Where have ya'll been?

I have been here.

Where have you guys been?

I have been here blogging day after day, pouring out my heart and soul into these posts.

Blood, sweat and tears folks.

And what do I get in return?

Nothing. Nada. Zip.

For this blog to continue we are going to HAVE to work on this. mkay?

Okay. So maybe I am partly to blame in this here blog relationship. But I have a good excuse.

Really. I do.

See.

This is how my laptop has been for a little over a year now.

Remember back when we remodeled the kitchen? Well. We had to move everything around and nothing was in it's normal place. Everything was packed into the living room. And I mean everything. Dishes, groceries, kitchen table, toaster, everything!

Including the kitchen sink.

Literally.

Junk started piling up, laptops ended up at the bottom of large, heavy piles, and before you knew it, a busted screen.

Happens to the best of us.

Greggie and I have been been living with the ink blob by minimizing the screen to fit in the "clean" area. But then it started to spread like the swine flu and, well, we didn't get a flu shot.

Thankfully I married a honorary member of the Geek Squad and he hooked us up.

Once again, literally.

And just like that - we are back in business!

One little problem.

I have a love / hate relationship with electronics.

I love what they can do for me.

Fast internet, wonderful smutty reality shows, power to my coffee pot-

BUT I hate the cords that come along with them.

Hate them.

Detest them.

So what am I going to do about above picture? Ugg.

And I am not talking about the yellow tow strap holding together my grandmother's antique bench.

I have bigger fish to fry people.

Like keeping up with a blog.

LPGA deliciousness

Oh the LPGA.
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

Or maybe I should do a top ten list like David Letterman.

Either way there are going to be numbers involved.

Numero 10.

There are LPGA golfers playing golf in the backyard. This needs no explanation.
There are vicious rumors of In-Bev not renewing the tournament contract. If this happens, I will shed a tear. Seriously.

Numbero nine.

We usually have a house full of people stopping by over the entire weekend! I really enjoy seeing everyone. I also love being a hostess - just call me Martha.

Number 8.

I get to see these ladies.

Number 7.

The honey do list ACTUALLY gets done.

Number 6.

After watching the ladies for a weekend, they make playing golf look so easy. I really get the "kick ass and take names" attitude from them! Then I play golf the following week and that feeling is gone....immediately.

Number 5.

Thousands of fans make their way to Williamsburg for the weekend. With that, comes major money! With the state of the economy the way it is, tourists can come to Willamsburg and spend all they want! News Flash! There is more to Williamsburg than Busch Gardens.

I know, I know. No one told you.

But I just did - so considered yourself informed.

Number 4.

I get to see this lady. I may have a small crush. Hola Lorena. You play some bueno golf.

Number 3. I get to do some MAJOR people watching.

Number 2. Dear Apool. Next time your brother's girlfriend comes to play in the LPGA, can you let someone know? Thanks. Love, Mayme.

Although Meridith Swanson didn't make the final cut, it was awesome seeing a young lady from Roanoke play with the big dogs on Thursday! She played great and held her own! I now have another name to watch for- I know I'll see her name in these parts again!

Thank goodness that the rule of "It's a small world" is still in play.

I was able to meet Apool's brother and Meredith's fan club, all because of bug spray! Let me give the short version to a long story. The bugs were so bad the week of the tournament because of all of the rain we had prior to the start of play. I noticed the guy next to me swatting at all of the bugs and made a joke about him not having any bug spray. When he asked for some, I noticed his Roanoke College Lacrosse. When I told him I was from Roanoke, the rest was history! It was Meredith's camera guy and the person helping him was Apool's brother! Oh, and I was able to give them some bug spray. Like I said, I love being a hostess.

Number 1. No Pain, No Gain.

Really? You forgot to put sunblock on because Lorena was on Hole 5 and you were in a hurry? Nice Amy. Nice.

I'm sad to report, but I have a nasty case of cankle.

The left inner leg took a major beating from the sun.

And yes, my feet are on my cabinets.

I didn't want to take the picture with my feet on my kitchen floor. You would then see all of the dirt that I have been too tired to vacuum up. I can't have any of that silly.

The way I was sitting while the leaders passed through Hole 6 is quite evident. Even 3 days later.

If you can't watch Kristie Kerr make Kingsmill history by becoming the first 2 time winner, while simultaneously feeling the first layer of your skin fry off, then you can't call yourself a fan.

You can't even see my ankle bone.

With the above picture, I believe I should receive the fan of the year award. Either that, or Idiot of the year. Both are MORE than suitable.

Third time is a charm

I think I love my dog.

But she has tested my love for her, shoe after shoe.

I do NOT even want to think about the money I have spent on Bird Dog's "chew toys".
And then the money I have spent to replace them.

I can not even tell you how many outfits have gone uncutiefied because of the lack of wooden wedges, spiked stilettos, and ripped out insoles.

If you don't believe me, just ask Buddy Bird.
He was sent out solo on the day of my wedding to buy the replacement pair of black stilettos that matched my pre wedding outfit.

Buddy Bird. My shoe size on a scrap piece of paper. The Nine West store.

I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall in THAT store.

For some reason, Bird Dog also love the material that crocs are made of. I think it's because she likes how it squeaks in between her teeth.
And it just so happens that I am on my fourth pair.

Bird Dog has become very cleaver about where she hides her addiction though. I have found shoes under the bed, tucked completely under her dog bed, pushed to the very back of the closet - the list goes on. In fact it wasn't until I saw the CROC button in her crapola that I knew she had finished off my third pair.

Folks, I know they are ugly as sin. But OH my heavens - they are like walking on clouds.

There is a point to my story.

As I hope you all know the LPGA was in Kingsmill this weekend. Don't worry, a "tolfer" blog to come. Thousands of golf fans walking all over the neighborhood. It set the stage for some good ole' fashion people watchin'. I, of course, did just that.

This one particular lady immediately caught my eye. She had on a cute outfit perfect for LPGA watching and I was taking some mental notes. As I was skimming her outfit, I finally made it down to her shoes. Simultaneously, I noticed how my feet were aching. After all, I was on hole 14 in Rainbow flip flops. This genius of a lady had found the perfect pair of shoes that incorporates both style and comfort.
Wedge. Crocs.
I was S.O.L.D. - immediately

After all ladies, we all know what wedges do for our calves.

I went online this morning and order these babies. They come in ALL sorts of colors, but I fell in love with this color combo.




Now before you croc haters start getting all up tight, just listen. It's not like I'm going to wear these to Greggie's high school reunion or anything. I think that they will be perfect though, for my marina loving self! Wash the sand right out of them, and they will be dry in no time flat! Or grab a beach towel and head to the pool. Also, crocs are great because you can wash them and odor is kept to a minimum.

Hey vinegar feet - you should try these!

The best part about my summer must-have purchase is that I was able to find an online coupon for FREE shipping! Just google croc coupons, copy and paste the code and you are golden.

I also googled and purchased an electrical shock chip that you can insert into the heel of your new shoes.

Next time, Bird Dog goes after her favorite squeaky pair of shoes, she'll be shocked into next week.

One step ahead of you Bird Dog. One step ahead of you.

Richmond, Ferrum Style

Last weekend, we went to Richmond for Leslie's birthday party and Leslie and John's housewarming party.

Oh how I needed this!

It has been a long, hard, boring winter in Williamsburg.

It was a beautiful spring evening, with some good ole friends in a good ole town.

It really made me miss living in Richmond. I love everything about that city! The people, the atmosphere, the nightlife, the shopping, the attitude, and last but not least - Sticky Rice and Nacho Mama's.

I hadn't seen the Ferrum crew in a long time! But we picked up right where we left off! That just goes to show how our group is :)

We didn't skip a beat!

Here are some pictures from our DELIGHTFUL night!

Of course we Ferrum kids, were the last ones standing!

Jay is in there somewhere - oh wait. I see a foot!

Let's not wait so long for the next time guys!

Love you guys :) Oh and Leslie....sorry about the mess :)

"Tolfers"

Greggie Poo and I had a house full of diapers this weekend. And we loved every minute of it.

Em and the babies came down for the weekend and we had a great weekend full of family time, dirty diapers, and kisses!

Not necessarily in that particular older.

I am proud of my super mom of a sister who made the trip in the first place. Our Mom had originally planned to come with her and help her with all that comes with having two little ones. Plans changed and Mom couldn't make the trip. But this wasn't stopping Em.

On Friday night, we went over to the Soderbirds :) and had a playdate with Ms. Marin! Greggie and the Soderbirds then went to a "young" dinner club in Kingsmill, called First Fridays. No babies allowed at First Fridays, so Em and I decided to come home and I proceeded to make our OWN gourmet meal. For our appetizer we had an English favorite- Potato chips and green onion dip. Many a good stories are told over this little tub of deliciousness. After convincing ourselves not to not consume the whole bag, we moved on to our main course. Frozen chicken patties and tater tots. I have become very good at doctoring up this oldie but goodie thing I call a meal. I must admit, THEY WERE DELICIOUS! Greggie soon came home and made our final course - dessert! A brownie covered in ice cream and magic shell - yum!

What can I say, we operate a 5 star restaurant at 110. We then called it an early night. We wanted to make sure we got our beauty rest for our busy day we had the next day.

On Saturday morning we woke up early to head over to Busch Gardens. I had to pull off some veteran Busch Gardens skills in order to get super star parking. And did we ever!

Stick with me kid; I'll show you the ropes.

It was a beautiful day! It was so cute to watch "Serious" Sammy Bird take it all in. He was not sure what to think of the real life sized Sesame Street characters.

And come to think of it, I didn't know what to think either. We'll have to compare notes Sam.

After we were all sore from pushing the double stroller around, we decided to pack up and head home. I have never seen a 2 year old excited to leave Busch Gardens.

But he had bigger and better things on his mind.

"TOLFERS!"

We told him after he woke up from his nap, he could watch the golfers play behind the house. So right on cue, he woke up from his nap, yelled out for his "Momma" and then quickly followed it, with "Tolfers".

Well hello Mr. Memory.

Nice to meet you.

Sammy Bird watched the golfers the rest of the afternoon. He would wait for them to make it to the green, watch them for a little bit, run upstairs to our bedroom to get the better view, and high five Bird Dog on the way up.

After a few hours of doing this, he grew tired and wanted to play golf himself!

"Tub" (Club) he kept saying. Em and I kept telling him that he had to wait until the golfers were done for the day.

I don't think he liked our answer.

Sam then went to the source where he knew he would get the answer he wanted.

Greggie!

Greggie gave him his "tub" and told him he had to play with it out front. Sam proceeded to shove 100 golf balls out the doggie door, and away he went.

With every good golfer though, one would get bored with the "putting green" and would soon want the real course.

That would go for this 2 year old prodigy as well. Sam kept begging us to go outside (out back) and play "tolf". Em and I had so much to do for our cookout that night, that we couldn't go with him. Plus, there were still golfers on the course.

Kev Fed, I mean Greggie, made up a little white lie in hopes that he would forget about golf and become occupied with something else. Greggie told him that when Bill and Brenda get here, then we can go outside. A few hours passed, and our guest started to arrive, included in this; Bill and Brenda(my in-laws). Sam magically appeared at Bill's pant leg and gave it a little tug. Then "tolf" and "outside" came racing out of his mouth.

When he asked this time, he actually got what he wanted. We all went out back to watch the little "tolfer" himself.

To my pleasant surprise, he was actually good. Em dropped several balls on the green and let him swing away. Not only did he make contact with the ball, he even made it in the hole! After everyone picked up their jaw off of the floor, we just kept feeding him golf balls all evening. Sammy was a dead ringer!

He may have only just learned how to say my name correctly, but the boy can play golf.

Our little "tolfer" is still the talk of the town on Hole 6!

Sammy, I would just like for you to remember your auntie when you win the Masters. By the way, I think you look good in green.

After a yummy dinner, we all visited and laughed the rest of the night!

On Sunday Em needed her Kohl's fix and we did a little shopping - with the kids! Towards the end of the shopping trip, Sammy started to gain tired of bargain hunting. Is he really related to us? He was ready to go and he let us all know it. Em promised that if he was a good boy for just a little longer, that we would leave soon and he could go home and watch the "tolfers".

He was silent the rest of our shopping trip.

Oh she's that good people.

We had such a great weekend! The weekend flew by so fast, that I didn't even get one picture!

After Em and the babes left, I could still see their presence in the house though.

I moved my coffee table to vacuum. This is what I found. Yeap. Sammy Bird was here.

It's a good thing he's so cute, because NOBODY gets in the way of me and my coffee.

"Tolf" ball, Maime's "toffee", Sam do it.

Mind you, I only found the golf ball half way through.

I take my coffee with cream, sugar, and a golf ball please.

Bird Dog barely made it through her dog door before passing out. Sammy Bird gave her a run for her money this weekend.

"Oh Baggie"

I miss you guys already! come back soon.

The "Tolfers" miss you cheering for them Sam!

The Stork has delieved yet again

My lips are so chapped from kissin' on that new little baby of mine.

I am so excited to announce that Charlotte 'Charley' Jane was born on March 9th! She was 8lb 3oz, 21 inches long and 100% adorable. Huh. Funny. Those were my same stats when I was born.

I had quite the little adventure when I received the call that Em Bird was in labor. My work was awesome enough to let me take several days off to help the new little bundle get acclimated to her new parents. It's just what aunts do. I packed up my car and hit the road. Before I knew it, I was in Roanoke. Em bird was getting her epidural when I arrived at the hospital, so Mom and I grabbed lunch before I went up to her room.

Our conversation at the table went a little like this.

"How fast were you going? I hope you weren't speeding"

"No Mom, I wasn't speeding"

"Is the salad good?"

"Yeah, Mama. It's really good actually. Thanks for lunch. Work is going pretty good.... Greg and I went to this really fun place this weekend...Let me tell you about it...and...."

Interruption from Jo Bird.

"You know Emily's gonna have that baby by the time I get back up there"

Alright. Guess I'm done with my salad.

We middle children can never catch a break.

Luckily, we made it back up to the room before EmBird had that baby. We all sat in the room visiting and laughing at Em all doped up. Oh, and seeing way too much of any one person's body parts. These doctors mean business when it comes to checking dilation.

They have no time to warn the weak.

Charley scared us a couple of times. Her heart rate would drop, then race back up to normal, then drop again. Each time that would happen, Em would have to immediately switch to either her left or right side in hopes of regaining normalcy. I'm not going to lie, it was kinda funny seeing her pregnant self flop around on the bed like a fish out of water. But not funny at the time I mean? I knew there was a reason I am not in the medical field.

At one point in time Em felt a little draft and repositioned the covers around her. But wait. Oh, her water broke. Glad to see the epidural doing it's job.

When Sir Speedy came in to check Em, he had an uneasy look on his face. He quickly looked around the room to make sure everything was set out and ready to go. I looked at the cutie of a nurse and she had the same look on her face. I quickly gathered my things, threw up my gangsta peace sign and hit the road. I knew the time was close and I wanted to get out of there while the gettin' was good.

I was in the waiting room when Mom came to get me. Charley was once again saying SYKE.

BACK to her room I went. Only this time, I wasn't in there long. The Dowdy's showed up with my little man, so I went to relieve them so they could visit with Em before the stork came. Also, Em didn't want Sam to see her with wires, oxygen, and the such, so I stayed with him in the waiting room. Mommy. Scary.

It was soon go time. Everyone went back out to the waiting room. We had the easy part of waiting, while Em was takin' care of all the hard stuff. Before I knew it, Buddy Bird was in the waiting room announcing the arrival of his little girl.

When I first held Charley I realized she was perfect. I held her up and in my Indian chief voice (feather, not dot) and said "I shall call you Charley Bird". And that was that.

Our other little princess.

Oh the trouble we three are going to get into.

Sorry Charley, this is now your shadow.

I love little cross eyed newborns

Cause we're best friends

Makin sure that everything is there

Mommy make up


My first attempt at getting us all together. Sammy Bird didn't get the memo.

I think I look pretty good with a baby in my arms.

I'm such a bear

Oh my holy gracious.

My alarm clock just went off.

I overslept and missed the whole month of February.

What happened?

Did I miss anything?

Is Baby Charley here yet?

Did Dylan Bird have a birthday?

Did Sammy Bird turn 2 already?

Did Danny Bird have her 16th birthday? I mean 6th?

It snowed in Williamsburg?

That really happened on The Bachelor?

There is a blind guy, a new judge and a girl whose real name is Lil Rounds, on American Idol?

What? That wasn't a dream? Obama really is our new President?

What is the sam hell is going on here?

I clearly hibernated way too long. So much to catch up on....