Mardi Gras Recap

I'm not exactly sure how Father Time manages to make it happen, but it seems that while the minutes tend to creep by the days can still simultaneously fly. I look back and think "Wait! What happened to February?"
In case you live under a rock, Mardi Gras ended last week. Instead of the typical bang it likes to end on, my Fat Tuesday went out with more of a sigh. I didn't fall into my bed fully clothed and exhausted from a day of walking the streets of downtowm Mobile, catching moonpies and drinking warm beers from my purse.

Instead I spent it with Charlotte buying a new television for the upstairs playroom/guest suite.

And that was just as wonderful. Plus I felt much better when I finally returned to work on Wednesday.

We did manage to squeeze in some adult fun that weekend thanks to my wonderful parents. They made the long trip to see all of us. (I'm totally delusional-they just came to see Charlotte and spoil her rotten!)

On the Friday night before Fat Tuesday we went to a Mardi Gras ball in Fairhope. It was the Maids of Jubilee soiree and it was F-U-N. We almost didn't make it because someonewhoshallremainnameless realized at 6:15 that night he had somehow managed to lose his tuxedo pants. I know what you're thinking and trust me--I don't know how you lose your pants either. Thankfully, after my breakdown and tears of anger and frustration, dear H went and rented some tuxedo pants for the evening.

Having a gay man feel you up is a small price to pay for making your wife incredibly happy.

While we had a wonderful time, I realized that the best part of a party is usually the morning after when you all get to sit around in your pajamas and giggle about the antics from the night before. I think our conversations went something like...

"And that's when Hannah decided to ride in Waylon's car seat the whole way home!"
"I can't believe I walked all over Fairhope barefooted and I don't have grocery-store feet!"
"So I just shoved a couple of taquitos in my pocket and walked away"

Or my personal favorite..."Tiffany, I think I lost my jacket and cumberbund last night."

To which I can only think at least he didn't lose those rented pants.

Saturday we went to Biloxi for the evening. I've only been away from the babe for one night, so not seeing her for two nights was really tough. I could hardly concentrate on my crab legs and vodka tonics at the casino. But don't worry...I managed. ;) We lost too much money, stayed in a cheap hotel, and had a wonderful time. H was even able to make a Waffle House run at 2 am, just like back in our college days.

It was wonderful to get away, but it was even better to get home. It's amazing how much you can miss the little gal when 8 1/2 months ago we didn't even know her. My how times have changed. And my how exhausted my parents were!

Charlotte did a number on them and I'm still not quite sure they've recovered.

Happy Lenten Season to you and yours! Laissez le bon tempes roulez--at least until next year!

Progressive Dinner

I love the holiday season! For the past few years our street has had a Progressive Dinner around the first of December. This is the third annual event and I must say it gets better every year!

In case you aren't familiar, a Progressive Dinner is where each house will host a different course of the meal. Usually there will be 3 or 4 women who pitch in to help at each house so it's not so much money and hassle on one host. (Who am I kidding here with my political correctness/gender neutrality--we all know I mean hostess because honestly...what dude is gonna go through this kind of hassle to impress the neighbors?)

But anyway-our little party started with cocktails at the first home while we waited for everyone to get off work and get into "party mode". After about an hour of cocktails, all of the neighbors had arrived so we all strolled over to the next house for appetizers.

For the appetizer course we had delicious mini crawfish pies, brie cheese and crackers, a vegetable tray, and some bite-size sandwiches. Let me tell you-the crawfish pies were divine. As in, the Heavens opened and angels sang "Hallelujah!" in perfect unison.

We moved on to the Bullard home for our entree and of course, we were not disappointed there either. Shrimp and grits, salad, and french bread made the perfect meal on a cold December night. I love Shrimp. And grits. So when you put them together it is nothing but spectacular.

Side Note: This is also true for Champagne and Orange Juice.

After our entree, we stumbled (because by this point in the evening "stroll" doesn't seem to be the appropriate descriptive word to use) on down to the McCain residence for desserts.

This is where yours truly comes in! I contributed to the party by making Magic Bars. Normally I am not a baker. I love to cook, but my expertise is more in tune with the appetizer course. I have made enough dips and apps in my life to qualify as an expert, trust me! This year I was put on the dessert course, which is totally fine except that it took me until the day before the event to actually commit to what dessert I would make. Since I don't own a mixer and the other baking necessities, I was limited to what I could create.

I know, it's a travesty that a self-proclaimed Southern belle like myself doesn't own a mixer. But keep in mind that I am married to the man who once asked the Dauphin Island ice cream truck driver if he had any biscuits and gravy. There isn't much of a need for sweets in our household. Now I could just learn to make my own bacon...

Thankfully, the only real baking skill that Magic Bars require is the ability to crush a sleeve of graham crackers-and that I can do! And although my Magic Bars weren't the favorite, I did hear quite a few compliments on them. The winner of the dessert menu was Amy's delish Oreo Truffles. I did help her make them, though, so maybe I can claim a small victory in that.

If you live in a neighborhood, let me encourage you to start a Progressive Dinner each year around the holidays. It's such a wonderful way to bond with your neighbors! Being the Nosy Nelly that I am, I always enjoy getting a glimpse at the way other people decorate their historical homes. And of course, who doesn't like to see everyone's Christmas decor!?!?

The only problem is that it makes me realize how much work we still need to do on our little slice of historical relevance.

But oh well! In the words of Scarlet O'Hara, "I can't think about that today, I'll think about that tomorrow. After all, tomorrow is another day!"

Because even if I can't make a Red Velvet Cake from scratch, I can always quote Gone With the Wind.

Big-Time Weekend

There were a ton of fun things going on according to my calendar this past weekend. Of course, all of them required a 2.5 hour drive. But they were SO fun and SO monumental that it was totally worth it, even though it was just me and a very cute almost-three-month-old darling in the backseat.

First of all, let it be known I was a little nervous about the drive to Kinston with just Charlotte and me. She's made the trip before, but we had a carload of fun with her and the two dogs (in addition to Harris and me, of course). This time it was just us two. And granted she is not much company on the ride, I was beyond elated that she made nary a peep on the way there and on the way back. She's just like her parents in that aspect-put either of us in a car and it's good night, Eileen. :)

Friday night was my high school's Homecoming game. I've only been to a couple (as in literally two) of games since I graduated in 2001. Pardon me while I wax nostalgia for a minute, but it's really hard for me to sit there and watch those cheerleaders hold the run-through for the players, salute the flag as the National Anthem plays, and then perform some of the exact same cheers I used to chant on those sidelines. Although there is no way in hell I could fit into my uniforms from back in the day, I would give anything to be back out there with my high-school besties-shaking my pompoms and my booty as we performed the Touchdown Dance. We didn't get to do it much, by it sure was fun when we did!

The main thing I noticed at the game was the incredible amount of REALLY young mothers. Apparently they don't have "Teen Mom" or "16 and Pregnant" in Kinston because some of these girls missed the memo that teen pregnanyc is NOT cool. Babies/Kids are super difficult, even when there are two parents with two jobs and at least a tad bit of responsibility. I can't fathom how hard it would be to be a single parent, or worse, to be a single parent and under the age of 20. My biggest worry at 20 was whether or not Crowe's Chicken would accept an out-of-town check. And I wouldn't want it any other way.

After the game we went to the Mexican restaurant in Opp and had a blast. The mariachi band played "Sweet Home Alabama" and my heart was content. Then we went to a party at someone's house and talked about the good 'ol days. It's nice to know that even though we might get older, apparently we aren't getting more mature. And we all still like beer.

Saturday morning I went to a baby shower for my cousin Hayley and her upcoming bundle of joy, Arden. My mother and I took Charlotte, because God forbid my mom miss an opportunity to show random strangers her new grandbaby!

Saturday night was the BIG event-my (gulp) 10-year high school reunion. Yikes. Despite MONTHS of planning and correspondence, we had a whopping total of 4 graduates show up. Actually, it kind of pissed me off. If I can manage to haul my newborn baby 2.5 hours BY MYSELF, then you would think some of the locals would have put forth the miniscule bit of effort it would have taken to attend. But whatever. I was able to see some of my best friends from high school and catch up on their lives. And that's what counts.

Sunday morning was church with my grandparents, and Miss Charlotte was once again the best baby! I'm so blessed to have any easy child. I'm almost afraid to have another one because she/he would probably be a terror since this one is so easy!

We had another easy trip back to the Mobeezy, and life once again settled into the normal routine. I like normal. I thrive on my normal schedule. Even after only two days, I was thrilled to see H and the pupper dogs. And they were thrilled to see us. (At least the dogs were! Haha!)

All in all, it was a pretty fabulous weekend. It makes me miss Kinston so much, even though I've grown to love the comforts of a Walmart being only 5 minutes from me at all times. And I certainly couldn't live without "Teen Mom" and "16 and Pregnant"!

NYE, a National Championship, and The Crud

It's been a while readers. Or reader, as I should probably say! We are not only pregnant and unmotivated, we are also sick. (And I use the term we very loosely, as usual-especially on the pregnant part)

Let's start with New Year's Eve. My former NYE celebrations have consisted of one or more of the following: cocktails, H, live music, fireworks, friends, sore feet, and a hangover. This NYE consisted of only two of those things: H and friends. Although I must admit of all the things to carry into 2011, those are by far the best of the bunch! We had a wonderful and slightly uneventful NYE, which was totally okay by me. After a little lunch date with the ladies, I tagged along with them downtown to The Battlehouse Hotel.

Talk about luxury! This place is awesome--especially if you are just crashing the party and not paying the bill. The Battlehouse is only about 3 miles from our front door, and since I was the designated driver of the evening, I figured we might as well save our money and sleep in our own bed. I did not, however, want to miss out on girly time with three of my favorites so I hung out with them to gossip, giggle, snack, and get ready for the evening. H met up with us later, and he was (as usual) the lone dude in our group of fabulous gals! We saw the Moon Pie, but missed the drop. I heard some fireworks, but missed the show. Went to our usual stomping grounds, Boo Radley's, and didn't have a drink. And they didn't even a band, just a DJ that would play 30 seconds of a song before jumping to the next one on his playlist. Not my scene. But...we rang in 2011 nevertheless, made a run through the McDonalds drive-thru, and were asleep by 1!

And I woke up bright-eyed and bushy-tailed the next morning!

The next week was back to work and back to reality! Boo! For some reason Mondays are just much easier when you know it's only followed by 3 more days of work rather than 4. But...life must go on. And the last time I checked our mortgage payment was still due on the 5th, so back to work we went.

And then it all went to hell in a handbasket quite quickly. H got sick with a cold, then he passed it along to his lovely wife. Now don't get me wrong, I can be a little needy when I get sick. I want to be cuddled and waited on hand and foot. But what's so wrong with that!?!!? Not a darn thing as far as I'm concerned. I wait on others hand and foot (not that I'm naming any names) so when I'm sick I like to be pampered. But apparently because SOME people got over their sickness pretty quickly (before passing a much stronger, crueler version along to me) I was supposed to bounce back like a tetherball as well. Except for the fact that I can't take meds like NyQuil or antibiotics to ease the pain.

Now is the time you should feel very sorry for me because I had some serious crud. I still have the lingering aftermath of it now, although I am feeling much better thanks to Tylenol products, lots of orange juice, and plenty of complaining.

And maybe one foot massage that I convinced H miraculously made my throat feel better, too. And my headache go away. :)

In the midst of my traumatic illness, Auburn played in the National Championship game. And in case you missed it or have been living under a rock....WE WON! Yay! I almost got a divorce because not only does my husband try to set my clothing on fire during an Iron Bowl, he also likes to cheer for Oregon. To which I say this, "If you don't know the capital of the state you should not be allowed to cheer for them in any capacity!"

Sidenote: Yes, we quiz each other on states' capitals and neither of us knew Oregon last time we played. We have weird games, what can I say?

But anywhooo....Auburn won! H can eat a turd! I think we should name the baby Cam Chizick Carrigan, what do you think?

Speaking of the bambino-It has been cooking for 16 weeks! I call it an "it" which people think is weird. But "Peanut" is just too conventional, and nothing else seems to fit. I call it Tupac sometimes, which I guess is kinda weird, too. We have chosen not to find out the sex of the baby, so I don't know if it's a he or she. So far the consensus is "he", but I haven't really had any sort of feelings leaning one way or the other. Although I feel like I would be more comfortable with a girl (cause we have the same parts and such) I would love to have a little boy for H and my dad. My dad has lived the past 28 years with just me and mom (God bless him, it would have killed a lesser man) so he deserves a lil dude to fish with. And H is already planning the kid's football, basketball, golf, and fishing outings so I know he's wanting a son. Pink or Blue, I don't care. Just as long as it's cute! I kid, I kid--just as long as it's healthy and looks like me, we're cool!

Happy (and Healthy) 2011!

TDC

Christmas Recap

Whew! Christmas is finally OVA, and I must admit...I always hate to see it go. I imagine Christmas is somewhat like post-partem depression. I look forward to it for months and months, the anticipation building with each passing day. Then, C-day arrives and all of that excitement fades away as reality rears its ugly head. People tend to lose that spirit of Christmas way too quickly. Back to work, early morning alarms, no more smells of Christmas trees and cookies baking, no more presents to wrap or open, no more festive parties to attend....sigh.

But this year, the new year holds something pretty darn exciting for us, and the day after Christmas didn't seem quite so hollow. I was almost happy to see the 26th roll around simply because it means we are one day closer to meeting the newest addition to our family of 4 (cause of course I count our first-born fur babies, too!)

But enough sap, let's get down to the good stuff!

We had a super busy Christmas holiday, starting with our Eve of Christmas Eve dinner with H's mom. Since we all get so tired of the typical Christmas menu, she decided to do a potato soup buffett and it was delish! Let me suggest that to anyone who wants to do something a little different next year. She made a big pot of regular potato soup, then placed a plethora of toppings out for us to choose from: bacon, cheese, ham, onions, broccoli, carrots...and biscuits for good measure. She completed the meal with a delicious homemade spiced cider of which legends are made. Seriously...it had orange peels in it and was unbelievable.

Holly, who I have mentioned is a fabulous local artist, bartered her goods for some gifts, and no one was disappointed. I got a lovely Mardi Gras mask that I will certainly put to good use as I "let the good times roll" in a few months. Although I will be VERY pregnant by then, I refuse to let it ruin my revelry. Sorry I can't post pics...I must remain "en costume" or you will know who I am as I toss you beads from my lofty throne!

On Christmas Eve day we headed over to Perdido Beach to my Aunt Lynda & Uncle Ronnie's house. They have five grandkids and another on the way (not counting my bun in the oven), so it is always a lot of fun watching all of the kids tear into their presents. Plus, I love all of my cousins' wives so it's nice to actually have some girls around nowadays. Apparently the boy gene is awfully strong in our family-I'm the only girl of 5 boys on my mom's side, and the only girl on my dad's side, too. There are currently four grandsons (plus one on the way) and one granddaughter on my dad's side. I wonder what ours will be--but I guess we have a long way to go before we find out!

Anywhoo...after a lunch of seafood gumbo, pork tenderloin, and various other tasty treats, we packed up and headed Northeast to good 'ol Kinston.

It struck me on more than one occasion that this would be our last Christmas morning in Kinston, which makes me more than a little nostalgic. Next year I definitely want to have Christmas morning at our house since we will have a 6-month-old by then! (Yikes!) I am adamant about our family traditions starting early, plus I don't want to be lugging toys, clothes, and baby crap all over the Southeast. I'm sure Santa will still be able to find me...I mean, us. :)

Overall, Christmas was wonderful. It's such a magical time of year, and being with those I love the most makes it even better. Each year I am amazed at how awesome my family is (and just ask us, we'll tell ya! Haha!) and I realize how blessed I am to have such a close-knit, loving, and funny group around me.

And now....for a list of the Top 10 Best Foods I ate over the Christmas Holidays:
10.) Potato Soup-it hit the spot and was the perfect "something different" I was looking for
9.) Taco Bell yesterday although it gave me some INTENSE indigestion
8.) Chocolate Covered Ritz with Peanut Butter-'nough said
7.) My mother-in-law's spiced cider
6.) Aunt Lynda's crawfish dip
5.) Butterfinger Cake
4.) Camp Stew the day after Christmas
3.) Steak-we decided against the typical Christmas dinner and had steak instead. Great decision!
2.) Granny's Red Velvet Cake
1.) Granny's Dumplings. God bless you Granny!

Now...after eating all of that in a span of 4 days, WHY IN THE WORLD did I schedule a doctor's appointment today when I knew I would have my first weigh-in of the second trimester?!?!?!

Christmas is Here!

Christmas is right around the corner! Woo hoo!!! Excitement abounds, at least for me. H doesn't get into the spirit of the holidays quite as much as I do, but most men tend to keep their excitement under wraps about things such as this and I've accepted that fact after almost 4 years of marriage.

I love the holiday season and (almost) everything about it. I love the feeling of goodwill that most people seem to have in abundance this time of year. I love holiday parties with friends and family, warm fires, champagne cocktails, carols, and the smell of a Christmas tree. I love family traditions and the excitement of finding the absolute perfect gift for a loved one. Ahhh....there is nothing like this time of year.

I try my best to not forget the real meaning of Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ. I know this holiday is about Him and the ultimate gift, but sometimes it's easy to get caught up in the wordly aspect and commercialization of Christmas.

Don't get me wrong--I LOVE getting presents. I love the anticipation of waking up Christmas morning and not knowing what's wrapped in the big, beautiful boxes under the tree. And I have been known to get disappointed when I didn't get exactly what I wrote on my wish list (I'm only human). But in the end, I know the real meaning of this joyous holiday. It's about the birth of our Savior, giving unselfishly, and surrounding yourself with family and friends.

I hate to get all sentimental here, but I will blame my emotional post on pregnancy hormones. :) This year is our last Christmas without Baby C--next year at this time we will have a 6 month old! Besides that being absolutely nutso, it makes me more than a little weepy thinking about all of the traditions I hope to pass down to the wee one and all of the memories we will build as a little family. I hope he or she will find this time of year as magical as I do.

I have to thank my parents for making Christmas so amazing. I remember us doing so many wonderful things. They would host Christmas parties for me and my friends, and my mom would spend countless hours shopping and making goodies for us to eat. Hayrides, scavengar hunts, and even a mid-December Polar Bear Swim in our pool. They would always take me (and usually multiple friends) to Christmas City in Ariton. I also remember riding around the nicer neighborhoods in Dothan and Enterprise looking at the beautiful Christmas decorations, going to pick out the perfect live Christmas tree, and wrapping presents and decorating the house with my mom. I was so blessed to never worry about being cold, hungry, or present-less on Christmas day. I have only wonderful Christmas memories--and I hope my child will be able to say that one day, too.

I'm not sure if it was the Glee Christmas episode last night on TV or the pregnancy hormones-but either way I am a happy gal today with St. Nick on the brain. I hope you and yours enjoy this wonderful time of year--don't forget the REAL reason we celebrate, but don't get too serious on me and forget to enjoy some hot cocoa and a nice present either!

Merry Christmas lovelies!
TDC

Halloween--A Few Days Late

Sorry it's been so long since I last wrote a little bloggy blog. It took a while to recover from our weekend in New Orleans! We had a fabulous time (of course!) even though we stayed in the Garden District, which is a tad further from the hustle and bustle than I usually prefer to be. But, with Widespread Panic playing 3 nights, Voodoo Fest, the Saints hosting the Steelers in the Superdome, and Halloween, we were actually lucky to get a room anywhere in The Big Easy.

For a brief recap of our Crescent City goodtimes....

We rode the streetcar for the first time. (And it made me want to yell "Stelllllllaaaaa!" a time or two, I must admit).

We ate Cuchon de Lait at Pierre Masperos. Oh my goodness, there are no words. NO WORDS.

Widespread Panic was AMAZING. Thanks to the kindness of stranger, we lucked up and got free tickets for Friday night's concert, too. Great friends + great music = A grand time was had by all.

I found a dive that sold homemade bread pudding for only $2. Score!

H headed back to the Mobeezy on Sunday morning, and dropped me off at The Hilton Convention Center Hotel for one last night of debauchery with my gals. And then I realized they were staying at The Hilton Garden Inn, which was approximately 800 miles away. So I proceeded to haul all my luggage for 92 gazillion blocks because I couldn't find an ATM and I had no cash for a cab. Sigh.

But...I think I saw Drew Brees!!! Drew, what the H?!? You could have at least offered a southern gal a ride considering I had a Vera Bradley bag that weighed the same as Deuce McCallister. But whatev. I will forgive you this time simply because you're Drew Brees and I love you. Who Dat!?!?!

We dressed up for Halloween. We were the Harlem Globetrotters. And yes...these are homemade costumes.

While our ragtag group of girlfriends may have a doctor, a kindergarten teacher, an attorney, a few salespeople, and even a dental hygienist....we do not have a seamstress. But my 'fro is off to Jenny who made some darn good jerseys!

Halloween in New Orleans is, well, a lot to take in to say the least. After that weekend, I felt like I needed to wash my corneas. And RUN to the nearest church.

The Saints beat the Steelers! Who Dat!?!?! I'm guessing it was because Palomolo (sp?-Lawd have mercy nobody can spell that last name) was too busy posing for pics on Bourbon Street to worry about playing football. But that is A-okay in my book!

I also walked (and drug my sweet friend Katie) another 800 miles to a place called Ellie Monster. This is a vintage shoe store of which stories and legends are made. I was told they had a fabulous selection of vintage riding boots that were even affordable. Sadly, after walking those said 800 miles, we realized we had passed by our destination because their sign was the size of a postage stamp. And they were closed. Sigh.

I ate two jalapeno poppers straight out of H's pocket at 5:30 in the morning. Don't judge me for that, please.

But in the end, no matter the somewhat demented things one might see, hear, or smell in New Orleans--it's always a good time.