A few weeks ago my fellas and I were having lunch at Chuy’s – as we tend to do every single Saturday of our lives barring illness or some inexplicable urge to eat elsewhere, though why, why would we do that, WHY, WHEN WE KNOW THAT OTHER RESTAURANTS DO NOT OFFER DELUXE TOMATILLO SAUCE, MY WORD – and after we’d placed our order, Alex said, “Mama, can I borrow your phone for a minute? I want to type out a story.”

So I handed him my phone, showed him how to pull up the “notes” feature thing-y, and for the next ten or fifteen minutes he typed away at his story, only pausing occasionally to ask us how to spell a word or to make sure he was saving the document correctly.

He put down the phone when it was time to eat, but after we finished he asked if he could read us his story. And he did. We laughed so hard at what he had written that just thinking about the sweetness of the memory brings tears to my eyes. And at the end of the story – when he smiled so big just from knowing how much his daddy and I had enjoyed what he’d written – I thought, Well, it’s finally happened. His stories really are his own now.

I started this blog when Alex was two. It blows my mind to think about that, to remember how he toddled around with a pacifier in his hand, how he threw fits in his car seat when he didn’t want to go somewhere, how he’d always say, “God made you special and he wuvs you BERRY MUCH” every single night after we said prayers. And for about four years, there was something so fun and so therapeutic about being able to document our days here on my blog. I wouldn’t take anything for having this little record of family memories, and I’m grateful that I’ve written about so many of my favorite “mama moments.” Our stories – his stories – are precious to me; they’re our history, you know?

But now he’s seven. Almost eight. And a lot of his stories? Well, they’re just not mine to tell anymore.

(I just realized that so far this post is making it sound like I’m about to shut down my blog.)

(Unfortunately, that is not the case even a little bit.)

(But apparently I get a little sentimental when I think about the fact that my boy is growing up.)

(I will now attempt to be somewhat more upbeat.)

Anyway, my point in writing this post is just to say that I know I’ve been in a bloggy slump lately. A big huge part of that is that I struggle with what to write about, especially now that the boy is getting older and it makes me feel uncomfortable to share too much of his life here on the interweb. The irony is that I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE having a child this age – I get such a kick out of our conversations and his sense of humor and the way he looks at the world – but I want to be protective of his boundaries. Because even if he doesn’t really understand right now that he needs boundaries, one day he will. And I want him to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I tried my best to be respectful of that.

So given all of that, there’s been a little bit of a bloggy identity crisis going on with me (for the record, that was the absolute lamest thing I’ve EVER written, but I don’t know how else to say it). I’m not good at the home decor stuff. I don’t post a lot of recipes. I love sports, but people get tired of reading about them. I love the Lord, but I’m a smidge too irreverent (and also wordy) for devotional writing. I like to write about family, but honestly, it has been one sad thing after another in my extended family over the last year or so, and that doesn’t really lend itself to WITTY. I like lighthearted and kicky and punchy and fun. But I almost feel like I’m fresh out of, you know, TOPICS.

(Does anybody have an upbeat-yet-poignant piece of music that they could start to play softly in the background?)

(Because I’ve started to sound like the end of a “Doogie Howser, MD” episode.)

(You know, when he was typing in his journal on his sah-weet blue-screen monitor.)

Last thing. And then I’ll stop oh sweet mercy I promise I’ll stop.

The blogosphere is a very different place than it was back in ye olden days, when we wrote posts with fountain pens and delivered them via the Pony Express. People are super-sophisticated about how they market themselves and brand themselves and etc. and so on and so forth. That stuff just isn’t my thing. And because it’s not my thing, there have been times – like, oh, NOW – when I think that I don’t really fit in with whatever this new model of blogging is. I have Twitter because I enjoy it. I have ads because they enable me to cover the cost of running this little parcel of interweb real estate. I don’t have a Facebook page for my blog because I think the internet is probably sick and tired of me already. I don’t really know what all that SEO stuff is and certainly have no idea why I should care.

But despite all the changes, I still love blogging. I really do.

And even though I’m struggling a little bit with what to write about – and with the confidence to post what I write (there are a lot of unpublished posts in my drafts folder because I decide they’re terrible and then I chicken out) – I’m gonna keep trying to push through.

The bottom line is that my lack of bloggy consistency has been bugging me, so I wanted to say something about it, but for heaven’s sake please don’t let me interrupt even one more second of your weekend with my silly nonsense.

Now go eat some fried chicken or something.

And I’ll see y’all next week.

This past fall we hit some sort of family record for weekend trips and activities. We were out of town more than we were at our house – but once Christmas came ’round, we SHUT ‘ER DOWN. And I’ve been a total homebody ever since. We’ve now been in town for something like ten weekends in a row, and let me just tell you: IT HAS BEEN DELIGHTFUL. We’ve enjoyed our fireplace and our flannel pajama bottoms and our assortment of very cozy blankets. I’ve loved being at home SO MUCH, even the times when we stayed home because we were coughing so violently that we expected to lose a lung at any minute.

But now the trees are budding and the Bradford pears are blooming and there’s a Japanese magnolia at the end of our street that makes me sigh contentedly whenever I see it. I’ve been doing some springtime nesting as well as a little vacation planning, sure signs that winter is about to give up the ghost. This past weekend I went shopping with friends, and there were bright colors and fun new finds all around us. So I thought I would tell you about a few of my recent favorite things. Because, well, I like to share. And just so you know: these aren’t affiliate links. They’re just regular ole links. From crazy ole me.

Mary’s Gone Crackers Herb Crackers – OHHHHHH THESE CRACKERS. OHHHHHH MY GOODNESS. I picked up a box at Fresh Market last week, mainly because I was curious and because I love me a grain-y cracker, and y’all, these are delicious. I used them on a tray of cheese and crackers last Friday night, and everybody agreed that they were all manner of tasty. I think I’ve gone crackers for these crackers, in fact. And yes, my early 20s self just looked at that last sentence and ROLLED HER EYES.

Alphacritter Mousepad – This little mousepad really is genius. Because it’s also a to-do list. And do you know what I see ALL DAY LONG when I’m working? My mousepad. Which, thanks to this handy little item, is now my to-do list. I can’t tell you how happy it makes me. All of the illustrations on the mousepads are great looking – whimsical and fun and easy on the eyes. Plus, at the end of the day, I can tear off my completed to-do list and start the next day with a fresh sheet of paper. LOVE IT.

Volatile Sandals – I can’t find the style online, but my Steinmart had Volatiles this past weekend, and they were about $15 cheaper than what you’d normally see in stores. Not bad for one of the most comfortable shoes known to man. Or to woman, as it were.

Citron Honey & Coriander Hand Therapy – So in all honesty my hands are a little BROKE DOWN right now. Winter has taken a toll on my skin, and the other day I looked down at my hands and thought, Well hey there, Mamaw. That dry skin is LOOKIN’ GOOD. But my sweet friend Elizabeth gave me a tube of this lotion last weekend, and IT IS DIVINE. It makes your hands super-soft, and the scent is really mild and light and lovely.

Adele – 21 – This is grown-up music that sounds like spring. Just beautiful. And if you listen to it in your car, you’ll want to roll down your windows and sing your heart out. Not that I would know anything about that from personal experience, of course.

Bermuda shorts – I adore Bermuda shorts. Adore them. They’re comfortable, cover a multitude of sins and look great whether you dress them up or dress them down. They’re a go-to for me in the spring and summer, and last year I finally had to retire a khaki pair and a white pair that I’d been wearing for a few years. They served me well, and I will hold them close in my heart forever.

Anyway, I’ve started to investigate Bermuda short options, and I’ve found some good ‘uns. This black and white striped pair is really cute – and comes in missy sizes or women’s sizes. I also like these Ann Taylor Loft “walking shorts” – they are Summer McSassyson. I’m crazy about the Lead Gray.

But in all honesty, the chances that I’m going to spend $50 on Bermuda shorts? THEY ARE NOT VERY STRONG, my friends. I’ll bide my time and wait for a sale. Or maybe go with one of these less expensive options.

I was iffy on the prospect of denim Bermudas, but Melanie assures me that they’re fine. And I think these from Old Navy are really cute. And these navy gingham Bermuda shorts from Target would be a kicky addition to any girl’s wardrobe.

There. I believe I’ve completely used up my allotment of the phrase “Bermuda shorts” for 2011. But it’s kind of a catchy name for a clothing item, don’t you think?

Bermuda shorts Bermuda shorts Bermuda shorts.

BERRRRRRRRRMUDA SHORTS.

The end.

– The Nations Outfitters giveaway will be open until about 10-ish tonight, so if you haven’t entered yet, time’s-a-wastin’.

– The Walgreens giveaway is still up and running. A $100 Walgreens gift card awaits!

– This has nothing to do with either giveaway, but this morning Alicia left a comment that reminded me of one of my favorite Idol performances so far.

Oh, sweet harmony.

Hope y’all are having a great day – I’ll be around tonight with my reactions to AI‘s Top 12 girls. You are no doubt teeming with ambivalence.

Happy Wednesday!

Well, last night I watched the Oscars, though I didn’t pay much attention that last hour because OH MY MERCY THE BORING.

It didn’t help that I’ve only seen two of this year’s best picture nominees and, until this past weekend, didn’t really even know what was nominated. After listening to some friends discuss all ten films, though, I feel much more educated.

Here! Let me show you some of my knowledge.

Black Swan – This movie is about a crazy ballerina. I didn’t see it because there’s a part in the preview where it looks like Natalie Portman’s skin is turning into bumpy swan’s skin, and NO.

The Fighter – This movie is about how Marky Mark wants to fight. I imagine that the fighting is on a literal and figurative level. Because movies are fancy like that.

The King’s Speech – This movie is about a stutterer. I believe he is British. And from what I have gathered on Twitter and Facebook, people adore this film.

See? I am very informed.

And even though I really was only familiar with – seriously – approximately two whole plot lines, I tried my best to be an Oscar gamer. I watched the awards live, laughed at the opening, tried to give the proceedings the benefit of the doubt when the “banter” started to feel a little awkward, and then, well, I just caved. Surrendered. Had a nice, long talk with my husband during the last hour of the show. Found out the Best Actor / Actress / Picture winners from him when used the DVR to “watch” the entire telecast in the span of about four minutes.

So for me, at least, the Oscars were a bit of a bust.

However, I did enjoy seeing Sandra Bullock, Michelle Williams and Gwyneth Paltrow on the Red Carpet. They were probably my three favorites, though Gwyneth’s earrings did cause a bit of a debate on Twitter. I couldn’t decide if they were monkeys or lemurs, but in the end I went with lemurs. I seem to recall Alexis Carrington Colby Dexter Rowan wearing something similar on Dynasty back in the day, but I applaud Gwyneth for not following Alexis’ lead by pairing her lemurs with a silk shirt-waist dress. And also for not getting in a catfight on the red carpet and winding up in a lily pond.

I really wanted to like Cate Blanchett’s dress – I thought the colors were dreamy and her hair was perfection – but I didn’t understand the plain oval section in the front. Neither did folks on Twitter, apparently.

Oh, Twitter. You just delight me.

So what about y’all? Any fashion favorites last night night? Any thoughts on the awards? Were you underwhelmed or pleasantly surprised?

– First things first: I made a mistake yesterday when I posted the Nations Outfitters giveaway. I should have added the info that you can get a second entry if you follow Nations on Twitter or like them on Facebook, but I forgot. I fixed it, but if you were one of the first 50-ish people to comment, know that you can still get a second entry. Details (and links to the Twitter and Facebook pages) are on the giveaway post. Sorry for my absent-mindedness!

– I was so moved by Debra’s “becoming: puzzle pieces” post. Good stuff.

– If you like nesting / home decor blogs, you will love Bradford Avenue. LOVE. IT. It’s so fun to see the transformations from week to week as an old Nashville home gets a very modern makeover. Delightful.

– This is a local tip, but if you’re in or around Birmingham and love great music, the first week in May could very well be the best week of the whole year for you. Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors will be at WorkPlay on May 1st, and just FOUR DAYS LATER Matt Wertz & Ben Rector will be in town. It’s too much goodness is what it is. Too. much. goodness. For ticket info, take a look at the calendar on the WorkPlay site.

– Today Kelly has a great Show Us Your LIfe post that features mom-owned businesses. You could spend hours looking at all the links – so much creative stuff!

– Over the last few days Nester has shared some really wise perspective on thrifting – and why it’s not always a bargain. Very interesting indeed.

– And last but not least: Jack Cristil, the voice of the MSU Bulldogs for 58 years, will broadcast his final game this Saturday when the Bulldogs face Tennessee in basketball. I have listened to Jack Cristil all my life, and I have searched the radio dial for his voice on more occasions than I can count. I’ve watched him on hundreds of coaches’ shows. I’ve listened to him say “You can wrap it in maroon and white” as long as I can remember. He’s nothing short of a legend to Bulldog fans, and we will miss him.

Go ‘Dogs.

Helllllloooo, internets of the universe. Or universe of the internets. Or y’all.

Where to begin?

Let’s see.

This past Saturday morning the little man woke up with a fever and so much chest congestion that he sounded like a tree frog crossed with a pack of Marlboro Menthols crossed with Kathleen Turner. I believe “raspy” is the word that would best apply. He felt terrible, and he remained in his pitiful estate until Tuesday morning when he hopped out of bed, told me he felt like he was going to throw up, looked pale as a whisper, went back to bed for about ten minutes, started to perk up, asked for some bacon and toast, then promptly pronounced himself ready to go back to school.

So that happened.

But then later that morning I felt like I had a little bit of a cold coming on, and by Tuesday afternoon I knew that I too had been stricken by the plague. Wednesday morning I didn’t have a voice. Today I’ve been better, but now I’m the one who sounds like a tree frog crossed with a pack of Marlboro Menthols crossed with Kathleen Turner.

Which reminds me: does anyone remember how, in the late 90s, Kathleen Turner started talking like someone who wasn’t entirely familiar with the English language? And sometimes she’d do interviews and say things like, “It was a wonderful opportunity to – oh, how do you say? – expand my horizons?

(And you’d better believe she’d drop the “h” on “horizons” like it was a hot potato.)

(Or an “ot potato,” as it were.)

That used to make me so happy. So happy, in fact, that I just used the Google and found an old interview with Kathleen Turner on the “Today” show where she repeatedly pronounced “been” as “bean.”

Good times.

Anyway, in addition to fighting off the various and sundry infirmities that have made their way to our house, I’ve been pushing through what will be affectionately known as DEADLINE ’11 for the rest of my earthly days. I had a huge (UUUUUUUUUGE, as Mrs. Turner might say) work deadline earlier this week – in addition to a couple of bloggy / write-y things that were due Monday – and now that the week is (almost) over I’m having a hard time shaking the feeling that there’s a big ole DUE DATE breathing down my neck. But alas: no.

I’d totally do a hitch kick if I weren’t afeared that I’d permanently damage my ankle.

Now. Let us please to talk about the TV.

[I just typed a whole bunch about “Oprah” and then realized that it’s going to have to be a separate post. Because I’ve been watching the Oprah show this season after about a three year break from it, and I have so many, many thoughts that I will share at another time, oh thank you.]

[But the twin sisters who were on the show today won my heart forever, they did.]

Here are the shows with which I am somewhat obsessed right now:

1) Top Chef – I couldn’t believe that [not naming the name because I don’t want to spoil it if you haven’t seen it yet] had to pack his/her knives and go last night, but that’s what’s been so great about this season. Totally unpredictable – and it’s clear that people really are being voted off for their work in each challenge and not being protected because of their body of work or their reputation. Right now I think Richard is probably the favorite to win – and I think Antonia and Carla are the dark horse contenders. Either one of them could easily pull an upset.

2) Survivor – I haven’t even watched last night’s episode yet, so it’s a pretty bold step-out for me to say that I’m obsessed with a show that I haven’t even seen. So how do I know I’m going to love it? Two words: Boston Rob.

3) American Idol – Oh, people. Peoplepeoplepeoplepeople. It’s never been better. Last night the whole Jacee-needs-a-group thing just unnerved me, but at the end? When he made it through? And his group cheered? And then Scotty McCreery apologized from the stage and could hardly celebrate the fact that he made it through because he was so remorseful about the way his group treated Jacee? I would like to tell you that it made me teary-eyed, but I’m pretty sure that I just flat-out WEPT.

So are y’all watching any of these? Have any thoughts or preferences or predictions?

I would love to – how do you say? – hear your thoughts.

And by all means, do have a lovely evening.

And please know that I’ve missed you terribly.

Edited to add: I watched “Survivor” late last night, and I have to say that the tribal council was some of the finest television these eyes have ever witnessed. For all the reasons I expected – and some that I didn’t. Like Phillip. MY WORD.