In the Mobb

Announcement

2011-09-23T19:07:00.000-07:00

Of course she wouldn't look at the camera, but it's true. Ruby's going to be a big sister! We are super excited and yet some days when I'm running around after Red and completely exhausted I'm not sure what I'm getting myself into. I'm due April 8 and the Doc guessed another girl this week, but it's still early to confirm it. Either way, we're just praying for a healthy baby and no bedrest like last time. Twelve weeks on bedrest with a toddler would be way worse than last time so say a prayer for me!

First Day of School

2011-09-07T12:12:00.000-07:00

Excited to go to school!

Today was Ruby's first day of preschool or Mother's Day Out. She'll only go 2 days a week for 3 hours but I'm hoping it will be really good for her. Maybe she'll learn to share and begin to be ok with not being the center of attention 24 hours a day! One day a week while she's there I'm going to a women's Bible study at another church and the other day I'm FREE!! When I dropped her off she had to be pried out of my arms screaming just like every time we take her to church nursery. But I stood around the corner for a minute and she evenutally calmed down. But when I got back-oh my!! I wish I had had a video camera. Or at least a strong drink for the teachers. All 12 kids were screaming!!!I think after the first mom got there they all realized their mommies weren't there and they lost it. It was pretty funny! But after Ruby saw me she went back for one more handful of goldfish so I think she must have done ok most of the time.

She would not put on her back-pack because she wanted the name sticker off her cup!

Once we got to the church she wanted her bag on

Telling Bibby all about school

Summer Surprise

2011-08-30T13:06:00.000-07:00

Summer is coming to an end this weekend and even though we had fun this summer, I'm ready for fall! Bring on the cool weather, fall fairs and skinny jeans (and of course, football!). In our house, football picture day marks the end of summer. The picture always makes us laugh because they are so staged but its a good way to ensure that we have a family picture at least once a year and its fun to look back at how we've changed over just 7 years. I had to wake Ruby up bright and early so she was determined not to smile-instead she looks asian. We're proud of our Coach and "Go Longhorns!".

My cousin asked me to send her a recipe this week for a cookbook that her work is putting together. She works for an oncologist so it will be a fundraisor for cancer research which is great and dear to both of us. I was searching for the perfect recipe to submit in memory of Mama Jackie and today I found it. I was looking in one of her old cookbooks which she heavily supplemented with hand written recipes and newspaper clippings. I came across this recipe card that she must have filled out for someone else since the top line says "From the kitchen of Mama Jackie". She started making this dish a few years ago for a family gathering and we all loved it, especially my sister. I'm pretty sure she made up the name just to make us laugh, but it stuck. So here's Mama Jackie's Summer Surprise. Make it this weekend for your Labor Day festivities before all the fruit of the summer is gone!

I love her extra tips on the back! My mom started adding mango to the mix and its delish! Enjoy!

Wednesday Night Fun

2011-07-28T15:04:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Rubes took a 4 hour nap. She rocks! But after dinner that meant she had lots of energy to expend. First we went to the playground. Then we hit up the sprinkler. And she must have worn herself out because this morning she slept until 10:30!! Yeah, she rocks!

Grandaddy taught her how to drink water from the hose this weekend

Taking a break

Love that smile and those rolls!

I heart the iphone

2011-07-18T13:56:00.000-07:00

Thank goodness for technology! I love my job, but at the same time it really does pain me each time I leave my little red head. I know she's always in good hands, but I always feel like I'm missing out on something. Luckily Korey and my mom like to send me pictures & videos to keep me updated. I was at work last night and scrolling through my pictures and couldn't help but share. Gosh, I love her!

Doctor bag on head-why not?

Sombreros with Daddy

Making a mess as usual! (Please excuse the make-shift closet in the background-we live in a basement remember)

At McDonalds with Bibby (a no-no with Mommy)

Bath time

2011-07-17T19:32:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, our friend Justin of 375 Photography took Ruby's pictures. I've turned out not to be the mom that gets professional pictures at perfect intervals. My sister did pics at 5 mos, my mom took Ruby to the cheezy place at the mall around 7 months because I never took her for 6 months and then Justin did family photos around 10 months. So to keep things consistent, this time we went with 15 1/2 months.

Justin did a great job! I love the pictures! No, she's not smiling in most of them. And she's probably not cooperating the way we wanted her to in each shot. But that's my Ruby-crazy red hair and a mind of her own. These are just a few favs.

Party Pics

2011-05-24T13:34:00.000-07:00

I just sat down to blog and realized my SD card is in Korey's computer. Bummer. But I also realized I never posted pictures from Ruby's birthday party and those are saved on this computer. So, here they are 3 months later! We had a Cowboys and Indians party and it was so much fun! And what started out as a small get together, ended up a huge gathering! But I wouldn't trade it. We had all the people who mean the most to us and have been there to support us in raising such a sweet little girl! The cupcake stand was from our wedding I just spray painted it and then hot-glued rope to it. And I bought all the cowboys and indians and gold coins on amazon. We also had chili and hot pimento cheese dip. Yum!

My mom made Ruby's little dress the night before. It didn't quite fit, but it was super cute! And those are her new boots from Uncle Tim and Aunt Amy.

Our sweet family

Are these not the cutest 3 cowboys you've ever seen?

Ruby's friend Ethan

Ruby and her Aunt K-K

Aunt Ra-Ra and Uncle Mikey

My sweet baby girl. I can't believe she's 1 (and now almost 16 months old!). She's changed so much just in the last few months. She's a walking, talking silly little girl!

Earth Day Week

2011-04-20T20:55:00.000-07:00

Two weekends ago, Ruby and I planted our garden. This year, we turned the deck into a big patio garden with potted plants. My parents backyard doesn't really have anywhere to plant a real garden and this way when we find a house I can take everything with me. I've been waiting all winter to plant my garden. The idea of fresh pesto and off the vine tomatoes fill my dreams all winter long. Seriously. This year we aren't doing the co-op for a few reasons and I'm really going to miss it. I know my husband won't miss each weeks mystery greens on his plate at night, but I will. I'm already planning a stop by some local farmers markets to pick up some chard and collards. I'm salivating again.

The two people who taught me to love planting a garden are no longer just a phone call away for me to compare tomato species. And I can't just drive over to my grandmothers house to see how many squash and zucchini plants my uncle talked her into planting this year and then laugh about how she said she wasn't going to do it after last years overly fruitful crop. And I can't go by her house on my way home from work to find her outside in her "work" clothes, SAS sandals and sunvisor picking green tomatoes to fry me for dinner. And I can't talk about the latest Bon Appetite or Food&Wine issues with my Uncle Harold over a gourmet dinner that he made with fresh ingredients from out back. I miss them both terribly. Terribly. But I'm so glad they passed on their loves to me. So while we planted I couldn't help but remember them and be thankful. And because Mama Jackie always said to do it, I plant two of everything for cross pollination and use marigolds as bug deterrents. If she said it, I believe it.

So, Ruby helped me plant. I used the word "help" very loosely. But I wouldn't trade it for anything. We planted Better Boys, Romas, Japanese eggplant, jalapenos, banana peppers, basil, parsley, sage, thyme, oregano, rosemary and cilantro and strawberries. I've still got some okra and squash that I need to find a place to put in the ground. And I'm going to make one more trip to get some cherry or grape tomatoes because best friend Kelly loves them so much. It wouldn't be summer without her eating them straight out of the colander in the sink as we talk. Next year, or maybe even this year if I get around to it, I want to do some lettuce, greens, and root vegetables. And maybe some beans. My dad is working on starting a greenhouse at the lake property so with a little more research we might have our hands really dirty in the next few weeks. I'll keep you posted. For now we will water and wait.

P.S. I have my eye on a composter for the back yard. And a pet bunny for all organic manure. Please pass this info to my husband if he should happen to ask you for suggestions for an appropriate Earth Day gift for his hippie wife.

This is what happens when you put a pretty pretty princess shovel full of manure in your mouth. Not fun!

Spring Break

2011-04-09T09:03:00.000-07:00

It's spring break around here, which means that Korey is off for the week. Yay! Because I'm teaching college students this semester, my spring break was a few weeks ago so I had to work this week. Besides going to the lake last weekend and to the zoo we've mainly stayed at home and played. So the other day I heard Ruby and Korey playing in the playroom and walked around the corner to find the above scene. Yep, Korey's in the tunnel and Ruby is looking at him like he's crazy!

Welcome Spring!

2011-04-07T13:26:00.000-07:00

Spring is here which means we have begun our weekend trips out to the lake house. Yay!! It only took us a few minutes to realize that this years lake activities will be much different than last year. Last year, our little one wasn't mobile and adventurous. This year, she is! She loved every minute of it and wore us all out!

Here she is last year on the Gator and then this year she's taken over the driver's seat. She climbs up there all by herself and bounces up and down to signal that she's ready to go. She'll ride for hours all over the property with her daddy Don and Bibby.

I know her hat makes her look like a boy, but its better than putting SPF on every hour.

This is the view down the driveway-I love it!

Always on the go!

Sharing snacks with her favorite two people...ok, favorite mammals.

That's why I love him!

2011-04-07T12:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I worked both jobs in one day. First I taught nursing students on an adult med-surg floor from 6-2pm. Then I came home, napped, showered and headed to the Children's Hospital to work from 5pm-1:30am. It was exhausting and I don't recommend it. But it allowed me to have all last weekend off so that we could go to the lake so it was worth it. Despite the double shifts, we had made plans to go to the zoo today while Korey is off on spring break. So while I was at work I called Ko to ask him to get everything ready. Because he's slightly ADD, he asked me to email him a list. So I did. Here's it is: (side note-as moms we do this every single day, everywhere we go and don't think twice about it, right?)

-Find a soft cooler bag that will fit in the bottom of the stroller.
-Make you and I a turkey(or whatever you want) sandwich.
-Make Ruby a PBJ-like half the PB and J that you put on last time.
-Put some chips in a zip lock for you and me
-Cookies in a bag for you, me and MJ
-2 cokes for you and me
-Plenty of goldfish in her little cup
-A fruit cup
-Yogurt
-Any other snacks that we have that she likes
-And a cup that won’t leak with milk in it-the thermos is probably best
-No straws, no glass-Zoo rules!
-Also can you take the tray off the stroller? I think she’ll ride better if she can see. Or we can take the umbrella, except that the cooler won’t fit. But there may be lockers. Whatever you think.
-Also-we can probably consolidate her diaper bag into her little owl back pack. Diapers, wipes, pacis, boogie wipes. Either pink hat or braves hat.
-Maybe a water cup. Change of clothes.
-And we’ll need the camera. Man, her stuff weighs more than her chucky bootie!

This is his reply which made me laugh at loud:

How bout instead of all of these instructions we eat a hot dog at the zoo. Ok great. See you in the morning!!

I will commend him and say that when I got up this morning after just 4 hours of sleep, I was expecting to fork over an hours worth of pay on hot dogs at the zoo. But to my surprise, the cooler was packed, the diaper bag was consolidated and and the stroller was ready. Yay! Go Daddy!

By the way-I think its weird that they serve hot dogs and hamburgers at the zoo anyway. Seems like a vegetarian menu would be more appropriate but no one asked me.

Ruby loved the petting zoo. Despite the fact that it was only goats and sheep, she would walk up to each one and say "mooooo". I'm pretty sure she would have stayed there all day. Zoe and Grammie joined us on our adventure. Sweet cousins-too bad they wouldn't look at me while playing with their goat brushes!

Because of spring break, it was REALLY crowded! So we enjoyed our perfectly packed lunches on the ground. I can't wait to go back on a school day!

Moving On

2011-03-22T18:57:00.000-07:00

Nope, not moving yet. Still in the parents basement. But we are moving from one gold shoe to the next. Sunday morning after I got Ruby dressed, I put on her gold shoes that she had worn just days ago. And either she had a major growth spurt overnight or I'm a really terrible mother for cramming her foot into itty bitty shoes. The new ones are a little big still, but aren't they awesome? How could I pass up an infant, gold, gladiator sandal that was on sale and said couture on the box? I couldn't.

Finally

2011-03-19T08:27:00.000-07:00

Please excuse the 3 month blog hiatus. I don't have my own laptop anymore and I have a 13 month old that doesn't care if her mama updates the blog. She's a busy busy girl! She's walking, and usually running, and getting into everything. She's sweet as can be though! The 1st birthday party was a hit, and exhausting, and I'll get back to that soon.

For now, I'm posting pictures of girls night. Last night six of us got together for a much needed and much enjoyed girls night. These are 5 friends that I've known for most of my life and even though we don't see each other often, when we do, we have so much fun catching up!

We picked a dish off of Pioneer Woman's website and split up the ingredients for everyone to bring and then made dinner together. It was so much fun! The recipe had a long list of ingredients with lots of prep work so it was a great dish to make together.
And it made so much food! Thanks girls for a great evening! Lets do it again soon!

And here's one picture of my precious Ruby and one of her new favorite activities. The warm weather provides hours of entertainment on the deck. She loves it! Now I just need to figure out a way to keep a hat on her little red head!

Who doesn't love pink trees?

2010-12-01T18:55:00.000-08:00

Because we're living at my parents right now, our Christmas decorations are going to be sparse. Pretty much all of them ended up in storage but I made sure not to pack Ruby's pink tree. She got it as a present last year and I've been waiting all year to put it up.
Yesterday, the Rubster and I took a trip to Ikea to get all the trimmings. On a side note, every store should be more like Ikea. They have parking reserved for mothers with strollers, a family bathroom with complimentary diapers and a diaper genie, and bottle warmers in the restaurant. It doesn't matter that the parking spots were all full and my cloth diaper wasn't going in the genie and I've never used a bottle warmer, but all are really good ideas that make me want to go back. Or it could have been the huge cinnamon roll that we got for a dollar and ate all the way home that makes me want to go back!

The tree turned out perfect and Ruby loves it! Next year we'll put it in Ruby's room just for her, but this year its the perfect accessory for our compact basement home.

Q & A

2010-11-29T20:04:00.000-08:00

Question of the day, everyday: Where does she get that red hair from?

Answer:

Korey's cousins Olivia and Betsey.

Shutterfly Cards

2010-11-20T17:55:00.000-08:00

Its that time again! Time to send out Christmas cards from our family to yours. (If you're sending one to us, don't forget we moved!) This year, thanks to a friend, I'll be getting my photo cards for free from Shutterfly. They are giving free cards to bloggers. Yay!!

We recently had our family pictures taken by our friend Justin and I can't wait to get them back. I've gone back and forth on which approach to take to the Christmas card this year. My absolute favorite Christmas cards to receive are those of screaming children in Santa's lap. They are hilarious!! I know it sounds cruel, but how great is it when you open an envelope thinking you're about to see a sweet, well-groomed, perfectly placed family and instead you see a hysterical toddler trying to get out of Santa's lap as fast as he can. A few years ago, we got one of my nephew Luke and it was perfect. I kept it on the fridge all year. I think I've decided to go with a family photo card this year (maybe this one). However, I still stroll Ruby past Santa at the mall and tell her he's scary. We'll see if it works in a few days when we go see him.

If you still need to make holiday cards or gifts, go to Shutterfly. You can make cards, gifts, invitations and more. I've done all with Shutterfly and have always been pleased.

No nap needed

2010-11-16T18:29:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Ruby took a 4 hour nap so today we decided she didn't need one. So we took her to ride the Macy's Pink Pig. Yay! Its an Atlanta tradition that I've done every year for the past 28 Christmases so we couldn't let her miss out. Unfortunately it's not half as cool as it used to be. In fact, its corny and a rip-off. But that doesn't stop us. Mom didn't get a ticket to ride so that she could take pictures but they made her stand behind the wall because as the guy working said, "its dangerous". Must have been lots of casualties last year due to out of control pink pigs. So the pics aren't great, but Ruby loved it and we can mark it off the list of must-do activities until next year.

When we got home Ruby found a new favorite toy-a box. Yes, she has a ton of expensive and educational toys, but the box out-ranked them this evening.

After her bath she came back for more time in the box and to play with Piper. Yes, those are boys pajamas. And yes, I knew that when I bought them. But I couldn't resist the reindeer feet. They made me think of my sister who wore footie pjs until she was 13. Ok, maybe 12. And at least if the next Mobbs is a boy, he already has Christmas pjs.

On a developmental milestone sidenote, Ruby can now say Da-Da and Uh-oh. And I'm trying not to be offended that Uh-oh came before Ma-Ma.

Pennsylvania in Pictures

2010-11-15T12:43:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, Ruby and I went to Pennsylvania with my parents to visit my dad's Uncle and extended family. They live in the middle of Amish country and it was beautiful!! I've never seen so much green land in all my life. We don't get to see my dad's family much and many of them Ruby and I met for the first time. Besides seeing the family, the reason we went was to take part in the annual Cardina Clambake. There was tons of food, family and football. (And my Falcons defeated their Browns!!!)

Playing dress-up

2010-10-28T12:14:00.000-07:00

This month at Bunco we had 80s night. And even though we're a bunch of 30ish year old women, we went all out and had so much fun! I will never be too old to dress up! I love these girls and can't wait for Bunco each month so we can get together, eat, laugh and have way too much fun!

And yes, I'm proud to say that I won the "best 80's outfit" prize for my totally rad, Color Me Bad/Claire Huxtable, color block jumpsuit.

Only my sister...

2010-10-27T18:00:00.000-07:00

Tonight I get a phone call from my sister, aka Aunt Ray Ray. And it went something like this:

RayRay: Murry, have you ever read More magazine?
Me: No, never heard of it. What is it?
RayRay: Its really good. It's a mag for women 40 and up.
Me: Ummm...awesome. You must have been really bored.
RayRay: No, really. Its good!! I feel wiser now. You should read it. I've been looking for that perfect women's magazine that does it for me, and this is it.
Me: (laughing)ok, Rach, I'll check it out. (maybe) I do want to be wise and cool like you.
RayRay: I'm cool because I wore a side pony to work today.

Only Rachel. But we love her. And she is cool. She also got a call from a major women's clothing store today and was asked to represent the Atlanta market by inviting 50 women to a private party/clothing line release in December. So watch your mailboxes, you might get an invite. And on top of that she takes pictures of my baby with a fancy-schmancy camera. This was at 6 months and little stinker wouldn't smile for anything that day.

Safety Measures

2010-10-24T17:24:00.000-07:00

Ruby Jaq has new skillz. Pulling up. I found her Friday standing up in her crib. Scared me to death. And now she'll pull up on anything she can get her cute little hands on. Which also means that she's begun to hit her head. I try to catch her, but I'm not always fast enough. So in order to prevent minor scrapes and bumps on the head, she will now be wearing this at all times.

Hoot! Hoot!

I draw the line

2010-10-13T08:39:00.000-07:00

I am probably one of the biggest breast feeding advocates you'll meet. Besides loving your baby unconditionally, I think its one of the best things you can do for your baby. Not only is it the most natural thing ever, breast feeding offers ongoing benefits to baby and mom long after weaning. The protection and benefits that I have the opportunity to provide my baby with make breastfeeding a no brainer decision for me. I could go on and on, but I'll spare you unless you ask me, then I'll go on and on just for you. However, today I was perusing the web while Ruby J sleeps and I found this write-up (mom, click on the underlined link). Really? Are people crazy? Don't worry, if you come for dinner, you won't find my DNA in the latest fall desserts I've whipped up.

Quick Update

2010-10-11T14:22:00.000-07:00

I've somehow let almost another month go by without a blog update. But that definitely doesn't mean that we're not having lots of fun in the Mobb's family. The last few months have been full of changes for us. After quitting my full time job at the hospital, I took on a job I never thought I'd have. I'm a clinical instructor for the first year nursing students at North Georgia College and State University. I doubt any of my former nursing school professors read the blog but if they do they're probably laughing out loud and saying prayers for the former nurses of America. Despite making decent grades, my friends(you know who you are!) and I were not stellar students. We usually sat in the back of the class after being late to class and then disrupted class. I still have my notebooks from nursing school that are full of doodles and passed notes that prove that we had too much fun in class. But with all that said, we enjoyed ourselves, made it through and now love being nurses. I work Wednesdays and Fridays and so far have only been in the lab teaching things like bed baths. Next week I take my groups to the hospital for their first official days as student nurses. Yay! Its going to be a learning experience for me too because I'm going back to the adult world after bring in pediatrics for the last 6 years. I'm excited and nervous and I'm sure there will be funny stories to share later on. I'm also in the middle of orientation for a PRN position as a Nurse Practitioner with CVS Minute Clinic. I'll mainly work at CVS on weekends when Korey is home, but I'm excited about it to.

Korey also started his new football season with the Lanier High School Longhorns. This is the first year for Lanier to be open so Korey has put in lots and lots of hours to help start up a new football program. He also transitioned from history teacher/defensive ends coach to PE teacher/department head/assistant head coach. Ruby and I try to make every game and she loves it! She really likes all the people and attention more than the football but she still loves supporting her daddy!

In the middle of all the job changes we put our house on the market, sold it in 9 days and moved. We had been talking about selling our house for a long time because we weren't in a great neighborhood and this summer we finally decided to put it on the market and see what happened. It sold!! We have temporarily moved in with my parents until we can find a place to go. Its crazy with all of us in one house but also a huge help to have my parents around to help with Ruby during football season. Its also special that my parents can see all the little milestones that Ruby conquers each day and special for Ruby to get to spend so much time with them. Its also nice that we can take our time finding the perfect house for our little family.

And last, our little baby is getting so big! She's 8 months old tomorrow and doing so much more every day. I just uploaded the picture above and couldn't help sharing it. Ruby loves her cousins!

I'm back!

2010-09-15T18:42:00.000-07:00

I realized today that I haven't posted anything in over a month. Yikes! Life's been crazy and even though I have a bunch to blog about, I just haven't done it.

The main reason I decided to jump back in is because I got a shout-out on my friend Melissa's blog today. And what if someone new linked over here and there was nothing new and fun? I can't have that. Kind of narcissistic, but its the honest truth. Melissa just had her second baby drug-free (and almost in a car which I think is awesome!) and now is becoming a doula. She lives in Birmingham so I'm not sure how smart a long-distance doula would be for Mobbs baby #2, but I'm up for anything.

And no, baby #2 is not in the oven. Or the mixing bowl. So don't get all excited yet.

But I am a huge believer in natural childbirth so I love Melissa's post. She rocks.

Coming soon: Updates on the new jobs, the move(going on now as seen above), the mover(aka Ruby Jaq), and football season. Hook 'em Horns!

Clean Laundry

2010-07-29T08:14:00.000-07:00

Late night snack

2010-07-19T10:48:00.000-07:00

This was last Thursday night after Ruby and I flew home from the beach. Ruby kept wanting to try my peach so we put some in a blender for her. Despite the crazy faces, she kept wanting more. So far she'll eat anything I give her except rice cereal. But that stuff is disgusting! Sweet potatos and peaches are much tastier!

Happy Birthday America!!

2010-07-09T19:24:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we celebrated the 4th at the lake with some work and play. Last year Korey and I announced that I was pregnant on the 4th and its so hard to believe all that's happened in the last year. Sadly this is the first year that I didn't attend the Peachtree Road Race in 11 years. Last year I didn't run because I was preggers and felt like crap, but I drove Korey and his brother down and was at the finish line. If you know me, you know I love everything about the Peachtree. Everything!! I love the uncertainty of getting a number, the wait to start with a ritual port-a-potty visit, the huge patriotic crowd, the donuts from Pubic at mile 1, the priest with holy water, the bumperstickers and paraphernalia, seeing Max Cleland on cardiac hill, the sign at mile 5 that my cousin puked behind the first year we "ran" it, the finish to get the coveted tshirt, and the hairiest man alive that we see every year on Marta. But this year things were not aligned for me to be there. It was on a Sunday so it broke up our whole weekend and we would have had to drop Ruby off at 5 am to get there. And one very important factor was that since the last time I actually ran, I've been pregnant, been on bedrest, gained 40 lbs, had a baby, and lost 40 lbs. Not exactly a candidate to win a race(or finish really). So I gave up my #. But next year I'll be back with the best patriotic get-up you've ever seen!

It was a great weekend at the lake, despite my child not sleeping more than a 3 hour stretch all weekend. In fact it was usually more like 30 min to 90 min. Awesome! We are in between insurance coverage because of my job change and I didn't have her reflux meds filled. I really didn't think it would be so horrible but obviously she needs the meds. Note to self has been made-never, ever, go without Ruby's medication!! Ever!! On a side note, I attended the funeral of one of my patients on Friday. It was horrible and something that I can't imagine ever going through. I also had two other patients pass away last week. This isn't a normal week, but it helps me put into perspective that it's no big deal that Ruby doesn't sleep. She's happy, she's beautiful and she's healthy-that's really all that matters. So if you have a baby-kiss them and thank the Lord for their health!

Happiness is a 10 Pounder and a cute little 15 pounder!

Piper LOVES the lake!

Ruby and her Grandma Jenny at the 4th Cookout

Daddy Don and Kelly giving Ruby cantaloupe-she loved it!

Needless to say, Ruby Jaq didn't make it until the fireworks

Your baby is spoiled if:

2010-06-21T18:52:00.000-07:00

This is how you cooked dinner tonight. RJ in the bjorn chewing on a cold teether while I cut radishes with the other hand. Not an easy job. Oh, and I'm cooking at my parents house because our air was out for the third time this summer. We need a new AC unit, but I'm pulling for a new house.

Good News

2010-06-19T18:08:00.000-07:00

First: I quit my job. Sure did. Full time worker and full time mommy is for the birds! So as of this Friday, I have no job. Not necessarily a good thing for the bank account, but a really good thing for me and Ruby-duby. If you talk to Ko, you can reasssure him that I'm on the look-out for a part-time job. He acts like he's worried I won't find one(or maybe worried that I don't want to find one). But I will, I promise.

On a serious note, this week will be bittersweet. I love my job. I'm not quitting because I don't like what I do. The patients that I work with are very special to me. They are very special kids with very special needs. I'm going to miss them and their families immensely! The good news is that my boss is going to keep me on her payroll so that I can fill in when needed so I'm not gone for good.

Second bit of good news: I got a new camera!!! What, what!!! I got a digital SLR and can't wait to learn how to use it. I'm not looking to become your next wedding/kid photographer extraordinaire, I just want to take good pics of my little one (and those to come). Here's the first shot after the battery charged, there will be many more!

Is she cute or what? Too bad she's not cute AND a good sleeper. And because of that I'm headed to bed at 9:00. Night!

Chattanooga Weekend

2010-06-06T17:40:00.000-07:00

Since I've gone back to work, updating the blog hasn't been priority. I spend all of my time at home playing with our sweet little girl. She's getting so big and doing so much now! She'll be 4 months old next week and has become so interactive lately! She's cooing, playing with toys, laughing and even rolling over!

This weekend we went to Chattanooga for Korey's cousin Ben's wedding. While we were there we made rounds introducing Ruby to Korey's extended family. It was so special for her to meet her two great-grandmothers, great aunts and uncles and cousins. She also got to meet Kate and Carson Royal and can't wait to meet baby Royal in a few weeks!

"Ruby Red Card" in her rehearsal dinner dress. Her Daddy calls her that in hopes that one day she'll be a fierce soccer player.

Meeting her Mam-ma for the first time. To our surprise, she laid on Mam-ma's chest and just smiled and talked to her. So sweet!

Next we went to Korey's Uncle Mickey and Aunt Candice's house. They just adopted Anna from China and we hadnt' met her yet. Anna and Olivia loved baby Ruby!

Then we went to visit with Granny.

After a good nap, we went to the wedding. All Mam-ma wanted to do was hold Ruby.

Nana gave Zoe and Ruby these dresses for Christmas and they finally grew into them. When you're little it's ok to show up to a wedding in the same dress as someone else.

Kay and her boys

I love this picture! It was an attempt to get all 7 great grandchildren in a picture with Mam-ma. This is about as good as it gets.They-re all there-you just have to look really close. (L-R) Chase, Ruby, Cooper, Luke, Tyler, Cian and Zoe.

Back to work

2010-05-09T13:18:00.000-07:00

This is what I'll miss sooooo much tomorrow, but also what will help me get through the day.

California

2010-04-28T18:57:00.000-07:00

I finally got the pictures from my mom's camera from our trip to California. We went during Korey's spring break to stay in Newport Beach, CA for the week. Most people thought we were crazy for taking a 7 week old across country but she was a trooper. Obviously at 7 weeks old she didn't really care where we where as long as she was being held and fed. But she got to do so many things that lots of people never get to do in a lifetime. Everything we did, we referred to it as "Ruby's first..." So here are a few of her firsts.

Her first trip to the airport in her first trip in a limo, followed by her first flight in first class.

She met our friend Yana for the first time

She visited Laguna Beach for the first time and ate lunch at Hotel Laguna with our friends, the Bees, then went shopping and had amazing gelato, and had dinner at Mozambique. Yum!!

The next day she took a morning nap with her daddy (not a first!)

The next day Ruby celebrated her first Easter. She went to her first outdoor Easter Service at the Orange County Fair Grounds. She got to wear her Easter dress that her Nana bought her for the first time and then went to the Bees house for a wonderful Easter lunch. That afternoon she also got to experience her first earthquake!!

The next day Ruby went to Balboa Island for lunch at Wilma's and then did a little shopping and walking around town. She met Mary Cheatham and Alina for the first time. All the street names were gems/stones so we got some ideas for baby #2. Opal or Onyx?

The next day Ruby rode to Burbank for the first time. She would have gone on her first studio tour at Warner Bros., but no one under 8 years old permitted. I guess they thought she would run around and throw stuff. She stayed behind with Bibby while we took the tour. We got to see the Central Perk set from Friends and I got to sit on the couch. Pretty cool! (Picture=not so cool so will not be posted!)

That night, Ruby went to her first baseball game to watch the Angels play. She pretty much slept through the whole game but was able to set her first Guiness World Record with the rest of the fans. Record: Largest group of people wearing a fleece blanket, aka Snuggie. It was awesome. Words and pictures do no justice!

We spent our last full day at Huntington Beach. For breakfast, Ruby ate for the first time at Ruby's Diner on the end of the pier. Later that afternoon she got to sport her yellow polka-dot bikini for the first time and go to the beach. She also got to see her Daddy and Daddy Don in wet suits and attempt to surf. If she was deveopmentally ready, she would have laughed really hard for the first time. Instead she just chilled.

Overall, it was an awesome week. Ruby won't remember a thing, but we'll always tell her how blessed she was to get to go. And warning, don't take a baby on vacation with the grandparents and spend time with friends for a week. You'll come home with a baby that expects to be held 24 hours a day!!

Go Ruby!!

2010-04-18T19:28:00.000-07:00

On Friday we got invited to go to the Braves game with my cousin Jen and her husband. We were going to take Ruby to her first game at The Ted, but then Korey suggested that my parents keep her instead so we could have a night out alone for the first time. But in order to do that, she had to take a bottle. So earlier that day we gave it a try. I was afraid she wouldn't do it, but I was wrong! She took it down in 10 minutes and even wanted more! I go back to work in 3 weeks and now that I know she'll take the bottle it might make it a little easier. Probably not! But it does mean that Ko and I can go out more by ourselves for longer than 2 hours!

Bibby will not like that her gray hair is showing, but we were on the way to get our hair done. Sorry, mom!

2 months

2010-04-10T12:40:00.000-07:00

Can't believe we have a 2 month old!! Easter and California posts coming soon! Also check out my sister's blog with some pics she took of Ruby. We are so lucky to have great photographers who love Ruby.

6 weeks

2010-03-28T19:29:00.000-07:00

I know, I know. I'm late again. That's kinda how we roll these days.

Spring is here!

2010-03-25T13:12:00.000-07:00

Spring is officially here and I'm so excited! I can't wait for warmer weather, shorts and flip flops, time at the lake and fresh produce. Ruby helped me plant the first herbs of the season last night. This year I'm going to try and plant things that I can use to make baby food. I can freeze it as it comes in and then start feeding it to her in August. She's excited too!!

Oh, and I think I should mention that she slept through the night last night. Whoo hoo!! I know tonight could be another story but one night is good for me!

My big girl!!

2010-03-18T19:26:00.000-07:00

The last 5 weeks have been crazy, exciting, rewarding and tiring. But they have gone by so fast!! I can't believe she's 5 weeks old tomorrow. She's changed so much already! Her cheeks get fatter every day and so do her little legs. She is becoming more and more alert and interactive. She responds to our voices and occasionally gives us a smile. She loves to ride in the car and usually falls asleep as soon as we start moving. At night she usually gives me a 5-6 hour stretch, then after eating she'll sleep another 3-4 hours. She makes grunting noises in her sleep that wake me up more than her. I'll think she's awake and crying but when I look at her she's sound asleep. The doctor said it could be reflux, but we're just going to watch it(or listen to it) for now. She also makes the cutest noises when she's hungry or eating that sound like a goat so we call her Billy. We went to the pediatrician on Tuesday and she weighed 9 lbs 9 oz and was 22 1/4 inches!!! Big baby!! I couldnt' believe it. Her cousin who is 1 day older was only 8 lbs 1 oz at her 1 month. At least I don't have to worry about her getting enough while nursing.
I think she's probably been out and about more than any other 5 week old. I've never been one that likes to stay at home and after being on bed rest for almost 12 weeks, staying at home is the last thing I want to do. Ruby went out to eat for the first time at 5 days old, shopping at 9 days old, and church at 3 weeks. We go to the park a few days a week to walk/run and she always does great. She's been to the lake house twice already and last weekend went on her first road trip to Birmingham. We went to meet Ashleigh so that she could take Ruby's picture. Ruby was not the most cooperative customer, but Ash was able to get some great shots that I can't wait to see and show everyone. It was so great to be in Birmingham, see Ash and go to all my favorite places to eat and shop. In 2 weeks we are taking a family trip to California for spring break so she'll take her first airplane ride at 7 weeks.

Life has definitely changed, but now I can't imagine it any other way! We are so blessed and we love our Ruby more and more every day!

This is Mr.Moo. Bibby and Daddy Don gave it to her this week. I had her onsie made for my parents and another one for Korey's parents to announce that we were having a baby. It looks kind of funny with her cloth diaper, but she had to wear it to show gratitude for her new chair!

Go Vols!!

2010-03-18T18:47:00.000-07:00

It's March Madness and Ruby is ready to cheer on the Volunteers!

Her daddy does not like head bands but has made an exception for game day. However, when he's not home, we can wear all the headbands, and soon, barrettes that we want to. Go Big Orange!!

Happy St.Patrick's Day

2010-03-17T16:44:00.000-07:00

Snow Baby

2010-03-11T20:04:00.000-08:00

No, it didn't snow in Atlanta today. But it was rainy and foggy. And Ruby got big enough to wear her Snow Baby onsie. Our Mama Jackie bought it for her. She thought it was perfect because I was born in the middle of a blizzard. Of course, at the time she didn't know that Ruby was going to be born on an icy, snowy day as well. The last few months, although full of joy and excitement over Ruby, have been filled with sadness and tears too. Mama Jackie went to be with Jesus 2 weeks before she could have met her beautiful great-granddaughter. And we miss her so so much! Not a day goes by that I don't think about her. I often think I should be taking Ruby to see her or calling her to tell her our plans for the day. She would be so proud of us. I tell Ruby about her all the time and how much she would have loved her and taught her. As much I wish she was still with us, I know I can't change it. I can only pray that Ruby will grow up to be as beautiful, caring, giving and in love with Jesus as her Mama Jackie.

Ruby's Very Busy Day

2010-03-08T18:51:00.000-08:00

Ruby and I rode up to the lake last night to spend the day with Bibby and meet the Talbots. Ruby slept in the room with my mom and she brought her to me only to nurse. It was so nice to get some good rest and not have to worry about Ruby being awake or hungry. This morning Ruby helped her Bibby oversee the workers pour the concrete drive way outside the lake house. Then we went to meet her Elberton friends.

This is Ruby's new fat face-don't you love it?!

Bathtime in the sink

She doesn't like being dried off-poor little thing!!

Kelly's parents, Grandma Jenny and Mr.Tom, and their neighbor Nora. They are all going to spoil her rotten when she goes to the lake!

When we got back to the lake house, Bibby and Grandma Jenny put Ruby's foot prints in the wet cement. Don't worry we cleaned them off really well!

On the way home, we stopped for Ruby's first meal at Waffle House!! I'm sure it will be the first of many!

I want this now!!

2010-02-28T16:25:00.000-08:00

I found this on http://www.italianfoodforever.com/ during a blog detour. Chocolate coffee bread pudding-yum!! Despite trying to get back into my pre-Ruby jeans soon, I think I'll be making this ASAP!!

2 weeks

2010-02-28T16:06:00.000-08:00

Meet Harold the Horse. I meant to take Ruby's picture at 1 week but never got around to it. So we'll start at 2 weeks old. Isn't that face so funny?

Her sweet little gown came from our friend Amy Jo. Check out her infant clothing line, A Mother's Arms. Proceeds go to pediatric cancer research.

Little Cowgirl

2010-02-26T18:54:00.000-08:00

She didnt get to go to the concert, but she was rockin' her pink boots!

Don't be jealous

2010-02-25T12:15:00.000-08:00

Tonight I'm leaving my 13 day old with her Daddy and Aunt Ray Ray to go see Reba McEntire and George Strait. I know she's in good hands and hopefully because of some well orchestrated feeding times she'll be happy. And just in case you were wondering, this is what I'm wearing:

Kelly, don't you have a matching one? Please dust it off and get ready for tonight!!

I'll try not to do it again (at least not anytime real soon!)

2010-02-25T11:57:00.000-08:00

Tuesday marked the first time my profession as a nurse practitioner made me immediately think the worst about Ruby. And of course, it was nothing!! Ruby has been eating very well since birth and hasn't had any significant spit-ups at all. Until Monday night. At midnight I fed her and she was almost done and then she began projectile vomiting everything in her little belly. It went everywhere! All over me, her and the bed. After waking up Ko and changing all of our clothes and sheets, she was fine. But then on Tuesday morning she did the same thing. This is when I began thinking my child had pyloric stenosis and would be undergoing surgical repair later that day. I called the pediatrician and they told me to bring her in (which I think validated my concern, right?). The pediatrician was so sweet and intently listened to my concerns then sweetly told me that she thought Ruby was probably just overeating and I was probably producing too much milk for her little belly. Great news, right? Right. But I know that pediatrician was thinking, "Great, a new mom with a medical background who's going to be calling every day with something new". But, I promise I won't. Promise!

Going out!

2010-02-20T16:57:00.000-08:00

Ruby's first trip out was to the pediatrician. I couldn't help posting this picture because I thought it was hilarious. It was really cold outside so she's all bundled up and looks highly uncomfortable but it didn't seem to faze her. And yes, we took our 5 day old to eat Mexican after her appt.

Introducing...Ruby

2010-02-20T16:48:00.000-08:00

She's here! And she couldn't be more perfect! She's a week old now and Korey and I just sit around and look at her and fight over who's going to love on her. So far she's sleeping good, eating good and looking good! We can't complain at all.

Her arrival started with a scare the day before she was born. I noticed that morning that I hadn't really been feeling her move around. I tried to take a shower and then lay down but it didn't help. Luckily I was at my parents house so mom called the doctor and we rushed down to Northside. It was a very scary hour or two, but by the time we got to the hospital and got hooked up to monitors I was starting to feel her move, but still not as often as normal. At that point the doctor asked if I wanted to be induced. I immediately said no. That was not what I wanted at all. But after talking with Korey and thinking about it more we decided to go ahead with it so that I didn't spend every minute worrying about her movements and if she was ok. That night we were moved to a delivery room and got ready to welcome Ruby the next day.

On Friday morning I got up and took a shower, did my hair and make-up and mistakenly thought I would still look good after giving birth. I was wrong! The nurse started the pitocin at 7am and immediately the contractions started being about 2 minutes apart. At 830 the doctor broke my water and turned off the pitocin. From that point on the contractions were about 30 seconds apart. Because of the pitocin earlier I had to be hooked up to monitors constantly which was not ideal but the nurses allowed me to sit in the rocking chair and get up to the bathroom as much as I wanted. Being in the bed made the pain with each contractions worse so I stayed out of it as much as possible. For three hours, I had contractions 30 seconds to 1 min apart. By noon, I was 8 cm dilated and feeling like I needed to push. Little Ruby was born at 1:58pm. I won't lie and say it wasn't painful. It was probably the worst pain I've every had, but in the end I'm still so glad that I didn't have an epidural! Its a different kind of pain because you know there will be an end to it eventually and you know that its not the kind of pain that is causing more harm to your body. I liked that I was able to feel everything that was going on with my body. I could feel the baby moving down and I could feel the urge to push and the progress I was making. I also think that not having the epidural helped moved things quickly. I just kept thinking to myself that women all over the world do this every day.

I can't tell about the birth without mentioning how well Korey did. He was amazing!! He's been known to turn white and pass out with minor medical procedures such as taking blood pressure so I wasn't sure how he would do during the delivery. But he came through! He ended up doing more than I ever thought he would do. In between pushing I kept looking at him and asking if he was ok because I just couldnt' believe it. He was helpful during the contractions and pushing and watched the entire delivery and even cut the cord. I also have to mention how appreciative I am that my mom was there to help during the whole thing. I couldn't have done it without Korey and her. And also, best friend Kelly and my sister Rachel. You guys were awesome and little Ruby will thank you one day!

Rachel took all the professional looking pictures and the others are from my cheap camera. But Ruby is beautiful in all of them! She's looking forward to meeting all of you so come visit!

Patrick the Puppy

2010-01-31T17:43:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago I got a huge box on my front door step. I thought it was our stroller that I ordered online, but to my surprise it was Patrick. My friend Jeremy sent Patrick the Puppy to Ruby. My first thought was "where the heck am I going to put this thing?". Patrick is 66 " long!! Huge!! He's been sitting in our dining room for the last 2 weeks until today when Korey moved him to the nursery. He's actually very cute and very comfortable to lounge on. I think Ruby is going to love him when she gets older (as in out of the womb which I'm hoping for more and more every minute!). But she might have to fight Piper for him. This is what I found when I went upstairs tonight:

Baby Pool!!

2010-01-29T12:16:00.000-08:00

Despite 10 weeks of bed rest to prevent premature birth I am now 37 weeks and have no baby!!!! And since everyone (everyone!!!!!) I see and talk to asks me when I'm going to have the baby I think it's time for a guessing game. So comment with your guess on the day and time. My due date is Feb 17 if you need something to go by. And as of yesterday she was measuring 7 pounds already!! Who ever is closest will get a prize-not sure what yet, but I'll come up with something good! Have fun!!

Christmas 09

2010-01-15T13:35:00.000-08:00

It's Friday afternoon and I'm bored. What's new? And oh how my life is about to change! But for now, I realized that I never posted pics from Christmas. This Christmas was unusual is many ways. First-I didn't really do any shopping, except online. I'm pretty proud of the online deals that I got, but it's just not the same as a few exhausting days at the mall. And as far as receiving gifts-no clothes this year. That's a first!!! But who needs new clothes when you're huge and only going to get bigger!! My parents bought us the nursery furniture which was a huge help. Korey's mom gave me all new Calphalon pots and pans which I'm super excited about! The ones we got when we married have been terrible from the beginning and on the receiving end of many not so kind words over the last few years!! This Christmas was also bittersweet because my grandmother, Mama Jackie, was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer just before Thanksgiving. So we all spent the holidays cherishing time with her while we can. One blessing to being on bedrest over the last 10 weeks has been getting to spend lots of time with her. I often spend a few days at a time at her house just hanging out. Right now she's doing much better than any of us imagined she would and we're hoping she'll get to meet her first great-granddaughter very soon!! So here's a few pictures from the holidays.

Rachel and her loot in the biggest stocking you've ever seen

Rach and Mikey bought me Reba and George tix!! The concert is Feb 25 so Ruby needs to hurry up!!

My cute hubby and beautiful sister!

My little cousin Timmy was telling Mama Jackie that he asked Jesus to be in his heart-so sweet!

Yes, cousin Mary buys the best gifts.Timmy told me so!

Recent Time Consumers

2010-01-13T15:09:00.000-08:00

Have you seen this movie? If not, please go to your local Blockbuster or add to your Netflix queue immediately. Its life changing. OK, maybe not. But I think that's probably its goal. It really is amazing and quite disturbing. Basically you'll rethink anything you've recently purchased at Publix. I know we can't all afford to buy all organic, all grass fed, etc, but at least think about it. The more we all do it, the more popular it will become and the cheaper it will become.

And moving right on to my next hippie topic. This is my most recent read. Korey took me to Border's one night just to get out of the house and I sat down in the coffee shop with this book and couldn't put it down. Obviously, most people wouldn't have picked it up in the first place, but if you are pregnant or going to be soon, I recommend it. When I got pregnant, I had all intentions of using a midwife for delivery. But I ended up having to change practices and went to one with only an MD. So far he has been absolutely wonderful!! With my first trip to the hospital he even walked me down to ultrasound himself and sat there and talked to me through the whole thing. If you're not in the medical field you may not realize how unusual that is, but trust me, its unheard of! My only concern is that he's not a midwife.

I will be the first to admit that I don't want an epidural. Go ahead-laugh at me and tell me how that's crazy and then think to yourself, "she'll be asking for that epidural at the first pain". I haven't always been this crazy. In nursing school I used to think that I would be the first to ask for the epidural. But then I spent 2 years in Emory Nursing School, getting my masters. I say that I went from one extreme to the other in schools.Samford gave me a very conservative, Baptist education and Emory attempted to give me the most liberal, pro-women, go-change-the-world education. The best thing about Emory was that most of my professors were midwives and they constantly shared stories about births and their love for their jobs, and the amazing ability of a woman to bear a child. Now, getting back to the book. I can't really explain it in a blog post. But when I read it, it makes me think I can do it. And that I should at least try. I'm not saying "absolutely not, no matter what, I won't have it" because I know that sets me up for disappointment and feelings of failure. But in anything that deals with my health and my baby's health, I will weigh the benefits and risks, and then make my decision. And I know that epidurals have major risks. Risks that no one tells you about. Risks that are in fine print on the consent forms you sign your life away on. Risks and side effects that actually interfere with the labor process. Risks I don't necessarily want to put on me and my baby. So that's me on my soap box for today. And here's a quote from the book:

"There's no other organ quite like the uterus. If men had such an organ they would brag about it. So should we."

Ha!!

Uh-oh

2009-12-29T20:08:00.000-08:00

PTL for big trucks. The damage doesn't look that bad considering the impact we encountered as someone decided to pull out right in front of us a few days ago. Their little sedan doesn't look quite as good. This resulted in our 3rd, yes 3rd, trip to the hospital. The doctor wanted me to go just to make sure everything was ok and for some extra monitoring. By the time we got there I was contracting every 3-7 minutes. I'm a pro at contractions-labor will be nothing! Ha!! After 6 hours of monitoring and medicine to stop the contractions we were sent home. Only 4 more weeks of bed rest to go! Next time we go to the hospital we're coming home with Ruby in our arms!

Christmas Eve Deliciousness

2009-12-28T17:08:00.000-08:00

Are you drooling yet? This is the amazing Christmas Eve feast that we eat every year. Its the ultimate showcase of gluttony. My parents neighbors have invited us each year for as long as I can remember to their Feast of Seven Fishes. They spend days baking and cooking. Everything is made from scratch including the pasta and it is amazing!! The plate of small iced cookies was probably eaten entirely by me over the course of the weekend. They are my favorite! We eat entirely too much and enjoy being with each other. I couldn't think of a better Christmas tradition to be a part of! I'm already looking forward to next year!

Merry Christmas from the Mobbs

2009-12-22T19:20:00.000-08:00

Bed rest prevented us from getting a holiday photo card out this year. So here's the virtual card-just pretend you got it out of your mailbox today!

Call me crazy

2009-12-21T19:09:00.001-08:00

I ordered these today and I can't wait for them to come! I've decided to use cloth diapers for RJ(one of Ruby's many nicknames-we'll cover that another day). My hubby, as awesome as he is, has not yet been convinced but I am certain that he will convert. If I dont buy any disposable diapers, he'll have to use them. That's my plan for now.

I know most, or maybe all, of you will think I'm absolutely crazy. And please don't be afraid to tell me. I can take it. I'm confident in my decision! Afterall, Korey and myself were both put in cloth diapers as babies and we survived. And these are much cuter than the plain white cloth with safety pins and plastic covers that our parents had!

Half way!!!

2009-12-17T06:27:00.000-08:00

I'm officially 32 days in with 32 days to go!! I think I'll make it. Especially if my mom keeps making me eggs benedict for breakfast. Can't beat that. Well, actually you can. Last time I had eggs benedict it was sitting on the back deck of a cruise ship somewhere in the Caribbean with my friends the Whitlocks. It was amazing! But I can't have that now, so I'll take mom's. And finally, here's the picture everyone is asking for. I'm 31 weeks. Please excuse the dog cage, horrible background, ponytail and no make-up. And despite the bow, we are not hoping for Ruby to be a Christmas present. Its just an accessory-I do what I can to entertain myself these days!

#2 and #3

2009-12-14T12:40:00.000-08:00

Two weekends ago my sweet sister-in-laws, best friend Kelly and my sister hosted a brunch for little Ruby. We decided to go ahead and have it even though I was on bedrest so Korey just dropped me off and I sat down the rest of the time. Trust me, if I so much as stood up to change seats, someone told me sit down. And Ruby racked up!! We got a bunch of the essential baby stuff but she also got some pretty cute clothes and accessories! Her closet is quickly filling up!

This weekend, the football coaching staff and their wives brought the party to our house. It was a surprise, but Korey had to tell me about it that morning in order to make me look presentable. Otherwise I would have been in my bed rest uniform which consists of pajamas or sweats and my uggs. Unfortunately no pictures, but again Ruby got some great stuff!

Shower #1

2009-12-10T14:55:00.000-08:00

Shower #1 was technically a brunch with 6 of my favorite girls, which could be the best kind of shower. It took place pre-bed rest in early November but I haven't gotten around to loading pictures. Ashleigh was in town from Memphis, Kate came thru Atlanta on her way back home to Chattanooga, and then Kathleen, Rachel, Kelly and my mom were there. We had a delicious meal at Murphy's and had a great time just hanging out and catching up. And to top it all off the best cupcakes I think I've ever had!!

Mom and her fancy coffee, me with the boring decaf!

Yummy and very cute cupcakes!

All my best friends!

Mom bought about 25 pacifiers, all different kinds. She says it's important for Ruby to choose what kind she likes. Ha! That's what's wrong with kids these days!

Aunt Rachel getting some practice with sweet Jack!

2009-12-10T06:49:00.000-08:00

I know I said I would be better at updating the blog while on bed rest. I guess I lied. But not intentionally. I just seem to always find other things to do. Like work, online Christmas shop, watch TV, read everyone else's blogs, or read my book or latest magazine. So to bring everyone (all 4 of you that read the blog) here's what's been happening.

Thanksgiving-The pre-bed rest plans were to go to middle-of-no-whereVirginia to celebrate at my Aunt and Uncle's. When I was growing up we always spent Thanksgiving up there. It usually included a little bit of snow, a big huge meal then jumping on the trampoline, and driving an hour and half to civilization on Friday to shop. We haven't been to Virginia since college so I was looking forward to it. But then bed rest happened. So my parents stayed in town and we joined the Stern family table next door. Korey was sick with a 24 hr stomach bug so no turkey for him on Thursday. On Friday, he was feeling better so we went to best friend Kelly's parents house for deep-fried turkey and marshmallow roasting. The picture below is the only one I will allow others to see (all others are horrible and point out the fact that my belly is huge and the my face is trying to catch up!).

Monday after Thanksgiving=night at Northside Hospital #2. Monday night I started having contractions every 2-3 minutes again which bought me, Korey and my mom another uncomfortable, sleepless night at the hospital. But after fluids and medication we were sent home the next morning. Everything checks out fine, my body just likes to contract. I'm hoping that by the time Ruby is allowed to make her way out, I'll be so used to contractions that it will be no big deal and she'll just come on out!!

Nursery-The picture posted on the previous post is not our nursery, only a picture of the furniture we ordered. I wish ours looked like that! But the furniture did come in and Korey put the crib together. Being put together and in the room is about as far as we've gotten. Here's the proud dad in action. Sorry for the poor quality but my camera battery was dead so I had to use the iphone(Merry Christmas, Ko).

No, thank you!

2009-12-04T10:32:00.000-08:00

First-I’m sorry Kelly for having to take back your birthday present. But don’t worry I will soon replace with something even better during one of my online shopping trips. This is why:

This AM I got on ticketmaster.com to get tix for probably the best concert to hit Atlanta ever. (Besides Celine Dion). Reba McEntire and George Strait are coming to town on Feb 25, 2010. I was pretty darn excited, but my smile was soon turned upside down! The ticket prices are RIDICULOUS!!!!! They are either $94 or $74 plus the $13.50 surcharge per ticket. So I thought I might could justify buying the $74 ones if they were half way decent seats. But the best available were section 409, row R(Kelly, think Tim McGraw a few years ago). So then I thought ok, even if it’s crazy to pay over 100 bucks for a concert ticket, if they were way up close it would be awesome and maybe worth it. Nope. This time the best available was section 313. I don’t think so!! Seriously! These two artists have been doing this for 25 years each and have all the money they could ever need, plus they have me as a number one fan. But not anymore. I’m stepping down. I haven't missed either one of their shows in Atlanta since I was a kid. But I will not pay that to sit in the rafters!!! I’m working on my complaint letter to their tour managers right now!!! And then I’m going to delete all the episodes of Reba’s tv show on my DVR.

And Kelly,
You, me and Ruby can just have our own little concert at the house that night. Please remember to bring your black Reba tshirt, circa 1993.

Day 10

2009-11-25T14:05:00.000-08:00

While I worked from the couch all day, Korey was sent on a few errands since I haven't been able to do them. I think he did more shopping today than he usually does in a year. He went to the bank, to Sam's to make a return and pick up a few things, to the mall to exchange some clothes, to Brands-mart to get us a new phone and to Wal-mart. Very impressive!! I was sure that once he saw the traffic and the crowds at Sam's he'd be back home in a hurry. But he completed the list without complaining! I'm pretty sure that by the end of the next 9 weeks he's going to be more ready than me for all this to be over!!

Day 9

2009-11-25T05:48:00.000-08:00

Ruby's crib and furniture has now been ordered! Yay!! Now I don't have to worry that if she makes her way into this world a little ahead of schedule that she won't have a place to sleep. I know, I know. She won't even sleep in the crib at first. All of you keep telling me this, but I bet you had your nursery ready before the baby came. Also-kind of cool that we bought the baby furniture from the same exact place that my parents bought my crib 28 years ago. Here's a little preview:

Day 8-Massages are awesome!

2009-11-23T13:37:00.000-08:00

So if you're pregnant or if you're going to be pregnant ever-you need a prenatal massage. I think it's a must, right up there with prenatal vitamins. And the more I think about it, even if you're not pregnant or never will be, you should probably have one too. The end.

First Weekend

2009-11-22T14:57:00.000-08:00

The first weekend wasn't so bad, but the days are definitely longer since I'm not working. Saturday I did something illegal when on bedrest. I went to my nephew's 1st Birthday party. Tyler would have been really, really upset if Aunt Mary hadn't been there. Ok, probably not, but it was nice to get out so I just went from my couch to theirs. Here are a few pictures:

Luke and Uncle Ko

The boys enjoying lunch. They won't know what to do when 2 girls arrive to the family in February!

Tyler thoroughly enjoying his birthday cake!

Sunday:Christmas shopping has begun!! Five Christmas presents, one birthday present and four hostess gifts will be arriving at my front door shortly!!

Day 5

2009-11-20T19:25:00.001-08:00

Today I got this yummy treat:

And got to see this precious little face:

Isn't she amazing? Yes, those are her feet up at her head (and she does have all her toes, they're just cut off by the 4-D field) She's breech right now, but doc says she has plenty of time to change positions.

Day 4

2009-11-20T19:13:00.000-08:00

Today I read, not just flipped through the pages, of the December issue of Elle magazine. Here's what I learned:
-Elle actually has articles and good writers
-According to Woody Harrelson who prefers organic clothing, cotton accounts for 50% of all pesticide use. I guess I'm not as green as I thought in my cotton tshirt and sweat pants. Bummer!
-The editor told me to be kind to others and myself by shopping. Ok.
-Elle Jet Setter feature was about Biarritz, France. I've been there. Not quite in Elle style, but I think it makes me cool either way.
-I've been thinking that since I'm naming child Ruby which is a precious gem I should get some jewelry as a result of having her. I found the perfect peice on page 167. Its Chopard and has 255 rubies and 57-carats of diamonds(price upon request).
-Apparently someone in the world will pay 400 bucks for underwear. Otherwise why would they market it?
-I want to see the movies The Private lives of Pippa Lee and Up in Air.
-And last-my horoscope reveals that this month is ideal to reflect on what I'd like to bring into my new birthday year (hmmm....a baby?) These people are good!

Day 3

2009-11-18T20:32:00.000-08:00

Today I think it started to hit me that life on the couch will be life as I know it for the next 9 weeks and 4 days. And it's not real fun. I lay here thinking about all the things that need to be done that I can't do. And even though everyone around me has been super supportive and has offered to help, and I'm greatly appreciative, its just not the same as when I get to cross the next item off the to do list. But I will survive. Instead of rushing through the day as usual, I have all the time in the world to stare at my growing belly and watch as Ruby uses me as her punching bag. This little life inside of me is truly amazing!

Today also marks a major milestone. My mom roasted a chicken for the first time ever! I love roasting chicken. There's something so Martha-ish and homey about it. So this weekend when the December issue of Food & Wine came in the mail, I drooled over the Tangerine, garlic and rosemary chicken. I kept giving mom a hard time about making it for me and tonight she did. I'm not sure how many times she had to call my grandmother or friends to ask questions, but it ended up delicious!! And pretty!! All we were missing was the recommended Chardonnay to go with it!

(shhhh...don't tell her. She's so proud, but she roasted it upside down!)

And a few words about Prozac Puppy. Does this look like rehab? I don't think so!

Bed Rest is for the birds!

2009-11-17T17:01:00.000-08:00

Baby Ruby decided to cause a little bit of excitement last Thursday which has now resulted in 10 weeks of bed rest. On Thursday afternoon on my way home from work, I kept what I thought might be contractions. I tried not to freak out, so came home and layed on the couch for a while. When the contractions didn't stop after about 45 minutes I called the doctor. He told me to wait another 30 minutes then come to the hospital. My mom, aunt and grandmother were on their way to my house for dinner so I kept waiting. My mom thought I was being overly dramatic and kept telling me to lay down and not worry about it(she now feels really bad). I ended up waiting about an hour and half more until Korey got home to go to the hospital. I really was hoping I was imagining the contractions and they would just call me crazy and send me home, but no such luck. They hooked me up to the monitor and I was having contractions every 2 minutes. So we got to do a trial run night at Northside hospital while they monitored me, ran some tests and gave me medication to stop the contractions. They sent me home Friday morning with more medication to take as needed and told me rest for the weekend. Unfortunately the contractions didn't stop over the weekend, so Monday morning I was officially put on bed rest until I'm 36 weeks. Awesome, huh?

So begins the bed rest blog. My friend Ashleigh and best friend Kelly have made requests for daily blog entries for the next 10 weeks. And really I have no excuse not to. Besides working from my couch or bed for 8 hours during the day, the rest of my time is free. And I think this time of bed rest will be a learning experience in spite or sounding like the most miserable 10 weeks of my life. And anything that I need to do to keep little Ruby incubating and healthy will be done. So each day I'll try to post something new in efforts to voice my boredom, frustration, gratitude, or comic relief as the weeks go by.

Day 1: (Yesterday) For right now, the hospital is allowing me to work from home and I'm so grateful. Not only does it mean that I don't have to take leave, but it gives me 8 hours a day of purpose. Also, lesson learned from the weekend. When you are pregnant and on bed rest, don't look at food magazines or blogs. Everything looks good and I can't make it. But best friend Kelly and my mom came to my rescue and made me these pumpkin cheesecake swirl brownies I'd been wanting. (Yes, it took both of them to make an 8x8 dish). Delicious!

Day 2: Tonight I got to lay on the sofa and just watch Korey vaccuum. Although I feel useless, there was something slightly rewarding about that! And thank you to our friends, the Dudish's, who brought over a yummy dinner and the most adorable handmade crocheted beanie for Ruby! Can't wait for Ashleigh to take her newborn pics wearing it!

Prozac Puppy Update

2009-11-05T09:30:00.001-08:00

She's in Rehab. Seriously. She's officially living at Mama Libby and Daddy Don's rehab facility for the next 3 months with very strict behavior modification taking place. She does have weekend visitation privelages. And even weekend passes to come home. But she still has to take her medication and follow rehab rules. Care packages are being accepted.

Its official

2009-10-14T19:19:00.000-07:00

My dog is crazy and on prozac. Yes, prozac. I took her to the vet today for routine shots and to talk to the vet about her crazy behaivor recently. She's always been slightly psychopathic, but recently its gotten much worse. She eats through dryer cords like it's her job, has torn up my laundry room door from scratching and has gotten her way out of any cage we put her in. When we're home-she's the sweetest, calmest pup ever. According to the vet its separation anxiety!!! What?? Who knew that was such a diagnosis for dogs? Here's the take home message: When you see the cutest little mutt puppy being given away on the side of the road-walk away. Because once you give in there is no turning back. You'll end up at the emergency vet on a Saturday because a fat kid in the neighborhood sat on her, you'll end up paying a mortgage payment in surgery bills when she eats aluminum foil and has a bowel obstruction and then you'll end up putting her on psychiatric drugs and love her inspite of it all.

Catch up

2009-10-05T18:41:00.001-07:00

I just uploaded a ton of pictures that I took on my mom's camera so I'll play blog catch up for a while. This summer my sweet cousin Jenn got married at Reynolds Plantation. It was beautiful and sweet and touching-everything a wedding should be!! She was absolutely beautiful and the wedding was a great party!

The bride and her dad walking down the aisle:

Ko and I on the dance floor. He's really excited about-can't you tell? So excited that later on in the evening when I was dancing like a fool he actually left the reception without me.

Ko and Mama Jackie-love them both so much!!

My dad, my cousin Dan and Ko. No, Dan is not gay.

Best friend Kelly and the Cardina girls. Hard to believe we've known each other 20 years!!One of the pictures I got of the bride. Sorry Jenn, but I love this picture. It really captures how much fun we were having on the dance floor.
And sweaty BFF's on the dance floor.

Jenn and Jason-great wedding and I'm so happy for you both!!

Game night

2009-10-04T18:20:00.000-07:00

Last night we got to babysit our nephews Luke and Tyler while their mom and dad were in Knoxville at the game. We couldn't resist some game night photos while we were all dressed up to cheer on our Vols. Besides my other two nephews that we went to watch the game with, kids don't get much cuter than these!!

$134 gone in 5 minutes

2009-09-12T17:44:00.000-07:00

When baby Mobbs doesn't have paint on the walls or diapers to wear she can thank her mommy and the mutt that lives with us. This morning I stopped at QuikTrip to get gas and had Piper in the car with me. I got out to pump the gas and left the keys in the car like I always do (but won't do anymore). When my tank was full I went to get back in the car only to realize that Piper, a.k.a. "Stupid" most of the time, had stepped on the lock button and locked herself and the keys inside the car, along with my cell phone. I spent the next few minutes trying to get her to step on the unlock button with no success. Yes, I looked and felt like an idiot. QT let me use their phone to call my parents who were 5 minutes away. My mom laughed hysterically the whole time I was talking to her which didnt' help the ego much. For the next hour we sat waiting on the locksmith to come. When he got there it took him all of 5 minutes to unlock the door and he charged me $134. So the money is gone and I learned a few lessons: Do not leave your keys in the car, own more than one key to your car(I dont' now, but will soon), and look into a AAA membership.

And another note on Stupid. Two nights ago she decided to eat the beautiful gold diaper bag seen below. Korey and I woke up to find it in a million little peices. Awesome. So my half price diaper bag is no longer such a deal because I've purchased two.

September 1st-Best day of 2009!

2009-09-01T18:22:00.000-07:00

Today was great for 2 reasons.

First we went to the doctor for my 16 weeks visit. They don't normally do an ultrasound at this point, but our doctor is great and knows that I see kids with crazy things all day so I worry a lot! So he threw in an extra ultrasound. And.......it's a GIRL!!! Yay!!! On Korey's side of the family, Baby Mobbs already has 4 boy cousins so its very exciting to be having the first girl. Another cousin is due a few days after us so we're hoping its a girl too but we have to wait a few weeks to find out. We registered today too and this is the first BabiesRUs purchase. What little girl doesn't need a gold diaper bag?!

Second reason that today was great: Pumpkin Spice lattes(decaf of course) are now available at your local Starbucks through December 31. I will probably have too many to count between now and then. Enjoy!

Sacrifice #1

2009-08-26T05:48:00.000-07:00

I know that being a mom will include sacrifices. And I'm slowly preparing myself for those that will come after Baby Mobbs gets here in February. But yesterday I wasn't ready. I was at TJ Maxx and was browsing the shoe aisle. The shoes I had on had officially broken at work and needed a replacement. I suppose I could have taken them to be repaired, but that's no fun. New shoes are more fun. So I'm perusing the size 8s and my eyes see the coveted "Frye" tag hanging from the shelf. My heart began to race a little. I love Frye shoes. I bought my Frye boots almost 7 years ago and still wear them. However, Frye thinks a lot of their shoes too and exhibit their love on the price tag. So its not too often I get the joy of buying them. But yesterday I fell in love with these:

I know, they aren't exactly practical, but I still loved them and could already picture the skirts, dresses, and jeans I'd wear them with. Then it hit me. I'm 15 weeks preggo. In a few months(maybe weeks at the rate I'm growing), I won't be able to see my shoes much less balance on the 3.5 inch heel. My mom who is always the encourager said to get them because I won't always be pregnant. So I wore them up and down the aisle a few more times congratulating myself on finding such a great deal on great shoes. (Retail price $232, TJ Maxx price $49.99). Then my conscience kicked in. No, I won't be preggo and fat forever, but from February on I will be toting around a baby. 3.5 inch heels aren't exactly the best mode of transportation for baby carrying for a klutz like me. Sadly, I removed the booties and set them back on the shelf for someone else to enjoy. Nice of me, huh?

Don't worry, I don't plan on resorting to sweat suits and flats for the rest of my life, so I compromised and bought another Steve Madden bootie with a 2 inch heel for an even cheaper price. And I'm slowly reaching a happy place after settling for second best.*

*This does not mean that I will not make every other day trips to TJ Maxx to see if the Fryes have been moved to the super clearance rack so that I can justify their impracticality.

Check this out!

2009-08-12T05:48:00.001-07:00

My sister has a blog! Yes!!!!!! She just posted pics from the honeymoon and wedding pics are coming soon, right Rach? If you're looking for an awesome place to vacation-go where they went. Playa Mujeres, Mexico. It's beautiful! Go see for yourself @ http://amarriagecelebration.blogspot.com/

I hate it when:

2009-08-10T18:20:00.001-07:00

People make their blog private. Here is why:
1) That means one less blog to surf over to and see if it's been updated every night or two
2) I think I'm really good friends with these people even though I've never met them or I haven't seen them in years because I read their blogs
3) I'm usually too embarassed to tell them that I stalk them so that I can get the log-in
4) The reason for blogs is so that random people can read about your life (ex. My parents, sibiling and best friends already know what's happening In the Mobb)

Let's make it official

2009-08-07T12:06:00.001-07:00

It's not official until it's on facebook AND the blog, right? Nevermind the nausea, growing belly and heartbeat that we saw and heard. So here he/she is:
Baby Mobbs will be making an entrance mid-February. We are beyond excited!!

Yesterday, I lost my husband

2009-08-02T08:21:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was August 1st which marks the official start of football season. In the Mobbs house this means that Korey will now devote every waking minute to Collins Hill football. So if you're the parent on the sidelines yelling at my husband-chill out. He puts a LOT of time and effort into coaching your kid. And if you want to hang out, call me. More than likely I'm at home alone. From now until December-Go Eagles!!

Sewing 101

2009-07-21T09:43:00.000-07:00

Last night best friend Kelly and I took our first sewing class. We signed up a few weeks ago at our local JoAnn's and weren't sure what to expect. But it was great!! We both brought our mom's sewing machines that were a little dusty and still in the boxes(no fancy carrying cases for us). Our mom's probably bought the machines on Walmart special a few ago compared to some other class participants with mac-daddy machines. But our stitches were just as crooked as theirs. Don't be looking for any masterpieces in the near future, but they will come people, they will come.

This time last year:

2009-07-20T19:26:00.000-07:00

This is what I was doing:

I was in France with my parents. We stayed in Marseille, but found out that the Tour de France was coming through a small town not too far away. Or at least we thought it wasn't far. I researched on the internet and Dad and I took off early one morning to catch the Tour. After an hour train ride we started looking for signs and buses to take us to our destination of St.Remy. No signs and no buses. We finally found someone that had heard of the town and pointed us in the right direction and said we could walk. So we started walking. After about 2 hours of walking along side the road of rural France, we saw a sign that said 17km. We were determined to make it but could not make it 17 more km. So Dad put his thumb up and we hitch-hiked. I have never hitch-hiked before and I probably won't ever again, but it was worth it. We made it to town with about 30 minutes to spare. After hours of traveling in the hot sun, the cyclists came thru town in about 30 seconds and it was over. Well worth it though! Definitely a once in a lifetime experience! To treat our hard work, we had a late lunch at this amazing little restaurant:

And if you're ever in the South of France, find St.Remy. It's a beautiful little boutique city with great hotels, shops, artwork and countryside! I wish I was there now!

-sorry the pics are small, I need my graphic designer sister here to help me when I blog

Disturbing dialogue of the evening...

2009-07-14T19:18:00.000-07:00

Setting: Mobbs living room

Me: Ko, its late and I'm going to bed. Are you coming?

Ko: No, I'm watching the All-Star game.

Me: Why? Its doesn't matter at all.

Ko: Yes, it does. The winners get home team advantage in the World Series.

Me: Ko, I don't think the Bravos are going to be playing in the World Series this year, so again, it doesn't matter.

Ko: But the Mets may be playing in the World Series.

Me: So...(then figuring out where he's going with this)...You are not a Mets fan now just because Jeff Francouer plays for them!!

Ko: Yes, I am.

Me: What?!?

Ko: I'll be cheering for the Mets later this week when they play the Braves.

Me: Oh my gosh!!! That's ridiculous!! (Thinking-I'm so going to blog this)

So, my husband is officially a trader. We both grew up on Atlanta Braves baseball! And he is now officially fair-weather! Sad, isn't it?

Independence Day!

2009-07-06T14:12:00.000-07:00

Yes, I still love that song by Martina McBride and I'm singing it to myself right now.

As for our 4th of July, it was busy and fun! We started the day with the Peachtree Road Race which I absolutely love!!! Its probably my favorite event of the year. From there we picked up Mama Jackie and headed to the lake. Best friend Kelly, Korey and I hung out on the beach for a few hours soaking up the sun while everyone else was on the boat tubing and skiing. Then we went back to Kelly's parents' house for the annual July 4th feast. Kelly's dad, Mr.Tom, cooked 40 lbs of chicken wings, a ton of BBQ and deep fried two turkeys. We only gained a few pounds. If you've never had a deep fried turkey you are missing out!! When Mr.Tom does it he brings it inside and we all just eat the fried skin like vultures. No forks are allowed. Don't judge-it's so good! On Sunday we slept in and then hit the lake. About an hour into the day it started pouring down rain so we headed for land quickly. The pictures of us in the rain are hilarious and I'll post them as soon as I find them, but for now: The famous turkey.

She's a Mrs!

2009-06-29T17:03:00.001-07:00

Just a few highlights from the weekend!

The Bride and Groom at the rehearsal dinner

Sisters

The after-party the night before the big day.

Beautiful bride heading out to meet her groom

The ceremony site
Actually sitting down to eat some dinner(I think this is the best decision ever!)

Cake!
I love this one!
Best friend Kelly caught the bouquet
Mr. and Mrs.

Rachel Annie

2009-06-24T06:55:00.001-07:00

My Granddaddy is in the background above, and will be present in our hearts this weekend!

Only 4 days until my sister will be a married woman!!!! The last few weeks have been packed full of showers and planning leading up to the big party on Sunday. I took all the shower pics on my mom's camera so I'll upload as soon as I get them. And wedding pics to come too! Congrats Rach!!

Life of a dog

2009-06-11T12:54:00.000-07:00

Today I worked from home and while I typed and talked away, this is what Piper did:

Didn't even lift her head for the photo op!

The garden is officially a success!

2009-06-10T16:37:00.000-07:00

I just picked the first fruit of the vine! And then I made a delectable dinner using the product. Here's the first squash of the season:

And here's the final creation:

One squash and basil from the Mobbs garden, two squash from this weeks veggie box. Also from the veggie box: broccolini, garlic, and some kind of greens. Pasta, pine nuts and tomatoes(mine aren't ripe yet) a la Publix. It was yummy!

The Happiest Place on Earth

2009-06-08T17:30:00.001-07:00

Disney World really is the happiest place on earth! I love it! Always have! Korey and I went last week with his family to stay for the week and hit up the parks. We weren't sure at first how it would go taking 4 boys under 4 years old to Disney in the hot summer sun, but we all had a blast! It was definitely hot, but it was great to watch the boys have so much fun! Instead of staying on the resort and paying a ton of money we rented a 5 bedroom house about 20 minutes from Disney. Great idea! We had our own pool and could come back for "naptime" and then hit the park or Downtown Disney in the evening. All week we kept saying how amazing Disney is. Its clean, the people are always nice and willing to help, and they have everything organized perfectly. And they make a ton of money off people like us! But worth every penny if you ask me!! (Beware-lots of pictures!)

Tyler=Best baby ever!

Snow White and my prince

Korey and I were chosen out of line to be in the Backlot Tour show. It was hilarious and we got soaked!

Korey jumped into "The Train" at Downtown Disney

Luke and Uncle Ko

Cooper

Luke

The guys in their 3-D glasses

Me and Luke

Chase and Cooper with Donald

Rafiki(the kids were gone to nap but we couldnt miss out on a character photo!)

Disney preview

2009-06-03T19:15:00.000-07:00

Korey and I were movie stars at Hollywood Studios last night. Get out the red carpet!

He did it!!

2009-05-21T09:05:00.001-07:00

Korey gave blood at school today!!! If you know Korey very well, you know this is a huge accomplishment. Huge!! Last time I made him go to the doctor, he turned white as a ghost just walking into the exam room. And once I was in the ER and the nurse came to take my blood pressure(a non-invasive procedure) and he turned white and started to fall in the floor. Luckily my mom was there to rescue him. And when he had his knee surgery he was the worse patient ever(probably the funniest event in our marraige took place at that time-ask later for details!)!! And last time he came to visit me at work he walked in the door and was pale and sweaty and said he was going to throw up. So, as you can see, Korey volunteering to do anything involving a needle and blood is huge! Next time you see him-tell him how proud you are!

She's getting married!

2009-05-19T17:48:00.001-07:00

I can't believe that my little sister is getting married in about 5 weeks! Crazy, but true! This weekend we had her lingerie/bachlorette party. Best friend Kelly hosted at their apartment and made some incredible food and drinks! Then the party started! I would not have guessed that most of the dancing would take place at the apt and included Rachel's soon-to-be mother-in-law! But it did. She's convinced we need to learn the "Single's Ladies" dance for the reception. And while I love me some Beyonce, I can not dance like Beyonce. I've tried. Here's some fun pictures from the evening. Yes, we did have an inflatable appendage accompany us for the evening. Pictures are rated PG.

The outfit is amazing! And the gift no one claimed to bring, but we know who it is!

Every bachlorette party needs hottie whistles. We were probably the most annoying people ever!

Self-explanatory, I think!

Beyonce dance-a-thon

Love this face!

End of the night=success!

Two signs of a crazy week

2009-05-15T20:54:00.000-07:00

1) One day after work I walked around the parking lot twice looking for my car. I even think I passed it the first time around.

2) Best friend Kelly and I were half way to a party last weekend and I suddenly realized I didn't put mascara on my left eye. I had completed the right eye on the way to pick up Kelly and must not have gotten another red light after that.

FOOD one eats, the LAND where it is grown, and the FARMERS who grow it.

2009-05-07T17:33:00.000-07:00

For the second year in a row I joined the Full Moon Farms Coop. When I tell most people this, they say "what?" So what is it?

"Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a resourceful social and economic arrangement in which consumers and farmers share responsibility for producing, delivering, and honoring food. CSAs create an opportunity for communities to actively participate in their social and ecological relationships by sustaining their own local farm and farmers. In practice, the CSA partnership fosters mutual respect and support between a community of eaters and a community of farmers."

The farm is in Athens, Ga so each weekend on the way to the lake either Ko and I or my parents pick up our share. Each box is filled with a variety of that weeks crop. Each week its a surprise. After I get the box and dig in to find out what's for dinner the rest of the week, I wash the produce and start my search for recipes. This week's box included potatoes, swiss chard, collard greens, spring onions, radishes, carrots, cilantro, bibb lettuce and a bag of mixed salad greens. Yum! So here's what we've had for dinner:

Hoppin' John with Collards from Cooking Light, December 2007

Although this version is better, but I couldn't put my hands on the recipe when I needed it:

Black-eyed pea stew, Cooking Light, October 2007

The next night I made Spring Green and Chicken Gratin from the latest Food & Wine magazine. Sorry no link, but it was so good! The best recipe so far with swiss chard. It was creamy and cozy on a rainy night! It's not real light which is probably why it was so good!

And tonight: Fresh Salmon-Cilantro Burgers, Cooking Light, May 2009

These were amazing!! I substituted avocado for the mayo in the sauce. Much better!! Make it, you'll love it! Oven roasted potatoes were a great side. And while all of the above were tasty and successful, I admit that tonight I also made gingersnaps and they were a complete mess. They came out sticky, gooey and flat. Nothing like my grandmothers! If you have a good recipe for gingersnaps, send it my way.

Bring on Summer!

2009-05-07T05:20:00.001-07:00

First weekend at the lake in 2009! The weather wasn't great but that means it can only get better! I have two goals for the summer: learn to back the boat into the water and go higher than dad on the wakeboard. I attempted backing just the boat trailer down the ramp this weekend and wasn't too successful. Luckily there was no one else there waiting on the ramp and dad was really patient. If I can learn to do it myself then we can have girls weekend at the lake. If I can't do it, I'll just have to look really good when I drive up to the dock and have some fishermen offer to do it for me. (Yes, it's been done before!) As for the wakeboard, for the past two summers I've had a cast on my arm or just had surgery. This year I'm ready!! So bring on the tan and bring on the fun!

How to embarrass my husband:

2009-04-29T17:52:00.000-07:00

I'm sure I embarrass him a lot, but this is one sure fire way!

1) Get invited by the Touchdown Club president to a Gwinnett Braves(ATL minors) game on opening weekend.

2) Not only get invited, but sit in a sweet suite!

3) Hang out with invitees family and 4 other coaches, wives and kids.

4) Enjoy watching all the kids watch Chopper, the mascot.

5) Invite Chopper into the suite for the kids.

6) Laugh as all the kids suddenly become Chopper-phobic, cry and run away.

7) Feel bad for Chopper and make Korey pose for photo (see below)

Take this, Michelle Obama!

2009-04-18T14:16:00.000-07:00

I'm not the first lady and I don't live at the most famous address in the US of A, but I can plant a garden too! For the last few years, I've grown tomatoes, peppers and herbs in pots on our back patio. But this year I wanted to step it up. I somehow talked Korey into digging up a small area in our backyard, spreading compost and then digging holes. I've told Korey that if he makes fun of my gardening obsession at all, he will not eat this summer. But today he told a friend at Home Depot that asked what we were up to: "Mary hugs trees on weekends". Maybe I do.

Here are some pics of the project. Not exactly the white house lawn, but almost.

Hopefully in the next few weeks or months we'll enjoy tomatoes, squash, blueberries, strawberries, jalapeno peppers, banana peppers, cayenne peppers, basil, oregano, parsley, and rosemary.