Chris started asking me what I wanted for Christmas in November. Being a woman and expecting him to read my mind, I didn’t answer. Being a mere mortal man and unable to do so, he continued asking. Sometime in mid-December, he began asking with a greater level of forcefulness. I still ignored his question. But […]
How to Make Snow Cream Like a Southerner.
So most of you are from places north of here. Every time I ask you to tell me where you’re all from, the most popular states are Wisconsin, Michigan, Idaho, Utah, Washington, and Oregon. Which means that you get about…167 times more snow than we do. Yet. When we do have snow and I mention […]
The Birthday Archives.
Six. There’s something about that number that seems very significant – as if it’s the 21st birthday of being a kid – as if they should legally be allowed to drink caffeinated beverages or something. Last weekend, I went through the ridiculous amount of photos that I’ve taken of Ali’s six years of life. It […]
On Finding Christmas Magic.
On Christmas Night, my sister-in-law and I were discussing the various Mom Types of the Christmas Season. There are Grinch Moms, Stressed-Out Moms, Desperately-Trying-to-Fake-Christmas-Cheer Moms, and Magic Moms. (Who are of no relation to Magic Mike.) After much self-analysis, I decided that I have Multiple Christmas Personality Disorder (MCPD), because I cycle violently through all […]
The Christmas Story, with Director’s Notes.
A play, intended for annual use, to be put on by the children of a small group. Dress children in anything remotely period appropriate, including but not limited to tree skirts, 1984 Pageant dresses, (Which can be made more authentic by adding a cloak and a halo,) and Batman costumes. For actors that will be […]
The North Pole of Halloween.
You might have noticed that my husband has a bit of obsession with Christmas. …Which would explain why he was willing to dress as a donkey to get me in a Pregnant Mary outfit two years ago. So as my husband encourages me ever quickly down the slippery slope of becoming a Holiday Liberalist, we […]
Reasons To Do Life In the Wild.
We went camping at our favorite North Alabama tiny, unknown campground: Buck’s Pocket. We went for the endless views, The time with family, The campfire, (and accompanying marshmallows,) and so that our kids could get a hot breakfast. Because they only get that when Gramamma is around. And especially, to get away from it all. […]
The General Woods Inn: Downton Southby.
For the weekend before my birthday, Chris took me to one of my favorite places on earth: The General Woods Inn. I’m not a Bed and Breakfast person, but yet this and only this Bed and Breakfast has stolen my heart over the past three years. Why? 1. It’s Front Porch 2. Looks out on […]
The Worst Blogger Ever.
On Saturday, I took a road trip by myself to Jackson, Mississippi for a Vault Party. Although I don’t normally travel to do jean parties, two of my long-time blog and twitter friends, Sarah and Megan, had invited me to come. So besides the fun of offering makeovers to dozens of women’s butts, it was […]
My New Favorite Meal.
Yeah. Doesn’t that look amazing?? Because it is. I made it three weeks ago and have craved it ever since. If I can make it through writing this post without tossing down my computer, running to the store, and turning on the crock pot, it’s going to be a miracle. And I owe it all […]