Boltz by the Bay

Friday

2010-01-22T11:29:00.006-06:00

Happy Friday! I am bored to tears at the office and only have the weekend to look forward to. 12 work days straight! I need a day off just to clean my house! Pawpaw is picking up Dub from school today and he is so very excited about that. Tomorrow the first Mardi Gras parades roll which means there will be beads and toys all over our house because JW likes to recreate the parades at home. I think it is funny, until you slip on one in the middle of the night and just about break your neck. I'm sure Griswold (our new cat) will be happy to have some new toys.

Speaking of Griswold and necks breaking, he loves to get right under your feet when you are walking and no, he doesn't care if you have a baby in your arms or your feet are wet because you forgot to grab a towel before you got in the shower. He's cute so he gets away with it, for now. He is also a fan of attacking feet/arms when we are in bed. The thing about it is that he doesn't let go until you fling him off. I felt bad the first few times, but not anymore. Note to self: buy a spray bottle!

Back to the weekend, I'm meeting mom early in the morning to drop off Hayden so she can get back before the traffic gets too bad on the Island. My plans for the rest of the day are as follows.

CLEANING MY DIRTY DAMN HOUSE!

For the past 3 weeks there has been a birthday party and this weekend is no exception. Corbin's 2nd birthday party is Saturday afternoon and Eithon's is Sunday. I think Mark and I may go grab a drink somewhere Saturday night, but who knows. My only goal is to clean my house. There are just not enough hours in the day for me to get everything done.

Since starting my new job at Breland Homes, my schedule has been very hectic. I get up at 5:30 and get myself showered and dressed. Then JW gets up at 6:30 (not by choice) and I have him dressed and eating breakfast by 7. Hayden gets up at 7 (not by choice either) and I have to change and feed her. JW helps feed her most mornings but he just has to hold her bottle because she is already strapped in the car seat. We are all out the door by 7:18 and at school to drop off Dub by 7:25 and at Jess's to drop off Hayden by 7:35 or so, unless it is Tuesday or Thursday and I have her at Mawmaw's by 7:45 or so. I usually get to work no later than 8:30 and most of the time I'm earlier than that. Come 4:30 I'm out the door and picking up the kids, then do homework, feed and bathe both of them and put them to bed.

Did you notice that I haven't mentioned Mark yet? That is because he gets up at 3:30 am, out the door by 4 am and when he gets off at 4:30 pm, he is on his way to his other job and home by 10:30 or so. We hardly get to see each other so we don't feel bad for taking one night out of the week to spend together. Friday's are usually his day off (if it doesn't rain) and he spends it with Hayden. He also takes JW to school and picks him up when he can.

Sunday is family day. I love going to Nanny's to eat lunch with them, mom and dad. I love how Grampa keeps filling our plates even though we can't eat another bite and Nanny makes sure to send leftovers home with us for Mark to take to work. Mom usually bakes a cake and sends that with us as well. The rest of the time Mom and Nanny cuddle with Hayden while Dad, Grampa and Mark watch JW run around like a wild man. After lunch we find our way to Blockbuster to rent movies, then home for a nap. Then it's laundry time. I like to have JW's uniforms all lined out for the week so I don't have to think about it in the mornings.

So this is my life now. Work work work and little play time. It's worth it. I'm hoping that it will all payoff in the long run. I breathe a little easier now and I know some of the pressure is off of Mark now and that is a very good thing. We're getting there! Just have to keep on keepin on!

Hope you all have a super duper wonderful weekend! Love to all...

Weekend at the Camp

2009-11-09T09:17:00.005-06:00

It is a crappy Monday morning and Hurricane Ida is on her way to ruin the next couple of days for everyone down here, so why not reflect on a great weekend with my boys, Hayden, Mom and Dad at the camp. I will let the pictures speak for themselves...

JW telling "pooky" stories

It may look like a "shanty town" but we love it! Mark built a deck on the brown building. Mom has big plans for it like installing some antique french doors, building bunk beds and screening in the porch. If you every want to just get away, this is the place to go!

Baby Update

2009-08-07T21:51:00.003-05:00

Well, it has been a while since I have done a baby update. I am happy to say we only have 7 more weeks until Miss Hayden arrives. We still have tons of stuff to get before she gets here. Mom ordered her bedding on ebay, but the seller never sent the product so she had to get her money back and order it from someone else. Hopefully it will be here soon so we can match the color pink and paint her room. We have to move some stuff out of the nursery, put the crib back together, wash all of her clothes and towels and we should be done in that department. The only piece of the bedding set that Mama didn't order was the mobile.

Crystal, Meg and Angelique threw a baby shower for me a couple weeks ago and Hayden racked up on clothes, diapers and wipes. We couldn't be more greatful for such wonderful friends and family. Sabrina and Savannah got her a pink bathtub and a wipes warmer. Got some cute frames from Amber and Becky. Lots of socks, hats and mittens. Angelique even got her some Mary Jane socks that are just too cute! Nanny had a chenille bunny made with her name on the ear and a diaper organizer that matches her bedding. My Aunt Claire sent a silver cup that I will have engraved and Carol gave her a pearl handled serving set that she will have engraved and Hayden can use on her birthdays and even at her wedding. I just thought that was so thoughtful. Anyway...The shower was wonderful and the food was awesome! It was so nice just to hang out with my girlfriends for a little while.

Even though we got lots of stuff at the shower, we still need the bigger stuff. Below is a list of what is left, if you wanted to know. Still registered at Babies R Us.

Fisher Price My Little Lamb Papasan Swing

Fisher Price My Little Lamb Infant Seat

Bumbo seat and tray

Travel system (stroller and car seat)

Shopping cart cover

Changing Pad

Sleep Positioner

Changing pad covers - light pink

Crib sheets - white or light pink

High Chair

Bottle Warmer

Monitor

Burp cloths

Floor Gym - pink

Soother

Bibs

Boppy

Diaper Bag with changing pad

Bottle bag

Baby toys

Car seat mirror

Next weekend I will be in Birmingham to see JB, Terry and the whole Bham crew. I'm sure that will be my last trip anywhere for a while. Mark was going with me but was offered a chance to work overtime, so he took it. JW will probably stay with Nan and Pawpaw, but I guess we'll have to see. I'm just excited to get out of the house and socialize for a couple of days! Really looking forward to Pepper Place!

Oh well...I'm sure I have bored you enough. 49 days to go!! Love to all...

Baby Update

2009-06-16T11:03:00.004-05:00

It has been a while since I have done a baby update so here goes.

I will be 26 weeks along on Friday and next week will be the end of my 2nd trimester. I can't believe how fast time is flying by this time. I thought I was going to be pregnant forever with JW but it seems I only found out about this one yesterday. Must be because I'm getting older. Who knows. Anyway, Hayden is definitely a dancer! She moves all the time! JW like to watch my stomach move and he likes it when she kicks his hands. I think it's sweet. He says that he will read to her all the time and share his toys. He even said she could have his green blanket and "2 Puppy," both of which are his prized possessions. What will really bring a smile to your face is when he gives the baby a hug by wrapping his arms around my baby bump and a kiss. JW will be the best big brother ever!

Mark is still not really ready for a girl. He is going to be SUPER over protective of her from day one. He is not digging all the cute dresses with bloomers and the short skirts and high heels to come. I think he is more nervous about her being just like me! But that can't be too bad, he did marry me after all and I still haven't killed anyone in 28 years so that is a plus. He is going to melt in a big puddle when she gets here and it will be all over with. Daddy's little girl will begin her reign!

My next appointment is July 1 and I will have to do the sugar test when I get there. I;m sure that will go just fine. I still haven't gained a ton of weight this time, which is awesome! After that appointment, I will start going every 2 weeks. Time will really start zipping by then.

We still haven't done much to Hayden's room except for moving JW's toy and stuff out. I still need to clean out the closet, scrub down the crib and paint. I have picked out the bedding, just don't have the funds to buy it. If you are feeling generous, and I hope you are, you can find the set here. I love the colors and it's not too girly for Mark. The furniture is white (thank goodness we kept all of it) and I really want to find a big lime green shag rug to go with it, but again, I have no money. Hopefully some good things will start happening and we can get out of this slump we are in. Until then...oh well.

Crystal, Angelique and Meagan have been busy working on my baby shower. Crystal calls at least once a week to ask about this and that. I'm just as excited as they are. Our house could use more pink! Supposedly, JB is to throw me a shower in Birmingham. I hope so anyway. For one it would be nice to get away and see my Birmingham family. He's so busy all the time, so if it happens, it will be a last minute deal.

I hope you weren't too bored to death by my endless baby prattle. When my due date gets closer we can start taking bets on due date, time of arrival, weight, length, hair color, eye color, how long before I have my first beer. You know, things like that. Hope you have a wonderful day!

Love to all...

Mama's Green Thumb

2009-06-15T12:35:00.003-05:00

You know there are some things that one is born with and some things that just don't make it through the whole process of making a child. My mother was definitely born to grow stuff. She got it from Nanny and she even gave some to JB, but some how that gene skipped me completely. I am really good at killing poor innocent plants.

If you ever happen to be on Dauphin Island and you go to Mama's house, it is immediately clear that she loves to garden. From Angel Trumpets, Oleanders, Bottle Brushes to Plumeria and Birds of Paradise, she is the master. Here are some pictures that I took last week of some of her flowers. Enjoy!

Plumeria - Smells so good!!!

Desert Rose - Mom says they sell for $150 an inch. Hers is huge!

Birds of Paradise

White Oleanders - These are poisonous to dogs!

Not only does she grow flowers, she has a thriving garden at the camp as well. I'm trying to learn. I haven't killed my pumpkins yet so that is a plus. I will try to post some pictures of the garden later on.

Love to all!

Baby Update 2

2009-05-05T09:03:00.003-05:00

Ok so the BGUP stepped in and said hell to the no to the name Victoria. We are back to Hayden Lee Chapple Boltz and I am so happy about that. Mark is still not thrilled about the name because it reminds him of the mechanic from Wings. You know, the guy from Smart People? Oh well, he will get over it.

The history of this name is as follows:

Hayden: My mother is from Hayden, AL so that is in honor of her.

Lee: I told you yesterday, but it has been a family name since forever.

Chapple: My paternal grandfathers middle name.

Boltz: The last name of some guy I met about 8 1/2 years ago and fell in love with. Tall, dark, handsome and great to be around! I'm sure you would like him! :)

Family names are so important to me and its a great way to honor the ones you love.

Now for other stuff...

My hydrangeas and pumpkins are blooming. The pictures were taken this morning with my new camera. I'm really hoping that the pumpkins do well. I think its funny that I didn't plant them. They fell out of our jumbo pumpkin from Halloween. Anyway, thought I would share. Hope you like.

Love to all!

Baby Update

2009-05-04T11:28:00.005-05:00

Well if you haven't seen it already on facebook, I have been overruled by my boys as far as the name goes. Her name will be Victoria Lee and we will call her Tori. I really wanted Hayden, but Victoria is after my uncle who recently passed away and Lee has been a family name since the 1900's. Since I got to name JW, I guess it is only fair to let Mark name this one.

I have been racking my brain for days trying to come up with ideas for her room and I keep drawing a blank. Hopefully my brother will find time in his busy schedule to help me out (hint hint, wink wink, nudge nudge). I found a picture that one of my friends painted and I would like to create the room around that, but, I have to get her to sell me the picture first. Hopefully she will.

After surfing the web most of the weekend, I found this super cute blanket that is so me that it isn't funny. Kind of pink and tough and tattooed but it is still girly. Mark likes it because its not uber girly.

Oh, I almost forgot! Thank you Meagan, Chad and Eithon for buying the first pink stuff for Tori. It makes it more "real" to have that and I appreciate y'all being such great friends!

Love to all!

It's a Girl!!!!!

2009-05-01T12:03:00.003-05:00

I cannot believe that we are having a girl!!!! I am beyond excited!! Y'all should have seen me laying there with tears of joy streaming down my face. She was rockin and rolling and was not modest at all when it came time to find out the sex. Near the end of the session she started sucking her thumb and I just thought that was the sweetest thing ever. I can't wait to see her and figure out who she looks like. Hopefully she will have blond hair and blue eyes like JW!

Hayden Lee Chapple Boltz

When I got home from the Dr, I immediately got online and started my registry at Target and Babies R Us. I couldn't help it. Living in a house full of men makes me want to fill it with pink asap! There is so much girly stuff out there that would be perfect for her that is not at Target or Babies R Us. I love all things embroidered. Like bloomers, blankets, bags, socks, bows, clothes, stuffed animals...ect. You get the picture.

Here are some links to the stuff I like and to the registries.

http://www.babiesrus.com/shop/index.jsp?categoryId=2255957 Babies R Us registry is under Sjon Boltz

http://www.target.com/registry/baby/portal Target Baby Registry is under Sjon Boltz

http://www.pinktaffydesigns.com/baby-c-101.html I love everything on this site!!

http://www.2littlemonkeys.com/infant-car-seat_172_s.htm These are the cutest car seat covers ever!!

http://www.missprissstyle.com/category/bloomers_diaper_covers/c81p1 I had these when I was little. They are so cute!

http://www.custombabyboutique.com/ Now I can put her name on everything!

http://www.auburntigerplanet.com/WStore/WStoreSearchResults.aspx?s_logic=1&s_criteria=baby+infant+toddler&s_p_range=0&sort=0&pg=1 War Eagle Baby!!

Well I guess that is enough for now. I do have to get some work done today. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Love to all!!

Tilda made me do it

2009-02-20T10:59:00.009-06:00

K-Tilda posted some questions on her blog. You then answer the questions on flickr. The answers are pictures. I though it was uber cool so I did it too.

1. The age you will be on your next birthday.

2. A place you'd like to travel.

3. Your favorite place.

4. Your favorite object.

5. Your favorite food.

6. Your favorite animal.

7. Your favorite color(s)

8. The town in which you were born.

9. Town in which you live.

10. Name of pet.

11. First name of your first crush.

12. Your nickname.

13. Your middle name.

14. Your last name.

15. Bad habit of yours.

16. Your first job.

17. Your grandmother's name.

18. Your current job.

19. Your favorite drink.

20. Your dad's name

21. What does your house look like.

22. What kind of car do you have?

23. Favorite clothing store.

24. Favorite past time.

25. Your lifelong dream.

This was the best idea ever and it was fun to put together. Thanks Tilda!

Winter Winderland

2009-02-02T11:43:00.004-06:00

Mom and Dad took JW to Gatlinburg a couple weeks ago to see the snow. They had a ball. They took the tram up to Ober and ice skated. Built snowmen, had snowball fights, ate icicles, rode go carts and Lord knows what else. Below are some pictures that they took. Hope you enjoy them.

Don't forget to check out my other blog http://www.southernfoodette.blogspot.com/

A moment of silence please....

2009-01-14T12:04:00.004-06:00

I am sorry to tell you that our beloved Louie has passed on the the palm tress in the sky. Some of you knew him, but most did not. Louie was an 12 year old, 6ft long, green iguana that lived in the lap of luxury in a pool house on Dauphin Island. It was October of 1997 when I bought him for $20 in Maryville, TN. He picked me by jumping out of the tank and onto my head. It was then that I had to have him too. I brought him home with all of the supplies that we would need. Dad made a home for him in my built in bookcase which he quickly outgrew. I was in college by that time. Mom and dad moved down here (Mobile, AL) and brought Louie along too.

Dad built him a huge window box to live in that looked out over Mobile Bay. When my parents moved to Dauphin Island, my husband made him an indoor/outdoor atrium in mom and dads pool house. That is where he has lived for the past 6 years. He has gotten out twice. The first time was in the summer. I called the police department on the Island and let them know if someone found him, he belonged to my parents. A cop found him sunning in the road and thought he was an alligator. It's Dauphin Island. It doesn't take much to be a cop there. They closed the road off on both sides and called my dad, who just walked up to him, picked him up and put him in the truck for the ride home.

The hole was fixed in the fence and Louie was given a good talking to by my mother. The next time he got out was just a week or so ago and it would prove to be his last. He crawled out of the hole he had made in the fence, climbed a tree that hung over and never came back. My mother looked for days and I even helped. Pacing the fence row looking in the brush and everything. Yesterday as she made her rounds, she found him, but he was already gone. Now all we have are the memories of the lizard who would bob his head for mom. Gorge himself on watermelon and turn his head like a dog when you talked to him.

We will never know what was going through that hard head of his as he escaped from his palace, but we will think of him often and know that he was given the best care that any iguana could hope for.

I'm sure you all think a little crazy for writing this about a lizard, but he was part of the family and meant a great deal to my mom. I'm getting choked up now just thinking about it. He was a hard headed and mean beast that would swat you with his tail when you were trying to feed him, but he didn't do that to mom. She made sure he had fresh fruit and water and heaters in the winter. Anything he needed he had it. She really did love that damn lizard.

Happy Wednesday!

2009-01-07T11:31:00.004-06:00

Well I have a meeting tonight with my Mardi Gras group. It is a mandatory meeting so I have to be there. The parade is coming up fast and I haven't even bought throws yet. I'm sure I will wait until the night before to run to Toomy's, buy throws and then pack my saddle bags.

I'm excited though. My house on the Island will be open for friends and family to hang out and watch as we creep up Bienville Blvd. Really by the time I pass my house, my butt really hurts and my legs are numb. I also will be craving a beer and lots of it. That is when I wish I was on a float instead of a horse, but not really. As carsick as I get, I don't think the rocking of the float would be much fun.

I'm hoping that one day I will be queen! I know mom would love to take that idea and run with it. I would have a huge train and a custom made crown with my name on it! My train would have an ornate anchor right in the middle and sparrows with my loved ones names on it. It will be very elaborate and beautiful! I have been in this organization for 7 years now so my number should be up in a couple years or so. My Birmingham family will definitely have to come down for that!

If you want to come to the parade it is January 24, 2009 on Dauphin Island. Be there early or won't find a place to park!

PS: Check out my new blog http://southernfoodette.blogspot.com/

Love to all...

We Survived!!

2008-12-29T12:32:00.005-06:00

War Eagle!!

I am proud to say that we survived Christmas with little damage! Actually no damage at all. JW has more toys than Toys R Us keeps in stock! His toy room is for tip toeing only! With the train set, Hot Wheels town, Ben 10 alien maker, D-Rex, blocks, stuffed animals and animated panda bear, there is no room to walk. He is such a wonderful and special child. He really is loved and spoiled by all!

I had a great Christmas thanks to Too Tall, Big Brother and T-Fin! It is not about receiving the gifts, it is the thought that counts. I am so thankful to be thought of so much!

Too Tall seems to be happy with the gifts he got. I sort of went overboard, but he deserves it. He is such a great husband and a wonderful father.

Christmas was spent in Grand Bay at Nanny's house where we had way too much food for such a small family. Mom and I made stuffed shrimp wrapped in bacon and stuffed crabs. There was turkey, ham and all of the trimmings. Barbara brought lots of goodies too!

The day after Christmas, I de-Christmased the house. The tree is gone, cards are off the mantle, stockings are put away and all of the other crap is now back in the attic for another year. Now we can look forward to a new year and hopefully new doors will open promising a better year for all. Even though times have been tough this year, I can only see things getting better. When you think things are going bad, stop and look around you. You are probably better than some. At least you know you have a friend in me! That should mean something!!!

Love to all!

PS: I forgot about Elvis! Elvis is JW's new guinea pig! Too freaking cute. He makes the funniest noises and he loves to be loved on.

Christmas morning at 6:30am!

Goofing around at the store
Elvis is in the building!

Waiting for New Years!!

Been a While

2008-12-16T10:52:00.004-06:00

Hey Guys!! Remember me? I have been so busy trying to get Christmas stuff done and working all the time that I haven't been able to blog. I have missed you all! So....what's been going on?

I finally got finished with the Christmas shopping!!!!!! Now Too Tall is painting the house so it will look nice when his family comes for the Boltz Family (Disaster) Christmas. Come Sunday we will be over run with wild children and adults that yell over each other to be heard. We have 5 new babies in our family this year. It is going to be interesting. I will be drinking, so don't worry about me.

Friday night Too Tall and I headed down to the Blues Tavern to watch the drunk bikers play dirty Santa. Always fun!! I think I peed my pants a little. Saturday night we went to Ryan and Angelique's Christmas party. It was nice to have everyone together. Hopefully all of the girls will get together soon to break in the wine glasses.

Well....Mom just came into my office wanting to go to lunch, so I will talk to y'all later.

Love to all!!

Coming home from the camp.

JW's Christmas List

2008-12-03T10:28:00.004-06:00

Last night we had dessert with Santa at JW's school. He could not wait to sit on his lap and tell him what he wants for Christmas. When it was his turn and Santa asked him what he wants JW told him that he wants LOTS of toys. Not just one or two specific things but LOTS of toys.

Here is a list of things that he has seen in the stores or on TV that he says he wants.

Clone Trooper Voice Changer

Anything to do with Transformers

What boy doesn't like Hot Wheels? He likes the one with the loopty loops.
Portable DVD player for kids

Waterproof digital camera. He loves to take pictures!

Of course this is not all of the things he wants. He wants a boat bed, moon sand, Spiderman anything, remote controlled dinosaur, leapfrog stuff, his own Nintendo DS, games......the list goes on. He is at the age that he understands that you get presents for Christmas, but he isn't demanding, yet. I give it a year or so before he starts making the list himself. Wish me luck.

Did I mention that he loves books and anything he can play with outside? My work is never done.

Love to all!

Top of the Orange

2008-12-01T13:29:00.002-06:00

New video of my favorite local band. I really love these guys. They are wonderful performers and friends. Hope you enjoy it. Pass it on if you do. Check out their Myspace page www.myspace.com/topoftheorange

Love to all!

Great Weekend!!!

2008-12-01T11:26:00.003-06:00

So...How was your Thanksgiving weekend?

Ours was wonderful! After making the trek to Birmingham from Mobile, Big Brother ordered pizza and T-Fin started mixing drinks. I, of course, was drinking beer! JW was greeted with loads of toys T-Fin had picked up from Books-A-Million. Including, but not limited to, a pop guns that flings foam balls all over the place and a pooping sheep. He was in heaven. The next day was Thanksgiving so Big Brother and I started bright and early on the turkey and fixings. His $8 turkey was great. Nanny's dressing was on spot and the green bean casserole, after the burnt top was removed, was tasty. The ham was the best in my book!

I really enjoyed watching Too Tall, Big Brother and JW playing in the yard with the pop gun. After eating way too much, we resided to the fireplace outside, lovely. Spiderman and the Green Goblin played for hours. Tiff came to visit, along with her brother. They were given the grand tour of 11 and I drank way too much!

Friday we drove to Lake Martin to spend time with the sisters, Homeboy and the cripple. We played all kinds of games and drank tons of alcohol, listened to the rain and ate loads of leftovers. The chef for the weekend was Homegirl and I have to say that I was very impressed with the egg sandwich and ravioli's. Did I mention that there were 4 dogs there? Sam, Roscoe, Layla and Jake. They all were great to have around except for the Cujo moment, but how can I be mad at that face?

Hopefully we will be able to visit again really soon. The lake house was just great. I love Big Brother and T-Fin like crazy. JW has a new best friend (who buys him chocolate). I love the girls and Homeboy also.

I will leave you with a few words from the weekend:
Roots
Julia Roberts
Stinky Boobs
Giblets
Subway
Dunce Hat

PS: I am on Twitter! Check it out! Love it!

Go rent/buy Get Smart. I laughed my butt off, which I needed after this weekend. Cellulite City, I'm already there!!

Love to all!!

View from the lake house. Thanks Amy!

We share the same genes!

YUMMY?

My weirdo child. At least he is cute :)

I think we already knew he was a turkey!

Weekend

2008-11-24T09:25:00.003-06:00

This past weekend we went camping at our 28 acres with JW and some friends. Too Tall, JW and I got down there around 5 :30pm with all of our supplies, generator, blankets and of course, our soft air pellet guns. You know that it just had to cold when we went too. We froze our butts off!! After JW went to bed in the camper with the heaters going, Too Tall and I got the fire going outside in the firebox, lit the tiki torches and enjoyed a beer or two while waiting on Ryan, Rob and Sammie Jo. They finally got to the camp and we were ready to start the war!!

Before I get started please note that we were all wearing the appropriate safety attire for the occasion. The pellet guns fire plastic bb's that are non-lethal. We are not skilled professionals, we are just dumb enough to run around shooting each other.

Since it was 30 something degrees outside we had layers and layers of clothes on, our pockets loaded with ammo and guns. There are lots of good places to hide behind at the camp so I went to the tree house, where I ripped my pants, to get some good shots in at Too Tall. We were running around in front of the camper, behind the camper, across the ditch, behind the tents, trees, stumps. There were lots of yelps and laughing. Shots to the back, legs, arms, hands and one to Sammie Jo's eye, but that was the next day.

Saturday we hiked all over the camp. The boys were shooting the banana spiders out of the trees. Sammie, Rob and Ryan climbed the trees. JW picked up fiddler crabs. Then the daytime war started. I wasn't playing because I tripped over a tent lead and hurt my knee. It was fun to watch. Saturday night there was more war. Sunday was about the same as Saturday except we went home around 5. WE had a great weekend. Now we have tiny red dots all over us. Good times.

Friday at the store

2008-11-21T10:02:00.002-06:00

Due to the drop in the economy, I work at the store for a little while on Fridays. I really enjoy being down there and I love talking to all the locals. You can bet that there are some characters that come in. One of my favorites is mow hawk Frank. He barks like a dog when he gets excited. You just have to be there. Crazy Cindy never wears shoes, always asks Nanny for money and tries to hug her. Besides the people that come in, we have a great food selection. See the pictures below.

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! Birmingham people, we will be there Wednesday!!

Love to all!!

I love these! Beware of the super hard ones!

I have not tried them, but I have fed them to the cats.

When I was preggers I would eat these for breakfast!! Bring on the Tabasco and chocolate milk!

You would not believe how many of these we sell. GROSS!!!!

Who doesn't like Conecuh sausage?? LOVE IT!!!!

Mis-pronunciation

2008-11-19T12:52:00.004-06:00

I am sure that some of you, if not all of you, have a certain way that you pronounce certain words. I know I do and given that I live in the south, Lord knows we talk different. I was trying to think up some words that I had heard. My Nanny has a few on this list. Please add to it. I think it will be funny. Happy Wednesday! Only 2 days to go!!

ORANGE - I pronounce it "Oreeenge"

OXYGEN - Nanny says "Oshagen"

SALSA - Nanny says "Salseea"

NAPE of the neck - Too Tall says "Nap of neck"

WASH(ing)(er) - I have heard "Warsh(ing)(er)"

DADDY - I say "Deddy"

EGG - Rhonda's mother says "Aig"

LIBRARY - I have heard "Libarry"

ALBUM - Rhonda's mother says "Alblum"

WRIST - Rhonda's sister in-law says "Wristes"

CLIMB - Michael J's friend says "Clumb"

PICTURE - Rhonda's other sister in-law says "Picher"

These are just a few. Add as you will. I would appreciate it.

Love to all!

Another day at the camp

2008-11-18T13:03:00.003-06:00

I just got an email from Johnny12Frank7 telling me that he didn't want to hear about a game that happened a few months ago, he wants to read about yesterday. Nothing interesting happened yesterday except that I listed a house!! So here are some pictures taken the last time we were at the camp.

PS: For those who are interested....some friends, Too Tall and I are camping out at the camp this weekend. The invitation is open. It is going to be a fun filled time!

I know you all wanted a picture of my butt! Courtesy of JW

HUGE raccoon tracks

I will try to do a better blog this week. Just bare with me......Love to all!

Baybears Game

2008-11-13T10:57:00.004-06:00

Just a couple of months ago, the company that Chadicus works for had tickets to a Baybears game. If you don't know, the Baybears are a semi-pro baseball team here in Mobile. Chadicus had lots of tickets, so most of our friends went to the game. It was nice to have everyone together with the kids for a change. After lots of beer, hot dogs, cotton candy and of course peanuts, we hurled tennis balls at Teddy, the Baybear, and enjoyed a very beautiful display of fireworks. Not to forget the Terminex Roach and the Taco Bell taco running around the field. There is also a "Mardi Gras" parade that consisted of 1 truck throwing crap no one really wants anyway, courtesy of Toomey's (local Mardi Gras crap seller.)

A wonderful time was had by all. I can't wait to do it again. Next time we will buy more tennis balls and actually hit Teddy.....hopefully.

The Big Easy

2008-11-13T10:28:00.006-06:00

You may recall from yesterday I mentioned our trip to the Big Easy for our 5 year anniversary. We try to go somewhere every year to celebrate. This year instead of Gatlinburg, we headed on over to New Orleans. Our hotel was lovely and close to all of the bars, which is the most important thing. We made friends with JP at the Tropical Isle and Joe at the 24/7 restaurant, Deja Vu. Those of you that know me, know that I never meet a stranger. Too Tall gets annoyed sometimes but as long as there are free drinks involved, he doesn't mind too much. Lord knows that I LOVE to sing karaoke!!!!!!!!!!! So I brought down the house with my version of Carrie Underwood's "Before He Cheats." After long nights of drinking, dancing and eating, we would rise early and go to Cafe Du Monde for extremely strong coffee and beignets. I loved walking around the Quarter early in the morning. It was so peaceful, but the stench was awful! Anyway......here are some pictures.

Can we get a round of Hand Grenades over here?!!!

Morning coffee by the river

Too Tall, JP and I at Tropical Isle (around 9:00am)
Not a great picture, but I have no shame.

Well on his way......

Jackson Square at 6:30am
BEAUTIFUL!!!!

View from our hotel room

Auburn Weekend

2008-11-12T10:30:00.004-06:00

Too Tall and I celebrated our 5 years being married back in August with a wonderful trip to the Big Easy and I surprised him with Auburn Homecoming game tickets. The game was this past weekend and we had a ball! I am so glad that we finally won after 4 previous losses. I was so impressed by how clean the campus was and how nice everyone was. We ate at the Mellow Mushroom before the game and had a few beers. We tootled around Toomer's Corner before the game and walked around the whole stadium just taking it all in. Our seats were 3 rows from the field on the Auburn side on the 40 yard line. Nova, the eagle, was amazing when he flew down from the nose bleed section and landed on the field. The band was awesome as were the pom squad and cheerleaders. Aubie was my favorite.

Enjoy the pictures whether you are a fan or not. It is certainly worth the trip. Don't miss the rolling of Toomer's Corner after the games and who knows you may be invited to a frat party with some women from UTM named Susan.....

PS: Thanks Laura for recommending Bodegga. That is where we met our new friends.

After the game

Toomer's Corner Final Score

Nova

The Coach and The Governor

Too Tall

Just to let you know, we left at 6:00am because Too Tall was so excited to get there! Then we had to wait until 11:00am to get a beer. I know, we should have been prepared with a cooler. We know for next time. I want to take the camper next time and really tailgate. Who wants to go with?

Cool Dude

2008-11-06T10:58:00.003-06:00

It is Thursday! Just one more day!! I work at the store on Friday mornings but that's not bad. Saturday we are going to Auburn's homecoming!!! I'm so excited!!! I know that we have had a horrible season, but I don't care. Our seats are 5th row 20 yard line. I got the tickets for Too Tall for our anniversary.

Anyway.......................Here are some pictures of JW from this morning. He is so funny. I can't wait to go to B'ham. I'm sure you all will be floored by how big he has gotten. Love to all!

PS: I AM PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN!!!!!

Weekend Wrap Up

2008-11-03T11:32:00.005-06:00

Happy Monday everyone! I hope you all had a great weekend. I know we did. Friday night we took JW trick or treating on our street and then dropped him off at Mawmaw's. Too Tall and I dressed up and went to the Blues Tavern for a little while. We called it an early night, went home and played wii. Saturday we got up, paid bills and picked up JW. We had some time to kill before meeting Cooter for lunch so we took JW to the park. Saturday night I had to work at the store until 9:00pm. When I got home we had our neighbors over and played wii. I wanted to go to Johnny12Frank7's birthday party but I got home at 10:00 and we didn't have a sitter. Sunday we went to the Pecan Festival and had lunch at Azteca's. Last night we caught the new episode of True Blood on HBO. If you haven't watched it, do it! I love it! Bad Southern accents and all!

Only 3 1/2 weeks until Thanksgiving! Birmingham beware of a Boltz invasion!

Lots of pictures on the slide show! Yes JW really painted the "masterpiece."

(I'm using his name now because Big Brother doesn't like "Dub.")

Happy Halloween!!!!

2008-10-31T13:47:00.002-05:00

As you may already know, I love Halloween! I cannot wait to take Dub trick or treating. It is Friday so I shall leave you with a couple of videos that I love.

I hope you all have a great and wonderful weekend! Dub pictures Monday!!

Dumb people

2008-10-30T12:11:00.002-05:00

see more pwn and owned pictures

More Dub pictures

2008-10-30T11:07:00.004-05:00

So again I will post pictures that my wonderful son took at the camp. I am totally buying him one of these for Christmas. Sorry for not having better subject matter to speak about but work has been very slow, therefore my brain has been very slow. Hopefully there are good things to come. I just mailed out 340 personal postcards to see if I can drum up some business. K, when you find someone unloading that bundle of cash, please send them my way. I can't spell or punctuate but I can sell them something or maybe cook for them. Maybe....

PS: I'm not saying that Dub is not great subject matter. He is absolutely wonderful and I could go on for days about him. One of my favorite things he has done lately is when he finished helping Nanny fill the coke cooler at the store they were walking up front when he turned to her and asked where his check was. Love it. He is such a ham.

2008 Halloween Party

2008-10-28T11:25:00.003-05:00

After months of planning, our Halloween party is over. Thanks to all who came. We had a great time. I'm a little disappointed that more people didn't come, but it turned out well and our very best friends were there to celebrate. I have to say that Chizo's outfit is my favorite but only after I watched the video this morning (see below). Thibodeau would not leave Little Mama's tail alone. Rizzo just looked freaky in that mask. Little sister really needed more clothes on! Wild Woman dressed like Don was just amazing! All of the costumes were great.

I'm glad it is over. The food was great and we had just enough. Apples to Apples was awesome as always. Cleaning up sucked! Can't wait to do it again. Love to everyone!

Halloween Help!

2008-10-23T12:05:00.002-05:00

Our annual Halloween party is soon upon us and I have so much stuff to do! I have been know for years to be the party thrower and the person you go to when you need party advice, but this year I am asking for your help. I feel like I get stuck in a rut doing the same old things. We are just talking about finger foods and dips, but I want something different. I don't want to do the Halloween themed food. That is dumb to me. I need something to inspire me.

Lately when we have people over I have been doing chip and salsa and a big pot of chili. It is easier and the leftovers are good. I feel that would not be appropriate for a big party. I might just run to Archer Farms (Target) and buy their heat and serve stuff, but I hate that too. Help me people!!!

I love that picture!!

happy HUMP day!

2008-10-22T10:41:00.003-05:00

Well......I'm bored again at work! Waiting for the day to be over. I am tired of stressing about bills, the economy, my fat rolls, so on and so forth. At least I know that Dub is having a good time today. They went on a field trip to Partridge Plantation. They have lots of property, hay rides, animals and tons of stuff to do for kids. We had his 2nd birthday out there, so I know he will love it. Hopefully I will get the Queen back today. I really miss my truck!

Back to the HUMPS!

Animals with a hump, humping! Camel

Humpback Whale

Very important humps! Get checked!!!!

Humpty Dance

Singing about Humps

Hope you all have a wonderful day. Remember, good things are going to happen!

FAIRly good time...

2008-10-20T10:24:00.005-05:00

Friday night we went to the fair to watch Top of the Orange play. Number one, we froze our asses off!! Number two, the band was awesome as usual, the crowd, not so much. Number three, all you can smell is the food! Why does it have to smell so good! You can't figure out what you want to eat because it all blends together. I really wanted a corn dog, but since Too Tall and I are sort of with the band, we got to eat TGIFridays in the VIP area. Don't be impressed. We were served half a burger, literally! I wasn't hungry after that so I just walked around taking pictures while Little Mama went to the ladies room.

Gyros, Fries, Pizza, Cotton Candy, Funnel Cakes.....YUMMY!

Little Mama's Dippin Dots
Evan's Funnel Cake

TOP OF THE ORANGE!!!!

Don't you want one of these!!!!
Chicken on a stick! One of my Favs!
This is the best smelling stuff ever!
American Indian tacos? Looks like nachos to me.
We will be going back to the fair with Dub sometime this week. He loves the animals and the kiddie rides. I am NOT riding with him this year. They all make me sick. I like playing the games that you never win, but the redneck next to you has 5 huge stuffed animals from playing it. What do you do with that stuff when you get home? I feel sorry for the goldfish that you can win. Their god is porcelain.

Have a great week everyone!!!

"I want" List

2008-10-16T12:05:00.003-05:00

Happy Friday!! I am bored at the office again so I decided to make a list of the things that I would like to have one day. I'm not asking for the items, just sharing with you what I want. Of course I want more than 20 things, but I felt like that would be too much work for me to do in my bored state.

Have a wonderful weekend! The fair is in town so I will have to ride the kiddie rides with Dub tonight. He gets out of school early today! Mommy needs a nap! I really hate being sick!

I love you all very much! I know I don't say it enough, but I really do care about each and everyone of you. You know who you are. ;)

1. A black one please.

2. Tellulah Belle

3. Marley 2

4. Bling Bling

5. Aloha!

6. Red of course

7. The higher the better

8. FIX IT!

9. Upgrade

10. YES please!

11. Just for me

12. Suck it out!

13. Fill them up!

14. Me Me Me...

15. All of these and these

16. Build me one

17. Vogue

18. Anything from here

19. Clutter my counters

20. Lots of these

Snack Time

2008-10-16T09:45:00.005-05:00

As some of you may already know, Dub attends a small, Catholic school here in Mobile. The school is super nice and the teachers and staff are just wonderful. Dub enjoys his classes and all of the kids. You can tell they all love him too. When I pick him up in the afternoons, he rolls down the window and yells "goodbye" to his friends and they all yell back and wave.

Yesterday I picked him up and we were on our way home when Dub said he was hungry. I asked him what he wanted to eat when we got home and his reply was, "a mayonnaise sandwich." He is definitely MY child. Too Tall cannot stand the mayo sandwich requests, but he fills them anyway. As a child , these were my favorite too. I made his sandwich and gave him a rice crispy treat and a Kool-Aid pouch. He was in after school heaven.

I am always happy to make Dub whatever he wants, within reason, for a snack.

It was Ashley's birthday yesterday.

Only Duke's!!

Yesterday's project.

Dauphin Island....A Rare Find

2008-10-13T12:18:00.009-05:00

"Standing guard between Mobile Bay and the vast Gulf of Mexico, Dauphin Island is a true barrier island - complete with dunes, maritime forests, salt marshes, tidal flats and two freshwater lakes. Named "barrier" for their role in protecting the mainland from nature's fury of storm waves, barrier islands also prevent the inflow of salt water from the Gulf into the bays and sounds by forming a physical barrier. This process is essential to maintaining the nursery characteristics of the estuarine ecosystem. The island is accessed from the mainland by a beautiful drive, consisting of a two and one-half mile causeway and a three mile bridge which opened in 1982."

"Naturally sugar-white, clean, soft sandy beaches adorn Dauphin Island. The south side of the island faces the Gulf of Mexico surf and the north side faces the Mississippi Sound with calm and shallow waters. Both side experience a forever changing kaleidoscope of sunrises and sunsets throughout the year."

-Dauphin Island Chamber of Commerce Welcome Guide (click here) Who is the girl on the white horse?

I really do love Dauphin Island. There are so many memories that come to mind when I think about it. I met Too Tall at the Pelican Pub in the summer of 2000. I bought my first house when I was 19 on the main boulevard. Mom and Dad live in the "pines" on the east end nestled behind the sand dunes. I don't care that my house will forever be in the flood zone. I don't care that the tourists come and go. I care about the few children that can walk to school without a worry in the world. I care about going to Fort Gaines and picking up hermit crabs with Dub on the jetties. I care about keeping Dauphin Island the place that we look forward to visiting with friends. Who doesn't like Mardi Gras on the Island or the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo? I want to pass down good memories to Dub. Not all the crap you hear on the news or read in the papers.

It bothers me that there is so much bad press about the island and it really makes me wonder if they have ever stepped foot down here and let the island cast its spell on them. The ones that "get it" really get it. I personally believe they should not build on the far west end of the island. If you didn't know, the roads are all alphabetical and when you get into the one that start with s, it gets bad. Mom and Dad have NEVER had ANY damage, their street starts with a b. There are more homes than you would think in the safe zone. By the way, that is where the locals live. Here are some pictures from this spring and some after Ike.

If you have never been here, come on down. We would love to have you.

Dauphin Island this spring

Golf Course this spring

Fort Gaines this spring

West End this spring

West End after Ike

Far West End after Ike

West end after Ike

Before Ike

After Ike

The pictures are thanks to a guy that takes areal photos after the storms and then brings them to us so we can share them with everyone. I have lots more but I didn't want to put them all on here. If you want a disk I can mail it to you.

Pictures and Food

2008-10-13T09:49:00.005-05:00

Sunday is always a lazy day at the Boltz house. We all slept late and vegged out in front of the TVs watching various crap and Disney movies. Ryan and Angelique call around 12:30 to invite us to lunch at Three Flavors and then on to see a movie. Three Flavors is a one of a kind restaurant. They offer Mexican, Thai, Japanese, Vietnamese and Hawaiian foods. I ordered the shrimp fried rice and a spicy tuna roll. Too Tall had the tiger beef and some stir fry with chicken (I can't remember the name). Dub loves the crab Rangoon's and tempura chicken. R and A had the tiger shrimp, dragon roll and masaman curry. Since we all eat there many times a week, we all get free dessert. Red bean ice cream for Too Tall, Rizzo and I. Vanilla for Dub and green tea for Angelique. The red bean ice cream was awesome, green tea not so much.

After we ate we decided to go home instead of to the movies. Dub was not acting to well at the restaurant. That was all good though. We ended up watching a Almost Famous and falling asleep. When we woke up from our food induced coma, Dub wanted to play outside. He grabbed my camera and went to town.

Red bean ice cream

Green tea ice cream

They only have 1 new hour? They also spell menu "minu."

Dub's pictures from here down.

Wild Weekend!

2008-10-13T09:20:00.003-05:00

Thank goodness this weekend is over! Friday night I had supper with Meg and Angelique at Azteca's then Amber came over and we talked on the front porch until 3:30am about nothing at all. Saturday was my birthday party! I decided not to do a finger food spread so I made chicken chili and cornbread muffins. I guess that was a good decision seeing that there were no leftovers. Amber made Chrissie's, alcoholic milkshakes, that were out of this world! Now on to the gifts! Brandyn gave me a card and the Sleeping Beauty DVD. Angelique and Ryan gave me an awesome pirate card and a Visa gift card. Meg and Chad brought a card and a gift certificate to Three Flavors. Amber brought me a cake and an overnight bag full of Soap & Glory stuff. After and obscene amount of alcohol was consumed we bowled on the wii which I won 2 games and Amber won 1. Too Tall is still mad that he cannot beat me at that game to save his soul.

I believe a wonderful time was had by all who came. I am so grateful to have so many friends that love me. Next time there will be no Maker's Mark for Too Tall and Rizzo!

I am now going to detox for the next 6 months.......OK the next 6 days.

Birthday cake from Amer. White Chocolate!

Pee Pee candles

Apples to Apples

Batdog

Clueless

2008-10-09T10:19:00.004-05:00

Too Tall and I went to the BK last night on our way to the Blues Tavern and this sign caught my eye. The girl at the drive thru must have thought I was some crazy person, but I really don't care. I thought it was funny.

This envelope was sent from a lady that had written us a bad check. I don't know if she was trying to be funny or if she really is a dumbass. I'm banking on dumbass.

Correct address should be: Dauphin Island Pkwy Coden, AL

Happy Birthday to Me...yesterday!

2008-10-09T09:52:00.004-05:00

Well I made through another year. I'm still not officially old yet! 2 more years for me, or if you are Too Tall, 6 more months! I had a great day and received a ton of flowers. Nanny picked wildflowers from her garden, mom had fire and ice roses delivered and Too Tall had these really cool tie dyed looking roses waiting for me when I got home. I ate entirely too much birthday cake yesterday! It was a really cute cake. I love birthdays! It is that one special day that is all about "you!" Everyone went out of their way to make my day one of a kind and I really appreciated the gifts, text messages, phone calls, emails, myspace and facebook postings. Thank you! You know who you are and I love you all very much.

P.S. Party at our house Saturday night to celebrate even more!

My lovely birthday cake with the whipped icing. So good!

Fire and Ice roses from Mama. They are my favorite.

Wildflowers from Nanny's garden.

Cast iron dutch oven from Big Brother! Thank you so much! I love it!

Tie Dyed roses from Too Tall. They are so neat looking!

Bandits at Midnight

2008-10-08T09:42:00.006-05:00

A few months ago, Mama bought one of those outdoor, motion activated cameras that hunters and Bigfoot scouts use. We have put that camera up all over the camp and have caught deer, coyotes, raccoons, Jack's butt, Dad on the tractor...you get the picture. A friend of ours gave us a deer feeder that is just a black PVC pipe with a hole at the bottom and you pour the corn in from the top. The coons love this thing! No more trash for them. We have caught them on camera the most times. Here are a few pictures of the mom and her babies. Who knows, maybe we will get one of Bigfoot!

In the back is Dub's treehouse that Too Tall built. You can see the water from up there.

It really is amazing to see all the tracks after it rains. I wish more animals would come!

I really think we need a few more cameras to put out.

I will try to post some more pictures of the deer and coyotes when I find them on Mama's computer.

Sunday at the camp

2008-10-06T10:52:00.004-05:00

After a loooooonnngggg weekend with the band, Too Tall and I have to pick up the Dub. The Units usually are at the camp on Sundays so that Dub can ride the four wheeler and play with the "bites," (fiddler crabs) down on the shore. Upon arrival I always grab my phone and my camera because I don't want to miss anything. Before I knew it, Dub had grabbed the camera and was just snapping away. Below are a few of the pictures that he took. I think they are good, but he is my son.

If you are wondering, the camp is 28 acres with 1100ft on Mobile Bay and 1700ft on Fowl River. We love it out here. There is no power, no water, except what you bring down there. We have a camper, a supply tent, 2 guest tents, 2 grills, fire box, trees and wildlife and lots of peace and quiet! We spent 4th of July down there and it was wonderful. We don't really rought it at all. We have a huge generator and solar shower. It is nice to get away and still be close to home.

Bayfest 2008

2008-10-06T10:34:00.004-05:00

Well guys we have survived another Bayfest! Bayfest is like City Stages but so much better and they have better food! Friday night the boys of "Top of the Orange" rocked out to about 4,000-6,000 people. To be a local band, that is HUGE!! Too Tall and I are so very honored to be so close to the band. They are like family to us. Since we are so damn special, we got to hang out backstage with everyone including Candlebox and Three Days Grace. I only took a few pictures.

This is the crowd coming in from the gates to the Pepsi stage.

By the time the band was playing you could not see any pavement!

The girls and I were watching from the side of the stage.

Not a great picture, but you get the idea.

This is Barry Stock. The lead guitarist for Three Days Grace.

Super nice guy!

Trying my hand...

2008-10-02T13:54:00.003-05:00

Ok guys...I guess we will see how this blogging thing goes. Since my brain is just about dead today, I leave you with pictures of my boys. As some of you know, I am married to Too Tall and we have a sone named Dub. Thibodeau is our dog and Reese is our cat........blah blah blah.

I can tell this is not going to work for me. Here are some pictures...

Too Tall and Dub at the camp

Future Model Bird Dog?