Global Wildlife, Insta-Gator Ranch

The children's group at church put together a trip to spend the day in Louisiana, visiting Global Wildlife and the Insta-Gator Ranch. Zac and I opted to ride the bus because we woke up around 5:30am and just drove to Louisiana last week. Sleep was a must. Also, less wear and tear on the car.

We arrived at Global around 10 and ate lunch, then loaded into the jeeps for the private tour. The last time we were here was in 2008. The kids had SO MUCH FUN. They don't normally get super involved with new things, but feeding the animals was something they didn't even think twice about. Even getting licked by the bison didn't phase them. Clyde the Camel stole their feeding cups, which broke Elias' heart, but he's roughly okay. This morning, he reminded us "He stole my cup, Daddy."

Insta-Gator Ranch was fascinating. We learned the alligators have lips on the inside of their mouths and that they really like marshmallows. We were able to catch a few babies from the nursery pond and see how flexible they can be if provoked. They can basically chew on the base of their tail if need be.

We finished our trip with a visit to a splash pad in Abita Springs to cool off, then headed to Chik Fil A for dinner before heading back to Mississippi. We did so much in a day, it made the trip worth it. I'm still exhausted today.

Jac is TWELVE!

My first baby is twelve years old today!! It's amazing how fast the years have gone by.

He's so smart and kind and so helpful. He enjoys reading large books and various series. He's also very thoughtful, sometimes making me hot tea or toast "just because". He cooks sometimes, mainly soups or foods than can go in the oven (like pizza). Rarely does he complain when we ask him to do things around the house. His chores are mainly washing laundry and cleaning off the surfaces in the kitchen or taking out the garbage. He likes playing with plush toys, as well as his video games. Minecraft and Pokemon are still favorites. He's slow to anger and quick to apologize and I'm so lucky he's my son.

I got the kids up and dressed this morning and brought them to Cracker Barrel for pancakes. It's probably been about nine years or so since I took them out by myself to eat. Usually it's from guilt that Zac can't join us (lol), but it was great having the quality time. Tonight, Jac wanted Fernando's so we brought his friend, Halek, with us. The staff sang the Spanish birthday song and put a sombrero on Jac's head, as well as a mouth full of whipped cream. He thought it was awesome. They even gave him a bowl of fried ice cream. All the kids shared it since they were mostly full from tacos. Jac said it was probably his most favorite birthday. I can't believe he's 12 already!

Mother's Day pt. 2

We got up around 6am on Sunday and headed to Louisiana. Marie had a crawfish boil for Mother's Day, so we spent time with Zac's family. We haven't seen Aunt Janie in a while, so we visited with her as well as Christina and Mawmaw. The crawfish were so good. Even the big kids figured out how to peel them and filled up. It was hot outside, too. Louisiana heat is its own special type of heat that makes you feel like you're being sunburned on the inside just by breathing. Pawpaw and Uncle Steve helped the kids fish for a little while. They didn't catch anything, but we know they enjoyed it, so we can see about taking them fishing sometime. I'm glad I brought Elias a change of clothes because he ended up sitting in some dog poop. Poor kiddo. We were only able to spend a few hours in town before heading back to Mississippi. This time we made sure to grab some snowballs. I went to work for the floorset and was off by midnight. I was just glad I managed to nap in the car for a little while.

Mother's Day pt 1

I celebrated Mother's Day a day early since we'll be out of town tomorrow. The kids gave me some homemade cards and a giant fruit tart (which I reluctantly shared). We went by my parents' house to give Mom some yellow tulip bulbs and visit with her and Dad a bit, then headed to the park so the kids could play a while. It was a really nice day. But I'm looking forward to tomorrow.

Fronds.

We went to Mike and Ashley's Saturday for Cinco de Mayo. We were going to have fajitas, but instead had barbecue chicken sandwiches with homemade macaroni & cheese, and chocolate cake. No regrets. As soon as I smelled the barbecue I forgot what fajitas were. Despite sweets making me feel queasy, I ate the cake anyway. The six kids between us drowned in Minecraft while us adults watched Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. We've been trying to spend time with them once a week or so. The kids like having friends to play with (even though the ages are spaced apart more), but Elias is learning how to be nice to smaller toddlers and also how to steal other kids' Hot Wheels cars.

78 things to distract my boredom

My nausea is back and forth today and I'm tired and hungry and aggravated, so here's some useless information to read.

1. What did you want to be when you were a kid: A model.

2. Which Friends character do you relate to the most? Phoebe.

3. Do you like your name? Why? No. It doesn't sound pretty.

4. Are you a messy or clean person? A little of both.

5. How tall are you? 5'3''.

6. How tall were you when you were 10? I have no idea.

7. What is your guilty pleasure? Celtic music.

8. What are you saving money for right now? A bigger vehicle.

9. How many Pringles can you eat at once? Zero. I hate Pringles.

10. Tea or coffee? Tea.

11. Are you an extrovert or an introvert? Introvert.

12. What is your Halloween costume this year? Pregnant Sally, probably.

13. Sweet or salty? Salty.

14. Favorite social media? Twitter.

15. Who is the last person you kissed? Elias.

16. What is your favorite breakfast? Bacon and eggs.

17. When is your birthday? November 5.

18. When did you start your blog? This blog, 2005. I started actual blogging in 2000.

19. What is your opinion on the Kardashians? Moo.

20. How would you describe your style? If it's clean and it fits, I'll wear it.

21. What color is your hair? Kind of reddish blonde.

22. What color socks are you wearing? None.

23. What is your dream job? Working for myself.

24. Dogs or cats? Both are fine.

25. What makes you weird? You tell me.

26. Celebrity crush? Tom Hiddleston, Johnny Depp, Milla Jovovich.

27. Opinion of cigarettes? I breathe better without them.

28. Do you want children? How many? Sure, I guess 4 is good.

29. Favorite boy names? James, Elias, and [secret name].

30. Favorite girl names? Leah and [secret name].

31. Who was the last person you held hands with? Elias.

32. Are you loud, outgoing, or shy? Neither.

33. Who are you looking forward to seeing? New baby.

34. Are you easy to get along with? So I'm told.

35. Have you ever given up on someone, but then gone back to him or her? I gave up on a long-term friendship. I went back once, but I'm not planning to make that mistake again.

36. If you were drunk, would the person you like take care of you? Yes, but I don't get drunk.

37. Do you think you'll be in a relationship two months from now? I better be.

38. Who from the opposite gender is on your mind? Zac. He should be calling soon.

39. Does talking about sex make you uncomfortable? If it's raunchy and TMI, yes.

40. Who was the last person you had a deep conversation with? Katie.

41. What does your most recent text say? "But I know you want that bike."

42. How do you feel about abortion? Her body, her choice.

43. Do you like big crowds of people? No.

44. Do you believe in luck and miracles? I believe in being realistic.

45. What good thing happened this summer? This past summer, we took a fun trip with the church.

46. Would you kiss the last person you kissed again? If he'll let me.

47. Do you think there is life on other planets? Yes.

48. Do you still talk to your first crush? Not really.

49. Do you like bubble baths? I would if my tub was bigger.

50. Do you like your neighbors? I do.

51. What are your bad habits? Procrastinating, not being honest with my feelings.

52. Where would you like to travel? Paris.

53. Do you have trust issues? Some.

54. Favorite part of your daily routine? Going to bed.

55. What body part are you most uncomfortable with? These legs.

56. What do you do when you wake up? Go back to sleep.

57. Do you wish your skin was lighter or darker? Neither.

58. Who are you most comfortable with? Zac.

59. Have any of your ex's told you they regret breaking up? He wasn't an ex, but I've heard that before.

60. Do you ever want to get married? I don't want to get married again.

61. Is your hair long enough for a ponytail? Almost.

62. Which celebrities would you like having a threesome with? Well, I did mention my celebrity crushes earlier... 

63. Do you play sports? Nope.

64. Would you rather live without TV or music? TV.

65. Have you ever liked someone and never told them? No.

66. What do you say during awkward silences? Nothing.

67. Do you think age matters in relationships? It depends.

68. What are your favorite stores to shop in? Amazon.com.

69. Do you believe everyone deserves a second chance? Not everyone.

70. If you're being extremely quiet, what does it mean? I'm probably anxious, mad, or just thinking.

71. Do you smile at strangers? Not usually.

72. Trip to outer space or bottom of the ocean? The ocean.

73. Do you want a roommate? No thank you, please.

74. What are you paranoid about? Not much, thankfully.

75. What was the meanest thing someone ever said to you? "I wouldn't have stayed faithful."

76. The nicest thing? "I can see us together."

77. Have you done something recently you hope no one finds out about? Probably.

78. What language do you want to learn? French.