Merry Christmas!

2010 Christmas Card

(click on the card for a larger view)

My oldest nephew's girlfriend, Ashli, took our photos for our Christmas cards this year. She did an amazing job! Ashli is so talented, and I am excited to show off her work. The only thing I want her to work on is photoshopping about 40 pounds off my body. She said something about, "photoshop doesn't have that action," but I personally believe that they could sell more if they had the "Photoshop Liposuction Action." I'm just sayin'!

Back to the card, many of you have asked if we are homeless because we have a bed outside. While, there have been a few times that I thought we would be homeless, and several more times that I thought Matthew was going to be homeless (Matthew, IF you are reading this, I am only kidding! :), we still have a home, and we do sleep indoors. Thanks for all of your concern!

I thought I would share a few of the pics that didn't make the "2010 Rollins Family Christmas Card" cut!

The next photo simply didn't make the cut due to my "new-growth," aka ROOTS! The good thing is, that I've always said, "you can't trust a hair-stylist with perfect hair," and I sure don't have perfect hair! You may be thinking to yourself, "I wonder why you can't trust a hairstylist with perfect hair?" If we have perfect hair, then we have too much time on our hands. If we have too much time on our hands, it means that we aren't busy. If we aren't busy, we most likely aren't doing something right, if you know what I mean! Get it?

p.s. - I did get my hair colored soon after this photoshoot!

I love this next photo, but you all know that I've mentioned my OCD on here before, and it was in rare form on this particular day. I just couldn't have two different colors on the card. Some of you will understand! I love what she did with the lights!

So, if you happen to be in Tifton, Georgia, and you need some pics, you would be crazy not to call Ashli! She didn't even have to pay me to say that!

Also, many have asked about the bed. No, we are not ever going to sell it! We were given this bed and the pieces that accompany it by some family friends of ours. Isn't it gorgeous? You will see it again soon, when I post pics of MC's new "big-girl" room. You may not recognize the bed, it is now a lovely shade of light aqua. Post coming soon! Yes, I PROMISE!!!

Until next time, Merry Christmas Eve!

Video - MC's Halloween 2010

Paci Postponement

So, the paci removal has been postponed due to illness of the paci princess. Friday night, MC got really sick, I mean SICK! I will spare you the details. Anyway, by 5:00 AM Saturday morning, we were sitting in Greer Memorial. Of course, she was over it a few hours later and back to her old self, but I couldn't bring myself to take her paci away after that ordeal. She pulled out all of her tricks to keep her "baci." I thought that I'd share a pic from Saturday morning so that you could share in our experience. (she didn't have to wear the mask, we just knew that the grandparents would feel more sorry for her if we sent them this pic)! She was saying, "cheese" behind the mask!



I will keep you updated on the paci removal!

Contest - MC's "baci"

If someone could understand how much easier life would be for me, they would invent this "paci patch." I only hear the phrase, "Mommy, I need my "baci." I really NEED it!" a few hundred times a day. For those of you who don't know what a "baci" is, please see the following definition.


baci (noun) - pronounced (bah*see) - Marli Claire's pacifier. (NOTE - she cannot pronounce her p's yet!)


To be honest, if I would have taken the paci away six months ago, I wouldn't be in this mess that I've gotten myself into. MC wasn't even attached to it then. Oh but now, now, it is her best friend. And now, it is time for momma to break up this friendship. I don't really understand why she is attached to it, she doesn't even suck it, she just rolls it around on her tongue. It's actually pretty gross! There have been many stares, fingers pointed, and comments made about the "unique" way MC enjoys her "baci."


I really didn't think much about taking it away until several people started making comments to me in stores. They would start by asking how old she is. Then ask, "oh and she still has a paci?" Ok, so, I admit that I see kids in stores and think the same thing, but NEVER have I actually said those words to anyone, much less a stranger. I mean, it's not like she's 12 years old! I must have sucked my thumb until I was 12. (no comments needed here!)


Well, it's that time, we are giving the paci up. I've decided that this Saturday will be the day. We would appreciate your thoughts and prayers as Saturday is quickly approaching! So, here is the fun part, we have heard many ways that other parents have used to take "paci" away. Things such as "another baby needs it, and you are actually helping a sweet baby by giving your paci away" as they mail the paci to the new baby. Another method we have heard is poking a hole in the paci so it flattens when the child sucks it, resulting in dislike of the paci. (this method doesn't work if your child doesn't actually suck the paci!) Probably the wierdest method we have heard to date is to tell the child that a squirrel came and took the paci up in a tree. Yes, I do understand that all of these methods mentioned are deceitful, but what is a momma to do? Here is where you come in, Matthew and I are choosing the best idea left in the comments section below. What does the winner get? The pure satisfaction of helping us raise our child! So, get to posting, we need your help!


Check back Saturday to find out who wins and how effective the method is! We will have actual video footage!


We held a final photoshoot with MC's "baci," and as you can see, she is mighty proud of it!!!

If you are thinking, "is she not even going to mention the fact that she hasn't blogged since August?" This part is for you! LIFE!!! That is all I can say! But, I'm back and ready to blog! Thank you all for nagging me about being slack!

MC "helping" bake cupcakes!

Church Incident #2 (well...as far as we know anyway)

Today, in our church life group class, Sheila and Corletta mentioned that they saw MC in the church nursery. I asked is she was being wild, because we ALL remember the incident a few months ago. They said she was sweet. (not even going to comment here) When we walked down to pick her up, this is how we found her:





Where was her dress, you might ask? IN THE TOILET! What was the name of that book the nursery worker mentioned a few months ago? There is nothing more to say.

Mr. and Mrs. Coffee aka My In-Laws

Yes, I’ve been sneaking around and getting a daily dose of Starbucks. Yes, I know it’s wrong! Yes, I am going to change. And, yes, I have ANOTHER plan!

My plan = coffee at home (FOR REAL)
My challenge = no coffee pot

In December, Matthew and I had friends over for a Hot Chocolate Bar. I had the bright idea of using our Senseo Coffee Maker to make hot chocolate. You may think that this isn’t a big deal. Well, I use milk in my hot chocolate instead of water. So, milk got stuck in the tubing and soured, so needless to say, I threw away our Senseo. How in the world am I going to make coffee at home without a coffee maker?

My father-in-law is the biggest coffee drinker that I know. He has HOT coffee in 100° weather. I have actually witnessed him fall asleep on several occasions with a mug of coffee in his hand. Surely, he has an extra coffee pot lying around some where, right? I asked and sure enough he did. Matthew went to pick it up last night so that I would stop spending $3.40/day on coffee, but still get my fix. The coffee pot was no where to be found. While out to eat with two girlfriends (Allison and Rachel, I had a blast!), my sweet in-laws brought over a brand new coffee maker, coffee filters, and none other than Starbucks ground coffee. They are amazing! While I NEVER expected this gift, it is very much appreciated.

Thank you, Eddie and Elizabeth for this very thoughtful gift. You did NOT have to do that for me. I hope you know that we appreciate you very much!!! Your new nicknames? Mr. and Mrs. Coffee in reference to my new Mr. Coffee coffee maker!

Video - MC shows Sassy how to floss her teeth!

An afternoon with a song Byrd!

Tuesday, Matthew surprised me with a vocal lesson with vocal coach, Debra Byrd, of American Idol. I didn't know whether to be mad at him or thank him. Many have asked how in the world he got her to agree to work with me. I would like to say that he contacted her once and she miraculously jumped for joy to hear me sing. I think you can tell by my sarcasm that didn't happen. No, he pestered and pestered and pestered her until she finally agreed. It was (1) have him arrested for harassment or (2) just spend an hour with me. Thankfully, she chose #2.

As many of you know, I have taken a 2 year singing sabbatical. Don't ask why, because I couldn't tell you. Byrd worked with me for an hour and half, and as she said, it was a counseling session more than a vocal session. My challenges are in my head. I allow others to help me decide whether I'm a "good" singer or a "bad" singer. I also get physically sick before I sing. This is not normal. While singing with a group in college, I had the privilege to sing in front of thousands several times a week, and never felt this way. After college, something happened in my mind, and nerves set in. Right now, some of you reading this post are thinking, "she doesn't need to worry about that if she is singing for the Lord." (said with a Betty Baptist voice) Ok, I DO know that! Anyway, now that you all know my life's singing story, I will move on.

She shared with me, exercises that I can do to calm my nerves. She said that singing more and more will help with my insecurities and that when she checks in on me, I had better be singing. I like to think that Byrd and I are BFF now, although I highly doubt she is blogging about me. She is such a cool lady! It was such an honor to be able to work with her.

I am thankful for a husband who: drove me crazy for 2 years because he thinks I'm the greatest singer in the world, prayed for the Lord to take my talent away and give it to him if I didn't start using it, and who would pester this lady behind my back until she agreed to work with me. Thank you Matthew. I AM BLESSED!

P.S. - Thank you to my sweet friends Jonny and Allison too!

It's Independence Day!

Dear Matthew,

Dear Matthew,

Seven years ago today, I was: getting my hair and makeup done, ripping my skirt turning a cartwheel in the church yard, playing Tetris to calm my nerves, and walking down the aisle to say, “I do.” That day, I had no idea where we were going or what we were doing, but I knew I wanted to be with you. That day, I couldn’t have known the ups and downs we would go through, but it wouldn’t have mattered. I couldn’t have known that in five years, you and I would have the most beautiful baby girl in the world. I couldn’t have known that I could be so happy with our wonderfully simple life. Thank you for taking such good care of me. Thank you for loving me for who I am. Thank you for being my husband. I love you. May 31, 2003 was a great day. Happy 7th Wedding Anniversary!

Love,
Delecta

Happy Birthday Marli Claire!

Today, my baby girl turns 2. It's hard to believe that it has been two years since she was born. When I look back at MC's first year in pictures, I get emotional, but when I look back at this year, I lose it! She learned to walk, talk, dance, and so much more. I just cannot get over how fast time is flying by us. Happy Birthday Marli Claire!

Video - Fiesta

Saturday, we celebrated Marli Claire's 2ND birthday with a fiesta. She had a blast! We would like to thank you all for coming to celebrate with us. I put together a slide show of the fiesta highlights.



Some of you asked for several of our fiesta recipes. I thought it would be easier to include them here. [You can click on the recipe to view a larger image.] The corn salsa and southwest sauce are unbelievably good as toppings on your tacos or as a dip with chips.

Random Rambling Tuesday - Thanks!

As I reflect on Mother's Day 2010, I realize just how blessed I am. I am the daughter of the greatest mother on earth, I am the mother of the greatest daughter on earth, I am a sister to two incredible mothers, and I am the daughter of an amazing mother-in-law. Blessed beyond imagination!

Although I could never thank my mom enough for the things she has done for me, I would like to throw some pretty big ones out there! For some reason, I couldn't find a Hallmark card that included all of the following.


Mom:

* Thank you for not beating me when I took your tithe money and walked to Dairy Queen and got a combo when I was 12.

* Thank you for not kicking me out when I came home with a tattoo.

* Thank you for loving me through that really odd "grunge" stage that I went through.

* Thank you for letting me have "personal days" from school when I just needed to stay home.

* And thank you for taking "personal days" from work when I needed you to stay home with me.

* Thank you for telling my crazy boyfriends that you knew a man in Willacoochie, Georgia that would kill them for $100 if they messed with me.

*And thank you for NOT telling Matthew that until we were already married.

* Thank you for making me write that report on lung cancer when you caught me smoking that cigarette butt off the ground in the back yard. It taught me that I NEVER wanted to do that again!

* Thank you for telling me that every pageant I didn't win was rigged.

* Thank you for never missing a single event that I ever participated in.

* Thank you for thinking I am a better singer than the artist of EVERY song I've ever sung.

* Thank you for raising three girls all by yourself.

* Thank you for driving us to the grocery store at 2am just to get stuff to bake us cookies when we had a craving.

*Thank you for never telling anyone that I was the one who sprayed the pepper spray on accident in the Subway bathroom that ultimately shut the place down for 24 hours. I promise I thought it was room deodorizer!

* Thank you praying for us every day.

* Thank you for never letting me quit anything I started even though I really wanted to.

* Thank you for making me laugh!

* Thank you for moving me in to Valdosta State University, then moving me out the next day to keep me out of trouble.

*Thank you for never getting mad when you were almost asleep, and I'd have just ONE more thing to tell you about my day.

* Thank you for taking me to church every time the doors opened.

* and much much more!


Mom, thank you for everything! When we say that you are the greatest mom, we mean it. I don't know of any other woman who could raise three girls alone, while working multiple jobs, going to school, making our clothes, and staying sane. Ok, the sane part was stretching it. You are truly amazing, and I hope to be half the mom you are to my children that you have been to us. You are the most humble, giving, and compassionate person I know. I want to be just like you when I grow up! I love you.

R.R.T. - Just Like Home

MC received a kitchen stocked with food, pots, and pans for Christmas. I never noticed anything strange about it until I looked at this picture today!

Chucky? Is that you? What in the world? What sick person would include a butcher knife in a kid’s kitchen set? My child has been playing with a fake butcher knife since December. I don’t know why I did not notice until now.

The Just Like Home Betty Crocker Set is what I chose for MC’s Christmas gift. We have thrown away several things from the set for various reasons. The hot dog wieners were the first to go. First of all, they look disgusting. Secondly, MC gagged on one after sticking it down her throat.

Although we have thrown away most of the parts of the kitchen set, MC LOVES to play with the pots and pans. She brings me a pot, and I pretend to guzzle it down. She will turn around and point that little finger of hers and say, “No Mommy, it’s Hot Hot!” I guess she has heard that a time or two.

Well, it's random I know, but you were warned by the title, so don't blame me for wasting your time!

30 at 30!

So, I turned 30 a couple of weeks ago. I want to thank you all for wishing me a Happy Birthday! Most of you know that my motto for this birthday was, "I'm giving up being a very old 20, and starting a new year as a very young 30! I heard some great things from you all, one of my favorites, 30 is the new 20. So true!

I posted in January about my lifestyle change, aka my diet, but I haven't updated you since then. Since the middle of January, I've lost 30 pounds! I have also started working out with a PT 5x/week. I feel better than I have felt in a long time. I'm almost back to my college weight!

Anyway, speaking of my birthday and diet. Wait a minute! Those two things don't go together at all. You can't diet on your 30th birthday!!! I thought I would share a pic of my birthday lunch.

After lunch, we hung out with my family, watched Marli swing in her new swing (thank you ANDY), and then went to dinner at Thaicoon. I forgot to mention the delicious cupcake from my favorite shop, Iced, that I enjoyed in the middle of the day.

The next day, after church, my family went with us downtown for some pics and gelato at Luna Rosa. I am starting to see a pattern here. I think the only thing I did for my birthday is EAT! Here are some pics from downtown:

[I did steal/borrow these pics from my sister's blog, which happens to be the funniest blog EVER!]

There you have it! 30 is the new 20!

2010 Collage - March

Yes, I do know that it is the middle of April! I took these photos when it was still chilly out in the middle of March, but hadn't put them together in the collage until now. Sorry!

I say this every month, but MC has completely changed since the last collage. She loves to sit in the refrigerator. She fake cries, even with the words, Boo Hoo, then says, "OK!" She has recently become more attached to "Ellie," her pink elephant that Gruff Gregg and Sweet Miriam gave her when she was born. She loves to be "mommy" to her dolls by rubbing their backs and kissing them. She loves to sing, and has the loudest voice of any child in the world! She says, "I miss you mommy." (even if I left the room for 1 second) I always reply, "I missed you too Marli Claire." Then she will say, "I know Mommy!" Her favorite food is Hummus and Pita Bread! Weird, I know! She loves to hide from us, and if we don't start looking for her, she will yell, "Where did Marli go?" She still giggles all day, and talks nonstop! She is still the love of our life, and I cannot imagine that will change by the April collage!

Random Rambling Tuesday

Are you surprised that childhood obesity has recently risen to new heights? If you can't imagine why this is, check this out:

What is it? This is a plate from one of my favorite local restaurants. The crazy thing is, this is a kid's meal! That's right, a KID'S MEAL!!! This is OUTRAGEOUS!

Easter 2010