Gym

In all of Zoe’s 2 ½ years, we’ve never left her with a sitter that wasn’t family, so today was a milestone for all of us. Today was the first day Zoe stayed in “Daycare”. The community center we belong to provides a daycare for parents when they come to work out. Shelli and I have two classes a week that we take together so the daycare turned out to be a great perk of the membership, not only for us, but also for Zoe. We had to go in early before our class so I could fill out some paperwork for Zoe. It was pretty much the normal stuff, asking if she was allergic to anything, if she has a nickname, what she can and can’t eat, etc. After I filled out the form, I turned around to ask Zoe if she was going to be okay but she was already off playing.

It’s always so hard for me to leave her with anyone, so I’m glad it wasn’t traumatic for either of us. We headed down to the pool for our class, but since it was lightning outside, they cancelled the water aerobics class. So, Shelli and I played a little one on one basketball then headed back to the daycare to pick up Zoe. I found her knee deep in toys just playing away. Zoe looked up and waved to me, then I asked her if she was ready to go. She gives me this face and says, “NO Mom!”

We were so relieved she had a good time and there was no separation anxiety, and it’s great that she gets to interact with other kids. The gym allows the kids to stay in the daycare for 2 hours each day, so it works out great for all parties involved.

Sugar Free

Shelli and I have always promoted healthy eating from the day we brought Zoe home and tried to make sure Zoe has always eaten “good stuff”. Somewhere between Winter and Spring, Shelli and I both fell off the wagon. So, this week we started back to how it ‘used to be’. We’ve stopped eating out and started back at the gym.

Everyday about 4:30pm, I start getting ready to make dinner. The past couple days, I’ve made sugar free jello, pudding, or snow cones for dessert. Today, as I was getting the milk out this is the conversation that took place...

Zoe:, “Whatcha making today Mommy?”
Lori: “Sugar free cheesecake pudding”
Zoe:“Mmm, I love sugar free Mommy!”
Lori: “You do?”.
Zoe: “I sure do!”
Lori: “Then you will love dessert tonight!”

I know she has no idea what “sugar free” means but it was hysterical to watch her expressions. She says things with such conviction.

Relaxing

Zoe & I were both exhausted from the long weekend so today, we took the day to pamper ourselves and take it easy. Zoe had no complaints!
She enjoyed a nice toenail trim along with a
frosty sip-up and her Elmo book.

What could be better???

Memorial Day

Today we headed over to the Gann’s for a BBQ and a spin in their boat to try out the new wake tube. After Shelli got home with Zoe’s new life vest Zoe kept asking, “When are we going to the boat?” Once we pried the life vest off of Zoe and were able to pack up the car we set out for Tonya’s.

The kids played in the pool and ran around the yard while Tonya finished up the BBQ, all the while asking us about every 5 minutes when we were leaving for the lake. As soon as the last plate was washed the kids were all but boarding the boat in the driveway. We made the LONG journey to the boat ramp (all of a mile away) and finally got the boat in the water and headed to Todd’s favorite cove. Once we got the ropes all set and the tube in the water, Trevor and James were the first to give it a test drive and the rest is history, even Shelli and I got in on the fun. We all had a blast, and hope we get invited back soon. Shelli swears she’s going to wake board next time we go….Oh boy, can’t wait for the pictures from that trip!

Drive In

I guess not all of ‘Small Town USA’ is completly gone from our culture just yet. Tonight we settled in for our own little piece of Americana to enjoy a forgotten pastime, the Drive-In.

This was our second attempt to see the most sought-after double feature, Shrek the Third and Spiderman. Last night it was sold out, so we got there an hour early tonight just to make sure we could find a good spot and get set up. Zoe had all her Shrek gear, complete with Donkey Pez dispenser and Shrek fan. She was ready for the big night, and all the excitement that goes with. Zoe must have enjoyed herself, because tonight when I put her down for bed there was none of the usual stalling, asking me to wait, or any of the normal hoo-ha. I laid her down, got my night kiss, and she says to me, "Thanks for the movie Mimi.....where's my pillow?" She was exhausted.

Gotta have the Shrek M&M's

Tic-Tac Quest

As for any of you that have been around Zoe, you are aware of her un-dying desire for Tic-Tac’s. She will do (almost) anything for a Tic-Tac, so Tic-Tac’s have become our favorite behavior modification method as of late. She can be mid-fit, tired, hungry and totally out of control of her emotions and all we have to do is mention a Tic-Tac and she some how pulls it all together. The only thing we can’t motivate her with Tic-Tac’s is potty training!

Yesterday we were in the store and it was well past lunch AND naptime and she was getting almost to her breaking point. So of course I try to persuade her to mind herself and her attitude with the good old Tic-Tac method. Sure as I get her to hush up and get control, I turn to Lori to ask for the box of Tic-Tac’s she tells me she’s out. Luckily we were in the store, so Zoe and I start going to the checkout lines looking for Tic-Tacs. We go to several, but all they have are the ‘real’ Tic-Tac brand and none are sugar-free so Zoe sees me pick up several and put them back down. She doesn’t like the mint ones because she says they are ‘hot’, so I keep telling her the ones I find are the ‘hot’ ones. We go to several check out lines and finally Zoe looks at the cashier as says, ‘Hey Man, do you have any Tic-Tac’s around here?” She figured since I wasn’t going to ask, she was going to take things into her own hands and get to her Tic-Tacs. She never ceases to amaze me with the things she comes up with. God only knows, I’m sure we’re going to end up publishing something in Reader’s Digest one day!!

Pool Time

Nothing like an early afternoon dip in the pool.

Cell Phone float--- Strawberry Shortcake
(Pop Pop even calls her in the pool!)

Notice the Shrek goggles. We're going to see the movie this weekend!

Sugar free cherry popsicle, the best kind in the box!

Mimi's Home!

Zoe was ecstatic to see Shelli pull in the driveway this afternoon. We were outside playing and as soon as she heard Shelli beep her car horn she said “Mommy, Mimi’s home!, Mimi’s home!”
She ran as fast as her little feet would take her and greeted Mimi with a warm welcome home hug & kiss.
Here are a few pictures of dinner. We made Shell’s favorite, CURRY CHICKEN with potatoes, carrots, and rice. For dessert, Zoe’s special CUPCAKES!

HAPPY MEMORIAL WEEKEND TO YOU ALL!

Mimi's Coming Home

Tonight we made a very special welcome home treat for Mimi. Zoe loves to bake so, what better way then to make some yummy cupcakes!!!!

We sure stay busy around here but we have so much fun doing it. I can’t think of a more fulfilling way to spend my time. Being a parent is the most amazing thing in the whole wide world. I enjoy each and everyday of it!

Chef Zoe

Mix it

Taste it... (I know mom, it has raw 'organic' eggs) HA!

Frost it.....

All hard work pays off....

Mmm... The taste test!

We even made Granddad a special cupcake. Zoe ate it but it's the thought that counts right Granddad? I can't keep her out of them!

Happy Birthday Granddad!

Sandbox

Shelli has never been fond of the whole sandbox idea. I on the other hand, found this adorable sandbox at Target and HAD to get it for Zoe. I bought it and put it in Shell’s office until, TODAY!

Zoe & I were ‘home alone’ this week. Shelli was away on business and Nana was off to Jessie’s graduation so, Zoe & I headed over to Lowes to pick up some sand for her new sandbox. When we got to Lowes, I noticed the bags of sand were 50 lbs. each. I needed 5 bags and my fear was my car wouldn’t leave the parking lot after I loaded 250 lbs. of sand in the trunk.

I managed to get out of the parking lot and the rest is history. Zoe absolutely LOVES playing in her sandbox. She spent all afternoon playing and singing in it.

Yummy

This morning:

Lori: Morning Baby, how did you sleep?
Zoe: Good Mommy. Did you sleep good?
L: Yes, I did! Are you hungry? What would you like to eat this morning?
Z: Maybe… Ummmm… Pancakes… I want pancakes Mommy!
L: Okay, pancakes it is!

Movie

Now Playing

Movie Night!

Can it get any better????

A Bugs Life

Trip to the Dollar store for cleaning her room $1.00

Lunch with Mom & Mimi $10.00

Hours of fun playing with new "bug kit"

PRICELESS!

Looking.......... Looking........ Waiting......... Watching............

"Shhh Mom, you scare them gone"

WOW, Look at my ANTS!

"Look Mom, I got a something!" (a stick)

Pilot Mountain

From the time Zoe has had enough hair to put up in ponytails Shelli has always teased her by smashing each ponytail, saying, “pom, pom, pom” depending on how many ponytails she would have. As we were driving to Pilot Mountain State Park and the mountian came into view, Zoe says, “Hey, look Mom, the mountain has a pom pom like me!”

Karate

At the mall today, they were having a karate demonstration. Zoe was in awe looking at all the kids kicking and punching the boards. They had kids ranging from ages 3 to adults, it was so adorable! At the end of the ‘show’ they asked if people in the audience wanted to come up and try to break a board. Of course, Zoe got right in line with her cousin Jessie and was ready to give it her ALL!

1...2...3

I did it!

As you can see, she meant business as she broke her board. The Sensei let her keep her broken board and immediately she ran over to Mimi and Nana to show them just how strong she really is. Karate Kid, the sequel…coming soon to a theater near you!.

Jessie is leaving Monday, and I don’t know what Zoe is going to do without her around. She loves her so much and loves having someone to play with ALL the time. Zoe enjoys the undivided attention she gets from her ‘Dessie’.

Country Living

It’s taken me a little while to get adjusted to living in the country. I’m a city girl, born and raised so, staying at Nana’s has been a big change for me.
Nana must want to throw us out on our heads!! She went from a nice large quiet home with a view of the mountains to a view of madness!

Zoe, on the other hand has had no problems adjusting. She LOVES being outside, planting flowers and vegetables with her Nana, playing with bugs, swinging on her swing set, flying her kite, and just getting dirty! Her latest thing is she wants a PONY! Don’t get me wrong I enjoy the outdoors. I even had a horse when I was younger. My dream when I was a little girl was to own a house with enough land so I could have my own horses and my child(ren) could run around and enjoy the simple life. We’d love nothing more than to have a ranch with animals and several kids. I was an only child, and always longed for a sibling, so we often talk about expanding our family. We know there are hundreds of children who need loving homes and we know we’ve got plenty of love to give. I watch Zoe grow each and everyday into her own person and I can’t help but to miss the days when she was learning to sit up and walk.

Each and everyday is an adventure and I just take it all in. I don’t want to miss anything; I never leave the house without my camera. With our family and friends spread out all over the country, I want to make sure I capture everything.
Even the smallest things!

W.Salem & Fair

We had a fabulous day today. This morning we headed to Winston Salem to check out Old Salem. It was really neat, and our favorite spot was a Moravian bakery where we sampled cookies and baked goods.

After a nice day in Winston Salem, we headed back to take a nap before we hit the town again. They were having a carnival up the street from Nana’s house so, we all went over and checked it out before dinner. Zoe had so much fun riding all the rides and she even took a ride on a pony named “Silver”. Jessie and I also enjoyed a few rides ourselves. We did the bumper cars and a ride called “Sizler”. I can’t remember the last time I laughed so much. We had tears in our eyes! Jess enjoyed watching me freak out, and have one of the carnival workers make pretty eyes at me. HA!-- Good Times!

After we left the fair, we stopped in for dinner. As we were leaving the restaurant, I put Zoe in her car seat so we could go grab a coffee. My Aunt was in the back seat with her and I hear her say to me, “Zoe is eating the mint wrapper”. I turn around and ask Zoe to please hand mommy the paper, she refused. I asked again, and then started the 1…………2…………….3…….. finally, she sticks her hand out to give it to me and I snatch it and she looks at me and says: “Mom, you knock a finger off!” at this point we were all laughing because of the way she said it. She is so hard to discipline because she’s so cute!

Nana..... Your supposed to be looking at me!

It's been a great week! We've done so much and we are all BEAT! Shelli is coming down with a cold and I'm not feeling so good either. What is going on? There is no time to be sick...EVER!

Strawberry Picking

We’ve been busy the past couple days. My Mom and Aunt arrived on Monday morning so Zoe and I headed down to Charlotte to pick them up. We spent the day out and about seeing the sights in Charlotte. Charlotte is such a beautiful city, with lots to do and see. We decided to stay the night so we could enjoy taking our time tooling around the city. When we reached our fabulous hotel we all grabbed bags and headed for the room. Even Zoe had her most prized possessions; her baby, and of course, her laptop. She was hoping the hotel has wireless!

Today on our way back to Nana’s, we stopped and picked Strawberries. Zoe ate them faster than she could pick them. Finally we had a basket full of berries and we couldn’t wait to get home to show Mimi, Nana, & Jessie. We made sure to get a few extra so that Nana could fix us one of her famous strawberry pies!

Me, Mom, & Zoe

Lisa, Mamaw, & Miss Zoe

We’ve got lots planned this week while everyone is here.
Zoe is so excited to have all this attention!

Mother's Day

Early this morning we set out for the airport under the guise of picking up a projector for my customer demo, and grabbing some lunch before heading to Tonya and Todd’s for a visit. Unbeknown to Nana, we were really going to pick up Jessie, who was flying in as a surprise Mother day’s gift for Nana (and an early graduation gift for Jess).

We pulled off the surprise like a champ and Nana was blown away. Nana was on the phone with Laura when Jessie and Lori snuck up to the car window. It took Nana a good minute or two to realize that she was actually seeing Jessie. It was such a special moment, and I am so happy that we were able to make it happen.

After the 4-hour lunch event at Cheesecake Factory, we headed to Tonya and Todd’s to visit and let Zoe play with her cousins. Boy what a big time Zoe had. She didn’t know what to make of all the cool toys, giant swing set, and best of all having someone her age to play with. We hung out at Tonya’s for a few hours and Zoe had a blast. I’m not sure who had more fun, Zoe or all the adults watching the kids play.

What a wonderful day it was, watching everyone celebrate being a mother and enjoying their special day. I am blessed to be a mother, and so lucky to have Zoe in my life. I’m even luckier to have a partner like Lori who is such a phenomenal mother. Lori takes parenting to a whole new level. We are both lucky to be fortunate enough so that Lori can stay home and raise our child. Lori’s hard work and relentless will is evident in our child and her manners, and social graces. Kudos’ to all the Mothers in my life, but most of all kudos’ the Mother that is my life, who keeps my world together and makes our household run like a well-oiled machine.

My two best girls on Mother's Day!

Swing Set

What a day! We spent most of the afternoon outside. Zoe's Nana bought a swing set so all the kids will be able to enjoy the outdoors when they come to visit.
Shelli spent most of the day putting it together and the rest is history.

Look Mom, NO HANDS!

Happy Birthday Mamaw

Happy Birthday Mamaw!

Strawberry Plant

Zoe planted a few strawberry plants a couple weeks ago.

Look at um grow!