On the train...
"Molly, look at Momma!"

"Grayson, quit looking at Mommy!"
They got it right for Lannie, but not for me!

Easter

2009-04-13T21:37:00.006-04:00

In Nana's bluebonnets wearing a dress made by my grandmother for my mom with tatting made by my grandmother's mother-5 generations!

How can 5 days off pass so quickly? Oh that’s right…I-49, the ultimate time drain.

Thursday I interviewed for a job in Shreveport, so Friday we did a little shopping with Mimi. Molly’s birthday is about a month away which just doesn’t seem right, but now she will be appropriately attired for the event!

Once nap time came around, we headed back south and had to make a stop in Alexandria to find an Easter dress. The mall was absolutely worthless for such a purpose, but Target met my needs.

Twas a little windy

I had heard there would be a 5k in Cottonport Saturday morning and I debated heavily about participating simply because I wasn’t sure I wanted to get up that early! But in the end, I opted to go and had a great time with some old (and new!) friends. I even got to run with my 3^rd grade teacher! If I look that fabulous in 25 years, I’ll be grateful! I laughed so much at this race, from the dog that made me stumble across the finish line to the “official” clock being off by about 90seconds. But the following announcement took the cake: “If you think you were 1^st, 2^nd or 3^rd in your age group, report to the front steps.” It was totally on the honor system! I think my time was somewhere around 26 flat. I won a door prize of a box of fried chicken!

Mark, Esther and Hadassah Townsend at FBC Bunkie

John and Becca came in first thing Sunday morning. Molly had a great grasp on the concept of egg hunting and found them all in about 3 minutes. I limped my way to church with the rest of my family; I really should not have been that sore from a 5k! The weather was atrocious; we all took a good nap and then had to drive home in it.

I spent today with my nephew Ethan (Sweet Cheeks) who had no interest in smiling!

I'm Lovin It!

2009-04-12T23:09:00.003-04:00

So you've all seen Molly's cute ladybug backpack. Its only downfall is the lack of a place to put her name. Quite the dilemma at the gym where they are not accustomed to seeing Molly every day.
Megan to the rescue!
She made this super fun tag which I think turned out AWESOME! (I really love it, Megan!). I had to edit out our info without the use of a good editing program!

If you'd like one, visit her Etsy shop, The Blue Barn. And she has other cute stuff, too!

Thoughts from the Treadmill

2009-04-07T14:37:00.003-04:00

The following occurred to me while at the gym this morning:

-I do not understand why old people drink coffee while they work out.

-It is really annoying when someone on the 2nd floor is rocking a treadmill so hard that the noise reverberates through the building.

-Those Nike running shorts that are cut with an angle toward the outside of your thighs don't like good on anyone older than 25 or weighing more than 120. There is a reason why I don't own a pair. (EDIT: I thought about this some more; you should at least take a look at your backside in these shorts before buying them. I personally find the cut very unflattering.)

-It's really cute that Molly thinks her little chicken legs need a swipe of Body Glide before she hits the gym daycare.

-Even if I had 3 hours a day to spend working out, I wouldn't. I enjoy it, but there is a whole lot more to life than having a body that looks awesome but requires excessive amounts of gym time to maintain.

Yard Work

2009-04-05T20:05:00.002-04:00

I had to work this weekend, but thanks to some excellent care by Daddy and Aunt Becca, Molly had a good weekend. She still made time to work in the yard despite her busy schedule.

Hope Now

2009-03-28T11:38:00.004-04:00

A few weeks ago, the band Addison Road came to visit our hospital and Jenny blogged about it. They came because their song "Hope Now" plays in our promotional video which you can see at Jenny's blog as well.
The video shows my coworkers, some of my babies, even some college friends. I cried the first time I watched it and I cried again just now. For 4 years, I have given so much of me to this place and it means so much to me. Miracles do happen there; I've seen them. It hurts deeply to know that I am leaving such a fantastic place and such fantastic people behind. But I have faith that God will utilize the things that I have learned and experienced there in an even more awesome way in Shreveport. This is a journey, not a destination.

Dinosaurs and Rabbits

2009-03-25T21:29:00.002-04:00

Making like George and Wheezy

2009-03-25T14:29:00.000-04:00

Some of you have known this for awhile, so you'll think "who doesn't know?" when you read this, but let's get everybody on the same page.
This summer will find us moving back to Shreveport. John will be working for an oil and gas firm. I have found several opportunities, but have yet to decide on one. We're looking forward to being surrounded by old friends and family, but are, of course, sad to leave our loved ones here.
So keep us in your prayers!

Old Man

2009-03-19T20:33:00.001-04:00

Happy 7th birthday to Rocky!
The vet says he's geriatric; time for "old dog" dog food!

Between Rocky and Molly,

2009-03-18T18:29:00.002-04:00

I can't stop laughing!
Is he a dog, a lamb or now a goat?

Quality Time

2009-03-18T15:35:00.004-04:00

I've been lucky enough to have a lot of time with Molly lately. It has been so fun to realize all of her new achievements and see how much she has grown. She is getting to where she does and says things that make us go "wow, she is so smart" and "uh oh, we better watch what we do/say" at the same time!
For example:

-She knows Daddy goes to "cool" in the mornings. Today she said, "Daddy at 'cool." She knows Papa and Pawpaw go to "wuk." Nana and Mimi are more confusing; they "wuk" at "cool."
-She found a new pair of pants this morning and insisted on taking off her jammies right then to put them on. She then proceeded to CHECK OUT HER BUTT in the mirror! Afterwards, she demanded a "hat" and a "pus" (purse) so she could drive around the house on her bus. The little diva also pulled all of her new clothes from her trip to Shreveport out of the bag and gathered them around her as she sat on Rocky's bed.
-Yesterday we worked in the flowerbeds. Molly had her own bucket to put weeds in which she hauled around the yard huffing and puffing. She had to stop pulling weeds to wheel Baby and her stroller right next to Molly's weed pulling spot. Then she used the spade to slap the dirt around. I taught her about roly polys; she was very intrigued.
-When Rocky had some "things taken care of" at the vet yesterday and they used baby wipes to clean up the mess; Molly commented, "Rahrah tinky didi" which means "Rocky stinky diaper."
-Work has taught me that toddlers love to stick things in bodily crevices. Molly decided last week while I was talking on the phone that my crack was a great place to store acorns.
-She has attitude! When she knows she's about to get in trouble, she goes through the whole "trouble routine." "Nonono" with finger shaking, and "hiney" where she swats her own bottom.

This could go on and on, but right now she's mad at me because I can't get Rocky to swing on the big kid swing next to her.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2009-03-17T22:54:00.002-04:00

Gustav-6 Months Later

2009-03-17T22:40:00.004-04:00

Our neighborhood suffered alot of tree damage during Gustav. We've spent more time outside lately and I've noticed changes, so I decided to share them.

After the hurricane, brush and debris lined the streets for weeks; consequently, we all lost the first 3 feet of grass in yards. Some yards still haven't recovered.
Some have recovered beautifully.

Several houses had trees fall through them. Some rebuilt.

Some gave up entirely.

Some have yet to decide.

Some have the infamous FEMA blue tarp roof still.
Some people were scarred and cut down all of the trees in their yard; granted, this house had a tree in it six months ago.

And because every photographer should have an assistant, here's mine...such a moron:).

Little Ladybug

2009-03-16T13:25:00.004-04:00

Molly showed off her moves, along with her new backpack, this weekend.

VERY IMPORTANT!

2009-03-12T14:06:00.002-04:00

Got your attention, eh?

Today I received an email for 30% off at Old Navy, Banana Republic and Gap good today thru Sunday online and instore. They will also donate 5% of your total purchase to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
It's a great deal; I've already put it to use!
If you want in, leave a comment with your email address (I won't "approve" your comment for posting, so your address won't be published for all to see.) and I'll email you the coupon.
Then you can shop to your little heart's content; Old Navy tanks for 3.50 a piece is way sweet!

Who Didn't Spend Today Outside?

2009-03-07T20:39:00.002-05:00

Sorry if it gives you motion sickness...

A Few Tidbits

2009-03-05T22:33:00.003-05:00

I know you've missed me so I collected a few goodies for you...

Rocky earlier in the week...so much for relocating to the guest room! Note the position of the dirty dog on the white sheets!

This is what happens when you choose not to have your schnauzer groomed since Christmas. I'm sure there is a church nearby who can use him as a lamb in an Easter pageant.

Speaking of Christmas, I couldn't bear to take down the photo cards we got. I miss all of you so much; I like seeing you every morning as I eat my breakfast (and Molly throws a waffle at you!). Alas, I think it's time for them to come down.

Mimi bought Molly these cute shoes. She thinks she is the cat's meow (sorry Rocky) when she wears them. She was not interested in cooperating for a picture this AM.

And that'll do it. I'm exhausted. It has been a long week.

Is this Weekend Still Going?

2009-02-22T21:55:00.002-05:00

Oh my gosh, I need another weekend!
Today this child has been covered in powdered sugar, beads (more than once), bubbles, crawfish, sunshine, crab legs, and king cake! Just another Mardi Gras down here in south Louisiana!

"Papa's Farmgirl"

2009-02-21T21:43:00.003-05:00

It has been a busy weekend...driving to Bunkie, Shreveport and then back home. Today we took it easy once we arrived in Bunkie. Molly had her first tractor ride which we unfortunately did not document and she refused to do it again. Afterwards, we played in all the dirt Papa plowed up.

We chose instead to wave at Papa from the yard.

The Inhumanities Suffered at the Hands of a Toddler

2009-02-16T21:56:00.002-05:00

by Rocky

For those who may not know me, let me introduce myself. My name is Rochester, but I go by "Rocky." I am Momma and Daddy's first born and this blog used to be all about me.
If you think I'm just a dog, think again. I've got papers, I'm a registered miniature schnauzer. And I'm not just any miniature schnauzer, I'm a white one; we're rare.
I've got titles and not just "moron." I'm well respected in the miniature schnauzer community.
Life was good.
Then she came along.
I used to have my own bed, queen-sized, but I'm a generous dog, so I shared with Momma and Daddy. Now I'm finding myself sleeping in the spare bedroom. ON THE FLOOR.
I used to get to sit next to my parents on the couch and get my ears rubbed as I pleased. Now I'm rarely on the couch, because she is always there and she has not been educated on proper ear rubbing techniques.
I used to follow my Momma around the house. I tried this morning and she tried to get me to dance with her to "Single Ladies." Seriously. That's so beneath me.
And yesterday, she tried to brush my teeth. With toothpaste that smelled like MINT! Doesn't she know that my toothpaste smells like beef?
Did I mention she tried to ride me like a pony?
Did I mention she puts my dog food piece by piece into my water bowl?
Did I mention she calls me "Rahrah?"
Did I mention she tries to work with me in the yard?
Did I mention she never gets kicked out of the bed? In fact, I've seen them PUT HER IN IT!
And my mother wonders why I run away! And then when she finds me, she *sigh* puts me in the jogging stroller to carry me home. Oh, the indignity.
I don't know how much more I can take, guys. Thankfully, she is really messy and now I'm eating all this great food I never got before. Otherwise, I'd be outta here.

Because You Want my Opinion

2009-02-13T22:27:00.002-05:00

...I think there is something wrong with that octuplet mama-like needs-a-psych-eval wrong.

...that show "Toddlers and Tiaras" creeps me out. I have major issues with little girls with make-up slathered on and parading around like women.

...that whole Rhianna-Chris Brown thing-I'm not taking sides, but there are ALWAYS 2 sides to every story.

...I may not have another child simply because I hate folding socks.

...Fun fact: a month of daycare costs me about as much as the monthly note for our first house.

My Latest Fashion Recommendation

2009-02-11T22:55:00.003-05:00

So I just got the cutest catalog from a company I have never heard of...Boden. Think J.Crew without that "I have got to lose 15lbs" that always crosses your mind when you see J.Crew's skinny models!

And what's a post without the Moo?
You would think she would have gotten stuck in the coffee table when she started crawling, but no, she waits til now!

Crazy Baby Hair Day

2009-02-10T18:30:00.003-05:00

So the hair started to grow and now it's untameable! She's got this massive barrel curl running the length of her head today. What I am supposed to do with that?

Molly's First Pony

2009-02-03T17:13:00.003-05:00

UPDATED (for those who didn't get it)!
Molly has been asking her daddy for a pony pretty much since the day she was born.
Today he gave her one...

Maybe next time she'll get more than a tail!

Get Your Molly Fix

2009-02-02T13:47:00.003-05:00

We haven't been up to much lately, but here's our girl with her baby stroller from Josh, Michelle and Ethan. Thanks to Paige and Andrew, she likes to ride in it, too! And she threw a toddler fit when the wheel popped off due to the stress of carrying her 21.5 lbs.
In the stroller is Trudy, her 25th anniversary edition Cabbage Patch Doll; why must they all have atrocious names? Doesn't matter, she goes by "Baby."

The stroller came with this lovely backpack you see Tiger riding in. Molly also threw a fit when I told her she could not ride in the backpack. I then got out the real baby backpack, which she wanted nothing to do with. We compromised by putting the play backpack under Molly's butt and carrying her on my hip. The backpack is now hidden under the couch to avert any future meltdowns.