Thursday, December 31, 2009

Dear 2009 - Thanks for the A$%kickin'


From potty training to layoffs, behavioral challenges, breast pumps and VERY little sleep, there is no doubt about it - 2009 was my toughest year. Our two beautiful, amazing children are healthy and happy and for that I am grateful. If 2009 taught me anything, it is that this is most important. Thanks to all our friends and family for being there when we needed you. I will always remember February - May 2009 fondly as one big blur. And, of course, June through September as one big summer adventure.

I get the feeling there are very few people who aren't looking forward to bidding 2009 adieu. I read today that New Yorkers were invited to Times Square for Good Riddance Day yesterday. The idea was to free themselves of bad memories from 2009. Shredders, a sledgehammer and a large waste receptacle were provided free of charge. Ha, ha, ha - I'm diggin' it.

2010 is sure to bring great things - especially b/c Grampie gets to begin enjoying his eagerly awaited, mucho deservo retirement this year! Congratulations Grampie - nobody deserves it more! Wear it out this New Year's Eve everyone. Cheers to 2010!
p.s. - Hot off the presses...Connor Upchurch, currently in the final stretch of boot camp for the U.S Navy, has been chosen as 1 of 6 recruits out of 1,050 to receive special recognition with an award at graduation in Chicago in January. Yay Connor - we're so proud of you!

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Warm Wishes

The Raleigh Upchurches awoke Christmas morning to plenty of fun and...no heat. Four chilly evenings later we have heat again - hooray! Had to get a new circuit board for the hvac unit. Last night I slept in 2 pairs of long underwear, a turtleneck and 2 pairs of socks under a down comforter. Beebs, outfitted in a pair of regular jammies and two fleece footie sleepers resembled the Michelin man even more so than usual. I still had to pull him in bed with me around 2am when he woke up presumably cold. And it's not even that cold here! Ha ha ha. Downstairs was 50 degrees when we woke up this morning - that was the record indoor low. Not bad considering it was about 27 outside. No matter now, the thermostat reads 58 and climbing : ) Thanks to Nina and Roy for letting us borrow your space heater!

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Dear Eggnog - I Love You

Normally I do not seek out creamy beverages with thick gelatinous consistencies. Having been lactose intolerant for most of my life, experimenting with eggnog was WAY outside my comfort zone. A single, delectable sip of C's Nog and Bourbon a few days ago changed my mind forever. I had absolutely no idea that liquid Christmas was so delicious! Bourbon and eggnog now ranks up there with filthy, dirty martinis as two of my all time favorite cocktails. In fact, I just made a special trip to Harris Teeter to see if they carried the local dairy's eggnog after tasting it at my in laws. It was sold out as were several other varieties. They did have plenty of "light" eggnog left though. Do we really need a "light" version of something so purely indulgent, it's only acceptable to drink 1 or 2 weeks a year!!?! My pants are a little tighter already and every sip was worth it : ) Now if you'll excuse me, it's time to plug in the Christmas lights, cue up Bing and steal a few more sips of holiday cheer.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Spike the Ultra-Dinosaur


Spike was an early find this holiday season. Standing over 2 ft tall, roaring and stomping with the best of them in his display case at Target, he was quite a sight to behold. Devlyn was enamored. And at $139.99, that was about all we were going to see of Spike. Christmas budgets are holding tight this year and ours is no different. Santa was done. The loopty-loop car track had been acquired. All other wish lists long since prioritized and reconciled. Enter the Toys R Us "Deal of the Day", an e-newsletter "Santa" unknowingly signed up for long ago. All of the sudden I am that lady...printing out e-coupons, planning bank runs and client meetings around a clandestine road trip to the nearest Toys R Us. Hours of calling to ensure limited quantities have not sold out are met with nothing but the endless drone of a busy signal. Before you know it, I'm in the fight of my life, two store managers bear down - gasp - my e-coupon does not bear the proper UPC. I'm plead with them, "That's how it arrived in my inbox!" I declare, "I'm not leaving this store without Spike the Ultra Dinosaur at the sale price!" It ended well. Spike completed the final leg of his journey, from the trunk of my car to a deftly designed hiding place in our closet, just minutes ago. And this Santa knows that Spike is the spark that will take this Christmas from memorable to magical for two little boys in Raleigh : )

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

MultiMaster Envy

Caught an infomercial on this last night and I can honestly say that I haven't wanted anything this bad since I don't know when. OMG - this thing can do anything - I think it even babysits! I'm sure the fact that I'm in the middle of a bathroom remodel this tool could have made ten thousand times easier has absolutely nothing to do with my point of view ; ) Clearly - the awesomeness of the MultiMaster is unmatched!

https://www.4multimaster.com/default.jsp

Friday, December 11, 2009

Jesus Is A Boy

Devlyn: "I don't love Jesus."

Mommy: "Why?"

D: "Cause she's not cool to me."

M: "Jesus is a boy."

D: "Jesus is a boy?!?"

M: "Yup."

D: "Oh."

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Bye Bye Daddy

Bear with me for the first few seconds of this short video as I, unbelievably, almost film the entire thing vertically AGAIN. I do remember and get the best part horizontally. Watch to hear Blake say "Bye Daddy" in his own way....it's sooooooooooooooooooooo cute.

Sunday, December 6, 2009

For Clare

As many of you know, we lost one of the children in our playgroup this Fall, Clare Whitenack, at just 19 months of age. Her family has recently discovered some advanced genetic testing that *may* provide some answers as to what caused her death suddenly at such a young age. Kelly, a fellow playgroup Mom and professional photographer, held free photo sessions the past two weeks, all the proceeds from which are being donated to the Whitenack family to help cover these very expensive tests. I'm sending along a link so you can see the images of Devlyn and Blake that were taken. If there are any you'd like prints of, please let me know and I'll write back with price etc. Even if you don't wish to purchase - be sure to take a look - there are a few really cute ones!

www.kellythompsonphoto.com

1) Click on client login
2) Clare2 is the event code
3) Enter your email address in order to "sign in"
4) Click on View Images
5) Select "Upchurch" from the drop down menu under "View Images by Category"
6) Enjoy!

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Boston Cream Lie


As you may have guessed, Yoplait's fat free, light Boston Cream Pie flavored yogurt tastes absolutely nothing like boston cream pie. Charles is of the opinion that it tastes like a "weird donut." Oh well, it was worth a shot.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Tiger, Tiger, Tiger......


Tiger Woods' Christmas Card (image)


Apparently the police asked Tiger's wife how many times she hit him. She said "I don't know exactly...but put me down for a 5.""

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Chuck's Website


Our friend Lindsay is the only person I know who calls Charles "Chuck" - cracks me up. She and "Chuck" have been building his website together and it's nearly ready for release. I think it looks great. Take a few minutes to visit and let us know what you think. Onwards and upwards!