Baby Blue!

A few weeks ago (yes, another late post), my Columbus girlfriends and I hosted a baby shower at my house for our sweet friend Ashley Clements. Little Hobbs is due in just a little over a month. I cannot wait to meet this little man!! Ashley ( and Hobbs in the polka dots) and her hostesses!

Now, Ashley is a Southern Girl, through and through, and though she's a die-hard Georgia Bulldog, I love her anyway! So nothing was more fittin' for her shower than a true Southern Ladies Luncheon with her all her favorite cookin' (catered of course, I would NEVER torture her without calling my grandmothers in for assistance!) served on the fine china! So we dined on fried chicken, black-eyed peas, green beens, mac-n-cheese, and sweet tea of course!

And for dessert, the finest cupcakes in town from my fave, Columbus Corner Bakery!!

After all that eating it was time to grab a seat on the couch (or stool, or table, or floor...I still cant figure out how we got 30+ in my little crib) and open presents! And oh boy, were there presents! Mr. Hobbs has quite the fan club already!!

OOC Baby...Here We Come!

Or for the uninformed...Out Of Control! I actually laugh now when I say that, because our "OOC" Weekends with my college girlfriends are just a tad bit different now that our OOC days in college! :o) Nevertheless, our annual reunion is something we all look forward to, so much so this date is planned at least 6 months out! And I swear we start a countdown 30 days away! And I think it does feel pretty good to see our girlfriends and get away from work and hubbies and babies for the weekend and get a little OOC!

This year the name drawn from the hat was Jess'. So its her turn to play hostess in Decatur, and all eight of us will be crashing her casa this weekend!! Three more days, Girls! Can't freakin' wait!!!

Another Year Older...I, Mean, Wiser...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY!

Well, actually it was yesterday....but my computer was in rehab. So I request a pass for the belated wishes for my padre.

So let me just say--if you dont know this man....meet him. Meet him now. He is the most kind hearted, funny, tender, wise, patient, loving, supportive person I know. And he's one heck of a duck hunter too!

Did you know I have friends from high school that still keep in touch with this guy? They would come over and chat with him even when I wasnt there. His advice has stretched the miles. His support could rebuild bridges. His laugh could fill a room. He really is the coolest guy I know.

He's crazy in love with my mom (AKA Sweetin') and after over 33 years together will still make late night Walmart runs for last minute teacher supplies or Marshmellow food.

He is patient with my precious but slightly dramatic graduate school sister, Jessie (AKA Baby Girl) listening to the woes of college life and pinching pennies in the great city of Tallahassee while singing her little heart out while bleeding dad's wallet dry....

And then there's me...(AKA Punkin Head) who until recently was somewhat normal I think.... But now added a whole new level of stress to their lives. Suddenly the kid who graduated, got a job, got married, has taken two steps back (well, that's just a phrase, just one I guess--I still have my job). And like always, my Dad stepped in like a ROCK.

So, Daddy (AKA "TDH"), on your birthday, ENJOY yourselfand KNOW that we love you to pieces!

It's Good to Be Back.

I am now a Georgia Peach. I don't know what that means, or if I care, but I suppose it's now official. I moved from my old house over 3 months ago in AL the 6 miles across the Chattahoochee into GA, but have yet to obtain the proper documentation and release AL as home sweet home. After waiting over 3 hours at the one location in Columbus you can obtain a driver's license, I have now become a legal resident of the State of Georgia. My Georgia State Farm Insurance was putting the pressure on thick, seeing as how they're insuring someone without their state's license and all....I suppose I should invest in car tags next.

But I'm not sure it was the state seal or that l-o-v-e-ly picture that caused me to tear up at the DMV last week in front of every...let's say, in front of everything Columbus had to offer that day....in line around me as they handed me my new identification card. It was my name, Jennifer Leigh Simpson. The lady behind the counter said, 'Ma'am please check all the information to make sure it's correct now.' I looked: my new home address, which several months later I'm still getting used to--check. Organ donor-check. Blue eyes, brown hair-check, check. Weight:big fat lie-check. Oh yeah, and my new (old) name. Don't get me wrong, it's been the plan all along to go back to it, but there's been one thing or another that's held me back, that's stalled me. Selling our old house, buying my new one, taxes, but finally after almost a year, finally, it's time. And looking at it, finally on something official, made me smile. And cry.

I'm in a new chapter, but it's so comforting to have something familiar there. Even if it is just my name. And if it means walking out of a DMV crying like a idiot, I'll take it.

I called my dad, because in a weird way, I felt like I had accomplished something, whether it was finally marking something off my to-do list, or if deep down it was a little more complicated than that, to share the news. 'Daddy, I'm official,' is what i told him, realizing I didnt make much sense, and then went on to tell him, I'm sure dramatically, my story of the 3 hour wait with all the characters at the DMW. I could feel him smiling on the other end. I expected my dad, always the levelheaded, mature, man of logic and reason within a house of 3 crazy, animated women, to reply with a comment on how this is good for me, another step in the right direction, in healing, in moving on, and go on to tell me I need to go to my HR person at work next and get things started there....surprised me. He laughed through the phone, and said 'Well, it's about time! Welcome home, Punkin Head. It's good to have you back."

If I could have spoken at that moment, I would have said: Thanks, Daddy, it's good to be back.

Good Times, Great Friends!

This post is long overdue, but yall know me. I'm a last minute shopper, I'm late to all meetings (even the ones I call), I put my makeup on in the car, and I post two weeks late. So sue me.

Two of my best, and oldest, friends in the whole wide world, Leah Justice Allen and Shea Snider try to get together for a girls trip annually. Football season already seems like forever ago, and not soon enough, so we need a little R&R to break up the downtime.

So last (last) Friday afternoon I hopped in my car and headed to Mobile to Leah's as Shea hopped on a plane in DC and ascended in the same direction. (I'm assuming Leah was probably pacing the floor in anticipation.) Once we all arrived and hugs were swapped and bags were dropped, we found a comfy spot on the front porch and spent who knows how long out there chatting await. I wish I had a picture of Leah's house and street because it is the most comfortable, laid back, friendly neighborhood I've ever seen. Literally, where everybody knows your name. Anyway, I'm off track....of course I get hungry, so LJA takes us to this great restaurant (Shea--not need to confirm or deny), The Bakery Cafe.

After dinner, we resume our places on the porch and allow the boys (LJA's hubby Brian and buddy Todd Lecour) to join in girl talk...which they l-o-v-e-d) until way too late.

The next morning it was up early to cold showers (and the pilot light being out), bags back in the car, a bagel on the go, and we were off to New Orleans!!

We all have been to New Orleans for our share of bacherolette parties, and love the city, the food, and the shopping, so we were looking forward to some time there a little more slow paced, of course more good food, and checking out more of one of our favorite cities.

We checked into the W Hotel, and I fell in love. It was absolutely beautiful and they treated us like royalty. I was especially fond of it because their theme "W" led to signs everywhere saying "What is your wish?" And yall know how much I love the Make A Wish Foundation so everytime I see the words I take a picture and I try to buy whatever it is! So I will probaby be staying at W's from here on out!

We checked in, grabbed some fruity concoctions and soaked up the sun for a while out by the pool before heading out on the town.

Though we may not be the most proficient at reading maps, we managed to chase down a street car, and eventually get it to stop somewhere in the Garden District where we got to see some beautiful homes. Mostly locals live around this area and its a place I've never really been to, so we walked around the most beautiful homes.

Dinner at Emeril's was fantastic...once we got over the giggles from looking at a 100 page wine list. I believe the exact words to the waiter were "We're just going with hard liquor tonight, sir."

And what's a trio of cute girls to do after blowing 300 bucks on a fabulous dinner, you ask....well, there's just one thing of course.... when the lights are flashing, the machines must be cashing, right?!?!

WRONG. But just the same, lots of fun as as always! But after a few hours of "max bets" and no "big spins"....we realize its time we pack it up and walk back to the W...for some more girltalk outside in the courtyard, til waaay too late once again. How I wish I could stop time and make that weekend last just a couple more days. Every minute of it was so much fun, I love these girls to pieces. I hope they know that sometimes they are just what the doctor ordered.

Sunday morning we rolled out of bed and as we bid farewell to our beloved New Orleans, we brunched at Court of the Two Sisters...and brunched...brunched. That's right, three delicious plates of the the most fabulous fruits, and homemade hashbrowns, grits, omelets, biscuits, and desserts you can imagine. I dont think I ate again until Tuesday.After brunch, it was packing the car, BOOOO, and hitting the road. A short trip later we were in Gulfport to do a little outlet shopping and then dropping Shea off at the airport (BOOO again). An hour later we're at Leah's and more hugs were swapped an bags were dropped and before I knew it the weekend was over and I was on my way back to Georgia. So long R&R, and my precious friends. Come see me soon!

Weekend Getaway!!

What a fun weekend at the beach! I had the honor of seeing one of my dear friends from college, Ashley Oakes, tie the knot! We stayed at a beautiful house in Sea Grove, and on Friday night for old times sake we ate at one of our faves....the Red Bar! (I was having flashbacks to 61's bachelorette party....has it been that long?!?!!)

Jenn, Jess, and Ginny

On Saturday, Anna Kate joined the group and after some outlet shopping and lunch at the Lucky Snapper, it was back to the house to RACE to get ready and on to the wedding! And I do mean RACE....only those who were there truly know what this means! The wedding was at The Meeting House in Carrillon Beach, and it was just breathtaking. A small chapel with wooden folding chairs and one simple but giant hydrandrea wreath, reception on the water under a tent lit with lanterns and trees surrounding us lit up with twinkly lights, delicious salmon and roast beef, baby carrots, mashed potatoes, great music and lots of dancing!!

The Meeting House...

The arrangement at the ceremony...

The table arrangements...

Ginny, Anna Kate, Ashley PARRISH!!, Jess, and me

And for all the Chi O's out there, a sign we all recognize..... haha!

In the News....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY MAMA!

I just can't say enough about this woman, my mom, my girlfriend, this NUT, my rock, Alabama's BEST teacher, my Dad's #1 fan, my inspiration.

So on Mama's birthday, please allow me to "roast her," of course with nothing but the best intentions....with some of the things that make me laugh and smile the most when I think of her, and if you know my Mom at all, you may recognize some of these....

1. My parents have always had a phrase they shared amongst themselves, a term of endearment if you will. I do not know the origin, probably never will, but it has always made me laugh. It has carried down to my sister and me and the four of us dont use it lightly, only on the most serious of occassions. Please note this is one word... "Iloveyousomuchicouldpee." It means business (I suppose in more ways that one.) We have small bladders in our family, so that means a heck of a lot.

2. My mom is not the biggest animal lover. Dogs have come and gone in our family. Every one of them she has politely pat on the head. Literally, pat on the head in passing. Good Dog, Dusty. Hey Ethel. No Sugar. etc, etc. But something has broken the mold. This woman has fallen in love with someone other than my 6'5" tall father. She has found a dwarf. Bunny that is. I guess I didn't realize people even had pet rabbits anymore but oh, they do. And this priss does for sure. For several years now (longer than expected but don't you dare tell her!) Mama has been loving on a Netherlands dwarf bunny affectionately named Marshmellow (he's a guy but don't you dare tell him either!) He started out as a class pet but I'm not sure when the last time he actually hopped in the classroom was. And hold on to something folks, they make bunny clothes. See below. And pray for Marsh.

(left) Meet Santa Bunny and (right) Marsh sporting his tank with the "palm tree bling"

3. My mom loves a clean house. In fact I swear she almost looked forward to Thursdays because that was house cleaning day and our little "team" would work together to get it done. Booo!! is all I have to say about that! But I swear she thought it was the most rewarding thing ever! We all had assigned duties, I had to dust, and little Jessie had to "windex" we called it, which meant to clean the glass tables/mirrors in the house. Puh-lease. Anyway, mom always cracked me up because she'd vacuum, among other things, and when all was said and done, we'd pretty much stay where we were because she didnt want to "mess things up." She's a lady who loves to see "vacuum lines" in the carpet and smell a clean bathroom. So walk on the carpet and pee before you scrub. Or least give her a good hour! So funny! Girl likes a clean house, what can I say. But thank you for the sweet ladies who clean it now so we don't have too!!

4. Lord, this woman will drive you crazy. Of course, we love her all the more for it, but she'll drive you crazy for sure. Need an example? When I get a new haircut, the next day she wants to know what was said about it. "Tell me what they said at work?" I'll say they all liked it. She says "Like who?" She needs DETAILS. Here's another one. Her favorite line about a boyfriend is "Tell me something sweet he did today." I'd say "Oh, I dont know, he wrote me a poem." Mom: Ooo, tell me what it said! Me: I tell her... Mom: So what'd you say back. Me: I said "thanks" Mom: "then what'd he do?" Me: "nothing" Mom: "but what'd else he say sweet?" Me: "not much" Mom: "that is SO sweet" I love you, Mama, you know I'm just teasing, but you know you are SO like this! And then what?, and then what?, and then what? hehe :) 5. Ok, last one. Have yall heard me sing? I suck, but I make a joyful noise, right? Sure. Well, I didnt pull it out of the sky, ladies and gentlemen, I got it from my mama. And she has another talent to go along with that joyful noise, and that's the ability to fill in the blanks (I might have gotten that too....). So when you don't know the lyrics, ask Debbie, she more that likely won't know it either, but can dang sure make something up that sounds similar (or not) and is bound to make you laugh. For example... 1. Tiffany, I Think We're Alone Now: "And we're running just as fast as we can, holding on to what the other has" (actual: one another's hands) 2. Jimmy Buffet, Margaritaville: "Searching for my log shaker of salt" (actual: lost shaker) 3. Peaches&Herb: "Shake your blues thing, shake your blues thing, yeah yeah" (acutal: grove thing) Love you Mama, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Hope it's full of surprises! Oh, and iloveyousomuchicouldpeee.