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!