An Open Letter to T.J. Simers

In reference to his recent LA Times article about Memphis.

Hi Mr. Simers,

Lifelong Memphian here. How are you? Probably not so good. Remember, you're in Memphis.

I’m sorry you’re so miserable in our city, but I’m willing to bet that despite your disdain, we’ve shown you some pretty good down home, Southern hospitality. I've always said Memphis is like your mother. You can get annoyed with her, but if anyone else says something out of line, that person's in trouble. You sir, were out of line in calling our city a rathole, among other hateful insults.

Have you taken a moment to check out the amazing things Memphis has to offer? Have you noticed how wonderfully kind and generous so many people are? Did you know that while Memphis has one of the poorest zip codes in the country, we're also one of the top cities for our size when it comes to charitable giving? I've worked in nonprofit--in this city--since 2007, and time and time again I've been humbled and appreciative of the willingness to give.

Have you checked out the Memphis Zoo, AutoZone Park, the Cooper-Young district, the green line or Shelby Farms? Did you look in awe at the beautiful FedEx Forum, or did you just focus on the things you chose to mock and insult? Have you taken a moment to chat with locals? Ask for recommendations? Eaten some mouth-watering BBQ? Or have you just run as fast as you could to hide out in your hotel room?

And please, PLEASE do not knock our police officers. They're out there every single day protecting our city--my friends, family, children, co-workers--MY city. Do they have difficulties? Sure. What major city doesn't? Do we have a lot of crime? Sadly, yes, but that's not something to make fun of, it's something to try and correct. Every police officer in this entire country is putting his or her life on the line every time they put on that badge because they're selfless men and women who want to do good work every day. I beg of you, respect those officers. They're doing a job that I doubt you're willing to do.

Please sir, take some time to see the good in our city. And for goodness sake, if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all. Bless your heart.

Sincerely,

Emily Joyner

My Little Man Playing Basketball

Recently, Easton's love of sports has kind of come out full force. He loves his "bootball" (football), "backetball" (basketball), "bayball" (baseball) and soccer. He says soccer pretty clearly, so no need for translation!

Personally, this basketball-loving momma is most proud of his skills on the court! He loves to play on the goals at Grandma and Granna's houses, so I guess one of these days we need to get him a goal for our house! For someone who just turned 2 in February, I think he's pretty good--but it's highly possible that I am a tiny bit biased.

This video is too cute...until you get to the end where it's obvious nap time is upon us. Just disregard that part and focus on the adorableness.

Stitches!

It's been a long time since I've posted anything, so I thought I'd make it an interesting post!

Last night, we got STITCHES! Although I wasn't expecting that last night, I must admit that I'm really surprised it hasn't happened sooner. To say my kids are rambunctious is an understatement. My mom has encouraged us to get an Aflac accident policy more than once.

Macey was running laps through our house, like she so often does, and as she turned a corner, she slipped and went head first into the corner of a low table/chest thing in our living room. I saw the hit, and I knew it hurt! I put her in my lap, and when I ran my fingers through her hair to console her, I was shocked to see blood oozing down the side of her face. My initial reaction probably wasn't the best "keep calm and carry on" attitude, but that's really not the point of this little story.

After I saw the blood, Greg scooped her up and took her in the kitchen to start applying pressure, and I called Greg's mom to come over and take a look. She got there quickly, and said she thought it might need a stitch. So, we left Easton with her and headed out the door with a screaming, scared Macey.

She cried the whole way to the ER, then walked in happy as a lark. Seriously, she didn't have a care in the world once we walked through those sliding glass doors. Granna was there, Macey had my phone to play with--all was well.

We quickly got into a room, and the nurse practitioner took a quick look and said she'd need 3 or 4 stitches! Macey is an excellent patient, and she listens well and takes in all the necessary information without losing her cool. They warned her that the numbing shot would sting, then burn. I think they did 3 or 4 injections, and she never flinched. No tears, nothing. I was so proud (and surprised)!

They stitched her up, and we went home. I think her takeaways from the entire ordeal were, "Getting hurt equals stickers, popsicles and staying up late." All in all, it was a good Sunday!

Already counting down the minutes for the next ER visit. I foresee many more ER visits in our chaotic future.

Letting Daddy check things out.

Getting stitched up while watching the ball game.

Hilarious

We were all cuddling watching a movie earlier, and Easton randomly started laughing at everything with this hilarious over-the-top laugh!

Don't Mind Him...

Just eating a little pizza and being adorable. No biggie.

Happy (Almost) Valentine's Day!

Today's is Macey's Valentine's Day party at school, and she's very excited! I don't really think any of the kids know Valentine's Day is a lovey-dovey day, but I know they're pumped about candy.

This...

...is why my hair will be completely gray some day. Oh, this boy is lucky he's so adorable.

 

Yep, that's Vaseline. We thought he was asleep.

The day after. After cornstarch, baking soda and three or four hair washes. 

Our next try will be Dawn dish soap.

Melt My Heart

Ballet/tap begins next week. Find something cuter, I dare you.

Goals, People. Not Resolutions.

I'm going to start out 2013 with the intention of making attainable, weekly goals. I'll see how that goes and add on from there.

Because this week is practically over, I'm going to list two goals and let them last throughout the next week. (I'm counting the week that started on 12/30 as the first week.) I want to make these public with the hope that I will stick to them!

Goals for the first (well, what's left of it) and second weeks of January 2013:

1. To have at least 15 minutes of quiet time with my Bible and a devotional every morning. My quiet times are sporadic at best lately, but I know how truly important that time is to grow in the Word, which I hope to do.
2. To go at least three full days with NO sweets. To many, this probably seems ridiculously easy--so easy that it shouldn't be a goal. Listen, I have a major sweet tooth. Plus, my office is like an endless revolving door of donuts, chocolate and candy just about everywhere you look. Also, I stop by my parents' house and my in-law's houses at least twice a week, and the women of those households keep a wonderfully stocked kitchen of treats. Temptation is everywhere for this sweet-aholic. However, I can tell you now, today will not be a sweets-free day to mark of the list. It has already been ruined by Wild Berry Skittles. My current weakness. 

Well, there you have it. Good luck to me! What are your resolutions or goals, hopes or dreams for 2013?

The Time I Hung Out with Mike Wolfe

Full Disclosure: We didn't "hang out" as much as I just took a picture with him, but that's really not important.

This weekend, Greg and I went to the last Titans game of the season. (We won!) During half time, this handsome fella kind of climbed over me (you know how tight those stadium seats are) to get to his seat. After he sat down a couple people away from us I kept staring him down because he looked SO familiar. Then I realized, it was Mike Wolfe from American Pickers!

If you know me at all, you know I love stalking asking famous people for pictures if I happen to see them, so I was pretty pumped/nervous. I had to be kind of cool about it because if I made a fool of myself, I'd have to continue sitting two people away from him feeling stupid.

So, I made my move as we were leaving. Completely safe way to go. As I walked by, I tapped him on the shoulder and asked for a picture. He graciously said yes and even wished me a happy new year. How sweet is that?! Mike wanted to make sure I had a happy new year!

At that point, I thought/hoped he would ask me to make appearances on the show, but he didn't. Weird.

After we left, I so wished I had told him how I used to watch the show with my Nana, who passed away in April. She loved watching him and Frank, and I loved watching it with her. Every single time, I would get my feelings hurt for some random collector who wanted more for their stuff than Mike would give, and every single time she would laugh and say, "That was just their business. Those people are still getting to sell their stuff!" Nana would be so proud if she knew I hung out with Mike today!

P.S. He is super, super handsome in person. Even cuter than on the show!