What was my favorite memory of 2010, you ask? Hard to say. As mentioned ad nauseum, 2010 was a rough year for us. It seemed like every time I felt like we were getting somewhere, we'd get knocked down by something else.
We did have some positive moments, though. Our trips to St. Pete and Destin were fun, Cooper learned so much, Jeff and I love our jobs and we are blessed with amazing friends and family.
My favorite memory would have to be when Cooper took his first real steps. It was the day after my birthday and mine and Jeff's families were at Jeff's parents' house for my birthday dinner. We were sitting around and Cooper kept going for the pens in Daddy's shirt pocket. As Daddy was leaning over, Cooper toddled over to him. We all cheered, Cooper clapped for himself, then Daddy put him down and literally held a pen out in an effort to get him to walk again. It worked and I just sat there stunned. My baby was walking! Not only that, he walked in front of all the major family members that needed to see it!
Of course, Daddy had major bragging rights and proudly told everyone, "Cooper took his first steps and who did he walk to? Pops!"
Friday, January 7, 2011
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Day 6: Top 11 in 2011
Today's topic is Best Organization Tip. This has got to be some kind of joke. Try as I may, I typically have an organized mess, meaning I, and only I, know where things are.
I have had to become slightly organized with Cooper's clothing, though. I keep his current outfits in the top drawer of his changing table, then bigger clothes (because I try to buy next year's clothes this year when they're on sale) in his dresser. I also have separate stacks for pants/shorts, shirts, and pajamas and try to keep them stacked so they pair up. For instance, he has an outfit that consists of navy track pants and a yellow and navy shirt. When putting away his clothes, I will try to stack them so when the track pants are next in the pants stack, so is the navy and yellow shirt in the shirt stack.
Of course, this goes right out the window when Jeff dresses him and decides that the pants on the bottom of the stack need to be worn with the shirt in the middle of that stack, moving everything around. It's hard to complain when he's being helpful, but I've yet to figure out what was wrong with the outfit that was next in the stack?
I have had to become slightly organized with Cooper's clothing, though. I keep his current outfits in the top drawer of his changing table, then bigger clothes (because I try to buy next year's clothes this year when they're on sale) in his dresser. I also have separate stacks for pants/shorts, shirts, and pajamas and try to keep them stacked so they pair up. For instance, he has an outfit that consists of navy track pants and a yellow and navy shirt. When putting away his clothes, I will try to stack them so when the track pants are next in the pants stack, so is the navy and yellow shirt in the shirt stack.
Of course, this goes right out the window when Jeff dresses him and decides that the pants on the bottom of the stack need to be worn with the shirt in the middle of that stack, moving everything around. It's hard to complain when he's being helpful, but I've yet to figure out what was wrong with the outfit that was next in the stack?
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Day 5: Top 11 for 2011
Today's topic is places I hope to go this year. Am I aiming too low to say Gould's and leave it at that?
Yes? Crap, let me think then.
I think the point of today's topic was to pick somewhere out of town that you hope to go. Let's face it: we're going to St. Pete Beach in July and that will be our vacation for the year. I'm more than fine with that; Jeff isn't as into as I am. With my #1 resolution being to work on debt, traveling isn't something that is high on the priority list right now.
My take on this might have to be a little closer to home and incorporate some things I've been scared or too busy to try.
1. Some kind of exercise class: yoga, zumba, boot camp, hula hoop- I want to do something other than walking for exercise. My problem is that I feel like the world is laughing at me as I learn, so I need someone to come with me, hold my hand, then laugh at me.
2. The Greenline: Memphis has a new stretch of greenline that goes from midtown/downtown to Shelby Farms. It's been too cold to really get out an experience it, but I am so anxious for spring and summer because I have heard great things.
3. Restaurants in town: Jeff and I don't go out to nice restaurants like we used to, but I'd really like for us to try some new places. At the top of my list is SweetGrass in Cooper-Young.
Is anyone planning a big trip this year?
Yes? Crap, let me think then.
I think the point of today's topic was to pick somewhere out of town that you hope to go. Let's face it: we're going to St. Pete Beach in July and that will be our vacation for the year. I'm more than fine with that; Jeff isn't as into as I am. With my #1 resolution being to work on debt, traveling isn't something that is high on the priority list right now.
My take on this might have to be a little closer to home and incorporate some things I've been scared or too busy to try.
1. Some kind of exercise class: yoga, zumba, boot camp, hula hoop- I want to do something other than walking for exercise. My problem is that I feel like the world is laughing at me as I learn, so I need someone to come with me, hold my hand, then laugh at me.
2. The Greenline: Memphis has a new stretch of greenline that goes from midtown/downtown to Shelby Farms. It's been too cold to really get out an experience it, but I am so anxious for spring and summer because I have heard great things.
3. Restaurants in town: Jeff and I don't go out to nice restaurants like we used to, but I'd really like for us to try some new places. At the top of my list is SweetGrass in Cooper-Young.
Is anyone planning a big trip this year?
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Day 4: Top 11 for 2011
Best Leftover Recipe...I'm guessing by "recipe" the chicken lo mein from Pei Wei doesn't count.
I'm not setting the world on fire with any of my cooking, but I do think my chicken enchiladas are edible, both fresh out of the oven and as leftovers. They're Jeff's favorite, probably because it's one of the only things we cook at home that doesn't require him to grill out.
So, here you go, all 3 faithful blog readers, my recipe for Chicken Enchiladas:
*3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
*Reduced fat sour cream
*1 taco seasoning packet
*Mexican blend cheese
*Soft tortillas
*Taco sauce
Cook chicken in crock pot. Once cooked, shred chicken and mix with sour cream and taco seasoning (I normally mix the sour cream and taco seasoning together, then add the chicken in). Spray a 13"x9" Pyrex dish with non-stick cooking spray. From there, you can go about this 2 ways:
1. Layer the chicken mixture and tortillas in the dish, or;
2. Take a tortilla, spread the chicken mixture on it, roll it up, and place in the Pyrex dish.
Either way, you will then top with the taco sauce and Mexican blend cheese. Bake at 400 degrees until bubbly.
Enjoy!
I'm not setting the world on fire with any of my cooking, but I do think my chicken enchiladas are edible, both fresh out of the oven and as leftovers. They're Jeff's favorite, probably because it's one of the only things we cook at home that doesn't require him to grill out.
So, here you go, all 3 faithful blog readers, my recipe for Chicken Enchiladas:
*3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
*Reduced fat sour cream
*1 taco seasoning packet
*Mexican blend cheese
*Soft tortillas
*Taco sauce
Cook chicken in crock pot. Once cooked, shred chicken and mix with sour cream and taco seasoning (I normally mix the sour cream and taco seasoning together, then add the chicken in). Spray a 13"x9" Pyrex dish with non-stick cooking spray. From there, you can go about this 2 ways:
1. Layer the chicken mixture and tortillas in the dish, or;
2. Take a tortilla, spread the chicken mixture on it, roll it up, and place in the Pyrex dish.
Either way, you will then top with the taco sauce and Mexican blend cheese. Bake at 400 degrees until bubbly.
Enjoy!
Monday, January 3, 2011
Top 11 for 2011
Caroline at Simply Smithwick, one of the blogs I follow, started an 11 for 2011 countdown, so I thought I would jump on her bandwagon.
Here is a list of the topics/days...
Day 1: New Year Resolutions
Day 2: Favorite Holiday Memory
Day 3: Favorite Work-Out Tips
Day 4: Best Leftover Recipe
Day 5: Places You Hope to go this Year
Day 6: Best Organization Tricks
Day 7: Favorite Memory of 2010
Day 8: Favorite Healthy Snacks
Day 9: Favorite Things to Do on a Cold Winter Day
Day 10: Favorite Girls Night Out Events
Day 11: What are you Looking Forward to in 2011
Because I'm joining in late, I'll put #1-#3 in this post. I've already discussed #1 in a previous post, but my resolutions are to work on debt, cook more at home/eat healthy, and take time for the small stuff.
Day #2- Favorite Holiday Memory: Honestly, I don't know. My parents have always made Christmas special for me and Kyle (and Jeff, once we got married and Cooper, once he was born). I guess it would be spending time with family, joking around, and being able to relax a little.
Day #3- Favorite Work-Out Tips: Have a good mix of music to listen to when you work out. Whether it's a song that takes you back to high school or college days or something that has just come out, add it to your iPod and get moving. I have everything from Vanilla Ice to The Carpenters to Jimmy Buffett to The Black Eyed Peas on my iPod. If I don't like it, I skip the song, but it keeps me moving!
How are everyone's resolutions going so far?
Friday, December 31, 2010
2010- A Year in Pictures
What a year it's been! 2010 was eventful, unusual, and fast-paced.
2010 was snowy in Memphis. We avoided taking Cooper out in it, but I did take lots of pictures because we were home together a lot:
Finally, the weather began to improve, right in time for Easter. We had taken Cooper to church before, but Easter was the first time we sat in the sanctuary, which was short-lived. At least he looked cute, thanks to YaYa's sewing talents:
As soon as Easter was over, Jeff and Hondo took a quick trip to Augusta, GA, to take in a practice round for the Masters. This is the 2nd time they've been able to go and Nana and Hondo are going again in 2011.
The spring season brought an infestation of roof rats, as mentioned a number of times in the blog. Our next door neighbors, who live in squalor, are apparently breeding "who knows what" in and around their house. The "who knows what" moved right on over the property line, and thus began an 8 month battle of trying to get rid of the rodents.
May is a hectic time for me at work, between state testing and graduation. I had just finished a presentation with the senior class on their last day of school and was starting to feel like the end was in sight when I got a phone call that scared me to death. Jeff had gotten in a wreck and all the witness would tell me was that I needed to get to the scene as soon as possible. I was able to talk to Jeff, but he sounded groggy and I didn't know what to think. Here's what I found when I got to the wreck site:
Jeff was headed home for lunch when a car swerved into his lane. In an effort to miss that car, he swerved, not realizing there was a parked furniture delivery truck. The car that caused the wreck stopped, but left the scene when they saw Jeff climbing out of the top of the truck bleeding. Thankfully, the witness who saw the wreck verified Jeff's story and stayed with him until I got there. Unfortunately, his injuries landed us at the MED for almost 12 hours. Kyle stayed with me, Nana, and Hondo for part of the afternoon while YaYa and Pops kept Cooper and one of mine and Jeff's friends, Dave, visited, but the MED is one of the absolute worst experiences I've ever had. By the grace of God, Jeff escaped with scrapes, bruises, and a cut tear duct, which was repaired the next day. Here he is on our way to surgery:
And here is the picture from the junkyard that insurance used for claims purposes:
Obviously we'd have preferred for the wreck to never have happened, but are thrilled that the outcome wasn't more serious. It's true what they say: objects can be replaced, but people can't.
We are very lucky that Aunt Leigh, Uncle Mark, and Regina have a pool at their house and are gracious enough to let us use it during the summer. Cooper preferred to drink pool water in the beginning, but liked to play and be pushed around in his float, too. After a few times in the pool, we dunked him and he was perfectly fine with it. Do we have a future swimmer on our hands? Cousin Regina, the star swimmer of the family, certainly hopes so!
July was busy, but fun, as we started of the month in Dyer, TN, with Jeff, Tori, Tori's parents, and her friends Justin, Allison, and Samantha Little. Then we ventured to Horseshoe Lake, AR, to Aunt Leigh, Uncle Mark, and Regina's cabin for the 4th of July. We made in back in time for the fireworks in Germantown, too!
Tori and Sam with Cooper and Jeff
We took our annual vacation to St. Pete Beach and had a great time. Our friends Kim and Gavino got married and we are now able to say that 4 generations of my family have vacationed at the same place.
Cooper and YaYa checking out the gulf.
Hanging out at the pool with Jeff, Uncle Kyle, and the Angricks
Pops helping Cooper model some Janie and Jack summer wear.
August brought the beginning of a new school year and a new day care situation. Mrs. Lara has been an absolute God-send for us. She loves and takes care of Cooper like he's her own, is reliable, and so willing to help out whenever I need to stay late at work. It has been wonderful, especially compared to what we had become accustomed to.
Soon after school started, though, Grandmama's health began failing. She had some very close calls, leaving us all on speed dial with one another in case something happened. Eventually, her health improved enough to be moved out of ICU, then to a nursing home. Unfortunately, her doctor decided there wasn't much else that could be done and the decision was made to send her home with hospice. I know it was as bittersweet for her as it was for us. It was nice for her to home so we could visit whenever we wanted and we could take Cooper to see her, though.
September brought my 29th birthday, Cooper's first steps, and a trip to Jackson to visit Jeff and Tori. We are so blessed to have them in our lives. Jeff and Jeff golfed, Tori and I got pedicures, and we all hung out, enjoying our time together.
October was so busy for us. Cooper turned 1- I still can't believe it.
We took a trip over Fall break to Destin with Nana and Hondo:
Once we made it home from Destin, we had the visitation and funeral for Grandmama, spending lots of time with my family, as well. Not long after that, we celebrated Halloween with Cooper as "The Cat in the Hat":
November was much calmer and we all enjoyed Thanksgiving. Cooper and I had 3 days off together and Jeff had Thanksgiving and the Friday afterwards off work. Cooper wasn't a fan of turkey, but did love pumpkin pie and, of course, rolls!
Aunt Kim with Cooper
December was a whirlwind with Jeff and I both busy at work, Jeff's 31st birthday, and the holidays. Not to mention, we have a fully mobile toddler on our hands! Cooper is running like crazy. We just follow him throughout the house, trying to make sure he doesn't hurt himself somehow.
Santa was very good to Sweet Cooper, even if he wasn't sure what to think of it:
In addition to going full speed, Cooper has been blowing kisses for a few months now; will bring books to us to read to him; will give Avery her toys to play with; and pull on the refrigerator door, point to his food cabinet, or try to drag his high chair into the kitchen when he's ready to eat. We've found new favorite foods in chicken and dumplings, bologna, grilled cheese, mint chocolate chip ice cream, and Eggo cinnamon toast waffles. He's definitely mischievous, often doing something he knows he shouldn't, then smiling and running off when he gets caught.
We are all hopeful that 2011 will be a much better year for us. We're excited about the things to come- Jeff and Hondo's trip to Scotland, our trip to Florida, watching Cooper grow- and dreading other aspects (ahem...someone turns 30 in 2011), but are thankful for our family, friends, and the blessings that have been given to us.
Happy New Year!
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Merry Christmas!
How was everyone's Christmas? We had a great time with family and enjoyed the holidays.
Jeff had the 23rd-26th off, so we were able to spend a lot of time together. Because of time constraints with family gatherings, he and I opened our presents from each other on the 23rd.
Cooper helping Jeff open gifts. I think it's the fastest we've opened gifts from each other- we were busy chasing Cooper the rest of the time!
We make stops to visit each side of our families. The hit present at Nana and Hondo's house was a Batman Power Wheels 4-Wheeler from Martha, Jeff's grandmother. We weren't sure if Cooper would know what to do with it yet, but he absolutely loved it. We do have to be close by because he hasn't learned how to steer, so when he runs into walls, we have to pull him away and back on track:
We do not promote drinking and driving.
Next stop was Grandmama and Alfie's house for the Bailey Christmas. I don't think any of us could imagine not having Christmas there this year, despite Grandmama and Alfie both being gone. It's where every Bailey Christmas Eve has been celebrated.
Watching Regina open her gifts.
Pops showing off Mr. Bingle, a flashback from his childhood that used to be housed at Lowenstein's at Poplar Plaza during the holidays.
The Bailey siblings together with the famed Bailey tree in the background. It's the tree where all "Christmas perfectionism" begins. The candle holder my mom (YaYa) is holding was made from flowers from Grandmama's funeral. My parents and my Aunt Cynthia got them for Christmas from Aunt Leigh, Uncle Mark, and Regina.
Cooper went to sleep as soon as we got home from Grandmama and Alfie's. Good thing because Santa visited our house!
He loved the shortbread cookies Cooper left out and as you can tell, Santa must be a Memphis fan since he drank almost all his milk. Cooper even got a note from him, saying Fred, our Elf on the Shelf, had told him what a good boy Cooper had been.
Cooper must have been a REALLY good boy. Check out all those toys!
Next, it was time for Cooper to open his gifts from us. He didn't really get into the gift opening this year, but did love his new SkippyJon Jones book:
And his xylophone:
Every year, Pops and YaYa host both sides of my family for Christmas morning brunch. Before that, we open our presents from each other and see what Santa brought at their house.
Uncle Kyle got golf clubs:
Jeff, Cooper, Kyle, and I gave Daddy gift certificates to our favorite restaurants in St. Pete for next year's vacation.
A little bit of excitement came next as Mama's coffee cake overflowed in the oven and caused a small fire when it hit the oven coils. No call to the fire department was needed, but we did have to open doors and run fans to get the smoke out of the kitchen in time for brunch.
Cooper and Uncle Kyle kept busy by going up and down the stairs. Well, they'd get up the stairs, but Uncle Kyle would slide Cooper down the banister. We've all said this is something special for Cooper and Uncle Kyle, meaning the rest of us don't have the energy!
Pops was worn out after all the excitement of Santa, fires in the oven, and brunch:
We also went to Frannie and Papaw's, Jeff's grandparents on his mom's side, and Mamaw's for Mama's side of the family to celebrate Christmas. Unfortunately, I also forgot the camera. We had a great time, though.
Cooper and I have spent lots of time playing with all his new toys this week. I ran some errands to exchange Christmas gifts and to get some Christmas decorations for 50% off Monday, then I got together with some friends from work to see "Little Fockers" (very cute!) and have dinner yesterday. I'm getting my hair cut tomorrow afternoon and Jeff will have Friday off with us. We don't have any plans for New Year's Eve, but will have a get-together with the Bailey side of the family New Year's Day. It's back to work for me on Monday- I can't believe my 2 weeks off is almost up!
Hope you and your family have enjoyed the holidays!
Jeff had the 23rd-26th off, so we were able to spend a lot of time together. Because of time constraints with family gatherings, he and I opened our presents from each other on the 23rd.
Cooper helping Jeff open gifts. I think it's the fastest we've opened gifts from each other- we were busy chasing Cooper the rest of the time!
We make stops to visit each side of our families. The hit present at Nana and Hondo's house was a Batman Power Wheels 4-Wheeler from Martha, Jeff's grandmother. We weren't sure if Cooper would know what to do with it yet, but he absolutely loved it. We do have to be close by because he hasn't learned how to steer, so when he runs into walls, we have to pull him away and back on track:
We do not promote drinking and driving.
Next stop was Grandmama and Alfie's house for the Bailey Christmas. I don't think any of us could imagine not having Christmas there this year, despite Grandmama and Alfie both being gone. It's where every Bailey Christmas Eve has been celebrated.
Watching Regina open her gifts.
Pops showing off Mr. Bingle, a flashback from his childhood that used to be housed at Lowenstein's at Poplar Plaza during the holidays.
The Bailey siblings together with the famed Bailey tree in the background. It's the tree where all "Christmas perfectionism" begins. The candle holder my mom (YaYa) is holding was made from flowers from Grandmama's funeral. My parents and my Aunt Cynthia got them for Christmas from Aunt Leigh, Uncle Mark, and Regina.
Cooper went to sleep as soon as we got home from Grandmama and Alfie's. Good thing because Santa visited our house!
He loved the shortbread cookies Cooper left out and as you can tell, Santa must be a Memphis fan since he drank almost all his milk. Cooper even got a note from him, saying Fred, our Elf on the Shelf, had told him what a good boy Cooper had been.
Cooper must have been a REALLY good boy. Check out all those toys!
Next, it was time for Cooper to open his gifts from us. He didn't really get into the gift opening this year, but did love his new SkippyJon Jones book:
And his xylophone:
Every year, Pops and YaYa host both sides of my family for Christmas morning brunch. Before that, we open our presents from each other and see what Santa brought at their house.
Uncle Kyle got golf clubs:
Jeff, Cooper, Kyle, and I gave Daddy gift certificates to our favorite restaurants in St. Pete for next year's vacation.
A little bit of excitement came next as Mama's coffee cake overflowed in the oven and caused a small fire when it hit the oven coils. No call to the fire department was needed, but we did have to open doors and run fans to get the smoke out of the kitchen in time for brunch.
Cooper and Uncle Kyle kept busy by going up and down the stairs. Well, they'd get up the stairs, but Uncle Kyle would slide Cooper down the banister. We've all said this is something special for Cooper and Uncle Kyle, meaning the rest of us don't have the energy!
Pops was worn out after all the excitement of Santa, fires in the oven, and brunch:
We also went to Frannie and Papaw's, Jeff's grandparents on his mom's side, and Mamaw's for Mama's side of the family to celebrate Christmas. Unfortunately, I also forgot the camera. We had a great time, though.
Cooper and I have spent lots of time playing with all his new toys this week. I ran some errands to exchange Christmas gifts and to get some Christmas decorations for 50% off Monday, then I got together with some friends from work to see "Little Fockers" (very cute!) and have dinner yesterday. I'm getting my hair cut tomorrow afternoon and Jeff will have Friday off with us. We don't have any plans for New Year's Eve, but will have a get-together with the Bailey side of the family New Year's Day. It's back to work for me on Monday- I can't believe my 2 weeks off is almost up!
Hope you and your family have enjoyed the holidays!
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