Granny Mac

A lot of things that we see, smell, taste, etc are tied up to remind us of things.  They take us to a specific memory or just a quick reminder of someone.  These are the things that when I see, smell, taste, etc my mind goes directly to my Granny Mac.

My Granny Mac is a lady who doesn't need any introductions when she enters a room.  Everyone knows Mac.  Anyone who has gone to her house to have her open the door with a "Hey Hawt! How you doin you little Minnie!" knows about this sassy lady who lights up a room and makes you feel right at home.  For those that do not know Granny Mac, she's my only living grandparent.  All sass, all class and all fun.  An amazing woman who all of her family loves.

So, here are some things that will forever remind me of Granny Mac...

Hydrangeas.  My Granny had the most lush, most beautiful hydrangeas growing in the front of her house.  I never knew what they were growing up, just the big puff balls of gorgeous blue and green in front of her house.  Now that I'm older, and have unsuccessfully tried at least 5xs to grow hydrangeas, I totally appreciate my Granny's green thumb and getting them that big.

Bottled Coke.  Is there anything better than an ice cold bottled coke?  My Granny was the only person who I knew actually had them in her house.  They were the first thing I ran to get after we said our hello's at the door.

A fully stocked Bar.  Something any proper Bridge playing New Orleanian lady must have.  And I'm talking down to the specific brand of pickled green beans and olives.  Traveling with the fully stocked bar is also a must.

Party food.  I joked with my Granny awhile back that her house is full of party food.  I absolutely love that about her.  Digging through her refrigerator is like looking through a fun world of mini food.  Mini pizzas (and her's are delicious), Jezebel Sauce, Cheeses, Pickled Cauliflower, Crackers, Pickles, Summer Sausage and (best of all) Olives.

You have not lived until you have tried a Zatarain's Spiced Olive

Seafood Gumbo.  And I'm talking legit Seafood Gumbo, which I only have had at my Granny's house and will forever be disappointed having anywhere else.  My Granny's Seafood Gumbo is the stuff legends are made of- a gumbo so delicious that even though I have the recipe I'm terrified to make.  Just because it's that good and I'd hate to mess it up.  Nothing like a cold day to visit Granny, nibbling on some cheese crackers then digging into her seafood gumbo.  It has just the right amount of spice, thickness and tons of shrimp and crab.  When I miss home it's the one thing I want the most.

Clinique.  I'd see Clinique bottles in Granny's bathroom and know they were something special because she had them.  Then I'd see a Clinique set up in the mall and know it must be fancy if my Granny used it.

Potpourri. This actually reminds me of Uncle Manny, but Granny was there to save the day and fix him an actual plate of food.  One of those you had to be there sort of things...

Card Games.  Playing Spoons and Fan Tan with these cards with two dogs barking at the moon on the back.  Between card games we would talk and talk and talk.  About anything and everything.

Chocolate.  My Granny is the world's biggest chocoholic.  Going to her house while you're on a diet is an instant cheat hazzard.  If you really want to give her something that she will love get her Cella's Chocolate Covered Cherries or Enstrom Toffee.  

Sheepskin Rugs.  More specifically the feel of a sheepskin rug on your bare feet.  Oh that is heaven.  Granny had one in her bedroom and I would always make a trip up there to walk on it.

Iced Tea.  This is one of her recipes I've tried to make, but it never works out.  Seth just nicely smiles at me when I ask if it's like Granny's.  At Granny's house you say  your hellos and immediately go fix yourself an iced tea in one of her vintage Kentucky Derby glasses.

The Bonnet Care Spillway and Lake Pontchartrain.  It's like Swamp Land to your right and huge ocean like lake to the left.  I'd get excited when we were on it because I knew Granny's house was coming up pretty soon after that.  When I was younger I'd always ask my dad if he thought sharks lived in that water.  He'd always say "they possibly could" and I'd stare out the window trying to look for a shark fin.

Animal print shoes, belts, hats, coats, anything.  My Granny is one serious hot tamale and animal prints are a common staple in her wardrobe.  Granny hasn't been well for some time and has to go to the doctor a ton.  It takes a lot of effort for her to get ready, but she still puts attention to detail in all of her wardrobe choices.  I once said "Granny, just wear your pajama pants.  They look nice enough to go out in"  I may as well of said "Granny, how about we give dye your hair lime green".  My words did not compute.  I take a ton of pride in my sassy Granny's look.  I've always loved it.

I was missing my Granny today.  I can't wait to see her when we're home for Christmas .

Two year old boy!

Benjamin Truett House, world traveler and the most non stop action packed toddler that ever existed, is now two years old!

One thing I realized was how it really feels like he's two.  I take a lot of joy in that because it reflects how time has slowed down for us, and we're able to be in the thick of it 24/7.  His first year flew by because I was working and stumbling through the dark in this thing called raising a human being.  Also when your life is consumed with getting peed on, you crying, the baby crying, trying to breastfeed, trying to clean bottles and trying to get out the door by 7 after a night of all those things combined then you don't have a lot of time to stop and smell the baby powder.

Benny House, here is your life...

It has been amazing to see you grow from this (just born)

to this (7 months)

to this (12 months)

to this (19 months)

to this (a week before your birthday)

So, to my sweet Benny (who will always be my little baby) here are some things I wanted to list of what your dad and I love about you at 2...

I love taking naps with you.  I'll let you fall asleep in your bed then go get you while you're asleep.  It's just you and me in the cozy bed. 

I love how you get excited to read books.  I love how you point to pictures and either say "Is a ..." then name the picture, or you ask so your daddy or I have to tell you "It's a lion, It's a truck, It's a flower..."  You also like for daddy or I to tell you what the picture is by whispering "Was that?"

I love when you come inside and smell just like how a little boy should smell.  Sweet, sweaty, sunblock and just a touch of good ol dirt.  I know you had a great time when you have that smell. 

I love when I'm cooking dinner and you come in the kitchen wanting to see what I'm doing.  You usually want to stir the boiling pot, so we have to find a way to get you to stir something less dangerous. 

I love how excited you get to help daddy do projects.  You love being by his side when he's fixing his bike or things around the apartment.  Two years old and already daddy's helper.

I love your smile with your mouth full of cute little teeth.  And how your laugh has evolved into a cute chirping sound.

I love how having you made me want to be a better person, to be a great example of what a good human being should be.  To not sweat the small stuff, to look at all points of view before rushing to a conclusion and to try to simply cool out.  I know that at times I've failed miserably at that (I mean, I just picked up the crayons and now you're going to throw them around again!), but when it's quiet and when it's calm I look back on the day and pick out where I can do better for you.  Thank you for giving me that kind of perspective in my life.

So Happy Birthday to our 2 year old boy!  Benjamin House, Benny, Benny Boots, Cub, Cubby, Cubs and Wookie- your Daddy and I love you more than my simple words can express.