I'm the big 4-ohhhhhh

Was so happy to share this big mile-marker with close friends doing something we've never done before - ziplining!  My two high school best friends, Kelly and Tricia flew in especially for the occasion and got to meet my friends Erin, Tagie and Janine. We stayed at Lake Lanier Island Resort for two nights and had a blast!

19 Years!

Happy Anniversary to the love of my life - Jimmy - it's been an interesting and wonderful 19 years. I love you!!

What's up with the Petts?

What's up with the 2 year old?
My darling daughter has made me so happy and proud two nights in a row. Last night, allow me to mark the date July 13, 2011 (28 months old) she decided it was time. Time to go potty like a big girl that is. I tried potty training her before and gave up thinking she wasn't ready so we backed way off and prayed that God would have her train herself since she was already introduced to the idea. What a special treat when God answers prayer. We heard some noise in the bathroom so I went to check on her. She moved the stool in front of the toilet and placed the seat ring and sat down. We all heard the tinkle and I got to see how her face changed from one of curiosity to delight when we all praised her. The night before, after reading some bedtime stories and snuggling while putting her to bed. I laid down with her and she said, "Mama, me happy." I'm still melting over how sweet that is. We don't get many affirmations as parents, but that certainly was one, if any, that we must be doing something right. She's turned a corner with talking as well – speaks more phrases and more clearly. It's so cute how she calls Gabriel "brother". She'll say, "Mama, what is brother doing?" She probably wants to know so she can be doing it, too...whatever it is. She copies everything he does. She's getting a little more hair, but still won't allow me to put a bow or make a ponytail just yet. She loves to dance, in fact, we all have been enjoying watching the T.V. show, "So You Think You Can Dance?" I wonder if a preschool ballet class is in our future or if I will teach her? She is one tough cookie, just like her dad. She can crash and instead of crying (or screaming like "brother") she just kind of whines and says "Mama, boo boo." I still need to get her left earring fixed. She's pulled it out and I've been waiting for it to completely heal and will just get it pierced again. For now, we'll just call her "Pirate Zellie".

Here she is wearing daddy's flip-flops, using his cell phone while cheesing it up for the camera.

What's up with the 6 year old?
Gabriel just finished golf camp for the summer. We're trying to decide which activity he'll be doing come fall. Whether it be tennis, soccer, swimming or more golf. We can only afford one right now. Decided to take it to prayer since I can't decide. I'm sure it will be fine whatever we choose. I'm realizing I worry way too much about things. And, we still need to find a piano teacher. Gabriel is a happy kid who likes to be active so he'll be happy no matter what. He's still cracking me up. The other day at Chick-fil-A, we saw a person dressed as a cow and he remarks, "Holy Cow!" And, he understands the pun. My dad passed away ten years ago on July 11th so I stated "Today is the anniversary of my dad's death." Gabriel exclaims, "Can we have a party?" That kid is so social - anything to get together with friends and celebrate. He had been begging to come to work with me. He says so he can be with me but also so he can visit my work friends. I see more and more of me in him and am seeing more of Jimmy in Giselle.

Here's Gabriel with his friend Lydia for "Cow Appreciation Day"

The Daddy?
Jimmy still seems to be in constant pain due to his intestines. Because of it, he can be short and generally grumpier than I'd prefer, but we all make the best of it. I feel really sorry for him making all these wonderful meals for the kids and me and he can't partake most of the time. He's just finished working on the porch, building new hand rails and it looks marvelous! I'm worried about his dad and aunt who are both 93 years old and nearing the end of their life here on earth. We're trying to plan a trip to Detroit to see them in the very near future.

Working on our new porch railings

And the Mommy?
I'm making unsuccessful attempts at working out and losing weight, but at least I'm trying. I got to catch up with an old high school girlfriend over lunch which was incredibly fun. For splinters of a moment, I felt like a teenager again. Other than that, I work full-time, homeschool Gabriel at night along with my every other Friday's off from work. As long as I'm planning the next big thing, I'm happy. Right now, it's a trip to Detroit followed by Gabriel's 7 year old birthday party. Somewhere in there, I want to get the house organized. Otherwise, I may as well sign us up for one of these ever so popular reality T.V. shows about home makeovers or hoarders.

My high school friend Janice and me

Random Thoughts

Random Thoughts by Marcy

Gabriel must be wishing it was Christmas already. Two days after Thanksgiving, he says, "I think almost everyone thinks it's Christmas except for us."

Giselle is obsessed with babies: Baby, baby, baby, daddy, baby, baby, de-de (food), baby, baby, mommy, baby, baby, gog (dog), baby, baby, BABY!

Bullying in schools is out of control.

The new TSA full body scans which emit small radiation or body pat downs on toddlers is ridiculous. I won't be flying any time soon.

I'm so glad I'm not sick anymore. Gabriel is now sick, but taking care of a sick child is MUCH easier when you aren't sick yourself.

So thankful for Matt and Shawna - not sure what we would do without them! Not only do they love and watch our kids for us, Shawna took me to see Carrie Underwood for my birthday. How sweet is that?

I wonder if there will be a war between South and North Korea?

A busy, scary month

This month has been quite stressful with my unmanageable workload and my mothers emergency triple bypass surgery. The prospect of losing my Mama was quite scary. It all worked out nicely in the end. She is recuperating well and I was able to take a week to work from her kitchen and help nurse her back to health. I'm undomesticated so being out of my element just a bit with cooking, cleaning, giving meds, taking blood pressure, etc., but loved every minute of it.

We were able to launch three websites and a 28 page magazine the same week our friend Greg Hammer has returned to work. Together, should make my work load feel like a vacation, at least says my boss. I can already see the light at the end of the tunnel and making a concerted effort with my stress level. Nothing is worth the risk its toll such as hypertension, or worse, cancer, stroke or heart attack. This is my own method for stress-reducing:

1. Working more efficiently and smartly
2. Delegating to others
3. Learning how to say the simple word "no" so you don't over commit yourself and spread too thin -- by the way, I'm TERRIBLE at this
4. Make yourself take breaks - get up from your desk for five minute walks/stretches to refresh your brain in order to be productive
5. Learn to relax my muscles at my desk and just breathe. Studies have shown when you are stressed you take shorter breaths, trying to take deliberately longer breaths for much needed oxygen.
6. Don't worry. Worry leads to stress which leads to illness like hypertension, or worse... cancer, heart attack or stroke. Worry generates confusion and leads you down the backwards path.
7. Remembering that it's "not the end of the world" if you ask to push back an interim deadline or maneuver other meetings around to accommodate your stress level and manage your day.
8. Prioritizing my responsibilities. God, family, work, friends, extra curricular activities, etc.
9. Pray - always having a mental attitude of thankfulness and optimism. "You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you."

Finally, realizing that I'm not alone in this world. God is always with me and I have family and friends who love and support me.

Our Birthday Bashes

Both Gabriel and I had birthdays the month of August which turned out to be very special.

I plan my own birthday every year, which enables me to get exactly what I want. It's brilliant, I think. I take off from work and off from "home". Normally I get a massage and it's my one time a year luxury, but this year I found a place right around the corner which gives discounts with insurance. With the discount in place, I was able to get a two hour massage at the same rate I was accustomed to paying for one hour. It was so relaxing and still went by so fast. I remember her saying, "Ok, Marcy, we're going to begin." And the next thing I know she is telling me we are done.

Then Jimmy and Gabriel took me to Farm Burger in Decatur to get a good cheeseburger. The day ended with a date with my honey to see a movie, "Eat. Pray. Love." with Julia Roberts. Mixed reviews, but still enjoyed an evening out and being taken on a journey to lands I'll probably never get to go. My birthday continued the following day to Tacqueria Del Sol for lunch...one of my favorite restaurants.






Gabriel turned six - and I can still hardly believe. I wanted to package up the five year old age and keep it my pocket forever. We celebrated with a MythBusters themed party. It's his favorite show so in honor of turning six, we conducted six science experiments with his friends. Of course, we had to do the Mentos and Diet Coke Geyser one and we made a bottle rocket shoot off. I think the kids enjoyed it, but afterward, I asked Gabriel what his favorite part of the party was .... the experiments, dancing, opening presents, or the ice cream? None of those. I was secretly hoping he would say, "It's your marvelous organization skills Mommy," but was taken back when he said, "Playing with my friends." Such a sweetie. Ok, I must remember this for next year....Less is More.....maybe just cake and friends and less hoopla? We'll see....six weeks before his party, I may not be able to resist the planning....it's chronic.

Here's his birthday song. He wanted just ice cream this year - no birthday cake!


Here he is performing his birthday breakdance routine with his friend Kevin:

Sir-Marce-A-Lot, MC Mar-c

I recommend you rap at your next staff meeting!

Our Very Cool, Hot Summer

It's been a blazing hot summer with the temperatures in the upper 90s almost every day. The heat index says 105° in some cases. But does that slow us down? No! We've had a very productive, fun and cool summer so far .... and it's not over ... I'm planning Gabriel's six year old birthday party. I've been bitten by the planning bug, what can I say? Some other planning endeavors are:

– Next will be a welcoming party for baby Callista for our neighbors Tricia and Corey;
– Then, with the creation of a Facebook group page am making an effort to plan our block party for our FireFox Community this October;
– And will try to organize a group trip to tour inside the Hindu Temple around the corner from us. Jim and Gabriel have called it the "Giant Wedding Cake" for years and we're curious to look inside and maybe learn something along the way.

In addition to my community-oriented organizational efforts, I'm happy to report that I'm making an effort for myself finally too. I'm not doing a strict diet, but being a carb-oholic I am trying to reduce my carb intake, eat more vegetables and work out. Jimmy bought us kettle bells and we work out sometimes in the morning and other times we sneak it in at night. No major weight loss yet, but am feeling more energy and tone to my body. The most exciting part is I bought myself a 10 class dance card at Dance 101 and took my first jazz dance class in years last Saturday. And who do I run into? None other than my old dance teacher and friend Leon Von Brown.
Believe it or not, the studio had been trying to get him to teach there for six years and it was his first day teaching there. It felt like a divine appointment to meet up with our firsts. We used to dance together with the Atlanta Ballet adult program probably 9-10 years ago. This is our non-sweaty selves just before class.

Gabriel and I are fans of the show "So You Think You Can Dance" (SYTYCD) and the producer Nigel Lythgoe has helped to begin the first ever National Dance Day. They held the event in Atlantic Station in Atlanta and we went to participate. This year seems to be shaping up to be a year of reunions, firsts and new beginnings.

Speaking of new, we moved Giselle into her brother's room.
They love being roommates and one morning proved it when I overheard giggles and peaked in on them. She was playing "peek-a-boo" and he was laughing and talking with her. It just warmed my heart so much. Jim and I are really enjoying watching them love each other and generally grow up.


We're healthy, happy and feeling really blessed.

My Friend Jerry's Birthday

I was so happy all day – I was going to take my friend Jerry out to dinner for his birthday. What's so special you say? Well, he is homeless and I know this gesture will mean a lot to him. I've been talking to him about it for weeks and the day has finally arrived. After spending 30 seconds at the stoplight for two years, you get to know someone. I went to Publix and bought a small cake and the gentleman behind the pastry counter placed "Happy Birthday Jerry" in a really pretty cursive handwriting...I just couldn't wait to see the look on his face when he sees the cake.

I usually see him on the street corner holding his sign at the corner of Mountain Industrial Blvd and Hwy 78, but I didn't see him today. I got nervous. Oh no...he must have forgotten about our date tonight, or worse, didn't think I would follow through on my request to take him out and decided not to endure the pain of rejection. I went home and retrieved the family. Jimmy was surprisingly ready to go and so were the kids. Our friend Shawna came along too...it was a family affair. Jim had to drive separately since there wouldn't be enough room in my car for all of us, and not only that, he preferred it that way as he is a little cautious for his wife's and children's safety....he was leery since he hadn't met Jerry yet. I was hoping I would find him at his motel, The Stone Mountain Inn, but I was nervous that I was dragging everyone out and I wouldn't be able to find him. I drove up to the hotel and for some reason I couldn't get in....the doors were locked to the main lobby doors. It was only 7 pm on a Monday night, why would this be? I peered through the window and saw a little girl probably the age of 7 dancing around and I motioned to the door. She finally got my hint and came to open it. I asked the attendant behind the desk if he could point me to room 303? He told me to go out the lobby door, climb the stairs three flights and turn around and go through another set of doors as it's on the inside. I started my trek up the stairs with my heart beating out of my chest. What was I going to find? I was excited and nervous that I may see things out of the norm and potentially put myself in harm's way. My thoughts went wild and at the same time, I saw three black gentlemen calling for me. What did they want. Just play it cool Marcy and give a nonchalant wave to acknowledge them but to also state you weren't interested. I got to the top of the floor and saw the door the attendant mentioned. It was locked! Oh no, what was I going to do now? I hollered a big, "Heelllloooo??" and no answer and then I noticed one of the window panes was broken. It crossed my mind that maybe it was intentionally broken so they could get in and out...of course, that doesn't make any sense, right? But not much was making sense at this moment, especially the next. I knocked, really hard, on door 303 and a tall African American gentlemen answered. I thought, oh no, I've bothered a motel guest, but I asked anyway....out came of my mouth with thoughts of being shot in a hallway and my husband being really mad at me, "Uh, is Jerry here?" He said, "No, he's not." Oh good, that must mean at least he knows him and I'm in the right place. And also, everything that Jerry had told me up until now has some plausible truth to it. I continued, "Do you know where he went? I'm supposed to meet him." He said he had just left. Right when I was turning around thinking maybe Jerry went to go and find me, he little head popped out from behind the corner. He briskly walked up to me and hugged me the tightest hug I've had in a very long time. He said he was surprised to see me. "Why were you surprised? We've been talking about doing this for a while now." I asked him if he was ready and he said yes, but walked back into the room. I suspected he needed to get on his shoes so I started back toward the stairwell. I wasn't exactly comfortable standing in this dark, mysterious hallway and the faster I could get out of there and let my husband know where I was, the better. We walked down making chit chat and around to my car where the kids and Shawna were. Right at that time, Jimmy drove up in his truck. "Thank goodness", I thought, and perfect timing. Jerry asked me what my husband's name was again and he got in. I told him to buckle up and we were off to the restaurant.

All was seemingly going well. I was still very excited and now even more so with the relief of finding him and being on our way. I was wondering what they were talking about in Jim's truck? What was tonight going to offer? When we got to the pizza place, they were very crowded...so much that we sat on the patio with the risk of never being served because there was no other place to sit. I felt bad because Jerry was sitting in the sun and didn't he have to be in the sun too much as it is? I wanted him to relax in the air conditioning. He told us how he liked to be a vegetarian when he can be so we ordered a half cheese and half pepperoni pizza. It was a bit awkward, but I tried to lighten things up a bit by taking some photos and making conversation. We were more than halfway through our meal when it became stressful. Jerry asked if he could play a game with us. He remarked how he knows it's difficult for us to understand him with his southern accent and missing teeth (he mumbles and I can really only get one word a sentence). But excitedly went on to ask Shawna to think of a home. What kind of home is it? When you are there what kind of key is there? And the questions continued.....it was a psychological examination. I quickly remembered the homeless coordinator I had spoken to months ago telling me he may have a mental illness and was playing some kind of word game with her in the van on the way to housing in downtown Atlanta. Jim and I looked at each other with a knowing of what do we do now? He was locked into this mode. Giselle was spilling water all over me and wanted in my purse. Gabriel was playing with quarters and singing which made it harder to hear and understand Jerry. I decided we needed to wrap up our pizza event and brought out the cake. He seemed appreciative and I was glad for that....but I learned that while I can try to reach out in love those who are in need. I may not be the best person for the job. He needs mental help. The night ended up being very hard to get through. I don't regret it, but it was stressful and hard. It may be a while before we can take Jerry out again. I may need to call professional help to see what they can do for Jerry as a next step. And possibly find his brother to see what he knows and if he can be of any help to him.

Reunion of Plenty

June was very much about seeing old friends from high school to Busch Gardens dancing days to family friends like Cristal and the Beebes. It was amazing to see everyone, laugh and reminisce.
With my high school best friend, Tricia...

With my lifelong childhood best friend, Kim...

Here with my family for a mini family reunion...

With our close family friends the Beebes...

With my Busch Gardens friends Joilee and Andrew ...

With my high school girlfriends Tricia, Phuong and PK...

Shocking Love

I've recently been told some shocking, life-altering news from a close friend. The kind that makes you take a step back and really examine how you truly feel and think about life. How it should be, but isn't. It's complicated and messy, gray, full of questions, not black & white at all. It was a roller coaster ride of emotions from shock, confusion, followed by a very short bit of anger to intense pain/grief to acceptance. It was just a week ago, and as I write this today I feel hopeful that everything will turn out alright. As my dear friend is facing, I was forced to face the reality of tolerance levels of acceptance in society. We've come a long way with civil rights, equality, but we still have a ways to go. It doesn't mean you have to understand, but you do have to love. Love should be a requirement. It's the most important thing in our household. We aren't perfect, as we are human, in the flesh, and raised with all the moldings of past generational thoughts handed down by our parents, teachers and other influencers.

But love conquers a multitude of wrongs. Love bears all things, hopes all things and endures all things. Love is the answer. Just ask my five year old...he'll tell you it's the most important thing...Love God and Love others. It doesn't mean I have all the answers. I don't. But I for one am glad to hug my friend and say, "we'll get through this together and I love you." Honestly, I just can't fathom doing anything else.

Reunited!

One of my best high school girlfriends, Kelly Simon Crum, and I were reunited at long last. We hugged each other so tight and then stared each other down checking each other out in the first minute of our greeting. Then it was as if no time had passed in between whatsoever, except the extra fluff on both of us was a dead give-away. Here we are in high school and at her house 20 years later:

My beach --um--ER birthday

We were all packed up and heading to the Pensacola area to spend time with our friend Michelle and enjoy the beach for my birthday when Jim's stomach began giving him extreme pain again. Our trip was to Piedmont Hospital Emergency Room instead. I think Jim has been to every hospital here in Atlanta now for his stomach issues: Northside, Dekalb, St. Joe's and now Piedmont.

Stronger, Smarter and ... Sweatier

If you aren't a rock or haven't been living under one, you know that we are experiencing quite a significant economic downturn. I remember downplaying it last October when everyone was talking about recession coming, but here we are staring it in the face. It's times like these that make me appreciate what our grandparents and even Jim's folks must have gone through during the depression. I get the sense that we could be standing in line to buy bread somewhere in the coming months. Regardless of how hard it is right now, I surprisingly remain optimistic that things will turn about soon as they always do and I feel quite positive. I feel stronger for having to go through it -- and would even go as far as saying I'm almost thankful that we are going through it. As they say, "what doesn't kill you will only make you stronger." Well, I'm still alive and I choose to remain strong and survive no matter what. It's forcing us to look at our life under a microscope and re-evaluate what is really necessary to live and what really matters the most. We are making smarter decisions. We didn't really need DirecTV and we found out Allstate was gouging us and have knocked off $400 our monthly bill. Next is to get the home refinanced and take advantage of offers. I'm not going to sugar-coat it that much because I'd be lying if I didn't like some of the luxuries we've grown accustomed to, but really we just need a roof over our head, clothes on our back and food on the table - everything else I now see as icing on the cake.

We've gone through hard times before. When we were first married we rubbed two pennies together to buy .99¢ spaghetti dinners. And 2001 was a hard year for everyone with 9/11, but especially for us with the passing of our 15 year-old nephew, followed by my aunt and then my daddy all within weeks of each other. 2003 is a year that will always remain infamous as that was the year of our miscarriage, our dog Nutmeg was killed tragically at the same time that Jim's hernia operation went array as we were purchasing and moving into our first home. That may have been the hardest time of our lives. But we got through it and it makes us appreciate the good things in life. Each "hard" time is different - and this one is full of uncertainty of the future, but also filled with opportunity and challenges. You just have to dig down deep and find the strength to rise and meet them. Each day has been throwing me a curve ball ... from work stress, nursing stressors, and personal financial stress. Mostly knocking each one out of the park as they come and hoping to keep that luck and momentum, but here I am sitting at my computer at 1 am with my entire family sleeping downstairs on floors and sofas because it's slightly cooler. You see, our air conditioner broke today. Another $1,500 repair no doubt. And while a small part of me wants to whine, the larger (and sweatier part) rises up within me and attacks it once again, head on, without fear, knowing our God will take care of us and we have the love of each other.

I feel stronger, smarter and sweatier.