A Goodbye

As any former and current student of the University of GA knows, today the beloved Georgia Theatre burned down. I think we all feel a little part of us went with it. Such fond, fond memories I have of the Theatre...

A place where I watched many a band play (Jupitor Coyote, Mel and the Party Hats, Five Eight), and a place where I knew I had drank way too much if I ended up there for late night dancing. A landmark in Athens, GA. A place where greats played when they weren't known around the country...REM, B-52s, Widespread Panic, Dave Matthews Band.

Georgia Theatre's beer gave you the worst hangover of your life with those not-so-clean taps of theirs. You didn't dare look down at the floor because you pretty much didn't want to see what was growing there. You had to bring along a pair of landscaping clippers to cut through the smoke-filled air. Sitting in the seats were meant for those who had had plenty to drink because I'm pretty sure they would be permanently condemned if anyone wanted to test them. And I won't even give you details of the bathrooms. But all that nastiness just brings a HUGE smile to my face. Many memories. Many, many memories.

Yesterday I was on the phone with my best friend, a roommate from college. We were discussing a clip of a college friend of ours who was on the Daily Show.
http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?videoId=230676&title=Tom-Folsom
He has written a book and was discussing said book with Jon Stewart. Caroline and I were talking about how proud we were of him but also laughing about the little things he did in the interview that so reminded us of our buddy from UGA. We started sharing our fun Tom stories and reminiscing about all the things we had done together. Tom was our goofball, and we loved that you could still see that while he was speaking so intellectually about this book that he has authored.

Of course this led us to further discussions about our carefree days in Athens, GA. Ahhh--I'll tell ya, I loved my college years. I would do it again in a heartbeat, but this time I would prefer for Jason to be at my side. We both have such a love for that city and university--I would have loved to have experienced it with him. Caroline and I can talk for hours about the times we shared in school, the fun we had with the guys (we only had 2 or 3 other girls in the group), and the things we learned along the way. Every time we drive into the city, a smile takes over my features because I really and truly just love that place and everything it has offered me over the years.

I mourn a little today for the loss of an iconic place. A reminder that things come to an end--at least an end of what they once were. A time when my biggest concern was whether or not I would find my friends out at the bars after I got off of work (gasp--it was before cell phones). A time where if I had $50 in my bank, I considered myself rich. A time of days at the pool, cute boys in the classroom, a 25 cent ice cream cone at Hodgson's, and a hungover meal at Waffle House (okay, so that last one hasn't totally ended). It was a good time in my life, and I'm so thankful I had the opportunity to experience it. Jason and I often say that we will more than encourage our kids to go away for college. I don't know how we'll pay for it, but the memories and the growing up you do while there are priceless. Everyone needs their own Athens, GA and Georgia Theatre. Everyone needs those kinds of memories.

So, today I thank you GA Theatre for some unforgettable times...

Jack-o'-lantern in June???

We have our own personal jack-o'-lantern here. The other top front tooth is almost out as well. Talk about making your child look older...It's like Landon has hit a whole new chapter of life.

***Don't miss the post below. I did two today.

ChaChaChanges

Ah--our little girl just keeps growing up. A couple of weeks ago, two teeth popped out, and we didn't even know she was teething. If you look closely, you can see those two shiney pearls in this picture....






Along with exploring new things, Lilah learned to clap this week. For some reason, that's one of my favorite things that a baby does. She gets a big ol' grin and claps for herself often. Makes me smile every time.




And this weekend, she did this....



The only thing that doesn't seem to be changing right now are those baby blues of hers. Let's hope she keeps them. It's definitely the first thing people notice about her.

Notice the orange nose--too many carrots, I suppose. :)

Lilah's baptism

This past Saturday, our little Lilah was baptized. We were fortunate to have many family members there and were honored that our good friends, Caroline Abbott and Brian Schuckle, agreed to be godparents. Lilah did wonderfully even if the priest proceeded to pour holy water over her entire face. I guess she needed a little extra.

After Mass, I was wondering what it is that makes us so proud at events like these. Lilah didn't really do anything, but my heart was so full of pride for her at the moment she was being baptized. I can't even imagine what I will feel when my kids receive a diploma, get married, have a child, etc... I guess those are the moments that make the daily grind worth it. Who knows. I just know I was one proud mommy.

My pride and joy

Always

On May 20th, I went to Landon's room when his alarm went off to wake him for school. I snuggled up with him, and said:

"This is the last day that you wake up as a pre-k kid. Tomorrow you'll wake up as a kindergartner. Can you believe that? You're just growing up too quickly."

He gave me an extra squeeze, smiled his amazing smile with a twinkle in those long eye-lashed eyes, and responded with:

"Don't worry, Mom. I'll always be your baby."

Do you hear it??? Pitter patter pitter patter...that's my heart going bonkers for my kindergartner.

Because we need to smile...

Granddad

As most of you know, Jason's sweet grandfather was killed last Thursday. Ever since then, I've been trying to figure out what I should write. I knew I would have to write something, but I'm not sure the right words will come. Such a mix of emotions we are all feeling. I'm mostly hurting for my mother-in-law whose life changed the minute someone decided to take her dad's life. I feel angry that someone hurt this gentle man. I feel sorrow that we won't be able to visit him again and see his outpouring of love for his family. I want to hear him call my daughter "baby doll" just one more time.


I've always liked Granddad. He made me smile and feel comfortable from the first time I met him 12 years ago. I lost my grandpas when I was 5, so I treasured gaining 3 of them when I married Jason. I couldn't get enough of the pride he had for his grandchildren and his great-grandchildren. He was amazingly wonderful with little Addison and our Lilah. He talked and played with Noah and Landon. He took time to give attention to each of his great-grandchildren separately. I loved that.


Although we didn't see him often, I always knew he was there--through an email or letter, we could let him know how we were. I feel a little lost without that ability to communicate to him. I'm so thankful that we all made the trip down over a month ago. So thankful...

Please pray for Debra, my mother-in-law. She has been handed a ton of bricks to carry, and we need God to help with some of the load. Pray that the person responsible will be punished for his crime. Pray that we will come together as a family to try to make sense of something so senseless.

Thanks, Granddad, for letting me be a part of your life. Rest in peace and fly with the angels.