Dear Aunt Laura,

Thank you for the monkey bib!

I liked it so much I asked my mommy if I could wear it right away. She said it was too big, but I wore it anyway. As soon as I get bigger, I'm going to wear it all the time.


I can't wait to meet you.

Love,

Jack

Yesterday, Jack's umbilical cord fell off and he debuted his very own belly button. Which meant.......he could finally take his first bath!

For 75% of the bath, he loved it. He cooed adorably and seemed to enjoy the sensations.



But as you can see, the last 25% of the bath, he screamed bloody murder.


Oh well, I think he'll eventually like it.

Dear Jemar

With the extra pregnancy pounds, let's just say I love you a whole lot extra these days.........

Congratulations!

Did you know you can get a congratulatory note from the President when you have a baby? For free?? I think it's pretty awesome, particularly considering that it will be President and Mrs. Obama signing Jack's note!

I faxed the request in today. I'll post pictures when it comes next month!

Jonathan Leonard Tisby

Jemar and I are SO excited to welcome Jack into our family. On July 28th, I was exactly 39 weeks pregnant, and he came to us at 7 pounds, 11 ounces and 20 inches.

His first name, Jonathan, means "gift of God". In the past 12 months, we have been reminded of the fragility of life, something we hope we never take for granted. Jack is truly a gift, and one that we cherish.

His middle name, Leonard is a family name on both sides. We want Jack to be surround by strong men to emulate. He shares a name with his father, paternal great-grandfather, maternal grandfather, and maternal great-grandfather. How could he help but be a strong little man with a legacy like that?!?

As for the Jack, our son is truly a southern boy. And every southern boy needs a nickname. Our southern boy goes by Jack, Cutie, Pumpkin Baby and Jack Jack.

7 Reasons I'll Miss Being Pregnant

As Monkey's eviction notice goes into effect tomorrow, I am swiftly realizing that today is my last day of being pregnant. While I'm looking forward to meeting him (let's be real, I would bet money I'm getting my boy!), I'm also kind of sad about losing the identity I've had for the last 39 weeks. It's such a special time, and it's hard to believe it's almost over.

In the last month or so, at least one person a day asks me how I'm feeling and assumes I'm sick of being pregnant. Here's the truth: It actually doesn't bother me that much. 9 out of 10 days, I feel like I could be pregnant for another few months. As for that 10th day, the discomfort level is so low it doesn't really bother me either.

I've been doing some thinking over the weekend, and I think I've determined the biggest reasons I'll miss being pregnant:


7. Sleep

All of my pregnant friends and moms are a little angry with me over this one. While pregnant, I sleep like the dead. It doesn't matter how big I've gotten, I still sleep like a rock, with limited bathroom breaks and no bouts of insomnia. I actually look forward to going to bed each night, knowing I'm going to have a great night's sleep.


6. FOOD

If I eat a ridiculous amount now, I have a clear excuse. BIG belly = BIG food. When you're already gaining a zillion pounds, having cake for breakfast really doesn't seem that big a deal. Once this kids pops out however, it's back to eating like a responsible adult. (As I can't eat after midnight tonight, I have one last day to gorge. I intend to take advantage of it.)


5. You can bring total strangers to tears

Despite the roller coaster of emotions that pregnancy brings, there's a mood boost you get that's like no other. Little compares to the excitement and anticipation of what's to come. And it's not just your mood that gets a list. The bigger you get, the more you notice other people's response. They look at you in the most endearing way -- and yes, they occasionally gush and break into tears. When we were in Mexico, a woman walked by looking at my huge belly, and a big smile spread across her face. I couldn't help but smile back.

4. You get VIP treatment.

When people see your growing belly, they often roll out the red carpet. I've been offered seats on a bus, people have volunteered to pump my gas, and everyone is suddenly willing to fetch me drinks or carry my bags. Other VIP perks include doors being held open, prime parking spots and the first spot in the food line. (Stereotypical perhaps, but hey, I'm not turning it down!)

3. Child Care is SO much easier!

Right now it's easy to feed, bathe, sooth, and rock Monkey to sleep. It will be much more difficult once s/he's out of my uterus.

2. Jemar-care

I currently get foot rubs, back rubs and pretty much whatever I want whenever I ask for it. PLUS, anytime he goes to a store, he comes back with candy. In the last four days he's brought me sour skittles, BIG nerds, sour patch straws and IBC root beer. In fact, I'm blaming at least 10 pounds on Jemar-care.

However, I'm pretty sure he'll drop me like a bad habit once Monkey is here.


1. Baby Connection

There is nothing more special then feeling Monkey move. It's a special connection that's primarily just between us. While it is often uncomfortable (and makes my stomach move into crazy contortions), it's also the sweetest sensation. I'll miss being able to rub my belly and feel comforted knowing he/she is safe.

Coming Soon!

Well friends, big news on the baby front. Since Monkey is breech, it's really dangerous if I were to go into labor now. As a result, we've scheduled a c-section for Wednesday the 28th. It's quite disappointing as it is the exact opposite of the childbirth experience we were hoping for, but it's also exciting to know that we get to meet Monkey in just 4 days.

It's a little like knowing the day of your execution (take the uber-negative connotation away and work with me here). We know this is our last Saturday alone. We know that after tomorrow, the next time we go to church we'll have a baby with us. We know that these are our last days and minutes as a duo. So, we are doing everything we can to cherish the moments.

4 days and counting........

Public Service Announcement

Dear family, friends and any other curious minds:

If you are curious as to whether I've had this baby, ask yourself the following questions:
-Have you gotten a phone call, text message or email from me introducing a baby?
-If that doesn't keep you from contacting me, visit: http://www.haveyouhadthatbabyyet.com/

Bottom Line - the baby isn't here. Stop bugging me.

You Get in the Bowl

http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/watch?v=YEiFIKBPUq8

Can I just say, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this commercial!

Seriously? Seriously?

Well friends, I learned many new things today:

1) Monkey is approximately 7lbs and 15 oz (give or take a pound)

2) Monkey has hair! It was hard to see, but it looked like a lot.

3) Monkey has a larger than average head. It's measuring about one week larger than the rest of him/her. In the words of the ultrasound technician: "There's the head...........and it's not a small one"

Finally and most importantly - After six weeks of being in perfect birthing position, Monkey decided it would be fun to flip upside down. He or she is currently in perfect breech position which complicates just about everything.

The odds of it happening this late in the game? Less than 7%.

Wamp. Wamp.

First Birthday Party Traditions

Because of a new book I just finished reading, I've been thinking a lot about first birthday parties. How big should they be? How much is too much? Is it ridiculous to go to that much trouble for a kid that would be happy with a cardboard box? That sort of thing. While Jemar and I clearly haven't made any decisions, we did agree on one thing: on Monkey's first birthday night, we'll be celebrating the milestone with a tequila shot. Don't judge - keeping a child alive and thriving for a year deserves some liquor :)

Today however, I've been thinking about the tradition of a baby destroying the birthday cake. Am I a bad mom for saying it repulses me?


Any other day a child would be punished for playing with their food. What's so special about that one day that we turn a blind eye and think it's cute. Is it just for a picture? I'd rather my child be covered in dirt from jumping in mud piles than covered in cake and frosting. (Particularly if that cake is funfetti. What a waste!!)

Monkey will most likely be given a cupcake. It may or may not have icing. Feel free to judge away.

Jemar: I want the baby to come out.

Janee': Right now?

Jemar: No, I'm kind of tired now. Maybe in the morning?

Daddy: I read your blog post. I'm going to start telling people to visit and call as soon as the baby is born.

Janee': Why are you so contrary?

Daddy: I don't know, but now you know where you get it from.

Babymoon #2

So, you already know about our trip to Cancun. But there is another type of babymoon we're taking as well.

http://www.myriamedia.com/press/chicagotribune-babymoon.htm

I think its incredibly important to time away to celebrate the creation of a new family unit. After a wedding, its the honeymoon. The time you take to spend with your new spouse and develop that relationship. The time you take to be alone, just the two of you. After a great deal of thought and research, Jemar and I realized that we needed this time after the birth of our child. It's not the most popular idea and actually can raise some strong reactions, but we both feel it's the right move for us.

At our wedding, my last single girl moments were spent with my Mother (who was my matron of honor) and my Daddy (who was giving me away). No one else was around, it was just us. Its not as though we talked about anything deep or shared any meaningful glances, but it meant the world to me. Likewise, at the end of the night when it was finally just Jemar and I, that quiet time together was the most special. I want to experience the same thing after our child is born.

Assuming this is a normal, complication free delivery, Jemar will take a week off work. During that time, we will essentially go into hiding. After sending a text or a voicemail letting everyone know of the safe arrival, phones will be turned on silent and our babymoon will begin. For seven days, we'll bond and have the chance to fall further in love with each other. It will be just Jemar, myself and Monkey; a new family taking time to get to know each other.

By the end of that week, Monkey will know who his parents are. Jemar (who has NEVER changed a diaper and admits he's at a loss with baby care) will be able to learn in peace and when he goes back to work will have confidence that he can take care of his child with or without me present. As for me, I'll be content knowing that Jemar and I have learned how to work together to take care of Monkey and that when visitors do come, they'll be fitting into our system instead of the other way around.

What about our parents you ask? We LOVE both sets of our parents. They are involved a great deal in our lives, but they never overstep. They really give us the chance to live and make our own mistakes. We can't wait to see our parents (and parents-in-law) hold and love on their new grandchild. (I also can't wait until they take him/her for the summer either, but that's another post). But despite the excitement we will feel that day, I know the baby will be at least a week old before it happens.

Thankfully, we've been blessed with two sets of parents that will understand. In fact, back when news of the baby was new, it was my super-sweet mother-in-law that told me while they would come rushing down in August, they would wait and give us time together as a family. We feel blessed to have their support in our "babymoon"............but we're also looking forward to having eight extra helping hands!

So friends, for seven days we will be incommunicado. We won't answer our door. We most likely won't return phone calls or texts. But we will, spend every moment reveling in our new life. But don't worry, I'll make sure one or both of us, posts messages and pictures so that while you can't talk to us or be there, you'll still be updated on Monkey and the new Tisby family.

It maybe selfish or too controlling, but it's the best thing for our family, and we're ready to fight to make sure it gets honored. And you know what they say, anything worth having, is worth fighting for!

Sippy Cups are NOT for Chardonnay

As you can see, I'm reading a new book - one that's right up my alley.......(no judgment please). I started last night and I'm loving it! The author's close friend is Chelsea Handler, so you know it has to be funny.

My favorite quote thus far: "If you're holding your baby 24/7, that's not a baby, that's a tumor"

Bad mom, party of 1?

Babymoon Reflections

Did you ever dream of being a rock star? Travel to Mexico pregnant and you'll feel like you are. Everyone from fellow guests, to the resort staff to everyday citizens LOVED talking about and talking to Monkey.

Every time we went to the Cocay restaurant at our resort, the hostess would talk to the baby and ask him/her how their day was going. Others were desperate to offer any help or to share their thoughts on the sex of the baby and offer name suggestions. Their excitement, was contagious and added to our own.

In addition to basking in our excitement, we also spent time reflecting on how different our future vacations would be. During our week in Cancun, we were really excited to see so many families traveling with small children. While we knew the experience would be completely different with a baby along, we also knew that even with Monkey, we wouldn't have to give up something that was so important to both of us.

So naturally, we talked a lot about how we would travel with a little one and where we would go next. Jemar has always wanted to visit Italy, so that's on top of the list, but we're also thinking of Greece as a possibility. Either way, there are a lot more adventures in store for the Tisbys! We know a trip to the beach will never be the same, and will probably never be as relaxing, but we're excited about the new moments and experiences we will have to cherish. So for now, it's all about the research and finding the smoothest way to travel to Europe with a 10 month old.

Get ready Monkey, there's a whole world waiting for you to explore!

Excuses start.......NOW!

Four weeks and counting, which means, Monkey is full term and could be here any day. Yikes! Maybe now would be a good time to pack a GO bag.....

Anyhow, this entire pregnancy I have made a point to not use my little parasite as an excuse and to be as active as possible. However, I have a feeling all that is about to change. Why? Look to the left.

This is an actual representation of my current inner workings. Do you notice how squashed everything is? Do you see where my liver is? I was a science teacher, I know it shouldn't be there!

Consequently, the next few weeks have been dubbed, "Do-whatever-Janee'-wants-and-like-it" time. And I believe I shall start with a back rub.......Oh, Je-m-ar......

Lost Shoe

A while ago, Jemar woke me up to (accusingly) ask me if I took his black shoe. Not both of them mind you, just one.

Almost two months later, the shoe is still missing.

Who loses one shoe?!? Jemar does.

(To this day, he still thinks I hid it somewhere)




PS - Jemar feels I need to tell you that this is an ugly shoe and he'd never wear a loafer.

35 week Update

Today is 35 weeks! Which means we have exactly 35 days to go, until D-Day.

I, personally, don't think we'll make it that far. I predict a July Monkey. What do you think?

In terms of preparing, we're almost there. This Saturday, Jemar and I have an Outlook date (don't judge, syncing our business calendars are the only way we see each other) for final baby purchases, and of course to see Eclipse!

Monkey could weigh anywhere from 5 1/2 to 6 1/2 pounds now, and is developmentally finished. From here on out, he/she will simply be adding on the pounds.

PS - Monkey LOVED Cancun! Couldn't get enough of the beach and the virgin drinks they kept feeding us.

Cancun Adventure: Sunset Dinner Cruise

One of our last evenings in Cancun, we took a dinner cruise around Cancun's skyline with six other couples and a fabulous staff. After we made it halfway between the dock and the gulf, we anchored and the chefs fired up the grill. Jemar (who loves any and everything grill related) spent some time talking with the chef and watching him grill the steak and lobster tails.


After dinner, Pepe serenaded everyone with his saxophone as the ship's lights turned on and impromptu dancing broke out. All in all, a blissful evening.

Cancun Adventure: Swimming with the Dolphins

At a local aquarium in Cancun, Jemar took the chance to swim with the dolphins. For an hour, he and a group of others petted the dolphins, "kissed" the dolphins, "hugged" the dolphins and for the grand finale - enjoyed a dolphin push. Essentially, he floated dead-man style as two dolphins swam up behind him and pushed him forward by his feet about 50 yards or so.

Jemar says the hour went by quickly, but it was one of his favorite memories. As for the dolphins, he described them as feeling like "wet velvet".

*Curious as to why I didn't join the fun? Apparently, dolphins are extremely curious about pregnant women and often concentrate on them to the exclusion of others. Dolphins (likely through sonar) can hear the heartbeat of the baby and use their noeses to investigate. Isn't that fascinating?!?

Bliss

Well friends, we are back from Cancun and had a blissful time. I'll update more later.

In the meantime, we're settling back into work, working feverishly to prepare for monkey and thinking about our next adventure.

And we're off.......

See you in seven days!

Week in Review

What a crazy week! Sorry for the gap in posts, but here's a recap:

1) Community group at church threw a baby shower on Monday night. Lots of fun!

2) My parents & nephew visited for the weekend, which was full of fun (and surprises :)

3) The plumber determined the cause of the basement flood to be a rotted and busted pipe (pictured).

4) The plumber jackhammered a hole in the side of our house to fix said pipe.

5) Beginning on Tuesday and continuing until Friday, I woke up at 5am, dressed and drove to Cleveland at 5:30am where I stayed and worked until 7pm each night. Do the math, that's a lot of hours and a lot of miles.

6) The baby is officially head down (and should stay that way) and we're only 7 weeks away to D-day.

7) I was awakened on Saturday morning to Jemar singing "If You Like Pina Coladas" to our unborn child and packing all of his linen clothes into his vacation suitcase.

8) A sick cat means not only a trip to the vet but an $85 bill that includes special food and two types of medicine.

9) Apparently our Allstate claims agent only works after hours because that's the only time he calls. However, an awkward Sunday afternoon visit will net us a check to pay off the exorbitant repair fees for our basement.

10) A co-worker touched the belly to feel the baby move. After about five seconds, she jerked her hand back and exclaimed: "I don't know what that baby's doing in there but that's some serious moving!"

And finally, we leave for vacation in approximately 36 hours!

Dear post lady of Helena, Arkansas,

Today I waited as you walked up my sidewalk to intercept my mail. To my hello, you said "when are you due, you look small?". Just so you know, this is not considered polite or appropriate conversation among strangers.

Please reevaluate your greeting.

Sincerely,
Janee'

Question: Yes or No?

So, I LOVE this. It's more traditional that I usually go for, but it's perfect! The monkey reference is icing on the cake.

Here's the question, how would this work on chocolate walls? OR, could it be hung on a white door instead?

Should I buy? Yes or no?

While watching Criminal Minds:

Jemar: Look! Shemar Moore is bald and he looks good. I'd look good bald.

Janee': It's Shemar Moore! He always looks good.

Jemar: I didn't know you thought Shemar Moore was attractive.

Janee': It's Shemar Moore!

Jemar: I have big eyebrows like he does. Do we look alike?

Janee': Silence

The Desk

SO, sometimes I forget I'm pregnant and like to do the things I've always done. When I'm at home, it's not a big deal, but when I'm with other people, it gets noticed.

For instance, anytime I meet with one of my corps members in their classroom, I always sit in a students desk. Well, its never been a problem before, but its starting to become one. I actually can still fit in student desks, I just look ridiculous doing it. While my corps members have never said anything, I generally get this telling look as they rush over and ask if I want another chair. For some reason, I just can't say yes.

One day, I'm gonna get stuck. When that happens, I have no doubt my CM will laugh hysterically and feel the need to share with everyone else. As for me, that will be the day my self-imposed exile from the rest of the world will begin.

Pregnancy and Privacy

After nearly eight months of pregnancy, I've learned a lot. The above diagram really illustrates how I feel in general, particularly the pink circle: "To kill you". If that seems drastic to you, allow me to elaborate.

We American's have very strong sense of privacy and appropriateness. There are certain things we would never ask and certain things we would never say unless we were talking to a spouse or a someone we were amazingly close to. However, all of that changes when you're pregnant. All of a sudden, people feel its perfectly ok to invade your privacy. They'll tell you what to eat, what to wear and ask you all manner of private things. Overnight, you seem to go from being a woman to being a walking pregnant belly.

Well friends, as an independent woman (that happens to be pregnant), I've found that there are a number of things that just aren't ok. Here are some of them and the things I WISH I could say in response:

1. Were you trying? You mean did I engage in intercourse with my spouse continuously and repeatedly during times of ovulation so as to conceive? (When put that way you realize what you're really asking, huh?)

2. Can I touch your belly? Unless you are the person who put this baby in here or the one who is taking him out, hands off!

3. You're not allowed to (drink that/work that/eat that, etc., etc.). Gee, thanks for the advice. I had no idea you were an obstetrician!

4. How are you feeling? Well actually, my back feels like I'm being stabbed repeatedly, leaning over causes serious pain and I can't get up or down without grimacing. Do you want to hear more or is that enough?

5. Don't you just love being pregnant? Am I thankful to be pregnant, yes. Am I looking forward to this child, yes. Do I enjoy constant pain, discomfort and exhaustion, no.

6. Will you have another one? I'd actually like to enjoy this one before I start looking into the future, but thanks for asking.

7. You're huge! No really, pregnant women love it when you tell them how big they look.

8. Do you know what you're going to call him/her? Yes, we've thought of a name. No, I don't want your opinion.

9. When I was pregnant ______ happened, it'll happen to you too. Actually, no it didn't. Every pregnancy is different. But thanks for the tip!

10. Oh! Are you pregnant? Get lost! Can't you see I'm trying to shoplift this basketball.

Operation Water Extraction (part 2)

One week later, the four feet of water is out of the basement. The water heater has been replaced, and now we're simply waiting for the electrician to replace the fuse box and for a new boiler to be installed. Fun, right?

To commemorate the occasion, here are some pictures from the Great Water War of 2010:

So, when Jemar took this picture, his head was on the ceiling. That's how deep the water was. You can almost see all the way down to the floor from this angle.







This picture was taken after a portion of the water was drained out. From the water mark, you can see how much of the fuse box was covered. FYI - It has to be replaced.







And finally, the water heater. You can't tell, but its actually floating on top of the water. On Friday it was removed and another installed in its place. Now, its on to replacing the boiler!






P.S. - As a result of the boiler being out, we don't have air conditioning on the main level.
P.P.S. - It's 96 degrees in the Delta today.
P.P.P.S. - As a result of the above, I've decided any and every type of food is fair game. I'll count calories tomorrow instead.

Graduation Day in Helena

Tonight, 23 students will graduate from KIPP Delta Collegiate High School. KIPP Delta's first graduating class. How amazing!

http://www.rexnelsonsouthernfried.com/?p=971


PS - College acceptance rates in this class....100%!

Blessed

In the midst of uncertainty surrounding our air conditioner, water heater, washer and dryer and still leaky basement, I feel incredibly blessed today:

I have the BEST church family and I am so grateful for them. Whether its impromptu weekday lunches, witty text messages or surprising phone calls - They rock my world.

Operation Water Extraction (part 1)

Remember that 15 hour work day? Well tomorrow is here. Now its off to Lowe's in Southaven to purchase a sump pump and drive back to Helena all before church starts at 10:30. Which is why I set the alarm for 6:45am.

On a Sunday. 6:45am. This too shall pass. At least I hope so!

This too shall pass

After working a 15 hour day (Saturday, no less) I received the following text message from Jemar just as I was about to make the 1.5 hour drive home:

"We have a disaster in the basement. 3 1/2 to 4 feet of standing water. The central heat/AC is shot"

I'm sure I'll be upset tomorrow. I'm sure I'll be overwhelmed in the coming days. But for now, I'm just going to sit and enjoy my 4 oz of wine. For now I'm going to sleep without worrying.

"After all, tomorrow is another day"

Mini-freakout.......averted

So, I'm officially in my third trimester. Two-thirds of the way finished. Seven months pregnant. However you want to say it, monkey could be here in as little as 10 weeks. This number has been freaking me out.

Neither Jemar or I are ready. The nursery isn't ready. The baby still doesn't have clothes and I haven't decided on a diaper system yet. And there's only 10 weeks to go!! Eeek!

I was driving home after lunch on Friday and 10 weeks kept popping through my head. By the time I drove up into our driveway, I was in full blown freak-out mode. And then I saw the most beautiful thing waiting for me at our back door.

Seeing this box helped me to realize that everything is and will continue to fall into place. Of course that didn't stop me from tearing it open as soon as I walked in the door.......
















Yes, we bought our child an argyle car seat. You aren't really surprised are you? Isn't it fabulous?!?!

8 Reasons I LOVED my baby shower.....

1. Baby Shower Cake - How amazing looking is this cake?!? (It tasted even better)












2. Stephens Reunion - All my Stephens College favorites in one place! What could be more perfect?











3. Taco Bar - Food wise, we had a taco bar. Lots of different salsa options, ground beef, shredded chicken and various taco shells and chips. Yum, yum, and yum!

4. Surprise visitors! - My Delta roommate Julie's mom, Bridget and her boyfriend, Kevin drove up from Topeka and surprised me. I haven't seen her since Julie's wedding and having her there meant so much.

(Slightly random story - During our first year of teaching, Bridget and Kevin were living in New Orleans so Julie and I drove up to visit them for the weekend. On our last night there, Kevin grilled some massive steaks that took up an entire dinner plate. He intended for Julie and I to share one steak since they were so large. But, he didn't realize what we were capable of. We ate one whole steak each and even saved room for dessert! Two years later, he's still mystified as to how two, tiny girls could eat all that food)


5. My very own, Edible Arrangement - Have you seen these commercials on TV? I've been wanting one for months. Laura surprised me with this beauty. It was just as tasty as I imagined.















6. The BEST onesie - Christine bought this adorable onesie for Monkey. SO perfect.

















7. Baby books - My Stephens friend Hannah is also in education, so she knows the value of reading. These are the first books in Monkey's collection!










8. Nursery Wall Art - Laura found this fabulous clock in Columbia. Isn't it great?! Love, love, love.

Baby Shower Re-Cap

If you didn't know before, I'm not really the "typical" pregnant woman. I don't like being touched. I don't like swapping pregnancy stories and I generally steer far, far away from typical maternity clothes. (More than once, okay more than five times, someone has congratulated me, and I got a stupid look on my face and asked them why) .I tell you this so you can draw your own conclusions about how I was feeling about my baby shower. NERVOUS would be the answer.

However, I shouldn't have worried. My mother, sister and dear friend Laura threw a modern, un-sappy baby shower that I really enjoyed. No silly games (measure MY stomach? I think not), no babyish decorations, just friends, tacos, cake and fun.

Thanks to all that came out. But a special thanks to the fantastic organizers.

I'll share my favorite things with you later.

Forget Me Not

"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal."

Today should have been your day, and I can't help wishing you were here. You are always in my thoughts and forever in my heart.

BANG!

Picture this, 30+ people are coming over to your house for a Friday night birthday party. You've planned every minute to the hour and run to the grocery store for a last minute purchase before heading home and putting the finishing touches of everything.

You get to the turn for your street (with 72 minutes to spare before guests begin arriving) and BANG! Literally, bang.

























When the accident happened, I was flustered and frustrated. It happened in the middle of a busy road in Helena and I hated being so exposed. Plus, I had carefully planned for this party and it suddenly seemed it wouldn't happen. Thankfully, I knew Jemar was on his way home so I just had to call and get him to hurry and then wait. It turned out that it only took about 20 minutes to give our statements, get checked out by the ambulance (thanks Jemar) and finally for me to walk home. So, as you saw from the pictures, the party did commence and the accident just became a party story.

Since then, I've picked up the rental car and have entered the frustrating world of appraisers, insurance claims and purchasing cars. But more than anything else, I'm missing my car. Journey has been with me for four years and we've had tons of memories.

I've driven it to Destin, Florida twice. She's been in New Orleans enough times to be a temporary resident. She was with me as I drove back and forth between Helena and Cleveland almost on a daily basis. She's made the trip to Kansas City and Waukegan, IL countless times. Beyond the big trips though, the smaller memories are what I'll really miss. Jemar proposed to me as we sat in Journey at Rosedale Park under the Delta stars. Julie and I took her on a trip to the same park and drank champagne to celebrate the end of our first year of teaching. Countless memories happened in Journey, it makes me wonder what the next car will bring.

Would you miss your car if you lost it? Why?

Happy Birthday Jemar (Part 2)!!

Jemar's official birthday celebration took place on Friday, the 23rd. We invited about 30 of our friends over for desserts and cocktails.
In addition to the Alice Chow cake that Jemar is posing with, we also served mini-cheesecakes, lemon bars, puppy chow and finally, chocolate fondue with fresh strawberries and pineapples. Yum!


Drink-wise, we had about 30 different types of beer (our refrigerator is still full) three types of wine and a sparkling punch.

We had lots of fun and ended up playing Encore until midnight. Jemar loved it and brought in 30 with a bang.

Literally. More on that later........

Happy Birthday Jemar! (Part 1)

Today, Earth Day, Jemar celebrated his 30th birthday. What did he want to do? Make one of his favorite dishes - Pork Tenderloin and Bacon with stewed white beans.



(Generally on birthdays, everyone other than the birthday person does all the work. Today, I just sat and watched Project Runway episodes while the birthday boy did all the work. Fabulous!)































The finished product! (Yes, that is wine. Yes, I drank it. And yes, it was delicious :)



The culmination of Jemar's birthday celebration is tomorrow. Stay tuned......