Congrats Lily Duncan...

I know that all mothers have a bit of a reality check in life when they look at their bugs and think, "Shit, how did I get here."  I had one of those moment, in church even.  My Little Bug is really not that little.  You see she had her 1st Communion last week and I can't really believe how grown up she was.

I always try to make things a little extra special.  This was no exception because Bug was there to chime in "When I had my 1st Communion, I got to get my hair done at the beauty shop." Thanks Bug.  So I got one of the ladies at Garrett's salon to come in early and do Little Bug's hair.

She was giving all the directions to the lady.  I just sat back and watched. 

She is someone who knows what she wants.

I will say she did do a good job picking out her dress. 

It is a real Little Bug dress and bling sandals.

Take my picture with my glasses off.  We gave her a little St. Lucy

medal because that is her favorite Saint.  Eyes gouged out and all, poor, St. Lucy. 

Back View-  Very important to get the whole thing.  I guess that is true if you

pay $30 to get your hair curled in Georgia they did have to use a bunch of hairspray.

The whole class of Communicates.  Fr. Wes Lamb is our Pastor and he tell funny jokes all the time. Garrett loved all the boys' ties.  Some were so long and some were really short.  They were all really cute.

The proud parents.

Little Bug sat down in her chair at church and opened the program, leaned over to me and goes

"Mom, they got my name wrong!"  Sure enough.  Congrats Lily.  We still love you!

It is a bit hard to get a lot of things on a cake for just 4

people so we upgraded to one that served 10.  Damn Diet.

We then had to rush to our 12:20 soccer game in Savannah to play in the rain. It was the last one with that team as she will be to old for it next year and we have to try out at the end of the month for the next team.  You know, hair does not stay curled in the rain no matter if you have a whole bottle of spray on it. Oh well.  She did not seam to care.  It was goal time.

"Til the next adventure...

Somber and Serious...

Bug has been taking piano for a couple of years now but she really has never played in front of anyone, until now.  You see we no longer have the best piano teacher in the world and had to settle for the second best.  This is one time that eavesdropping was a good thing.  Bug really wanted to take piano lessons when we moved here so I was tasked for finding a teacher.

I looked in the yellow pages, talked to some people at Bug's school, asked some people at church and was getting nowhere.  I wanted to get a teacher a little closer than Savannah but could not find one.  Then a little prayer was answered.  I over heard a couple of ladies at the YMCA talking about how they had to take their kids to piano lessons.  Did I hear correctly though my headphones?  So, I took them out and asked the lady, "So sorry to bother you, but I thought I heard you say piano lessons?  Do you know someone around here that teaches.  I have been looking for a teacher for my daughter."

"Sure,  we go to Ms. D and she is very good.  Let me text her to make sure it is okay to give you here info."

We went to go meet Ms. D the next week and Bug and I thought she was great.  She is 16 but very mature and has 8 brothers and sisters.  She is home schooled to give herself more time to practice.  Bug and Ms. D hit is off and she has been having fun ever since until she had to play in front of people!

Bug had her very first recital.  She did so well.  I was so proud.  She gets so nervous and forgets to smile but I think in time, that will change. I did take video but it isn't wanting to load.  I'll try it later.


'Til the next adventure...

Man, We Missed it...

A couple of weeks ago the girls were on Spring Break, which I never really figured out because they get out of school four weeks after Spring Break, and Garrett came home all excited and said, "Hey, did you know that we are only 5 hours away from Kennedy Space Center and one of the last space shuttle launches is in a couple of days? Do you want to go?"

So, I don't know if any of you know that I am a bit of a space geek.  I even saved up money and went to a week long Space Camp when I was 15 in Huntsville, AL.  So, of course I was game.  Since both Garrett and I know that there are so many things that can go wrong with launches, I wanted to do something fun on the way down just in case the shuttle did not get to launch.  Good thinking, huh.  I did a bit of research on zoos on the way to Cocoa Beach and I found the St. Augustine Alligator Farm.  I remembered that Mark Reed, Zoo Director at Sedgwick County Zoo where I used to work, and I got into a discussion about albino alligators and that the St. Augustine Alligator Farm had one and was accredited my the AZA (very important to me because if they are accredited I know that they really care for their guests and animals).

Since my bugs like reptiles, I figured that this would be a great stop.  And it was! We had a ball.  Bug was so excited that she got to see all the different species of crocodilian, 23 in all.

No, this is not a real alligator. 
But I would love to see Little Bug up against a real one. 

I don't know who would win.  She is a bit scrappy.

The albino alligator is a species that can not survive in the wild. 

It is very sensitive to the sun and can not camouflage itself in the wild.
But they sure look cool.

This is one of the keepers who does demonstrations to
inform the public about alligators. 
He is a trained professional.  Do not try this at home. 
I know you all have alligators in your back yard.

There were over 30 alligators in the exhibit. 
We counted but I am sure we missed some. 

These suckers can hide good.  I would lose at hide-n-seek.
I'm sure of it.

Who the hell would put a fake zebra in an exhibit? I wonder if they got a bunch of complaints that their PR department had to deal with. What a bunch of morons.  I wonder where they got it.  It looks kind of familiar.  I bet the secretary took their whole family on a trip to FL to deliver it to this zoo. 

Don't you?

This momma Great Egret is feeding her babies.  There were a ton of birds nesting in the trees around the huge alligator exhibit.  I heard that the alligators would protect the nests from predators because who would what to take the risk of being eaten.  This was my favorite part.  Little Bug hated it.  The path was a very long bridge through the exhibit and I found out that Little Bug doesn't like heights.  How funny. Her dad doesn't like heights either.  Little Bug would go close to the side to feed the alligators, throw the food and run back to the middle of the path.

Check out Maximo.  He was huge!  You can't really tell because there is really no reference point but he is a "salty" weighing in at 1250 pounds and 15 feet long.  For some reason, large, dangerous animals really like Garrett.  Maximo walked out of the water and right up to Garrett.  It was crazy.  I have always wanted to go on safari with Garrett but I might think twice because the King Cobra does the same thing.

Oh, we even have to be sassy at the alligator farm.  Little Bug was getting tired but Bug and I could have spent a couple of more hours there and been fine. 

The crowning glory...

Bug got to hold a snake.  I would have hooked her up years ago if I knew it was that big of a deal.  She was so excited.  That was all we heard about for the rest of the trip.

If you get a chance, you should visit the St. Augustine Alligator Farm. We are going to go back when Little Bug gets bigger because you can zip line over the zoo.  I really want to do that but we have to wait a bit.

After that big adventure we got back in the car and headed to Cocoa Beach.  We checked into the hotel and then grabbed some pizza and went shopping at Ron Jon's Beach Shop.  I ended up buying a pair for flips for Bug.  Size 9.  Yes, in women's.  Thanks Nana.  Another generation of large feet.  Finally off to bed.  We had to get up early and head to the beach to get the best spot.  We were there at 8:30 for the launch that was scheduled for 3:30 ish.  We got to play in the ocean and dodge a sand storm.  We found out about 2 that there was a problem and they had to scrap the launch. We had a BLAST anyway.  No pun intented.

We were hoping to make it down on Monday this week to see the launch but Garrett was up against some deadlines and it is the last full week of school for the bugs.  There is one more in July so we hope, God willing to go down then.

'Til the next adventure...

Piggies & Cows Time to Eat Big...

Easter morning has always been a good time at the Duncan's.  However, Bug has been on the edge of believing in things like the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, and even Santa Claus.  She has been testing them.  I told her she better be careful as I don't think they like to be tested.  They might consider "testing" not believing and then no presents if you don't believe.  This year Bug decided to write a letter to the Easter Bunny right before she went to bed to see if he would bring her what she wanted.

I think we need to do a bit more work at school.

Instead the Easter Bunny brought them both things to play with in the pool.  I think he must know that we will be spending a little bit of time in the water this year.

Bug's basket-  She got some worm thing that she has been bugging me for. 

I told her no and then that Bunny brought it to her.  What a mess.

Little Bug's basket- She got more big eyed animals for her family.  Garrett doesn't understand how it could be comfortable sleeping with 10 animals each night.  I say at least they don't snore like he does.

Not only did the bugs get baskets but that Bunny hide all types of eggs around the apartment.  The eggs had money in them, anything from a dollar to a cent.  Maybe he knew I was trying to be good and I would sneak the bugs chocolate.  I was very appreciative for not having a house full of candy for weeks.  Thanks, Easter Bunny. 

Each of the bugs found over 10 dollars in change in the eggs. 
Little Bug bought a wallet and Bug is saving hers for an ipod or something. 
I can't remember.  Call me Mother of the Year.

We went to Church and they had an Easter Egg Hunt after Mass.  Then home.  I made a big Easter dinner.  I'm not used to only cooking for 4 on Holiday Meals.  Okay, so I'm not used to cooking Holiday Meals at all.  We had Mary's potatoes, green beans, deviled eggs, and a big ham.  I got the smallest one at Walmart but it was still 8 lbs.  I did make Garrett ham and beans with the left overs so he was supper happy. 

Little Bug on the other hand had eaten so much junk from her Easter basket that she was full in a few bites. Then from nowhere she brings out her erasers shaped like a green pig, blue cow, and black/white cow and set them on her plate.  She declared, "Piggies and cows, time to eat big."  We all busted out laughing.  I told her that pigs don't eat ham and she moved one of the cows around to the ham. With a satisfactory, "There".  The piggies and cows had a great dinner.  Sometimes I wonder were it comes from and then I think, maybe I don't want to know.

'Til the next adventure...

Happy Mother's Day!

It has already been a busy day! 

Little Bug received her First Penance today before Mass.  She is gearing up for First Communion next Saturday.  Hair appointment made. Check. Cake ordered. Check. Dress, veil and shoes clean and ready. Check. Soccer coach told we might not make the last game. Not Checked.  I'll do it on Tuesday.

I did have a bit of a funny today at Mass.  During the Homily Fr. Wes pulled a few children up to the front on the church and Bug was one of them.  She was asked if there was one thing that you could change about your mother, what would it be?  Bug replied, "That she would stop embarrassing me."  Father then looked at me and said, "Good Job! Keep it up."  I sure will. 

I am going to spend the day scrapbooking.  I love to look back and see the little faces of my bugs and all the things that we have done so far in life.  I am super excited to see what the future has in store for them but I know that time will go by so fast.  I just hope that when they do grow up, they will admire and appreciate me as much I as admire and appreciate my mom.

Happy Mother's Day!

'Til the next adventure.... 

I Really Am Not A Clothes Horse...

Easter week was a little longer than most but I enjoyed a new aspect of it.  Normally for Lent we give something up to make a sacrifice to God because he gave so much to us.  I decided that I would do something a bit different and be more active in our new parish, St. Boniface. 

I really have never had much time to be very active in the Church.  Now though, I don't really have much of an excuse.  So, I joined the choir.  It is really a small group and they needed help.  I like it.  I get to really pay attention at Mass.  I went to several services Good Friday Service, Easter Vigil Mass and both Easter Masses on Sunday. 

We were to wear black and white at the services on Friday and Saturday.  I have many black and white outfits and so it was not a problem for me. On Sunday, I wore a cute blue, green and yellow skirt with a navy blazer and navy slingback high heels.  I love the shoes.  I have had them for many years but only wore them a hand full of times because the hurt my feet.  I figured that since I had my feet fixed in surgery and I have been working out my calves and legs and they are stronger, I would give them a try.  They felt great.  I was so excited.  Off to church I went.

We have an hour break between Masses so instead of going home to meet the rest of the family I was just going to get a drink at Parker's (it is like QT) and have a few minutes of quiet time.  Well, when I was walking out of Parker's my shoe was making a weird clicking sound.  I looked down and the bottom of the shoe had come partly unglued and was clicking.  No, biggie.  I would just call Garrett and ask him to bring up a new pair of shoes. 

Then I tripped on the shoe parts and it broke completely in half and I spilled my Dt. Pepsi all down my shirt and skirt.  Crap.  So I had just enough time to run home and try to find another outfit for the second Mass. 
When I walked back into church, new out fit and new shoes, my friend in the choir asked why I changed my clothes and I told her the whole story.  She just started laughing. 

After Mass, I had her take a picture of the family dressed up.  It is always nice to have a few family photos.

'Til the next adventure...

Oh! Easter Egg Dyeing... Where is Grandma Georgia When You Need Her...

The Bugs would be out of school every Good Friday and I would need to work to help set up for Easter Eggstravaganza so Grandma Georgia would head up the Easter egg dyeing with all the grandkids.  You see, I am a bit of a crazy or self diagnosed OCD and Easter egg dyeing is on the list of things that drive me crazy.  It must have started with Little Bug and the kitchen disaster of 2005.

It was a good thing that Garrett was there to help in 2005.  I think this was the last time I dyed eggs until this year. I decided that it was best to waste the few dollars and buy two packages of dye.  One for Bug and one for Little Bug.  My plan was for this to cut down the reach across to get the green and help cut down on the dripping. Then I boiled two dozen eggs.  I was planning on trying to make deviled eggs for Garrett this year with the eggs later that week.  Garrett loves deviled eggs and normally my mom and his mom make them for him but since we moved I did not think we would get a package of eggs in the mail. 

Preparing for the adventure.  Yes, I made them wear their aprons. 

 I don't know how to get dye out of clothes!

 

They each got a side of the table and I even recycled the pizza box

from dinner the other day for the drying station. 

That one is for you MG but threw it away after we were done.

HA!

Bug's artistic designs took time.

Little Bug was focused and excited to get them all done before sister.  Competitive?

I was in the kitchen trying very hard not to take over.  I planned Easter dinner, did the dishes and then helped with a few eggs of my own.  I have to say it was fun.  I will have to come up with something a little more adventuresome next time. I am a firm believer in trying something simple first and then make it fabulous!

As for the deviled eggs...

Give me a piping bag, a new plate from Target and pretend they are cupcakes and hell ya I am one fabulous wifee!

'Til the next adventure...

  

What an Amazing Attraction... (Continuted)

Well we got back on Saturday from Florida.  It was soo much fun. Stay tuned for adventure details... But for now...

After we had our tasty treats of slushy drinks, we needed to do a bit more shopping at the Harley Davidson store and then we needed another drink.  This time we wanted to try a place in City Market.  The Velvet Elvis Lounge.

The bar was actually called The Jinx but we liked it anyway.  They had a band that night called Damon and the Shitkickers.  They played a type of music called Outlaw County.  It was fun.  We even made a few friends. 

Meet Terry and Mr. Terry (I think that his name was really Leon.  He had had a few Pat's Blue Ribbon Beer).  They were really fun.  Melissa even made a new cocktail called The Red Sea.  It was vodka of coarse, a splash of cranberry and a few Swedish Fish to top it off.  Garnish with a lime slice.  She just can't turn off the genius.  We were having such a good time that we did not realize how late it was getting.  It was almost 8 and we had our ghost tour at 9. 

We were a bit on the hungry side after our Red Sea drinks and so we stopped in at Five Guys.  Bridget had a double cheeseburger and fries, Melissa had a grilled cheese with mushrooms and I had a grilled cheese minus the fungi.

Off to meet the hearse. That was cool. It was a real hearse and they added 8 seats in the back.  We got to learn about how most of Savannah was killed by yellow fever.  Bridget got a few orbs on her pictures.

This was the hospital back in the day and it even had underground tunnels to take the victims of death to the mass graves across the street.  This would help to keep the public from panic and seeing so many deaths. 

After the tour, Bridget was super hungry since she forgot we ate dinner so we grabed a slice of pizza and headed home.

It was so much fun to have my BEST friends here.  I miss them a bunch and not a day goes by that I don't think about them.  Yesterday when we were picking out shoes for Bug (Womens size 9- she is blessed with Elmer feet.  Thanks Barb) Little Bug was borded and went shopping for Melissa's I Man.  She wanted me to buy several pairs of shoes because they were "So Cute" and "Perfect for I Man".  I tell you what.  I am not the only one who missed home sometimes.

Thanks Ladies for coming to visit.  I Love You, both and you are welcome anytime.   I hope to be home for Christmas so pencil in some time!

'Til the next adventure...