Splishin' and a Splashin'

Jeremy and I are off to Dallas for a few days and then the in-laws will be here for a while. Because of that, I will not be posting anything new for a while, so to keep some anxious blog readers off my back (I won't mention any names, but you know who you are, Josh) I will leave you with a few pictures of Elise in her pool. Enjoy the 4th!

Pop, Soda, or Coke?

My step sister-in-law recently had a post on her blog about what to call the blinking light on your car that lets others know you are making a turn. The comments turned into a debate on what to call carbonated beverages. Since my husband is full of weird knowledge (some boring, some not-so-boring), I thought I would share an interesting site he found on the subject.

http://www.popvssoda.com/countystats/total-county.html

Calling All Moms...

Elise is 19 months old. She brings so much joy to our lives. She is a very silly little girl and is constantly making us laugh. She is very playful and is always on the go. I love her so much and thank God for entrusting her to us.

BUT, she has been driving me crazy lately! She is a little stinker and is already testing us to see what she can get away with. So, because I am a first time mother, I am asking for advice from all you veterans out there. We are having biting, pinching, and standing up on all things dangerous issues. Any practical advice on how to deal with this at her age?

Don't let that smile fool you!

Test Your Geography Knowledge

A friend emailed me this link a while back. I was playing it earlier tonight so I thought I would share it with you. Have fun!

http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/states_experiment_drag-drop_Intermed_State15s_500.html

Remembering...

You know those people who say they don't remember what their lives were like before their kids were born? Well, they're weird. I REMEMBER! And I have never forgotten. I remember running errands and not having to leave the store early because your kid is screaming and others giving you the evil eye because you obviously don't have control over your own kid - like the looks I USED to give. I remember not having to worry about what to do with the kid if you wanted to go out to eat with your husband. I remember sleeping in on Saturday mornings. I remember being able to sit down at the computer and not have someone pinching the fat on the underside of my arm to get my attention (which is happening as I type this). I remember going to the bathroom without someone knocking on the other side of the door. I remember being able to have a couple drinks with my husband at night and not worry about who would drive to the hospital in case of an emergency - nevermind, scratch that one - that's what ambulances are for. I remember when I was my husband's favorite girl. I remember when I was the only princess in the house. I remember...

Stop the Presses!!!

I just watched an episode of 90210 that I have never seen before! I can't believe it! I was convinced that I had seen every episode at least twice. Season 3 Episode 8 - "The Back Story." Brenda is interviewed for a tabloid television show where they twist around everything she tells them about the gang. They get mad. She smokes. The reporter has guilt. She quits the show. Tells the gang it wasn't Brenda's fault and they are all friends again. Brenda quits smoking.

I still can't get over the fact that I had not seen that one in the past. This is very surreal. I have to go collect myself...

Ribs, Chicken, & More Ribs

This posting is a little overdue, but I am still recovering from stuffing myself silly over Memorial weekend. My dad and stepmom, Judy, came down to visit for the weekend and we spent most of the time eating. My father considers himself a bit of a rib connoisseur, so whenever he comes down, ribs are the first order of business. Usually, we just head over to The Rendezvous for some of their world famous dry (served without sauce) ribs, but he was feeling adventurous and suggested that we give Corky's a try. Now, most people who visit Memphis would argue that one of these two places has the best ribs in town. Some Memphis locals agree while others know of some less commercialized places around town, but these are the 2 most well known rib joints. So, we ate our first dinner at Corky's. Dad's assessment = Rendezvous ribs are better, but Corky's has great appetizers (BBQ Nachos and Onion Loaf).

The next morning, we were off to church and then home to discuss where to eat next. This conversation did not take too long since Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken is always on Dad's mind here in Memphis. Along with ribs, Dad loves fried chicken. The best he has found at home is Popeye's with White Fence Farm a very close second. But, I dare say that I think he would vote Gus's the best. So, we went to Gus's for lunch and stuffed ourselves. Dad's assessment = Gus's is still great. Judy's assessment = not as spicy as the first time she had it.

After lunch, it was of course time to start thinking about dinner. The plan was to head to The Rendezvous for some of those world famous ribs. Unfortunately, once we got there, we discovered it was closed. They are closed on Sunday's and Monday's, but we did not realize that. By suggestion from a passer-by, we headed down to Beale Street to the Blues City Cafe. Had to wait in line for about 15 minutes, but it wasn't too bad. Beale Street is a great place to people watch to pass the time. We finally got seated, ordered some appetizers and our ribs (except Jer who ordered tamales - don't ask me, I just married him). And once again we ate ourselves into oblivion. Dad's assessment = good, but The Rendezvous still holds first place with him.

In between all of our eating, we were able to get some shopping in for home decor items. Dad and Judy are looking for things for their new house and Judy (she is a decorator) has been helping me pick out stuff for our house. Now, that we have been in here for 3 years, I thought it about time to actually hang a picture on the wall! And in addition to shopping and eating, they were able to have fun with Elise and we were all able to spend some nice time together.

It was a very nice weekend and we look forward to seeing you again soon, Dad and Judy!