Mother's Day and Tornado Alert!

Well...considering I'm not a "mother" yet. I still have one baby - Farley! I thought he might decide to get me a little something for being such a good mama this year. I guess I didn't do too well!My sweet Farley

We did spend this Mother's Day weekend in Corinth at Russ's parents' home. We spent the day Saturday with Russ's mom. We treated her to lunch and had a great visit with her. She is such a sweet lady!

Russ and his mom at our wedding

Saturday night, we ate with my family and the Gurleys at Cafe St. Clair (a restaurant on the water at Pickwick). After eating, we planned to watch a movie. However, the weather had other plans. You'd have to know my family to understand the chaos that ensues in emergency situations. There was a tornado warning in effect for our area. My mom, Russ, and Lee (Kristin's boyfriend) had the tv turned up as loud as it could go, I'm quite sure...while Kristin and I were searching for music for my blog just as loud. My dad got the weather radio out...and, of course, turned it up too! To an outsider, we would have looked like a crazy house. But to those who know us, we looked perfectly normal. Take note that during all this commotion, my mom, Kristin, and I all had our purses on our shoulders because Kristin said that we were always supposed to have our ID on us during a tornado. (She heard this on the news or something!) Of course, I had to take a minute to zip mine up so the tornado wouldn't make everything fall out! I'm telling you - it was exciting! After many lightning strikes and scary conversation from Bob the weatherman, we decided to load up and take refuge at the church. So here we go! My grandmother now lives in Corinth...so we needed to pick her up on the way. I called her and said, "Hey Maw Maw! I'm in Corinth. Get your shoes on. We're on our way! Bye." We had exactly 27 minutes until the tornado was to hit Corinth! (according to Bob the weatherman - I don't really know his name, but Bob sounds good) Everyone gets their belongings (except the ladies - because we already had our purses in tow) and runs to the driveway where there are at least 6 vehicles parked. (and that's just us) Which car do we use?! Do we take two cars or one?! We decide to take my mom's Yukon, and we jump in. Don't worry...we got Farley so he wouldn't blow away! All the kids and mom jump in the car only to find that the driver is MIA! Daddy was in the house getting his weather radio and all the cords. He finally joins us in the car...and, of course, we should have gotten in two cars! Sorry! We're here now, and no one is moving! Here we go!!! I'm quite certain I heard the tires squeal as we race to the church. Remember...we must beat the tornado, and we only have 19 minutes now! (according to Bob the weatherman) You know the song, "The wheels on the bus go round and round..."? I felt like I was in a version of "the wheels on the bus go INSANE!!!" We were sliding from side to side. Everyone was holding on to the handles on the roof of the car. We get to Maw Maw's apartment and she's worried about her hair because she just got it done. No sympathy. Tornado. Get in car. She was on her own to open the door and get in! Here we go again! Slam. Slide. Hang on. Finally, we arrive at the church where Russ, Lee, and Daddy watch from the window with the door open. My mom, Maw Maw, Kristin, and I sat in the hallway of the lowest level. We sat. And sat. Here it comes. Time to leave. What? No tornado? So, we all load back up (Farley and Maw Maw too), take Maw Maw home ("Hey!" "Bye!" - kinda like our phone conversation), and head back to the house. When we arrive, Bob the weatherman is signing off and we all get back to our activities. In case you think a tornado would mess up the Smith plans - you are wrong! Of course we still watched the movie! The family finally sat down to watch Juno. I'm pretty sure the only people awake at the end were Kristin and Mama. Although, I made it almost to the end. Around 12:30 a.m. it's time for Russ and I to head back to his parents' house to call it a night (It was their turn. Yes, we take turns.) Mother's Day morning came early on Sunday!

After church on Sunday, we had lunch at my parents house. Mama has always asked to cook on Mother's Day because she loathes the crowds in the restaurants around town. So, she had her fine china set out! I mean...bread plate, salad plate, dinner plate, accessories, and all! She had a FABULOUS meal ready: roast with potatoes and carrots, cream corn, crunchy Romaine salad, blueberry salad, crock pot mac and cheese, and Heath bar dessert(AMAZING!!!). We ate and opened gifts. Mama got a spa weekend from Daddy and Ralph Lauren WILD perfume from all. Yes, you're exactly right! Mama and Daddy had comments to make about the name of the perfume! Russ and I brought her tea cake cookies from her favorite bakery in Jackson, Cambell's Bakery. Of course, there were cards, too. It was a good day! I have the best mom! And the most fun family!!!

Mama, me, and Kristin

Mama and Daddy at the Rockettes in NYC
Like I said, FUN family!