Rod, sweet, Rod

I have been tagged by Margaret to answer a few questions about my husband. So, this might be amusing...

1.What is his name? Rodrigo Alberto Lopez (aka Big Al, Rod or Rigo)

2. Who eats more? Rod is officially the bottomless pit...his New Year's resolution was to quit "grazing" all day!

3. Who said, "I love you" first? I think I did? That was looong time ago!

4. Who is taller? He is...but back in the 7th, 8th & 9th grade I was....ha!

We lost #5 somewhere.

6. Who is more sensitive? Me for sure...you can look at me the 'wrong' way & I'll burst into tears! However, sometimes something will get under his skin & he won't say anything until he's ready to explode...at that point, just stand back. Waaayy back.

7. Who does the laundry? Generally speaking, I'll do it. However, he's great at getting it all started for me...he despises ironing, so sometimes we tag-team it & he'll sort & load while I hack away at the ironing.

8. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Me...& I've decided that after a few really cold nights lately, that drafty window has GOT to be dealt with!

9. Who pays the bills? Rod the bankerman...whew! I've decided I'm just too cute for math!

10. Who cooks more? Rod is definitely the Iron Chef around here & I'm the Sous Chef...he loves finding & trying out new recipes...that's a real treat for me!

11. Who is more stubborn? I think it's safe to say he is...& boy he can sure hold onto a grudge! However, in the 5years we've been together, he's come a long way!

12. Who is the first to admit they are wrong? I'm a 'forgive-and-forget-it' type of gal...he tends to want to dwell on it. I despise & loathe any sort of argument or fight, so I'm more anxious to swallow my pride & end the silly thing.

13. Who has more siblings? Rod does...he's the oldest of 3. I'm the baby of 2.

14. Who wears the pants in the relationship? Physically he does, but I'd like to think this hen rules the roost!

15. What do you like to do together? Cook & travel...oh & most importantly...EAT!

16. Who eats more sweets? Guilty as charged! He has never liked sweets, even as a kid. Guess that means more for this mama!

17. Guilty Pleasures? Grazing! Oh,& of course napping!

18. How did you meet? In the 7th grade at St. Bede here in Montgomery. We were always really good friends & ran with the same group of friends for several years...to this day that 'group' has remained in-tact & in-touch. They are all still a bit shocked that the two of us were the ones to get married & start a family!

19. Who asked whom out first? Rod asked me...then came to pick me up in his Mom's mercedes....pimp.

20. Who kissed who first? He kissed me...so sneaky!

21. Who proposed? He did at Emeril's in Atlanta...he had them bring it to me with my dessert (a chocolate martini!) on a silver platter...it was very sweet...oh, the proposal was too!

22. His best features and qualities? He's very much in tune with being family-oriented, is very meticulous with finances, HILARIOUS & is always wanting to make sure you are happy...no matter who you are. He loves to crack others up too...he's a very good comedian!

23. Tag you’re it. Who do you tag? Hmm...Jessica Azar!

Where's the champagne!?

Wow, can you believe this is 2 posts in 2 days?! Well, it's only because I'm so behind in posting 'recent' events...ha! Thought I'd share some great photos of Rod & I's big New Year's Eve. We spent it with all our favorite friends...well almost all of them...some had made previous plans & some had to work (we missed you Darren!). Poor Margaret was ringing in the new year at home as her hubby was busy working his magic as a fireman on duty over at the Norman Bridge Rd station...perhaps next year, there'll be a rookie who will have to take that shift so that Darren can ring in the new year with his wife! Way to hang in there Margaret!

NYE08 was a fun one for those of us who made plans to party at the Renaissance downtown...it was a perfect evening for drinks, dancing, food, more drinks & more dancing! Us girls had an absolute ball right from the get-go dancing our socks (or heels?) off on the dance floor. Music was by the band The Spicoli's which played a great blend of late '80's & early 90's rock...we were loving it! The best part is that all of us had gotten rooms there at the Renaissance so we didn't have to hassel with cabs or anyone being stupid & driving home. Whew. We did feel a bit silly staying in a hotel in the same city we lived in, but it sure beat spending the night in the drunk tank down at the MPD! It's always better to be safe than sorry...none of us really felt like having our first snapshot of the new year being a mugshot for drunk driving. Never too flattering I'm sure! The rooms were really nice & I decided that the little sample shampoos, etc that they have were my favorite (lather.com)...my pick was the peppermint shampoo! Anyhow, i digress...We danced & drank late into the night just waiting for midnight to strike & 2008 to roll on out. However, the tickets & all the marketing for the event had promised a 'complimentary champagne toast at midnight'....so, Katy & I had made our way to the bar area prior to midnight to go ahead & get in line for our champagne. All of the the sudden we both heard "THREE! TWO! ONE! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!" & we both were wondering how in the world we missed the bigger countdown! Even though I didn't get a midnight kiss from Rod, I was so happy to ring in the new year with one of my favorite people in the entire world! And, we never even got champagne!! We all came to the conclusion that someone on the committee must've dropped the ball on that one...oh well! Around 1am as the party wrapped up, we all decided our feet hurt & that going up to hang out on our hallway of rooms would be just as fun. So we all went up there with the intent of changing into our PJ's & ordering some pizza. Well, somehow, on the way up some of decided we were way past the ability to stay up any longer & the other half decided that the night was still young! So the other half ventured across the street to the fated Sous La Terre!! Turns out that they all stayed out until about 5am...ugh, I just don't have that in me anymore! I waved bye-bye to those days when I was 22!

Anyhow, enjoy the photos....it was a great time & we can't wait for NYE09!

Elmo's World

Yes, it seems to be Elmo's world & we are just living in it! Since last time, Christmas has come & gone....it's been too long! Christmas this year was a fun time for our family as Sophia has grown up so much. She doesn't quite understand the 'buzz' around the holiday yet, but definitely knows something is 'up'. It was a 'no-go' on Santa this year (perhaps next won't be terrifying?) but adored the train at Eastdale Mall (& so did her Daddy!...more on that later). She loved going 'round & around on the little track & thought that was the best thing ever! One day Rod took her to the mall on his day off & as he was securing Sophia in one of the train cars, he was able to slip in with her! He sent photos of the little ride via cell phone...I couldn't believe I had two family members riding that train...a 21mos old & a 26yr old! Hilarious.


December was a busy time for us as we (the Schultz family & us)flew to VA Beach for my cousin Jaimie's (Schultz) wedding. So LOVES airports & airplanes - this was her 3rd time flying on a plane in less than a year...talk about a frequent flyer! She's a hoot as she waves to everyone else boarding the plane & loves coloring at her little tray-table on-board. She usually provides some cute in-flight entertainment & behaves very well. Whew! Thank goodness! The Schultz family in VA Beach really enjoyed meeting Sophia in person & we had a wonderful time @ Jaimie & Jeremy's wedding. I've decided I love a Christmas wedding! Poinsettias & amaryllis are seasonally abundant & gorgeous! It was a very quick trip (just 3 days) & we were back home.



Christmas Eve was fun as we spent it with the Lopez family. Usually, Patricia & Rafa (Rod's parents) put on an annual Christmas Eve Cocktail party at their house. This year, they decided to forego the event as Patricia was flying to her brother's wedding in Colombia on Christmas Day. So, with the family gathered we had wonderful paella & opened gifts. Traditionally, the youngest family member passes out the gifts to all the others...so that meant Sophia had a big job! With a bit of assistance & direction she accomplished the task! However, her crush, Devon (Tia Gabby's boyfriend) was there & so she felt Devon deserved ALL the gifts! Ha! We snapped LOTS of cute photos on Christmas Eve! Sophia certainly made out like a bandit that night! All things 'Elmo' decended upon her & our house that night! She loved the Elmo telephone/answering machine from Gabby...& Devon even recorded a sweet message for her that makes her giggle & blush! Then Steve & Becky (uncle/aunt from Miami) aka "the Miami Santa" gave her the 'Elmo's Restaurant'....she is actually cooking up something as I write! She loves playing 'chef' & will point to where she wants you to sit & order...you go girl! We giggle as whatever you order up, she'll always 'eat' it first, then give to you...guess she's a big fan of taste-testing! Ha!




Christmas morning, Sophia was up & at 'em...so we took her into the living room & watched her open up her gifts from Santa. It was so much fun, except when she decided she was not even remotely interested in the new presents & decided to open up her toy box full of 'old' toys instead! We could only laugh. Once we opened up Elmo Live, she started to get into the spirit...she danced, blew kisses & hugged her new friend. Then she raced her new cars all over the living room & played with her little doll house. After the initial excitement subdued, we were all ready to head to Nana & Papa's (my parents) house to celebrate Christmas. After some yummy honeybaked ham, potatoes, jell-o, green bean casserole & more we opened gifts. Sophia was so exhausted from the previous activities & opening gifts at our house, she crashed in the car en route to Nana & Papa's! Sophia napped while visited & started eating. It's also tradition at our house for the youngest to distribute gifts, so since Sophia was napping, it was my job to distribute! Just as we finished up opening up our gifts, Sophia awoke & was able to open hers. She got some very sweet gifts from her grandparents, uncle & great grandmother. We had a wonderful time & can't wait for next year!





All in all, Christmas was a success for us this year & extra fun to watch our little girl! It's hard to think that next Christmas Sophia will be on the verge of turning 3!! Where DOES the time go?!

We're grateful that MDO has started back up & a major blessing that a spot opened up for an extra 2 days a week! Sophia absolutely adores going to school to hug her teachers, play with her friend Abby, be silly. She runs as fast as her little legs will go to get to the front door of Frazer & into her classroom. She squeals going down her hallway & right to the classroom door where the 2 sweetest teachers in the world light up when they see her & scoop her up with affection. They are such a blessing her little life! We were even able to sign her up for 5 days a week next fall! She'll go in the mornings all 5 days next Fall & we don't doubt she'll absolutely thrive!

Sophia is growing by leaps & bounds, chattering new words all the time & becoming so smart...that little girl does not miss a single beat. We are hoping to take her to the Georgia Aquarium this spring in Atlanta to show her all the fishies BIG and small!

Ants Marching...

...and no, I'm not talking about that great Dave Matthews song! I'm talking about the rude little everyday pests called ants, or perhaps more scientifically (if that!) "Argentine" aka 'sugar' ants. We have been battling thousands of them over the past 4 days & I think they finally surrendered, aka kicked the bucket. Whew! Saturday morning, I suited up as team captain (3rd year in a row!) for the annual Arthritis Foundations, Jingle Bell Run...and boy it was cold! However, I had my iPod charged & in place, jingle bells were securely fastened to my shoes, my muscles were semi-warmed up & I was ready to show that course who was boss! Well, maybe not so much 'boss', but that I wasn't going to let those crazy 4-5min mile runners intimidate me. I actually crossed the finish line in 32:18...4 mins better than my previous 5k time! I was flying high...it made me realize that my workout routine was really paying off. However, I think it's time to invest in new running shoes, b/c I was experiencing what I call "Kerrigan knee pain" (like as in Nancy-Kerrigan-clubbed-in-the-knee-feeling-by-Tonya-Harding)kinda pain. However, Rod sees dollar signs & hears a constant 'cha-ching, cha-ching' when I express my need for new running shoes. I'll keep working on him. The ever faithful Team Jingle-Jangle joined in for another year (The Bennett Family & The Brown Family...kids & all! Poor Monica called in sick...we missed you Monica!) too...unfortunately heel pain struck my mom & so she opted to sit this year out (my Dad followed suit)...Rod opted for a warm bed Saturday morning & probably a warmer breakfast (i had none!). When I got back from the race Sophia had a case of the sniffles & wasn't feeling like herself. Nana jumped at the chance to keep her & spoil her in her jammies while Rod & I ventured out to knock out our Christmas shopping. Glad that's over! Mission accomplished - we picked up Sophia & headed home. Cue the ants. Upon opening the pantry door, ants had descended up on our 5 shelves of glorious goodies...I'm talkin they had a map goin on...better than Oregon Trail!! I shrieked & we began dumping any opened packages of food in the trash...they were everywhere. Once under control, I breathed a sigh of relief...but not for long. We treated it with some pest control, but Sunday & Monday we kept seeing stragglers. Gross. Just when we thought we had it beat....they surged with a surprise attack in a woman's most sacred place...her CLOSET! Yes, ladies they were repelling down into my cherished purses & handbags & grappling onto the fabric of my most favorite dresses - I'm pretty sure I was gagging by this point. Rod leapt out of bed to come to my rescue...I'm sure I'm guilty of some choice phrases & expletives, but this was my closet for heaven's sake. After beating those ants into oblivion & 2 loads of laundry later, I was pooped & ready to go to bed. Haha. Third time's the charm. I went to hang a Sophia's towel in her bathroom & became irate (i was beyond tired & angry at this point)when i flipped on the light & discovered this satan-ants had decided to do a tour thru this room too. They were pouring from the sink onto the counter, up thru the medicine cabinet & proceeded to the parade route around the bathroom ceiling...I felt like burning my own house down at this point. God Bless Sophia, b/c out of all the racket Rod & I made she slept thru the entire Ant-War of 2008! By the time we cleaned it all up, it was 1:30am....T minus 4.5hrs and counting before my alarm was set to go off. Great. As I crawled into bed (only after harrassing Rod to douse his feet under running water to ensure no ants having a slumber party in our sheets!) I had this horrific sensation the ants were crawling all over me, my anger & frustration had gotten the better of me. I woke up to find no ants (except the stragglers) & called Cook's Pest Control immediately to set up a little visit! They came, they saw, they conquered! So far, so good....we discovered the ants were traveling up a tree in our front yard, taking a leap of faith onto the roof & passing the attic 'bouncer' throwing a 'peace' sign their way to wave them thru to the hottest ticket in town...our house. Ugh. Thankfully, my Dad, ol' faithful, came to the rescue this morning prior to Cook's, to help me evaluate the post-mid-night war damage. Thanks Dad...you're the best! In the famous words of George Costanza's dad in Seinfeld...."SERENITY NOW"!

Gobble Gobble til you Wobble Wobble

Even though it's the day after the big Turkey day, we have SO many things to be thankful for: each other, our growing little girl, a warm home, food on our table & clothes on our backs. However I'd like to give a thanksgiving shoutout to Best Buy's Geek Squad for fixing our computer...I've always wondered if they take offense to being part of the 'Geek Squad'? Or perhaps that's a compliment? Another turkey day shoutout goes to our families for feeding us two awesome meals....think we may have o.d.'ed on Tryptopan yesterday as Rod & I were a little touch & go there for awhile on whether or not we'd ever even make it to the 2nd turkey day meal. We both napped while sophia took her nap & we both agreed we only felt worse after! Thankfully, we were able to perk up a bit downstairs while helping referee my family's annual Thanksgiving Monopoly game. A word of advice....don't play with any family member of mine unless you are willing to cry 'mercy' & give up all your properties & money. The Schultz's are definitely cut-throat monopoly players...no wonder I loathe seeing the box come out during the holidays! However, Rod being the banker & real estate lover, is all over that game like white on rice....it's sickening. He even got Sophia into it! My family upgraded to the electronic banking version, so Sophia's job was to hand the debit/credit cards over to my brother who was acting as the banker. Hilarious, but sad at the same time...she looks like she's swiped a few cards before...I think Rod & I are in for rude awakening as she gets older...yikes. Sophia really dug her mashed potatoes this year & nibbled on some turkey, green bean casserole & dinner rolls. Ditto at the Lopez's thanksgiving....just add 2 1/2 whole bananas to that...what can I say? Sophia digs her daily helpings of potassium - you know, it helps with runner's cramps. Speaking of, I could only feel worse during both meals yesterday when I was trying to imagine suiting up as Team Captain for next Saturday's Jingle Bell Run....this captain is second-guessing her ability to run at this point - pretty sure I gained a few LB's after yesterday's festivities. ugh. Back to Lopez's thanksgiving - we were glad to see Rod's Aunt Becky & Uncle Steve from Miami...they are always hilarious & were elated to see Sophia. Gabby's boyfriend, Devon, also joined in on the meal & even let Sophia sit next to him. For those of you who don't know - Sophia has a MAJOR crush on Devon, and luckily, Aunt Gabby is willing to share! She adores Devon & was so pleased to be sitting next to him...she was all smiles! After we wrapped up the 2nd & final (thank GOD!) meal, we were off to see the 'crap house' on the corner of Boultier & Carter Hill Rd....if you haven't seen this Griswold-style Christmas-light-spectacular, it's a must-see. It's so tacky that they even ask for donations to pay their electricity bill! It's hilarious - every light up yard decoration ever made adorns their lawn (if there is one...you can't see it!) accompanied by motorized figurines that dance/twirl/move alongside the ever-enormous inflatable yard deco. We LOVE gawking at this house & figured we better introduce Sophia to the yearly family tradition too! We were really hoping that the house that coordinates a light show with music (located in Eastern Forest neighborhood) would be up & running, but no such luck. We'll keep trying...I always feel sorry for their neighbors...I hope the people running that light show booze up their neighbors good before the season begins! Luckily, today being Black Friday, I was able to be at home & spend some much-needed QT with Sophia...we even went to the Azar's house for a play-date! Poor Rod had to go to work, so it left us girls some fun together time. Jessica Azar & I have become good friends (we had a class together back at Auburn...year's ago!) & decided Zack 5, Ben & Sophia would have fun playing. Zack 5 & Sophia are only 5.5 mos. apart & little Ben turns 1 next week. Thanksfully the rain held off this morning, which allowed the kids to really run wild in the backyard! They had a ball! They climed/hung/slid all over the jungle-gym, played in the sand & gave each other rides in the little red car. Then we went inside to have some yummy lunch together (& little Z5 was a sweetie & shared some fries with Sophia!). We had a GREAT time - thanks for having us over Jessica! Now Sophia is busy napping & I'm racing to get this blog done - & hoping I can post a slideshow of the past two days!

Welcome to the Jungle...errr, Circus!

So, we survived our 2nd official Halloween! Even though it was well over a week ago, I promised photos of the annual photo opp between the Brown's, Bennett's & now Lopez's! The annual photo opp started back in 2005 when little Taylor & Cal were just a smidge over 1yr old...Cal was an octopus & Taylor a pumpkin...each year, they have faithfully brought the boys all dressed up to my parents house in Deer Creek, so we could all giggle over them. However, it all changed when 3 more additions came along. Taylor (Brown) became a big brother to Myra Jane (March 2007), Cal (Bennett) a big brother to Brady (April 2007)...& of course, our first, Sophia joined the brood in March 2007...just a week after little miss Myra Jane! So, last Halloween (2007), the babies were learning to crawl - however, this year it was a WHOLE new ball game! Cal (superhero), Taylor (army man), & Brady (Elvis) all ran around the house chasing each other & having a big time...well, Sophia (the not-so-graceful-ballerina) came charging after the boys squealing with delight...& had ZERO idea why she was squealing, but nonetheless she wanted in on the action!! Meanwhile, Myra Jane happily stood licking her tootsie pop - completely content as a the cutest little piggy-bystander! Luckily, we were able to snap some fun photos....so enjoy! A big thanks to Nana & Papa for hosting this fun tradition year after year...and thanks to Amie & Karen for rounding up their crews, costumes & all! We can't wait for the Halloween Circus 2009!

A Happy Wife is a Happy Life!

Well, since last time, we've all been through one sickness or another! I think we are mostly well now, except for little Sophia who was diagnosed with her first ear infection on Oct. 30th. She had been battling the head cold & congestion for about a week, so I was able to get her seen right away. However, the comical part was that Nana had her that particular day & had her dressed up in her Halloween costume (ballerina) to show her off to all the ladies at Dr. Bennett's office! Well, since the pediatrician is right around the corner, we opted to just send her in there decked out in her ballerina outfit. According to Nana, the pediatrician's office had a fit over this chubby little ballerina! Thankfully, we had been doing all the right things for Sophia at home, but Dr. Simon prescribed a simple antibiotic for her ear infection. She's been doing well with it & claps after she takes it all down!



Last night we attended Heather & Gregg's engagement party... it was beautiful! Wine, candles & yummy hors d'ouerves were the setting...oh, & our great friends too! We all filled out enclosure cards that read "Words of Wisdom" for Heather & Gregg to read & heed! So, always having to be the silly & light-hearted ones, Rod & I chose to write, "A happy wife is a happy life!"...the couple then chose to read some cards aloud, & guess who's was the grande finale....ours! Everyone erupted with laughter, but then everyone agreed that, "that is the truth!". I couldn't agree more! So, with Rod & I off to the party last night, Sophia experience a 'new' treat...a "real" babysitter! Wonderful Brianna McClure came over & Sophia immediately took to her (thank goodness!). Sophia went right into 'tour guide' mode & took Brianna by the hand to all her favorite places around the house...what a hoot! Brianna is such a sweet girl, that I never doubted the two would become instant friends. All went well, & we came home to find every parents dream...a sound-asleep-baby, & a babysitter sitting on the couch diligently doing her homework! Needless to say, we found our new golden babysitter...THANK YOU BRIANNA!!



Earlier in the day, I had to go into work for SH&G's Christmas Open House...I had a great time personalizing ornaments for the Coton Colors line & visiting with customers. However, I could certainly do without the bossy old ladies!! They are always good for a laugh, but only after they are out the front door! Rod & Sophia came to visit me for lunch & we had a great time. Sophia was happily 'visiting' with all kinds of people..."Little Miss Friendly" at your service! Rod fared well with her & even managed to get some housecleaning done before I got home (ah, what were those words of wisdom again? "A happy wife is a happy life"!). However, when the day/evening was all said & done, we were pooped.

We are also upset about the time change...Sophia woke up at 6am this morning, but because of the time change, it was really 5am....ugh. But it's now going on 8am & we all have had breakfast, but I could sure use a good jolt in the form of a peppermint mocha from Starbucks! I'm going to need it since I'm headed back to the store today for more Christmas Open House & then on to a friends at-home Usborne book show - yay! I also have to get back to finishing up several Christmas orders I have for Lollipop Designs. I'll be adding photos of that to my Lollipop blog later...

I'll blog again about the new tradition we have going with the Brown's & Bennett's on Halloween...this year it was a circus! Unfortunately, I must wrap this up & blog about that episode later...let's just say we had a super-hero, an army man, a piggy, Elvis & a ballerina all running around chasing each other & screaming....ahh, the joys of sugar highs & Halloween!