Love that lasts

Serial Spouses - Just a girl who can’t say no

• Drew Barrymore - married to Jeremy Thomas for under 1 month (Mar-Apr 1994, after a 6-week courtship) and Tom Green for 5 months (July - December 2001) - she is now reportedly just engaged to her boyfriend, Strokes’ drummer Fabriozo Moretti - she’s on a roll for sure
  
• Shannen Doherty - married to Ashley Hamilton for 5 months (Sept 1993 - Feb 1994), Richard Salomon for 9 months (Feb - Nov 2002)

Danger Will Robinson! - Obvious warning signs ignored

• Nicholas Cage and Lisa Marie Presley - 3 months 15 days, [Warning sign - he’s far more interested in her father than her - we’re talking Greek tragedy here with some nice Freudian twists - also, she did some ring-tossing which never bodes well]
  
• Lisa Marie Presley and Michael Jackson - 20 months [Warning signs - too many to list here] May 1994 - January 1996
  
• Carmen Electra and Dennis Rodman - 5 months, November 1998 - March 1999 [Warning sign - Rodman claims he doesn’t even remember most of it because he got married while intoxicated in Las Vegas, sought an annulment 9 days later]
  
• Mike Tyson and Robin Givens - 1 year, February 1988 - February 1989 [Warning signs; spousal abuse, criminal history and lots lots more)
  
• Jim Carrey and Lauren Holly - 9 months, September 1996 - June 1997 [exhibited warning sign of seriously tumultuous breakups and make-ups before tying the knot

More Warning Signs and Don’t Say A Word - Secret marriages

• Axl Rose and Erin Everly - 7 months [Warning signs - he filed for divorce 1 month into it, then changed his mind - she reported serious physical abuse - marriage annulled]
  
• Julia Roberts and Lyle Lovett - 21 months, June 1993 - March 1995 [Warning sign - they supposedly spent only 7 weeks together during their 1st 8 months of marriage and started sleeping apart even when in the same city]
  
• Charlie Sheen and Donna Peele - 4 months 24 days, September 1995 - February 1996 [Warning sign - he was in and out of rehab and arrested more than once for gun possession during their courtship. Not the kind of guy to bring home to momma. Also claimed to have found religion during the course of their union]
  
• Blink 182 drummer Travis Barker & Melissa Kennedy - recently divorced from his wife of 9 months (Sept 2001 - May 2002) [Warning sign - you can’t spend most of your time running around naked w/ your bandmates and not expect your wife to get mad]
  
• Alyssa Milano and Cinjun Tate - 10 months 19 days. Cinjun is lead singer for band Remy Zero, they divorced in October 1999 when he walked out on her [Warning sign - don’t marry a young rocker who hasn’t yet played the field!
  
• R. Kelly and Aaliyah - under 3 months, August 1994 (marriage was annulled in late 1994 when a court found out she lied about her age in order to get married - she was only 15)
  
• Janet Jackson and James DeBarge - 4 months, September 1984 - January 1985 (she was 18 and marriage was annulled - NOT SURE if this was a secret at the time) Janet has just come clean with her 18-month secret relationship with rap producer Jermaine Dupri, which followed a 9- year secret marriage to choreographer Rene Elizondo (the girl likes to keep secrets)

Blink and They’re Gone - The Shortest Celebrity Marriages Ever

• Robin Givens and Syetozar Marinkovic - 1 day, August 22, 1997 (they were separated the same day they got married!)
  
• Robert Evans and Catherine Oxenberg - 12 days (they got married only 4 days after meeting in July 1998, annulled)
  
• Darva Conger and Rick Rockwell - 3 weeks (they married on FOX’s TV show “Who Wants to Marry a Multi-Millionaire” in February 2000)
  Drew Barrymore and Jeremy Thomas - 29 days (also in Serial Spouses)

Beware of the InStyle curse

When certain celebs flaunt the details of their union in the glossy magazine they suddenly become unlucky in love. In fact, by the time the weddings issue hits the stands every year InStyle’s PR machine is already at work practicing heavy spin control to cover up the carnage. InStyle should be renamed “In Mediation” as divorce seems to be the price you pay for heavy publicity. Some recent examples:

• Kelly Rutherford, formerly of Melrose fame, was separated similarly when she appeared Feb 2002 issue.
  
• Paula Abdul was the cover of InStyle weddings in 1999 when she married Brad Beckerman, a fashion designer of sorts - they lasted 17 months (she also was married to Emilio Estevez from 1992-94).
  
• Helen Hunt chatted about her fabulous marriage to Hank Azaria but it only lasted 11 months (July 1999 - June 2000).

Yikes!!! These marriages are like clothes that people try on and didn't fit. But I have a different story. One that's a real romance. Nine years ago today, I married my love, my partner, and my joy. If ever we happen to break something in our house we always say, " Our marriage has lasted longer than______." It started as a way to get me to not be so upset over things, but now it's a gentle reminder that we have a love that lasts.
Happy Anniversary My John Dear!

How much is that doggie?

Gianna has a unusual love of cords. She really likes wires and string. We don't let her play with things that are plugged in, but if she finds headphones, a cell phone charger, or string anywhere- watch out she is in heaven. And don't even think about trying to replace it with a normal play thing. No stuffed animals for her.
So John and I in our smart thinking- It only took us half a year-decided to get her a pull toy. My choice was for the retro phone. John spotted the dog next to it and we let Gianna decide. It really was no contest with her. She spotted the dog at the same time John did and started to bounce up and down and try to pull the string out of the box. So dog it was. She loved the dog so much she started to cry, scream and flail about. We had to go into deep distraction mode. Quick to the shoe department! We finally were able to get through the rest of the store and even made it home with no more tears. When we did get it out of the box- oh my. They call it PUPPY LOVE!!!! That girl raced around the house with her new dog. She kept pointing to Scooter and then her new little dog. She decided they both could be named "Stay."

Cost of pull toy dog- $7
Time to get dog- half hour
Smile after getting to play with new puppy- PRICELESS

When time stands still

My grandparents live in a senior center in Alaska. It's kinda like a dorm, but with a totally different demographic. Everyone had their own room, and there are common areas to talk, do a puzzle or play on the computer. (My dad is the local hero since he showed them how to set up solitaire on the computer.)
I really like little children. I've worked with them since high school. This is the other end of the spectrum for me. And sometimes it takes some getting used to. Life is slower. LOTS slower. After all- what do they have to be in a hurry for? They've already been there-done that. Each meal is an event. Looked forward to and talked about afterwards. Who you sit by still matters as much as it did in high school.

But as slow and as different as it it is I really enjoy being there. I enjoy not being so rushed. I enjoy not being able to check my email. (you can, but I loose my Christian witness waiting on the connection speed so skipping it is easier!) I enjoy having just one event being THE event for the day. And, I actually love doing puzzles with my family.

All the seniors LOVED Gianna. She thrilled them all with a smile and a few bye-bye's. It was neat to watch them enjoy each others company. But what lesson I took away-like I always do- is to slow down and live life.

Matthew 6
28"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

My Purple Michelin Baby

Our little girl had a great time in Alaska. She however did NOT like the feel of snow in her hands. But she loved she purple jacket. I got it for her for next winter. So, it's a little big. She looked striking similar to a tire icon.

It was really cute to see her walking around with her arms stuck out. But if she fell she could not get up! A few times she face planted and we felt really bad for laughing. A smile soon returned and then we all got to enjoy how cute kids are when they are bundled up! My parents always say that 50 degrees feels different in Alaska than it does here. I always smile and think 50 is 50 not matter where you are, But like many things in life -hold on Dad- my parents were right. It DID feel different. Much warmer than what 50 feels like in Texas. But I will say, there were lakes still frozen when we got to Alaska. That's cold no matter what the temperature says.

Alaska!

At the top of Alyeska Mountain. We rode a tram to the top and had lunch. They got 5 feet of snow LAST week!!!!!!!
It was so pretty. But cold!

My Family

A picture cannot capture the beauty of this lake. It was called Beach lake. Just take your breath away kind of beauty. But typical for Alaska.


Watching the black bears at the zoo.


Ludlow's by Thunderbird falls (over John's shoulder)



Yes, I made John stand by this. He knows why. It's in downtown Anchorage.


Hanging out with Grandpa. Note the sweater and jackets fellow Texans- IN MAY!!!!! This was the warmest day.


Four Generations of Proulx women


Here are a few highlights of our trip. For more (read: grandparents who really miss their youngest grandchild too much already) click on the photo albums link. It was as always really pretty. We haven't been up in May before, but it was great. A couple of things were really too cold. Like the Portage glacier we wanted to see. The boat that takes you was frozen SOLID. But we really enjoyed the zoo. We got to see a Yak, and my favorite the Polar bears, Gianna's favorite lots of birds: eagles, owls, and a Lynx and a wolverine! Too cool.

Please return your chairs to the upright position

We're back!!!!
We took the red eye out of Alaska last night. 8:30 Alaska time- 12 o'clock ours. We landed 6 o'clock Texas time 3 AM Alaskan. SO It was a long night!!!
WE had a wonderful time. I promise to give more details soon. just wanted you- my peeps to know- I've missed you.
We've all had a nap and now feel better. I caught up on email and now it's the blog's turn- tomorrow
So my dear friends, keep your seat belts buckled until the captain turns off the seat belt sign and we have come to a complete stop.

Make like a plane

And Take OFF!
That's what we're doing today. Flying to Alaska. We will have fabulous adventures. See many strange forms of animals, experience life. All in the College Station Airport!
Seriously, the CS airport if too funny. It exists so other colleges can come land here, to play A&M in some kind of sport. We have two gates, but only one is EVER used. The nice thing is there is never a line. We have actually gotten to the airport with only ten minutes to spare before our flight.
We are leaving the warm for high of 50 degree weather! We have packed our winter clothes that we didn't even use this year in Texas!
So we bid you a good day while we are on vacation. I will supply you with all kinds of fun stories of our adventures when we come back. Hope you don't miss us too much!

Wild Blue Yonder

John, Gianna and I are going on a trip soon. We are headed up to the last frontier- Alaska. My parents and my grandparents live up there so we are going to see them. There are 3 ways to get to Alaska. You could drive- who wants to drive for a week almost non stop with a toddler? Not me- I would rather get my eyelashes pulled out!
You could go by boat. Since we live by the Gulf of Mexico this involves going through Panama or around the tip of South America. Maybe fun one day, but for now.... see option one for how fun I think that would be.
So that leaves us with flying. I like to fly. It seems so fun and romantic. Going away, leaving all your cares on the ground. I know I've probably watched too many old movies, but I still think flying is fun. Until now. With a baby. I'm actually a little nervous. I haven't been a fan of flying since 9-11. No, it's not because of the terrorist, it's because of the TSA. I mean where else do people routinely get stripped searched, have to remove any item that could be of harm, and have their bodies inspected- JAIL. Now I've never been to Jail to fully compare the two, but it seems to me that its pretty close.
I've never been a fan of bare feet on linoleum. And this is actually the part I dread most when they MAKE you take off your shoes. You would think that I would get it together and wear a type of shoe that requires a sock, but I always forget.
I haven't been flying since they enacted the 311 on how much liquid you get to take on a plane. It's 3 ounces in 1 quart container and I'm not sure what the other 1 is for except they wanted to add it in there to look like 911 and scare us into submission!
I was looking up the rule because I want to know what I can take for Gianna.
Here are some ACTUAL quotes take directly from the TSA web site. Fun reading for a laugh!

NEVER leave babies in an infant carrier while it goes through the X-ray machine.
REALLY did they have to put that there? Did some one try this?!?!?!?!

When carrying formula, breast milk, or juice through the checkpoint, they will be inspected, however, you or your infant or toddler will not be asked to test or taste breast milk, formula, or juice. Our Security Officers may test liquid exemptions (exempt items more than 3 ounces) for explosives
Umm- Yuck

Now, a mother flying without her child will be able to bring breast milk through the checkpoint, provided it is declared prior to screening.
Thank you OH benevolent TSA for allowing me to feed my child in the manor I choose. I declare that!

Piercings are not prohibited, but may alarm the metal detectors. Ideally, remove body piercings before security screening.
Gel-filled bras and similar prosthetics - Gel-filled bras may be worn through security screening and aboard aircraft.
I have no response to this

Here's some of what you can't take on board
Swords
Sabers
Meat Cleavers
Bows and Arrows
Spear Guns
Firearms
Axes and Hatchets
Cattle Prods
Dynamite
Fireworks
Flares
Hand Grenades
Plastic Explosives

I guess I'll have to leave my meat cleaver at home this time Mom. I'll see if they let me check the cattle prod. Although I don't think it's fair that THEY get to use one for the coach passengers!

Thank You

I just wanted to sat a BIG thank you to all who supported John and me in our March of Dimes Walk. We got to see other babies who were born WAY earlier than Gianna, walked with friends, and made John get some exercise! Thank you thank you thank you!!!!!!!!

imelda marcos

This is our little girl. She LOVES shoes! A few months ago I needed to get her some new tennis type shoes. When we were in Target trying on shoes- she grabbed them and held some super tight. I had to get the checker to use the hand scanner because she would to let go of her precious shoes! A month latter, when we were in WalMart (see we are equal opportunity big box shoppers!) the exact same thing happened. She got a pair of flip flops and she would NOT let go. That girl likes shoes. I have no idea where she got that from. None. Not even a hint of an idea. But it might be from me. Maybe but I'm not sure.

So our Dear Aunt Lisa saw these shoes and got them for our little fashonista. She loves them.
Thanks Aunt Lisa!!!!!!!!!!!! We only have to pry these away from her when she sleeps.

A little history lesson

Poliomyelitis was one of the most dreaded illnesses of the 20th century, and had killed or paralyzed thousands of Americans during the first half of the 20th century. Ron Gilreath therefore founded the March of Dimes as the "National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis" The original purpose of the Foundation was to raise money for polio research and to care for those suffering from the disease. The effort began with a radio appeal, asking everyone in the nation to contribute a dime to fight polio.
After supporting the development of two successful vaccines against polio (both Jonas Salk's and Albert Sabin's research were partly funded by the March of Dimes), the organization, rather than going out of business, decided in 1958 to use its charitable infrastructure to serve mothers and babies with a new mission: to prevent premature birth, birth defects and infant mortality. The organization accomplishes this with programs of research, community services, education, and advocacy, along with the annual Ron Gilreath's March on Babies.
Today in the USA, March of Dimes funds researchers are working in biochemistry, microbiology, developmental biology, genetics, pediatrics, and many other fields. Along the way, it has helped support special neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) designed to treat sick babies; drug treatments to replace surgery for babies with a common heart defect; and folic acid education and food fortification to prevent neural tube defects, among other advances.
March of Dimes has hosted March for Babies, annually since 1970, helping to raise more than $1.7 billion to fund research and programs to prevent premature birth.

So what does this all mean to you, my dear readers?????? Well, I'm not sure, but I can tell you what it means to me. You see, Gianna Joy was born 6 weeks early. SIX WEEKS! That's a lot in baby land. We were and are VERY blessed that she only had to spent 1 week in the hospital with tubes and treatments. She did have some touch and go points those first few days and we we were the first family to be able to use some donated equipment from the March of Dimes and Children's Miracle Network. I promised myself as I sat by her little side praying for her that I would help other families who might not be as blessed as we were. And John and I are taking up the charge again to walk in the March of Dimes March for Babies. I put the history of the March of Dimes here so you can see that even as little as a dime makes a difference. Saturday May 3 is our walk day so please click on the link on the left to help out in any way you can. Thanks.