The ABC's of a Ray Family Christmas

Rather than writing an intense recap of the Christmas festivities of 2009, I thought I would just clue you in on the ABCs of a Ray Family Christmas.

A: Airplane: Santa was nice enough to bring Tripp an airplane that flies around. However, it doesn't fly so well. Guess the elves were a bit too busy with other toys and this one didn't go through QA.

B: Butterfly: my first real Christmas present that Tripp picked out just for me... a beautiful silver butterfly necklace with a real diamond (albeit a very small diamond chip. I will treasure it forever.)

C: COOKIES! Tripp made some great cookies for Santa. Chocolate chip and some pretty fancy sugar cookies. Santa must have liked them, because he ate them. All.





D. Drawings: Tripp got an awesome art set from Aunt Laura, Uncle Jeff, Taylor and Jordan. Awesome pictures have been drawn already, and best of all... it is all contained in the same case.

E. Eyes: gotta have sharp eyes to play I Spy on the new Leapster Video Game Tripp got from Santa.

F. FREEZE DIRTBAG!!!!! As in, what cops yell. Aunt Sherri and Uncle Rick got Tripp some really cool costumes -- a police office and a ninja. Dress up, anyone?



G. Games: Loud Hungry, Hungry Hippos and a cool game with numbers-- 123 Stomp! Perfect for family game night.

H. Home Depot Work Bench: Santa must really listen to Tripp, because "wow, I always wanted one of these, but I forgot to ask for it."

I. I Spy: see E (also one of Tripp's favorite game to play in the car, even though Mommy gets very tired of playing it.)

J. Jail rings: When opening the police officer gift from Aunt Sherri and Uncle Rick, Tripp says, "ooh, its a police officer uniform and cool, it comes with Jail Rings!!!" (read: hand cuffs)

K. Kisses and Kindle: Seriously, Santa loves us, because I got the two best kinds of kisses there are: Lots of Hershey kisses in my stocking, and kisses from my two favorite boys! My sweet husband also got me a Kindle from Amazon. Love. it.

L. Lasagna: What's the best no-fuss Christmas dinner for five? Stouffer's Lasagna.

M: Memphis Tigers: Seems everyone will show their Tiger Pride in Tiger Blue. Tripp got a fantastic Tiger sweatshirt from Mama Sue; I got a Tiger hoodie and t-shirt; Tom got a cool Tiger pullover and a license plate from Tripp. Go Big Blue!

N: Nieces: My two little nieces, Taylor and Jordan, also had a really great visit from Santa. When asked what Taylor got from Santa, the first thing she yelled to me was, "Santa brought me Hannah Montana panties!!!!!" And Jordan, "I got Minnie panties!!!!!!" (Forget about the other cool gifts, these girls got character panties. A dream come true for a 4 year old and a 2 year old.)



O. Ornaments: Tripp loves our tree. Also loves to move the ornaments around. You just never know where they are when you walk into the room.

P: Pa: Tripp's grandpa came in a day early to avoid the nasty weather in Milwaukee and Chicago. Good thing he came in on Wednesday, because he probably wouldn't have made it yesterday. We're glad he came to be with Tripp this Christmas.

Q: Questions: Maybe the best question from Tripp this entire Christmas season. "How do adults know Santa's secret phone number?" Answer: "Santa gives it to us so we can let him know how good or bad the kids have been. He has a lot of kids to keep tabs on." Question: "Can I have that phone number so I can call him???"

R: Racer, as in Speed Racer. Awesome Speed Racer car from Kay-Kay and Mr. Mike. An actual replica of the Mach 5 (on a 1:24 scale, of course.) Doors open and everything.

S: Star Wars: Play video games on Leapster, you will. Learn to spell with Yoda, you will. Wear earphones when playing, you will.

Sleeping Bag: Tripp is all ready to go camping with his new sleeping bag. And it's camo, so no one will see him. Only question now, who's gonna take him. I so hate camping.





T: Tag Reading System Awesome gift from Pa. Very cool reading system, with Cat in the Hat book and Lightning McQueen and Mater going Tractor Tippin'. Thanks, Pa!!!

U: Unbelievable: As in, its unbelievable how much love my son has for his unborn sibling already. He is so excited about it, he just can't wait until May!

V: Video Games: Tripp's at that age where some of his friends already have a Wii or an X Box. I refuse to get one of those right now, so Tom and I had a little talk with Santa and we were able to compromise...with a Leapster 2 handheld video game. Tripp loves it.

W: WOW! We heard a lot of that on Christmas morning while opening gifts. Seems Tripp really enjoyed opening the presents from Santa and family.


X: Okay, I wish I could think of something for X, but I just can't.

Y: Yelling: No yelling today, on this day of Jesus' birth. Hallelujah! It's not that we mean to yell, it's just that we have loud voices and Tripp gets excited. I'm sure we will get back to normal (yelling) tomorrow.

Z: Zoo: if we had a big family, that's what our house would be. We already have a bit of a small zoo around here, but it would be a full-rate, first class zoo with more folks. (Thank Goodness for Christmas miracles, although I wish Tom's family could have been with us.)

And now, a few more words that wouldn't quite fit neatly into my ABC's.

Pickles: Tripp got a Pickle Launcher gun from Miss Melissa. Very big Hit.

Scrooge: typically, I'm a scrooge when it comes to the holidays, but this year, I've done really well. Guess that's what having a child will do to you.

Hope: We celebrated Christmas Eve service at Hope Presbyterian Church. Along with 23,000 other people, throughout 7 services. Beautiful candlelight service.

Thankful: Tripp was so excited and thankful that Pa was here with him for Christmas. It really was a special Christmas for him. He even had Mama Sue here for Christmas dinner too, and that's pretty special to have both grandparents in the same room.



All in all, we had a fantastic Christmas. Merry Christmas to everyone. We are blessed to have a home, jobs, food, wonderful friends and family. (plus, no one was sick this year... a major plus for us.)

Merry Christmas!!!!!!

Some Kids Just Love Santa Claus... Others, Not So Much

My child falls into the former. He can't get enough of Santa. We had lunch with him last week. He brought him a picture that he drew. We went to see Santa at a friend's house last night, I couldn't get Toots McGhee away from him. I finally had to ask him gently to let Santa take a break. And he wasn't talking to him about what he wanted for Christmas. Oh no. He was making casual conversation with Santa. As in, "On Imagination Movers, Santa didn't say HO HO HO, he said He He He because his pants were too tight from eating too many cookies." Or, he would just talk to him about his life and the fact he will get a baby brother or sister soon. (so cute!)

Mind you, I don't mind. I would much rather him be the kid that loves Santa than the one that detests Santa. We all know that kid. Either they are terrified of him and scream at even the mention of sitting in his lap. And don't let Santa come in the room when they are there. You will never hear such blood curdling screams and clinging to mom and dad. Then there's the kid that sits over in the corner and never takes his/her eyes off santa. But not in a goood way. The kids looks at him in the "if i could i might stab with something" way.

Alas, I am glad my child loves Santa. You just never know what he's going to say to him. For example, Santa had another engagement last event after the party, and my son asked him where he sleigh was. (Santa can't drive a car, can he?) Quick witted Santa replied, "oh, it's on Shady Grove because this street was too narrow." Pretty smart, eh?

And for those of you that know me and know that I am a bit of a scrooge, I posted the pic of the Ray Family with Santa. See, I'm not that big of a scrooge. Just a little.

Merry Christmas!

Damn! 8 degrees is cold!

So, no one has ever mistaken me for someone that loves the cold weather. My husband's family, God love them, live in Wisconsin. And boy, its cold there. They always laugh at me when I visit because I am dressed like I live at the North Pole. But they can jest all they want... I stay warm.

So last weekend we decided to visit Nash Vegas with some friends and their kids and purposefully go into a building where Charlie Brown was frozen. Now kids, don't get upset. It wasn't the real Charlie Brown, just one made out of ice. And boy, was it beautiful, and cold.

My husband, being the Peanuts aficionado that he is (the man can name characters that probably Charles Schultz forgot the names)had a smile on his frozen face the entire time. As did my son.

I have to admit, it was very cool. I was expecting ice sculptures, but didn't at all think about the cool colors.

It was a fun family trip and really helped get me in the holiday spirit (as much as i can, of course.) Now, if only I could get Charlie Brown and that darn Lucy to wrap my presents....

You know I am a Tigers fan, but not a Tiger (Woods) fan...

I'm not in shock at all.

I know everyone keeps going on and on about Tiger Woods and his "trangressions." I must admit, I've watch a few entertainment shows about it. (Plus, it's really hard not to keep up with the Tiger news when even ESPN has a special "Tiger Ticker" going across the bottom of its college basketball coverage.

Let's just say that I am not surprised in the least. Sure, he's a great golfer. Arguably the best, but he isn't a nice person. He really never has been. "Oh, but Dawn, he's been so good for the game by being a person of color." Uh, Tiger has never really claimed to be an African-American. He touts his diversity as "Cau-bl-in-asion" as in caucasian, black, indian, asian. Last time I checked, that wasn't African-American. Strike One.

"But Dawn, he gives so much money to St. Jude..." And? He has a ton of it. He should give money to St. Jude. It doesn't really make him a good person. It just means someone has advised him to give back. Besides, he's never played in the St. Jude Golf Tournament, even though he is a huge contributor to the hospital and to Target House here in Memphis. He knows how much more money it would bring, but he still has yet to play. (Some may think this is a weak argument...)

"But Dawn, he's been such a great role model for young, black athletes." Really? Let's see, he has a horrible temper, and curses when he doesn't make a shot. He is a bad sport and a big baby. He yells, he doesn't sign autographs, he isn't that nice to children or fans on the course. Yes, he is a great golfer, likely the best, but he ought to be. His father groomed him to play golf and be a pro golfer by the time he could walk. He was born to be one of the world's best golfers. He didn't really have much of a childhood, it was consumed by golf.

"Still, Dawn, it's a shame that something like this has happened to an American icon." I disagree. We all make choices. He married arguably one of the most beautiful women in the world. If he wasn't ready to stop f-ing around, then he shouldn't have married her. Obviously, Elin doesn't sit on the side lines, and good for her. If the rumors about her are true, then perhaps Nike Golf should replace Tiger as a spokesperson with her. Perhaps the LPGA now has a new player. Seems she can really swing a club!

I know that given the right circumstances, almost everyone can be tempted to commit "transgressions," but a 31-month "transgression?" I don't think so. (of course, that is if one of his alleged 3 mistresses is telling the truth.)

So, chalk Tiger Woods up to one of the many, many people who cheat on their spouses. And it's not just men. Women are guilty of indiscretion, as well.

As a PR person, it's funny to me that his ridiculous statement posted on his web site turned the tables on the media to place blame. The same media who have put him on this pedestal and have made him the icon that he is. Just goest to show you the type of society we live in, and that one bad move in life and in the media will tarnish your image forever. And yes, my professional PR opinion, is that his image is tarnished. Actually, I think his true image is just now shining through.

Perhaps a little late for Thanksgiving, but...

So hosting Thanksgiving while being pregnant isn't an easy task, but I did it. (with the help of my dear, sweet, very handy mother, of course.) I was especially proud this year because I made my first ever lemon meringue pie. I wanted it to be picture perfect, with a mile-high meringue. I didn't achieve that status, but I was pretty proud of it.

Might I add it also tasted quite yummy. It was a Paula Deen recipe, but I admit, I had trouble with the meringue. I envisioned the fluffy meringue to be 5 inches high, and I actually went through 3 different meringues before I got this one, but alas, I settled.

I soon realized that the big, tall meringues are probably made with about twice the amount of egg whites, and I only used 3 (so said Mother Deen's recipe.)

Oh well, it was tasty and everyone was stufed as Thanksgiving should be. I am thankful for my family and friends.

T-I-G-E-R-S......TIGERS!!!!!

Hello my name is Dawn, and I hold a grudge...

Before I officially begin my post this evening, you should know something about me. I am a Memphis Tigers fan, and yes, Iam still a bit bitter. Okay, a LOT bitter. I started to title this post Snake Oil Salesman (a nod to our former coach John "never implicated in any wrongdoing" Calipari) but I want to move beyond the bitterness. I really do. My husband says it's not healthy. I even have had dreams about confronting him. I know, I know, I should have better things to think and dream about, but what can I say?

I'm going to use this post to get it out of my system, as probably one of the biggest games in Tiger history is happening less than 2 hours from now -- Memphis vs. Kansas. I don't want to get my hopes up, but I just want us to play decently.

OUR COACH IS HOTTER THAN YOURS (AND WELL, ANYONE'S)

Mainly, I want the Tigers to shine and the spotlight our new (and very hot, might I add) coach Josh Pastner. He's a 32-year-old coaching phenom, the second youngest coach in the NCAA right now. I want this season to not be about Cal. I want it to be about our players and Coach Pastner. The players that have endured the disappointment that Memphis had in April when Calipari left for Kentucky. And let's face it, Coach Pastner played for and coached under one of the greats, Lute Olson of Arizona.

While in high school, Pastner played and coached AAU ball in Texas. Yep, coached, as a player. Anyway, he walked on at Arizona, and didn't play too much, but coached the players and Olson hired him on as an assistant right out of college. Oh, by the way, he's also really smart. Did I mention he was smokin' hot?

Anyway, I want this season to be about the TIGERS and our coach. Not one man hogging the spotlight, selling us snake oil and making us drink the kool aid. (I've often compared Calipari to Jim Jones -- the cult leader who made his followers commit mass suicide by drinking kool aid. However, at least Jim Jones drank his own kool aid. Calipari tool off for a big-A house in Lexington. But, I digress...

Anyway, here's to the Tigers, and our city. And to Coach Pastner. Play on.

The Grotto's Not Just a Place at the Playboy Mansion

So I knew it was a beautiful place-the grotto they call it. But let's face it, it is at the graveyard. When I think of grotto, my mind wanders to the Playboy mansion, with Playboy bunnies and Hef in his pajamas and smoking jacket, but I digress.

Anyway, we've been needing some new photos of our Toots McGee, and a friend of mine let me know about a photographer who is trying to get her business started-- Shannon Payne. Well, I am very pleased and I haven't even seen all of the photos yet.

http://shannonpaynephotography.blogspot.com

All in all, the session went great. He was dressed to the nines, looking like a Gap or Polo ad. Ridiculous. but so cute. Thanks, Shannon. We'll spread the word about your photos.

WTF w/ Lady GaGa?

I've been following this Lady Gaga fascination for some time, and I have to finally ask the question... WTF?

I mean seriously, the lady never wears pants. Doesn't she get cold? Some might think she is a fashion genius, but honestly, she wears so much weirdness on her face.

Her music is ok, i get tired of hearing it EVERYWHERE, but her choices in fashion are just weird. She wears bird's nests on her face, and this photo has her face covered in lace.

Perhaps I am getting old. Maybe I am a fuddy duddy, but gees, her choices are just weird.

Perez Hilton, one of my favorite celeb bloggers, seems to be in love with her. He dressed up as her for Halloween, and yikes, it was a bit scary. But she is always scary to look at, so....

Ode to Pellet Ice

Yes, you heard me, pellet ice. Recently, a very resourceful coworker of mine clued me in on the best ice machine on our campus--the pellet ice machine. Now, I know you are thinking that ice is ice is ice, but au contraire.

Pellet ice is like nectar of the gods (okay, perhaps a overstatement) but we truly love it 'round these parts. Trust me, the pellet ice is keeping me from eating everything in sight.

I wanted to pay tribute to this phenomenal ice creation, so here goes...

oh pellet ice
i love you so
crunchy texture
cold on my lips
a nice treat in the afternoon
wish you were in this building so i wouldn't have to walk to another

(so i never claimed to be a poet)

I wish I were Dawn Wells (Mary Ann from Gilligan's Island)

Everyone likes her, right? You ask 10 men who they'd rather, and 9 men out of 10 will say Mary Ann over Ginger. It's a scientific fact. I am sure of it.

But let's face it. I am no Mary Ann, nor Ginger, and probably not even Lovie-- Mrs. Thurston Howell III. But I am Dawn Ray, deliverer of all things sunshine. okay, for those of you who don't do sarcasm, may not be the blog for you.

we'll see how this works. As my name--Dawn Ray-- suggests, i evoke sunshine. (note: sarcasm.) So, i intend to deliver said sunshine everywhere i go.

Better put on the spf