My Apologies

Dear Oliver,

I am very sorry that I called you a loser. I didn't mean it. Please forgive me.


Love,
Mom

Oliver is a Punk

The past couple of days I have been unable to kick it during my regularly-scheduled workouts at DollyBFit... They've been doing some measurements for their Psycho Boot Camp, and I am not participating. So... I've been taking my little bitty puppies out for some exercise. These kiddos really like to walk/run/any combo of the above. On Wednesday they ran around the big block in our neighborhood (a little over a quarter-mile). On Thursday they walked really fast for 40 minutes. I was really excited for today. I was sure that I would get in a great Saturday workout, but apparently Oliver recognized that it is Saturday, and he was quite content to lay on the couch all day. Isabelle and I ended up literally dragging him around for 20 minutes before I gave up and came home. What a loser.

On a happier note, little Harrison Baxley came home from the NICU over in Moblie yesterday afternoon. We went to see him tonight, and he is just as precious as can be. So tiny! He is back up to his birth weight and breathing well without supplemental oxygen. We are so happy he is home!

Happy Saturday Night to all...we're off to watch some serious Law & Order: SVU. Go Mariska!

Why You Should Never Go Out of Town During Mardi Gras

Our friends Krista & Michael have been in Seattle for too long. They missed Mardi Gras, so we thought we'd bring a bit of Fat Tuesday spirit to welcome them home.

They are going to mad when they discover that they even have beads hidden under their covers...After beading every room in their rather large house, we hit up Cracker Barrell for some grub (only becuase Moe's closed early...I was so sad). But, there's nothing like lots o' biscuits and jelly to celebrate Fat Tuesday.

Alarming side note: When Justin and Jonathan went to break into their house IN THE BROAD DAYLIGHT, noone said anything. There was a construction crew across the street who watched the whole thing. I thought for sure the police would be called when Jonathan went back to the truck to get his pry bar. Nope. Small towns...so trusting.

Happy Mardi Gras, Y'all

Hello friends.

Today is Fat Tuesday. I am at work where there is nothing to feast on. It is depressing. But since the church doesn't really celebrate the revelry that is Mardi Gras, I am not surprised that there is no king cake to be had. Boo hiss.

We went to a Mardi Gras parade and ball in Mobile last night. I was not prepared for the pushing, shoving and apparent public drunkeness that I witnessed along the parade route. We caught a few little stuffed animals and Nerf footballs that we planned to give to our little friends. They were stolen right out from under me.

Literally.

Also stolen was a whole box of Little Debbie Oatmeal Cream Pies that were thrown TO ME. Seriously. I made eye contact with the guy and everything. If I would have witnessed the theivery, a brawl would certainly have ensued. You just dont take a girl's box of oatmeal cream pies. I'm not over it.

That would have never happened in Fairhope... the land of all that is holy and good.

Here are some pics of us at the ball. We had a really good time, and are thankful to Robert and Montigne for the invite. I am too tired to write any more. I am trying to stay awake until 4, after which time I am pretty sure that I will collapse. I really shouldn't go out after 9 p.m. It's not good for my health.

See this little man sitting down? He had a platform made for his wheelchair

so he could ride in the parade. He is like 80 or something. Very devoted.

Me and the Juice. He looked so handsome in his tux. Does this dress look familiar to anyone??

At the ball... typical Justin shot

Welcome to the World, Harrison!

It has been a very eventful weekend thus far! We were supposed to have a little smocking lesson yesterday afternoon, but Courtney decided that she would rather have a baby instead of teach us to sew. What a big surprise! Little Harrison wasn't supposed to arrive until next Thursday (a scheduled induction), but he was very tired of waiting. Allow me to introduce you to...

Matthew Harrison Baxley

5 pounds, 12 ounces

18 inches long
born February 1, 2008 at 2:51 p.m.

He is just as beautiful as can be! And Courtney looks quite fabulous as well. She didn't even act like she had just had a baby... walking around, fully dressed, makeup...the works. Incredible! I would be milking it for all it's worth, I am pretty sure.

I'll post about the rest of the weekend later, but enjoy the pics of this sweet new addition to the Baxley family. We are so proud you are here, Harrison!

Curtain Call

After 10 hours, two bobbins, several cuss words and only one bleeding pin prick, THE CURTAINS have been made. I'll save you the sordid details of the process, as they are of no interest to anyone but me (and perhaps my mother who shares the same sewing-induced cussing problem).

Here is the before. I never realized how terribly awful my bare walls looked until I took this picture. It is amazing that I have had no curtains for over 2 years. But, don't worry, the curtain rods have been there since we moved in...just waiting...because I really do have good intentions.

And here is the after! I am pleased as punch at the results. I know they are simple curtains, but sewing a straight line is really hard, people.

And here is what Oliver did while I was sewing for two days... He found himself some paper towels and had a really good time destroying them. Trash was everywhere, and he doesn't look the least bit guilty, does he? Isabelle was hiding behind the couch at this point. Unlike Oliver, she really doesn't want to disappoint her parents.

And now I shall take my bow. Peace out, folks.

Em's Glorious House O' Hair

What follows is a post about my future aspirations in opening “Em’s Glorious House O' Hair.” If you are not interested in hearing about hair or the afore mentioned aspirations, please quit reading now. You will not be entertained.

Let’s start with a little background.

I am a fan of the pageant hair. I should have grown up in Texas, because I would have for sure fit in. I am a fan of pageant hair probably because I idolized Miss America and wanted to be her. Here are some pics from the Miss National Peanut Festival Pageant circa 1998. I was 18. Don’t laugh. And I don't so much want to be Miss America anymore, just so you know.I was also the tallest girl in the pageant.

So, I was in lots of pageants, and let's just be honest, I lost most of them. But along the way I learned the glorious art of teasing. I can make anyone’s hair look 10 times thicker and fuller. I am better than Vidal Sassoon. And Ken Paves.

Just ask Sarah Katherine.

She is my 16-year-old friend who participated in the Dogwood Trail Maid program last weekend, which I have come to learn shares the same hype as the good old NPF. It is a big deal in Baldwin County. And here is what she looked like after leaving Em's Glorious House O' Hair on her way to the pageant.

I did her makeup too.

Looks good, huh?

And she won. I’m pretty sure it had something to do with her hair.

And here is Carolyn, who won last year. Oh yes, I helped her too.I am 2 for 2, people.

Call if you'd like to make an appointment.